Fighting games have always captivated gamers worldwide, largely due to their intense multiplayer focus. Virtual arenas offer the perfect stage for head-to-head competition with friends or online rivals. Over the decades, developers have gifted us countless iconic titles. This list considers not only popularity and industry impact but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the genre's evolution.
Presenting the top 30 best fighting games of all time! Explore timeless classics alongside modern masterpieces, perfect for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Let's dive in!
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Table of Contents
- Mortal Kombat
- Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
- SoulCalibur
- Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
- Lethal League
- Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
- Samurai Shodown
- Ultra Street Fighter IV
- Super Street Fighter II
- Tekken 3
- Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
- Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
- Guilty Gear Strive
- Arcana Heart
- The King of Fighters XIII
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Mortal Kombat 9
- Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]
- Super Smash Bros. Brawl
- Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
- Them’s Fightin’ Herds
- Tekken 8
- Super Street Fighter IV
- Super Smash Bros. Melee
- Granblue Fantasy: Versus
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Capcom vs. SNK 2
- Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
- BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
- Street Fighter 6
Mortal Kombat
Metascore: TBD Release Date: September 13, 1993 Developer: Midway
Let's begin with the legendary 1993 Mortal Kombat. Released during the home console boom, it became a genre-defining title, influencing countless fighting games. Its impact is undeniable, establishing the core formula: arena combat, two fighters, and devastating combos. While Street Fighter predated it, Mortal Kombat's Western success cemented its place as a king of the genre. Though no longer playable in its original form, its legacy remains.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
Metascore: 86 Link: Microsoft Store Release Date: September 20, 2016 Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy
Killer Instinct, a near-contemporary of Mortal Kombat, enjoys a devoted following. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack are major draws. Each character boasts a unique musical theme reflecting their personality. The diverse and charismatic roster—from street boxers to werewolves—offers low barrier-to-entry gameplay, making it accessible to newcomers while rewarding skilled players.
SoulCalibur
Metascore: 98 Release Date: September 8, 1999 Developer: Project Soul
Released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Instead of flashy acrobatics, it emphasizes grounded combat with a focus on weaponry. Its unique 3D movement across eight directions, similar to Tekken, added depth, prioritizing positioning and strategic dashes alongside attacks. This fresh approach solidified its place among the genre's greats.
Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: July 7, 2015 Developer: Hidden Variable Studios
Skullgirls stands out with its unique art style and animations. While the roster is modest, each character is meticulously designed, boasting authentic visuals and unique movesets. Though not revolutionary, it's a well-crafted and enjoyable fighting game.
Lethal League
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: August 27, 2014 Developer: Team Reptile
Lethal League cleverly subverts traditional fighting game mechanics. Instead of hand-to-hand combat, players use a rapidly accelerating ball to inflict damage. This creates incredibly fast-paced battles set to upbeat music, offering a refreshing change of pace for veterans.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Metascore: 85 Release Date: December 11, 2008 Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
This crossover between Tatsunoko and Capcom features a simple yet enjoyable combat system. While perhaps less appealing to all Western audiences, its bright, colorful aesthetic and memorable characters make it perfect for casual play with friends.
Samurai Shodown
Metascore: 81 Link: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2019 Developer: SNK CORPORATION
A well-executed reboot, Samurai Shodown offers slow, deliberate gameplay, contrasting with faster-paced fighters. Its deliberate sword strikes and beautiful visuals inspired by classical Japanese art appeal to fans of both fighting games and Japanese aesthetics.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: August 7, 2014 Developer: Capcom
Ultra Street Fighter IV, an expansion of the critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV, features new characters, moves, and improved balance. While its initial PS4 release suffered from technical issues, the Steam version provides a smooth and dynamic fighting experience.
Super Street Fighter II
Metascore: TBD Release Date: September 14, 1993 Developer: Capcom
A seminal classic, Super Street Fighter II redefined the fighting game landscape. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated a generation of gamers, achieving record-breaking sales. Its impact on the industry is undeniable.
Tekken 3
Metascore: 96 Release Date: March 26, 1998 Developer: Namco
Tekken 3, a PlayStation classic, boasts improved graphics, new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, and a spectacular combat system. Its colorful characters and dynamic gameplay cemented its place as a fan favorite.
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release Date: March 28, 2018 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC
Injustice 2 brings the DC universe to life in a compelling fighting game. Pitting iconic characters against each other, it offers accessible gameplay with a high skill ceiling.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Metascore: 82 Release Date: March 23, 2000 Developer: Capcom
Marvel vs. Capcom 2, despite its age, remains beloved for its massive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters. The ability to field three characters simultaneously created unique and chaotic battles.
Guilty Gear Strive
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2021 Developer: Arc System Works
Guilty Gear Strive showcases Arc System Works' mastery of stylish visuals and deep gameplay. Its detailed environments, characters, and stunning special effects are complemented by a refined combat system.
Arcana Heart
Metascore: 77 Release date: October 11, 2007 Developer: Yuki Enterprise
Arcana Heart features an all-female cast and unique elemental spirits ("Arcana") that assist characters in battle. Its anime-inspired aesthetic and solid combat make it a worthwhile experience.
The King of Fighters XIII
Metascore: 79 Release date: July 14, 2010 Developer: SNK Playmore
The King of Fighters XIII is known for its complex and unforgiving combat system, demanding mastery of character movesets. Its challenging gameplay rewards dedicated players.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release date: January 26, 2018 Developer: Arc System Works
Dragon Ball FighterZ captures the epic scale and explosive action of the Dragon Ball universe. Its accessible yet deep gameplay makes it enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
Mortal Kombat 9
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: April 19, 2011 Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Mortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with a balanced combat system and brutal action. It marked a return to form for the series.
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release date: August 21, 2018 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] features a stylish anime aesthetic and a deep, competitive combat system. Its unique mechanics and character designs set it apart.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Metascore: 93 Release date: January 31, 2008 Developer: Sora Ltd.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl's massive roster of Nintendo characters and accessible gameplay made it a massive success.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release date: March 17, 2022 Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a stylish and dynamic fighting experience for fans of the Persona series. Its deep combat system rewards dedicated players.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Metascore: 80 Link: Steam Release date: May 1, 2020 Developer: Mane6, Inc.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds features a unique cast of animal characters and a surprisingly deep combat system. Its family-friendly approach makes it accessible to a wider audience.
Tekken 8
Metascore: 90 Link: Steam Release date: January 26, 2024 Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
Tekken 8 delivers refined gameplay and stunning visuals, making it a strong entry point for newcomers to the series.
Super Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 85 Release date: April 27, 2010 Developer: Capcom
Super Street Fighter IV introduced new characters, an improved ultra-combo system, and enhanced graphics, paving the way for future entries in the series.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92 Release date: November 21, 2001 Developer: HAL Laboratory
Super Smash Bros. Melee's simple yet deep gameplay and massive popularity cemented its place as a classic.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus
Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release date: March 13, 2020 Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works
Granblue Fantasy: Versus offers stylish visuals and surprisingly deep mechanics, making it a hidden gem for fans of the genre.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release date: April 23, 2019 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate refines the formula established by Mortal Kombat 9, offering a balanced and brutal fighting experience.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Metascore: 80 Release date: September 13, 2001 Developer: Capcom
Capcom vs. SNK 2 features a massive roster of characters from both franchises, offering a fun and chaotic fighting experience.
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release date: April 20, 2016 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code offers a surprisingly accessible combat system with deep mechanics, making it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: February 13, 2014 Developer: Arc System Works
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is a classic 2D fighter with stylish visuals and a unique combat system.
Street Fighter 6
Metascore: 92 Link: Steam Release date: June 2, 2023 Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Street Fighter 6 is a modern masterpiece, offering a refined and accessible combat system with stunning visuals and a thriving online community.
Fighting games, while a niche genre, continue to captivate dedicated fans worldwide. What are your favorite fighting games? Share them in the comments!
