Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, largely due to their intense multiplayer focus. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for competition, whether against friends or online rivals. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles. This list considers not just 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—a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces offering a perfect entry point into this beloved genre. Let the battles begin!
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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
The legendary 1993 Mortal Kombat. A cornerstone of the genre, its influence on countless fighting games is undeniable. It established the core formula: arena combat, two fighters, and devastating combos. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat dominated the Western market, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
Metascore: 86 Link: Microsoft Store Release Date: September 20, 2016 Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy
A classic rival to Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct boasts finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and an electrifying soundtrack. Each character’s unique musical theme enhances their personality. The diverse roster—from street boxers to werewolves—offers accessible gameplay, making it enjoyable for both veterans and newcomers.
SoulCalibur
Metascore: 98 Release Date: September 8, 1999 Developer: Project Soul
Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat focuses on weapon-based fighting across a 3D space, offering a unique depth compared to other fighters of its time. The eight-directional movement system added a layer of strategic depth, making it a genre-defining classic.
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 animation. While the roster is smaller, each character is meticulously designed with distinct moves and a dedicated story mode. A well-crafted fighter, though not revolutionary, it delivers a satisfying experience.
Lethal League
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: August 27, 2014 Developer: Team Reptile
A refreshing take on the genre, Lethal League replaces traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, ball-based mechanic. The speed of the ball determines damage, leading to intense and dynamic battles set to an upbeat soundtrack. A great choice for those seeking a unique fighting game experience.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Metascore: 85 Release Date: December 11, 2008 Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
A fun and colorful crossover featuring characters from both Tatsunoko and Capcom universes. Its simple combat system might not appeal to all, but its vibrant style and memorable characters make it a great choice for casual play with friends.
Samurai Shodown
Metascore: 81 Link: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2019 Developer: SNK CORPORATION
A well-executed reboot featuring deliberate, slow-paced gameplay. The visual design, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, enhances the experience. A strong contender for fans of both fighting games and Japanese aesthetics.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: August 7, 2014 Developer: Capcom
An enhanced version of Street Fighter IV, featuring new characters, moves, and improved balance. Its dynamic and energetic gameplay remains a hallmark of the series, offering a refined experience on Steam.
Super Street Fighter II
Metascore: TBD Release Date: September 14, 1993 Developer: Capcom
A timeless classic that helped define the genre. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide, making it a record-breaking success.
Tekken 3
Metascore: 96 Release Date: March 26, 1998 Developer: Namco
A PlayStation classic featuring significant improvements over its predecessors. New mechanics like sidestepping and parrying added depth, while the enhanced graphics and spectacular combat made it a cultural phenomenon.
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release Date: March 28, 2018 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC
A stellar DC Comics fighting game pitting iconic heroes against each other. The gameplay is accessible, but mastering it requires significant dedication. A great option for fans of the DC universe.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Metascore: 82 Release Date: March 23, 2000 Developer: Capcom
A beloved crossover featuring a massive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters. The ability to field three characters simultaneously made for chaotic and exciting battles. While showing its age, it remains a nostalgic favorite.
Guilty Gear Strive
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2021 Developer: Arc System Works
A visually stunning and mechanically deep entry in the Guilty Gear franchise. Its stylish visuals, detailed characters, and impressive special effects are complemented by a refined combat system, including the ability to break level walls.
Arcana Heart
Metascore: 77 Release Date: October 11, 2007 Developer: Yuki Enterprise
An anime-styled fighter featuring an all-female roster and unique "Arcana" elemental spirits assisting characters in battle. A solid combat system and distinctive art style make it a worthwhile experience.
The King of Fighters XIII
Metascore: 79 Release Date: July 14, 2010 Developer: SNK Playmore
A highly competitive entry in the long-running King of Fighters series. Its complex and unforgiving mechanics reward mastery and punish mistakes, making it a challenging but rewarding experience for seasoned players.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2018 Developer: Arc System Works
A visually spectacular adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe. Its epic battles, explosive effects, and accessible yet deep gameplay make it a perfect choice for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.
Mortal Kombat 9
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release Date: April 19, 2011 Developer: NetherRealm Studios
A revitalizing entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, focusing on balanced combat and brutal action. It successfully re-established the series' reputation for high-quality fighting games.
Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: August 21, 2018 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
A stylish anime fighter with a strong emphasis on character development and a top-notch combat system. While the animation might appear slightly dated to some, its gameplay is highly regarded.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Metascore: 93 Release Date: January 31, 2008 Developer: Sora Ltd.
A massive crossover featuring a huge cast of Nintendo characters. Its accessible gameplay and deep strategic elements made it a massive success.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: March 17, 2022 Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
A stylish and fast-paced fighter set in the Persona universe. While demanding a higher skill level, its deep combat system and visually impressive presentation reward dedication.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Metascore: 80 Link: Steam Release Date: May 1, 2020 Developer: Mane6, Inc.
A unique fighter featuring anthropomorphic animal characters. Its accessible yet deep combat system and charming art style make it a great choice for players of all ages.
Tekken 8
Metascore: 90 Link: Steam Release Date: January 26, 2024 Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
A refined entry in the Tekken series, featuring updated mechanics and stunning visuals. It retains the series' signature gameplay while offering a polished and modern experience.
Super Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 85 Release Date: April 27, 2010 Developer: Capcom
An expansion of Street Fighter IV, adding new characters, Ultra Combos, and enhanced visuals. A significant step in the series' evolution.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92 Release Date: November 21, 2001 Developer: HAL Laboratory
A highly influential and critically acclaimed entry in the Super Smash Bros. series. Its simple yet deep gameplay and iconic roster cemented its place in gaming history.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus
Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release Date: March 13, 2020 Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works
A visually stunning fighter based on the popular Granblue Fantasy game. Its seemingly simple combat system hides a surprising depth of strategy and mechanics.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release Date: April 23, 2019 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
A refined entry in the Mortal Kombat series, focusing on balanced gameplay, new modes, and extensive customization options. A great starting point for newcomers to the series.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Metascore: 80 Release Date: September 13, 2001 Developer: Capcom
A crossover featuring a massive roster of Capcom and SNK characters. While using older sprites, its large character selection and solid combat make it a worthwhile experience.
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release Date: April 20, 2016 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
A visually impressive fighter with a simple yet deep combat system. Its accessible nature makes it a good choice for both beginners and veterans.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release Date: February 13, 2014 Developer: Arc System Works
A classic 2D fighter with stylish visuals and a unique combat system. Despite some technical issues, its compelling story and engaging gameplay make it worth experiencing.
Street Fighter 6
Metascore: 92 Link: Steam Release Date: June 2, 2023 Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
A modern masterpiece and a pinnacle of the fighting game genre. Its simple yet deep mechanics, stunning visuals, and engaging online features make it a must-play.
Fighting games remain a niche but beloved genre. Share your favorites in the comments!
