Fighting games have always captivated gamers worldwide, largely due to their emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for facing friends or battling online opponents. 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 and modern masterpieces, perfect for diving into this beloved genre. Let's begin!
We also suggest checking out our other collections:
Best Games | Shooters | Survival | Horrors | Platformer | Adventures | Simulators
Table of Content ---
- 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; it established the core formula: arena combat between two fighters, utilizing combos. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat dominated the Western market, establishing itself as the genre's king. While no longer playable today, 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 dedicated following, considered by many to be among the best fighting games ever. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack are key factors in its enduring appeal. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, further enhancing their personality. The diverse and charismatic roster—from street boxers to vampires to dinosaurs—offers a low barrier to entry, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp the mechanics and execute stylish combos.
SoulCalibur
Metascore: 98 Release Date: September 8, 1999 Developer: Project Soul
Released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains a visual masterpiece. Forgoing flashy, high-flying moves, it emphasizes grounded combat with a focus on weaponry. Its innovative 3D movement across eight directions, similar to Tekken, added depth to the gameplay, focusing not only on attacks but also on strategic dashes and distance management. This fresh approach solidified its place among the genre's elite.
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 boasting a smaller roster, each character is meticulously designed with authentic looks and creative movesets. The game offers a well-crafted fighting experience, proving that sometimes, simple excellence is enough.
Lethal League
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: August 27, 2014 Developer: Team Reptile
Lethal League subverts expectations by replacing traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, ball-based mechanic. The faster the ball moves, the more damage it inflicts, leading to incredibly dynamic battles set to an upbeat soundtrack. A refreshing take on the genre, perfect for seasoned players seeking a unique challenge.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Metascore: 85 Release Date: December 11, 2008 Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
A vibrant and memorable crossover, this title features a simple combat system that might not appeal to all Western gamers, but it was hugely popular in Japan. Its bright visuals and somewhat zany characters make it perfect for casual fun with friends.
Samurai Shodown
Metascore: 81 Link: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2019 Developer: SNK CORPORATION
A successful reboot, Samurai Shodown offers a deliberate and thoughtful pace, contrasting with faster-paced fighters. Its slow-motion movements and impactful sword strikes create a sense of weight and strength. The visual design, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, is another major draw.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: August 7, 2014 Developer: Capcom
The Ultra edition of Street Fighter IV builds upon the original's success with new characters, moves, and improved balance. While the PS4 release had initial issues, the Steam version offers a polished experience of this legendary franchise.
Super Street Fighter II
Metascore: TBD Release Date: September 14, 1993 Developer: Capcom
A timeless classic, Super Street Fighter II redefined the genre and became a commercial phenomenon. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated gamers worldwide.
Tekken 3
Metascore: 96 Release Date: March 26, 1998 Developer: Namco
Tekken 3 stands as a landmark title, boasting significant improvements over its predecessors. The enhanced graphics, new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, and the overall spectacular presentation cemented its place as a PlayStation classic.
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 heroes and villains against each other, it offers accessible gameplay while rewarding dedicated players with deep strategic depth.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
Metascore: 82 Release Date: March 23, 2000 Developer: Capcom
Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is beloved for its massive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters, allowing for three-on-three battles. While hampered by its age, it remains a significant entry in the crossover fighting game genre.
Guilty Gear Strive
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2021 Developer: Arc System Works
Guilty Gear Strive showcases Arc System Works' signature stylish visuals and fluid animations. Its deep and rewarding combat system, incorporating the series' signature special move cancel mechanic, makes it a must-play for fighting game fans.
Arcana Heart
Metascore: 77 Release date: October 11, 2007 Developer: Yuki Enterprise
An anime-inspired fighter with an all-female roster, Arcana Heart features unique elemental spirits that assist characters in battle. Its solid combat and distinctive style make it a worthwhile experience.
The King of Fighters XIII
Metascore: 79 Release date: July 14, 2010 Developer: SNK Playmore
A highly acclaimed entry in a long-running series, The King of Fighters XIII features a complex and unforgiving combat system that demands mastery of character movesets. A challenging but rewarding experience for seasoned 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 gameplay belies a deep strategic layer that rewards dedicated practice.
Mortal Kombat 9
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: April 19, 2011 Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Mortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with a refined combat system and brutal action. A return to form that set the stage for the series' continued success.
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] is known for its stylish presentation and deep combat system. Its unique animation style and challenging gameplay have earned it a place in competitive fighting game tournaments.
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. Its depth is revealed through character attributes that impact gameplay.
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 fast-paced fighting experience for fans of the Persona franchise. Its challenging gameplay and high-quality presentation are key highlights.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Metascore: 80 Link: Steam Release date: May 1, 2020 Developer: Mane6, Inc.
A unique fighting game featuring anthropomorphic animal characters, Them’s Fightin’ Herds offers a family-friendly experience without sacrificing depth of gameplay.
Tekken 8
Metascore: 90 Link: Steam Release date: January 26, 2024 Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
Tekken 8 delivers a refined and visually stunning experience, building upon the series' established formula with updated mechanics and impressive graphics.
Super Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 85 Release date: April 27, 2010 Developer: Capcom
Super Street Fighter IV expanded upon the original with new characters, an ultra-combo system, and graphical enhancements, laying the groundwork for future installments.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92 Release date: November 21, 2001 Developer: HAL Laboratory
Super Smash Bros. Melee's simple yet deep gameplay and iconic roster of Nintendo characters have 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 blends a visually stunning world with solid fighting mechanics, offering a unique and engaging experience.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release date: April 23, 2019 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate refines the series' formula with balanced gameplay, new modes, and extensive customization options.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Metascore: 80 Release date: September 13, 2001 Developer: Capcom
Capcom vs. SNK 2 delivers a massive roster of characters and exciting gameplay, despite its dated visuals.
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 stylish and accessible fighting experience with a focus on character variety and simple yet deep mechanics.
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 fighting experience with stunning visuals and a thriving online community.
Fighting games, while a niche genre, boast a passionate fanbase. What are your favorites? Share them in the comments!
