Fighting games have long captured the hearts of gamers globally, primarily due to their emphasis on intense multiplayer experiences. These virtual battlegrounds serve as the perfect arenas for players to test their skills against friends or online competitors.
Image: theouterhaven.net
Over the years, developers have crafted numerous iconic titles within the genre. Our curated list of the top 30 best fighting games considers not only their popularity and industry influence but also the richness of gameplay, balance, innovation, and contributions to the evolution of fighting games.
Explore timeless classics and modern masterpieces that are perfect entry points into this dynamic genre. 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
Image: syfy.com
Metascore: TBD
Release Date: September 13, 1993
Developer: Midway
We kick off with the legendary *Mortal Kombat* from 1993. Launched during the early days of home consoles, this game became a beacon, inspiring a plethora of fighting game developers. Its impact is monumental, setting the standard for arena combat and two-fighter combos.
While *Street Fighter* had already gained traction in the Eastern market, the Western world awaited its king. Unfortunately, the original *Mortal Kombat* is no longer playable due to the relentless march of time and trends. Yet, it left an indelible mark on the industry, cementing its status as one of the greatest fighting games in history.
Image: hobbyconsolas.com
Metascore: 86
Link: Microsoft Store
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy
The *Killer Instinct* series, almost as old as *Mortal Kombat*, may not have the same widespread acclaim, but it holds a special place among enthusiasts. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack, which features unique themes for each character, enhance the experience from the get-go.
The character roster is a standout feature, showcasing a diverse array of charismatic heroes—from a street boxer to a vampire and a dinosaur. What unites them is the game's low entry barrier, enabling even newcomers to master stylish combos quickly.
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 98
Release Date: September 8, 1999
Developer: Project Soul
Released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, *SoulCalibur* remains one of the most visually stunning games on the platform. Its grounded battles and focus on various weapons set it apart. The ability to move in 3D space across eight directions added a layer of depth, enhancing the strategic element of combat.
This fresh and invigorating approach keeps *SoulCalibur* at the pinnacle of the fighting game genre to this day.
Image: moddb.com
Metascore: 82
Link: Steam
Release Date: July 7, 2015
Developer: Hidden Variable Studios
*Skullgirls: 2nd Encore* stands out with its unique visual style and engaging animations. Despite a modest roster, each character is meticulously designed with a distinct story mode, offering a delightful learning experience.
While it didn't revolutionize the genre, it remains a well-crafted fighting game that delivers on all fronts.
Image: steam.com
Metascore: 82
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 27, 2014
Developer: Team Reptile
In a genre often seen as conservative, *Lethal League* breaks the mold by introducing a baseball-themed mechanic. The fast-paced battles, powered by hitting a ball, offer a fresh take on traditional fighting games. Coupled with an energetic soundtrack, it's a must-try for genre veterans seeking something new.
Image: giantbomb.com
Metascore: 85
Release Date: December 11, 2008
Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
Capcom's knack for crossovers shines in *Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars*. With a straightforward combat system, this game may not appeal to all Western gamers, but it's a hit in Japan, offering a fun and colorful experience perfect for casual play with friends.
Image: twinfinite.net
Metascore: 81
Link: Steam
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Developer: SNK CORPORATION
In an era dominated by remakes, *Samurai Shodown* stands out with its slow, deliberate gameplay reminiscent of falling cherry blossoms. Its visual design, inspired by classical Japanese art, appeals to fans of both fighting games and traditional aesthetics.
Image: gamingdragons.com
Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 7, 2014
Developer: Capcom
*Street Fighter IV*, released in 2009, revitalized the genre, and its *Ultra* version, launched five years later, introduced new fighters, moves, and improved balance. While the PS4 launch had its issues, the game shines on Steam, offering a dynamic and engaging experience within the legendary franchise.
Image: x.com
Metascore: TBD
Release Date: September 14, 1993
Developer: Capcom
*Super Street Fighter II*, a classic from the genre's early days, demonstrated the lucrative potential of the gaming industry with its record-breaking sales. Its colorful fighters, impressive combos, and well-designed locations captivated gamers worldwide, though later remakes fell short of the original's charm.
Image: thekingofgrabs.com
Metascore: 96
Release Date: March 26, 1998
Developer: Namco
*Tekken 3* became an iconic title for the first PlayStation, renowned for its innovative mechanics like sidestepping and parrying. Its spectacular visuals, characters, and combat system made it a must-play classic, highly recommended for anyone yet to experience its brilliance.
Image: wbgames.com
Metascore: 88
Link: Steam
Release Date: March 28, 2018
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC
*Injustice 2* brings the DC universe to life, allowing players to control iconic characters like Flash, Batman, and Superman. Its accessible gameplay and less violent nature make it an excellent entry point for newcomers, though mastering it requires significant time investment.
Image: reddit.com
Metascore: 82
Release Date: March 23, 2000
Developer: Capcom
*Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes* is beloved for its roster of iconic characters, though legal issues delayed its sequel. While it may not have aged perfectly, it remains a great introduction to classic fighting games.
Image: instant-gaming.com
Metascore: 87
Link: Steam
Release Date: June 11, 2021
Developer: Arc System Works
*Guilty Gear Strive* showcases Arc System Works' pinnacle of creativity with its stunning visuals and detailed combat. The game's innovative mechanics, including special move cancels and level wall breaks, make it an excellent entry into the genre and the franchise.
Image: videogamesnewyork.com
Metascore: 77
Release Date: October 11, 2007
Developer: Yuki Enterprise
*Arcana Heart* is a visually stunning game featuring an all-female roster and elemental spirits known as Arcanas. Its solid combat and anime-inspired style make it a cool addition to the fighting game lineup.
Image: animenewsnetwork.com
Metascore: 79
Release Date: July 14, 2010
Developer: SNK Playmore
*The King of Fighters XIII* is a beloved entry in a legendary series, known for its complex and unforgiving fighting mechanics. It's a challenging yet rewarding experience for those seeking tough competition.
Image: fightersgeneration.com
Metascore: 87
Link: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2018
Developer: Arc System Works
*Dragon Ball FighterZ* brings the legendary anime to life with modern graphics and gameplay. Its epic battles and simple yet deep mechanics make it perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players.
Image: ziedrich.wordpress.com
Metascore: 86
Link: Steam
Release Date: April 19, 2011
Developer: NetherRealm Studios
*Mortal Kombat 9* revitalized the franchise with its classic, high-quality, and brutal combat. Stripping away the unnecessary, it focused on a balanced fighting system that holds up well against newer titles.
![Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late\[cl-r\]](https://img.wehsl.com/uploads/06/174172683167d0a46f86a1a.jpg)
Image: twobeardgaming.wordpress.com
Metascore: 82
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 21, 2018
Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
*Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late\[cl-r\]* impresses with its deep character development and top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation may not appeal to all, it earned its place in the EVO 2020 tournament.
Image: reddit.com
Metascore: 93
Release Date: January 31, 2008
Developer: Sora Ltd.
*Super Smash Bros. Brawl* brought together nearly all recognizable Nintendo characters, achieving massive sales due to its low entry barrier and deep character attributes. It remains a fan favorite for its engaging gameplay.
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release Date: March 17, 2022
Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
*Persona 4 Arena Ultimax* might not be the best entry point into the Persona universe, but its stylish visuals and dynamic combat make it a must-play for fans of both the franchise and fighting games.
Image: equestriadaily.com
Metascore: 80
Link: Steam
Release Date: May 1, 2020
Developer: Mane6, Inc.
*Them's Fightin' Herds* stands out with its unique roster of animals, yet its combat system is as robust as any in the genre. Perfect for younger gamers, it offers engaging battles without the typical brutality.
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 90
Link: Steam
Release Date: January 26, 2024
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
*Tekken 8* marks a legendary return, refining the series' combat mechanics with minor updates like health recovery. Its top-notch graphics and detailed story scenes make it an excellent choice for newcomers and fans alike.
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 85
Release Date: April 27, 2010
Developer: Capcom
*Super Street Fighter IV*, an expansion of the original, introduced ultra-combos and new fighters, paving the way for the *Ultra* version and the critically acclaimed *Street Fighter 6*. Its significant updates make it a crucial entry in the series' history.
Image: youtube.com
Metascore: 92
Release Date: November 21, 2001
Developer: HAL Laboratory
*Super Smash Bros. Melee* is a high-rated, best-selling GameCube title, known for its simple yet deep and engaging gameplay. Its inclusion in the EVO tournament and the "Wombo Combo" meme highlight its lasting impact on the gaming community.
Image: x.com
Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release Date: March 13, 2020
Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works
*Granblue Fantasy: Versus* combines Victorian architecture, medieval knights, and magic into a stunning visual experience. Its combat mechanics, though seemingly simple, offer endless depth and complexity.
Image: nintendo-online.de
Metascore: 88
Link: Steam
Release Date: April 23, 2019
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
*Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate* focuses on balance, new modes, and customization options. Its brutal arenas and engaging combat make it an ideal entry point for newcomers, though its story and grind can be tedious.
Image: maniac.de
Metascore: 80
Release Date: September 13, 2001
Developer: Capcom
*Capcom vs. SNK 2* gained worldwide popularity with its massive character roster and great combat, though its use of old sprites disappointed some fans. It's a testament to Capcom's love for crossovers.
Image: arcsystemworks.com
Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release Date: April 20, 2016
Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
*Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code* may feel outdated, but its stylish visuals and simple yet deep combat system make it a compelling choice. Its active online mode adds to its appeal.
Image: siliconera.com
Metascore: 86
Link: Steam
Release Date: February 13, 2014
Developer: Arc System Works
*BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger* is a classic 2D fighting game with stylish visuals and a unique combat system. Despite some bugs, its excellent story and engaging gameplay make it worth exploring.
Image: psu.com
Metascore: 92
Link: Steam
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
*Street Fighter 6* represents the pinnacle of the fighting game genre with its accessible yet deep mechanics. Its top-notch graphics and friendly atmosphere make it a must-play while it's at the peak of its online presence.
Fighting games continue to captivate a dedicated niche of gamers worldwide, despite not reaching the broad appeal of AAA open-world titles. This genre is rich with hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Do you have a favorite fighting game? Share it in the comments below!
