The Best Fighting Games of All Time

Fighting games have always captivated gamers worldwide, primarily due to their intense multiplayer focus. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect arena for competition, whether against friends or online rivals. Over the decades, developers have gifted us 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. Prepare to explore 30 of the best fighting games ever created, a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces, perfect for newcomers and veterans alike.

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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

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Mortal Kombat

Metascore: TBD
Release Date: September 13, 1993
Developer: Midway

Let's begin with a legend: the 1993 Mortal Kombat. Launching alongside the rise of home consoles, it became a genre-defining force, inspiring countless fighting games. Its impact is undeniable, establishing the core formula: arena combat, two fighters, and combo-based attacks. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat dominated the Western market, establishing itself as the genre's king. Though no longer playable in its original form, its legacy remains unmatched.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

Metascore: 86
Link: Microsoft Store
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy

Nearly as old as Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct enjoys a dedicated following, often cited as one of the best fighting games ever. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and electrifying soundtrack elevate it above many competitors. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, adding personality and depth. The diverse and charismatic roster—from street boxers to werewolves—offers low barrier to entry, making it accessible to newcomers while rewarding experienced players.

SoulCalibur

Metascore: 98
Release Date: September 8, 1999
Developer: Project Soul

Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Instead of flashy acrobatics, it emphasizes grounded combat with a focus on weaponry. Its innovative 3D movement, allowing eight horizontal directions, added a new layer of depth, focusing not only on attacks but also strategic positioning and dashes. 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 animation. While boasting a smaller roster, each character is meticulously designed with creative moves and combo sets, making them a joy to master. While not revolutionary, it’s a well-crafted and visually appealing fighting game.

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, baseball-based mechanic. The speed and intensity are unlike anything else in the genre, with damage scaling based on ball velocity. Set to an upbeat soundtrack, it's a refreshing experience for fighting game veterans.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Metascore: 85
Release Date: December 11, 2008
Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.

A fun and memorable crossover featuring a simple combat system. Though perhaps less appealing to Western audiences, its bright, colorful style and crazy characters make it a great casual choice for playing with friends.

Samurai Shodown

Metascore: 81
Link: Steam
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Developer: SNK CORPORATION

A well-executed reboot, Samurai Shodown offers deliberate, slow-paced gameplay, emphasizing precise sword strikes. Its visual style, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, adds to its charm.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 7, 2014
Developer: Capcom

An expansion of the revitalizing Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV adds new characters, moves, and improved balance to the already dynamic and energetic gameplay. The Steam version offers a smoother experience than its console counterpart.

Super Street Fighter II

Metascore: TBD
Release Date: September 14, 1993
Developer: Capcom

A seminal classic that redefined the fighting game landscape. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated audiences worldwide, making it a record-breaking success.

Tekken 3

Metascore: 96
Release Date: March 26, 1998
Developer: Namco

A PlayStation classic, Tekken 3 introduced significant improvements in graphics, mechanics (sidestepping, parrying), and character design, making it a highly influential and beloved title.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

Metascore: 88
Link: Steam
Release Date: March 28, 2018
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC

A compelling DC Comics adaptation, Injustice 2 pits iconic heroes and villains against each other in a relatively accessible yet deeply strategic fighting experience.

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, allowing for three-on-three 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

Guilty Gear Strive showcases stunning visuals and a refined combat system, featuring the series' signature special move cancels and the controversial wall break mechanic. A fantastic entry point to both the series and the genre.

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 that assist characters in battle.

The King of Fighters XIII

Metascore: 79
Release date: July 14, 2010
Developer: SNK Playmore

A critically acclaimed entry in the long-running series, known for its complex and unforgiving fighting mechanics.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Metascore: 87
Link: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2018
Developer: Arc System Works

A visually stunning and accessible adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe, offering epic battles and explosive special effects.

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.

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 deep combat system, though the animation may not appeal to all tastes.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Metascore: 93
Release date: January 31, 2008
Developer: Sora Ltd.

A massive crossover featuring a huge cast of Nintendo characters, known for its accessibility and surprising depth.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release date: March 17, 2022
Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS

A stylish and dynamic fighter set in the Persona universe, featuring a high skill ceiling.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

Metascore: 80
Link: Steam
Release date: May 1, 2020
Developer: Mane6, Inc.

A unique fighter featuring anthropomorphic animal characters, known for its family-friendly approach.

Tekken 8

Metascore: 90
Link: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2024
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.

A highly-rated return to form for the Tekken franchise, featuring refined mechanics and stunning visuals.

Super Street Fighter IV

Metascore: 85
Release date: April 27, 2010
Developer: Capcom

An expansion to Street Fighter IV, adding new characters, ultra combos, and graphical enhancements.

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.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release date: March 13, 2020
Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works

A stylish fighter based on the popular Japanese game Granblue Fantasy.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

Metascore: 88
Link: Steam
Release date: April 23, 2019
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver

An enhanced version of Mortal Kombat 11, featuring improved balance, new modes, and customization options.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

Metascore: 80
Release date: September 13, 2001
Developer: Capcom

A crossover featuring a massive roster of Capcom and SNK characters.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release date: April 20, 2016
Developer: FRENCH-BREAD

A visually appealing fighter with a relatively simple yet deep combat system.

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.

Street Fighter 6

Metascore: 92
Link: Steam
Release date: June 2, 2023
Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.

A modern classic, Street Fighter 6 offers a refined and accessible fighting experience with stunning visuals and a vibrant online community.

While fighting games remain a niche genre, their dedicated fanbase is global. Share your favorites in the comments!