Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, largely due to their emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect arena for facing friends or battling online rivals. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles. This list considers popularity, industry influence, 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 newcomers and veterans alike. Let the battles begin!
Explore our other game 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
The legendary Mortal Kombat (1993) defined a generation. Released during the early home console era, it became a genre-defining force, establishing the core fighting game formula: arena combat, two fighters, and combo attacks. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat's impact on the Western market was undeniable, solidifying its place in 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 energetic soundtrack. The diverse and charismatic roster, ranging from a street boxer to a dinosaur, offers low barrier to entry for newcomers while rewarding skilled players with stylish combos.
SoulCalibur
Metascore: 98 Release Date: September 8, 1999 Developer: Project Soul
Originally released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat, emphasizing weapon-based fighting and 3D movement across eight directions, provided a fresh take on the genre, focusing on strategic positioning and spacing as much as attacks.
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 charming animation. While boasting a smaller roster, each character is meticulously designed with creative moves and satisfying combos. A well-crafted fighter that delivers a polished experience.
Lethal League
Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: August 27, 2014 Developer: Team Reptile
A refreshing departure from traditional fighting games, Lethal League replaces hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, high-energy baseball-based mechanic. The speed and strategic depth make it a unique and highly recommended title for genre veterans.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
Metascore: 85 Release Date: December 11, 2008 Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.
A vibrant and fun crossover featuring characters from both Tatsunoko and Capcom universes. Its relatively simple combat system makes it accessible, perfect for casual play with friends.
Samurai Shodown
Metascore: 81 Link: Steam Release Date: June 25, 2019 Developer: SNK CORPORATION
A successful reboot, Samurai Shodown offers a slower, more deliberate pace than many other fighters. Its thoughtful gameplay and beautiful art style, inspired by classical Japanese art, create a unique and rewarding experience.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: August 7, 2014 Developer: Capcom
An enhanced version of the critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV adds new characters, moves, and improved balance to the already dynamic and energetic gameplay. Available on Steam for a smoother experience.
Super Street Fighter II
Metascore: TBD Release Date: September 14, 1993 Developer: Capcom
A landmark title that helped establish the fighting game genre's popularity. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide.
Tekken 3
Metascore: 96 Release Date: March 26, 1998 Developer: Namco
A best-selling PlayStation title, Tekken 3 introduced innovations like sidestepping and parrying, enhancing the already spectacular and colorful combat system.
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release Date: March 28, 2018 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC
A compelling DC Comics fighting game, Injustice 2 pits iconic heroes and villains against each other in a less violent, more accessible experience than some other titles on this list.
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.
Guilty Gear Strive
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2021 Developer: Arc System Works
A visually stunning and mechanically deep fighting game, Guilty Gear Strive features stylish visuals, a satisfying combat system, and 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 elemental spirits ("Arcana") that assist characters in battle.
The King of Fighters XIII
Metascore: 79 Release date: July 14, 2010 Developer: SNK Playmore
A highly-rated entry in a long-running series, known for its complex and unforgiving combat system.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release date: January 26, 2018 Developer: Arc System Works
A visually spectacular and accessible Dragon Ball fighting game, perfect for fans of the series and newcomers to the genre.
Mortal Kombat 9
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: April 19, 2011 Developer: NetherRealm Studios
A successful reboot of 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 and rewarding combat system.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Metascore: 93 Release date: January 31, 2008 Developer: Sora Ltd.
A hugely popular crossover featuring a massive roster of Nintendo characters, known for its accessible yet deep gameplay.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release date: March 17, 2022 Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
A stylish and fast-paced fighting game set in the Persona universe.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Metascore: 80 Link: Steam Release date: May 1, 2020 Developer: Mane6, Inc.
A unique fighting game featuring animal characters, known for its accessible gameplay and family-friendly art style.
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 improved graphics and refined gameplay.
Super Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 85 Release date: April 27, 2010 Developer: Capcom
An expansion to Street Fighter IV, introducing new characters, ultra combos, and upgraded graphics.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92 Release date: November 21, 2001 Developer: HAL Laboratory
A critically acclaimed and highly influential 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 visually stunning fighting game based on the popular Granblue Fantasy franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release date: April 23, 2019 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
A polished and refined entry in the Mortal Kombat series, offering a balanced combat system and extensive 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 stylish and accessible anime fighter with a simple yet deep combat system.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: February 13, 2014 Developer: Arc System Works
A classic 2D fighting game 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 top-tier graphics and a thriving online community.
Fighting games remain a niche genre, but their passionate fanbase ensures a continued stream of innovative and exciting titles. What are your favorites? Share them in the comments!
