Fighting games have always held a special place in gaming history, largely due to their intensely competitive multiplayer focus. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for showdowns with friends or online rivals. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles, and this list celebrates the best, considering not only popularity and influence but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the genre.
Presenting the top 30 best fighting games of all time—a mix of timeless classics and modern masterpieces. This collection provides an excellent starting point for exploring this beloved genre.
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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 defined the fighting game formula for generations, influencing countless titles with its arena-based, two-fighter, combo-driven gameplay. While its direct playability is limited today, its impact on the genre remains undeniable.
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 energetic music. Its diverse and charismatic roster, featuring characters ranging from a street boxer to a dinosaur, offers a low barrier to entry while rewarding skilled players with stylish combos.
SoulCalibur
Metascore: 98
Release Date: September 8, 1999
Developer: Project Soul
Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning, offering grounded combat focused on weapons and 3D movement across eight directions. This innovative approach to fighting game mechanics, combined with its excellent graphics, cemented its place among the 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 meticulously designed characters, each with their own creative moves and story mode. While not revolutionary, it’s a well-crafted and stylish fighting game.
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 faster the ball moves, the more damage it inflicts, creating incredibly dynamic battles set to upbeat music.
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 may not appeal to all, but its bright visuals and memorable characters make it a great choice for casual play.
Samurai Shodown
Metascore: 81
Link: Steam
Release Date: June 25, 2019
Developer: SNK CORPORATION
A well-received reboot featuring slow, deliberate gameplay inspired by classical Japanese art. The thoughtful combat and beautiful visuals make it a standout title.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 7, 2014
Developer: Capcom
An enhanced version of the acclaimed Street Fighter IV, featuring new characters, moves, and improved balance. Available on Steam, it offers a refined and dynamic fighting experience.
Super Street Fighter II
Metascore: TBD
Release Date: September 14, 1993
Developer: Capcom
A foundational title in the fighting game genre, Super Street Fighter II's colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide.
Tekken 3
Metascore: 96
Release Date: March 26, 1998
Developer: Namco
A landmark title for the original PlayStation, 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 relatively accessible yet deeply strategic combat system.
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
A visually stunning and mechanically deep fighting game from Arc System Works, featuring stylish visuals, a refined combat system, and the ability to break level walls.
Arcana Heart
Metascore: 77
Release date: October 11, 2007
Developer: Yuki Enterprise
An anime-styled fighting game featuring an all-female roster and unique elemental spirits that assist characters in battle.
The King of Fighters XIII
Metascore: 79
Release date: July 14, 2010
Developer: SNK Playmore
A complex and unforgiving fighting game with deep mechanics and a high skill ceiling, rewarding mastery with intense and fast-paced battles.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Metascore: 87
Link: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2018
Developer: Arc System Works
A visually spectacular Dragon Ball fighting game with epic battles and explosive effects, offering accessible gameplay with a high skill ceiling.
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 top-notch combat system and deeply developed characters, though the 2D animation may not appeal to all.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Metascore: 93
Release date: January 31, 2008
Developer: Sora Ltd.
A massive crossover featuring a huge roster of Nintendo characters and accessible gameplay with surprising depth.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
Metascore: 84
Link: Steam
Release date: March 17, 2022
Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS
A stylish and dynamic fighting game set in the Persona universe, featuring a high skill ceiling and exciting combat.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds
Metascore: 80
Link: Steam
Release date: May 1, 2020
Developer: Mane6, Inc.
A unique fighting game featuring animal characters and a surprisingly deep combat system, suitable for younger audiences.
Tekken 8
Metascore: 90
Link: Steam
Release date: January 26, 2024
Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.
A refined and visually stunning entry in the Tekken franchise, featuring updated mechanics and top-notch graphics.
Super Street Fighter IV
Metascore: 85
Release date: April 27, 2010
Developer: Capcom
An expansion of Street Fighter IV, introducing new characters, ultra combos, and upgraded visuals.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Metascore: 92
Release date: November 21, 2001
Developer: HAL Laboratory
A highly influential and critically acclaimed GameCube title, known for its simple yet deep gameplay and memorable moments.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus
Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release date: March 13, 2020
Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works
A stylish and visually impressive fighting game based on the popular Granblue Fantasy franchise, featuring solid combat mechanics.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
Metascore: 88
Link: Steam
Release date: April 23, 2019
Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver
A refined and balanced entry in the Mortal Kombat series, featuring brutal combat, spectacular arenas, 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, though its use of older sprites may not appeal to all.
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
Metascore: 78
Link: Steam
Release date: April 20, 2016
Developer: FRENCH-BREAD
A stylish and accessible fighting game with a simple yet deep combat system and multiple character styles.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Metascore: 86
Link: Steam
Release date: February 13, 2014
Developer: Arc System Works
A classic 2D fighter with stylish visuals, a unique combat system, and a compelling story, though it suffers from some technical issues.
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 combat system with impressive depth and stunning visuals.
Fighting games remain a niche but passionate genre. What are your favorites? Share them in the comments!
