by Alexander May 07,2025
Fighting games hold a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide, largely due to their focus on multiplayer gameplay. Virtual arenas provide an ideal space for competing with friends or challenging players online, offering thrilling battles that captivate enthusiasts.
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Over the decades, developers have crafted many iconic games that have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. In this collection, we consider not only popularity and influence but also the depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and contributions to the genre's development.
We present to you the top 30 best fighting games of all time. This list includes timeless classics and modern titles that serve as excellent starting points for exploring one of the most popular video game genres. Let's dive in!
We also suggest checking out our other collections:
Best GamesShootersSurvivalHorrorsPlatformersAdventuresSimulatorsTable of Content ---
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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 13, 1993Developer: MidwayMortal Kombat, released in 1993, stands as a legendary title that inspired countless fighting game developers. Its impact on the genre is immense, establishing a core gameplay formula with arena battles, two fighters, and combos. While Street Fighter had gained traction in Eastern markets, Mortal Kombat captured the Western audience. Although the original is no longer playable, its influence remains undeniable, marking it as one of the greatest fighting games in history.
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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, nearly as old as Mortal Kombat, may not be as widely recognized, but it's revered in certain circles as one of the best fighting games. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic music create an engaging experience from the main menu. Each character's unique musical theme enhances their personality and backstory. The diverse character roster, featuring a street boxer, a vampire, a dinosaur, and a werewolf, all with distinct traits, makes the game accessible to newcomers while allowing them to pull off stylish combos.
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Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulReleased in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains one of the platform's most visually stunning games. Its grounded battles rely heavily on various weapons, and the ability to move in 3D space across eight horizontal directions adds depth to the gameplay. This feature, combined with excellent graphics, distinguishes SoulCalibur from other fighting games by focusing on quick dashes and strategic positioning, keeping it at the top of the genre.
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: July 7, 2015Developer: Hidden Variable StudiosSkullgirls: 2nd Encore stands out with its unique stylization and visual design. The game's pleasant animations and diverse characters, each with their own story mode, make it a joy to explore. The meticulously designed characters with creative moves and combo sets provide a rewarding learning experience. While it didn't revolutionize the genre, Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is a well-crafted fighting game that delivers on all fronts.
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileLethal League breaks from traditional fighting game mechanics by introducing a unique baseball-hitting system. This feature leads to fast-paced battles where combos are performed using a ball that increases in speed and damage. Accompanied by energetic music, Lethal League offers a fresh experience that appeals to genre veterans seeking something new.
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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars showcases Capcom's prowess in crossovers. With a simple combat system, this game was hugely popular in Japan, offering a bright, colorful, and slightly crazy experience. Ideal for casual fun with friends, it captures the essence of enjoyable, accessible gaming.
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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown features slow, thoughtful gameplay inspired by the elegance of cherry blossoms. The deliberate, powerful sword strikes and classical Japanese art-influenced visual design appeal to fans of both fighting games and traditional aesthetics. This reboot is a testament to the genre's enduring appeal, offering a unique experience in a sea of remakes.
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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: CapcomStreet Fighter IV revitalized the genre upon its 2009 release, and its Ultra version, released five years later, enhanced it further with new fighters, moves, and improved balance. Despite initial issues on the PS4, the Steam version offers a smooth experience, making it one of the best entries in this legendary franchise.
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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II is an unmatched classic from the genre's early days. Its colorful fighters, impressive combos, and well-designed locations captivated gamers worldwide. Although a 2017 remake left much to be desired, the original's impact on the industry and its sales remain record-breaking.
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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3, a game worth skipping school for, became iconic and one of the best-selling titles for the first PlayStation. With significant improvements in graphics and new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, it offered a spectacular and colorful experience. If you haven't played it yet, we highly recommend giving this classic a try.
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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease Date: March 28, 2018Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOCInjustice 2 perfectly embodies the DC universe, allowing players to pit iconic characters like Flash, Batman, and Superman against each other. With less blood and violence than its competitors, the game maintains a low entry barrier while offering deep gameplay that rewards hours of practice.
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Metascore: 82Release Date: March 23, 2000Developer: CapcomMarvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, despite legal issues delaying its sequel, remains beloved for its plethora of iconic characters from both Marvel and Capcom universes. Featuring up to three heroes in battle, it's a classic introduction to the genre, though it may not have aged as well.
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System WorksGuilty Gear Strive represents the pinnacle of Arc System Works' creativity, offering stunning visuals and high-quality gameplay. The detailed locations, characters, and combos, along with innovative mechanics like level wall-breaking, make it the best entry point into the genre and franchise.
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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart brings an anime flair to fighting games with a roster of female characters from diverse backgrounds and elemental spirits called Arcana. Its solid combat and excellent stylization make it a cool and engaging experience.
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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII, part of a legendary series, received widespread acclaim for its perfect visuals and gameplay. Its complex fighting mechanics challenge beginners, requiring deep knowledge of character moves to compete effectively. A must-try for those seeking a tough challenge.
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System WorksDragon Ball FighterZ, with its modern graphics and game design, is an excellent entry point into the Dragon Ball universe. Its epic battles, explosive effects, and simple yet masterable gameplay make it perfect for evening hangouts with friends.
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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its classic and brutal combat. By removing unnecessary elements and focusing on a balanced combat system, it set a new standard for the series, holding its own against later installments.
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease date: August 21, 2018Developer: FRENCH-BREADUnder Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] is defined by its style, featuring deeply developed characters and a top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation might not appeal to all Western fans, its inclusion in EVO 2020 tournaments highlights its competitive depth.
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Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with its 13 million copies sold, brings together nearly all recognizable Nintendo characters. Its low entry barrier and deep gameplay, enhanced by character attributes like weight and movement speed, make it a beloved title.
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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSPersona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a stylish and powerful visual experience within the Persona universe. Its high entry barrier is offset by exciting, dynamic combat, making it a great choice for fans familiar with the franchise and fighting games.
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Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.Them’s Fightin' Herds stands out with its unique roster of animal fighters, offering serious battles without typical brutality. Its art style, by Lauren Faust, makes it perfect for younger gamers while maintaining a solid combat system.
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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8's warmly received return maintains the series' legendary status. With minor updates to its proven combat mechanics and top-notch graphics, it's an excellent choice for those looking to delve into the series.
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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, an expansion of the original, introduced new fighters and the ultra-combo choice. Its upgraded graphics and new modes paved the way for the "Ultra" version and the modern classic Street Fighter 6.
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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee, a high-rated and best-selling GameCube title, is simple yet deep, engaging, and fun. Its inclusion in EVO tournaments and the famous "Wombo Combo" meme highlight its legendary status in the industry.
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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: March 13, 2020Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System WorksGranblue Fantasy: Versus blends Victorian architecture, medieval knights, and magic into a stylish and beautiful fighting game. Its solid combat mechanics, while initially seeming simplistic, offer endless depth and complexity upon exploration.
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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease date: April 23, 2019Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, ShiverMortal Kombat 11 Ultimate focuses on balancing, new modes, and extensive customization options. Its brutal arenas and fights, along with features like the Krypt and custom fighting styles, make it ideal for newcomers to the genre.
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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2 gained worldwide popularity due to its massive character roster and great combat, despite using old sprites. As a pioneering title in the genre, it offers a nostalgic yet engaging experience.
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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: April 20, 2016Developer: FRENCH-BREADMelty Blood Actress Again Current Code, set in the Melty Blood universe, offers a simple yet deep combat system. Its stylish moments and active online mode make it an immersive experience, despite feeling somewhat outdated.
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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: February 13, 2014Developer: Arc System WorksBlazBlue: 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.
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Metascore: 92Link: SteamRelease date: June 2, 2023Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.Street Fighter 6 represents the pinnacle of the genre, offering a simple yet deep gameplay experience. Its top-notch graphics and friendly, non-violent atmosphere make it a must-play while it's at the peak of its fame.
Fighting games have remained a niche genre throughout their history, appealing to a dedicated fanbase but not as broadly as AAA open-world projects. Within this niche, however, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Do you have any favorite games in this genre? Share them in the comments!
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