The Best Fighting Games of All Time

Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, largely due to their emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Virtual arenas offer the perfect stage for battling friends or challenging online opponents. Over the decades, developers have crafted 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—a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces, offering an excellent entry point into this popular 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

Mortal Kombat

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

The legendary Mortal Kombat (1993) set the stage for countless fighting games. Its influence is undeniable, establishing the core formula: arena combat between two fighters using combos. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat dominated the Western market, solidifying its place in history. Though no longer playable in its original form, its impact on the genre remains profound.

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. Each character features a unique musical theme, enhancing their personality. The diverse roster, ranging from a street boxer to a dinosaur, offers low barrier to entry gameplay, making it accessible to newcomers while rewarding skilled players.

SoulCalibur

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

Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat, focusing on weapon-based battles in 3D space, provided a unique experience. The ability to move in eight directions added depth, emphasizing strategic positioning and dashes alongside attacks. SoulCalibur's innovative approach continues to resonate.

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 featuring a smaller roster, each character is distinct and boasts a dedicated story mode. The creative moves and combo sets make mastering each character a rewarding experience. 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 take on the genre, Lethal League replaces traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, baseball-based mechanic. The speed of the ball dictates damage, leading to intense and dynamic battles set to upbeat music. A great choice for those seeking a unique fighting game experience.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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

A fun crossover featuring characters from Tatsunoko and Capcom universes. Its simple combat system might not appeal to all, but its bright visuals and memorable characters make it a great casual option for fun with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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

A successful reboot, Samurai Shodown offers slow, deliberate gameplay, emphasizing precise sword strikes. Its visual design, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, is a significant strength. A thoughtful and visually appealing fighting game.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

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

An enhanced version of Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV features new characters, moves, and improved balance. The dynamic and energetic gameplay remains a highlight, though its initial PS4 release suffered from technical issues. The Steam version provides a smoother, more enjoyable 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 in arcades and on consoles. A true classic of the era.

Tekken 3

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

A best-selling PlayStation title, Tekken 3 featured significant improvements in graphics and gameplay mechanics, including sidestepping and parrying. Its spectacular visuals and refined combat system cemented its status as a classic.

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. While the gameplay is familiar, it features less violence than some competitors. It offers a low barrier to entry but requires significant practice for mastery.

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 creates unique strategic possibilities. While showing its age graphically, it remains a significant entry in the genre's history.

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. The stylish animations and special effects are a highlight. The inclusion of wall breaks adds a new dimension to the gameplay, though it's been met with some controversy.

Arcana Heart

Metascore: 77
Release date: October 11, 2007
Developer: Yuki Enterprise

An anime-styled fighter featuring an all-female roster. The inclusion of Arcana—elemental spirits—adds a unique layer to the gameplay. Solid combat and striking visuals are its key strengths.

The King of Fighters XIII

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

A critically acclaimed entry in a long-running series. The complex and unforgiving fighting mechanics challenge even experienced players. A rewarding experience for those seeking a high skill ceiling.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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

A visually stunning adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe. Epic battles, explosive effects, and accessible yet deep gameplay make it a great choice for both fans and newcomers.

Mortal Kombat 9

Metascore: 86
Link: Steam
Release date: April 19, 2011
Developer: NetherRealm Studios

A successful reboot that revitalized the Mortal Kombat franchise. It features balanced combat and brutal action. A solid entry point for newcomers to the series.

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 well-developed characters and a top-notch combat system. The 2D animation might not appeal to all, but the gameplay is highly regarded.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A massively popular crossover featuring Nintendo characters. Its accessible gameplay and deep mechanics make it appealing to a wide range of players.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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

A stylish and fast-paced fighter set in the Persona universe. The high skill ceiling and demanding gameplay make it a rewarding challenge for experienced players.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighter featuring animal characters. Its approachable gameplay and family-friendly art style make it a great option for younger gamers.

Tekken 8

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

A highly-rated and well-received return to form for the Tekken series. It features refined gameplay and stunning visuals.

Super Street Fighter IV

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

Another significant entry in the Street Fighter series, introducing new characters and features. It paved the way for future installments.

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. Its simple yet deep gameplay continues to be enjoyed by many.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

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

A stylish and visually impressive fighter based on the popular Granblue Fantasy game. It offers deceptively complex gameplay beneath its simple exterior.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

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

A refined and polished entry in the Mortal Kombat series, focusing on balance and customization options. A great option for newcomers to the series.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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

A popular crossover featuring a massive roster of Capcom and SNK characters. While the graphics show their age, the gameplay remains engaging.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

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

A stylish and accessible fighter with a simple yet deep combat system. Despite its age, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a less demanding experience.

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. Despite some technical issues, its story and gameplay are noteworthy.

Street Fighter 6

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

A modern classic and a potential genre-defining title. Its refined gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging online features make it a must-play for fighting game fans.

Fighting games, while a niche genre, hold a dedicated fanbase. Share your favorite fighting games in the comments!