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 friendly competition or challenging online opponents. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles. This list considers not just popularity and industry influence, but also 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!

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) redefined the fighting game landscape. Released during the early home console era, its influence is undeniable, establishing core gameplay elements: arena combat, two fighters, and combo systems. While Street Fighter predates it, Mortal Kombat's impact on the Western market was significantly greater. Although no longer directly playable in its original form, its legacy remains paramount in fighting game 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. Each character's unique musical theme enhances their personality. The diverse roster—from street boxers to werewolves—offers low barrier to entry, making it accessible to newcomers while rewarding skilled players.

SoulCalibur

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

Originally released for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat focuses on weapon-based fighting in a 3D space, offering unique movement and strategic depth absent in many contemporaries. The ability to move in eight directions added a layer of tactical complexity, emphasizing positioning and distance management.

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 meticulously designed with distinctive moves and combos, making them a joy to master. A well-crafted and stylish fighting game that delivers a satisfying experience.

Lethal League

Metascore: 82
Link: Steam
Release Date: August 27, 2014
Developer: Team Reptile

Lethal League innovates by replacing traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, ball-based system. The faster the ball moves, the more damage it inflicts, creating intense and dynamic gameplay accompanied by energetic music. A refreshing take on the genre.

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 might not appeal to all, but its bright visuals and memorable characters make it ideal for casual play 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, contrasting with faster-paced fighters. Its beautiful visuals, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, create a unique and immersive experience.

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 adds new characters, moves, and improved balance to the already dynamic and engaging gameplay of its predecessor. Available on Steam, it offers a refined experience.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A foundational title in the genre, Super Street Fighter II's colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide. Its record-breaking sales cemented its place in gaming history.

Tekken 3

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

A landmark title for the original PlayStation, Tekken 3 featured greatly improved graphics, new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, and a spectacular, colorful combat system. Its popularity was widespread, making it a true classic.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

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

Injustice 2 perfectly captures the DC universe, pitting iconic characters against each other in engaging combat. While the gameplay is familiar, it offers a less violent experience with a relatively low barrier to entry.

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. Its three-on-three battles were innovative for their time, although its age shows in its visuals.

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 addition of wall breaks adds a new dimension to the gameplay, making it a strong entry point for 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 cast and unique elemental spirits ("Arcana") that assist characters in battle. Its solid combat and distinctive art style make it a worthwhile experience.

The King of Fighters XIII

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

A critically acclaimed entry in the long-running King of Fighters series, known for its complex and unforgiving combat system. A challenging but rewarding experience for seasoned fighting game players.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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

Dragon Ball FighterZ captures the epic scale and explosive action of the Dragon Ball universe with stunning visuals and accessible yet deep gameplay.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

A pivotal entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, Mortal Kombat 9 revitalized the series with its balanced combat system and brutal action. A strong foundation for future installments.

Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r]

Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late

Metascore: 82
Link: Steam
Release date: August 21, 2018
Developer: FRENCH-BREAD

Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] features a stylish anime aesthetic and a refined combat system. Its unique mechanics and depth make it a competitive choice.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A massive crossover featuring a huge roster of Nintendo characters, Super Smash Bros. Brawl offers accessible yet deep gameplay, making it a hit with casual and competitive players alike.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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

A stylish and engaging fighter based on the Persona universe, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for fans of the series and fighting game veterans.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighter featuring animal characters, Them's Fightin' Herds offers a family-friendly experience without sacrificing depth or complexity.

Tekken 8

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

Tekken 8 refines the classic Tekken formula with updated visuals and a new health recovery mechanic, offering a polished and engaging experience.

Super Street Fighter IV

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

A significant step in the Street Fighter IV saga, introducing the ability to choose ultra combos and adding new characters, paving the way for future installments.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Metascore: 92
Release date: November 21, 2001
Developer: HAL Laboratory

A critically acclaimed and highly influential entry in the Smash Bros. series, known for its simple yet deep gameplay and lasting impact on the fighting game community.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

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

A visually stunning fighter based on the popular Granblue Fantasy franchise, offering deceptively deep gameplay beneath its accessible surface.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

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

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate refines the series' formula with improved balance, new modes, and extensive customization options, creating a polished and brutal fighting experience.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

Capcom vs SNK 2

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

A crossover featuring a massive roster of Capcom and SNK characters, offering a fast-paced and engaging experience despite its dated visuals.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

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

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code offers a stylish anime aesthetic and accessible yet deep gameplay, making it a solid choice for both newcomers and veterans.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

Metascore: 86
Link: Steam
Release date: February 13, 2014
Developer: Arc System Works

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger features a unique combat system and stylish visuals, though some technical issues persist.

Street Fighter 6

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

Street Fighter 6 represents a pinnacle of the genre, offering polished gameplay, stunning visuals, and a welcoming online community. A must-have for fighting game enthusiasts.

While fighting games remain a niche genre, their dedicated fanbase remains passionate. What are your favorite fighting games? Share them in the comments!