The Best Fighting Games of All Time

Fighting games have always captivated gamers worldwide, primarily due to their emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect arena for facing friends or battling online opponents. Over the decades, developers have gifted us countless iconic titles. This list considers not only popularity and industry impact, but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and contributions to genre evolution. Presenting the top 30 best fighting games of all time—a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces, perfect for newcomers and veterans alike. Let's dive in!

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) set the standard for countless fighting games. Released during the early home console era, its impact on the genre is undeniable, establishing the core formula: arena combat between two fighters, utilizing combos. While Street Fighter predates it, Mortal Kombat dominated the Western market, leaving an indelible mark on gaming history, though sadly, not playable in its original form today.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

Metascore: 86
Link: Microsoft Store
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy

A near-contemporary of Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct enjoys a devoted following, praised for its balanced gameplay and energetic soundtrack. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, enhancing the experience. The diverse roster, featuring a street boxer, vampire, dinosaur, and werewolf, among others, offers varied gameplay styles with a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to newcomers.

SoulCalibur

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

Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat, focused on weaponry and 3D movement across eight directions, offered a fresh take on the genre. The emphasis on positioning and strategic dashes, unlike many contemporaries, 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 animation. While boasting a smaller roster, each character is meticulously designed with creative moves and combos, making the learning curve a rewarding experience. A well-crafted fighter without reinventing the wheel.

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, creating intense and dynamic battles set to energetic music. A unique entry for fighting game veterans.

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 Tatsunoko and Capcom universes. Its simple combat system might not appeal to all Western players, but its bright visuals and memorable characters make it perfect 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 combat, contrasting with faster-paced fighters. Its stunning visuals, heavily influenced by classical Japanese art, are a highlight. A strong choice for fans of both fighting games and Japanese aesthetics.

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. While the initial PS4 release faced technical issues, the Steam version offers a polished experience of this dynamic and engaging title.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A groundbreaking classic that redefined the genre's commercial success. Its vibrant characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide, cementing its place in gaming history.

Tekken 3

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

A PlayStation classic, Tekken 3 boasted improved graphics, new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, and a spectacular combat system. Its colorful characters and dynamic gameplay made it a cultural phenomenon.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

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

Injustice 2 delivers a compelling DC Universe experience, pitting iconic heroes against each other. While the gameplay is familiar, its lower violence and accessibility make it a great entry point for newcomers.

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. Despite its age, it remains a nostalgic favorite.

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. Its stylish presentation and deep mechanics make it a top choice for both series veterans and newcomers.

Arcana Heart

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

An anime-styled fighter with an all-female roster and unique elemental spirits assisting characters in battle. Its solid combat and charming aesthetic 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. Its complex and unforgiving combat system presents a significant challenge, rewarding mastery and strategic play.

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. Its accessible yet deep gameplay makes it perfect for both casual and competitive play.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

A successful reboot that revitalized the Mortal Kombat franchise. Its balanced combat and brutal action remain highly engaging.

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

A stylish anime fighter with a deep and rewarding combat system. While its 2D animation might not appeal to all, its gameplay is top-notch.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A massive crossover featuring a huge roster of Nintendo characters. Its accessible gameplay and depth make it a classic.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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

A stylish and dynamic fighter set in the Persona universe. Its high skill ceiling and rewarding gameplay will appeal to dedicated fighting game fans.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighter featuring animal characters in a family-friendly setting. Its solid combat system and charming art style make it a great option for younger players.

Tekken 8

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

A refined and polished entry in the Tekken franchise, featuring updated mechanics and stunning visuals.

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 enhanced graphics.

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.

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.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

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

A polished and balanced entry in the Mortal Kombat series, offering a great experience for newcomers.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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.

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.

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.

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 experience with stunning visuals and deep gameplay.

Fighting games, while a niche genre, offer a wealth of hidden gems. What are your favorites? Share them in the comments!