Fighting games hold a special allure for gamers worldwide, largely due to their emphasis on dynamic multiplayer experiences. These virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect arena for both friendly matches with friends and intense online showdowns with global competitors.
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Over the years, developers have crafted a legacy of iconic titles that have not only captivated fans but also significantly influenced the gaming industry. Our curated list of the top 30 best fighting games takes into account their popularity, impact, depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and contributions to the genre's evolution.
Dive into this collection to discover both timeless classics and modern masterpieces that serve as perfect entry points into one of gaming's most beloved genres. Let’s explore!
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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 0 0 Comment on this Mortal Kombat
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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 13, 1993Developer: MidwayStarting with a legend, Mortal Kombat from 1993 revolutionized the genre. Released during the early days of home consoles, it set the standard for arena battles between two fighters, emphasizing combos and fierce competition. While Street Fighter was popular in Eastern markets, Mortal Kombat captured the Western audience's imagination. Though it's no longer playable due to evolving trends, its legacy as a cornerstone of fighting games endures.
Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition
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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, though less known than Mortal Kombat, is celebrated in enthusiast circles for its refined balance and dynamic gameplay. The series is enhanced by its vibrant soundtrack, with each character boasting a unique theme that reflects their personality and backstory. Its diverse roster, ranging from street boxers to fantastical creatures like vampires and dinosaurs, offers a low entry barrier, allowing players to quickly master stylish combos.
SoulCalibur
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Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulReleased in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains a visual marvel. Unlike many fighting games, it focuses on weapon-based combat and allows movement in 3D space, adding strategic depth. Its realistic graphics and emphasis on quick dashes and spatial awareness set it apart, ensuring its place at the top of the genre.
Skullgirls: 2nd Encore
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: July 7, 2015 Developer: Hidden Variable StudiosSkullgirls: 2nd Encore stands out with its unique visual style and engaging animations. Despite a modest roster, each character is richly developed with their own story mode and creative moveset. While it doesn't reinvent the genre, its meticulous design and enjoyable gameplay make it a standout title.
Lethal League
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileLethal League breaks the mold by introducing a baseball mechanic into the fighting game formula. This innovative approach results in fast-paced battles where players must use the ball to perform combos, with damage escalating as the ball speeds up. Accompanied by energetic music, it's a fresh take that appeals to genre veterans seeking something new.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Capcom's expertise in crossovers shines with Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars. While the combat system may be simpler, its vibrant and colorful presentation appeals to Japanese audiences and offers a fun, casual experience perfect for playing with friends.
Samurai Shodown
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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown stands out with its deliberate, slow-paced gameplay reminiscent of a falling cherry blossom. Its visual design, inspired by classical Japanese art, complements the thoughtful combat, making it a must-play for fans of both fighting games and traditional aesthetics.
Ultra Street Fighter IV
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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, launched five years later, added new fighters, moves, and improved balance. While the PS4 version faced some criticism for technical issues, the Steam release offers a smooth experience of this legendary franchise.
Super Street Fighter II
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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II, released in 1993, became a classic that showcased the genre's potential for commercial success. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages drew gamers to arcades worldwide. A 2017 remake, though, didn't meet the same acclaim.
Tekken 3
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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3, a seminal title for the PlayStation, introduced innovations like sidestepping and parrying, alongside stunning graphics improvements. Its vibrant characters and combat system made it a must-play, and it remains a classic worth revisiting.
Injustice 2: Legendary Edition
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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease Date: March 28, 2018Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOCInjustice 2 brings the DC universe to life, allowing players to pit iconic heroes against each other. With less violence than its competitors, it offers a lower entry barrier but requires significant time investment to master.
Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes
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Metascore: 82Release Date: March 23, 2000Developer: CapcomDespite legal issues delaying its sequel, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes remains beloved for its extensive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters. While it may not have aged well, it's still a great introduction to the classics.
Guilty Gear Strive
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System WorksGuilty Gear Strive represents the pinnacle of the franchise with its stunning visuals and detailed combat. The game's mechanics, including the controversial wall-breaking feature, offer both familiarity and innovation, making it a top choice for genre enthusiasts.
Arcana Heart
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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart is a visually striking game featuring an all-female cast and elemental spirits called Arcana. Its solid combat and unique style make it a compelling choice for fans of anime and fighting games.
The King of Fighters XIII
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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII stands out with its complex and unforgiving mechanics. Its perfect balance of visuals and gameplay makes it a challenging yet rewarding experience for those looking to test their skills.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System WorksDragon Ball FighterZ offers a modern take on the iconic franchise, with epic battles and explosive effects. Its simple yet deep gameplay is perfect for both newcomers and seasoned players.
Mortal Kombat 9
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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its focus on classic, high-quality, and brutal combat. By removing unnecessary elements and concentrating on balanced fights, it set a new standard for the series.
Under Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r]
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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease date: August 21, 2018Developer: FRENCH-BREADUnder Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] is defined by its stylish characters and top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation may not appeal to all, its inclusion in the EVO 2020 tournament highlights its competitive merit.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
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Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.Super Smash Bros. Brawl's success lies in its accessibility and depth, featuring a vast array of Nintendo characters. Its simple mechanics allow players to quickly reach high levels, while character attributes add strategic layers to battles.
Persona 4 Arena Ultimax
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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSDespite a high entry barrier, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a rich experience for fans of the Persona series. Its stylish visuals and dynamic combat, crafted by Arc System Works, make it a standout title.
Them’s Fightin' Herds
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Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.Them’s Fightin' Herds offers a unique take on the genre with its animal fighters and lack of typical violence. Its solid combat system and art style make it an excellent choice for younger gamers.
Tekken 8
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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8 continues the series' legacy with minor updates to its proven combat mechanics. Its top-notch graphics and engaging story make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Super Street Fighter IV
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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV introduced significant updates to the original game, including new fighters and the ultra-combo selection. Its role in paving the way for future entries in the series is undeniable.
Super Smash Bros. Melee
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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee's simple yet deep gameplay earned it a place in the EVO tournament and popular culture, notably with the "Wombo Combo" meme. It remains a beloved classic.
Granblue Fantasy: Versus
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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: March 13, 2020Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System WorksGranblue Fantasy: Versus combines Victorian architecture, medieval knights, and magic into a visually stunning experience. Its seemingly simple combat system hides a deep and complex gameplay that rewards exploration.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
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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. Its brutal combat and engaging features, like the Krypt, make it ideal for newcomers, despite some grind elements.
Capcom vs. SNK 2
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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2 gained worldwide acclaim for its massive character roster and great combat. Despite some outdated visuals, its fan service and gameplay make it a genre favorite.
Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code
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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: April 20, 2016Developer: FRENCH-BREADMelty Blood Actress Again Current Code offers a simple yet deep combat system within the Melty Blood universe. Its active online community and stylish moments make it a worthwhile experience.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
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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. While it has some technical issues, its engaging story and gameplay make it worth exploring.
Street Fighter 6
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Metascore: 92Link: SteamRelease date: June 2, 2023Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.Street Fighter 6 epitomizes the genre with its simple yet deep mechanics and top-notch graphics. Its friendly community and high online presence make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
Fighting games, though a niche genre, have cultivated a dedicated fanbase worldwide. While they may not attract the mass appeal of AAA open-world titles, they offer hidden gems that deserve recognition. Do you have a favorite fighting game? Share your picks in the comments below!
