The Best Fighting Games of All Time

Fighting games have always held a special place in gaming history, largely due to their intensely competitive multiplayer focus. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for showdowns with friends or online rivals. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles. This list considers popularity, industry impact, 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 alongside modern masterpieces, perfect for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Let the battles begin!

Explore our other game collections: Best Games, Shooters, Survival, Horrors, Platformer, Adventures, Simulators

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 1993 Mortal Kombat. A cornerstone of the genre, its influence on countless fighting games is undeniable. It established the core formula: arena combat, two fighters, and combo-based attacks. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat's impact on the Western gaming market was monumental, even if it's no longer directly playable today. Its legacy remains untarnished.

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 dedicated following, lauded for its balanced gameplay and energetic soundtrack. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, enhancing the overall experience. The diverse and charismatic roster, featuring a street boxer, vampire, dinosaur, and werewolf, among others, is a highlight. Its accessible gameplay makes it enjoyable for both newcomers and veterans.

SoulCalibur

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

Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Its grounded combat, emphasizing weapon-based fighting across a 3D space, set it apart. The ability to move in eight horizontal directions added depth, focusing not only on attacks but strategic movement and spacing—a refreshing change from its contemporaries. Its innovative gameplay remains a genre high point.

Skullgirls: 2nd Encore

Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release Date: July 7, 2015 Developer: Hidden Variable Studios

A stylish fighter with a unique visual aesthetic. Its charming animations and diverse, well-designed characters (despite a smaller roster) are complemented by individual story modes. The creatively designed characters and their unique move sets are a major draw. While not revolutionary, it's a polished and enjoyable 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, ball-based mechanic. The faster the ball moves, the more damage it inflicts, leading to intense, dynamic matches set to an upbeat soundtrack. A highly recommended choice for those seeking a fresh perspective on fighting games.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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

A vibrant and memorable crossover featuring a relatively simple combat system, which may not appeal to all tastes but remains a fan favorite. Its bright, colorful style and slightly chaotic nature make it ideal for casual play with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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

A successful reboot, Samurai Shodown offers deliberate, slower-paced gameplay compared to many other entries in the genre. Its elegant, slow-motion combat and striking visual design, 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 the critically acclaimed Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV features new characters, moves, and improved balance. While the console release had issues, the Steam version provides a smoother, more enjoyable experience of this dynamic and engaging title.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A seminal classic that defined the early days of the genre. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated audiences worldwide, setting sales records in the process. Its enduring appeal highlights its timeless design.

Tekken 3

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

A PlayStation classic, Tekken 3 boasted significant improvements over its predecessors, including enhanced graphics, new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, and a spectacular, colorful combat system. Its popularity remains a testament to its innovative design and engaging gameplay.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

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

A compelling DC Comics adaptation, Injustice 2 lets players pit iconic heroes and villains against each other. While the gameplay is familiar, it offers a less violent experience with a relatively low barrier to entry, although mastering it requires significant dedication.

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 and legal complexities surrounding its sequel, it remains a nostalgic favorite for its sheer volume of characters and classic gameplay.

Guilty Gear Strive

Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release Date: June 11, 2021 Developer: Arc System Works

A visually stunning and mechanically deep entry in the Guilty Gear franchise. Its detailed visuals, impressive special effects, and refined combat system, including the ability to break level walls, make it a standout title in both the franchise and the genre.

Arcana Heart

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

An anime-styled fighter featuring an all-female roster and the unique "Arcana" mechanic, where elemental spirits assist characters in battle. Its solid combat and distinctive art style make it a noteworthy entry.

The King of Fighters XIII

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

A highly regarded entry in the long-running King of Fighters series, known for its complex and unforgiving mechanics. Its deep gameplay and challenging nature reward dedicated players.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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

A visually spectacular adaptation of the Dragon Ball universe, featuring epic battles, explosive effects, and accessible yet deep gameplay. Its stylish presentation and engaging combat make it a perfect choice for casual and competitive play.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

A revitalizing entry in the Mortal Kombat franchise, focusing on balanced combat and brutal action. Its streamlined design and refined gameplay helped reinvigorate 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. Despite potentially divisive animation, its gameplay is highly regarded.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A massively popular crossover featuring a vast array of Nintendo characters and accessible gameplay, balanced by character-specific attributes that add depth to the battles.

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, offering deep and engaging combat for fans of the franchise.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighter featuring animal characters, offering a less violent and more accessible experience, perfect for younger players.

Tekken 8

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

A refined and visually impressive entry in the Tekken series, featuring updated mechanics and stunning graphics.

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 graphical improvements.

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, known for its deep and engaging gameplay.

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 feature-rich entry in the Mortal Kombat series, offering refined combat, customization options, and engaging modes.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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

A 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 set in the Melty Blood universe.

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, offering refined and accessible combat with impressive graphics and a vibrant online community.

Fighting games remain a niche genre, yet their dedicated fanbase is global. Share your favorites in the comments!