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 to test your skills against friends or challenge online opponents worldwide. Decades of development have yielded countless iconic titles, and this list celebrates the best, considering not only popularity and influence, but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the genre.

Presenting the top 30 best fighting games of all time—a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces that offer an excellent entry point into this thrilling genre. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, there's something here for you. 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

Let's begin with the legendary 1993 Mortal Kombat. Released during the early days of home consoles, it became a genre-defining title, influencing countless fighting games that followed. Its impact is undeniable, establishing core gameplay elements like the arena-based, two-fighter format and the foundation for combo systems. While Street Fighter predates it, Mortal Kombat's impact on the Western market was far more significant. Although no longer playable in its original form, its legacy remains firmly cemented in gaming history.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

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

Almost as old as Mortal Kombat, Killer Instinct enjoys a dedicated following who consider it among the best fighting games ever created. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack contribute to its enduring appeal. Each character boasts a unique musical theme reflecting their personality and backstory. The diverse and charismatic roster—from street boxers to vampires, dinosaurs, and werewolves—features unique traits while maintaining an accessible gameplay curve, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp the basics and execute stylish combos.

SoulCalibur

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

Released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains renowned for its stunning visuals. Instead of relying on flashy, exaggerated movements, it focuses on grounded combat utilizing a variety of weapons. Its unique 3D movement system, allowing movement across eight horizontal directions, added a layer of depth not seen in many contemporaries, emphasizing strategic positioning and spacing in addition to attacks.

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 relatively small roster, each character is meticulously designed with distinctive moves and combo sets, making them a joy to learn and master. Though not revolutionary, it's a polished and enjoyable fighting game experience.

Lethal League

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

Lethal League cleverly subverts the traditional fighting game formula by replacing hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, baseball-based mechanic. The speed of the ball directly impacts damage, leading to intense and dynamic battles set to an upbeat soundtrack. A refreshing take on the genre, particularly for seasoned players seeking something new.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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

A fun and memorable crossover featuring a simple combat system. While its appeal may not be universal, its bright, colorful style and somewhat 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 a deliberate and thoughtful pace, contrasting with faster-paced fighters. Its slow, methodical combat emphasizes precision and impactful strikes, complemented by beautiful visuals inspired by classical Japanese art.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

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

An enhanced version of the acclaimed Street Fighter IV, Ultra Street Fighter IV adds new characters, moves, and improved balance to the already dynamic and energetic gameplay. The Steam version offers a smoother experience than its console counterpart.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A timeless classic that helped establish the fighting game genre's popularity. Its colorful characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide.

Tekken 3

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

A highly influential title for the original PlayStation, Tekken 3 boasted significant improvements in graphics and introduced new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, enhancing the already spectacular and colorful combat system.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

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

Injustice 2 brings the DC universe to life, pitting iconic characters against each other in a relatively accessible yet deeply rewarding fighting game.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

Metascore: 82
Release Date: March 23, 2000
Developer: Capcom

A beloved crossover featuring a vast roster of Marvel and Capcom characters, allowing for three-on-three battles. While showing its age, 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, featuring the series' signature special move cancel mechanics and the controversial wall-break mechanic. A top-tier entry in 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 unique elemental spirits that assist characters in battle.

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.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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

A visually stunning and action-packed fighter based on the popular Dragon Ball franchise, offering accessible yet deep gameplay.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

A successful reboot of the Mortal Kombat franchise, focusing on balanced combat and brutal action.

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 a deep and rewarding combat system, though the animation style may not appeal to all.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A massively popular crossover featuring a wide array of Nintendo characters, known for its accessible yet surprisingly deep gameplay.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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

A stylish and fast-paced fighter based on the Persona universe, featuring a challenging but rewarding combat system.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighting game featuring animal characters, offering a less violent and more accessible experience.

Tekken 8

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

A highly-rated return to form for the Tekken franchise, offering refined gameplay and stunning visuals.

Super Street Fighter IV

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

An expansion to Street Fighter IV, introducing new characters, ultra combos, and improved graphics.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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

A critically acclaimed and highly influential 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 visually impressive fighter based on the Granblue Fantasy universe, featuring a deceptively deep combat system.

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 refined combat experience and extensive customization options.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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

A popular crossover featuring a massive roster of characters from Capcom and SNK franchises.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

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

A stylish anime fighter with an accessible 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 combat system with stunning visuals and a vibrant online community.

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