Fighting games have carved out a special niche in the gaming world, captivating players with their intense multiplayer action. These virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for thrilling showdowns, whether you're facing off against friends or challenging opponents online.

Image: theouterhaven.net

Over the years, developers have crafted numerous iconic titles that have not only gained widespread popularity but have also significantly influenced the gaming industry. Our curated list of the top 30 best fighting games of all time takes into account factors such as popularity, industry impact, gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and contributions to the genre's evolution. Whether you're a fan of timeless classics or eager to explore modern masterpieces, this collection serves as an excellent starting point for diving into one of the most beloved video game genres. Let's dive in!

We also encourage you to explore our other collections:

Best GamesShootersSurvivalHorrorsPlatformersAdventuresSimulatorsTable 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 0 0 Comment on this Mortal Kombat

Image: syfy.com

Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 13, 1993Developer: MidwayMortal Kombat, released in 1993, stands as a legendary title that ignited the fighting game genre. It set the standard with its arena-based battles, two-fighter matchups, and intricate combos. While Street Fighter had already made waves in the East, Mortal Kombat captured the Western market's imagination. Although no longer playable today, its impact on the industry remains undeniable, cementing its status as one of the greatest fighting games ever.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

Image: hobbyconsolas.com

Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, though not as widely recognized as Mortal Kombat, holds a special place among fighting game enthusiasts. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack create an immersive experience. The diverse character roster, featuring everything from street boxers to werewolves, offers unique traits and an accessible entry point for newcomers to master stylish combos.

SoulCalibur

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulSoulCalibur, launched in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, remains a visual masterpiece. Its grounded combat, focusing on weapon-based battles, and the ability to move in 3D space added depth and freshness to the genre. The game's excellent graphics and innovative gameplay continue to place it at the pinnacle of fighting games.

Skullgirls: 2nd Encore

Image: moddb.com

Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: July 7, 2015 Developer: Hidden Variable StudiosSkullgirls: 2nd Encore stands out with its unique visual style and meticulously designed characters. Each fighter boasts a distinct story mode and creative moves, making learning them a joy. While it may not have revolutionized the genre, it remains a well-crafted and enjoyable fighting game.

Lethal League

Image: steam.com

Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileLethal League breaks the mold with its innovative baseball-based combat mechanic. The fast-paced battles, driven by the ball's increasing speed and damage, offer a fresh experience for genre veterans. Coupled with an energetic soundtrack, it's a must-try for those seeking something new.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Image: giantbomb.com

Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars showcases Capcom's prowess in crossover fighting games. Its simple yet engaging combat system, popular in Japan, offers a fun and casual experience perfect for gatherings with friends.

Samurai Shodown

Image: twinfinite.net

Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown's slow and deliberate gameplay, inspired by classical Japanese art, offers a unique experience. Its thoughtful combat and stunning visuals make it a must-play for fans of both fighting games and Japanese aesthetics.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

Image: gamingdragons.com

Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: CapcomUltra Street Fighter IV revitalized the genre with its dynamic gameplay and new fighters. Despite initial issues on the PS4, the Steam version offers a smooth experience, making it a standout in the legendary Street Fighter series.

Super Street Fighter II

Image: x.com

Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II, a classic from 1993, showcased the potential of the gaming industry with its record-breaking sales. Its colorful fighters, impressive combos, and well-designed locations captivated players worldwide, setting a benchmark for the genre.

Tekken 3

Image: thekingofgrabs.com

Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3, a beloved classic, introduced innovations like sidestepping and parrying, alongside stunning graphics. Its spectacular and colorful combat system made it a must-play for PlayStation owners, earning it a place among the best-selling games of its time.

Injustice 2: Legendary Edition

Image: wbgames.com

Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease Date: March 28, 2018Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOCInjustice 2 brings the DC universe to life with its iconic characters and accessible gameplay. While it may not differ drastically from its competitors, its lower entry barrier and engaging combat make it a great choice for both newcomers and seasoned players.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

Image: reddit.com

Metascore: 82Release Date: March 23, 2000Developer: CapcomMarvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, despite legal issues delaying its sequel, remains beloved for its extensive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters. Its fast-paced battles and iconic heroes make it a classic introduction to the genre.

Guilty Gear Strive

Image: instant-gaming.com

Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System WorksGuilty Gear Strive showcases Arc System Works' creativity with its stunning visuals and detailed combat. Its innovative mechanics, including level wall-breaking, make it a standout title for both genre newcomers and veterans.

Arcana Heart

Image: videogamesnewyork.com

Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart brings anime flair to the fighting game genre with its all-female cast and elemental spirits. Its solid combat and excellent stylization make it a unique and enjoyable experience.

The King of Fighters XIII

Image: animenewsnetwork.com

Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII, part of a legendary series, is celebrated for its complex and unforgiving combat mechanics. Its perfect visuals and gameplay make it a challenging yet rewarding experience for dedicated players.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Image: fightersgeneration.com

Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System WorksDragon Ball FighterZ captures the essence of the legendary franchise with its modern graphics and engaging gameplay. Its epic battles and simple yet deep mechanics make it perfect for both newcomers and fans of the series.

Mortal Kombat 9

Image: ziedrich.wordpress.com

Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its classic and brutal combat. By focusing on a balanced system and high-quality fights, it set a new standard for the series, holding its own against later installments.

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

Image: twobeardgaming.wordpress.com

Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease date: August 21, 2018Developer: FRENCH-BREADUnder Night In-Birth Exe: Late[cl-r] stands out with 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 depth.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Image: reddit.com

Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with its massive sales and low entry barrier, brought together Nintendo's iconic characters in a fun and engaging way. Its depth, achieved through character attributes, made it a beloved title among players of all ages.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSPersona 4 Arena Ultimax, while not the best entry point into the Persona universe, offers a high-quality fighting experience. Its stylish visuals and dynamic combat, developed by Arc System Works, make it a must-try for fans of both the franchise and the genre.

Them’s Fightin' Herds

Image: equestriadaily.com

Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.Them’s Fightin' Herds offers a unique twist on the genre with its animal fighters and Lauren Faust's art style. Its solid combat system and lack of excessive violence make it an ideal choice for younger gamers.

Tekken 8

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8's return was met with acclaim for its refined combat mechanics and stunning graphics. Its minor updates and familiar gameplay make it a great entry point into the series for new players.

Super Street Fighter IV

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, an expansion of the original, introduced new fighters and ultra-combos. Its upgraded graphics and new modes marked a significant step in the series' history, paving the way for future installments.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Image: youtube.com

Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee, a high-rated and best-selling GameCube title, offered simple yet deep gameplay. Its inclusion in the EVO tournament and the iconic "Wombo Combo" meme cemented its place in gaming history.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

Image: x.com

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 reveals depth and complexity upon exploration, making it a compelling choice for players.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

Image: nintendo-online.de

Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease date: April 23, 2019Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, ShiverMortal Kombat 11 Ultimate focused on balancing, new modes, and customization options. Its brutal arenas and combat, along with the Krypt and custom fighting styles, make it an ideal entry point for newcomers to the genre.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

Image: maniac.de

Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2 gained worldwide popularity with its massive character roster and great combat. Despite using old sprites, its fan service and engaging gameplay make it a beloved title among fans.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

Image: arcsystemworks.com

Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: April 20, 2016Developer: FRENCH-BREADMelty Blood Actress Again Current Code, while feeling outdated, offers a simple yet engaging combat system. Its active online mode and stylish visuals make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

Image: siliconera.com

Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: February 13, 2014Developer: Arc System WorksBlazBlue: Calamity Trigger, a classic 2D fighting game, offers stylish visuals and a unique combat system. Despite some bugs, its excellent story and engaging gameplay make it worth exploring.

Street Fighter 6

Image: psu.com

Metascore: 92Link: SteamRelease date: June 2, 2023Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.Street Fighter 6 represents the pinnacle of the fighting game genre with its simple yet deep mechanics. Its top-notch graphics and friendly atmosphere make it a must-play while it remains at the peak of its popularity.

Fighting games have maintained a dedicated following throughout their history, though they remain a niche genre compared to mainstream AAA titles. Despite this, they offer hidden gems that are cherished by fans worldwide. Do you have a favorite fighting game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!