Top Fighting Games Ever Ranked

Fighting games have always captured the hearts of gamers globally, primarily due to their thrilling multiplayer dynamics. These virtual arenas serve as the perfect battleground for intense competitions, whether you're facing off against friends or challenging other players online.

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Over the years, developers have delighted fans with a plethora of iconic titles. Our curated list takes into account not only the popularity and impact on the industry but also the depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and overall contributions to the genre's evolution.

We proudly present the top 30 best fighting games of all time, featuring both enduring classics and cutting-edge modern releases that serve as an excellent entry point into one of the most beloved video game genres. Let's dive in!

We also invite you to explore our other collections:

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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 set the stage for the genre during the early days of home consoles. Its influence was monumental, establishing the core gameplay formula of arenas, two fighters, and combos. While Street Fighter was already popular in the East, Mortal Kombat became the genre's king in the West. Though no longer playable today, its legacy remains unparalleled as one of the greatest fighting games in history.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct may not match Mortal Kombat's fame, but it holds a special place among fighting game enthusiasts. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic music create an immersive experience right from the start. Each character's unique musical theme enhances their personality and backstory. The diverse roster, featuring characters like a street boxer, a vampire, and a dinosaur, ensures a low entry barrier, allowing newcomers 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 one of the most visually stunning games on the platform. It focuses on grounded battles with various weapons, introducing 3D movement across eight horizontal directions, similar to Tekken. This added depth to the gameplay, emphasizing quick dashes and spatial awareness, making SoulCalibur a timeless classic in 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 stylization and visual design. Despite a modest roster, each character boasts a distinct story mode and meticulously crafted moves and combos, making learning them a delightful experience. While it didn't revolutionize the genre, it remains a well-crafted title that excels in its execution.

Lethal League

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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileIn a genre often seen as conservative, Lethal League breaks the mold by replacing traditional combat with a baseball mechanic. This unique approach results in fast-paced battles where combos are executed using a ball that deals more damage the faster it moves. Coupled with energetic music, it's a fresh take on the genre, recommended for 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 collaboration with Tatsunoko resulted in a game with a straightforward combat system, popular in Japan but less so in the West. Its vibrant and somewhat quirky nature makes it ideal for casual fun with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown offers a slower, more deliberate gameplay experience, reminiscent of falling cherry blossoms. Its visual design draws heavily from classical Japanese art, appealing to 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 in 2014 introduced new fighters and improved balance. Despite initial issues on the PS4, the Steam version offers a smooth experience, making it one of the best entries in this legendary franchise.

Super Street Fighter II

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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomA timeless classic, Super Street Fighter II emerged at the dawn of the genre, showcasing colorful fighters, impressive combos, and well-designed locations. Its record-breaking sales demonstrated the genre's commercial potential. A 2017 remake, however, did not meet the same standards.

Tekken 3

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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3 became an iconic title for the first PlayStation, introducing innovations like sidestepping and parrying, along with significantly improved graphics. Its spectacular and colorful combat system is a must-experience for any fighting game enthusiast.

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 characters against each other. Its gameplay, while similar to other titles, offers a lower entry barrier but requires significant time to master, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and seasoned players.

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 remains beloved for its extensive roster of popular characters from both universes. Its innovative three-hero battles are a highlight, though the game's age shows in its graphics and mechanics.

Guilty Gear Strive

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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System WorksGuilty Gear Strive represents the pinnacle of Arc System Works' creativity, with stunning visuals and high-quality details in locations, characters, and combos. Its gameplay, including the special move cancel mechanic and the controversial level wall-breaking feature, makes it an excellent entry point for both the genre and the franchise.

Arcana Heart

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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart is a visually appealing anime-style fighting game featuring an all-female cast and elemental spirits called Arcana. Its solid combat and excellent stylization make it a standout title in the genre.

The King of Fighters XIII

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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII is celebrated for its perfect balance of visuals and gameplay. Its complex fighting mechanics challenge beginners, requiring extensive knowledge of character moves to compete effectively. It's a must-play for those seeking a tough challenge.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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

Mortal Kombat 9

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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the series with its focus on classic, brutal combat. By streamlining the game to emphasize balanced fights, it set a new standard for the franchise, remaining competitive with later installments.

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] showcases deep character development and a top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation may not appeal to all Western fans, 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 sold 13 million copies, bringing together almost all recognizable Nintendo characters. Its low entry barrier and deep character attributes make it accessible yet challenging, appealing to a wide audience.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSPersona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a high entry barrier but rewards dedicated players with stylish visuals and familiar characters. Its dynamic and fast-paced combat system, crafted by Arc System Works, is a highlight for fans of the franchise and fighting games.

Them’s Fightin' Herds

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Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.Them’s Fightin' Herds stands out with its unique animal fighters and lack of typical brutality, making it suitable for younger gamers. Its solid combat system and charming art style by Lauren Faust create an engaging experience.

Tekken 8

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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8 was warmly received for its minor yet impactful updates to the proven combat mechanics, including a new health recovery system. Its top-notch graphics and detailed story scenes continue to impress, making it a great entry point into the series.

Super Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, distinct from its Ultra counterpart, introduced the ability to choose an ultra-combo and added ten new fighters. Its graphical upgrades and new modes were significant steps in the series' evolution, paving the way for future entries.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee's simple yet deep gameplay made it one of the highest-rated and best-selling games on the GameCube. Its inclusion in the EVO tournament and the famous "Wombo Combo" meme cemented its legendary status in the industry.

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 mechanics reveal depth and complexity upon further exploration, making it a compelling title for fans of the series.

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 options. Its brutal yet balanced combat and engaging Krypt mode make it an ideal entry point for newcomers, though its story may not be its strongest aspect.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2 gained worldwide popularity with its massive character roster and fan service. While its use of old sprites disappointed some, its great combat system and crossover appeal make it a notable title in the genre.

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 engaging combat system and impressive visuals, despite feeling somewhat outdated. Its active online mode and character customization options provide a deep and immersive 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. Despite some technical issues, its well-developed characters and engaging story make it worth exploring.

Street Fighter 6

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Metascore: 92Link: SteamRelease date: June 2, 2023Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.Street Fighter 6 represents the pinnacle of the genre with its simple yet deep mechanics. Its friendly, brawl-like atmosphere and top-notch graphics, including realistic fabric and muscle physics, make it a must-play while it's at the peak of its online presence.

Fighting games have remained a niche genre, cherished by a dedicated global fanbase but less appealing to the general public compared to AAA open-world titles. Despite this, the genre boasts hidden gems that deserve recognition. Do you have a favorite fighting game? Share your thoughts in the comments!