The Best Fighting Games of All Time

Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, largely due to their intensely competitive multiplayer focus. Virtual arenas offer the perfect stage to test your skills against friends or challenge online rivals. Over the decades, developers have crafted countless iconic titles, and this list celebrates the best, considering not just popularity and industry impact, but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the genre's evolution.

Presenting the top 30 best fighting games of all time—a blend of timeless classics and modern masterpieces. This collection serves as an excellent guide for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike, exploring one of gaming's most enduring genres.

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

Our journey begins with the legendary 1993 Mortal Kombat. A cornerstone of the genre's early days, its influence on subsequent fighting games is undeniable. It established the core formula: arena combat between two fighters, utilizing combos to dominate. While Street Fighter predates it, Mortal Kombat's impact on the Western market was far greater, solidifying its place in history. Though no longer directly playable in its original form, 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, often cited as one of the best fighting games ever created. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack create an electrifying experience. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, enhancing their personality and backstory. The diverse and charismatic roster—from street boxers to werewolves—offers a low barrier to entry, allowing newcomers to quickly grasp the mechanics and execute stylish combos.

SoulCalibur

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

Released on the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains a visual masterpiece. Its grounded combat, focusing on weapon-based fighting across a 3D space, offered a unique experience. The ability to move in eight directions, similar to Tekken, added depth, emphasizing strategic movement and distance management. Its innovative gameplay and stunning visuals cement its position at the top of the genre.

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 character design. The animations are fluid, and while the roster is relatively small, each character feels distinct and authentic, complete with their own story mode. The creative moves and combo sets are a joy to learn, making this a well-crafted and enjoyable fighting game experience.

Lethal League

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

Lethal League boldly reinvents the fighting game formula, replacing traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, baseball-based mechanic. The speed and intensity of the matches, coupled with the energetic soundtrack, make this a refreshing change of pace for veteran players seeking something new.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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

A vibrant and memorable crossover, this title showcases Capcom's expertise in collaborative fighting games. Its simple combat system may not appeal to all Western audiences, but its bright, colorful aesthetic and fun gameplay make it perfect 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 many faster-paced fighters. The slow, powerful sword strikes and visually stunning art style, heavily influenced by classic Japanese art, create a unique and engaging 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 adds new characters, moves, and improved balance to the already dynamic and impressive gameplay. Available on Steam, it provides a polished experience of this legendary franchise.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A seminal classic that defined the genre, Super Street Fighter II's vibrant characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated audiences worldwide. Its record-breaking sales cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Tekken 3

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

A PlayStation classic, Tekken 3's improved graphics, innovative mechanics (sidestepping, parrying), and spectacular combat made it a must-have title. Its colorful characters and deep combat system remain highly regarded.

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 with a roster of iconic characters. While the gameplay is familiar, it offers a less violent experience with a relatively low barrier to entry, though mastering the game requires significant time investment.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

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

A beloved crossover featuring a huge roster of Marvel and Capcom characters, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 allows for three-on-three battles. Despite its age, it remains a nostalgic favorite for many.

Guilty Gear Strive

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

Guilty Gear Strive showcases Arc System Works' artistry with its stunning visuals and polished gameplay. The dynamic combat system, including the ability to break level walls, makes this a standout title.

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 (Arcana) that assist characters in battle. Its solid combat and stylish presentation make it a worthwhile experience.

The King of Fighters XIII

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

A highly competitive entry in the long-running King of Fighters series, known for its unforgiving and complex fighting mechanics.

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 Dragon Ball franchise, offering epic battles and accessible yet deep gameplay.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

A critically acclaimed reboot that revitalized 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 combat system, though its 2D animation may not appeal to all players.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

A crossover featuring a vast roster of Nintendo characters, known for its accessible yet deep gameplay and massive popularity.

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 high skill ceiling.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

A unique fighting game featuring anthropomorphic animal characters, offering a less violent and more family-friendly experience.

Tekken 8

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

The latest installment in the Tekken franchise, featuring 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 enhanced graphics.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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

A highly influential and popular entry in the Super Smash Bros. series, known for its competitive scene.

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

The latest Mortal Kombat installment, offering refined gameplay, new modes, and extensive customization options.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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

A crossover featuring a large 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 2D fighter with multiple character styles.

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 gameplay, stunning visuals, and a vibrant online community.

While fighting games remain a niche genre, they boast a passionate and dedicated fanbase. What are your favorite fighting games? Share your thoughts in the comments!