Top Fighting Games Ever Ranked

Fighting games have carved out a special niche in the gaming world, captivating players with their intense multiplayer experiences. These virtual battlegrounds offer thrilling environments for players to test their skills against friends or online opponents.

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Over the years, developers have crafted a legacy of iconic fighting games, each contributing to the genre's evolution. Our curated list of the top 30 fighting games considers not just popularity and industry impact, but also gameplay depth, balance, innovation, and overall genre advancement. Dive into this collection to discover both timeless classics and contemporary titles that serve as excellent entry points into one of gaming's most beloved genres.

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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: MidwayMortal Kombat, launched in 1993, stands as a legend in the fighting game arena. It emerged during the early days of home consoles and set a standard that inspired countless other developers. Its influence is monumental, having established the core gameplay formula of arenas, two fighters, and combos.

While Street Fighter was already popular, especially in the Eastern market, Mortal Kombat captured the Western audience's hearts. Though no longer playable, its legacy remains unshaken as one of the greatest fighting games ever created.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, while not as widely recognized as Mortal Kombat, holds a revered status among fighting game enthusiasts. Its refined balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack create an immersive experience from the moment you hit the main menu. Each character's unique musical theme enhances their persona and backstory.

The game's roster is a testament to the developers' creativity, featuring diverse and charismatic fighters like street boxers, vampires, dinosaurs, and werewolves. Despite the varied characters, the gameplay remains accessible, allowing even newcomers to master stylish combos effortlessly.

SoulCalibur

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Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulReleased in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur is renowned for its stunning visuals and grounded combat focused on weapon use. Its innovative 3D movement across eight directions added a new layer of strategy, distinguishing it from other fighting games by emphasizing not just attacks but also quick dashes and spatial awareness.

This fresh approach to combat has kept SoulCalibur at the forefront of the genre, offering a rich and engaging experience that remains relevant today.

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 visual style and captivating animations. Despite a modest character roster, each fighter boasts a distinct story mode and meticulously crafted moves and combos. The game's charm lies in its well-designed characters and engaging gameplay, offering a delightful experience for players to explore and master.

While it may not revolutionize the genre, Skullgirls: 2nd Encore is a polished and enjoyable fighting game that delivers on its promise.

Lethal League

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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileLethal League breaks the mold of traditional fighting games by introducing a baseball mechanic into the mix. This innovative twist results in fast-paced battles where players must use a ball to execute combos, with increasing speed leading to higher damage. Accompanied by upbeat music, this game offers a refreshing and dynamic experience, particularly appealing to seasoned players seeking something new.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Capcom's prowess in creating crossover fighting games shines in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars. This collaboration with Tatsunoko features a straightforward combat system that, while perhaps less appealing to Western audiences, was a hit in Japan. Its vibrant, colorful, and slightly quirky style makes it an ideal choice for casual fun with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown offers a deliberate and thoughtful combat experience, reminiscent of the slow, graceful fall of cherry blossoms. The game's slow-motion swordplay adds a sense of weight and strength to each strike, complemented by a visual design inspired by classical Japanese art. This combination makes it a standout title for fans of both fighting games and traditional aesthetics.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: CapcomUltra Street Fighter IV revitalized the genre upon its 2009 release and continued to evolve with new fighters, moves, and enhanced balance in its 2014 version. While the PS4 launch faced some challenges with blurry textures and input lag, the game's availability on Steam offers players a chance to experience this legendary title at its best.

Super Street Fighter II

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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II, released in 1993, became an iconic classic that showcased the potential profitability of the gaming industry. Its colorful fighters, impressive combos, and engaging locations captivated players worldwide. Although a 2017 remake didn't meet the same acclaim, the original remains a seminal work in the genre.

Tekken 3

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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3's innovations, including enhanced graphics and new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying, made it a must-play title for PlayStation owners. Its vibrant characters and spectacular combat system have cemented its status as a classic, highly recommended for those yet to experience it.

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 with iconic characters like Flash, Batman, and Superman. Its accessible gameplay and low entry barrier make it inviting for new players, though mastering the game requires significant time and dedication. It's a testament to the strength of Western fighting games beyond Mortal Kombat.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

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Metascore: 82Release Date: March 23, 2000Developer: CapcomMarvel vs. Capcom 2 faced legal hurdles that delayed its sequel, but its beloved status endures due to its extensive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters. The ability to have up to three heroes in battle adds a thrilling dimension to the gameplay, making it a great introduction to classic fighting games despite its age.

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, boasting stunning visuals and intricate detail in its locations, characters, and combos. The gameplay is equally impressive, featuring familiar mechanics and innovative features like breaking level walls, making it an excellent entry point into both the genre and the franchise.

Arcana Heart

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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart brings the anime aesthetic to fighting games, featuring an all-female cast from various backgrounds and elemental spirits known as Arcanas that assist in battle. Its solid combat and excellent stylization make it a unique and enjoyable experience.

The King of Fighters XIII

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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII, part of a legendary series, stands out for its complex and unforgiving fighting mechanics. It's a challenging game that demands a deep understanding of character moves and counterattacks, perfect for players seeking a tough test of their skills.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System WorksDragon Ball FighterZ captures the essence of the iconic franchise with modern graphics and game design. Its epic battles and explosive effects, combined with accessible yet deep gameplay, make it an ideal choice for both newcomers and fans of the series.

Mortal Kombat 9

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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its focus on classic, high-quality combat. Stripping away unnecessary elements, the game concentrated on balanced and brutal fights, setting a new standard for the series that continues to be followed.

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 a stylish and deeply developed cast of characters, with a top-notch combat system that earned it a spot in the EVO 2020 tournament. Though its 2D animation may not appeal to all Western fans, its engaging gameplay and detailed storytelling are compelling.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.Super Smash Bros. Brawl's massive success, with 13 million copies sold, can be attributed to its inclusive roster of Nintendo characters and low entry barrier. The game's depth comes from character attributes like weight and speed, making it a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSSuitable for fans of the Persona series, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers stylish visuals and familiar characters, with a robust combat system developed by Arc System Works. Despite its high entry barrier, it's a rewarding experience for those familiar with the franchise and the genre.

Them’s Fightin' Herds

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Metascore: 80Link: SteamRelease date: May 1, 2020Developer: Mane6, Inc.Them’s Fightin' Herds brings a unique twist to the genre with its animal-themed fighters and art style inspired by Lauren Faust. Its solid combat system and lack of excessive violence make it an excellent choice for younger gamers and those seeking a lighter take on fighting games.

Tekken 8

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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8's warm reception by critics and fans is a testament to its refined combat mechanics and stunning graphics. With minor updates like a new health recovery mechanic, it remains true to the series' roots while offering a fresh experience for new players.

Super Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, an expansion of the original, introduced new fighters and ultra-combos, along with enhanced graphics and new modes. It marked a significant step in the series' history, paving the way for future iterations like Ultra Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter 6.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee's enduring popularity is due to its simple yet deep gameplay that appeals to a broad audience. Its inclusion in the EVO tournament and the iconic "Wombo Combo" meme highlight its significant impact on the fighting game community.

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 and authentic experience. Its combat mechanics may seem simple at first, but the depth and complexity offer endless exploration for players.

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 customization options, perfecting the formula of brutality and online PvP combat. Its spectacular arenas and brutal fights, along with features like the Krypt and custom fighting styles, make it an ideal entry point for newcomers to the genre.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2's worldwide popularity stems from its massive character roster and fan service, despite some visual shortcomings due to the use of old sprites. Its engaging combat and Japanese influence make it a cherished title among fighting game enthusiasts.

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 deep combat system, with each character having three distinct styles. Though it may feel outdated, its active online community and stylish visuals make it a worthwhile experience for players.

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 focusing on low, medium, and high attacks. While it has some technical issues, its engaging story and well-developed characters make it a notable entry in the genre.

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 fighting game genre, offering a simple yet deep combat system that's easy to learn but challenging to master. Its top-notch graphics and friendly atmosphere, coupled with a high online presence, make it a must-play title at the height of its popularity.

Fighting games have long been a niche genre, cherished by a dedicated community of players. While they may not attract the same broad audience as AAA open-world titles, they offer unique and engaging experiences. Hidden gems abound within this genre, and we invite you to share your favorite fighting games in the comments below!