Top Fighting Games: All-Time Greats

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.

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Over the years, developers have crafted a legacy of iconic titles that have not only captured the hearts of fans but also significantly influenced the gaming industry. Our curated list of the top 30 best fighting games of all time takes into account their popularity, impact on the genre, depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and overall contribution to the evolution of fighting games.

From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, this collection serves as an excellent starting point for anyone looking to dive into one of the most dynamic and competitive genres in video gaming. Let's explore these legendary titles!

We also encourage 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: 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's arrival in the West was eagerly anticipated. Although no longer playable today, its impact on the industry remains unparalleled, cementing its status as one of the greatest fighting games ever.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, though not as widely recognized as Mortal Kombat, holds a revered spot among fighting game enthusiasts. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack create an exhilarating experience from the moment you start the game. Each character boasts a unique musical theme that enhances their personality and backstory. The diverse roster, featuring everything from street boxers to werewolves, offers a low entry barrier, allowing newcomers to quickly master stylish combos.

SoulCalibur

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Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulSoulCalibur, launched in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, is renowned for its stunning visuals and grounded combat. Unlike other games with flashy jumps, SoulCalibur focuses on weapon-based battles and strategic movement in 3D space. Its ability to move in eight horizontal directions, akin to Tekken, added depth to the gameplay, emphasizing quick dashes and spatial awareness. This fresh approach has kept SoulCalibur at the forefront of 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 visual style and engaging animations. Despite a modest character roster, each fighter is meticulously designed with their own story mode and creative moves. While it may not revolutionize the genre, Skullgirls offers a well-crafted experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding to master.

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. This innovative approach results in fast-paced battles where players must use a ball to execute combos, with speed determining damage. Accompanied by energetic music, Lethal League offers a fresh experience for genre veterans seeking something new.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars showcases Capcom's prowess in creating engaging crossovers. With a simple yet effective combat system, this game became a hit in Japan, offering a colorful and fun experience perfect for casual play with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONSamurai Shodown offers a deliberate and thoughtful gameplay experience, reminiscent of a slow-motion dance. Its visual design, inspired by classical Japanese art, appeals to fans of both fighting games and traditional aesthetics. This reboot stands out in an era dominated by remakes, offering a unique and engaging experience.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: CapcomUltra Street Fighter IV, released five years after the original Street Fighter IV, revitalized the genre with new fighters, moves, and improved balance. While it faced some technical issues on the PS4, the Steam version offers a smooth and dynamic experience, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

Super Street Fighter II

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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II, a classic from the early days of the genre, 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 future titles.

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. Its spectacular graphics, characters, and combat system made it a must-play, earning it a place among the best-selling games of its time.

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 its roster of iconic characters. While the gameplay is similar to other fighting games, it offers a less violent experience with a low entry barrier, though mastering it requires significant time and practice.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

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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. While it may not have aged well, it's a great introduction to classic fighting games.

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 detailed special effects. Its gameplay, including the special move cancel mechanic and the ability to break level walls, offers a deep and engaging experience for both new and veteran players.

Arcana Heart

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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart brings an anime flair to the fighting game genre, featuring an all-female cast and elemental spirits called Arcana. Its solid combat and excellent stylization make it a cool and engaging game.

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, earned widespread acclaim for its perfect visuals and gameplay. Its complex and unforgiving fighting mechanics challenge players to master the moves of all characters, making it a tough but rewarding experience.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2018Developer: Arc System WorksDragon Ball FighterZ, with its modern graphics and game design, is the perfect entry point into the Dragon Ball universe. Its epic battles and simple yet deep gameplay make it ideal for evening hangouts with friends.

Mortal Kombat 9

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Metascore: 86Link: SteamRelease date: April 19, 2011Developer: NetherRealm StudiosMortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its classic and brutal combat system. By focusing on balanced fights and removing unnecessary elements, it set a new standard for the series, holding its own against 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] is defined by its style, with deeply developed characters and a top-notch combat system. While its 2D animation may not appeal to all, its inclusion in the EVO 2020 tournament highlights its competitive edge.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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Metascore: 93Release date: January 31, 2008Developer: Sora Ltd.Super Smash Bros. Brawl, with its massive sales and low entry barrier, brought together Nintendo's most recognizable characters. Its depth, achieved through character attributes like weight and speed, offers a unique and engaging experience.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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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 game experience. Its stylish visuals, familiar characters, and dynamic combat system make it a must-try for fans of both franchises.

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 roster of animal fighters and Lauren Faust's art style. Its solid combat system, devoid of typical brutality, makes it perfect for younger gamers.

Tekken 8

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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8, warmly received by critics and fans, builds on the series' proven combat mechanics with minor updates like a new health recovery system. Its top-notch graphics and engaging story scenes make it a great choice for newcomers and veterans alike.

Super Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, distinct from Ultra Street Fighter IV, introduced new fighters and the ultra-combo feature. Its upgraded graphics and new modes marked a significant step 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, one of the highest-rated and best-selling games on the GameCube, offers simple yet deep gameplay. Its inclusion in the EVO tournament and the "Wombo Combo" meme highlight its lasting impact on 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 exploration, making it a rewarding game to master.

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. Its brutal arenas and fights, along with features like the Krypt and custom fighting styles, make it ideal for newcomers to the genre.

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 great combat. Despite using old sprites, its fan service and engaging gameplay have made it a beloved title.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

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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 game worth exploring.

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 excellent story and engaging gameplay make it worth checking out.

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 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, despite not appealing to the broader audience as much as AAA open-world games. Within this niche, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Do you have any favorite fighting games? Share them in the comments!