Fighting games have carved out a special niche in the gaming world, celebrated for their intense multiplayer battles. These virtual arenas offer the perfect battleground for players to challenge friends or engage in thrilling online matches, showcasing skill and strategy in equal measure.

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Over the years, developers have crafted numerous iconic fighting games, each contributing to the genre's rich tapestry. Our curated list of the top 30 fighting games considers not just popularity but also the depth of gameplay, balance, innovation, and overall impact on the genre.

Dive into our selection to discover both timeless classics and modern marvels that serve as excellent entry points into the world of fighting games. Let's get started!

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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 stands as a seminal title that ignited a wave of inspiration across the fighting game landscape. It introduced a core formula of arena combat with two fighters executing combos, setting a benchmark for the genre. While Street Fighter had its stronghold in the East, Mortal Kombat captured the Western market's imagination. Although no longer playable, its legacy endures as a monumental influence in gaming history.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

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Metascore: 86Link: Microsoft StoreRelease Date: September 20, 2016Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron GalaxyKiller Instinct, though less mainstream than Mortal Kombat, holds a cherished place in the hearts of fighting game aficionados. Its finely-tuned balance and dynamic gameplay, coupled with an energetic soundtrack that pumps you up from the main menu, create an immersive experience. The diverse character roster, featuring everything from a street boxer to a dinosaur, each with unique traits and themes, ensures accessibility for all skill levels, allowing even newcomers to execute stylish combos with ease.

SoulCalibur

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Metascore: 98Release Date: September 8, 1999Developer: Project SoulSoulCalibur, released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, remains a visual and gameplay masterpiece. Its grounded combat, centered around various weapons, contrasts with the fantastical jumps seen in other games. The ability to move in 3D space across eight directions adds depth and strategy, enhancing the sense of positioning and distance. This fresh and invigorating approach keeps SoulCalibur at the pinnacle 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 roster, each character boasts a compelling story mode and meticulously crafted moves and combos. While not revolutionary, it's a well-crafted fighting game that offers a delightful learning experience.

Lethal League

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Metascore: 82Link: SteamRelease Date: August 27, 2014Developer: Team ReptileIn a genre known for its established mechanics, Lethal League breaks the mold by replacing traditional combat with a baseball-inspired mechanic. The fast-paced battles, driven by the need to strike a moving ball for powerful combos, paired with an energetic soundtrack, make it a must-try for genre veterans seeking innovation.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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Metascore: 85Release Date: December 11, 2008Developer: Eighting Co., Ltd.Capcom's prowess in crossovers shines in Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, a title that, while simpler in combat mechanics, became a hit in Japan. Its bright, colorful, and slightly quirky nature makes it perfect for casual fun with friends.

Samurai Shodown

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Metascore: 81Link: SteamRelease Date: June 25, 2019Developer: SNK CORPORATIONIn the era of remakes, Samurai Shodown stands out with its slow, thoughtful gameplay reminiscent of falling cherry blossoms. Its deliberate, powerful sword strikes and classical Japanese art-inspired visuals appeal to both fighting game enthusiasts and fans of Japanese aesthetics.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease Date: August 7, 2014Developer: CapcomStreet Fighter IV's 2009 release rejuvenated the genre, and its Ultra version five years later added new fighters and improved balance. Despite initial issues on the PS4, the Steam version offers a smooth experience, making it a must-play for fans of the legendary series.

Super Street Fighter II

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Metascore: TBDRelease Date: September 14, 1993Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter II, a classic from the genre's early days, demonstrated the potential profitability of gaming with its record-breaking sales. Its colorful fighters, impressive combos, and well-designed arenas captivated a global audience, making it a timeless hit.

Tekken 3

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Metascore: 96Release Date: March 26, 1998Developer: NamcoTekken 3 became an iconic title for the PlayStation, known for its innovative graphics and new mechanics like sidestepping and parrying. Its spectacular and colorful combat system deserves a deep dive, making it a must-play classic.

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 accessible gameplay and iconic characters. While it may lack the extreme violence of some competitors, it offers a low entry barrier with deep mastery potential, making it a great 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 hurdles delaying its sequel, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 remains a beloved title for its vast roster of iconic characters. The ability to have up to three heroes in battle at once adds a unique dynamic, though its age may limit its appeal to modern gamers.

Guilty Gear Strive

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Metascore: 87Link: SteamRelease Date: June 11, 2021Developer: Arc System WorksGuilty Gear Strive epitomizes Arc System Works' creativity with its stunning visuals and detailed special effects. The gameplay remains top-notch, featuring familiar mechanics like special move cancels and the innovative wall-breaking feature, making it an ideal entry point into the genre and franchise.

Arcana Heart

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Metascore: 77Release date: October 11, 2007Developer: Yuki EnterpriseArcana Heart immerses players in an anime-inspired world of fighting games, featuring an all-female cast and elemental spirits known as Arcanas. Its solid combat and distinctive stylization make it a captivating choice for fans of the genre.

The King of Fighters XIII

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Metascore: 79Release date: July 14, 2010Developer: SNK PlaymoreThe King of Fighters XIII stands out in a legendary series with its complex, unforgiving mechanics that challenge players to master every move. Its fast-paced online matches and perfect visuals make it a top pick for those seeking a tough yet rewarding experience.

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 modern graphics and accessible gameplay. Its epic battles and explosive effects are perfect for both newcomers and fans looking for a fun, social gaming experience.

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 and brutal fatalities. By stripping away unnecessary elements and refining its mechanics, it set a new standard for the series and remains a strong contender alongside newer entries.

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 stylish characters and deep combat system. While its 2D animation may not appeal to all, its inclusion in EVO 2020 showcases its respected status among fighting game enthusiasts.

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 accessible gameplay and iconic Nintendo characters. Its depth, achieved through varied character attributes, offers a unique twist on the genre.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

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Metascore: 84Link: SteamRelease date: March 17, 2022Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUSPersona 4 Arena Ultimax may not be the best entry point into the Persona universe, but its high entry barrier is rewarded with stylish visuals and dynamic combat. It's a must-try for fans of both 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 is an unconventional entry with its animal-themed fighters and Lauren Faust's art style. It offers a serious combat system without the typical brutality, making it suitable for younger gamers.

Tekken 8

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Metascore: 90Link: SteamRelease date: January 26, 2024Developer: Bandai Namco Studios Inc.Tekken 8's warm reception stems from its refined combat mechanics and stunning graphics. Its subtle updates, like the new health recovery system, enhance the classic experience, making it an excellent choice for series newcomers.

Super Street Fighter IV

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Metascore: 85Release date: April 27, 2010Developer: CapcomSuper Street Fighter IV, an expansion of the original, introduced ultra-combos and new fighters, paving the way for future entries in the series. Its significant updates and improved graphics make it a crucial step in the franchise's history.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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Metascore: 92Release date: November 21, 2001Developer: HAL LaboratorySuper Smash Bros. Melee's acclaim and sales on the GameCube are well-deserved, offering simple yet deep gameplay. Its inclusion in EVO and the creation of the "Wombo Combo" meme underscore its lasting impact on the genre.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: March 13, 2020Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System WorksGranblue Fantasy: Versus blends Victorian architecture with medieval knights and magic, creating a visually stunning world. Its seemingly simple combat system reveals deep complexity, making it a must-play for fans of intricate gameplay.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

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Metascore: 88Link: SteamRelease date: April 23, 2019Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, ShiverMortal Kombat 11 Ultimate refines the series with balanced gameplay, new modes, and extensive customization options. Its brutal yet balanced combat and online features make it an ideal entry for newcomers, despite some grind-heavy elements.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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Metascore: 80Release date: September 13, 2001Developer: CapcomCapcom vs. SNK 2 gained global popularity with its massive 48-character roster and great combat. While its use of old sprites may disappoint some, it remains a fan favorite for its crossover appeal and engaging gameplay.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

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Metascore: 78Link: SteamRelease date: April 20, 2016Developer: FRENCH-BREADMelty Blood Actress Again Current Code, despite feeling outdated, retains its stylish charm and simple yet deep combat system. Its three-style character options and active online mode make it a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.

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. While it has some bugs, its compelling story and impressive effects 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 modern fighting games with its simple yet deep mechanics and top-notch graphics. Its friendly, non-violent approach and high online presence make it a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.

Fighting games remain a niche genre, cherished by a dedicated community yet often overlooked by the general gaming audience. Despite their limited mainstream appeal compared to AAA open-world titles, they offer unique experiences and hidden gems. Do you have any favorite fighting games? Share them in the comments below!