Ultimate Fighting Games: A Timeless Ranking

Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers, largely due to their emphasis on competitive multiplayer. Virtual battlegrounds offer the perfect stage for battling friends or challenging online opponents. Over the decades, developers have gifted us countless iconic titles. This list considers not only 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! Explore timeless classics and modern masterpieces, perfect for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike. Let's dive in!

We also invite you to explore our other curated game lists:

**Best Games | Shooters | Survival | Horrors | Platformers | 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

We begin with the legendary 1993 Mortal Kombat. Released during the early days of home consoles, it became a genre-defining title, influencing countless fighting games. Its impact is undeniable, establishing the core formula: arena combat between two fighters, utilizing combos. While Street Fighter preceded it, Mortal Kombat's Western popularity cemented its place in gaming history. Although no longer readily playable, its legacy remains.

Killer Instinct: Definitive Edition

Metascore: 86 Link: Microsoft Store Release Date: September 20, 2016 Developer: Double Helix Games, Iron Galaxy

The Killer Instinct series, while perhaps less mainstream than Mortal Kombat, enjoys a dedicated following. Its finely tuned balance, dynamic gameplay, and energetic soundtrack contribute to its acclaim. Each character boasts a unique musical theme, enhancing their personality. The diverse roster—from street fighters to mythical creatures—and accessible gameplay make it enjoyable for newcomers and veterans alike.

SoulCalibur

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

Released in 1999 for the Sega Dreamcast, SoulCalibur remains visually stunning. Instead of flashy acrobatics, it focuses on grounded weapon-based combat. Its innovative 3D movement system, allowing eight directions of movement, added depth to the gameplay, emphasizing positioning and strategic dashes. This remains a hallmark of the series.

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 animation. While featuring a smaller roster, each character is meticulously designed with distinctive moves and combo sets. The game offers a polished fighting experience without reinventing the wheel.

Lethal League

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

Lethal League offers a refreshing take on the genre by replacing traditional hand-to-hand combat with a fast-paced, ball-based system. The faster the ball moves, the more damage it inflicts, creating intense and dynamic matches set to an upbeat soundtrack. A great choice for those seeking a unique experience.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

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

This crossover features a simpler combat system than some Western titles but maintains a bright, memorable, and slightly chaotic style. 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 deliberate, slower-paced gameplay. Its elegant visual design, inspired by classical Japanese art, complements the thoughtful combat. A great choice for players who appreciate strategic depth.

Ultra Street Fighter IV

Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release Date: August 7, 2014 Developer: Capcom

Ultra Street Fighter IV builds upon the success of Street Fighter IV, adding new characters, moves, and refined balance. Available on Steam, it offers a polished and dynamic fighting experience.

Super Street Fighter II

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

A genre-defining classic, Super Street Fighter II's vibrant characters, impressive combos, and well-designed stages captivated players worldwide. Its impact on the industry and its record-breaking sales are undeniable.

Tekken 3

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

Tekken 3's improved graphics, new mechanics (sidestepping, parrying), and spectacular combat made it a best-selling title for the original PlayStation. Its impact on the fighting game landscape is significant.

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 in a compelling fighting experience. Pitting iconic heroes and villains against each other, it offers accessible gameplay with depth for dedicated players.

Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

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

Marvel vs. Capcom 2's massive roster of Marvel and Capcom characters, along with its three-on-three battles, made it a fan favorite. Despite its age, it remains a significant title in the crossover fighting game genre.

Guilty Gear Strive

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

Guilty Gear Strive showcases stunning visuals and a refined combat system. Its stylish presentation and deep mechanics make it a must-play for fans of the series and the genre.

Arcana Heart

Metascore: 77 Release date: October 11, 2007 Developer: Yuki Enterprise

Arcana Heart's all-female roster and unique Arcana system, featuring elemental spirits, set it apart. Its anime-inspired style and solid combat make it a worthwhile experience.

The King of Fighters XIII

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

The King of Fighters XIII offers a challenging and rewarding experience with its complex and unforgiving combat system. Mastering its mechanics requires dedication, but the payoff is significant.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Metascore: 87 Link: Steam Release date: January 26, 2018 Developer: Arc System Works

Dragon Ball FighterZ captures the epic scale and explosive action of the Dragon Ball universe. Its accessible yet deep gameplay makes it enjoyable for players of all skill levels.

Mortal Kombat 9

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

Mortal Kombat 9 revitalized the franchise with its balanced combat system and brutal action. It remains a strong entry in the series.

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r]

Metascore: 82 Link: Steam Release date: August 21, 2018 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] features a stylish anime aesthetic and a refined combat system. Its inclusion in EVO 2020 highlights its competitive viability.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

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

Super Smash Bros. Brawl's massive roster of Nintendo characters and accessible gameplay contributed to its immense popularity. Its depth comes from character-specific attributes, adding strategic layers to the battles.

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Metascore: 84 Link: Steam Release date: March 17, 2022 Developer: Arc System Works, ATLUS

Persona 4 Arena Ultimax offers a stylish and fast-paced fighting experience within the Persona universe. Its demanding gameplay rewards dedicated players.

Them’s Fightin’ Herds

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

Them’s Fightin’ Herds stands out with its unique animal-based roster and family-friendly approach. Despite its lighthearted presentation, it offers a solid and engaging fighting game experience.

Tekken 8

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

Tekken 8 delivers a refined and polished experience, building upon the series' strengths with updated visuals and a new health recovery mechanic.

Super Street Fighter IV

Metascore: 85 Release date: April 27, 2010 Developer: Capcom

Super Street Fighter IV introduced the ability to choose an ultra-combo, along with ten new fighters and enhanced graphics. It served as a crucial stepping stone for future installments.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

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

Super Smash Bros. Melee's simple yet deep gameplay and its inclusion in EVO tournaments cemented its place in fighting game history.

Granblue Fantasy: Versus

Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release date: March 13, 2020 Developer: Cygames, Inc., Arc System Works

Granblue Fantasy: Versus blends stunning visuals with surprisingly deep mechanics, offering a rewarding experience for those willing to explore its nuances.

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

Metascore: 88 Link: Steam Release date: April 23, 2019 Developer: NetherRealm Studios, QLOC, Shiver

Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate refines the formula established in Mortal Kombat 9, offering a balanced and brutal fighting experience with extensive customization options.

Capcom vs. SNK 2

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

Capcom vs. SNK 2's massive roster and exciting gameplay made it a popular crossover title, despite its use of older sprites.

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code

Metascore: 78 Link: Steam Release date: April 20, 2016 Developer: FRENCH-BREAD

Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code provides a surprisingly accessible entry point into the Melty Blood universe, despite its age.

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

Metascore: 86 Link: Steam Release date: February 13, 2014 Developer: Arc System Works

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger's stylish visuals and unique combat system make it a notable 2D fighter, despite some technical shortcomings.

Street Fighter 6

Metascore: 92 Link: Steam Release date: June 2, 2023 Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.

Street Fighter 6 represents a pinnacle of the genre, blending accessible gameplay with incredible depth. Its modern visuals and engaging online features make it a must-have.

Fighting games, while a niche genre, offer a wealth of diverse and engaging experiences. What are your favorite fighting games? Share them in the comments!