The 10 Best Fighting Games of All Time

 Fighting games are a genre of video games that simulate hand-to-hand combat between two or more characters. Players control their characters' movements and attacks, and the goal is to defeat the opponent by knocking them out or out of the stage. Fighting games have been a popular genre since the early days of video games, and they continue to be a major draw for gamers today.

There are a number of different factors that have contributed to the popularity of fighting games. One is the simple and straightforward gameplay. Fighting games are easy to learn, but they can be difficult to master. This makes them accessible to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to hardcore enthusiasts.

Another factor that has contributed to the popularity of fighting games is the competitive element. Fighting games are often played in head-to-head matches, and the thrill of competition can be a major draw for players. Fighting games also have a strong following at the professional level, with major tournaments being held around the world.

Fighting games have also had a significant impact on popular culture. The characters and fighting styles from fighting games have been featured in other media, such as movies, television shows, and comics. Fighting games have also inspired a number of other genres of video games, such as action-adventure games and role-playing games. Here’s our list of the top 10 fighting games.

Top 10 Fighting Games :

10. Mortal Kombat (2011)

Summary

Driven by an all new graphics engine, the fan favorite Mortal Kombat series is back and presented in more gory detail than ever before. Mortal Kombat 9 introduces a number of features including tag team and the deepest story mode of any fighting game.

Content Rating: Strong Language, Partial Nudity, Intense Violence, Blood and Gore

Developers: High Voltage Software, NetherRealm Studios

Publishers: Warner Bros. Interactive

Franchises: Mortal Kombat

Features: Number Of Players, Memory Card, Memory Blocks, Online - VS Number Of Players, Steam Deck Verified

Initial Release: Apr 18, 2011

Platforms: pc // vita // xbox-360 // ps3

Genres: Fighting

9. Skullgirls

Summary

Skullgirls is a fast-paced 2D fighting game that puts players in control of fierce female warriors in an extraordinary Dark Deco world.

Content Rating: Mild Language, Violence, Blood, Use of Tobacco, Partial Nudity, Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content

Developers: Reverge Labs, Lab Zero Games

Publishers: Konami, Autumn Games, Marvelous Entertainment

Franchises: Skullgirls

Features: Local - VS # of Players, Number Of Players, Online, Online - VS Number Of Players

Initial Release: Apr 10, 2012

Platforms: pc // ps3 // xbox-360

Genres: Fighting

8. Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown

Summary

Challenge the greatest fighters in the world in the ultimate remaster of the acclaimed 3D fighter, now featuring gorgeous HD graphics, new online features, and all the bone-crunching, martial arts combat of the renowned original.

Content Rating: Violence, Use of Alcohol, Suggestive Themes

Developers: SEGA, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Publishers: SEGA

Franchises: Virtua Fighter

Features: Offline Versus Multiplayer, Online Versus Multiplayer

Initial Release: Jun 1, 2021

Platforms: ps4

Genres: Fighting

7. Killer Instinct (Xbox One)

Summary

The legendary Killer Instinct fighting game franchise is back with next-generation visuals, over-the-top action, a wild cast of combatants, rocking reactive music, and C-C-C-COMBO BREAKERS!

Content Rating: Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence, Includes online features that may expose players to unrated user-generated content

Developers: Double Helix, Rare, Iron Galaxy Studios

Publishers: Microsoft

Franchises: Killer Instinct

Features: Steam Deck Verified, Offline Versus Multiplayer, Online Versus Multiplayer

Initial Release: Nov 22, 2013

Platforms: pc // xbox-one

Genres: Fighting

6. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Summary

Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 is an explosive showdown between the heroes of the Capcom universe and the superheroes of the Marvel universe.

Content Rating: Indicates possible exposure to unfiltered/uncensored user-generated content, including user-to-user interactions and media sharing via social media and networks, Violence, Blood, Partial Nudity, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence, Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Partial Nudity, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol

Developers: Capcom

Publishers: Capcom

Franchises: Marvel, Marvel vs. Capcom

Features: Online, Multi-cartridge Multiplayer, Console-To-Handheld System Link, Offline Versus Multiplayer, Online Versus Multiplayer

Initial Release: Nov 15, 2011

Platforms: xbox-one // ps4 // pc // vita // xbox-360 // ps3

Genres: Fighting

5. The King of Fighters XIII

Summary

With the triumphant return of fan favorite characters like Mai, K', and Vice, extensive refinement of the core fighting engine based on community feedback, and vastly improved network functionality, The King of Fighters XIII represents the HD entry in the series that fans have been waiting for.

Content Rating: Use of Alcohol, Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes

Developers: SNK Playmore

Publishers: Atlus, SNK Playmore

Franchises: King of Fighters

Features: Online, Mic/Headset Voice

Initial Release: Oct 27, 2011

Platforms: ps3 // xbox-360 // arcade

Genres: Fighting

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Summary

Dragon Ball FighterZ is born from what makes the Dragon Ball series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters!

Content Rating: Cartoon Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB

Developers: ARC System Works

Publishers: Bandai Namco Games

Franchises: Dragon Ball

Initial Release: Jan 26, 2016

Platforms: ps4 // xbox-one // nintendo-switch // pc 

Genres: Fighting

3. Tekken 7

Summary

The Tekken franchise celebrates its 20th anniversary with the next evolution of the fighting king franchise.Tekken 7 returns to the gameplay roots with classic 1 vs 1 bouts and a canon storyline centered on the eternal struggle for power amongst the members of the Mishima clan.

Content Rating: Crude Humor, Mild Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence, Online Interactions Not Rated by the ESRB

Developers: Bandai Namco Games

Publishers: Bandai Namco Games

Franchises: Tekken

Initial Release: Feb 18, 2015

Platforms: pc // ps4 // xbox-one // arcade

Genres: Fighting

2. Guilty Gear Strive

Summary

A follow-up to the stunning 2D/3D-hybrid fighting game Guilty Gear Xrd, Guilty Gear Strive upholds the series’ reputation for groundbreaking hybrid 2D/3D animation-style graphics and intense, rewarding gameplay.

Content Rating: Violence, Blood, Mild Suggestive Themes, Language, In-Game Purchases, Users Interact

Developers: ARC System Works

Publishers: ARC System Works

Franchises: Guilty Gear

Features: Offline Versus Multiplayer, Online Versus Multiplayer

Initial Release: Jun 11, 2021

Platforms: arcade // xbox-one // xbox-4 // ps4 // ps5 // pc

Genres: Fighting

1. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike

Summary

The Street Fighter series has long been the measuring stick by which other fighters are measured, and Street Fighter III: Third Strike set a new standard with its amazingly technical fighting style and bold, fluid 2D artwork.

Content Rating: Animated Violence

Developers: Capcom, Capcom Production Studio 2

Publishers: Capcom

Franchises: Street Fighter

Features: Memory Card, Vibration, DualShock, Stereo Surround, Online

Initial Release: Oct 5, 2000

Platforms: ps2 // dc // arcade

Genres: Fighting