25 Most Popular Fighting Games You Should Give A Try

ARMS is a unique and colorful fighting game that introduces a novel take on the genre. Released in 2017, it brings a fresh perspective to competitive gaming with its distinctive characters, extendable arms and motion-based controls.

For those who prefer a more traditional gaming experience, ARMS also supports standard button controls. This flexibility in control options caters to a broad audience, from casual players to competitive fighting game enthusiasts.

Players can customize their fighters by selecting from a variety of interchangeable ARMS with different attributes, such as elemental effects, speed and power. 

Bushido Blade took a daring approach by prioritizing realism over traditional fighting game mechanics. Movements, weapon physics, and combat techniques aimed to mirror the authenticity of samurai duels.

The game featured a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique backstory, weapon, and fighting style. From the agile ninja to the stoic samurai, players could choose characters that resonated with their preferred combat approach.

Moreover, the game offered an array of traditional Japanese weapons which includes katanas, naginatas and nodachi. Each weapon had its characteristics, influencing the players' approach to combat and adding depth to the gameplay.

Persona 4 Arena is a unique crossover fighting game that combines the world of the Persona RPG series with the fast-paced action of a 2D fighting game. 

Released in 2012, the game bridges the gap between genres, offering fans of the Persona franchise a chance to engage in intense battles featuring their favorite characters. 

Moreover, Persona 4 Arena seamlessly integrates characters from the Persona 3 and Persona 4 RPGs into the fighting game genre.

Players get the chance to control their favorite Persona-users, each with their unique Personas, fighting styles and backstories.

One Punch Man: A Hero Nobody Knows brings the iconic world of the One Punch Man anime and manga series into the realm of fighting games. 

Released in 2020, the game puts players in the shoes of heroes from the Hero Association, offering a unique blend of fast-paced combat, humor, and the overwhelming power of Saitama. 

In addition to established heroes, the game allows players to create their own custom hero.

From selecting appearances to choosing superpowers, the character creation feature adds a personal touch to the Hero Association lineup. 

Dead Cells has taken the gaming world by storm with its unique blend of roguelike elements, challenging combat and intricate level design. 

The game introduces players to an ever-changing, interconnected world filled with procedurally generated levels.

Each run is a fresh experience as the layout, enemies, and loot are randomized, challenging players to adapt and overcome new obstacles with every playthrough.

Dead Cells boasts responsive and tight controls that are essential for its fast-paced combat. Precise movements and well-timed attacks are crucial, requiring players to master the art of dodging, parrying, and executing combos.

The Fight Night series has been a staple in the world of boxing video games since its inception. 

Renowned for its realistic simulation of the sweet science, the series has evolved over the years, delivering an authentic boxing experience that resonates with both casual players and hardcore fight fans.

It revolutionized the boxing video game genre by introducing the Total Punch Control system which mapped players' movements to their virtual boxer's actions. 

The series consistently pushed the graphical capabilities of each gaming generation, delivering visually stunning depictions of boxers and arenas. 

Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid serves as a remarkable testament to the enduring appeal of the Power Rangers franchise in the realm of competitive fighting games. 

Released in 2019, the game brings together a diverse array of Power Rangers and villains from various seasons, creating a unique crossover experience that resonates with both fans of the TV series and fighting game enthusiasts. 

The game does not just celebrate the heroes but it also features iconic villains from the Power Rangers universe. 

Players can assemble teams that include both Rangers and their formidable adversaries, creating unique and exciting matchups.

The Samurai Shodown series, also known as Samurai Spirits in Japan, has left an indelible mark on the fighting game genre since its debut in 1993. 

This iconic series is renowned for its distinctive weapons-based combat, historical setting and a roster of memorable characters.

As players step into the shoes of skilled warriors, Samurai Shodown delivers a unique blend of strategy, precision, and the timeless principles of Bushido.

Furthermore, the video game series introduces a cast of iconic characters, each with a unique fighting style and backstory.

Skullgirls stands out in the crowded landscape of fighting games for its exquisite hand-drawn art, unique characters and precise gameplay mechanics. 

Originally released in 2012, the game has continued to evolve, garnering acclaim for its engaging combat system, diverse cast of fighters, and a commitment to excellence in both gameplay and artistic design. 

Moreover, it features an Infinite Prevention System, designed to prevent players from executing infinite combos that could lead to unfair advantages.

This system maintains a balance between offense and defense, promoting strategic and skillful gameplay.

Killer Instinct made a triumphant return in 2013 under the development of Double Helix Games and later Iron Galaxy.

The reboot of Killer Instinct brought the series into the modern era with a fresh approach, stunning visuals, and a commitment to preserving the classic fighting game spirit.

The game adopted a unique content model, releasing characters and features in seasonal packs. This approach kept the game fresh, provided ongoing support, and allowed the community to anticipate new additions regularly.

It is renowned for its Ultra Combos, cinematic and over-the-top finishing moves that showcase the power and flair of each character.

The Marvel vs. Capcom series stands as a cornerstone in the fighting game genre, bringing together iconic characters from the Marvel Comics universe and Capcom's video game franchises.

First introduced in 1996, this crossover series has evolved over the years, consistently delivering frenetic and visually stunning battles that resonate with fans of both Marvel and Capcom. 

The series is known for its surprise guest characters, adding unexpected and exciting fighters to the mix. Notable examples include characters from the Mega Man series, Darkstalkers, and even characters from non-fighting game genres like Viewtiful Joe.

The Virtua Fighter series holds a special place in the history of fighting games as one of the pioneering franchises that brought 3D polygonal graphics to the genre.

Since its debut in 1993, the game has been celebrated for its technical depth, realistic martial arts animations, and a commitment to delivering a pure and skill-based fighting experience.

The game placed a significant emphasis on frame data where the timing and recovery of moves became crucial elements of high-level play.

This commitment to technical depth set the stage for a competitive scene that valued mastery of the game's mechanics.

The Dead or Alive series has been a prominent fixture in the fighting game genre since its debut in 1996. 

Known for its fast-paced gameplay, interactive environments and iconic characters, Dead or Alive game has evolved over the years, becoming a celebrated franchise in the world of fighting games. 

Not only that but the series emphasizes speed, agility, and precision, allowing players to execute a wide range of strikes, throws, and acrobatic maneuvers.

Players can strategically counter their opponents' attacks, turning the tide of battle with well timed defensive maneuvers.

M.U.G.E.N  stands as a unique and versatile platform in the world of fighting games. The game provides enthusiasts with the tools to create their custom fighting game experiences. 

The game provides a user-friendly interface that allows creators, even those with limited programming experience, to design characters, stages, and gameplay elements.

For advanced users, the game offers scripting flexibility that enables the implementation of complex and custom gameplay mechanics.

From intricate combo systems to unique character abilities, the platform supports a wide range of scripting options for creators to explore.

Soulcalibur VI is the latest entry in the long running Soulcalibur series. The game features a weapon based combat system and a focus on 3D movement. 

The game introduces a memorable cast of characters, each with their own motivations and connections to the mystical swords.

From series staples like Siegfried and Nightmare to newcomers like Taki and Kilik, the roster embodies a mix of traditional swordsmen, unique weapon masters and fantastical beings.

Soulcalibur is renowned for its 8-way run system, allowing characters to move freely in all directions around the 3D arenas. This system enhances the strategic depth of battles, as players can sidestep, dodge and position themselves for precise strikes.

The King of Fighters XIV boasts a diverse roster, featuring characters from various SNK franchises which includes Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting and Ikari Warriors.

Iconic characters like Kyo Kusanagi, Terry Bogard, and Mai Shiranui return alongside new faces, each bringing their unique fighting styles to the tournament.

The game retains its trademark team-based combat system where players assemble a team of three fighters. The order in which characters fight can be strategically chosen, adding depth to the gameplay as players explore different team compositions and synergies.

Injustice series boasts a diverse and extensive roster of DC superheroes and supervillains.

From Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman to Harley Quinn, Gorilla Grodd, and Deadshot, the game brings together characters with distinct powers and fighting styles, inviting players to explore the rich tapestry of the DC universe.

Each character in Injustice 2 comes equipped with a powerful supermove that showcases their unique abilities in spectacular fashion.

Furthermore, the Clash system enables players to wager parts of their super meter in a bid to turn the tide of battle, adding a strategic layer to each match.

A fighting game Guilty Gear Strive that features a unique art style and a diverse cast of characters with unique moves and abilities.

It is a fast paced and visually striking fighting game that is sure to appeal to fans of anime and stylish action.

The animation quality in the game is exceptional with characters seamlessly transitioning between movements and attacks. Special moves and super attacks are accompanied by cinematic sequences that further enhance the overall visual experience.

The game is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation, and PlayStation 5. 

A fighting game based on the popular anime series Dragon Ball. It features a large cast of characters from the series with unique moves and abilities.

It is a tag-team fighting game that features characters from the popular Dragon Ball anime series. The game is easy to pick up and play, but it also has a high skill ceiling.

Released in 2018, Dragon Ball FighterZ has captivated players with its faithful recreation of the Dragon Ball universe, fast-paced combat and strategic depth. 

The game is available on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. 

A fighting game that features a large cast of characters from various anime and video game franchises.

The game incorporates an assist system, allowing players to call upon their inactive character for a brief assist attack. Mastering the timing and synergy between characters is crucial for success in battles.

BlazeBlue boasts a varied roster with characters like Ragna the Bloodedge, Yu Narukami, Hyde Kido, and Ruby Rose. Each character retains their unique moves and abilities from their respective franchises, resulting in a dynamic and eclectic lineup.

The game is available on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.

Nidhogg 2 is a unique and fast-paced fencing game developed by Messhof. Released in 2017, the game takes the core concept of its predecessor and expands upon it with a fresh visual style, new weapons and enhanced multiplayer features.

The game introduces a variety of diverse environments, each with its own set of hazards and challenges. From eerie swamps to vibrant castles, the backgrounds add an extra layer of unpredictability to the intense fencing duels.

Nidhogg trades the minimalist pixel art of the original for a more eclectic and cartoonish aesthetic. The game features colorful and bizarre character designs, enhancing the overall whimsical and offbeat atmosphere.

This game is an absolute blast for players of all skill levels. It features a massive roster of characters from across the gaming world, and the gameplay is both accessible and deep. 

The game has earned its place as the quintessential celebration of gaming, bringing together characters from diverse franchises in a chaotic and entertaining battle arena. 

Super Smash Bros lives up to its name by featuring an unparalleled roster that includes not only iconic Nintendo characters but also fighters from other gaming universes. From Mario and Link to Sonic, Cloud Strife, and even Banjo-Kazooie, the game unites generations of gaming heroes and villains.

Mortal Kombat is known for its over-the-top violence and gore and Mortal Kombat 11 is no exception. The game also features a deep and engaging story mode. 

The game burst onto the scene during the golden age of arcades, captivating players with its digitized characters, graphic violence and a unique fantasy setting.

A classic fighting game that has been around since the 90s. It features a wide range of characters with unique moves and fatalities.

Not only that but the game is available on multiple platforms including PC, Xbox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. 

Tekken series is another long-running fighting game series that is known for its focus on 3D movement and combo-heavy gameplay.

Moreover, Tekken 7 is the latest entry in the series and it features a number of new mechanics and characters. 

Since its debut in 1994, Tekken has captivated gamers with its unique characters, engaging storylines, and dynamic combat system. 

With each installment, Tekken expanded its roster of characters, each possessing a distinctive fighting style and a unique backstory. Iconic characters like Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, and Heihachi Mishima have become synonymous with the series.. 

The Street Fighter series is one of the most popular and iconic fighting game franchises of all time. 

The first game was released in 1987 and since then, the series has spawned over 30 different games across various platforms.

The games are known for their fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay, as well as their diverse cast of characters from around the world.

One of the things that makes the Street Fighter series so special is its focus on competitive play. The games are designed to be played at a high level, and there is a thriving community of players who compete in tournaments. 

The latest game in the series, Street Fighter 6 was released in October 2023 and it has already been met with critical acclaim.