The 25 best fighting games you can play right now

Street Fighter 6 screenshot
(Image credit: Capcom)

With Mortal Kombat 1 and Street Fighter 6 both now out, it is maybe the best time to really take a serious look at one of the best fighting games to play. This is especially true given that Tekken 8 is still on the horizon. With DLC certainly still to come for all of the above, it's probably time to start honing your skills as the competition is about to get fierce. 

While the options might seem endless, certain entries rise to the top given availability, popularity, and general quality.  Even so, pulling together only 25 of the best fighting games is no easy feat due to the genre's variety, but that's what you'll find below. And even if your personal favorite isn't there, it should definitely point you in the direction of one or two that could certainly give it a run for its money.

25. M.U.G.E.N

Best fighting games

(Image credit: MUGEN)

Developer: Elecbyte
Platform(s): PC

A freeware 2D game supported entirely by fans, M.U.G.E.N is a bit of an oddity in the world of fighting games. Because the game is so customizable, your version of M.U.G.E.N is likely not the same as another player's. Instead, you'll need to find content tailored to your interest (maybe you want a Darkstalkers x Dragon Ball Z x The Simpsons crossover) and build up your vision of the game as you see fit. It's a bit of a hassle and the game is not known for being balanced, but it can still be pretty amazing to see Spongebob Squarepants go toe-to-toe with Joseph Joestar.

24. Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[clr]

Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] screenshot featuring characters fighting

(Image credit: French-Bred, Ecole Software)

Developer: French-Bread, Ecole Software
Platform(s): PC, PS4

Part visual novel, part fighting game, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] (sidenote, we're just going to call it "Under Night" here on out) is an underdog favorite in the fighting game community thanks to its lovely sprites, catchy tunes, and focus on feet-on-the-ground fighting. The plot is about as hard to follow as its title, but if you like anime about supernatural beings and ancient secret organizations, you'll find something to enjoy about Under Night. And there's even a new one coming, Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], in early 2024.

23. Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS. MaxiBoost ON

Screenshot from Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS. MaxiBoost ON featuring a Gundam

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Developer: Bandai Namco
Format(s): PS4

Look, the name "Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS. MaxiBoost ON" is absolutely a mouthful, but there's nothing like teaming up with building-sized mechs to use laser swords, cannons, and everything else in your arsenal to defeat an opposing team. With a cast of more than 150 suits pulled from decades of anime and manga, this is a Gundam fan's dream. While the game is maybe a bit aged compared to other contemporaries, there's still a dedicated set of players out there for good reason.

22. War of the Monsters

Best fighting games

(Image credit: War of the Monsters)

Developer: Incognito Entertainment
Platform(s): PS4

Lots of fighting games on this list require patience and a high level of skill to be played at a master level. They require hours of study if you want to become competitive, and are taken very seriously. War of the Monsters is not one of those games. This is a big, dumb slugfest between cartoonish monsters, with buildings, vehicles, and pedestrians getting crushed underfoot. Originally released for the PS2 but re-released with an increased resolution and smoother framerate on the PS4, pick this one up to feel like a kid again and have a raucous, not-too-serious time.

21. Arms

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Arms)

Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

Arms is the fighting game for those of you who preferred Wii Sports' take on boxing to tennis or bowling. Using the Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con as extensions of your... well, arms, you'll throw real-life hooks, jabs, and uppercuts (at the TV, not your friend, of course) as you try to outmaneuver and outsmart your opponent. Customizing your in-game arms will lead to different strategies and power-ups, and the wild character designs are a sight to behold. Of all the games on this list, Arms is probably the most likely to give you an actual workout.

20. Pokken Tournament DX

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Pokken)

Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

If you've ever thought to yourself "Yeah, I like Pokemon, but the turn-based battles just aren't exciting enough for me," then Pokken Tournament DX is exactly what you need. The title is a bit of wordplay on "Tekken," which Pokken's fights are largely modeled after - that is to say, 3D movement with an emphasis on close-quarters brawling. While you won't get to play as every Pokemon in the series, there are lots of fan favorites like Mewtwo, Pikachu, Blaziken, and Gengar to choose from. It occupies a strange niche as a not-quite traditional Pokemon game and not-quite a super competitive fighter, but it's tons of fun to see in action.

19. EA Sports UFC 5

EA Sports UFC 5 screenshot featuring two MMA fighters going at it

(Image credit: EA)

Developer: EA Vancouver
Platform(s): PS5, Xbox Series X/S

If you are looking to simulate actual, real-life martial arts combat, there is not much out there of any note beyond EA Sports UFC 5. The ongoing franchise tends to get a lot right with kicks and punches having impact while forcing players to constantly evaluate their strategy on where and when to move in and go for the combo or grapple that will net you a KO. It's not going to be for everyone, and the incremental updates between versions are not going to be to everyone's taste, but if this is your thing, EA Sports UFC 5 is the latest and greatest version of it.

18. Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Capcom)

Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

While criticized harshly for its character visuals (which are... not great) and simplified mechanics, Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite still adds some worthwhile wrinkles to the MvC formula - the biggest of which are the Infinity Stones from the Marvel Comics universe. Each stone has different effects which can drastically alter your strategy, and the franchise-spanning roster features plenty of fan favorites. This is a 2v2 rather than 3v3 fighter, and there aren't any assists from your partner this go-round either, so overall it's a bit more restrictive than the series' previous entry.

17. Dead or Alive 6

Dead or Alive 6 showing two fighters in action

(Image credit: Koei Tecmo)

Developer: Team Ninja
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

The Dead or Alive series is a bit of a black sheep in the fighting game community, as some find it shallow and too focused on cheesecake (that is, highlighting the sexual appeal of its cast) to be taken seriously. Even so, Dead or Alive 6 is a more-than-competent fighter taken on its own merits with a strong sense of style on top of generally engaging, albeit sometimes difficult to master, combat.

16. BlazBlue: Central Fiction

BlazBlue CENTRALFICTION Special Edition

(Image credit: Arc System Works)

Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PC, PS4, PS3, Nintendo Switch

With a roster comprised of demon girls, hulking behemoths, shapeshifting androids, and some stuff that only gets a whole lot weirder from there, BlazBlue is one of the fighting game community's more eclectic games of choice. What helps separate BlazBlue from its competitors is the "Drive" button. Every character's Drive function is unique, from helping them regain lost HP to trapping opponents in ice. Learning what makes each character tick is key to victory. While it's been a minute since a new mainline release, if you're looking for something outside the Street Fighter and Tekken norms, BlazBlue is worth checking out.

15. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Persona 4)

Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PS4, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PC

Follow this logic: the Persona games are a spin-off of the Shin Megami Tensei series. Persona 4 Arena Ultimax is a sequel to Persona 4 Arena, which is itself a spin-off of Persona 4. So this is a sequel to a spin-off of a spin-off. And yet, it's clear that developer Arc System Works put serious love and care into translating the characters from the Persona RPGs into a fighting game, and there's a great sense of balance and intricacy to combat. You'll have even more fun if you're already familiar with Persona, but even if you haven't played through the series, this is a solid fighter with a unique and memorable cast.

14. Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown

Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown screenshot featuring two characters fighting

(Image credit: Sega)

Developer: Sega
Platform(s): PS4

The Virtua Fighter series was one of the first to define 3D fighting games, way back on the Sega Saturn. While it has admittedly somewhat fallen out of favor, possibly due to its more toned-down nature - you won't find any robots or monsters here - that doesn't mean it isn't still great. There's a strong focus on input precision and making counterplays, which helps Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown feel like one of the deeper 3D fighters out there. It may not be flashy, but its focus on nailing combat flow and balance more than make up for that.

13. The King of Fighters 15

King of Fighters 15 screenshot showcasing two fighters duking it out

(Image credit: SNK)

Developer: SNK
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S

King of Fighters 15 might not get the flowers it deserves when directly compared to other long-lasting fighting game franchises, but SNK still knows how to craft a superb fighter that understands its legacy while still trying to keep up with the times. With rollback netcode and a good roster, King of Fighters 15 makes a strong impression that generally puts it above many others.

12. Killer Instinct (2013)

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Rare)

Developer: Iron Galaxy
Platform(s): PC, Xbox One

The surprise revival of Killer Instinct was one of this console generation's earliest treats. A cult favorite since its days in the arcade and at home on the Genesis and SNES, the game has an edgy, exaggerated style about it you can't help but love. Fights are almost always very close and borderline claustrophobic, but never stiff or boring. Anyone can rack up massive combos in Killer Instinct, but only those who know its intricacies will be able to capitalize on them. And with special guest characters like Rash from Battletoads and General Raam from Gears of War, it's one of the most unique fighters around. C-c-c-c-combo breaker!

11. Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive screenshot showcasing two fighters

(Image credit: Arc System Works)

Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PS5, PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One

Guilty Gear set the tone for Arc System Works fighters, and Guilty Gear Strive continues to carry the mantle: it's fast and bombastic, with some of the most ridiculous characters ever put to the screen, and it is, for lack of a better term, a bit weird. It's also quite the spectacle to look at, with characters technically rendered as 3D models but so finely detailed and animated they look like hand-drawn anime cels.

10. Skullgirls 2nd Encore

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Skullgirls)

Developer: Reverge Labs
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

An extremely fast and frenetic fighter, Skullgirls could be likened to a Western take on games like BlazBlue and Guilty Gear. You can mix and match teams of one, two, or three characters, and the well-rounded cast of characters which clearly stand apart from each other will encourage you to try everyone. An extensive tutorial will help you learn the ropes, and the active community will be waiting to take you on. What helps Skullgirls stand out though is just how fun it is to watch - the hand-drawn art style is gorgeous, and the presentation is exciting. You're gonna have fun with this one.

9. Tekken 7 

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

With Tekken 7, Bandai Namco set out to prove it was still the best at 3D, hand-to-hand combat - and yeah, it pretty much succeeded. Tekken 7 is the series at its best (or at least the best since Tekken 3), with precision-based inputs and a wide variety of characters to get up in your face. There's even a mode so newbies can hammer away on the controller and feel like they're accomplishing something, while veterans can take advantage of a deep combo system. Just try not to get your hopes up for single-player: the story mode is billed as an epic conclusion to a long-running saga, but everything about it falls flat.

8. Soul Calibur 6

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Soul Calibur)

Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

A tale of swords and souls, eternally retold... Soul Calibur 6 may have only just arrived on the scene, but it's already setting longtime fans alight with excitement. The definitive weapons-based fighter, the Soul Calibur series struggled to find its footing for awhile, but seems to have come home with SC6, which echoes the beloved Soul Calibur 2. The new Reversal Edge mechanic gives combatants more options, while returning features like Critical Edge provide flashy, powerful moves that let you unleash devastation on your foes. And then there's the incredibly robust character creator...

7. Injustice 2

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Injustice)

Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

If there's one thing Injustice 2 nails, it's presentation. From the word go, you'll be immersed into the world of DC Comics, and a stellar single-player campaign (seriously, it's a fighting game with a really good story) will keep you going for hours. Once you've finished with that, a world of finely-tuned battles against AI or online players awaits. And in a unique twist, completing the game's challenges will earn you pieces of gear that you can use to not only change the look of your chosen fighter, but alter their stats as well. It's an incredibly deep experience and you shouldn't be surprised to lose track of time with this fabulous fighter.

6. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Capcom)

Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 might be one of the most button-masher friendly games on this list, but that doesn't mean it's shallow. Instead of memorizing combos and worrying about being ultra-precise with your inputs, Ultimate MvC3 is all about making the most of your special abilities and your partners. Each fight is a 3v3 affair, with one character on screen at a time until players call in their partners for an assist or screen-filling super move. And if you start to fall behind, the X-Factor mechanic can help you turn what looks to be sure defeat around. It's chaotic, it's loud, it's colorful, and it's fun as hell.

5. Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection

Best fighting games

(Image credit: Capcom)

Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Yes, this is something of a cheat to pick, as it's not one single game, but rather twelve squeezed into one package. But don't worry, this collection doesn't appear so close to the top of this list because of sheer quantity, as it also includes two of the very best and most-revered fighting games of all time: Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo and Street Fighter 3: Third Strike. The former is credited with helping revolutionize and lay the foundations for the genre, while the latter is one of the tightest, most beautiful sprite-based 2D fighters you'll ever enjoy. And with Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection, you don't need to choose. 

4. Dragon Ball FighterZ

Best fighting games

(Image credit: DBZ)

Developer: Arc System Works
Platform(s): PC, PS4, Xbox One

While the uninitiated might think Dragon Ball FighterZ to be little more than a shallow fan service game, it's proven to be much more than that, and has quickly become a hit within the fighting game community. The winks and nods to DBZ fans are nice, but what fighting game aficionados will appreciate is the depth present in FighterZ's mechanics. It's a blisteringly fast game (probably the fastest on this list) that favors aggression and rushdown tactics, but if you can wrap your head around the finer points of its 3v3 tag-team battles, you're sure to come away pleased.

3. Mortal Kombat 1

Warner Bros. Games

(Image credit: NetherRealm Studios)

Developer: NetherRealm Studios
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Mortal Kombat 1 is finally here with its new era, and that comes with a new set of reimagined versions of classic characters in addition to a robust Kameo system on top of the usual combos and fatalities. It's all the blood and gore of Mortal Kombat with some clever changes to somehow make it feel truly new all these years later. And all it took was Liu Kang essentially becoming the master of reality.

2. Street Fighter 6

Juri

(Image credit: Capcom)

Developer: Capcom
Platform(s): PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S

There's a reason why people immediately think of Street Fighter whenever "fighting game" enters the conversation. As one of (if not the) most technical fighters on the market, it demands precision, patience, and strategy. And Street Fighter 6 absolutely continues this legacy with further iteration on what was already a unique visual flourish to set the franchise apart. If you can get past the tacked-on monetization efforts, there's a jam-packed package at its heart.

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Smash bros

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Developer: Nintendo
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch

While there will always be a contingent of purists who refuse to play anything other than Melee, make no mistake - Smash’s Switch outing is one of the best fighters ever released. Doing away with the hugely unbalanced roster of the series’ Wii U outing, Ultimate sees Smash at its chaotic best. Boasting a jaw-dropping 80 fighters to choose from, including third-party legends Like Sephiroth, Ryu, and Persona 5’s Joker, Ultimate feels less like a Nintendo love in and more like a celebration of video games as a whole. The best part? Ultimate plays phenomenally. Thanks to its wide array of different-feeling playable characters, there really is something for everyone. Featuring the return of a hefty adventure mode in the form of the RPG-leaning World of Light and the series best net code to date, Ultimate is pure joy. Whether you’re a casual player raining items down from the sky or a pro frame counter, ai-dodging and combo-ing your way to victory, there really is something for everyone.  In fact, Ultimate not only lays claim to being one of the greatest fighting games of the HD era, but arguably even one of the best games of all time. Disagree? I’ll see you on Final Destination. 

Josh West
UK Managing Editor, GamesRadar+

Josh West is the UK Managing Editor of GamesRadar+. He has over 10 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+'s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you've definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.

With contributions from