Best Fighting Games of All Time

The world of fighting games has always been a very appreciated and well-followed genre for players all over the planet and today we would like to have a look at some of the most remarkable and popular titles and franchises that have had a major impact or left their important mark on gaming.

Even though we would not be able to cover more than one representative per title, just the mere mention of one of the entries in their respective series is enough of a pointer to indicate that the whole collective of fighting games they belong to is worthy of your attention!

Another thing to point out is that this compiled list is not going to be a top 10 chart with a countdown and with a clearly declared winner (there would actually be more than 10 entries here), because we do not want to pick one of the favorites to the rest and being on the list is more than enough to show our respect to the different series, as depending on your liking you may prefer some more to others yourself. They are all great in their own way and style, so we hope you agree with us about the picks!

So, we would strongly advise you to buckle up, sharpen your warrior senses and prepare your fighting spirit for a serious exploration through all of the various most prominent entries for best Steam games with fighting of all time! Ready? Fight!

Street Fighter VI

The Street Fighter series by Capcom has been one of the first major titles in the genre and it simply cannot be at any other position on our list but an initial one. The numerous entries across the decades have included many versions and increasingly grew in popularity as time passed. For the purposes of this review we are going to mainly focus on Street Fighter VI as our pick out of all the available games in the series. It is the latest and most recent entry and also quite representative of the convoluted and sometimes difficult to grasp timeline of the series.

Even though many have tried to participate in the world fighting tournament through the years, there have always been some characters that have stood the test of time and remained more popular than the rest of the challengers. The names such as Ryu, Ken, Dhalsim, Chun-Li, Zangief and Guile, who have always been fan-favorites and without them the game would not be the same. There are also new characters that enter the tournament such as Luke, JP, Marisa, Kimberly and Jamie, all of whom with playstyle of their own adding their unique flavor to the diversity of the title.

The game features three different modes – namely: Fighting ground / Battle Hub / World Tour – each with different type of gameplay and options for multiplayer, create your own character that could be trained by the most famous fighters around and is with the most modern graphical stats and performance. Another newly introduced mechanic is the Drive system that allows you to perform in-match moves to evade or deliver specific attacks and you can choose from Modern / Classic / Dynamic controls to enter fights with.

Mortal Kombat 11

It should not come as a surprise that the next series to be discussed is the one of Mortal Kombat games by NetherRealm. With its long history on the ring of fighter games, the series has proven to be a cornerstone when it comes to such titles. Well-established as one of the most violent games in the genre MK does not shy away from gore and blood (with a short pause of the rule on the NES in the 90s). With its violence-filled formula being to push the limits of the scene with each next chapter of the story across multiple MK eras, ever since the classic 2D Midway ones, through the first attempts of the 3D period, up to the now most recent reboots and upcoming entry in the series that is projected to come to market in late September 2023.

Since the available info on the new MK1 is still quite scarce (even though there have been multiple announcements with player assistances, combined X-ray moves, very anticipated story developments and characters from all eras included on the roster), we are going to focus on MK11 as the most recent and complete representative of the franchise that has struck a brutal impact on the scene.

Taking place after the events in MK10 and the defeat of the Elder god Shinok, his mother the ruler of time Kronika has deemed necessary to interfere with events and once again shape the realms as to her preferences. Our heroes and villains are but simple pawns in her game and she has unlimited moves across both space and time; she revives certain characters from the past and recruits others in their darker form to serve under her. Would you be able to prevent her from reaching her goals? It is up to you to get through all the bloody fights to the death that could cost you an arm and a leg both metaphorically or literally.

Pick from the rich in iconic characters rooster such as Liu-Kang, Raiden, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Kano, Sonya and Jax, or perhaps you might find your new main in Kollector, Geras or Cetrion. The game has been further expanded with great online multiplayer, additional missions and storyline content, important characters (both familiar faces and outstanding guest appearances) a rich Krypt and has set the events for the upcoming rebooted storywise title that would take us all the way back in history before previous tournaments!

Tekken 7

Yet again, another juggernaut series that has always been close to the hearts of fans is the Tekken series by Bandai Namco and it also undeniably proves to be worthy of attention with lots and lots to offer fans, just like it has done up to now. With its deep story of family betrayals and intense action the franchise is famed and praised for, this series has remained in the spotlight for many years.

We are going to concentrate on the 7th main game entry (an 9th overall) to the series. The raging war between Mishima Zaibatsu and the G Corporation continues to affect the world. The main characters of course include names such as Heichachi, Kazuya, Jin, Nina, Hwoarang, Yoshimitsu, King, Eddie and Lee to mention just a few of the familiar legacy fighters that should immediately ring a bell in your head from previous titles in the series.

Even though the game was released back in 2015 its popularity has outlasted the predictions and is still relevant today, with mechanics such as the critical Rage Art, Power Crush, Screw hits, a new display system, Wall Bound and Stun to enrich the gameplay and build upon the previous entries. With lots of favorable reviews, nominations and general ratings it has been very well-accepted and claims the third entry on our list for best multiplayer fighter games of all time.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

The Dragon Ball FighterZ by Arc System Works would always be there for you in case you have the right state of mind to enjoy some anime fighting games, you will not be glad to discover that Dragon Ball FighterZ is just like the cartoon show on TV that we all love and keep fond feelings for, but with the major difference that you would be in control of the fighters that are included in the game version. After all it does look and sound precisely as you would expect it to, staying true to the source material it originates from.

When speaking about the gameplay, this 2.5D fighting game has taken the most optimal approach towards the design. It is a title that is easy to become passionate about while at the same time a bit hard to master, but with enough dedication and tryouts you would grasp the strategic approach in matches and you would ultimately have a really great experience with it once the learning curve period is behind you.

Go into Super Sayian, throwing multiple Kamehamehas at your opponents, and get plenty of training time to truly refine your matching style. We are certain that it will excite you just as much as the animation does and this anime-graphics game would captivate your heart, mind and soul for long!

Injustice 2

The other NetherRealm hit that has captivated the hearts of fans Injustice is a super hero/villain fighter game with some of the most titular DC comic book characters brought to the gaming scene against each other. The brawl is always powerful, energetic and full of rage with this one.

Perhaps you want to perform moves as any of the glorious heroes and protect life or live out the darker fantasy in the shoes of a mastermind evildoer that looks to conquer the world and enslave humanity under their rule. It is all up to you which side you pick and how well you perform against the opposing forces that would stand in your way and actively try to stop you on your intentions.

Choose among the most powerful representatives that have been taken out from the pages and directly put into the eventful action such as Superman and Supergirl, Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash and some of the most dangerous villains available like Deadshot, Darkseid, The Joker, Harley Queen, Bane, Poison Ivy and many others. All of the featured characters have their own special abilities, style and moves. There are also a few guest appearances too, the game includes all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy and even two MK characters in the likes of Raiden and Sub-Zero! If you have always liked comics this title would be a total blast for you!

Dead or Alive 5: Last Round

The Dead or Alive series by Team Ninja/Koei Tecmo has been around from the very dawn of fighting games and it kept going through the years as a hit title to be considered no matter what else was out there on the market. The series delivers quite well on grand combo matches, with the ability to pick from a plethora of different in size and power characters from all types.

One great thing about this title is that the fight is not limited to just kicks and punches between opponents but also that the levels have a high-degree of interactivity and you can use your environmental surroundings to your advantage in matches.

The main version of Dead or Alive 5: Last Round is completely free of charge but comes with its limitations as not all the fighters, modes and music would be available. Although that could be a great way to test it out first and the upgrade to the full version, in which you could access all the other content that was initially off grounds. Overall it is a great way to entertain yourself for days and grind matches in which throwing your opponent around the arenas is not only a necessity, but even encouraged by the title itself!

Killer Instinct (2013)

One of the most admired and memorable titles from the past got its revival reboot in 2013 to once again take over the hearts of gamers with its unstoppable and ruthless ways. The Killer Instinct game by Rare & Double Helix Games pleased many as it was superior to its predecessor from years ago, but keeping the formula and imagery quite similar and true to the franchise.

There could be lots of things said about this competitor to the most vicious fighting games on the market as it does stand out of the crowd as an astounding title. Fulgore has remained one of the most notorious and infamous characters across the board, even making guest appearances in other franchises as his methods simply cannot be contained and nothing can stop his determination to tear through opponents. Other worthy of your attention characters that are also famed include Glacius, Sabrewulf, Riptor and Arbiter to name just a few.

Killer Instinct is potentially one of the best choices on this list for players seeking to bring their brawling skills up to the next level. The training Dojo mode would build the foundation for you and prepare you well for what challenging battles are coming your way after it, so make sure to learn as many of the demanding moves first before you dive in the mayhem of Killer Instinct that is so well combined with an OST by the one and only Mick Gordon.

Guilty Gear: Strive

What list of Best fighting games would be complete without a Guilty Gear title in it? Well, the answer to that question is none in our humble opinion. As one of the most acclaimed anime fighting game titles out there, this series by Arc System Works has cemented its place among the top performing fighting games ever.

With a rich cast of familiar and new faces that come in all shape and sizes the game proves that it is not always the biggest and strongest to take the win, but the ones that are most skilled and well-equipped to survive in combat. Choose your side of this futuristic anime masterpiece and delve deep in the experience as each possible match would present you with an opportunity to prove your might.

Would you like to have the extraordinary powers of Sol Badguy or perhaps to protect and stand with the noble causes as Ky Kiske? Maybe your thing is establishing order at any cost and the powerhouse Potemkin is your best fit. You would be surprised how a small girl such as May carries a huge anchor and delivers mighty blows with it to much more colossal than her characters and claims victory. Ever seen a character that fights with their hair? No? Well, Millia Rage does and she is one of the most dangerous assassins out there. Sounds exciting, right? Well, there is lots more to be discovered!

Rivalry, passion, desire and demand for power lead each of the involved parties in the fight and the clashes and slashes will surely be plentiful!

If you are in the search for a fighting game that is fast, driven and demands of you to really develop a stern combo technique to master, then look no further than the Guilty Gear series!

Soulcalibur VI

The latest title in the Soulcalibur series by Bandai Namco is amazing in many ways. It does not matter how experienced you are with battles on screen, you are going in for a treat with Soulcalibur VI.

The weapon-based matches in this 3D fighter put a grip on you and are actually still very pleasing even if you go through the battles, while frantically pushing each of the buttons on your joystick, or have in-depth knowledge of the game, that could allow you to perfectly connect together serious combos in a chain of commands for your character.

Through having a fine selection of reoccurring character roster, but also adding Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher 3 who getting a guest appearance, there simply should not be a problem for every player to discover a hero that would suit their play style.

And that is far from all, the title allows for a very robust and detailed character creator, enabling you to go wild by designing your own powerful hero to measure blades against the other already well-established opponents in the series.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4

The Naruto cartoon has been one of the most popular anime shows of all time and it is not by chance or a shock to fans that the franchise received a ninja type fighting game series.

More particularly we are going to overview NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM 4 published by BNE & Namco Bandai Games America that is going to allow you a deep dive in the world of the popular anime and manga series. This entry offers you the exciting storyline of Naruto and his friends as they take part in the ongoing fights that shall determine the fate of the world.

Apart from the titular protagonist, you could also choose and play as a variety of other fan-favorites like Sasuke, Gaara, Sai and Hinata. What’s more is that the game presents itself with some really outstanding anime-style graphics and very realistic destructive processes all through the matches. So, immerse yourself and join in the fights Naruto style!

King of Fighters XV

Just like any of the previous entries in this everlasting and iconic series, The King of Fighters XV by SNK Corporation and BANDAI NAMCO Studios is based around the 3v3 combat system in which players take control on teams consisting of various KoF warriors.

The developers have certainly put effort into to make the threshold of entry much easier for players to delve deep into the great experience that King of Fighters games have to offer. This is precisely the reason we got the Shatter Strike move, it allows players to counteract on any incoming attack performed by their opponents.

Long-time fans of the franchise should definitely be pleased to find out a lot of familiarity to and similar ways to play this entry just like they can exploit already existing tactics that were attained through playing and grinding in the previous King of Fighters games.

With its very well-performing online training mode, that allows players to actually learn the best practices from one another, gaining the ability to make some of the more difficult moves and advanced combos is going to be even more entertaining than ever before.

ULTIMATE Marvel vs. Capcom 3

Ever wanted to make combat compilations and match up heroes from more than one universe? Imagined dream fights between characters that would typically not interfere with each other ever?

Well, ULTIMATE Marvel vs. Capcom 3 got you covered by merging together a special kind of fighter game that would allow you to live out a lot of otherwise impossible fights. The established 3v3 battles allow you to align together a team of characters representative of both franchises and thus create a very capable and diverse team able to take on challenges on a new level of intensity.

By picking from a wide variety of the best characters in both companies the showdown gives players the chance to mix and combine together unimaginable elsewhere alliances, so let’s look at just a part of the bigger names on each side.

In one corner we got the Capcom superstars such as Ryu, Akuma, Dante, Haggar, Wesker, Felicia and others from hit titles by the company, while on the other end of the roster we got the Marvel icons Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Spider-Man, Storm, Wolverine, Deadpool and plenty of popular names from the company. What setup you make is up to you, but whatever the arrangement is one thing is for sure, there is going to be lots of impactful fights to enjoy!

Woah! That was quite an intense experience, was it not?

With such a big combo of so many rounds covered one after another we are certain that with such endurance you could find at least a few new fighting games that would perfectly fit in your library of Steam games.

Make sure to check out any of the ones you have not already and give them a proper go as soon as possible! Feel free to order them from us as we could provide you with some of the best deals on the market for these and many more available titles in the genre and if that was not enough, check out our previous posts with other interesting series and topics all about the gaming industry.

We have prepared lots of exciting and new upcoming blogs too, so stay tuned and until next time!

The YUPLAY team!