The golden age of arcade gaming left a powerful legacy for modern gamers: fighting games. After all, who doesn’t have fond memories of spending hours on the couch battling friends in Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, or other iconic titles?
If you’re a fan of the genre and want to relive those moments, keep reading to discover the top 5 fighting games of today.
1. Tekken 7
Released in the West in 2016, Tekken 7 revitalized a beloved franchise for fans of martial arts-inspired characters. Fighters like King, Xiaoyu, Hwoarang, Eddy Gordo, Jin Kazama, Paul, Law, and many others return with stunning redesigns. Expect epic 10-hit combos that can drain an entire health bar—and maybe make your friend want to throw their controller at the wall (we’re not kidding).
Available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Arcade, Tekken 7 continues to draw crowds to global tournaments like EVO and is considered one of the greatest fighting games ever made. Definitely a must-have in your library.
2. Injustice 2
After the success of the first Injustice game, NetherRealm Studios followed up with Injustice 2 in 2017. The sequel brought jaw-dropping graphics and a massive roster of 38 characters (including DLCs) from the DC Comics universe.
Where else can you pit Superman against the Ninja Turtles or watch Flash battle Swamp Thing? With fighters like Atrocitus, Green Lantern, Gorilla Grodd, Black Adam, and Sub-Zero, the game delivers endless iconic matchups. Play it on PC, PS4, Xbox One, iOS, and Android.
3. Mortal Kombat 11
It’s no stretch to call Mortal Kombat 11 a sibling of Injustice 2—after all, both were developed by NetherRealm Studios and share similar core mechanics. That said, MK11 stands strong on its own.
Released in 2019 and available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, Mortal Kombat 11 is widely praised for its stunning visuals and smooth combo mechanics. It rewards skillful players without punishing newcomers, making it accessible for all. If you crave brutal combat and a dash of nostalgia, this is your game.
4. Soul Calibur VI
Just as Injustice is to Mortal Kombat, Soul Calibur is to Tekken—a comparison that’s truly a compliment. This series offers a more weapon-based approach, with fighters wielding swords, nunchakus, axes, and more. It blends realism (sort of) with classic fantasy weaponry.
A standout feature of Soul Calibur VI is the character creation system, allowing players to design their own unique fighters. Plus, you can instantly end a match by knocking opponents out of the arena! Available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC, it’s a solid addition to your collection.
5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
We had to finish the list with the pinnacle of fun and chaos: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. With over 100 stages and nearly 80 characters from across the gaming universe, it’s a celebration of everything Nintendo and beyond.
You’ll find Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Link, Samus, Mewtwo, Pokémon Trainer, the Duck Hunt dog, the Wii Fit Trainer, and so many others—each with their own skins and outfits. Exclusively on Nintendo Switch, this game is lighthearted, fast-paced, and perfect for casual brawls with friends.
Now you’re fully equipped to relive the good old days of couch gaming and crush your friends with some of the best fighting games out there. Just make sure to practice a little before inviting them over, or you might get wrecked by button-mashers!
Did you enjoy this list of top fighting games?
Then get nostalgic and check out our picks for the best Game Boy Advance (GBA) games too!
