Fighting games are considered one of the most playable games in the competitive gaming environment. Best suited for quick thinkers, creative minds, and people who love competition. If we count, there are endless fighting games, but only a few are at the top of the list.
As per the reports, in the year 2024, the market size of fighting games was estimated at USD 1613.78 million. And further, it is expected to reach USD 2345.01 million by 20233. Here is the list of popular fighting game titles for you.
Top 10 Fighting Games to Try in 2026
Every game genre is specific in its own way, same goes for the fighting games. These games hold a different charm for the players. Let’s know them in detail.
Game
Release Date
Developer
Engine
Platforms
Street Fighter 6
June 2, 2023
Capcom
RE Engine
PS4, PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S, Arcade, Nintendo Switch 2
Tekken 8
January 26, 2024
Bandai Namco Studios & Arika
Unreal Engine 5
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Mortal Kombat 1
September 19, 2023
NetherRealm Studios
Unreal Engine 4 (custom)
PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Windows
Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
June 1, 2021
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio & Sega AM2
Dragon Engine
PS4, Arcade, Windows, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch 2
Killer Instinct (Xbox One)
November 22, 2013
Double Helix Games / Iron Galaxy
Not publicly specified
Xbox One, Windows, Xbox Series X/S
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
December 7, 2018
Nintendo, Sora Ltd., Bandai Namco Studios
Custom Nintendo engine
Nintendo Switch
Brawlhalla
October 2017
Blue Mammoth Games
Adobe AIR
macOS, PS4, Windows, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Android, iOS
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
April 24, 2025
KOF Studio / SNK
Unreal Engine 4
PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows
Dragon Ball FighterZ
January 26, 2018
Bandai Namco Studios & Arc System Works
Unreal Engine 4
PS4, Windows, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
EA Sports UFC Mobile 2
January 18, 2022
EA Sports
Not publicly specified
Mobile (iOS, Android)
1. Street Fighter 6
It is a next-generation game with multiple features for the players. Version 6 is the newest version among all. The perfect blend of classic mechanics with fresh technology delivers a deeper, more stylish, and accessible experience for players of all skill levels.
Release Date: June 2, 2023
Developer: Capcom
Platforms: PS4, Xbox Series X|S, PC
2. Tekken 8
It is one of the most popular fighting game titles you will witness in the gaming industry. The players crave modern technology with dramatic gameplay, then this can be the best choice for you. Built on one of the most powerful game engines (Unreal Engine 5). With the support of Unreal Engine, the game delivers stunning visuals, fluid animations, and the most detailed character models in the series’ history.
Release Date: Xbox Series, Xbox, PC
Developer: Bandai Namco
Platform: January 25, 2024
3. Mortal Kombat
Built by Ed Boom, the fighting game genre offers brutal, fast-paced combat and captivating characters to users. These features make it stand out from the other competitive fighting games. The story is framed as a tournament between different empires like Ethrealm, Outworld, Edenia, and more. Includes powerful warriors like Liu Kang, Scorpion, Sub-Zero, Raiden, Jhony Cage, and many other fighters to protect their world from their enemies like Shao Kahn and Shang Tsung.
Release Date: September 19, 2023
Developer: Ed Boom
Platform: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC
4. Virtua Fighter 5 Ultimate Showdown
Launched in the year 2021, it is an enhanced version of Sega’s legendary 3D fighting game, where the revised version was built with the help of the Dragon Engine, which offers modern graphics, improved lighting, sharper 3d character models, and more. If you are fond of martial arts styles, tight controls, and extraordinary game mechanics, then this game is just for you.
Release Date: June 1, 2021
Developer: SEGA/Ryu Gotoku Studio
Platform: PS4 and PS5
5. Killer Instinct (Xbox One)
The 2013 Killer Instinct proved it was much more than a copy of Mortal Kombat. It became one of the first big fighting games to use rollback netcode, making online matches fast and smooth. Its Dojo mode is one of the best training guides ever; it teaches not only how to play Killer Instinct but also the basic fighting game mechanics used in many other titles. The game also offers lots of single-player fun, great visuals, and a powerful soundtrack by Mick Gordon.
Release Date: November 22, 2013
Developers: Rare/Double helix/Iron Galaxy Studios
Platform: Xbox One, PC, and Steam
6. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
If you want a variety of characters in a single game, then this popular fighting game title is for you. This game offers more than 100 stages and even more in its latest version. Dynamic game characters like Mario, Link, and Pikachu can have a fight with the likes of Steve from Minecraft, Banjo-Kazooie, Cloud, and Sphiroth and more. Considered one of the best Switch games that offers a massive gaming experience to its players.
Release Date: December 7, 2018
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Nintendo Switch
7. Brawlhalla
If you have a Nintendo console, you must have played the Super Smash Bros. game Brawlhalla. This game allows you and up to 7 other players to see who falls first on the single-level battle platform. Brawlhalla was first released in 2017 on PC and PlayStation 4. In 2014, it was released on the Android platform by the Android game development studio and has enjoyed steady growth in revenues. There are over 20 different game modes and over 50 unique characters.
Release Date: October 2017
Developer: Blue Mammoth Games
Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox
8. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Developed by KOF and released in the year 2025, this masterpiece combines dynamic stories with the latest technology. The Fatal Fury is a fighting game that has the potential to attract longtime fierce gamers and newcomers to experience epic battles with a touch of traditional and advanced characters. Players have an option to select between two control styles, Arcade Style for precision combo execution or Smart Style for simpler, flashy mover, making it accessible yet deep.
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Developer: SNK Corporation
Platform: PlayStation4/5, Windows, Xbox Series
9. Dragon Ball FighterZ
Are you a Dragon Ball fan? Then this game might fascinate you. Released in 2018, this anime-inspired game is a goldmine for anime lovers. In this game, the players create a team of three fighters and can swap between them in real-time, executing flashy combos, assists, and tag-team strategies.
Release Date: January 26, 2018
Developer: Arc System Works
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X|S
10. EA Sports UFC Mobile 2
Are you a fan of WWE fighting? If yes, EA Sports UFC Mobile 2 has it all to amaze you in a different manner, where you can relate your pixel art characters with real-life fighters in the boxing ring. Thankfully, it’s an exceptional sports game that interacts and attracts players well. This game has both male and female characters.
Release Date: January 18, 2022
Developer: Electronic Arts Vancouver/ Moby Games Platforms: Android and iOS
Final Words
The fighting games are the new spotlight among the players. These genres offer a variety of features and playing styles that automatically attract the user base. For startups and entrepreneurs, it is a good time to invest in these games. But what makes these games more scalable? It’s the right game development company that aligns with your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many types of fighting games are there in the gaming ecosystem?
Ans. 2D and 3D are mainly two main types of fighting games that are played by the maximum number of people globally. These games offer a wide variety of features and gameplay mechanics to fierce gamers.
Q. What monetization strategies work best for fighting games?
Ans. The most effective monetization models for fighting games include character passes, cosmetics, skins, seasonal battle passes, and special collaboration events. Players are generally willing to spend on customisation and new characters as long as the game avoids pay-to-win mechanics. Additional revenue comes from esports partnerships, sponsorships, and merchandising. When balanced well, these strategies create continuous income without disrupting the competitive integrity of the game.
Q. What makes fighting games scalable for businesses?
Ans. Yes. Fighting games can be very profitable through game sales, DLCs, cosmetics, and esports opportunities. With the right concept and community support, even small studios can compete effectively.
Q. Do fighting games need complex mechanics to succeed?
Ans. Not necessarily. Simple control schemes attract beginners while deeper mechanics help retain competitive players. A balanced system appeals to a wider audience.
Q. How do I choose the right game development company for my project?
Ans. Pick a studio experienced in fighting mechanics, animation, netcode, and cross-platform development. A good partner should support your vision and future scalability. Always check portfolios and client feedback before finalising a partner.
Nitin Garg is a seasoned tech entrepreneur and the visionary founder of BR Softech, a globally recognized leader in game development. With over 13 years of industry experience, he has been instrumental in transforming BR Softech into a powerhouse of innovation, offering cutting-edge solutions in Video Games, Blockchain Games, NFT Game Development, and card games like Poker, Rummy, and Teen Patti.
Nitin’s deep expertise in emerging technologies, combined with a sharp business acumen, has helped position BR Softech as a trusted name in the international gaming arena. Under his leadership, BR Softech has built a global clientele of 3,000+ satisfied customers and scaled a dedicated in-house team of 180+ skilled professionals.
