The Most Successful Fighting Game of All Time, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the fighting game you think is the most successful!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:57
Fighting games have captivated audiences for decades, evolving from simple arcade titles to complex, story-driven experiences. By ranking these games, fans can engage in debates and share memories related to their favorite titles. It also helps new gamers identify which classics might be worth exploring and which modern games are living up to the legacy.
Such rankings are continually updated based on user votes, reflecting the community's current opinions and the shifting dynamics of the genre. This engagement helps maintain a fresh perspective on the gaming landscape and ensures that both new and veteran players have a voice in shaping the hierarchy of fighting game greatness.
What Is the Most Successful Fighting Game of All Time?
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125votesConsidered by many to be the most iconic and influential fighting game of all time, Street Fighter II set the standard for the genre with its diverse roster of characters, deep gameplay mechanics, and competitive scene.Street Fighter II: The World Warrior is a renowned fighting game that was released in 1991. It is the second installment in the Street Fighter series and is considered one of the most popular and influential games of its genre.
- Release Date: 1991
- Genre: Fighting
- Platform: Arcade, various consoles
- Number of Playable Characters: 8
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
Street Fighter II: The World Warrior in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Street Fighter game
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247votes
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Masahiro SakuraiThe latest installment in the popular Super Smash Bros. franchise boasts the largest roster of characters, stages, and modes to date, making it a favorite among both casual and competitive players.Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a crossover fighting video game developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. It features characters from various Nintendo franchises and other third-party games, engaging players in a fast-paced and chaotic multiplayer battle. The game offers a wide range of modes, from classic multiplayer matches to a comprehensive single-player campaign, making it a highly entertaining and versatile gaming experience.- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: December 7, 2018
- Number of Playable Characters: 80+
- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Max Players: 8
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in other rankings- Position 5 of 10 in Most fun Nintendo Switch game
- Position 9 of 10 in Most entertaining video games
- Position 10 of 10 in Most anticipated game of all time
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316votes
Mortal Kombat X
NetherRealm StudiosThe tenth game in the Mortal Kombat series, Mortal Kombat X features improved graphics, gameplay, and a new storyline, making it one of the most successful fighting games of all time.Mortal Kombat X is a popular fighting game released in 2015 as the tenth installment in the Mortal Kombat series. Developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, it offers an intense fighting experience with a wide range of characters and brutal fatalities.- Release Date: April 14, 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Android, iOS
- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Genre: Fighting
- Rating: Mature 17+
Mortal Kombat X in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Mortal Kombat game
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47votes
Piotrus · CC BY-SA 3.0Released in 1997, Tekken 3 introduced new characters, improved graphics, and a new game engine, making it one of the most popular and successful fighting games of the 90s.Tekken 3 is a popular fighting video game that was released in 1997. It is the third installment in the Tekken series and garnered significant critical acclaim for its gameplay and graphics. The game follows the story of various fighters who participate in the King of Iron Fist Tournament.- Release Date: March 26, 1997
- Platform: PlayStation
- Genre: Fighting
- Number of Characters: 23 playable characters
- Game Modes: Arcade, Versus, Team Battle, Time Attack, Practice, and more
Tekken 3 in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Tekken game
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511votes
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Arc System WorksBased on the popular anime and manga series, Dragon Ball FighterZ features fast-paced, 3v3 battles with easy-to-learn mechanics and high production values, making it one of the most successful fighting games of recent years.Dragon Ball FighterZ is a 2.5D fighting game that features characters from the popular Dragon Ball franchise. With its stunning graphics and fast-paced gameplay, it captures the essence of the iconic anime series. The game offers a unique tag team-based system where players can create powerful combos and perform flashy special moves.- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Genre: Fighting
- Release Date: January 26, 2018
- Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Number of Characters: 40
Dragon Ball FighterZ in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular DBZ game
- Position 9 of 10 in Most difficult fighting game
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614votesReleased in 2000, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 features an enormous roster of characters from both the Marvel and Capcom universes, as well as fast-paced gameplay and a deep combo system.Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is a popular fighting game that features characters from the Marvel Comics and Capcom universes. It was first released in 2000 and quickly became one of the most successful fighting games of all time. The game offers fast-paced, tag team-based combat with a diverse roster of over 50 playable characters. It has been praised for its stylish visuals, smooth controls, and deep gameplay mechanics.
- Release Year: 2000
- Genre: Fighting
- Platforms: Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Number of Characters: over 50
- Tag Team Gameplay: Yes
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74votes
Killer Instinct
RareOriginally released in 1994, Killer Instinct features a unique combo system, exaggerated violence, and a diverse roster of characters, making it one of the most successful fighting games of the mid-90s.Killer Instinct is a highly challenging fighting game that was originally released in 1994. It has gained a reputation for its intense gameplay and complex mechanics. Developed by Rare, it has since been remade for modern platforms. The game features a diverse roster of characters, each with their own unique fighting style and abilities. Players engage in fast-paced, combo-based combat, utilizing various attacks, special moves, and combos to defeat their opponents. The game introduces the concept of combo breakers, allowing players to break out of their opponent's combos. Killer Instinct also includes an extensive combo system, allowing players to create devastating and flashy combos. The visuals in Killer Instinct are notable, incorporating pre-rendered sprites and combining them with 3D backgrounds. The game also features an immersive soundtrack that complements the intense gameplay. With its competitive nature, Killer Instinct has become a popular choice for tournament play.- Release Year: 1994
- Platforms: Arcade, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, Xbox One, Windows 10
- Genre: Fighting
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Number of Playable Characters (Original Release): 10
Killer Instinct in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most difficult fighting game
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86votes
Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN-
Daisuke IshiwatariThe latest game in the Guilty Gear series, Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- features stunning 3D graphics, a diverse roster of characters, and fast-paced, technical gameplay, making it a favorite among hardcore fighting game fans.Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- is a popular fighting game known for its stunning visuals and fast-paced gameplay. It is the fifth main installment in the Guilty Gear series, developed by Arc System Works. With its unique art style, extensive character roster, and deep mechanics, it has become one of the most successful fighting games of all time.- Release Date: February 20, 2014
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Arcade
- Graphics: 3D cel-shaded visuals
- Game Modes: Story Mode, Arcade Mode, Versus Mode, Online Mode
- Key Mechanics: Dust Attacks, Roman Cancels, Overdrives, Instant Kills
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98votes
Soulcalibur II
Project SoulThe second game in the Soulcalibur series, Soulcalibur II features improved graphics, new characters, and a unique weapon-based combat system, making it one of the most successful fighting games of the early 2000s.Soulcalibur II is a highly acclaimed fighting game that was released in 2002. It is widely regarded as one of the most successful entries in the Soulcalibur series. The game combines fast-paced combat with intricate weapon-based gameplay, allowing players to engage in intense battles using a variety of characters and weapons.- Release Year: 2002
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, Arcade
- Genre: Fighting
- Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
- Number of Playable Characters: 24
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108votesThe fifth game in the King of Fighters series, King of Fighters '98 features a massive roster of characters, refined gameplay mechanics, and a new storyline, making it one of the most successful and beloved fighting games of the late 90s.The King of Fighters '98 is a classic fighting game that was released in 1998 by SNK. It is considered one of the most successful fighting games of all time, attracting a large fan base and being praised for its balanced gameplay and diverse roster of characters.
- Release Year: 1998
- Platform: Arcade, Neo Geo, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, Dreamcast
- Genre: Fighting
- Number of Playable Characters: 38
- Game Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most successful fighting game of all time. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fighting game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1772 views
- 143 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fighting game once every 24 hours. The rank of each fighting game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most successful fighting game of all time
Fighting games have been a staple in the video game industry since the release of Street Fighter in 1987. Since then, the genre has evolved and expanded, with countless titles being released over the years. While some franchises have come and gone, others have stood the test of time and become household names.
Determining the most successful fighting game of all time is no easy task, as success can be measured in various ways. Some may argue that sales figures are the best indicator of success, while others may prioritize critical acclaim or tournament presence.
Regardless of the criteria used, there are a few titles that consistently rise to the top of the discussion. Franchises like Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Tekken have been around for decades and continue to release new installments to this day. Other games like Super Smash Bros. and Dragon Ball FighterZ have gained immense popularity in recent years and have a dedicated fanbase.
Ultimately, the answer to the question of the most successful fighting game of all time may never be fully agreed upon. However, the passion and dedication of fans for these games is undeniable, as evidenced by the countless tournaments and communities that continue to thrive around them.
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