It also took a big swing with several new characters, including new fan favorites like Cassie Cage and Erron Black. Its introduction of styles for each character, reducing the number of special moves you can perform, seemed limited at first, but it ended up bringing a level of freedom that wasn’t replicated in MK 11 thanks to its variety of possible routes and links. While the last few titles have been good, though, Mortal Kombat X allows you to make the most split-second choices during battles. Since the launch of Mortal Kombat 9, the revival of the series in 2011, the studio has evolved the idea of a “modern fighting game”: tons of single-player content, a stupid but equally hilarious story, and a robust multiplayer component (even if it doesn’t work well all the time). NetherRealm Studios is on a great streak. Mortal Kombat X Image: NetherRealm Studios/Warner Bros. Skullgirls 2nd Encore is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Mac, and Linux. (If you’re considering getting into fighting games for the first time, you should also watch the video below.)

We’ve gathered this list of the best fighting games (and, in some cases, the second-best games in their respective series) to help you dive deeper into one of the most rewardingly complex genres. Some fundamental titles aren’t currently available on modern platforms, but you can still find a fantastic selection of games to start flexing your fingers. In the meantime, there’s an almost endless catalog of fighting games with which to hone your skills.

In other words, 2023 could be a massive year for the fighting game genre, with three of its biggest franchises potentially receiving major sequels. Tekken 8 was also announced during one of Sony’s State of Play showcases last year, and although it doesn’t yet have a release date, it’s possible we could see it this year. Street Fighter 6 is right around the corner and Mortal Kombat 1 is officially due in September. Cross-play erases platform barriers, rollback netcode allows for smooth fights, and free-to-play models bring in more newcomers eager to test their skills.

The routine of spending an afternoon and dozens of quarters at the local arcade, trying to win a match against that kid in the neighborhood who knew how to perform all the special moves, may be a thing of the past - but fighting games are more relevant now than ever.

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