The best fighting games speak to just how big and impactful the genre has become over the years. With a host of iconic series, memorable characters, and different movesets, we’re constantly seeing fresh fighter gems enter the fray. In fact, recently some genre hits made their way to Nintendo’s new console and there’s still a host of new games for 2025 set to add more to the lineup. So yeah, fighting games are not slowing down for anyone.
But putting the genre’s bright future aside for a moment, this list is here to celebrate the very best fighting games that you can pick up and play right now. We’ve spent countless hours in the ring to truly see which brawler comes out at the very top. Many of our picks offer the ultimate underdog fantasy, letting you take your fighter from low-level beginner to martial arts master. However, we’ve tried to offer enough variety so that you’ll be able to hopefully find a game that also perfectly fits the warrior fantasy that you are after too.
With highlights across all platforms, there are selections from some of the biggest franchises as well as some standout indie picks. And it’s also well worth checking out our pick of the best action games if you’re looking for even more recommendations. But for now, read on as we take you through our list of the 25 best fighting games that you can play today.
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The best fighting games to in 2025, starting with…
25. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO
Developer: Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd.
Platform(s): PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S
Let’s be honest: when it comes to the best fictional fighters around, Goku is the top dog. Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO is the latest entry in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, throwing players into a colorful anime world and letting you blast your way through recognizable villains and characters. While there are some repetitive fighting mechanics, this is the most complete feeling entry in Budokai Tenkaichi’s series yet.
It’s also packed with content for anime fans, so if you’ve watched all of Dragon Ball in order, you’re in luck because there are over 180 fighters included in the base game. The visuals are stunning, and it’s never been more fun to blow up your enemies in-game. Check out our Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO review for more information!
24. War of the Monsters
Developer: Incognito Entertainment
Platform(s): PS4