What are the best fighting games? An essential part of the esports scene and a staple at parties, fighting games allow everyone from button mashers to frame perfect fighters to enjoy tense matches and get competitive (and they’re safer for friendships than Mario Party). Know your flawless blocks from your footsies? Let’s take a look at the best fighting games to play with mates, from the legendary Super Street Fighter II Turbo to social media sensation MultiVersus.

The Best Fighting Games To Play With Mates

1. Super Street Fighter II Turbo – best fighting games

The grandfather of competitive fighting games: Super Street Fighter II Turbo might have been released almost 30 years ago, but it still packs a punch in the tournament scene to this day. Super Turbo defined many of the staples of the genre, with selective game speeds and super combos letting you beat up your rivals very fast and very hard (always fun in an arcade setting). As the last classic release of Street Fighter II this edition is considered the gold standard, but if you can’t get your hands on this version then almost every iteration is worth playing.

2. Tekken 7 – best fighting games

With its combo-filled gameplay and impressive roster of characters, Tekken 7 is both the bestselling entry in the franchise and the most accessible to pick up for a few rounds of fun. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy game though, because the one-button-per-limb system allows for a huge amount of depth beyond simple button mashing mayhem. Like all the best fighting games, Tekken 7’s plot is ridiculous, incomprehensible, and a fantastic backdrop for smashing opponents into walls. Play as one of the many guest characters to drive your friends nuts.

3. Dragon Ball FighterZ – best fighting games

Bravely using “z” as a plural like it’s 2002 (Z-Fighters was right there!) Dragon Ball FighterZ gives players spectacular battles using everyone’s favourites from this beloved franchise. Aerial combos and fast flurries are the aim of this fighting game, with the anime style graphics meaning you can recreate some of the series’ famous fights in 1080p. The team mechanics will be familiar if you’ve played other titles by developer Arc System Works, and assists add a fun touch to matches, especially if you pick Goku’s ridiculous beam attack.

4. Brawlhalla

The best fighting games aren’t always part of an established series. Brawlhalla, a free-to-play platform fighter with 8-player online or local matching, shows that newcomers still have a spot in the competitive arena. A crisp brawler that’s reminiscent of Smash Bros., this is a fighter with a forgiving difficulty curve, cute cast of characters and active esports community: and there’s no hint of pay-to-win either. Different modes and over 50 rotating characters mean the game still feels fresh season after season. Play on your console of choice with the added cross-play functionality.

5. Mortal Kombat 11

Gory and glorious, the Mortal Kombat series is known for its brutal fatalities. Mortal Kombat 11 dials it up to 11 (sorry), but there’s more to this fighting game than gristle. Employing a unique button format you’ll need to master to win, this game keeps its strengths while ditching its weaknesses, and you’ll spend ages learning specific combos to reap the benefits in single and multiplayer modes. A bit grindy, but it’s one of the best fighting games in terms of tutorial, style, and overall features for the casual and competitive audience.

Not quite found your next pick for game night? Read on to find more choices for the best fighting games to play with your mates.