5 Best Multiplayer Fighting Games of All Time, Ranked

Truth be told. There’s never been a more significant invention in gameplay than multiplayer mode. It’s simply not the same fighting against a relentless AI versus an actual human being. That way, victories are much more rewarding, and losing is, well, motivating to up your game. 

Finding the best fighting games to play can be relatively easy. But finding the best multiplayer ones is a serious affair. We’ve scoured through plenty of fighting games to find you the five best multiplayer fighting games of all time, ranked. I can’t wait to get you started so let’s dive right in, shall we?

5. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

For some oddly satisfying reason, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate reigns high in its genre. Nothing compares to the variety of characters to choose from – all drawn from across the Nintendo line. And with a wide array of characters comes plenty of choices for costumes, skills, strategies, and gameplay. Now merge the endless spoilt for choice with multiplayer modes, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece. 

So get your hands on the Nintendo Switch system, invite some friends over, and fight! The game supports up to eight players by linking their Nintendo Switch consoles. If you’re one to enjoy one-on-one duels, you could always jump on the Co-op mode for two players and fight it out in Classic Mode or the battle arenas. Battle arenas help create special online rooms where you’re free to join other players’ arenas from all over the world. Or, if you’re looking for something intimate, why not share a couch playing on the same switch. 

With an endless gameplay variety and new flavors to try, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a stand-out game worth the try.

4. Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

Crossover titles always seem to grab players’ hearts right at the core, and Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is no exception. With the history players have with the franchise Capcom games and consequently, mashing it up with the comics Marvel’s fan-favorite superheroes, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes is simply an ambitious match made in heaven. 

Furthermore, the game introduces PvP mode for three-on-three fighting. So you could choose any of the 55 characters available and hook up two controllers to play locally against another player. Or, jump on the online multiplayer PvP mode featuring smooth, crisp graphics, widescreen support, and custom soundtracks.

3. The King of Fighters XV

The King of Fighters franchise is traditionally renowned for three-on-three fighting battles. Thankfully, the latest The King of Fighters XV doesn’t disappoint. Re-introducing heroes and villains who perished in previous games, the game boasts an excellent 39 playable character roster selection. So it’s up to you to select your best pick and challenge yourself in the race to be the best fighting champion in the world. Feel free to team up with other players who’ll stand by you and, the franchise says, help you shatter all expectations!

The franchise also doesn’t fall short of advancing the look and feel of the game. So it delivers a captivating and satisfying gaming experience. Whether you’re playing it online or offline, you’re always looking forward to the next gaming session. You could also check out previous installments in the franchise’s fifteen mainline titles, if at the least, to reminisce past moments of the game. 

2. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate

There’s something overly cool with Mortal Kombat’s popular “Fight” and “Finish Him!” phrases. More so, the most recent Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate title includes a boatload of options, including the Mortal Kombat 11 base game, the Aftermath Expansion, and the newly added Kombat Pack 2. 

Mortal Kombat games offer exaggerated, vicious action, and we’re here for all of it. Using next-gen technology, the visuals, the combat, and weapons are slicker and better than ever. More characters are available, and a brand-new story to boost. 

Are you looking to take it a notch higher? You could always jump on the local or online multiplayer modes. Whether for a casual evening with friends or spike some competitive spirit in the room, you could always plug in another controller and fight it out to the last breath. Alternatively, you could always test out your skills with players online. Ultimately, you’ll likely spend worthwhile hours on the game with plentiful fighters, features, and upgrades to explore.

1. Street Fighter III: Third Strike

The top pick of the best multiplayer fighting games is, without a doubt, Street Fighter III: Third Strike. There’s plenty to awe over this title; from the thrilling sprite animations to the charismatic fan-favorite characters of the game, there’s always a freshness that brings you back to yet another gaming session with friends. 

Receiving wide acclaim, the game nailed the 2-dimensional sprite-based fighters genre to the core and is said to have helped revolutionize the genre. Among its host of jaw-dropping features is a seamless online simultaneous multiplayer experience of up to eight players. Inclusive of the mode are hundreds of battles, visually compelling modes, and of course, arcade gameplay. Though the game had a slow start at the beginning, it’s come to gain intense traction among die-hard fans.

A remarkable aspect of the game is its increasing difficulty. So at first, it’s relatively easy to jump into. However, the gameplay picks up to challenge you in plentiful hours of gameplay. Hence, returning for a fresh coat of tears or a casual laugh with friends is always welcome, so each battle feels different, and each session is a new experience to remember. 

And that’s it for now! Do you agree with our of best multiplayer fighting games listing? Are there games you can’t wait to try out? Do let us know in the comments below or head over to our socials here.

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