Best retro fighting games

Fighting games pit two characters against each other in short one-on-one bouts. Depth comes from learning special moves, combos and each character's strengths.

Typical commitment: quick session. Tip: Pick one character and learn their basic special moves before branching out. Fighting games are at their best against a friend at a similar skill level.

Pick one of these for me

Fighting games by system

The 48 most celebrated retro fighting games

#4 Tekken 2 box art
Tekken 2 PS1 · 1996 · Fighting Classic
#22 Ehrgeiz box art
Ehrgeiz PS1 · 1998 · Fighting Classic
#29 Tekken 3 box art
Tekken 3 PS1 · 1998 · Fighting Classic
#30 Shaq Fu box art
Shaq Fu SNES · 1994 · Fighting Classic