As far as multiplayer titles are concerned, fighting games are the most enjoyable as it includes challenging each other to figure out one's skills. These games have two or more players who fight in an arena environment from which one side gets victory.

Fighting games were there since the dawn of gaming and were some of the popular titles in arcades where kids get to compete with their friends in a friendly atmosphere. Nowadays, fighting games are online which let players challenge people worldwide as well as their IRL friends.

In the last decade or two, many fighting games have been released which are either part of a long-running series or new titles. This year, players can choose from a plethora of fighting games to play if they are looking for a competitive game to play with their friends. So, here is a list of best fighting games to check out this year.

Tekken 7

This is an age-old fighting video game series since 1994. The game is based on the Iron Fist fighting tournament. Tekken 7 has a large number of playable characters. Some among them are well-known like Jaguar mask-wearing King, freestyle dancer Eddie Gordo and martial artist Martial Lee.  Each character has a distinct fighting style and moveset. Utilizing characters to its full potential requires time and the result is rewarding.

 Guilty Gear Strive

This was first launched in 1998. It has become really very popular since then. The main series include seven titles with the most recent being Guilty Gear Strive that was released on June 11, 2021. The game is popular for its gameplay, music and artwork. Characters are depicted in an anime-like style. The interesting playable characters are still present in the game with quirky and unique personalities.

Street Fighter 5

This is the longest-running fighting game series and has been here since 1987. Street Fighter has become a common household name when it comes to fighting games as it has got many sequels and spinoffs that kept the game's spirit intact. Street Fighter 5 is the latest one to be released and Street Fighter 6 will arrive in the very next year, 2023. The previous title had 16 playable characters but the roster has increased to a total of 46 after five seasons of added content. With both new and old characters, the game remains the best among all with its sweet-looking combos, character fighting styles and iconic moves.

Rumbleverse

Released on August 11, 2022 Rumbleverse is a free-to-play battle royale fighting game. Players here need to rely on fighting opponents or participate in a free-for-all brawl to be the last one surviving. Here 40 players are present in an open world to loot and find items. Players will get unblockable moves that they can learn in each match. These moves are utilized while fighting opponents. Players must deplete an opponent's heath gauge to perform Knockout (KO). Melee weapons and potions are needed by the players in the game.

Mortal Kombat 11

Mortal Kombat is a little different from Street Fighter with an emphasis on gore. It is a go-to game for players. The game's visceral take on combat is the best the series has to offer. The game has also got great fantasy lore in the background having supernatural entities, various dimensions and time travel. 

Dragon Ball FighterZ

This is the most popular anime for the global screens and has a huge fanbase. The game is a 2.5 D versus brawler and here players can choose characters from a large roster of Z warriors. The cell-shaded art style gives it a great look. The game is different from the original plot.

Injustice 2

This is a sequel to Injustice: Gods Among Us that was released in 2017. Injustice 2's roster of characters was increased to twice the size of the first game. The game also adds a gear system to unlock cosmetic and functional gear for the characters. Fighting in this game includes great combos. Button mashing won't be the solution here as different characters function in a different manner and have unique passive or active abilities with a super move.

Skullgirls 2nd Encore

This is a 2D fighting game. The game was released on April 12, 2012. The story revolves around an artifact called Skull Heart that grants wish for women. Someone with an impure heart will be transformed into a monster called Skullgirl. Here players can control different characters. They may take part as a team or single character. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

This is a long-running fighting game series of 1999. Here are various characters pulled in from different IPs. This is the last entry in the series having new additions of characters, stages and powers. Here players need to knock their opponents off the stage while dealing damage. Modes both local and online are available. Players can take part in a group; team matches or solo. Characters can choose alternate outfits and colours and utilize attacks and items iconic to the world.

 MultiVersus

The game is basically Super Smash Bros. having characters from IPs owned by Warner Bros. This is a free-to-play title and is available all over the world. Here four players fight in a 2D platforming arena. The target is to knock off as many opponents as possible with the player having least KOs winning the match as the timer ends. MultiVersus currently has 17 playable characters and more additions will be made in the near future.