2025 proved to be a monumental year for the fighting game community (FGC), marked by an array of thrilling events and the resurgence of classic games alongside fresh contenders. As we transition into 2026, reports suggest a review of which fighting games reigned supreme and those that faced challenges in the year gone by.
Fighting Games That Won in 2025
Let’s dive into the success stories of the year, highlighting the titles that captured the hearts of gamers and dominated the scene.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves secured the Best Fighting title at The Game Awards 2025, a testament to its excellence. With its esports debut at Evo 2025 and a staggering $2.5 million tournament at the SNK World Championship, the game has set a high bar. SNK’s dedication to nurturing its esports scene indicates a promising future for Fatal Fury.
2XKO
Riot Games’ 2v2 fighting game, 2XKO, has already begun shaking up the scene, even in its Early Access phase. The game’s complex mechanics are captivating the community, setting it up to be a major FGC title in 2026. With dedicated support from Riot, 2XKO is ready to build on its strong early foundation.
Tekken 8
Despite a controversial Season 2 update, Tekken 8 held its ground within the FGC. Arslan Ash, a standout player, added two more Evo titles to his collection and even received a documentary from Red Bull, solidifying his status at the pinnacle of Tekken esports.
Fighting Games That Lost in 2025
Amidst the successes, a few titles struggled to keep pace with the evolving scene, facing dwindling support and relevance.
Mortal Kombat 1
Mortal Kombat, a legacy in fighting games, faced setbacks with Mortal Kombat 1. The game’s changes to core mechanics weren’t well-received, leading to its absence from the Evo 2026 line-up. This exclusion signals a critical juncture for the series’ competitive future.
Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros. faced ongoing challenges due to limited support from Nintendo. Despite the dedicated community, the lack of approved licenses for major tournaments casts uncertainty over its 2026 prospects.
MultiVersus
MultiVersus, once a potential “Smash killer,” shut down its online servers in May 2025. Despite its short-lived esports presence, developers’ controversial decisions hindered its growth, leaving fans to question what could have been.