Fighting games are a very unstable genre in which you don’t know what you’re going to get year by year. You have your franchise heavy hitters and then you get some great indie games that come out swinging.

Mortal Kombat 11

For the last 9 years, Mortal Kombat has reigned supreme as one of the best fighting games on the market. Each year Netherrealm manages to push the series in new directions that feel fresh. I would be more than happy to crown another fighting game, but not many have topped the quality of MK. On MK’s off years is when other games get a chance, but until this series falters it will always remain the top fighter.

Runner-Ups

Fantasy Strike

Dead or Alive 6

Samurai Shodown