Fighting games continue to captivate players with their mix of competitive spirit, flashy combos, and deep mechanics. The year 2025 promises to deliver an incredible lineup of games, from iconic franchises making triumphant returns to fresh titles aiming to leave their mark. Let’s look at the most anticipated fighting games of the year!

1. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves

Release Date: April 24, 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox Series X/S

The long-awaited return of SNK’s Fatal Fury series is finally here with City of the Wolves. Serving as a sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves, this game revisits the gritty streets of South Town. With Unreal Engine 4 delivering stunning visuals, players will experience intense 1v1 battles featuring classic characters like Terry Bogard and Rock Howard alongside new additions. Expect updated mechanics and a gripping continuation of the Fatal Fury storyline.

2. Tekken 8 Season 2

Release Date: Mid-2025 (Season Update)
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Bandai Namco’s Tekken 8, already a competitive hit since its 2024 release, will receive a major update in 2025. Season 2 introduces new characters and stages while refining the existing mechanics. With its dynamic Heat System and jaw-dropping visuals, the game continues to dominate the competitive fighting game scene. If you’ve been waiting to step into the King of Iron Fist Tournament, now’s the time.

3. Virtua Fighter 6

Release Date: Late 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox Series X/S

SEGA’s legendary Virtua Fighter series finally returns with its sixth installment, marking its first major entry in over two decades. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the Yakuza games, this title promises hyper-realistic graphics and refined mechanics. Longtime fans and newcomers alike are eager to see how Virtua Fighter 6 will stack up against its contemporaries.

4. Riot Games’ Fighting Game (Codename: Project L)

Release Date: 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Riot Games is stepping into the fighting game arena with its free-to-play project, Project L. Set in the League of Legends universe, this 2v2 tag-team fighter focuses on tactical gameplay and easy-to-learn yet hard-to-master mechanics. Expect familiar champions like Jinx and Darius to showcase their powers in beautifully animated combat sequences. With rollback netcode confirmed, the game aims to deliver seamless online play.

5. Capcom Fighting Collection 2

Release Date: 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC

Capcom is bringing nostalgia back to the forefront with Fighting Collection 2. Featuring fan-favorite titles like Capcom vs. SNK 2, Power Stone, and Rival Schools, this compilation is a love letter to fighting game history. With rollback netcode for online play and visual enhancements, this collection is a must-have for any retro fighting game fan.

6. King of Fighters XIII: Global Match

Release Date: Early 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Nintendo Switch

SNK continues to honor its roots with King of Fighters XIII: Global Match. This enhanced re-release updates the fan-favorite title with improved rollback netcode and balance changes, making it a great choice for both casual and competitive players. The beautiful 2D art and classic 3-on-3 gameplay remain intact, ensuring that it stays true to its origins.

7. Street Fighter 6: Season 3

Release Date: Summer 2025 (Season Update)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Capcom’s Street Fighter 6 is set to stay in the spotlight with its highly anticipated Season 3 update. This content drop will include new fighters, stages, and balance tweaks, ensuring that the game remains fresh for both casual and professional players. With Street Fighter 6 already a critical success, Season 3 will solidify its place in esports.

8. Guilty Gear Strive: Season 4

Release Date: Fall 2025 (Season Update)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Arc System Works continues to push Guilty Gear Strive forward with a fourth season of content. Known for its anime-inspired visuals and intricate mechanics, the game has garnered a loyal fanbase. Season 4 promises exciting new characters and more technical tools for players to master.

9. Hunter x Hunter: Nen Clash

Release Date: TBD 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Anime fans have something to look forward to with Hunter x Hunter: Nen Clash, an arena-based fighting game that brings the world of Nen to life. While specific details are sparse, early previews suggest that the game will focus on strategic use of Nen abilities and feature iconic characters like Gon, Killua, and Hisoka.

10. Bleach: Rebirth of Souls

Release Date: March 21 2025
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Based on the popular anime and manga series, “Bleach: Rebirth of Souls” is a 3D arena fighter that promises to deliver fast-paced, over-the-top action. With its stylish visuals, dynamic gameplay, and a roster of iconic characters, “Rebirth of Souls” is poised to capture the hearts of anime fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike.

2025 is shaping up to be a banner year for fighting games. With major franchises like Tekken and Virtua Fighter returning alongside exciting new projects like Project L, the community is set to enjoy a wealth of options. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive veteran, there’s never been a better time to be part of the fighting game scene.