Fighting games may seem like a niche genre, but they’ve never been more vibrant. While the number of new releases in 2025 may suggest otherwise, established franchises like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Guilty Gear continue to thrive with fresh content and exciting balance changes. This has kept developers like CAPCOM, Bandai Namco, and Arc System Works from feeling the need to release new entries in these beloved series. However, the few new fighting games that did hit the shelves this year are of exceptional quality, offering players a mix of new experiences and nostalgic classics.
The resurgence of the fighting game genre was marked by the return of iconic series and fresh innovations, making 2025 a remarkable year for fans.
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
After a long hiatus, SNK’s Fatal Fury series made a triumphant return with Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This entry revitalizes the series with its signature two-plane combat mechanics while introducing the new Rev mechanics that enhance special attacks and open up new combo possibilities. The game offers a wealth of single-player modes, including the RPG-like Episodes of South Town, and features a diverse character roster that includes familiar faces from Street Fighter. This combination of new and classic elements makes it a standout in the 2025 fighting game lineup.
2XKO
After much anticipation, Riot’s Project L, now known as 2XKO, finally debuted this year in an early access format. This tag-fighter, which features characters from the popular League of Legends series, offers an engaging experience with simplified special move executions alongside a deep assist system that blends offense and defense seamlessly. With plans for a full console release in 2026, 2XKO is shaping up to be a formidable contender in the fighting game arena.
Absolum
The revitalization of the beat ’em up genre continues with Absolum, a game developed by Supamonks and Guard Crush Game. Known for blending combo-oriented gameplay with roguelike mechanics and procedurally generated levels, Absolum offers a refreshing take on the classic formula. Though currently light on content, the developers have announced plans for expansions, promising even more excitement in the future.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
SEGA has finally acknowledged the enduring appeal of the Virtua Fighter series with Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. This updated version of the classic offers a robust single-player mode and incorporates several gameplay enhancements that have been introduced over the years. Though fans eagerly await a fresh installment in the series, this release serves as a perfect bridge to the next big thing.
Supporting more than one fighting game is a tough task in today’s market. However, CAPCOM continues to honor its legacy by releasing Capcom Fighting Collection 2, featuring classics like Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein and Power Stone. This collection allows both old fans and newcomers to enjoy these timeless games once again.
Honorable Mentions
As 2025 didn’t see numerous new releases, only a few additional games deserve a nod. Nevertheless, they are well worth exploring for any fighting game enthusiast.
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