Fighting games have come a long way in recent years, growing from a niche genre to a popular category in gaming. Games like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 have made fighting games more accessible while still rewarding advanced players. The genre is thriving, and 2024 was a great year for it, with new titles and exciting updates. However, 2025 promises to be even bigger, with fresh releases and new content.
Key Fighting Games in 2025
2025 will bring several highly anticipated titles, including Bleach: Rebirth of Souls and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The year kicks off with Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O in January, followed by Bleach in March and Fatal Fury in April. These games bring new mechanics and exciting gameplay, promising to make 2025 a standout year for fighting games.
| Game Title | Release Date | Developer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O | Jan 28, 2025 | Sega | Rollback netcode, remastered edition |
| Bleach: Rebirth of Souls | Mar 21, 2025 | Bandai Namco | Anime-based gameplay, clash system |
| Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves | Apr 21, 2025 | SNK | Sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves |
The Big Three: Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat
The top three franchises in fighting games — Street Fighter, Tekken, and Mortal Kombat — all had their ups and downs in 2024. Street Fighter 6 kept the hype going with crossovers, while Mortal Kombat I struggled with gameplay changes. Tekken 8 kept players satisfied with aggressive new mechanics despite some issues with DLC.
| Game Title | DLC Character | Release Date | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Fighter 6 | Mai Shiranui | TBA | SNK crossover characters |
| Tekken 8 | Anna Williams | Mar-May 2025 | Aggressive gameplay, improved pace |
| Mortal Kombat I | Conan the Barbarian | Early 2025 | Iconic crossover character |
New Titles and Returning Classics
2025 will also introduce some exciting new titles and remasters. Virtua Fighter 6 will finally arrive after years of anticipation, offering new characters and updated mechanics. Bleach: Rebirth of Souls aims to bring the anime’s dynamic battles to life with a unique clash system, while Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will revisit the beloved Garou series with updated mechanics.
| Game Title | Developer | Genre | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtua Fighter 6 | Sega | 3D Fighting | TBA |
| Bleach: Rebirth of Souls | Bandai Namco | Anime Fighting | Mar 21, 2025 |
| Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves | SNK | 2D Fighting | Apr 21, 2025 |
2XKO: A New Kind of Fighting Game
One of the most exciting newcomers to the genre is 2XKO from Riot Games. This free-to-play, tag-team fighter has already impressed fans with its polished demo. The game promises a fresh experience, and its live service model ensures that it will be updated regularly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Free-to-play | No cost to play |
| Tag-Team Mechanics | Dynamic team-based combat |
| Live Service Model | Regular updates and community support |
| Character Roster | 16 playable characters at launch |
Fatal Fury’s Return
The most highly anticipated release of 2025 is Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, the long-awaited sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves. Set to release in April, this game will combine elements of the King of Fighters series and Fatal Fury, offering a deep and exciting experience for both casual players and veterans.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Developer | SNK |
| Gameplay Style | Similar to King of Fighters |
| Release Date | April 21, 2025 |
| Legacy | Sequel to Garou: Mark of the Wolves |
2025 Will Be a Game-Changer
With so many exciting titles, DLC updates, and new releases, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fighting games. The genre is in its prime, and fans can look forward to new experiences and updates to beloved franchises. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive fighter, 2025 has something for everyone.
