Top 10 Most Popular Fighting Games in the World
Tight mechanics, combos, and stylish moves remain staples of the fighting genre. Online multiplayer, leaderboards, and a game’s presence on platforms like Twitch and YouTube have become key determinants of popularity in the post-Twitch era. These platforms serve as digital playgrounds where communities form and thrive, with gamers acting as tastemakers, amplifying the reach of certain titles.
Nowhere is a fighting game’s online footprint more closely examined than in its inclusion at the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), the premier annual esports tournament for the genre. However, the exclusion of Mortal Kombat 11 from Evo 2020 illustrates that while being part of Evo’s lineup is a marker of success, it is not the sole measure of a game's popularity.
Whether polling fans, analyzing Twitch rankings, or examining commercial and critical success, one truth remains constant: popularity means being played.
*The data in this article is accurate as of March 17th, 2019*
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 retains the same flashy, fast-paced action of its predecessors.
Number 10: Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Total Registered Players: 2,800,000 (PS3, PS4, Vita)
Total Active Players: 28,000 MAU
Released for the PS3 and Xbox 360 at the end of 2011, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (UMvC3) is an update of the well-reviewed Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (MvC3) released earlier that year. One and a half months after MvC3’s release, 2 million units had shipped, making it a commercial success. By the end of 2019, UMvC3 had shipped an additional 1.2 million units, according to developer Capcom’s Investor Relations.
Known for its fast-paced, tight tag-team action, it had been eleven years since Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, and fans were practically salivating for a proper numbered entry. However, despite being a critical and commercial success overall, MvC3 suffered from unbalanced gameplay and lackluster online multiplayer. Its update addressed these issues, refining aerial combat and reworking the X-Factor system to vastly improve the game’s balance and competitive appeal. UMvC3 was played at every Evo between 2012 and 2017—something its successor has yet to achieve.
The game saw a resurgence in 2016 and 2017 when it was re-released for PS4, Xbox One, and PC with 1080p/60fps visuals. These updates brought new life to a great game, revitalizing its player base. The r/MvC3 subreddit remains active with 11.6k members sharing weekly updates, combos, and team-building strategies. The game even managed 47.1k hours of watch time on Twitch in February 2020, proving its enduring legacy.
SoulCalibur VI sees the return of longtime series staples, while optimizing newer mechanics.
Number 9: SoulCalibur VI
Total Registered Players: 920,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 56,000 MAU
SoulCalibur VI has earned over $1 million since its October 2018 release. It peaked at #4 in viewership on Twitch and #20 in active players on Steam. The latest entry in Bandai Namco’s long-running series was a highlight of Evo 2019 and will return for Evo 2020.
The game’s signature 8-way directional combat showcases weapon-wielding fighters in battles that emphasize a balance of offense and defense. Victories through “ring outs” and its non-linear Renaissance-era storytelling are series hallmarks. SoulCalibur VI retains these features while enhancing gameplay with fine-tuned mechanics from its predecessor, *SoulCalibur V*. IGN praised the updates for adding a “deeper level” of strategy.
Guest fighters like Geralt of Rivia from *The Witcher* and 2B from *NieR: Automata* headline an already diverse roster that previously featured icons like Link from *The Legend of Zelda*. The r/SoulCalibur subreddit, with 39.3k members, serves as a hub for memes, mods, and character creation posts, continuing the tradition of fan-driven content in the series.
Granblue Fantasy Versus is the newcomer, with bright anime stylings and plenty of potential.
Number 8: Granblue Fantasy Versus
Total Registered Players: 150,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 150,000 MAU
Released in early 2020, *Granblue Fantasy Versus* has quickly captured attention as a visually stunning anime fighter. Developed by Arc System Works, renowned for *Guilty Gear* and *Dragon Ball FighterZ*, the game is based on the popular mobile RPG *Granblue Fantasy*. It reached #53 on Twitch within weeks of its North American debut, racking up over 536,000 hours of watch time.
Critics praised the game’s accessibility and polished combat system, with *IGN* and *Hardcore Gamer* awarding high marks for its engaging mechanics and potential for growth. The PS4 release is complemented by a Steam version, further expanding its reach. Its inclusion in *Evo 2020* solidifies its reputation as a competitive title.
The *Granblue Fantasy Versus* community is growing, with daily contributions to the r/GranblueFantasyVersus subreddit, featuring combo highlights, guides, and tech discussions. The game’s roadmap includes five DLC characters scheduled for release in 2020, promising steady support and a thriving competitive scene.
Street Fighter V had a rough start but has since gone on to combo down the competition.
Number 7: Street Fighter V
Total Registered Players: 5,400,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 150,000 MAU
Capcom’s *Street Fighter V* launched in 2016 to a rocky start. While the game’s mechanics were praised by outlets like GameSpot and Destructoid, its online infrastructure and content delivery were heavily criticized, prompting Capcom to issue public apologies. Updates like *Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition* and *Champion Edition* rectified many issues, reinvigorating its player base.
The *Street Fighter* franchise is synonymous with competitive fighting games, with a title appearing at every Evo since the tournament’s inception. *Street Fighter V* peaked at #1 in Twitch viewership and remains a staple of the fighting game scene. The game’s r/StreetFighter subreddit, boasting over 104k members, is a hub for tourney highlights and local matchmaking.
With consistently strong sales and an engaged community, *Street Fighter V* demonstrates resilience and continues to earn its place in the genre’s upper echelon.
Dragon Ball FighterZ achieves a crisp anime color palette that any fan of the series will love.
Number 6: Dragon Ball FighterZ
Total Registered Players: 4,300,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 210,000 MAU
*Dragon Ball FighterZ* launched in 2018 to widespread acclaim for its faithful adaptation of the anime’s iconic visuals and fast-paced combat. Developed by Arc System Works, the game blends accessibility with depth, offering easy entry for newcomers and rewarding mastery for experienced players. At launch, it became the most-played fighting game in Steam history, peaking at 44,000 concurrent players.
Its active r/DragonBallFighterZ subreddit hosts combo contests and strategy guides, contributing to its strong community presence. DLC FighterZ Passes have nearly doubled the roster since launch, keeping the game fresh. At Evo and beyond, *Dragon Ball FighterZ* remains a fan favorite, boasting 5000+ daily viewers on Twitch.
With its stunning visuals and tight mechanics, *Dragon Ball FighterZ* continues to cement its place as one of the most accessible and beloved fighting games in recent years.
Injustice 2 expanded on what worked from the original; superpowers and a compelling plot.
Number 5: Injustice 2
Total Registered Players: 7,300,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 240,000 MAU
*Injustice 2*, the sequel to *Injustice: Gods Among Us*, was released in 2017 by NetherRealm Studios, running on the same engine as their other hit, *Mortal Kombat X*. The game features cinematic-quality visuals, thanks to advanced motion capture and choreography, alongside a compelling narrative that builds on the first game.
The title was a commercial success, earning praise for its single-player content and deep roster, bolstered by regular DLC additions. It dominated Twitch upon release and maintained a steady Steam player base into 2019. However, its online popularity has declined due to its solo-focused appeal. The game’s r/Injustice subreddit, with 38.9k members, serves as a community hub, though discussions are now more retrospective.
Despite its absence from Evo in recent years, *Injustice 2* remains an excellent title that balances competitive gameplay with a strong single-player experience.
Tekken 7's release nabbed a 2nd Guinness World Record for the beloved arcade-style fighter.
Number 4: Tekken 7
Total Registered Players: 5,600,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 340,000 MAU
Released in 2017, *Tekken 7* marked the series’ return after a decade. The game’s refined, highly technical mechanics earned critical acclaim, with *IGN* awarding it 9.5/10. A Guinness World Record holder for the "Longest-running video game storyline" and "Longest-running 3D fighting game franchise," *Tekken 7* is a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal.
The game features a robust competitive scene, appearing at every Evo since 2017, and continues to attract new players thanks to its consistent updates and DLC fighters. With 91.2k members in the r/Tekken subreddit, it boasts a passionate community that shares memes, strategies, and fan art. *Tekken 7* maintains strong popularity on Twitch and Steam, with steady streaming and player activity.
By doubling down on what makes *Tekken* great, Bandai Namco Studios has ensured *Tekken 7* remains a cornerstone of the fighting game genre.
Mortal Kombat 11 slowed the pace but not the action, emphasizing the intention behind every blow.
Number 3: Mortal Kombat 11
Total Registered Players: 5,800,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 630,000 MAU
*Mortal Kombat 11* (MK11), released in 2019, is the visually stunning follow-up to *Mortal Kombat X*. Praised for its tight mechanics, engaging story, and enhanced graphics, the game crushed its predecessor’s digital sales by over 1.4 million units. Combined announcement trailers across platforms garnered over 20 million views, underscoring fan anticipation.
While solo progression faced criticism for being grind-heavy, MK11’s combat and online play earned high marks, keeping it a top pick for competitive players. It averages 3,500+ players per hour on Steam and continues to thrive on Twitch, with over 400,000 hours watched weekly.
The r/MortalKombat subreddit remains a hotspot for 174k members sharing match footage and technical breakdowns. With returning fan favorites and guest characters like Joker and Spawn via the *Kombat Pack* DLC, MK11 shows no signs of slowing down.
Mortal Kombat X wiped the slate clean, setting a new standard for fighting games.
Number 2: Mortal Kombat X
Total Registered Players: 26,100,000 (PS4)
Total Active Players: 810,000 MAU
*Mortal Kombat X* launched in 2015, revitalizing the series after *Mortal Kombat (2009)* reset its continuity. Known for its visceral combat, cinematic visuals, and accessible mechanics, it remains one of the best-selling fighting games, shipping over 11 million copies.
*GameInformer* called it “one of the best fighting games in years,” and it peaked at #2 on Twitch. Its player base remains strong, with 50% of its peak activity maintained annually. The r/MortalKombat subreddit highlights its enduring community support, even as focus shifts to MK11.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the giant 8-player gauntlet and a love letter to fandoms everywhere.
Number 1: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Total Registered Players: 17.68 million
Total Active Players: 2,250,000 monthly views
Nintendo’s *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* (SSBU) is the best-selling fighting game of all time, overtaking *Street Fighter II* within a year of its 2018 release. Featuring over 70 characters from iconic franchises, SSBU broke records as a *Nintendo Switch* exclusive with “universal acclaim” from critics.
SSBU boasts a thriving community on the r/SmashBrosUltimate subreddit (315k members) and achieved more than 3.88 million hours watched on Twitch in March alone. The game has also dethroned *Super Smash Bros. Melee* at Evo, further solidifying its status as the definitive *Smash* experience.
With its unparalleled roster, competitive scene, and fandom, SSBU reigns as the most popular fighting game in the world.
