Fighting games have never been more competitive, especially when you are longing for a 1v1 match with your friend on a Sunday afternoon.
The arcade genre, being the backbone of the entire gaming industry, has delivered some of the most phenomenal games ever known to mankind.
From thriving hyper-realistic fighting choreography to jaw-dropping anime bash, fighting games have captured every essence of adrenaline rush. In fact, these games also offer a decent amount of jiggle physics that might end your sufferings (the cultured ones meet again).
So, without further ado, here are the 5 best fighting games on Steam you can play in 2026.
5 Best Fighting Games Every Player Needs to Play in 2026
5. Fatal Fury : City of the Wolves
Fight at full throttle with the rev system as the legends once again reappear after 26 years on our screens. With amazing graphics and better fight mechanics, Fatal Fury is back with its latest instalment. Released on January 22, 2026, unfold the era of 2D fighting with iconic background tracks and newly added characters like Ken and Chun-Li from the collaboration with Street Fighter. We also got (the G.O.A.T) Cristiano Ronaldo dribbling past the rivals and knocking them out with his bicycle kicks! With dynamic tool sets and classic series mechanics straight out of the 90s, this game will cure your boredom.
4. Dragon Ball : Sparking Zero
The new era of Budokai Tenkaichi begins as Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has entered the chat with its awe-inspiring characters and their abilities to slice down planets with ease. If you are a Dragon Ball fan and haven’t experienced this game till now, you are missing out on a lot! Explore the high-voltage showdown from Namek Saga to the Tournament of Power Saga with a plethora of Saiyans and Androids at your disposal. Released in October 2024, this beast could be a televisual feast if you enjoy kinetic combat mechanics with the ability to evolve while shouting your guts out! Definitely a televisual feast, every game should play in 2026.
3. Street Fighter 6
The acclaimed Street Fighter series is back with new challengers. Street Fighter 6, released in 2023, has set a new benchmark for the upcoming fighting games with its polished mechanics, co-op play, and superdose of steroids (Characters). Entertain your long-lost desire to play as Ken and Ryu with the legendary explosive drive system. Whether you grind alone or with a companion, this game will satisfy your thirst with its intriguing character abilities and new world settings! Still, if you are not here for the gameplay, this banger lets you see some of the most beyond-belief jiggle physics!
2. Mortal Kombat 1
If you love gore and bone-wrecking fight scenes, then Mortal Kombat 1 is your go-to. Conquer the realms with your powers and bombastic characters like Scorpion and Sub-Zero. Explore the rebirth of the Mortal Kombat universe created by the fire god Liu Kang with brand-new rivals, amazing game modes, and chef-kissed fatalities. Released in 2023, this sequel to Mortal Kombat 11 is a package filled with old rivalries, alternate paths, and friendships that lasted more than the Demon Slayer: Hinokami Chronicles hype! While the conflict remains inevitable, explore a brand-new tournament with classic characters and carve your way up to the Earthrealm’s champion.
1. Tekken 8
A gold standard of 3D fighting games, the Tekken franchise has fascinated decades of generations with its emotional depth to the storyline and legacy built by the Mishima group. Game so legendary that fans got to see a movie and an animated series on the Mishima saga. Developed by Bandai Namco and released in 2024, the latest instalment, called Tekken 8, is a continuation of its predecessor.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, this game is jam-packed with aggressive fight choreographies and iconic characters that still hold an aura greater than new mainstream games. With DLCs in addition, explore the end of the Mishima lineage as Jin Kazama and Kazuya clash with their hearts out!
Fun Fact : If you are flattered by this list and are thinking of investing your pocket in these games then hurry up, as Bandai Namco is offering a whopping 90% discount on games like Tekken 8 and Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero in celebration of the Lunar New Year Sale.
Wrapping Note
Although there are a lot of fighting games piled up on Steam, which you can play in 2026, the above-mentioned games will deliver a punch of nostalgia with a dose of adrenaline!