5 Best Fighting Games Of 2026 (So Far)

2026 has been a surprisingly robust year for new and revamped fighting games, with several major launches happening already. Many of these titles are adaptations of established properties, each proving themselves surprisingly effective in the fight game space. Even though genre-defining franchises like "Street Fighter" and "Tekken" didn't put out new titles this year, fans still had quite a bit to choose from. We're taking a look at the best fighting games released or revamped significantly in 2026, each thrilling gamers in their own way.

Whether it's tag or arena fighters or more conventional side-scrolling skirmishes, we're casting a wide net of games to include here. What all of these titles have in common is fast-paced combat, emphasizing linking combos and melee attacks — exciting for any genre aficionado. In the case of previously released games included on this list, they have to be retooled far more than just an industry-standard seasonal update. Here are the five best fighting games of 2026 so far, each delivering their own brand of hard-hitting action.

After being introduced through an early access period for three months, "2XKO" received its full and official release in January 2026. Developed and published by Epic Games, the game features the fan-favorite "League of Legends" characters in 2v2 combat. The gameplay leans into its tag system, emphasizing timing between its point and assist characters in the heat of battle. Combat unfolds from a side-scrolling perspective, with the usual variety in regular attacks and special moves across its robust roster.

One of the best free-to-play games of 2026, "2XKO" engagingly combines the world of "League of Legends" with fast-paced fighting game mechanics. Unfortunately, the title didn't have the staying power that Riot Games had hoped for, with the company planning to stop post-launch development by the end of 2026. Regardless of its long-term prospects, the game is a solid tag fighter and we wish that the company stuck with it for more than a year. "2XKO" feels like a bold direction for the fan-favorite franchise and an intriguing look at what "League of Legends" can be.

The superhero show "Invincible" is one of the best Prime Video original series, adapting the comic book by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. This animated adaptation serves as the basis for the 3v3 tag fighter "Invincible VS," published by Skybound Games. The game features a sweeping story mode, with several voice actors from the show reprising their roles. And, as with the Prime Video series, the game certainly doesn't hold back on the bloody violence, including gory finishing moves to thrill players.

"Invincible VS" is the hardest-hitting fighting game to debut in 2026, something the title clearly prides itself in, as it should. The gameplay keeps players riveted, offering even fighting game veterans a genuine challenge with its intensity. The base game launched with 18 playable characters, each visibly distinct in their handling and depth and variety. A clear labor of love for developer Quarter Up, "Invincible VS" definitely feels more grandiose than being a simple cash-in on the popular animated series.

Another American animated series to receive its own fighting game in 2026, albeit with a much different tone, is "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Published by Paramount Game Studio in July, "Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game" brings together the characters from "The Last Airbender" and its sequel series, "The Legend of Korra." The game features an extensive story mode, with the fan-favorite characters investigating a rift that has characters and settings from different eras converging. Each of the playable characters have three different fighting styles that are selectable by players prior to each battle.

If you're looking for a more family-friendly fighting game, at least in comparison to "Invincible VS," "Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game" delivers on that score. The game is lushly animated in the style of its animated source material, with its characters' fighting styles in line perfectly with their personalities. Compared to the other tag fighters dominating this list, it's also nice to see a new conventionally side-scrolling 1v1 fighter get released. A must-play for fans of the animated franchise, "Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game" captures the charm of the cartoons.

The only game released before 2026 to be included on this list, "Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero" makes this list because its revamp was far more substantial than seasonal updates. Released in July 2026, "Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Neo" added 33 new playable characters and forms, four new stages, and new custom and episode battles. These additions highlight every era of the franchise, from the original series to the movies and "Super," with 18 characters and forms unplayable in any other "Dragon Ball" title. The update also rebalances the gameplay considerably, making the multiplayer more accessible than the base game.

Shortly after its initial launch in 2024, "Dragon Ball Sparkling! Zero" lost most of its playerbase as players finished its single-player content. "Dragon Ball Sparking! Zero Neo" gives players significantly more content to play with, while its rebalancing makes the multiplayer modes more palatable. But, really, the sheer breadth of new content makes "Sparking! Zero Neo" feel like a fresh experience — almost like an in-game sequel to the base title. If there was any doubt that it should be considered one of the best "Dragon Ball" games already, "Sparking! Zero Neo" should settle that debate quickly.

One of the most anticipated video games of 2026 was "Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls," developed by Arc System Works for the PlayStation 5 and PC. The game is a 4v4 tag fighting game with playable characters from all the various corners of the Marvel Universe. The game's story has a cosmic warlord threaten to conquer Earth unless a team of fighters can defeat him in melee combat. Boasting a surprisingly extensive story mode, the game also features an arcade mode, online multiplayer, and a challenge mode for players to put their skills to the test.

Arc System Works perfected the tag mechanics with "Dragon Ball FighterZ," though "Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls" is admittedly quite different in its execution. The tag mechanics are varied and extensive but relatively easy to pull off, with Arc System Works making linking combos relatively breezy. Fights are vibrantly presented and rounds unfold at a frenetic pace, even for a tag fighter, keeping players on their toes. While "Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls" has lost most of its PC playerbase, the game runs fine on PS5 and is another standout fighting game from Arc System Works.