Fighting games have always held a special place in the hearts of gamers. The intense one-on-one showdowns, the diverse roster of characters, and the thrill of mastering each fighter's unique move set make for exhilarating gameplay experiences. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the genre, these 10 best fighting games will test your mettle and guarantee hours upon hours of virtual combat adrenaline.

1. Street Fighter Series (1987 - present)

As one of the pioneering franchises in fighting game history, Street Fighter needs no introduction. Over the years, countless matches and tournaments have cultivated worldwide acclaim for its strategic combo-based combat system. Known for iconic characters like Ryu, Chun-Li, and M. Bison, Street Fighter has cemented itself as the gold standard among fighting games – even boasting an impressive legacy within esports competition.

2. Mortal Kombat Series (1992 - present)

Famous (or infamous) for its brutal "Fatality" finishers and gory character movesets, Mortal Kombat has long been both a household name and a subject of controversy since its inception. The series' impactful visuals and mature storytelling garnered legions of fans who revel in its visceral brand of chaos and carnage while demanding precision and skillful play from dedicated fighters seeking victory.

3. Tekken Series (1994 - present)

Tekken's claim to fame lies in its introduction of three-dimensional arenas that allowed players greater freedom to navigate their battles than prior 2D classics like Street Fighter. With a focus on realistic martial arts styles, memorable characters, and a deep combat system featuring high/low and sidestepping mechanics, Tekken has maintained its status as a fan favorite across multiple generations of gaming consoles.

4. Super Smash Bros. Series (1999 - present)

What began as a fun experiment, conceived by Nintendo's Masahiro Sakurai to combine beloved gaming icons into one frenetic free-for-all, has become an international sensation. The Super Smash Bros. series delights casual and competitive gamers alike with its innovative mechanics that blend the elements of traditional fighting games with platforming action. The evolving roster of characters from across the gaming universe, along with various stages and items inspired by their original titles, continues to forge friendships (and rivalries) among players worldwide.

5. Guilty Gear Series (1998 - present)

This anime-inspired series caters to die-hard fighting game enthusiasts who crave challenging technical experiences. With its intricate input commands for complex combos, along with a heavy metal soundtrack pulsating in the background, Guilty Gear embodies the perfect blend of flair and challenge for those seeking depth in their virtual battles.

6. Marvel vs. Capcom Series (1996 - present)

Few fighting game crossovers are as iconic or ambitious as Marvel vs. Capcom, which pits heroes from the Marvel Comics universe against an equally iconic cast from Capcom's library of classic games such as Street Fighter and Mega Man X.

The series' flashy battles feature three-on-three tag team skirmishes that let players swap among characters at will or execute character-specific special powers called hyper combos – the result being fast-paced matches that reward creativity and teamwork amongst one's chosen team.

7. Soulcalibur Series (1998 - present)

Soulcalibur stands strong by voicing the adrenaline-pumping premise of weapon-based combat instead of the traditional hand-to-hand approach. Elegant swordplay and unique weapon types provide deeper strategies, while an engaging universe filled with rich lore and memorable characters creates a captivating atmosphere, making Soulcalibur an indispensable title within the fighting game pantheon.

8. BlazBlue Series (2008 - present)

From the creators of Guilty Gear, BlazBlue's vibrant art style and in-depth mechanics make it a favorite among anime fighting game enthusiasts. Stylish, over-the-top character animations coupled with intricate gameplay options – such as unique "Drive" abilities for each fighter – ensure that players have plenty to master and experiment with when facing off against others in heated battles.

9. King of Fighters Series (1994 - present)

King of Fighters, as another pillar within the fighting game community, made its mark by initially combining fighters from various SNK titles and introducing team-based gameplay mechanics. As its roster grew and mechanics evolved, fans remained dedicated across iterations due to the series' timeless charm and strategic depth that stem as much from choosing complementary squad members as mastering individual fighters' signature moves.

10. Dragon Ball FighterZ (2018)

Developed by Arc System Works – the same studio behind the renowned Guilty Gear and BlazBlue franchises – Dragon Ball FighterZ masterfully brings together the worlds of anime and competitive gaming. Paying homage to its iconic source material, this title features beautifully recreated visuals, cinematic battles, and impressive attention to detail that resonates deeply with fans of the Dragon Ball series. By offering both an engaging fighting experience and staying true to the essence of its source material, Dragon Ball FighterZ earns its place on our list as a fan-favorite fighting game.

As the medium has evolved, fighting games have continued to find new ways to thrill players with their unique blend of innovative mechanics, vibrant characters, and immersive universes. Whether you choose to play solo or compete with an opponent locally or online, these ten beloved fighting games will provide countless hours of entertainment and challenge whatever your preferred flavor.