Wccftech’s Top Expected Fighting Games of 2025

As we shift our focus from the noteworthy fighting games of 2024, the horizon for 2025 looks intriguing, albeit a bit sparse for major fighting game franchises. While most leading series may not introduce new titles this year, a few compelling releases are on the way. Notably, venerable franchises from CAPCOM and SNK are set to return, alongside Riot Games, which steps into the arena with a fighting game based on League of Legends. This debut could significantly influence the fighting game landscape, especially if its free-to-play model gains traction.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves (April 21st – PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S)

The FATAL FURY franchise, a staple among true fighting game enthusiasts, is poised for revival with its latest installment, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves. Having lingered in obscurity since 1999’s Garou: Mark of the Wolves, this new title will feature 22 characters, blending both nostalgic favorites and fresh faces. The game promises to enhance gameplay mechanics with the introduction of the REV system, granting players unique offensive and defensive tactics.

Continuing the trends established by recent titles in the Street Fighter and Tekken series, City of the Wolves will also incorporate a Smart Style control scheme for simplified execution of special moves and combos using just one button and directional inputs. This accessibility feature is expected to make it one of the standout fighting games of 2025.

2XKO (TBA 2025 – PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S)

Announced in 2019 as Project L, Riot Games’ upcoming fighting title, 2XKO, set in the League of Legends universe, holds promise for significant innovation in the fighting genre. Known for crafting engaging multiplayer environments, Riot now seeks to leverage this expertise in a format that has typically presented hurdles for players.

Beyond its multiplayer pedigree, 2XKO aims to captivate fans of traditional 2D fighters. Developed by Radiant Entertainment—founded by respected figures in the fighting community who initiated Evo and pioneered rollback netcode—players can expect a tag-team format reminiscent of MARVEL vs. CAPCOM. With intuitive controls, a diverse character lineup of popular League champions, and faithfully represented special moves, 2XKO is poised to deliver an exceptional gaming experience, possibly becoming one of the defining fighting titles for this generation.

CAPCOM Fighting Collection 2 (2025 – PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch)

Following last year’s successful comeback of the MARVEL vs. CAPCOM series, CAPCOM aims to rekindle nostalgia with the CAPCOM Fighting Collection 2. This compilation will celebrate one of the paradigms of 2D fighting titles, the CAPCOM vs SNK series, among others.

In addition to the main entries from the franchise, this collection will feature long-forgotten series like Power Stone and Rival Schools, as well as lesser-known games such as Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein and CAPCOM Fighting Evolution. Notably, the inclusion of rollback netcode is expected to breathe new life into these classics, ensuring that they remain enjoyable for both old fans and new players.

Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact (Summer 2025 – PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch)

Fans of the beloved Hunter x Hunter series can rejoice, as a fighting game adaptation is finally in the works. Hunter x Hunter Nen x Impact comes on the heels of longstanding anticipation among followers of this dynamic manga and anime, crafted by Toshihiro Nagoshi.

Developed by Eighting—the creators behind Tatsunoko vs. CAPCOM and Ultimate MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 3—this title promises familiarity for fans. Integrating mechanics such as assist attacks, Advancing Guard, and an X-Factor-like power booster known as Overgear, alongside a roster of iconic characters including Gon, Killua, and Hisoka, this game is primed for thrilling gameplay that may attract not only die-hard fans but also newcomers to the series.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls (March 21 – PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S)

Much like the franchise of Dragon Ball, various Bleach-themed fighting games have graced consoles, yet none reached the exceptional quality seen in titles like Dragon Ball FighterZ. That is, until the upcoming release of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls.

Marking its debut on PC, this game is expected to be a faithful translation of the series’ epic clashes, allowing characters such as Ichigo and Rukia to sway the fight’s outcome with a solitary blow, pending the accumulation of power. With a sophisticated combat system embracing 3D movement and an array of special techniques, BLEACH Rebirth of Souls aims to fulfill the expectations of fans eagerly awaiting a proper tribute to Tite Kubo’s compelling universe.

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Honorable Mentions

Apart from the aforementioned titles, several other noteworthy fighting games are set for release in the next year. Here are some that deserve attention: