2018 is here, and we’re looking back at 2017 and putting together what we think were the very best fighting games of the year. It was a fantastic year, with plenty of brand new installments in classic franchises, with a few newcomers too.

　　Whether you’re a button masher or a plinking-pro, we’re sure you’ll find something on this list you’ll adore if you haven’t jumped into the world of fighters in 2017. We have hardcore competitive games and casual mashers on this list - but the game is what you make of it, here’s Wccftech’s list of the best fighting games in 2017.

　　Injustice 2 (8.4)

　　In 2017 we saw the release of Injustice 2 on both consoles and PC, bringing the best DC Comics fighting game to the masses - and we love it. Returning characters still feel as good as we remember, with some key refinements of course, and the new cast - including DLC characters that have launched since - are all fantastic, each bringing something new to the table. Raiden fits in surprisingly well alongside Superman.

　　The story mode is well animated and very entertaining too, making this a great fighting game for both the more casual crowd who just want fun interactions between their favourite comic characters, and people looking to get serious about fighting games.

　　Tekken 7 (9)

　　Despite the much anticipated return of Marvel vs Capcom, the year’s most triumphant return undoubtedly lands in the lap of Tekken 7. The world’s most dysfunctional fighting game family came back in spectacular style, delivering one of the deepest and most compelling fighting experiences available on any system, with classic Tekken fighting refined to a sharp point.

　　The story mode might not keep players engaged for long, but the deep combat and extensive cast offer fighting fans hours or fun - plus DLC modes such as Ultimate Tekken Bowl are a laugh riot with friends.

　　Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite (7.9)

　　One of the most beloved and anticipated fighting game franchises of all time gave us it’s fourth entry this year, and met mixed praise. Perhaps not the big-budget stylish fighter that Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was, Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite feels more muted, but still contains the fantastic gameplay that fans remember.

　　Combos are massive and the varied cast offers players limitless ways to combine their favourites with different Infinity Stones, so each player can cater to a unique playstyle. One of the best fighters of 2017, without a doubt.

　　ARMS (8)

　　More than just Wii Sports Boxing, ARMS is completely new IP from Nintendo with some of the weirdest characters we’ve seen from them in years - but despite the oddities, ARMS is a fantastic fighter which actually makes the use of motion controls viable in a competitive game: truly incredible.

　　It won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but ARMS distills the essence of a competitive fighting game and puts it into an incredibly fun and approachable package - great for even fighting newbies looking to learn the basics.

　　Guilty Gear Xrd: Rev 2 (8)

　　Guilty Gear Xrd is one of the most interesting and beautiful fighting games on the market, and the value proposition has only gotten stronger with each iteration. Guilty Gear Xrd: Rev 2 is the most refined of the bunch, and a perfect place to start if you’ve been enticed by the beautiful visuals and gameplay of the upcoming Dragonball FighterZ.

　　Arc System Works consistently makes great fighters and Guilty Gear Xrd is one of their very best, with one of the most distinctive and fascinating art styles in any game. Essential for fighting fans.

Year in Review and Honorable Mentions

　　In the midst of all that though, we got the Dragonball FighterZ Beta - a beta which frankly would’ve made it onto the list if it were a released game.

　　Street Fighter V deserves a mention too, as DLC Season 2 has introduced yet more interesting characters to the cast, and looks to only get better in 2018 with Season 3.

　　But if we expand our horizons a bit we find games like For Honor, which when played 1v1 online feels just as much like a fighting game as any other, with several seasons of DLC content, new characters, and a deep metagame, making it a great alternative to traditional fighters.

　　We’d be in trouble if we didn’t mention Fight of Gods though - maybe not the best competitive fighter, but Jesus vs. Santa is a showdown we absolutely adore. Brawlout also made its debut on Switch, satisfying fan urge for a proper Smash Bros. - for now.

　　2017 has been great for fighters, and 2018 already has a fair few titles to get fans excited. What fighters did you love in 2017? Let us know in the comments below!