Recent announcements of new fighting game titles have thrust tag fighters back into the spotlight. Discover the latest developments, why now is the ideal moment for their revival, and what makes these games stand out.
A Surprising Revival for Fighting Games
The fighting game community is craving fresh content amid a lackluster period for the genre.
Tekken 8 has struggled with poor social media engagement and controversial balancing decisions driven by the developer’s data collection methods. NetherRealm appears to have shifted focus from Mortal Kombat 1 after its Definitive Edition, leaving fans wanting more. Guilty Gear Strive remains a steady presence in the 2D anime fighter space, but Fatal Fury has underperformed commercially despite positive reviews. Street Fighter 6’s latest season has disappointed with minimal changes to gameplay and cosmetics compared to its predecessor.
The current landscape of fighting games feels stagnant, with major titles failing to excite. Players are either adapting to the status quo or turning to lesser-known games for enjoyment. While the genre isn’t dead, it’s struggling to captivate audiences, and the negativity within popular game communities only amplifies the issue.
The genre needs a bold, chaotic shake-up to counter the current offerings. Enter Marvel Games, partnering with Arc System Works for a new tag fighter, alongside Invincible’s upcoming fighting game from the team behind Killer Instinct (2021). Riot has also shared updates on their long-awaited 2XKO, while the Hunter x Hunter tag fighter is generating unprecedented excitement.
As a fighting game enthusiast, I’m thrilled by this shift. The high-energy chaos of tag fighters, with their intricate setups and devastating combos, offers an unmatched experience compared to traditional fighters. But why are tag fighters making a comeback now?
A Long-Awaited Return
Tag fighters have been in decline since the 2018 release of Dragon Ball FighterZ (DBFZ), which set a high bar for the subgenre. Few tag fighters since have matched its impact, with Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (UMvC3) still regarded as the pinnacle of the genre.
Analyzing the subgenre’s recent history reveals a lack of standout titles. Marvel vs. Capcom Infinite, the follow-up to UMvC3, faced backlash for its subpar visuals and underwhelming roster. Other titles like BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, Skullgirls, and Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid struggled to gain traction, often due to niche IPs or less accessible gameplay mechanics.
Mastering the Mayhem
A tag fighter typically involves teams of two or three characters per player, offering a larger roster and unique mechanics like “Assists,” where off-screen characters support the active fighter. This distinguishes tag fighters from games like King of Fighters, which feature teams but lack assist mechanics.
The appeal of tag fighters lies in their depth, requiring players to find synergy among characters to succeed. A prime example is the legendary UMvC3 team of Morrigan Aensland, Doctor Doom, and Vergil, popularized by top player Christopher “ChrisG” Gonzales. Morrigan’s zoning prowess, Doctor Doom’s pressure assists, and Vergil’s comeback potential with X-Factor made this team a powerhouse.
Other notable teams, like Zero May Cry (Zero, Dante, Vergil) and MDP (Magneto, Doctor Doom, Phoenix), showcase similar synergy. Even less conventional teams, such as Javier “IHeartJustice” Funes-Morales’ Captain America, Phoenix Wright, and Doctor Strange, or Genki “ABEGEN” Abe’s Tron Bonne, Thor, and She-Hulk, demonstrate the subgenre’s creative potential. These teams leverage unique character strengths, encouraging experimentation and innovation.
This design fosters boundless creativity, making tag fighters a playground for players to explore endless strategic possibilities.
New Contenders Enter the Arena
Four highly anticipated tag fighters are poised to redefine the genre, either recently announced or nearing release.
2XKO
Announced in 2024 but in development since 2016, 2XKO is a free-to-play 2v2 tag fighter based on League of Legends. Featuring single-button specials and iconic champions, it aims to blend accessibility with tag-fighting depth. Despite its strong IP and esports potential, the lack of a confirmed release date has frustrated fans eager for its debut.
Hunter x Hunter NEN IMPACT
Set for release on July 17, 2025, for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, this 3v3 tag fighter draws from the beloved Hunter x Hunter manga. Players will build teams from characters with unique abilities, utilizing classic tag mechanics like assists and super combos. Developed by the team behind Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, it promises fast-paced, chaotic gameplay with intricate team synergy, raising expectations for explosive interactions and creative strategies.
