Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Killer Instinct (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Killer Instinct on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The short version
- Closest match: Mortal Kombat 11, which both horror.
- Killer Instinct is tagged Fighting, Action, Multiplayer, 2D Fighter, Great Soundtrack, Arcade, Free to Play, Singleplayer by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
- 2 are free to download, so you can test the resemblance yourself at no cost.
- 1 are from the same studio: Battletoads.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
Mortal Kombat 11
Why it matched: both horror; shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Gore and 2D Fighter.
Mortal Kombat is back and better than ever in the next evolution of the iconic franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11 at a glance Released 2019 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 116,050 Price $49.99 FightingGore2D FighterLocal MultiplayerCompetitiveCharacter CustomizationGreat SoundtrackArcade
- 2
Mortal Kombat X
Why it matched: both horror; shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Gore and Local Multiplayer.
Experience the Next Generation of the #1 Fighting Franchise. Mortal Kombat X combines unparalleled, cinematic presentation with all new gameplay.
Mortal Kombat X at a glance Released 2015 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 60,712 Price $19.99 FightingGoreLocal Multiplayer2D FighterCompetitiveArcadeGreat Soundtrack2.5D
- 3
Mortal Kombat 11
Why it matched: both horror; shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Gore and 2D Fighter.
Mortal Kombat is back and better than ever in the next evolution of the iconic franchise.
Mortal Kombat 11 at a glance Released 2019 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 88% positive of 116,064 Price $49.99 FightingGore2D FighterLocal MultiplayerCompetitiveCharacter CustomizationGreat SoundtrackArcade
- 4
Mortal Kombat 1
Why it matched: both horror; shares 9 player tags including Fighting, Gore and 2D Fighter.
Discover a reborn Mortal Kombat™ Universe created by the Fire God Liu Kang. Mortal Kombat™ 1 ushers in a new era of the iconic franchise with a new fighting system, game modes, and fatalities!
Mortal Kombat 1 at a glance Released 2023 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 72% positive of 49,237 Price $49.99 FightingGore2D FighterPvPArcadeCharacter Customization2.5DCompetitive
- 5
Ultra Street Fighter IV
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Arcade and Competitive.
The world’s greatest fighting game evolves to a whole new level with Ultra Street Fighter IV.
Ultra Street Fighter IV at a glance Released 2014 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 91% positive of 16,995 Price $29.99 FightingArcadeCompetitive2D FighterLocal MultiplayerControllerClassicGreat Soundtrack
- 6
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and Controller.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition enhances the bold new franchise to the fighting game genre from NetherRealm Studios. Featuring six new playable characters, over 30 new skins, and 60 new S.T.A.R. Labs missions, this edition packs a punch.
Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition at a glance Released 2013 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 20,131 Price $19.99 FightingLocal MultiplayerController2D FighterArcadeBeat 'em upCompetitive2.5D
- 7
Injustice 2
Why it matched: shares 10 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and 2D Fighter.
Build and power up the ultimate version of your favourite DC legends in INJUSTICE 2. This is your Legend. Your Journey. Your Injustice.
Injustice 2 at a glance Released 2017 Studio NetherRealm Studios Player sentiment 86% positive of 24,516 Price $49.99 FightingLocal Multiplayer2D FighterArcadeCharacter CustomizationControllerCompetitiveBeat 'em up
- 8
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Why it matched: both horror; shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
Marvel and Capcom join forces to deliver the most frenetic 3 vs 3 tag battles ever with Ultimate Marvel VS Capcom 3. This release comes fully loaded, including all previous DLC, Marvel VS. Capcom : Official Complete Works.
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 at a glance Released 2011 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 7,845 Price $24.99 Fighting2D FighterArcadeCompetitiveGreat SoundtrackLocal Multiplayer2.5DController
- 9
Tekken 7
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Fighting, Competitive and Arcade.
Discover the epic conclusion of the long-time clan warfare between members of the Mishima family. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the legendary fighting game franchise fights back with stunning story-driven cinematic battles and intense duels that can be enjoyed with friends and rivals.
Tekken 7 at a glance Released 2015 Studio Bandai Namco Entertainment Player sentiment 84% positive of 95,338 Price $39.99 FightingCompetitiveArcadeLocal MultiplayerControllerGreat SoundtrackCharacter CustomizationBeat 'em up
- 10
Street Fighter 6
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including 2D Fighter, Fighting and Character Customization.
Here comes Capcom’s newest challenger! Street Fighter™ 6 launches worldwide on June 2nd, 2023 and represents the next evolution of the Street Fighter™ series! Street Fighter 6 spans three distinct game modes, including World Tour, Fighting Ground and Battle Hub.
Street Fighter 6 at a glance Released 2023 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 82% positive of 79,044 Price $39.99 2D FighterFightingCharacter CustomizationArcadeCompetitivePvPLocal MultiplayerController
- 11
SOULCALIBUR VI
Why it matched: shares 9 player tags including Fighting, Character Customization and Local Multiplayer.
Bring more than your fists to the fight! Featuring all-new battle mechanics and characters, SOULCALIBUR VI marks a new era of the historic franchise. Welcome back to the stage of history!
SOULCALIBUR VI at a glance Released 2018 Studio BANDAI NAMCO Studios Inc. Player sentiment 83% positive of 14,352 Price $59.99 FightingCharacter CustomizationLocal MultiplayerArcadeCompetitiveFemale ProtagonistGreat SoundtrackBeat 'em up
- 12
Battletoads
Why it matched: made by the same studio, Rare Ltd.; shares 6 player tags including Fighting, Beat 'em up and Local Multiplayer; released around the same time (1991).
• Over-the-top combat with combos and hard-hitting morph attacks • Wild, varied gameplay sequences for all types of gamers • Hand-drawn animation feels like playing a cartoon • Drop-in couch co-op for three players
Battletoads at a glance Released 1991 Studio Rare Ltd. Player sentiment 68% positive of 2,403 Price $19.99 FightingBeat 'em upLocal Multiplayer2D FighterArcadeGreat Soundtrack
- 13
Tekken 8
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, Local Multiplayer and PvP.
TEKKEN 8 is the latest addition to the TEKKEN series, the pinnacle of 3D fighting games. Join the fight with over 32 characters and bear witness to the next installment in this epic saga. Get ready for the biggest and best TEKKEN game ever made!
Tekken 8 at a glance Released 2024 Studio Bandai Namco Entertainment Player sentiment 56% positive of 72,308 Price $39.99 FightingLocal MultiplayerPvPArcadeCompetitiveCharacter CustomizationGreat SoundtrackController
- 14
Rivals of Aether
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Local Multiplayer.
RIVALS OF AETHER is an indie fighting game where warring civilizations summon the power of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Play with up to four players either locally or online.
Rivals of Aether at a glance Released 2017 Studio Aether Studios Player sentiment 96% positive of 38,134 Price $29.99 Fighting2D FighterLocal MultiplayerCompetitiveGreat SoundtrackControllerArcadeBeat 'em up
- 15
DRAGON BALL FighterZ
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Local Multiplayer.
DRAGON BALL FighterZ is born from what makes the DRAGON BALL series so loved and famous: endless spectacular fights with its all-powerful fighters.
DRAGON BALL FighterZ at a glance Released 2018 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 90% positive of 76,719 Price $59.99 Fighting2D FighterLocal MultiplayerCompetitiveControllerPvPArcadeBeat 'em up
- 16
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Why it matched: shares 8 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
The first hi-res 2D fighter from the creators of the Guilty Gear series! BlazBlue is a traditional 2D fighter where two characters participate in a duel.
BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger at a glance Released 2008 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 86% positive of 3,234 Price $9.99 Fighting2D FighterArcadeGreat SoundtrackLocal MultiplayerBeat 'em upControllerCompetitive
- 17
Street Fighter IV
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, Arcade and Local Multiplayer.
Street Fighter® IV brings the legendary fighting series back to its roots by taking the beloved fighting moves and techniques of the original Street Fighter® II, and infusing them with Capcom's latest advancements in next generation technology.
Street Fighter IV at a glance Released 2008 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 67% positive of 534 Price Not listed FightingArcadeLocal Multiplayer2D Fighter2.5DBeat 'em upCompetitive
- 18
Street Fighter X Tekken
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Arcade.
The long awaited dream match-up between the two titans of fighting is here!
Street Fighter X Tekken at a glance Released 2012 Studio Dimps Player sentiment 55% positive of 2,431 Price Not listed Fighting2D FighterArcadeLocal MultiplayerController2.5DBeat 'em up
- 19
Doom 64
Why it matched: both horror; shares 4 player tags including Classic, Gore and Horror; published by the same company; released around the same time (1997).
Play the enhanced version of the original game released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997. Years have passed since you stopped Hell’s invasion of Earth. Quarantined for humanity’s safety, the UAC research facilities on Mars were abandoned and forgotten...until now.
Doom 64 at a glance Released 1997 Studio Midway Games Player sentiment 93% positive of 8,793 Price $4.99 ClassicGoreHorrorGreat Soundtrack
- 20
Resident Evil
Why it matched: both horror; shares 5 player tags including Horror, Classic and Female Protagonist; released around the same time (1996).
The game that defined the survival-horror genre is back! Check out the remastered HD version of Resident Evil.
Resident Evil at a glance Released 1996 Studio Capcom Player sentiment 92% positive of 36,244 Price $19.99 HorrorClassicFemale ProtagonistGoreGreat Soundtrack
- 21
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Fighting, 2D Fighter and Great Soundtrack.
The cutting-edge 2D/3D hybrid graphics pioneered in the Guilty Gear series have been raised to the next level in “GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-“. The new artistic direction and improved character animations will go beyond anything you’ve seen before in a fighting game!
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- at a glance Released 2021 Studio Arc System Works Player sentiment 88% positive of 66,791 Price $39.99 Fighting2D FighterGreat SoundtrackPvP2.5DArcadeLocal Multiplayer
- 22
Puyo PuyoTetris
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Competitive, Local Multiplayer and Arcade.
Two puzzle game juggernauts collide as global phenomenon Tetris® and SEGA’s famous Puyo Puyo™ combine in a super mash-up of ferocious competition, adorable looks, and addictive puzzle fun!
Puyo PuyoTetris at a glance Released 2018 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 85% positive of 5,571 Price $19.99 CompetitiveLocal MultiplayerArcadeGreat SoundtrackClassicFemale ProtagonistFighting
- 23
KurtzPel
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Free to Play, Character Customization and PvP.
"KurtzPel is an anime-styled, action battle game from a third-person perspective. Players can battle it out in both PvP and PvE mission-based battle modes with massive boss monsters. Players utilize Karmas (the method used to indicate weapon and class types) when charging into battle. Each character gets to use two types of Karmas.
KurtzPel at a glance Released 2019 Studio KOG Player sentiment 60% positive of 33,967 Price Free Free to PlayCharacter CustomizationPvPFightingCompetitiveControllerBeat 'em up
- 24
Capcom Arcade Stadium
Why it matched: shares 7 player tags including Arcade, Free to Play and Beat 'em up.
Relive the Capcom classics! Get 1943 -The Battle of Midway- and game logo wallpapers free with your download!
Capcom Arcade Stadium at a glance Released 2021 Studio CAPCOM Co., Ltd. Player sentiment 55% positive of 4,765 Price Free ArcadeFree to PlayBeat 'em up2D FighterLocal MultiplayerFightingClassic
Common questions
What game is most like Killer Instinct?
Mortal Kombat 11, on the evidence we have. It both horror. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Killer Instinct" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Killer Instinct. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
What else did the makers of Killer Instinct do?
Battletoads is also from Rare Ltd., and appears in the list below for that reason as well as on tag overlap.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.