The Fighting Game Community (FGC) has plenty to look forward to in the coming months, as a wave of new fighting games has entered the market. More importantly, these fresh titles are reviving a beloved classic formula: tag fighting.
Over time, as gaming evolved beyond just mechanics into high-end visuals and immersive experiences, tag fighters began to fade. The genre (or mechanic) lost its footing, and many games returned to traditional 1v1 formats. Titles like Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite felt like the final nail in the coffin for tag-based combat. (Not even ArcSys' very own Dragon Ball: FighterZ saved the genre.)
click to enlarge
+ 5But now, tag fighting is experiencing a transformation. It’s no longer just about switching characters mid-match. It’s evolving beyond the solo experience, now it's about literal tag teaming, with a second player backing you up. The classic mechanic of picking two characters and swapping them on the fly is still there, but the chaos (and the need for coordination) has been amplified in exciting new ways.
Whether this evolution will prove functional or seamlessly implemented remains to be seen. Still, the good news is undeniable: the tag fighter sub-genre is making a comeback, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
READ: Stop Making Excuses, This Is Why You Should Play Fighting Games
click to enlarge+ 5This new evolution opens the door to endless possibilities. We might soon witness even more mind-blowing plays from pro players, sparking another iconic EVO moment. And the best part? It’s no longer about a single fighter shining alone. It’s about shared moments, strategic synergy, and high-stakes collaboration with two or more players.
Riot’s 2XKO was the first to recapture this old magic. Unlike the traditional 1v1 format, 2XKO brings 2v2 battles to the table, featuring fan-favorite League of Legends champions like Jinx and Ekko. Riot’s ambitious move electrified the FGC, and the fact that it’s launching as a free-to-play title only adds to the hype. The game still has a way to go, but it's expected to release in late 2025.
click to enlarge+ 5In the meantime, other contenders have stepped up. Most notably, Arc System Works' Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls; a spiritual successor to Capcom’s now-dormant Marvel vs. Capcom series. The reveal sent shockwaves through the community.
What makes Marvel Tokon stand out is its bold leap: instead of 2v2, it’s going 4v4. How that will play out is still a mystery, but one thing’s clear — it’s going to be wild.
click to enlarge+ 5No one expected ArcSys to take on a Marvel game, let alone create something this audacious. The announcement was met with sheer disbelief and excitement. I was screaming right along with everyone else.
And finally, the latest addition to the tag-fighting revival is Invincible VS, developed by Skybound Games and a team of former Killer Instinct developers. This 3v3 fighter was a surprise reveal during the Xbox Games Showcase, and it adds a fresh twist to Robert Kirkman’s superhero universe. Watching iconic Invincible characters go head-to-head in brutal fashion feels like a new breed of Mortal Kombat, one that might just pack even more surprises down the line.
READ: Local or Online Multiplayer, Which One Is Better?
click to enlarge+ 5With these three major titles leading the charge, a new dawn is rising over the FGC. There are still questions about how these games will perform in online matchups or in a massive competitive setting, but the simple fact that tag fighting is back speaks volumes.
The world seems ready once again for this kind of mechanic, and with an extra player or two in the mix, it could usher in a whole new era of competitive, collaborative chaos.
For more fighting game news, stick with us here at Gfinityesports.com, the best website for all things FGC.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Features and Fighting Games page.