Top 10 Best King of Fighters Characters

You're not here to watch people spam fireballs and awkwardly hop in slow motion. You're here to crown the greatest fighter in King of Fighters history, the one with the slickest combos, coldest stare, or most chaotic energy.

Maybe you're loyal to the classics. The ones who've been around since '94, throwing punches and catching losses only to come back stronger every tournament. Or maybe you're all about those newer faces, the ones who arrived with ice in their veins and animations so clean they practically style on the whole roster.

Pick your favorite King of Fighters character. The one you'd go to war with. The one whose theme song plays in your head when you're late for work and sprinting to the train. It's time to decide who really owns the ring.

The Top Ten

Iori Yagami

Iori Yagami is the heir of the Yagami clan, a family historically in conflict with the Kusanagi clan. He possesses pyrokinetic abilities with a purple flame and fights using a self-taught, feral style. Iori was originally introduced as a rival to Kyo Kusanagi.

Iori should be more powerful than Kyo, while Orochi Iori is an even bigger threat!

His moves can stop anybody. Everybody.

He is better than Flames Iori, and he is faster.
Terry Bogard

Terry Bogard is an American martial artist who was adopted and raised in Southtown. He uses a fighting style that combines street brawling and traditional martial arts techniques. Terry is the older brother of Andy Bogard and a key character in both Fatal Fury and King of Fighters series.

Terry is the coolest and the original SNK hero, winning the King of Fighters multiple times in a one vs. one format. Not like the later cheesy 3 vs. 3 format that relies heavily on the abilities of your team members.
In this sense, Terry is the true and original King of Fighters!

Terry Bogard, the Hero of Fatal Fury, has his own fighting style. He was raised in the streets of the city, and that made him tough. He is better than Kyo Kusanagi (the schoolboy) and clones like K'. He also has a winning streak.
Kula Diamond

Kula Diamond is a modified human created by the NESTS cartel to counter K'. She manipulates ice in combat and was initially sent as an antagonist before becoming a recurring participant in the tournaments. Her personality contrasts with her combat origin, often displaying a childlike demeanor.

She has really versatile attacks and is very graceful when using her ice powers.

Cute but powerful! She can kick anyone's ass when she gets serious.

She is really fun to use and strong too.
Kyo Kusanagi

Kyo Kusanagi is a descendant of the Kusanagi clan, one of the three sacred families responsible for sealing Orochi. He uses flame-based techniques that originate from his clan's ancient traditions. Kyo is a central protagonist in the King of Fighters series.

Kyo is so strong that he had to be separated into different versions. His moves are very similar to Iori's, so if he's not number one, he should be at least in 2nd place.

Kyo is my favorite fighter. He is the most powerful character in King of Fighters and should be placed at the 1st rank.

Kyo is one of the best. His strongest power is shooting flames at his opponents, and his fighting style makes him the strongest of them all.
Geese Howard

Geese Howard is a crime boss in Southtown and a master of Aikijutsu. He is the father of Rock Howard and frequently clashes with Terry Bogard. Geese is often depicted as a major antagonist in both the Fatal Fury and King of Fighters franchises.
K'

K' is a former test subject of the NESTS cartel who was infused with Kyo Kusanagi's flame. His fighting style blends martial arts with explosive flame attacks. K' often acts independently and is known for rejecting the control of his former captors.

Nothing is more fun than K'. He is a dark hero, and his attitude is the absolute best!
In my opinion, K' is the greatest of KOF characters. He is greater than Iori, Kyo, and all the bosses. I think KOF needs to improve K'. He should be the face character instead of Iori or Kyo. I don't know why Jhoon Hoon was misused in a lot of episodes, but he is ten times better than Kim or Andy.

Yes, his flames may harm him, but due to that, his chain combo potential is pretty good. Also, let's not forget how cool he looks.
Mai Shiranui

Mai Shiranui is a female ninja from the Shiranui clan who uses her clan's ninjutsu in combination with fan-based attacks. She is known for incorporating agility and flame-based moves into her combat. Mai has strong ties to the Fatal Fury characters, especially Andy Bogard.

She's the perfect epitome of a femme fatale!

The female babe in the SNK universe.
Benimaru Nikaido

Benimaru Nikaido is a fighter of mixed ancestry known for his electricity-based techniques. He comes from a wealthy family and models professionally outside of fighting. Benimaru frequently teams with Kyo Kusanagi in tournaments.

He has one of the best fighting styles in the history of fighting games. It is so complete and fun to play with.

Really easy to fight with Benimaru.

He's so dynamic. Playing Benimaru as a beginner makes me feel like a pro.
King

King is a Muay Thai practitioner and a bartender with a calm and composed demeanor. She originally disguised herself as a man in her early appearances. King is affiliated with the Art of Fighting cast and frequently teams with Yuri Sakazaki.

The female kickboxer.
Leona Heidern

Leona Heidern is the adopted daughter of Heidern and a member of the Ikari Warriors team. She possesses Orochi blood, which causes uncontrollable power surges under extreme stress. Leona specializes in military combat techniques and explosives.

Leona's history and internal strife against her Orochi heritage have been unique and intriguing traits among other female characters in the series. The other characters know that Leona may be well-disciplined and reserved but also very deadly.

Leona's the best, but cool to see Kula at the top because, well, it's different! Not what I was expecting at all!

She's got one of the coolest specials in the game.

The Newcomers

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Silber
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Sylvie Paula Paula

Sylvie Paula Paula is a former NESTS experiment with electromagnetic abilities. Her eccentric appearance and behavior make her stand out in the roster. Sylvie uses her powers in unpredictable and erratic fighting techniques.

The Contenders

Shermie

Shermie is a French fashion designer who fights using professional wrestling techniques. She is a member of the Orochi Four Heavenly Kings. Shermie hides her Orochi powers behind her playful and stylish appearance.

The most powerful female in KOF when she becomes Orochi. Also, she is the sexiest of all the females!

Grappling demon. Sexy. I want to see her 3D version so bad.
Athena Asamiya

Athena Asamiya is a high school student with psychic powers and a lineage tracing back to ancient warriors. She uses a mix of psycho power and Chinese martial arts. Athena is also an idol singer, which is reflected in her in-game persona.

The character that has the most outfits in all fighting series.

Psychokinesis alone can crush enemies. Case closed!
Isla

Isla is a street artist who uses her graffiti-based powers in combat. She has a connection to Shun'ei and operates with mysterious motivations. Isla debuted in The King of Fighters XV.
Yuri Sakazaki

Yuri Sakazaki is the younger sister of Ryo Sakazaki and practices the Kyokugenryu Karate style. She has modified the traditional style with her own flair and techniques. Yuri brings energy and enthusiasm to her team compositions.

I love her. She's so funny and entertaining to use!

Love her! She's cute, strong, and funny!
Kim Kaphwan

Kim Kaphwan is a South Korean Taekwondo master with a strong sense of justice. He is known for attempting to reform criminals through his team selections. Kim often leads or joins teams featuring characters with checkered pasts.

Dude! Been in every game, has a unique and OP fighting style. He doesn't get the love he deserves.

He has very good combo chains. In terms of effectiveness and martial arts (yellow one), he is the best attacker.

His moves are lightning fast, and his style is different enough to be interesting.
Joe Higashi

Joe Higashi is a Muay Thai champion from Japan who is close friends with the Bogard brothers. He uses powerful knee and elbow strikes in his fighting style. Joe is also known for his boisterous and comedic personality.

One of the few characters that actually fights like a martial artist. Not to mention that he is very complete and has a great personality.

He is a Japanese guy that learns Muay Thai, and Hwa and King learn Muay Thai too.
Ash Crimson

Ash Crimson is a French fighter who manipulates green flames and seeks to steal the powers of the sacred clans. He is both protagonist and antagonist during the Ash saga. Ash's goals and allegiances are often ambiguous throughout his storyline.

He is my favorite fighting game character, the first charge character I learned, and the first zoner I mained. I am a combo fanatic, so his install super opens a lot of combo routes! I legit skipped KOF 14 because he wasn't in there lol.

The Joker or Loki of SNK. A phenomenal character, probably the 2nd best overall character. Sucks that he's a charge character.

Ash is definitely the most interesting character in KOF. Love or hate him, Ash is a character people won't forget and has made a huge impact in the KOF series.
Rugal Bernstein

Rugal Bernstein is an arms dealer who seeks power through the King of Fighters tournament. He is known for absorbing the abilities of defeated fighters. Rugal served as a boss character in several early KOF games.

Love him or hate him, there's no such thing as luck when you're facing Rugal. He's still awesome.

His moves have an answer for everything and a few unique statements as well.

Rugal is an almighty boss and can defeat anyone by copying their moves.
Tizoc

Tizoc is a Mexican professional wrestler also known as The Griffon Mask. He fights for justice and serves as a role model to children. Tizoc appears in both the Garou: Mark of the Wolves and King of Fighters series.
Vice

Vice is one of Rugal's former secretaries and an Orochi warrior. She fights using grappling moves combined with Orochi-enhanced strength. Vice is usually paired with Mature in her appearances.
Choi Bounge

Choi Bounge is a small, fast fighter inspired by Freddy Krueger, with clawed gloves and a manic personality. He teams with Chang Koehan and Kim Kaphwan. Choi specializes in quick, erratic attacks and evasive movement.
Sie Kensou

Sie Kensou is a Chinese martial artist and member of the Psycho Soldiers team. He uses psychic powers along with Kung Fu techniques. Kensou harbors a long-standing crush on Athena Asamiya.

Even though Kensou is strong, he dislikes training. He is probably the most will-powered, and he won't stop until he's completed what he has started. He is probably the 2nd or 3rd strongest character after Terry (2nd) or after Terry and Iori (3rd).
Mature

Mature is one of Rugal Bernstein's secretaries and serves as an agent of Orochi. She uses a slashing fighting style and has the ability to manipulate energy. Mature often appears alongside Vice as a duo.
Elisabeth Blanctorche

Elisabeth Blanctorche is a French noblewoman and head of the Blanctorche clan. She uses light-based powers in conjunction with elegant martial arts techniques. Elisabeth has a close history with Ash Crimson and acts as a rival and ally.
Blue Mary

Blue Mary is a special agent skilled in combat sambo and joint locks. She often works undercover and has a romantic past with Terry Bogard. Mary is recognized for her combination of grappling expertise and investigative background.

I'm so glad to play the game as Mary because she's a tricky girl. If you honestly try her, you'll become an expert in playing as Mary. I love Mary.