Step beyond the main stage and into the future of fighting games at Evo 2025’s Indie Game Dev Area, a dedicated space showcasing the next generation of competitive experiences from passionate, independent creators around the world. Whether you’re a die-hard FGC veteran or just looking to discover something fresh, this curated lineup of indie titles offers bold new takes on mechanics, movement, and combos.
Each station is staffed by the devs themselves, ready to share their vision, hear your feedback, and maybe even challenge you to a match. This is your chance to be among the first to try breakout projects before they hit the big stage.
Scroll down to explore this year’s featured games and find your next favorite fighter:
Combo Devils
Combo Devils is a platform fighter developed by Punkzilla. Combo Devils has a heavy influence from traditional fighting games tailored for competitive players and also features a co-op roguelite beat ’em up mode for the casual market. Punkzilla is made up of fighting game veterans and game industry veterans that have worked at renowned companies like Epic Games, Blizzard, Riot, Nexon, Super Giant Games, and more.
Dojo Masters
DOJO MASTERS is a 2-button martial arts fighting game designed to be easy to pick up, but insanely difficult to master.
Frostfire
Join the fighting madness in FrostFire -Battle Frenzy- ! Enjoy deep fast paced combat featuring intense 2D Anime Visuals, and get to know the quirky cast of superpowered losers on their daily rumbles at New Spice City! Rollback Netcode, Story Mode, CPUs with AI learning, a million collectibles… All you can ask for and more!
Hyperfight 2
studio joh is a solo dev creating HYPERFIGHT 2, a fast-paced 2D fighting game that takes “easy to learn, hard to master” to its absolute limit. Gameplay revolves around a tug-of-war system where your meter is directly tied to your win condition.
Mega Knockdown
Mega Knockdown is a fast-paced combo of turn-based strategy and classic 2D fighters. Jump right into the real challenge at the heart of fighting games: outsmarting your friends and predicting their next move!
Netcode Warriors
Son Studios is dedicated to crafting gameplay experiences built on longevity and legacy. With Netcode Warriors, we’re redefining arena fighter design from the ground up — combining deep, character-driven systems with a competitive-first mindset to create a game built to evolve and endure.
Pip Puzzle
Pip Puzzle is a competitive puzzle-fighter where you smash your own gems and use unique skills—ranging from turning your opponent’s screen black and white to smashing important gems with heavy balls—to attack them, and fill up their side. The background and music evolve dynamically, matching the intensity of the match.
Resistance 204x
Yaga Studio is an award winning German indie team crafting unforgettable interactive experiences through fresh game mechanics, expansive world building, and compelling storytelling. Influenced by the aesthetics of games like Jet Set Radio, Lethal League, and the mechanics of Nidhogg, Resistance 204X is our latest fighting game set in a dystopian neon lit future, driven by rebellion and style.
Royalty Free For All
Royalty Free-For-All is a hand-drawn platform fighter remixing the public domain! With simplified controls from basic attacks to advanced techs alike, Royalty Free-For-All makes it easier than ever to pick up and play on date night, family gatherings, and kickback parties!
Schwarzerblitz
Double 3D trouble at EVO! Ride the lightning in Schwarzerblitz, with 8-way movement, ring outs, unfair arcade bosses and 28 playable characters! Tech the grab or die in Exploding Judo Federation, a fast-paced 3D brawler where every! single! throw! is lethal!
Scramble Heart City
From the team behind Tough Love Arena comes Scramble Heart City, a new 3v3 tag team fighter that’s playable in your web browser — no installation required!
Shot One Fighters
Shot One Fighters is a bombastic, colorful intergalactic roguelite inspired by the best fighting games out there!
Terrordrome
Terrordrome : Reign Of The Legends is an indie fighting game set in a world where characters from horror literature, urban legends, cryptids, mythology exist within our modern world.of horror.
Umbral Core
Umbral Core is a 2.5D fighting game set in a world of dark high fantasy. Inspired by the classics, Umbral Core delivers a fresh and rewarding experience to fighting game enthusiasts and newcomers.
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