Fighting game fans have something big to look forward to next month. SNK Corporation’s highly anticipated “Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves” will launch on April 24, 2025, just over a month from now. The game will be available on multiple platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S, giving players plenty of options to experience this new entry in the legendary fighting series.
This release marks an important comeback for the Fatal Fury franchise, which has been dormant for many years. SNK first announced the game in 2023, and fans have been eagerly tracking its development ever since. The publisher has been gradually revealing new characters and gameplay features through trailers and special announcements over the past year.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Fighting Arena
It’s been over two decades since the last major entry in SNK’s legendary Fatal Fury franchise. After the critically acclaimed Garou: Mark of the Wolves in 1999, fans wondered if they’d ever step back into South Town’s gritty streets. Now, the wait is over. Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves officially launches on April 24, 2025, marking a monumental comeback for one of the most iconic series in fighting game history.
SNK is pulling out all the stops, revitalizing the franchise with modern graphics, an evolved combat system, and a roster that balances fan favorites with exciting new faces. This is not just a return to form—it’s a redefinition of what Fatal Fury means for a new generation.
Platforms and Availability
When it launches in April, City of the Wolves will be available on multiple platforms:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store)
Crossplay functionality is expected to be supported at launch, opening the door for a more connected and competitive community from day one.
Meet the Fighters: Old Legends and New Blood
The roster is shaping up to be a blend of old-school heroes and brand-new contenders. Returning legends like Terry Bogard and Rock Howard bring with them revamped movesets and fresh designs that stay true to their roots. Terry, sporting his iconic cap and bomber jacket, is once again the face of the franchise, but with a more mature, battle-hardened look.
Joining them is Hotaru Futaba, known for her elegant yet deadly fighting style, and Tizoc, the powerhouse wrestler whose larger-than-life persona electrifies the ring.
Newcomers are stepping into the spotlight too, including:
- Preecha, a Muay Thai striker with lightning-fast kicks
- Kain R. Heinlein, finally a playable character, bringing calculated brutality to the mix
- Marco Rodrigues, the brawler from the Kyokugenryu Dojo, making his long-awaited return after years of fan requests
Expect the full roster to hit around 15 characters at launch, with additional fighters planned through post-release updates.
The REV System: A New Layer of Strategy
City of the Wolves introduces the REV System, a mechanic designed to add depth and excitement to every match. It’s all about risk and reward—players can build up their REV meter by playing aggressively, taking calculated risks, and maintaining offensive momentum.
Spend REV for powerful moves, enhanced special attacks, or even turn the tide of battle with a REV Blow, a devastating move that can crush an opponent’s defense when timed right. This system encourages bold play and punishes hesitation, rewarding fighters who maintain pressure and keep the action fast and furious.
Visuals That Pay Homage to the Past, While Looking to the Future
Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game features a cel-shaded art style reminiscent of classic SNK titles but modernized for today’s hardware. The colorful, bold visuals bring characters to life with fluid animations and expressive designs. Backgrounds pulse with energy, from neon-lit back alleys to grand arenas filled with roaring fans.
Every stage tells a story—whether it’s Rock Howard’s high-rise apartment overlooking a new-age South Town or a dilapidated train yard where street fighters test their mettle. The attention to detail captures the gritty yet hopeful tone of the Fatal Fury universe.
Modes and Features: Beyond the Fight
City of the Wolves isn’t just about head-to-head combat. Players can look forward to a variety of modes at launch:
- Story Mode: Dive deep into the narratives of Rock, Terry, and other fighters as they navigate the personal stakes and rivalries that define their battles.
- Arcade Mode: Old-school fans will appreciate a traditional ladder climb, complete with boss fights and endings.
- Online Ranked and Casual Matches: Featuring rollback netcode for smooth, responsive online play.
- Training Mode: Packed with tools to help players hone their skills, from frame data displays to advanced combo trials.
- Gallery and Extras: Unlock artwork, music, and lore from the franchise’s history.
Special Editions and Pre-Order Bonuses
The Standard Edition includes the full game, but those looking for more content can grab the Deluxe Edition, which comes with:
- Season Pass 1: Adding five DLC fighters post-launch, releasing through late 2025 and early 2026.
- Early Access: Play the game three days early before the official release.
- Bonus Costumes: Including Terry’s Fatal Fury 2 look and exclusive color schemes for several characters.
Pre-orders are open now, and early adopters will also get access to a special profile icon pack and lobby avatars for use in online matches.
A New Era for Fatal Fury Begins
With its April 2025 release, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves signals a bold new chapter for SNK’s fighting game legacy. It bridges the gap between old-school fans and modern players, offering a deep, strategic fighter wrapped in stylish visuals and tight gameplay.
For long-time fans and fighting game enthusiasts alike, this is one release you won’t want to miss. The wolves are back—and they’re hungry.
Pre-Order On Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2492040/FATAL_FURY_City_of_the_Wolves/
Key Takeaways
- Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves launches April 24, 2025 across PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows platforms.
- The game represents a major revival of SNK’s classic fighting franchise after many years.
- Special editions and pre-purchase options are already available for dedicated fans.
Overview of Fatal Fury Franchise
The Fatal Fury franchise stands as one of the most influential fighting game series in video game history, pioneering many elements that defined the genre while establishing SNK Corporation as a major player in the competitive fighting game scene.
Historical Context and Evolution
Fatal Fury debuted in 1991 as SNK’s response to Street Fighter II, introducing innovative mechanics like two-plane fighting and special move inputs. Created by Takashi Nishiyama, who had previously worked on the original Street Fighter, the series followed Terry Bogard and his friends as they battled against crime lord Geese Howard in South Town.
The franchise evolved through multiple entries, with Fatal Fury 2 and Fatal Fury 3 expanding the roster and refining gameplay. The series reached a creative peak with Garou: Mark of the Wolves in 1999, widely considered a masterpiece of 2D fighting games.
Many Fatal Fury characters later crossed over into The King of Fighters series, which became SNK’s flagship fighting franchise and continues to this day.
Impact on Fighting Game Culture
Fatal Fury significantly shaped fighting game culture through its distinct arcade style and personality. The series introduced iconic characters like Terry Bogard, whose “Are you okay? BUSTER WOLF!” catchphrase became legendary among fans.
The franchise pioneered several technical innovations including:
- Multi-plane fighting systems
- Combo mechanics
- Desperation moves when health was low
Fatal Fury’s influence extended beyond its own titles, with elements appearing in other SNK franchises like Samurai Shodown. The series helped establish SNK’s Neo Geo hardware as the premier platform for fighting games in arcades during the 1990s.
Its distinctive animation style, detailed backgrounds, and character-driven storytelling created a uniquely compelling universe that continues to resonate with fighting game enthusiasts decades after its inception.
Gameplay Mechanics
Fatal Fury: City of Wolves brings a fresh approach to fighting game mechanics while honoring its legacy. The game introduces several systems that give players more strategic options during matches.
Innovative Features in ‘City of Wolves’
The game introduces a modernized fighting system that balances accessibility with depth. New players can use Smart Style controls for simplified inputs, making special moves easier to execute without memorizing complex commands. This doesn’t sacrifice depth, as advanced players can still use traditional inputs for more precise control.
Just Defense returns from previous SNK titles, allowing players to reduce damage by blocking attacks at the last possible moment. This defensive technique creates a higher skill ceiling and rewards timing.
The combo system has been redesigned to allow for more creative chaining of attacks. Players can link normal moves into special attacks and then into more powerful techniques, creating satisfying combo strings that feel impactful.
Understanding REV System and Mechanics
The REV System forms the core of City of Wolves’ gameplay mechanics. This meter-based resource allows players to enhance their offensive and defensive capabilities during matches.
When REV gauge is filled, players can activate REV Arts, which are powerful cinematic super moves that deal significant damage. Each character has unique REV Arts reflecting their fighting style.
REV Blows work as combo extenders or emergency defensive options. They can be used to escape pressure or create new offensive opportunities when opponents least expect it.
The system builds naturally during combat through attacking, defending, and using special moves. Strategic management of your REV gauge becomes crucial for victory, as spending it too early leaves you vulnerable while saving it too long misses opportunities.
The Strategic Layer of Selective Potential Gear
Selective Potential Gear represents one of the most innovative additions to the franchise. This system allows players to customize their fighter’s capabilities before matches begin.
Players choose from different gear loadouts that enhance specific aspects of their character—improving movement speed, attack power, or defensive capabilities. This creates meaningful pre-match decisions that impact gameplay style.
The gear system encourages experimentation and finding combinations that complement your preferred playstyle. A speed-focused gear set might benefit rushdown characters, while power-oriented gear helps grapplers maximize damage.
Different matchups might call for different gear selections, adding a layer of counter-strategy to character selection. Mastering when to use which gear becomes part of the high-level competitive meta-game, rewarding players who study their opponents.
Visuals and Art Direction
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves features a distinctive visual approach that blends traditional fighting game aesthetics with comic book influences. The game represents a significant artistic evolution for the long-running series.
The Unique Fusion with American Comic Books
The developers at SNK have created a visual style that draws heavy inspiration from American comic books. This influence is apparent in the bold outlines, dynamic poses, and exaggerated action sequences that define the game’s look. Characters and environments pop with vibrant colors and dramatic lighting effects typical of Marvel Comics and similar publications.
Combat moves feature comic-style impact frames and onomatopoeic text effects that emphasize powerful hits. This artistic choice helps Fatal Fury stand out in the crowded fighting game market.
Background stages also reflect this comic book aesthetic, with stylized urban environments that capture the gritty atmosphere of a dangerous metropolis.
Character Designs and Development
Character designs in City of the Wolves balance nostalgia with innovation. Returning fighters like Terry Bogard maintain their iconic elements while receiving modern updates that reflect the passage of time since the last game.
New characters introduce fresh visual concepts while fitting seamlessly into the Fatal Fury universe. Each fighter features distinct silhouettes and color schemes that make them instantly recognizable during fast-paced matches.
The 3D character models are rendered with a unique cel-shaded technique that preserves the 2D fighting game feel while allowing for more expressive animations and dynamic camera angles.
Special attention has been paid to character animations, with fluid movement that conveys each fighter’s personality and fighting style.
Characters and Storyline
Fatal Fury: City of Wolves brings back beloved fighters while introducing new faces to the dangerous streets of South Town. The game weaves a complex narrative centered around power struggles and personal vendettas.
Main Cast and Their Backstories
Terry Bogard returns as the iconic “Hungry Wolf,” continuing his journey through South Town’s dangerous underworld. His signature cap and powerful moves remain intact as he seeks to protect the city.
Rock Howard, Terry’s adopted son, struggles with his dark heritage as Geese Howard’s biological son. His internal conflict shapes his fighting style, blending techniques from both father figures.
New character B. Jenet joins the roster, bringing her pirate-themed fighting style. Her connection to South Town’s criminal elements adds depth to the storyline.
Kain R. Heinlein makes his return to the series after debuting in Garou: Mark of the Wolves. His mysterious agenda will likely play a crucial role in the game’s plot.
Mai Shiranui brings her fan-based fighting style back, confirmed during the Gamescon 2024 reveal.
South Town and Its Significance
South Town serves as more than just a backdrop—it’s practically a character itself. This fictional metropolis has been the central setting for the Fatal Fury series since its inception.
The city is divided into distinct districts, each with unique atmospheres ranging from glitzy casinos to dangerous back alleys. These locations provide diverse battlegrounds for fighters.
South Town’s criminal underworld plays a significant role in the narrative. Power struggles between gangs and crime lords drive much of the conflict.
The city’s architecture blends modern skyscrapers with traditional elements, creating a unique visual identity that has become iconic to the series.
Players will experience South Town through dynamically changing stages that react to the fights, enhancing the narrative experience through environmental storytelling.
Release and Platform Information
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will launch globally on April 24, 2025, bringing the iconic fighting game series to multiple modern gaming platforms.
Availability on Consoles and PC
The game will be released simultaneously across several platforms, giving players multiple options to experience this revival of the legendary fighting series. Players can purchase Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves on:
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
- PC via Epic Games Store
This multi-platform approach ensures that most gamers will have access to the title regardless of their preferred gaming system. Digital pre-orders are currently available on all platforms, allowing eager fans to secure their copy ahead of the April 2025 release.
SNK Corporation serves as both developer and publisher for this new entry in the Fatal Fury franchise, maintaining creative control over the beloved series.
What to Expect on Release Day
On April 24, 2025, players can dive into the full version of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The game is classified as a versus fighting game, continuing the tradition of the series.
An open beta has been scheduled before the release, giving players a chance to test the gameplay mechanics and provide feedback. This beta will help SNK refine the experience before the official launch.
The game aims to balance nostalgia with modern gaming elements. Longtime fans will recognize returning characters and gameplay elements, while newcomers will find accessible controls and tutorials.
Digital versions will be available for immediate download on release day across all platforms. SNK has not yet confirmed details about physical editions or special collector’s versions.
Multiplayer and Online Features
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will feature robust multiplayer capabilities when it launches on April 24, 2025. The game promises to deliver competitive gameplay options for both casual and serious fighting game enthusiasts.
Exploring the Multiplayer Component
The multiplayer component in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves will include both local and online play options. Players can enjoy classic versus matches with friends on the same console, perfect for party settings or tournament practice.
The game will support training modes where players can practice with friends. This collaborative approach allows fighters to develop strategies and learn character matchups together.
Team battle modes are also expected, where players can select multiple characters and face off in elimination-style contests. These team-based competitions add strategic depth, requiring players to consider character strengths across multiple matchups.
Special multiplayer events may be scheduled periodically, potentially offering unique rewards and challenges to participants.
Online Matchmaking and Competitive Play
The online system in City of the Wolves will feature ranked and casual match options. Players can climb the competitive ladder or enjoy stress-free matches without affecting their ranking.
Matchmaking will pair players based on skill level and connection quality. This system aims to create fair, enjoyable matches with minimal lag issues.
A replay system will allow players to study past matches and improve their strategies. Watching high-level matches can be an effective learning tool for aspiring competitors.
The game is expected to include tournament functionality, possibly with qualification paths to official SNK events. This integration of casual and professional play creates a pathway for players to grow from beginners to potential esports competitors.
Cross-platform play remains unconfirmed but would significantly expand the player pool if implemented.
Developer Insights
SNK Corporation’s development team has been working diligently on Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, with key team members sharing their vision for the franchise’s return after 26 years. The project represents a significant milestone for the company and fighting game community.
Interview with Yasuyuki Oda
Yasuyuki Oda, the producer at SNK Corporation, recently discussed the challenges of reviving the Fatal Fury franchise after its long absence. “Bringing Fatal Fury back after 26 years wasn’t a decision we took lightly,” said Oda in a recent developer interview.
Oda emphasized the importance of honoring the series’ legacy while implementing modern fighting game mechanics. The new REV system was specifically highlighted as a crucial innovation.
“We wanted to create something that both veterans and newcomers could enjoy,” Oda explained. His team focused on balancing nostalgic elements with fresh gameplay mechanics that would appeal to today’s fighting game community.
The Development Philosophy Behind ‘City of Wolves’
SNK Corporation approached City of Wolves with a clear philosophy: respect tradition while embracing innovation. The development team prioritized responsive controls and fluid animations to ensure competitive viability.
Rollback netcode implementation was a non-negotiable feature from early development stages. This technology significantly reduces online lag, allowing for smooth matches regardless of physical distance between players.
The character roster was carefully curated to include fan favorites alongside new fighters. Each character received extensive attention to ensure unique fighting styles and special moves.
The team also conducted multiple testing phases, including the February 2025 Open Beta Test, to gather community feedback. This collaborative approach helped refine gameplay mechanics and character balance before the April 24 release date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have many questions about the upcoming Fatal Fury: City of Wolves game. Here are answers to some common questions about platforms, editions, pre-orders, and gameplay features.
What platforms will ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’ be available on at launch?
Fatal Fury: City of Wolves will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S at launch on April 24, 2025.
The game will have a simultaneous release across all platforms, ensuring fans can play regardless of their preferred gaming system.
Will ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’ offer a collector’s edition for fans to purchase?
Yes, a Special Edition bundle has been announced. This package includes the base game plus Season Pass 1 for $59.99/€59.99.
Details about any physical collector’s editions with additional merchandise have not been confirmed yet by the developers.
Is there an option to pre-order a physical copy of ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’ before its release?
Digital pre-orders are currently available as confirmed in the search results. Players who pre-order digitally will get access to the game starting April 21, 2025, three days before the official release.
Information about physical pre-orders has not been specifically mentioned in the available sources.
Can players expect a beta version to be released prior to the official launch of ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’?
There has been no official announcement regarding a beta test period for Fatal Fury: City of Wolves.
Fans should follow official SNK channels for any updates about potential beta testing opportunities before the April 2025 release.
How many characters can players expect to play in ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’?
The exact character roster size has not been specified in the provided information.
The game will likely feature returning fighters from previous Fatal Fury titles along with new characters, but the total number remains unconfirmed.
Are there any differences between the new ‘Fatal Fury: City of Wolves’ and previous installments like ‘Fatal Fury Special’?
Fatal Fury: City of Wolves introduces new gameplay mechanics that differentiate it from earlier titles in the series.
This release marks a revival of the franchise after a 26-year hiatus, suggesting significant updates to graphics, gameplay systems, and fighting mechanics while maintaining the series’ core identity.
