Crossovers in video games have always been exciting, bringing together characters from different franchises in ways fans never expected. Seeing rivals battle it out or heroes team up for the first time creates exciting moments and sparks different conversations among players.
Some crossovers lean into nostalgia, letting gamers experience dream matchups (looking at you,Super Smash Bros.), while others introduce unique twists that reimagine familiar characters in unexpected cameo roles. The best crossovers blend worlds seamlessly, respecting each franchise’s rich history while delivering a fresh and engaging experience or surprise.
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Many crossovers shine in fighting games, where guest fighters add new layers of strategy and excitement to classic brawls. In other genres, entire universes are expanded by merging distinct worlds into a single, immersive adventure. Role-playing games, strategy titles, and even battle royales have found creative ways to include crossovers, ensuring that these collaborations feel meaningful rather than like mere marketing gimmicks.
By capturing the true essence of each character and enhancing the gameplay, every inclusion feels thought-out and impactful. In this list, we rank the best video game crossovers ever made, highlighting those moments that not only entertain and surprise gamers, but also redefine the boundaries of their genres. With execution and twists, these crossovers continue to delight fans and push the limits of interactive storytelling.
10Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
Speeding Through Sega’s Legacy
Sonic & SEGA All-Stars Racing
This kart racing title united beloved Sega icons, from Sonic the Hedgehog to Ryo Hazuki of Shenmue, in a high-speed competition across tracks inspired by classic franchises. The diverse cast, featuring characters from Jet Set Radio, Super Monkey Ball, and Space Channel 5, offered a nostalgic celebration of Sega’s history. With smooth controls and vibrant course design, the game stood out in the crowded kart-racing genre with surprising crossovers.
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What set it apart was the All-Star Moves mechanic, allowing each racer to unleash a signature ability. These unique skills added strategic depth and reinforced character authenticity. While later iterations refined the gameplay further, this installment laid the foundation for Sega’s crossover racing series, making it a standout in the genre. Sega & Sega All-Stars Racing may be the last game we ever see a Skies of Arcadia character in.
9Mortal Kombat 11
Fatalities and Famous Fighters
Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat has a history of incorporating guest characters, but Mortal Kombat 11 took this to another level. The game featured legendary fighters like Spawn, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Terminator, Robocop, and the Joker, each with unique abilities that fit the franchise’s brutal aesthetic. These additions weren’t mere novelties, they were fully realized combatants with fun move sets that fit into the Mortal Kombat universe.
Beyond guest appearances, Mortal Kombat 11 delivered refined combat mechanics, an interesting time-traveling narrative (which isone of the best), and an extensive customization system. Its crossover content expanded the appeal beyond old-school fans, drawing in those eager to see how these iconic characters would fare in the series’ infamous fatalities. The game’s dedication to integrating guest fighters meaningfully made it a top-tier crossover experience.
8Super Mario RPG
A Hidden Nintendo Multiverse
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Super Mario RPG was a groundbreaking fusion of platforming charm and turn-based RPG depth and has since gottena well-received remake. While its core adventure focused on Mario’s quest in his first RPG, it also featured hidden appearances from Link from The Legend of Zelda and Samus from Metroid, two of Nintendo’s best-known characters. Though not playable, their inclusion hinted at the multiverse of Nintendo’s interconnected worlds, exciting longtime fans.
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The game itself introduced mechanics that influenced later RPGs, such as time-sensitive attacks and interactive battle elements. With its charming story, hilarious dialogue, and engaging combat, Super Mario RPG became a beloved classic. The unexpected cameos only added to its charm, showcasing Nintendo’s willingness to tease a shared universe way before it became a trend.
7Injustice 2
Superheroes and Unexpected Allies
Injustice 2
Expanding upon its predecessor, Injustice 2 refined its already engaging combat system while introducing an expanded roster of DC heroes and villains. What made it an outstanding crossover was the inclusion of characters from outside the DC universe, such as all the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, and Raiden from Mortal Kombat. Each addition was carefully designed to fit within the game’s mechanics while maintaining their unique identities.
The deep single-player content, gear customization, and fluid combat mechanics set Injustice 2 apart as one of the finest superhero fighters. The guest characters weren’t just shoved in the game, they were integrated with meaningful move sets and interactions, enhancing the experience for fans of multiple franchises.
6SoulCalibur II
A Three Console-Exclusive Crossover Battle
Soulcalibur II
SoulCalibur II revolutionized guest character inclusion by introducing platform-exclusive fighters. GameCube players wielded Link’s Master Sword and inventory, Xbox users unleashed Spawn’s supernatural abilities, and PlayStation fans fought with Heihachi’s physical power. This strategy encouraged fans to choose their version based on their preferred guest fighter.
Beyond the novelty of exclusive characters, the game delivered a refined weapon-based combat system that remains a high point for the franchise. Each guest fighter was meticulously designed to fit the SoulCalibur universe, making this one of the most innovative and memorable crossovers in gaming history. There is something surreal about seeing Link fight some of the characters from the very mature SoulCalibur series.
5Project X Zone
A Tactical Mashup of Gaming Legends
Project X Zone
Project X Zone was an ambitious tactical strategy game that merged characters from Capcom, Sega, and Bandai Namco, creating one of the most expansive crossovers in gaming. Featuring heroes and villains from franchises like Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, Mega Man, and Resident Evil, the game blends diverse worlds into a single narrative, allowing players to form dream teams of legendary figures.
The crossover element was its defining feature, with characters from drastically different universes interacting in unexpected and very funny ways. These interactions were more than just fan service, as they shaped the story and battle mechanics, with units combining original abilities for powerful team attacks.
While its appeal remained niche, Project X Zone’s dedication to bringing together gaming icons in an engaging tactical experience made it a standout crossover that celebrated decades of beloved franchises in one ambitious package. It was successful enough to warrant a sequel, Project X Zone 2.
4Final Fantasy Tactics
A Legendary SOLDIER in a New Realm
Final Fantasy Tactics
Final Fantasy Tactics remains a PlayStation masterpiece of the strategy genre (withlots of fans demanding a remake), and its crossover appeal was heightened by the inclusion of Cloud Strife. The Final Fantasy VII protagonist appeared as a recruitable, secret character, bridging the gap between two of Square Enix’s most celebrated universes.
With deep tactical combat, a political narrative, and character customization, Final Fantasy Tactics became a genre-defining title. Cloud’s recruitment required players to complete specific side quests, making his addition feel rewarding. His presence linked different Final Fantasy worlds, creating a very sweet moment with a flower girl and felt natural.
This seamless integration showcased Square Enix’s ability to connect its franchises meaningfully, further cementing Final Fantasy Tactics as a timeless classic. We won’t even touchhow random it is to get Cloud’s weapon that allows him to use his special ability.
The Ultimate Pop Culture Crossover
Fortnite has become a vast hub for crossovers in the gaming world. It continuously integrates characters from various universes, ranging from Marvel’s superheroes and Star Wars icons to well-known video game characters like Master Chief and Kratos. These collaborations bring fresh content, including exclusive outfits, special events, and gameplay features that maintain the game’s dynamic appeal.
By working with partners from comics, films, and even real-life celebrities, Fortnite blends pop culture with gaming in a way that’s never been done before. Its limited-time events add new modes and mechanics, turning each partnership into more than just visual enhancements. This ongoing evolution of content has made Fortnite a dominant force in crossovers. Speaking of evolving,the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles could even be making an appearance soon.
2Kingdom Hearts
Disney Meets Final Fantasy in an Epic Journey
Kingdom Hearts
Kingdom Hearts masterfully blends the magic of Disney with the fantasy elements of Square Enix’s role-playing games. The series takes players through worlds inspired by beloved Disney films, allowing them to team up with characters likeDonald Duck, Goofy, Jack Sparrow, and a lot more. While the main protagonist, Sora, leads the adventure, cameos from Final Fantasy legends like Cloud, Sephiroth, and Auron create an unexpected but seamless crossover experience.
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Beyond its impressive character roster, Kingdom Hearts delivers emotional storytelling, deep combat mechanics, and stunningly reimagined Disney worlds. The mix of heartfelt narratives and exhilarating battles makes it one of the most iconic crossovers in gaming history.
1Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The Definitive Crossover Brawler
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lives up to its name by assembling the most ambitious crossover roster in gaming history. With characters from Nintendo, Capcom, Square Enix, and beyond, it delivers a competitive yet accessible fighting experience that celebrates the industry’s legacy. Every fighter is faithfully represented, ensuring battles feel both balanced and thrilling.
In addition to its staggering lineup, the game features carefully designed movesets and interactions between characters from different franchises, making battles feel immersive. Whether playing casually or competitively, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains the gold standard for crossover games, proving that gaming’s greatest icons can coexist in one chaotic, exhilarating package.
Masahiro Sakurai knocked it out of the park with this one (recentlyeven winning awards from the Japanese government), with every character feeling faithful to their original franchise. Who doesn’t want to see Pikachu fight Sephiroth?
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