SNK CORPORATION will release an update for the fighting game THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (KOF XV) on July 2, 2026, aimed at adjusting the game's overall balance.
All 61 Characters Receive Balance Adjustments
On July 2, 2026, balance adjustments will be applied across all 61 playable characters in KOF XV — from mainstay characters such as Kyo Kusanagi, K', Ash Crimson, and Shun'ei, to characters added later, including Rock Howard, Terry Bogard, Mature, and Vice. This is a great opportunity to experience a refreshed KOF XV.
Product Features
KOF XV is the 15th mainline entry in the KOF series. Released in February 2022, six years after the previous title, KOF XIV, it marks the first time all four of the series' protagonists — Kyo Kusanagi, K', Ash Crimson, and Shun'ei — appear together.
The game carries on the series' traditional 3-on-3 Team Battle format while introducing SHATTER STRIKE, a new system for blocking attacks and countering, along with an evolved MAX Mode and MAX Mode (Quick).
RUSH, which lets players unleash a variety of combos through repeated button presses, and a wide range of special moves that liven up every battle also remain in place, delivering a level of speed and exhilaration unlike anything else in the series.
About THE KING OF FIGHTERS Series
Starting with KOF '94 in 1994, THE KING OF FIGHTERS is a fighting game series developed and published by SNK. Its defining feature is being the first fighting game series to introduce 3-on-3 Team Battles, requiring strategic depth beyond a traditional one-on-one duel. Its frequent, dramatic, come-from-behind matches have also made the series a continued fixture on the esports scene.
Beyond fighting game titles such as Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting, Ikari Warriors, and Psycho Soldier, the series is also known as a dream match bringing together characters from across SNK's popular franchises, with a combined roster of more than 150 characters, making it one of SNK's largest IPs.
Prologue (1994)
Orochi Saga (1995-1997)
Protagonist: Kyo Kusanagi
Heir to the Kusanagi-style ancient martial arts passed down through generations, wielding flame at will. Free-spirited and self-assured, with a natural talent for fighting.
- Fighting Style: Kusanagi-style Ancient Martial Arts + Self-Taught Fighting
- Birthday: December 12
- Birthplace: Japan
- Blood Type: B
- Favorite Food: Grilled fish
NESTS Saga (1999-2001)
Protagonist: K'
A cyborg implanted with Kyo Kusanagi's genes by the secret organization NESTS. He wields the power of flame, which he controls through the glove on his right hand.
- Fighting Style: Violence
- Birthday: Unknown
- Birthplace: Unknown
- Blood Type: Unknown
- Favorite Food: Beef jerky
Ash Saga (2003-2010)
Protagonist: Ash Crimson
A young man and direct descendant of Saiki, the leader of a mysterious group said to come from a distant land. He wields green flames and toys with opponents through sly, provocative words.
- Fighting Style: Self-Taught (uses a unique flame)
- Birthday: February 14
- Birthplace: Raised in France(?)
- Blood Type: O
- Favorite Food: Sachertorte
New Chapter (2016-)
Protagonist: Shun'ei
A young man who manipulates illusions. Abandoned by his parents as a child, he was raised as a disciple of Tung Fu Rue. Through training in Hakkyokuseiken, he has learned to control his hidden power.
- Fighting Style: Hakkyoku Gen'ei Ken
- Birthday: October 10
- Birthplace: China
- Blood Type: O
- Favorite Food: Sweets
KOF XV Ultimate Edition, Featuring All DLC Characters, Now Available
The KOF XV Ultimate Edition (digital version) lets you enjoy all 61 characters — the 41 characters from the base game plus every additional DLC character. This is a great opportunity to experience a refreshed KOF XV.
THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV — Title Information
- Title: THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV
- Genre: Fighting
- Release Date: February 17, 2022 (Thursday)
- Platforms: PlayStation 5 / PlayStation 4 (physical and digital) / Xbox Series X|S / Windows 10 / Steam / Epic Games Store (digital)
- Rating: CERO C
- Players: Offline 1–2 / Online 2–8
- Official Website: https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/official/kof-xv/
Lineup / Pricing
- THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Standard Edition — base game (physical/digital) — ¥7,920 (tax included)
- THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Ultimate Edition — ¥7,920 (tax included) — base game + Team Pass 1 + Team Pass 2 + Fighter Pass + DLC Character "Mature" + "Vice" + DLC Costume "GAROU: MotW TERRY" + DLC Costume "CLASSIC LEONA"
- KOF XV Team Pass 1 — DLC Characters "Team GAROU" and "Team SOUTH TOWN" (6 DLC characters) — ¥3,300 (tax included)
- KOF XV Team Pass 2 — DLC Characters "Team AWAKENED OROCHI" and "Team SAMURAI" (6 DLC characters) — ¥3,300 (tax included)
- KOF XV Fighter Pass — DLC Characters Shingo Yabuki, Kim Kaphwan, Sylvie Paula Paula, Najd, Duo Lon, and Hinako Shijo (6 DLC characters) — ¥3,300 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Characters "Team GAROU" — 3 DLC characters (1 team) — ¥1,870 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Characters "Team SOUTH TOWN" — 3 DLC characters (1 team) — ¥1,870 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Characters "Team AWAKENED OROCHI" — 3 DLC characters (1 team) — ¥1,870 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Characters "Team SAMURAI" — 3 DLC characters (1 team) — ¥1,870 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Characters "Mature" + "Vice" — 2 DLC characters — ¥1,210 (tax included)
- KOF XV DLC Character (Shingo Yabuki / Kim Kaphwan / Sylvie Paula Paula / Najd / Duo Lon / Hinako Shijo) — 1 DLC character each — ¥660 (tax included) each
