Evo 2025: Full Game Lineup, Schedule, and Key Changes

Evo 2025, the world’s largest fighting game tournament, is set to take place in Las Vegas from August 1 to 3. Here’s a comprehensive look at the games, schedule, and significant changes for this year’s event.

Main Game Lineup

This year’s Evo will feature a diverse lineup of eight games, including both new and returning titles.

• Street Fighter 6: Making its third appearance at Evo.
• Tekken 8: Returning for its second Evo outing.
• Guilty Gear Strive: This will be its fourth appearance at the tournament.
• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Back for its second year.
• Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes: Also returning for its second year.
• Mortal Kombat 1: Making its second Evo appearance.
• Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves: A new addition to the lineup, replacing King of Fighters XV.
• Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes: The throwback title for this year, marking its 10th Evo appearance.

Changes and Additions

New and Returning Games

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves is the only new game added to the main roster, while Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes returns as the throwback title. This decision follows the recent release of the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection, which has revitalized interest in the Marvel vs. Capcom series.

Community Content

In addition to the main lineup, Evo is introducing an ‘Evo Extended Lineup’ featuring official tournaments with medals and prizes for the following games:

• Rivals of Aether 2
• Virtua Fighter 5
• King of Fighters XV
• BlazBlue: Central Fiction
• Killer Instinct (2013)

More games will be added to this lineup as the event approaches.

Schedule and Venue

Evo 2025 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall from August 1 to 3. The tournament will run over three days, with competitions for each featured game, community brackets, and special events.

Improvements from Last Year

To address issues from Evo 2024, several changes are being implemented:

• Top Eight Finals: Evo is reverting back to top eight finals for every featured game, after using top six last year.
• Seating and Lines: The Evo Arena will have a separate event ticket system, allowing attendees to save their seats and avoid long lines. This change aims to provide the largest capacity in Evo history.
• Watch Areas: A redesigned watch area will be available for Sunday’s finals, complete with its own hosts. Casual gaming setups will also remain open throughout the event.

Other Evo Events in 2025

Evo is not just limited to the main event in Las Vegas. Here are some other key events scheduled for 2025:

• Evo Awards: Taking place in Los Angeles on February 15.
• Evo Japan: Scheduled from May 9 to 11 in Tokyo, Japan.
• Evo France: Happening from October 10 to 12 in Nice, France.

Enhancements and Activities

Live Streaming and Hosting

Live streamers and community members, such as Maximillion Dood and Yo Videogames, will return to host watch parties throughout the event. These will be held both in the main Evo venue and on Twitch, ensuring a broader reach and more engaging experience for attendees and viewers alike.

Free-to-Play Arcade and Demos

A larger free-to-play arcade will be available, offering attendees the chance to play unreleased games, new characters, and various game demos. This area will also include publisher booths, an artist alley, and the Evo Art Museum.

Community Engagement

The event will feature community brackets and special events on the event floor, providing ample opportunities for attendees to engage with the fighting game community (FGC). This includes the chance to interact with top players, participate in community-driven activities, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Evo 2025 will go live on February 15, allowing attendees to secure their spots and avoid the long lines experienced in previous years.

Conclusion

Evo 2025 promises to be the biggest and most engaging iteration of the tournament yet, with a strong lineup of games, improved venue arrangements, and enhanced community activities. Whether you are a seasoned competitor or a casual fan, this year’s event is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for all involved.