The King of Fighters ’94

The inaugural tournament is organized by Rugal Bernstein, a powerful arms dealer. He invites fighters from around the world, setting the stage for the recurring team-based combat format. The story focuses on Kyo Kusanagi and his team, who confront Rugal and defeat him, exposing his sinister intentions.

The King of Fighters ’95

Rugal returns, seeking revenge with newfound Orochi power. He kidnaps Kyo’s father, Saisyu, and uses him to manipulate Kyo. Kyo and his team ultimately defeat Rugal again, this time ending his threat for good. This entry also introduces Iori Yagami, Kyo’s rival.

The King of Fighters ’96

The mysterious Orochi saga begins, with the introduction of the new team of antagonists: Goenitz and the Orochi. Kyo, along with his team and allies, faces off against this new threat, culminating in a battle where they manage to defeat Goenitz, but the Orochi threat looms larger.

The King of Fighters ’97

The Orochi saga reaches its climax. The tournament is revealed to be part of a ritual to awaken Orochi, an ancient and malevolent force. Kyo, Iori, and Chizuru team up to stop the Orochi resurrection. In the end, they manage to seal Orochi away, but at great personal cost.

The King of Fighters ’98

This game is a “Dream Match” without a storyline, bringing together characters from previous games for a non-canonical battle royale. It serves as a celebration of the series’ growing roster and popularity.

The King of Fighters ’99

A new saga begins with the NESTS organization as the new antagonist. K’ and Maxima are introduced as central characters. The tournament is part of a grand scheme by NESTS to create powerful clones. The heroes thwart NESTS’ plans, but the organization remains a shadowy threat.

The King of Fighters 2000

Continuing the NESTS saga, the tournament is another front for the organization’s sinister activities. K’, Maxima, and their allies confront NESTS operatives, eventually discovering a deeper conspiracy involving Kula Diamond, a clone created to counter K’.

The King of Fighters 2001

The NESTS saga reaches its conclusion. The heroes face off against the highest echelons of NESTS, including the powerful Igniz. In a climactic battle, Igniz is defeated, and the NESTS organization is dismantled, freeing K’ and his allies from their clutches.

The King of Fighters 2002

Another “Dream Match” title, KOF 2002, brings together characters from the NESTS saga and earlier games for a non-canonical fighting extravaganza, focusing on refined gameplay and character balance rather than storyline progression.

The King of Fighters 2003

The Ash Saga begins, introducing Ash Crimson as the new protagonist. The tournament is manipulated by Those from the Past, a group seeking to harness powerful artifacts. Ash, with his own mysterious motives, emerges as a wildcard, complicating the battle against this new threat.

The King of Fighters XI

Ash Crimson’s true intentions start to unfold. He betrays his allies, stealing the powers of Chizuru and Iori. The heroes struggle to counter the machinations of Those from the Past while dealing with Ash’s unpredictable actions, leading to heightened tensions and conflicts.

The King of Fighters XII

This installment focuses primarily on refining gameplay mechanics and visuals, with minimal storyline development. The stage is set for the climactic events of the Ash Saga, building anticipation for the next major narrative progression.

The King of Fighters XIII

The Ash Saga concludes. Ash’s ultimate goal is revealed: to erase himself from existence to prevent Those from the Past from achieving their goals. The heroes unite to stop the final plan of Those from the Past, culminating in a dramatic showdown that resolves Ash’s storyline.

The King of Fighters XIV

A new chapter begins with a fresh tournament organized by Antonov. A mysterious entity named Verse appears, causing chaos. Shun’ei, a new protagonist with strange powers, emerges to combat this new threat. The story sets the stage for future conflicts and new character dynamics.

The King of Fighters XV

Continuing the saga from KOF XIV, Shun’ei and his friends face new challenges as remnants of Verse’s power cause further disruptions. The tournament serves as a battleground for resolving lingering threats and introducing new rivalries, pushing the story forward into uncharted territory.