“We’re not done yet.” THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV gets a balance update on July 2!

 

Osaka, Japan — SNK Corporation is pleased to announce that its team-based fighting game, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (hereafter KOF XV), will receive a balance update on July 2, 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

KOF XV update trailer:
https://youtu.be/32NOHMDfLrE

 

 

 

Balance adjustments across the entire roster!

The KOF XV roster is vast and varied, featuring series protagonists (Kyo Kusanagi, K’, Ash Crimson, and Shun’ei), beloved staples like Terry Bogard, newer additions such as Rock Howard, and even classic fighters who return as DLC (including Mature and Vice). The July 2 update will refine balance for the entire lineup—61 characters in total. Get ready to shatter all expectations once again!

 

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (2022)

The 15th mainline title and most recent installment in the KOF series. Released six years after the previous entry (KOF XIV), it is an ode to the franchise’s storied legacy, with all four protagonists from throughout KOF history (Kyo Kusanagi, K’, Ash Crimson, and Shun’ei) appearing on the roster.

 

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV retains the franchise’s trademark three-on-three team format while incorporating new and improved systems of its own: from the enhanced MAX Mode and MAX Mode (Quick) to the offense-defense hybrid that is Shatter Strike.

 

Ignite each fight with simple auto-combos (the Rush system), thrilling special moves and supers, and dynamic action the likes of which KOF has never seen before!

 

 

KOF Series Overview

A team-based fighting game franchise developed and published by SNK, beginning in 1994 with THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’94—renowned for being the first title in the genre to focus on three-on-three battles. These multi-member bouts require a different strategic approach than traditional one on one, with the inherent excitement and intensity leading to many dramatic comebacks mid-fight. For these reasons, KOF titles remain an esport tournament staple worldwide.

The King of Fighters is heralded as a dream match of a franchise, with characters from other beloved SNK titles (FATAL FURY, ART OF FIGHTING, IKARI WARRIORS, PSYCHO SOLDIER) making appearances over the years. With over 150 characters to its name, KOF is undeniably one of SNK’s most prominent IPs.

 

Prologue (1994)
Orochi Saga (1995–1997)
Protagonist: KYO KUSANAGI

Kyo Kusanagi is the legitimate heir to the ancestral arts of the Kusanagi clan. Despite his seemingly rude and arrogant demeanor, he is a talented fighter—using fierce flames to devastating effect.

 

Fighting Style: Kusanagi style of ancient martial arts + personal style of kenpo

Birthdate: December 12th

Birthplace: Japan

Blood Type: Type B (RH-)

Likes: Broiled fish

 

 

NESTS Saga (1999–2001)

Protagonist: K’

K’ is a modified human with genes transplanted from Kyo Kusanagi by the secret organization NESTS. He too can wield and manipulate fire—a power he controls with the glove on his right hand.

 

 

Fighting Style: Pure violence

Birthdate: Unknown

Birthplace: Unknown

Blood Type: Unknown

Likes: Beef jerky

 

 

Ash Saga (2003–2010)

Protagonist: ASH CRIMSON

A descendant of Saiki, the leader of Those from the Past, this young man was once thought to be erased from time. His presence is marked by emerald flames and an arrogant smile.

 

Fighting Style: Personal style (using special flames)

Birthdate: February 14th

Birthplace: Raised in France?

Blood Type: Type O

Likes: Sachertorte

 

New Chapter (2016–)

Protagonist: SHUN’EI

Shun’ei is a manipulator of illusions. Due to his mysterious powers, he was abandoned at a young age by his parents and was raised as a disciple of Tung Fu Rue. The Hakkyoku Seiken training provided by his master allows him to control his hidden powers.

 

Fighting Style: Hakkyoku Gen’eiken

Birthdate: October 10th

Birthplace: China

Blood Type: Type O

Likes: Sweets

 

Play as all 61 characters (including DLC) in the Ultimate Edition!

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Ultimate Edition lets you play as every one of the game’s 61 characters (41 in the base roster, 20 DLC). The definitive KOF XV experience—rebalanced and refined from July 2.

 

 

 

[About KOF XV]

■ Title

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV

■ Genre

Versus Fighting Game

■ Release Date

February 17, 2022

■ Platform

PlayStation®5 / PlayStation®4 / Xbox Series X|S (Physical Ver., Digital Ver.)

Windows 10 / Steam / Epic Games Store (Digital Ver.)

■ Lineup/Price

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Ultimate Edition

$59.99/€59.99 (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”

 

THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV Standard Edition

$29.99/€29.99 (Tax included)

Base Game

 

KOF XV Team Pass 1

$15.99/€15.99 (Tax included)

KOF XV DLC Characters ” Team GAROU” + ” Team SOUTH TOWN” (6 DLC Characters)

KOF XV Team Pass 2

$15.99/€15.99 (Tax included)

KOF XV DLC Characters “Team AWAKENED OROCHI” + “Team SAMURAI” (6 DLC Characters)

KOF XV Fighter Pass

$15.99/€15.99 (Tax included)

KOF XV DLC Character “SHINGO YABUKI” + “KIM”+ “SYLVIE PAULA PAULA” + “NAJD” + “DUO LON” + “HINAKO SHIJO” (6 DLC Characters)

 

 

KOF XV DLC Characters “Team GAROU”

1 Team (3 DLC Characters)/ $15.99/€15.99
KOF XV DLC Characters “Team SOUTH TOWN”

1 Team (3 DLC Characters)/ $15.99/€15.99

KOF XV DLC Characters “Team AWAKENED OROCHI”

1 Team (3 DLC Characters)/ $15.99/€15.99

KOF XV DLC Characters “Team SAMURAI”

1 Team (3 DLC Characters)/ $15.99/€15.99

 

KOF XV DLC Character “MATURE” + “VICE” $9.99/€9.99 (2 DLC characters)

 

Individual DLC ($5.99/€5.99 each)

SHINGO YABUKI, KIM, SYLVIE PAULA PAULA, NAJD, DUO LON, HINAKO SHIJO

 

Price may vary by storefront.

Check the store page on your platform for more details.

 

 

■ Rating

ESRB: Teen / PEGI: 12

■ Players

1-2 Local / 2-8 Network

■ Official Site

https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/games/kof-xv/

 

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