THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION

Released Dec 2014

After “KOF '98”, often praised by the fans as the best installment in the “KOF” series, and “KOF ’98 UM” 10 years later, “KOF ’98” returns now on the Steam PC gaming platform in an ultimate and final version with THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION

90% positive · 3,128 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

High confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $14.99

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Evaluation

THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION launched on Steam on December 16, 2014 as explicitly positioned in its own title and store description as the "ultimate and final" version of KOF '98. Years after launch, SNK and development partner Code Mystics undertook a substantial post-launch upgrade adding rollback netcode, online lobbies, and spectator mode. This went through two community beta tests in October and November–December 2021 before shipping as a major update on December 21, 2021. A soundtrack DLC was released alongside it on December 23, 2021. SNK then issued one follow-up patch on March 2, 2022 to address lobby, matchmaking, and cosmetic bugs introduced by the new online systems. That is the last recorded developer communication. No roadmap, unshipped DLC, or announced future features remain outstanding. The sole DLC (the soundtrack) has been released. The December 2021 beta wrap-up post noted that "SNK is always looking to better improve their games," but this is a general statement of company philosophy rather than a commitment to specific future content. With no further activity since March 2, 2022, the game's post-launch update cycle is complete.

Evidence

Major update shipping rollback netcode, online lobbies, and spectator mode — the culmination of two community beta tests.

news post · Dec 21, 2021 source content shipped

high

Store description and game title explicitly describe the game as the 'ultimate and final version' of KOF '98 UM, positioning it as a definitive release.

store metadata · Dec 16, 2014 source development ending

high

Content

1 of 1 released · no outstanding content

Released

THE KING OF FIGHTERS '98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION Soundtrack

Dec 2021

Media

Details

Developer

SNK CORPORATION

Publisher

SNK CORPORATION

Achievements

Platform

Windows

Controller

partial support

Steam Deck

Verified

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · PvP · Local/Split Screen

Fighting Arcade 2D Fighter Action Classic 2D Pixel Graphics Retro Competitive Anime Great Soundtrack Local Multiplayer 1990's Controller

About this game

KOF '98 UM FE,

The Ultimate & Final edition of "KOF '98 UM",

joins the tournament on STEAM!

ABOUT THE GAME

THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION

After “KOF '98”, often praised by the fans as the best installment in the “KOF” series, and “KOF ’98 UM” 10 years later, “KOF ’98” returns now on the Steam PC gaming platform in an ultimate and final version with THE KING OF FIGHTERS ’98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION

Super smooth fighting online awaits.

In addition to implementing rollback netcode to make online fights even that much more smoother, KOF'98 UMFE will now feature spectating modes and lobbies that can hold up to nine players! Smooth online fighting is just a click away!

OST available for download NOW!

The KOF'98 ULTIMATE MATCH FINAL EDITION OST boasts 63 fantastic tracks from the original NEOGEO KOF '98 and from those added in KOF'98 ULTIMATE MATCH! The SNK Sound Team have remastered all the tracks for your listening enjoyment.

・A thorough overhaul of the game balance:

With an overall readjustment of the game balance and every character’s moves, this final edition of “KOF ’98 UM” is definitely the ultimate version to play for every KOF fan for endless and epic battles.

・A gorgeous character roster of 64 fighters:

In addition to the original roster of “KOF ’98”, emblematic KOF characters such as Eiji Kisaragi, Kasumi Todoh, Geese Howard, Mr. Big, and Wolfgang Krauser join this ultimate tournament. Furthermore, this final edition offers an alternate version to some characters for a total of 64 different fighters and infinite team possibilities.

・New system «ULTIMATE MODE »:

The newly added “Ultimate Mode” will allow you to combine the various features of the original “Extra” and “Advanced” game modes in order to create your own one! Moreover, classic “Extra” and “Advanced” 2 game modes have been thoroughly rebalanced for a wider variety of battle strategies.

・2 different online features available:

Choose between “Rank Match”, where your battle results are reflected, and “Player Match”, where you can set your versus battle settings to your liking. Struggle to be the true King of Players in the limelight of the international stage! The world is yours!

・Original NEOGEO Ver. of “KOF ’98” included:

The original NEOGEO version of “KOF ’98” has been faithfully ported for the great pleasure of all! Discover or rediscover the quintessence of “KOF” on Steam!

・Various game modes:

KOF '98 UM FE features several game modes for the best game experience ever such as “Endless Mode”, in which you take on CPU-controlled characters in a series of battles, “Challenge Mode” to attempt and clear a total of 30 missions, “Practice Mode” where you can train using all types of moves and combos.