Game guide
The King of Fighters ’98 Characters: All 12 Teams, the Bosses and Modes
Key takeaways
- The King of Fighters '98 has 12 teams of three fighters, 36 in all, plus Shingo Yabuki and Rugal Bernstein: 38 fighters on the select screen.
- It is a 'dream match' without a story: fighters from the earlier games return together.
- Omega Rugal is the final boss of the single player mode.
- Advanced mode stores power stocks; Extra mode lets you charge the gauge yourself.
The King of Fighters ’98 has 38 fighters on its select screen: 12 teams of three, plus Shingo Yabuki and Rugal Bernstein. SNK called it a dream match, so there is no story to explain who is there: the fighters of the earlier King of Fighters games simply come back together, including several who had left the series. Below is every team, the bosses, the two fighting modes and some advice for your first team. You can play it in The King of Fighters ’98 on Yes This Game.
All 12 teams
| Team | Fighters |
|---|---|
| Japan | Kyo Kusanagi, Benimaru Nikaido, Goro Daimon |
| Fatal Fury | Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, Joe Higashi |
| Art of Fighting | Ryo Sakazaki, Robert Garcia, Yuri Sakazaki |
| Ikari Warriors | Leona Heidern, Ralf Jones, Clark Still |
| Psycho Soldier | Athena Asamiya, Sie Kensou, Chin Gentsai |
| Women Fighters | Chizuru Kagura, Mai Shiranui, King |
| Korea Justice | Kim Kaphwan, Chang Koehan, Choi Bounge |
| New Faces | Yashiro Nanakase, Shermie, Chris |
| ’97 Special | Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary, Billy Kane |
| Yagami | Iori Yagami, Mature, Vice |
| Masters | Heidern, Takuma Sakazaki, Saisyu Kusanagi |
| American Sports | Heavy D!, Lucky Glauber, Brian Battler |
You don’t have to play a team as it is listed: on the select screen you can pick any three fighters and put them in any order.
Shingo Yabuki and Rugal
Shingo Yabuki, Kyo’s eager student, can be picked like any fighter and also turns up as a mid-boss in the arcade mode. Rugal Bernstein, the villain of the first King of Fighters, is playable too, and his powered-up form, Omega Rugal, waits at the end as the final boss.
Advanced or Extra?
- Advanced mode fills your power gauge as you attack and take hits, and stores it as stocks. One stock pays for a super move, and pressing A, B and C together powers you up into MAX mode. You dodge with a roll.
- Extra mode is the older style: hold A, B and C to charge the gauge yourself, and dodge on the spot. Super moves are also available when your energy is low.
For a first game, Advanced mode is easier: the stocks come by themselves.
Good teams for beginners
- Fatal Fury team: Terry’s Power Wave and Burn Knuckle are simple, and Andy and Joe have fast projectiles.
- Japan team: Kyo has strong combos, Benimaru’s lightning keeps opponents away, and Daimon throws hard.
- Art of Fighting team: Ryo and Robert both have the classic fireball and uppercut.
Play KOF ’98
On the KOF ’98 page, press Coin (V) and Start (Enter). Keyboard: Z, X, C and A are the A, B, C and D buttons. The magic wand button next to full screen holds the cheats: unlimited energy, super moves always ready and infinite time. For more fighting games, see our Street Fighter II moves and the Mortal Kombat II moves list.
Frequently asked questions
How many characters are in KOF 98?
38 on the select screen: 12 teams of three plus Shingo Yabuki and Rugal Bernstein. Many have an alternate version too.
Who is the final boss of KOF 98?
Omega Rugal, the powered-up form of Rugal Bernstein.
What is the difference between Advanced and Extra mode?
Advanced mode fills power stocks as you fight and gives you a roll to dodge. Extra mode is the older style, where you charge the gauge by holding buttons and dodge on the spot.
Why is KOF 98 called a dream match?
It has no storyline. SNK brought back fighters from the earlier King of Fighters games, including ones who had left, just to fight each other.
Which team is good for beginners?
The Fatal Fury team (Terry, Andy, Joe) and the Japan team (Kyo, Benimaru, Daimon) have simple special moves and strong normal attacks.
Can I play KOF 98 online free?
Yes, in your browser on Yes This Game, with optional cheats for energy, a full power gauge and infinite time.