The aim of this work is to build novel analytical wave solutions of the nonlinear space-time fractional (2+1)-dimensional breaking soliton equations, with regards to the modified Riemann–Liouville derivative, by employing mathematical schemes, namely, the improved simple equation and modified F-expansion methods. We used the fractional complex transformation of the concern fractional differential equation to convert it for the solvable integer order differential equation. After the successful implementation of the presented methods, a comprehensive class of novel and broad-ranging exact and solitary travelling wave solutions were discovered, in terms of trigonometric, rational and hyperbolic functions. Hence, the present methods are reliable and efficient for solving nonlinear fractional problems in mathematics physics.