Tekken 8: Unveiling the Powerhouse Characters

Tekken 8 Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking One Year Post-Launch

Tekken 8's 2024 release marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul for the series. Over a year later, this tier list assesses the current roster's strength. Note that this is subjective, and player skill significantly impacts performance.

S Tier

S-tier characters boast exceptional balance, often considered "broken" due to their overwhelming offensive and defensive options.

• Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov remains a meta staple thanks to his strong frame data and unpredictable mix-ups.
• Feng: His rapid, low attacks and potent counter-hit capabilities punish opponents effectively.
• Jin: Easy to learn but highly adaptable, Jin's versatile moveset and Devil Gene mechanics allow for devastating combos at any range. His high skill ceiling rewards dedicated practice.
• King: A dominant grappler, King's unpredictable chain throws control close-range combat.
• Law: Difficult to counter, Law excels at a strong poking game, using agility and versatile counter-hits to deter aggressive opponents.
• Nina: While demanding to master, Nina's effective heat mode and devastating grabs, coupled with her intricate movement, make her a formidable opponent.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to learn than S-tier but remain potent and capable of countering most opponents.

• Alisa: Her android-specific gimmicks and strong low attacks make her accessible for beginners and effective for pressure-based playstyles.
• Asuka: Ideal for newcomers, Asuka offers solid defensive options and straightforward combos, making her a great introduction to Tekken fundamentals.
• Claudio: Predictable outside his Starburst state, but once activated, his increased damage output becomes difficult to manage.
• Hwoarang: His four stances and diverse combos cater to both beginners (through button mashing) and veterans (through complex move sets).
• Jun: Her risk-free health regeneration via heat smash and damaging mix-ups make her a formidable opponent. Her dynamic stance changes require careful consideration.
• Kazuya: Mastering Tekken 8 fundamentals unlocks Kazuya's potential. His long-range pokes and deadly close-range combos deliver high damage and effective counters.
• Kuma: Kuma's defensive prowess and unpredictable movements due to his size make him surprisingly strong.
• Lars: High speed and mobility allow for effective evasion and closing distance, combined with strong wall pressure.
• Lee: His strong poking game, agile stance transitions, and mix-ups exploit defensive weaknesses.
• Leo: Strong mix-ups and relatively safe moves maintain offensive pressure even if combos fail.
• Lili: Her acrobatic style leads to unpredictable combos and mix-ups, while her strong toolkit allows for distance creation.
• Raven: Raven's speed and versatility, highlighted by his teleportation and shadow clones, capitalize on defensive gaps.
• Shaheen: A steep learning curve hides his powerful, near-unbreakable combos and range.
• Victor: His technological moveset offers adaptability against various fighting styles.
• Xiaoyu: Her mobility and diverse stances provide adaptability for mid-range and low attacks.
• Yoshimitsu: Built for endurance, Yoshimitsu utilizes health siphoning and restorative combos, along with high mobility and teleportation.
• Zafina: Her three stances allow for excellent spacing and stage control, but mastering her unpredictable mix-ups is key.

B Tier

B-tier characters are enjoyable but susceptible to exploitation. They represent a balance point, requiring practice to compete against higher-tier characters.

• Bryan: High damage output and pressure are offset by slow speed and a lack of gimmicks.
• Eddy: Initially overpowered, Eddy's fast attacks are now easily countered, and his lack of pressure makes him exploitable.
• Jack-8: A fundamental character, perfect for newcomers, with decent range, wall pressure, and throws.
• Leroy: Nerfed updates have diminished his damage and frame data, making him vulnerable to pressure.
• Paul: High damage potential is balanced by a lack of agility and versatility, focusing on positioning.
• Reina: Strong offense is hampered by weak defense, making whiffs easily punishable.
• Steve: Requires significant practice and lacks mix-ups, making him predictable.

C Tier

• Panda: Essentially an inferior version of Kuma, lacking range, predictability, and consistent combo execution.

Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.