Tekken 8: Top Characters Ranked

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was hailed as a pivotal moment for the series, offering significant improvements in gameplay and balance. Over a year later, we present a detailed tier list of the best fighters in *Tekken 8*, reflecting their current standing in the competitive scene. This list takes into account each character's adaptability, balance, and unique strengths, though it's important to note that player skill plays a significant role in their effectiveness.

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Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is a comprehensive list of the fighters currently available in Tekken 8 and their corresponding tier rankings:

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco

Characters in the S tier of Tekken 8 are either considered "broken" due to their lack of balance or possess numerous gimmicks that provide versatile offensive and defensive options.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status in the early days of Tekken 8. Despite nerfs through various patches, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a formidable "meta" choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes with his diverse moveset. Jin, the protagonist of this installment, is highly versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics that make him effective at any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throw commands, making him one of the strongest grab-attack characters in the game. Law is known for his strong poking game and agility, making him a challenging opponent to find openings against. Nina offers great options with her effective heat mode and grab attacks, though mastering her moveset requires significant practice.

A Tier

A-tier characters in Tekken 8 are less challenging to learn than S-tier fighters but remain highly effective in skilled hands, capable of countering a wide range of opponents.

Alisa is an easy-to-learn character with numerous gimmicks and strong low attacks, ideal for players who enjoy applying pressure. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering good defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his attack damage. Hwoarang offers a variety of stances and combos, suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal significant health with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, though her stance changes require careful management. Kazuya rewards players with a strong understanding of Tekken 8 fundamentals, offering versatile fighting styles and powerful combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament, with strong defense and unpredictable movements due to his size. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. Lee boasts an impressive poking game and stance transitions, ideal for offensive players. Leo has strong mix-ups and safe moves, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate attacks. Lili uses her acrobatic style to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and versatility, making his teleportation and shadow clone moves hard to counter. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos and strong range. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun and dangerous offensive choice. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and adaptable stances. Yoshimitsu is built for long matches, using health siphoning and teleportation for tactical play. Zafina requires mastering her three stances for effective stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters in Tekken 8 are balanced and fun to play but can be easily exploited by opponents, requiring practice to compete against higher-tier fighters.

Bryan offers high damage output and quick pressure, though his slow speed and lack of gimmicks can be a disadvantage. Eddy was initially considered broken due to his fast attacks, but players have since learned to counter him, exposing his lack of pressure and cornering ability. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers, with decent long-range attacks and strong wall pressure, though his throws are effective from any position. Leroy has seen his damage output and frame data affected by updates, making him easier to pressure and punish. Paul can deal significant damage with moves like the Deathfist, but his lack of agility and versatility can be a challenge. Reina is fun to play but lacks defensive abilities, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires extensive practice and can be easily countered, though his aggressive play style can be rewarding.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, primarily because she performs the same functions as Kuma but less effectively. Her limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the lowest-tier character in the roster.

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