Top Tekken 8 Characters: Tier List

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was heralded as a pivotal reboot for the franchise, introducing significant improvements in gameplay and balance. As we reflect on the game a year later, here's a detailed tier list showcasing the top fighters in *Tekken 8*.

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Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is a comprehensive list of the fighters in Tekken 8 and their positions on the tier list. Each character's placement reflects their adaptability, balance, and overall effectiveness in the current meta. Keep in mind that this list is subjective, and individual player skill can significantly influence a character's performance.

S Tier

Characters in the S tier of Tekken 8 are either exceptionally balanced or possess a variety of gimmicks that enhance their offensive and defensive capabilities.

Dragunov emerged as an S-tier character early in Tekken 8's lifecycle. Despite nerfs, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a meta-defining choice. Feng excels with fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with his devil gene mechanics enabling deadly combos from any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throws and unpredictable wrestling moves. Law is difficult to counter due to his strong poking game and agility, making him a formidable opponent. Nina offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with effective heat mode and grab attacks that can significantly impact health.

A Tier

A-tier characters are slightly less challenging than S-tier but still potent, offering great versatility for players of all skill levels.

Alisa leverages her android gimmicks and low attacks, making her an excellent choice for beginners looking to apply pressure. Asuka is ideal for new players, offering good defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes formidable once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his damage output. Hwoarang balances complexity with accessibility, suitable for both newcomers and veterans with his stance-based combos. Jun can heal with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, requiring careful management of her stance transitions. Kazuya rewards players with a deep understanding of Tekken fundamentals, offering powerful long-range and close-range combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament, with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and wall pressure. Lee uses agility and stance transitions to exploit defensive gaps. Leo offers safe mix-ups, making it hard for opponents to anticipate attacks. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and stealth to capitalize on missed counters. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but rewards players with unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, ideal for offensive players. Xiaoyu remains just below S-tier with her mobility and stance adaptability. Yoshimitsu excels in long matches with health-restoring combos and high mobility. Zafina requires mastering her stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by higher-tier opponents. They require practice to hold their own against S and A-tier fighters.

Bryan delivers high damage and pressure but lacks speed and gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken due to his speed, but players have since learned to counter his attacks effectively. Jack-8 is beginner-friendly with strong long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has seen his effectiveness reduced with updates, making him more susceptible to pressure. Paul offers high damage output but lacks agility, suitable for learning positioning. Reina is fun but lacks defensive options, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires significant practice and can be predictable due to his limited mix-ups.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, primarily because she performs similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. Her limited range and predictable movement make her a challenging choice in competitive play.

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