"Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List"

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, marked a significant evolution in the series, refining gameplay and balance to enhance the player experience. As we reflect on the game a year later, here's an updated tier list that highlights the best fighters in *Tekken 8*, based on their adaptability, balance, and overall strength.

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Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is an updated list of the fighters in Tekken 8 and their respective tier rankings. Each character's position reflects their unique strengths, whether due to easy adaptability or recent balance adjustments. Keep in mind that this list is subjective, and individual player skill greatly influences outcomes.

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco

The S Tier in Tekken 8 features characters who are either exceptionally balanced or possess powerful gimmicks that provide a wide range of offensive and defensive options.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status upon the game's release, thanks to his advantageous frame data and mix-ups. Despite nerfs, he remains a top pick due to his meta-defining capabilities. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, making him a formidable opponent. Jin, the protagonist, is highly versatile with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics, allowing for devastating attacks from any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throws, making him unpredictable and powerful. Law is known for his strong poking game and agility, making him a challenging opponent to find openings against. Nina offers a high skill ceiling with her effective heat mode and grab attacks, rewarding dedicated players with significant health reduction capabilities.

A Tier

A-Tier characters in Tekken 8 are less challenging to master than S-tier fighters but still offer powerful tools to counter most opponents.

Alisa is beginner-friendly with her array of gimmicks and effective low attacks. Asuka is ideal for new players looking to learn Tekken fundamentals, with strong defensive options and accessible combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, significantly boosting his damage output. Hwoarang offers a range of stances and combos suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal herself with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, though her stance changes require careful management. Kazuya rewards players with a solid understanding of Tekken 8 mechanics, offering versatile combat at various ranges. Kuma proved his worth in the 2024 World Tournament, with strong defense and awkward movements that make him hard to read. Lars is perfect for those who enjoy high-speed and evasion tactics, excelling in closing distances and applying wall pressure. Lee boasts an impressive poking game, with stance transitions and mix-ups that are great for offensive players. Leo has strong mix-ups and safe moves, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate attacks. Lili uses acrobatic moves to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and stealth, making his shadow clone and teleportation moves hard to counter. Shaheen offers strong combos and range, though his steep learning curve may deter some players. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, ideal for offensive play. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and stance adaptability. Yoshimitsu excels in long matches with health-siphoning abilities and high mobility. Zafina requires mastering her three stances to control the stage and utilize her unpredictable mix-ups effectively.

B Tier

B-Tier characters in Tekken 8 are fun to play but can be easily exploited by skilled opponents. These fighters are considered well-balanced but require practice to compete against higher-tier characters.

Bryan delivers high damage and quick pressure, though his slow speed and lack of gimmicks make him vulnerable. Eddy was initially considered overpowered, but players have learned to counter his fast attacks, limiting his pressure capabilities. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers, offering strong long-range attacks and impressive wall pressure. Leroy has seen his damage output and frame data affected by updates, making him easier to punish. Paul can deal significant damage with moves like the Deathfist, but lacks agility and versatility. Reina is fun to play but lacks defensive options, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires practice and has many counters, making him predictable without mix-ups, though he suits aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list. While she shares some moves with Kuma, her limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the least competitive fighter in the roster.

And that is our comprehensive Tekken 8 tier list.

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