Tekken 8 has finally arrived, and with it comes an exciting mix of both old favorites and new faces, each with their own unique fighting styles, moves, and playstyles. As with every new installment in the Tekken series, players are eager to know which characters stand out the most and which might need a little more work to be truly competitive.
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If you’re looking to dive into Tekken 8 and want to know which characters will give you the edge in battle, you’ve come to the right place. This character tier list will break down the strengths and weaknesses of each character to help you make a more informed choice. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned Tekken vet, let’s get into it!
Tekken 8 Character Tier List S-Tier
These characters are the ones you’ll often see in tournament play. They have the tools to deal with almost anything the game throws at them, from fast moves to high damage output, making them the best choice for those who want to dominate the competition.
Kazuya Mishima
As one of Tekken’s most iconic characters, Kazuya’s power and versatility are undeniable. His ability to dish out massive damage combined with his Devil Gene transformations makes him a powerhouse in the right hands. He has a good mix of strong poke game, punishing moves, and mix-ups, making him dangerous at all ranges. Players who master Kazuya can easily overwhelm opponents with his fast, punishing combos and brutal 50/50 setups.
Jin Kazama
Jin is another Mishima family member who brings a balanced and effective fighting style to the table. With a more measured approach than his father, Heihachi, Jin excels at controlling the mid-range with his pokes and mix-ups. His Electric Wind God Fist (EWGF) is a thing of beauty when performed correctly, and his Rage Drive can lead to huge damage. The combination of speed, technical precision, and power puts Jin in the S-tier.
Hwoarang
Hwoarang is a character who has the speed, flexibility, and punish game to dominate almost any opponent. His striking speed and ability to apply constant pressure make him one of the most frustrating characters to face in the game. His stance-switching system offers a huge variety of attack options, and his juggle combos deal some of the highest damage in the game. Hwoarang is not for beginners, but once you get his stance transitions down, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
A-Tier: Strong Choices with Great Potential
These characters are still incredibly strong and have the tools to take down any opponent. While they may not have the same all-around dominance as those in S-tier, they’re still top-tier fighters who require skill and strategy to fully unlock their potential.
Paul Phoenix
Paul has been a Tekken staple for years, and for good reason. His devastating moves, especially his famous “Phoenix Smasher” move, can tear through defenses and deal massive damage. He has a simple but highly effective playstyle, which makes him a solid pick for beginners and pros alike. His only weakness is his lack of speed compared to other characters, but his power more than makes up for it.
Nina Williams
Nina has always been known for her tricky mix-ups, speed, and elusive movements. In Tekken 8, she remains one of the most dangerous and versatile characters on the roster. She excels in poking, punishing, and has an excellent counterattacking game. Her ability to convert small hits into big damage makes her dangerous at all ranges. Although she has a steep learning curve, once you unlock her potential, Nina is a monster in the hands of a skilled player.
Lars Alexandersson
Lars is another top-tier character with fast, flexible moves that are easy to execute but hard to punish. His fast and powerful combo extensions, along with his great range, give him an advantage in almost every matchup. Lars excels in both offense and defense, making him a well-rounded pick for players who prefer a balanced approach to combat. He’s a bit more technical than some others, but with practice, he can easily climb to the top.
B-Tier: Balanced but with Some Weaknesses
Characters in this tier are solid choices for most situations but may struggle against higher-tier fighters or require more precise execution to fully capitalize on their potential.
King
King is a classic Tekken character, famous for his brutal throws and grappling techniques. He can easily punish opponents with his big damage throws and juggling capabilities, especially in the corner. However, King can be somewhat predictable if you rely too heavily on his grabs. Skilled players can use his wide array of strikes and throws to mix up opponents and break through defenses, but he’s a bit slower than some of the faster characters, so timing is key.
Lei Wulong
Lei Wulong is a tricky character with a lot of versatility in his stances. He has a unique ability to switch between multiple stances, which gives him access to a wide variety of moves. However, his complexity can be a double-edged sword. While his stances provide lots of options, mastering Lei’s moves requires a good deal of practice. If you’re able to read your opponent and switch stances at the right moment, Lei can be a nightmare to fight against.
Yoshimitsu
Yoshimitsu is a wild card, and his unpredictable fighting style makes him a favorite for many players who enjoy a more creative and tricky playstyle. His ability to teleport, mix up with crazy moves, and confuse opponents makes him fun to use, but he also requires a lot of practice to get the most out of him. He has some great tools, but his lack of solid range and vulnerability after certain moves can leave him open to counterattacks.
C-Tier: Challenging but Rewarding
Characters in the C-tier can still be powerful in the hands of a skilled player but require extra effort to master. These fighters may have some weaknesses that make them harder to play or less effective in competitive settings.
Asuka Kazama
Asuka is a solid pick for players who prefer a defensive, counter-based approach to fighting. She excels in parrying and punishing mistakes but lacks the kind of offensive pressure that other characters can apply. She doesn’t have the same raw power as some of the higher-tier fighters, but with precise timing and strong defense, she can still be a tough opponent.
Bob
Bob is a goofy character, but don’t let his appearance fool you—he can be deadly. Bob has good movement and decent damage output, but his combo potential isn’t as high as the top-tier characters. He’s also a bit more predictable in his attacks, making him easier to counter. If you enjoy a more laid-back approach to Tekken, Bob can still be fun and competitive with the right strategy.
Bryan Fury
Bryan has explosive power and great counterattacks, but his slow movement can leave him vulnerable to faster characters. He relies heavily on a few key moves, and without strong strategy and execution, he can be overwhelmed by faster, more aggressive fighters. Bryan requires patience and precise timing, but with practice, he can still pack a punch.
Conclusion:
Choosing a character in Tekken 8 ultimately depends on your playstyle and how much time you’re willing to invest in learning your fighter’s ins and outs. If you’re looking for raw power and speed, characters like Kazuya and Jin should be at the top of your list. However, if you prefer a more tricky, defensive approach, characters like Asuka and Lei Wulong might be better suited for you.
Regardless of where your character lands on the tier list, the most important factor is enjoying the fight. Mastery over any character can lead to success, and with Tekken 8 bringing new mechanics and moves to the table, there’s never been a better time to explore your favorite fighter and make them your own.
What’s your favorite character in Tekken 8? Let us know, and happy fighting!
