Tekken 8: Top Characters Ranked

Since its release in 2024, *Tekken 8* has been hailed as a pivotal evolution for the franchise, particularly in terms of gameplay and balance. As we reflect on over a year of play, here's a comprehensive tier list of the game's fighters, each evaluated based on their adaptability and current balance in the game's meta. Keep in mind that this tier list is subjective and influenced heavily by player skill.

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Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status in the early days of *Tekken 8*. Despite subsequent nerfs, his favorable frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a meta-defining choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit capabilities, making him a formidable opponent with his varied moveset. Jin, the protagonist of this installment, is praised for his versatility and deadly combos, adaptable to any playstyle with his devil gene mechanics. King dominates with his powerful grab attacks and chain throws, making him a top choice for close-range combat. Law is known for his hard-to-counter moves and effective poking game, enhanced by his agility and versatility. Nina, though challenging to master, offers potent heat mode and grab attacks that can swiftly deplete an opponent's health.

A Tier

A-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are slightly less dominant than S-tier but remain highly competitive and capable in skilled hands.

Alisa leverages her android gimmicks and effective low attacks, ideal for beginners looking to pressure opponents. Asuka is perfect for newcomers with her strong defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, significantly boosting his attack damage. Hwoarang offers complexity with four stances, catering to both new and veteran players with his expansive moveset. Jun utilizes her heat smash for substantial health recovery and strong mix-ups. Kazuya rewards fundamental mastery with his versatile fighting style and powerful combos. Kuma showcased his prowess in the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars excels in high-speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. Lee uses his agility and speed for an impressive poking game and stance transitions. Leo employs strong mix-ups and safe moves, challenging opponents to anticipate attacks. Lili dazzles with her acrobatic style, exposing defensive gaps while maintaining few weaknesses. Raven combines speed and versatility with stealthy moves, ideal for exploiting defensive gaps. Shaheen offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with unbreakable combos and great range. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological tricks, making him a fun and dangerous offensive choice. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down with her mobility and adaptable stances. Yoshimitsu thrives in long matches with health-siphoning tactics and high mobility. Zafina requires mastering her three stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters in *Tekken 8* offer a balanced experience but can be easily exploited by more dominant fighters, requiring significant practice to compete at higher levels.

Bryan delivers high damage and pressure but is hindered by slow movement and fewer gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered, lacking the pressure needed to corner opponents effectively. Jack-8 is ideal for beginners with his solid long-range attacks and impressive wall pressure. Leroy has seen his damage output and balance affected by updates, making him easier to pressure. Paul excels at dealing massive damage but lacks agility, aiding newcomers in learning positioning. Reina is fun but limited by poor defensive capabilities, easily punished at higher levels. Steve requires extensive practice and can be predictable due to a lack of mix-ups, though he suits aggressive playstyles.

C Tier

Panda occupies the bottom tier due to her similarities to Kuma but with less effectiveness. Her limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the least competitive character in the roster.

And that concludes our *Tekken 8* tier list. Whether you're strategizing with an S-tier fighter or mastering the nuances of a B-tier character, there's a place for every player in the world of *Tekken 8*.

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