Tekken 8 Tier List: Top Characters Revealed

When *Tekken 8* was released in 2024, it was hailed as a much-needed overhaul for the series, refining gameplay and balance to a new level. Over a year later, the dust has settled, and we now present a comprehensive tier list of the top fighters in *Tekken 8*. This list takes into account the characters' adaptability and potential imbalances that can make them "broken" in the right hands. Keep in mind that this ranking is subjective and greatly influenced by individual player skills.

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Below is a detailed list of the fighters currently available in Tekken 8 and their corresponding positions on the tier list. Each character brings unique strengths to the table, whether it's their ease of use or the powerful, sometimes unbalanced abilities they possess.

S Tier

Dragunov was quick to claim his spot in S-Tier due to his powerful frame data and mix-ups, making him a challenging opponent despite numerous balance patches. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and counter-hit prowess, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the series' protagonist, is highly versatile and capable of adapting to various play styles, making him a formidable choice with his devil gene mechanics. King dominates with his grab attacks and chain throws, making him a nightmare in close combat. Law is hard to counter thanks to his strong poking game and agility, while Nina offers powerful heat mode and grab attacks, though she requires significant practice to master.

A Tier

A-Tier characters, while not as dominant as S-Tier, are still highly effective and can be used to great effect by skilled players.

Alisa is an easy-to-learn android with a range of gimmicks and low attacks, ideal for applying pressure. Asuka suits beginners with her defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. Hwoarang offers complexity with his stances and combos, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Jun can heal significantly with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups. Kazuya excels with his versatile style and powerful combos, making him a good counter to many characters. Kuma demonstrated his strength at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament with his defensive capabilities and unpredictable movements. Lars is perfect for mastering evasion and closing distances, while Lee leverages his agility for an impressive poking game. Leo is known for safe, strong mix-ups that keep opponents guessing. Lili uses acrobatic moves to create unpredictable combos, and Raven capitalizes on stealth and speed. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but rewards with unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological tricks. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility, and Yoshimitsu is tactical with health siphoning and teleportation. Zafina requires mastering her stances for effective stage control and mix-ups.

B Tier

B-Tier characters are enjoyable but often require more practice to compete against higher-tier characters due to their balanced nature.

Bryan offers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was once considered broken but has since been countered by players, lacking sustained pressure. Jack-8 is a solid choice for beginners with good long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has been impacted by updates, diminishing his once vast array of abilities. Paul deals significant damage but lacks agility and versatility. Reina is offensively strong but defensively weak, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires practice and can be predictable without enough mix-ups, though he suits aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list. While similar to Kuma, Panda's limited range, predictable movement, and less effective combos make her the least competitive fighter in the roster.

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