Tekken 8: Top Characters Ranked

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was hailed as a pivotal update for the series, refining gameplay and balance. Over a year later, we present a detailed tier list of the best fighters in *Tekken 8*, reflecting their current standing in the competitive scene. Each character's placement is influenced by their adaptability, balance, and unique strengths. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and player skill plays a significant role in determining effectiveness.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

The S-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are known for their powerful balance or unique gimmicks, providing a wide range of offensive and defensive options.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status due to his effective frame data and mix-ups, making him a challenging opponent despite nerfs. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics that make him a formidable fighter at any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throw commands, making him unpredictable and powerful. Law is hard to counter with his strong poking game and agility, while Nina offers complex but rewarding gameplay with her effective heat mode and grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to master than S-tier but still offer significant advantages and can be used effectively against most opponents.

Alisa is beginner-friendly with her wide range of attacks and gimmicks. Asuka is ideal for newcomers with her defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. Hwoarang offers complexity and depth, suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, while Kazuya rewards players with a solid understanding of fundamentals. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion. Lee has an impressive poking game and stance transitions, while Leo offers safe and strong mix-ups. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos, and Raven leverages speed and stealth for effective counters. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos, and Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves. Xiaoyu is highly mobile and adaptable, while 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 balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They require practice to compete against higher-tier characters.

Bryan offers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered effectively. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers with decent long-range attacks and strong throws. Leroy has been affected by updates, reducing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. Paul can deal significant damage but lacks agility, helping newcomers learn positioning. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires practice and can be predictable but suits aggressive play styles.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, performing similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. With limited range and predictable movement, Panda struggles to keep up with the rest of the roster.

This concludes our *Tekken 8* tier list. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character can enhance your gameplay experience.

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