*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 the unique strengths they bring to the game. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and heavily dependent on player skill.
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Tekken 8 Tier List
Below is a comprehensive list of the fighters in Tekken 8 and their positions on the tier list:
| Tier | Characters |
| S | Dragunov, Feng, Nina, Jin, King, Law |
| A | Alisa, Asuka, Claudio, Hwoarang, Jun, Kazuya, Kuma, Lars, Lee, Leo, Lili, Raven, Shaheen, Victor, Xiaoyu, Yoshimitsu, Zafina |
| B | Bryan, Eddy, Jack-8, Leroy, Paul, Reina, Steve |
| C | Panda |
S Tier
Characters in the S tier of Tekken 8 are often considered "broken" due to their powerful balance or the abundance of effective strategies they offer in both offense and defense.
Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status in the early days of Tekken 8. Despite numerous balance patches, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a formidable "meta" choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit capabilities, 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 threat at any range. King dominates with his grab-attack prowess, making him unpredictable and powerful in close-range combat. Law is a challenging opponent with his strong poking game and agility, making him a versatile S-tier pick. Nina offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with effective heat mode and grab attacks that can significantly impact health.
A Tier
A-tier characters in Tekken 8 are less challenging to master than S-tier but still highly effective and capable of countering a wide range of opponents.
Alisa is user-friendly with her android gimmicks and effective low attacks, ideal for beginners who enjoy applying pressure. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering solid defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his damage output. Hwoarang offers complexity with four stances and numerous combos, suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal significant health with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, requiring careful management of her stance changes. Kazuya rewards players with a strong understanding of Tekken 8 fundamentals, offering versatile fighting and powerful combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament, with strong defense and unpredictable movements due to his size. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. Lee boasts an impressive poking game and agility, with stance transitions that enhance offensive play. Leo offers strong mix-ups and safe moves, making it difficult for opponents to predict attacks. Lili uses acrobatic fighting to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and versatility, making his teleportation and shadow clone moves hard to counter. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos and strong range. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun and dangerous offensive player. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and adaptable stances. Yoshimitsu is built for longevity in matches, with health siphoning and high mobility. Zafina requires mastering her three stances for effective stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.
B Tier
B-tier characters in Tekken 8 are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They require practice to hold their own against higher-tier characters.
Bryan delivers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks the gimmicks of other characters. Eddy was initially considered overpowered but has since been countered effectively, lacking the ability to pressure and corner opponents. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers with decent long-range attacks and strong wall pressure. Leroy has been affected by updates, reducing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. Paul can deal significant damage quickly but lacks agility and versatility, suitable for learning positioning. Reina is fun to play but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels of play. Steve requires extensive practice and can be easily countered, but is enjoyable for aggressive players.
C Tier
Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, as she performs the same moves as Kuma but less effectively. Her limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the lowest-tier character in Tekken 8.
Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
