Tekken 8 Tier List (Best Characters)

Tekken 8, launched in 2024, delivered a much-needed gameplay and balance overhaul for the series. Over a year later, here's a comprehensive tier list of the best fighters.

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The following *Tekken 8* fighter tier list reflects current character standings. Factors such as ease of use, recent balance changes, and inherent strengths influence placement. Remember, this list is subjective, and player skill significantly impacts outcomes.

S Tier

S-tier *Tekken 8* characters boast exceptional balance, often considered "broken" due to overwhelming advantages or powerful gimmicks. Their offensive and defensive options are highly effective.

Dragunov, initially a dominant force, remains a meta choice thanks to strong frame data and mix-ups. Feng's speed, low attacks, and counter-hit potential punish opponents effectively. Jin's versatility and powerful combos cater to various playstyles. His Devil Gene mechanics add another layer of deadly potential. King's grab attacks and chain throws are devastating in close combat. Law's strong poking game and agile counters are difficult to overcome. Nina's heat mode and grabs, though requiring mastery, are highly effective.

A Tier

A-tier characters are powerful but less overwhelming than S-tier. They are strong choices capable of countering most opponents.

Alisa's gimmicks and low attacks are beginner-friendly and pressure-oriented. Asuka's defensive options and simple combos are ideal for learning fundamentals. Claudio's Starburst state dramatically increases damage output. Hwoarang's multiple stances offer versatile offensive and defensive capabilities. Jun's heat smash heals and provides strong mix-ups. Kazuya's versatility and powerful combos reward skillful play. Kuma's size and unpredictable movements make him a difficult opponent. Lars's speed and mobility allow for effective evasion and wall pressure. Lee's poking game and stance transitions are highly effective. Leo's strong mix-ups and safe moves create consistent pressure. Lili's acrobatic style and defensive capabilities make her difficult to counter. Raven's speed, teleportation, and shadow clones are hard to predict. Shaheen's powerful combos, despite a steep learning curve, are difficult to break. Victor's technological moveset allows for adaptation to various fighting styles. Xiaoyu's mobility and versatile stances make her elusive. Yoshimitsu's health-siphoning combos and teleportation make him a tactical choice. Zafina's three stances provide excellent spacing and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are fun but exploitable. They are generally well-balanced but require practice to be effective against higher-tier characters.

Bryan's high damage output is offset by his slow speed and lack of gimmicks. Eddy's speed is countered by his vulnerability to pressure. Jack-8's fundamentals and wall pressure are good for beginners. Leroy's previously strong abilities have been adjusted, making him more balanced. Paul's high damage potential is balanced by his lack of agility. Reina's strong offense is countered by her weak defense. Steve's predictable moveset makes him easier to counter.

C Tier

Panda occupies the lowest tier due to her inferior performance compared to Kuma, lacking the same defensive capabilities and offensive pressure.

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