Tekken 8: Top Characters Ranked

Tekken 8 has been hailed as a pivotal moment for the series, offering a significant update in gameplay and balance since its release in 2024. Over a year later, the community has developed a comprehensive tier list of the game's fighters, each with unique strengths and challenges. Here's a detailed breakdown of the current Tekken 8 tier list.

Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is the current tier list for Tekken 8, reflecting the fighters' effectiveness and adaptability in the game. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and influenced by player skill.

S Tier

S-tier characters in Tekken 8 are often seen as overpowered or "broken" due to their unbalanced mechanics or versatile movesets that offer strong options in both offense and defense.

Dragunov was among the first to be recognized as an S-tier fighter. Despite nerfs, his frame data and mix-ups make him a meta choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the series' protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and a high skill ceiling. King dominates with his powerful grab attacks and chain throws, making him a formidable close-range fighter. Law is known for his hard-to-counter moves and strong poking game, while Nina offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with effective heat mode and grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier fighters are less challenging to master than S-tier but still highly effective. They offer solid options for players looking to counter a wide range of opponents.

Alisa is easy to learn with her android gimmicks and effective low attacks. Asuka is perfect 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 with his four stances, suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal herself with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups. Kazuya rewards players with a strong grasp of fundamentals with his versatile fighting style. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and awkward movements. Lars is ideal for mastering evasion and closing distances. Lee excels in agility and speed with impressive stance transitions. Leo has strong mix-ups and a relatively safe moveset. Lili uses acrobatic moves to create unpredictable combos. Raven leverages speed and stealth for punishing attacks. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers strong, unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves. Xiaoyu is highly mobile with adaptable stances, while Yoshimitsu is tactical with health siphoning and teleportation. Zafina offers unique mix-ups and stage control with her three stances.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They require practice to compete against higher-tier fighters.

Bryan offers high damage output but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially seen as broken but has been countered over time. Jack-8 is beginner-friendly with strong long-range attacks and throws. Leroy has been nerfed, reducing his damage and making him easier to pressure. Paul can deal serious damage but lacks agility. Reina is fun to play but lacks defensive abilities. Steve requires practice and can be predictable due to a lack of mix-ups.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, offering similar moves to Kuma but with less effectiveness. Panda's limited range and predictable movements make her the lowest-ranked character.

Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering players a chance to explore these characters and find their favorite fighter.