*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was hailed as a pivotal reboot for the franchise, fine-tuning gameplay and balance to perfection. Over a year later, the competitive landscape has evolved, and we've crafted a detailed tier list to help you understand the current meta of *Tekken 8* fighters. Keep in mind that while this tier list offers valuable insights, player skill and adaptability play crucial roles in determining success in the game.
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Tekken 8 Tier List
Below is an updated list of the fighters currently available in Tekken 8 and their corresponding tier rankings. Each character's placement reflects their effectiveness, ease of use, and overall balance in the current meta.
| 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
S-tier characters in Tekken 8 are renowned for their superior balance, offering a blend of offensive and defensive options that can feel nearly unbeatable.
Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status thanks to his excellent frame data and mix-ups, which remain challenging to counter despite nerfs. Feng excels with fast, low attacks and potent counter-hits, keeping opponents guessing with his diverse moveset. Jin, the protagonist, is incredibly versatile with his devil gene mechanics, allowing deadly combos from any range. King dominates with his grab-based moves, making close-range combat his domain. Law offers an agile and versatile fighting style, with a strong poking game that can trap opponents. Nina is a high-skill ceiling character, rewarding mastery with powerful heat mode and grab attacks that can significantly impact health.
A Tier
A-tier characters are solid picks that, while not as dominant as S-tier, offer strong tools for players to compete effectively.
Alisa leverages her android gimmicks and strong low attacks to pressure opponents. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering easy combos and solid defensive options. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state activates, boosting his damage output. Hwoarang caters to both beginners and veterans with his complex stance system and varied combos. Jun heals significantly with her heat smash and boasts strong mix-ups. Kazuya rewards players with a deep understanding of Tekken fundamentals, offering both long-range pokes and close-range combos. Kuma surprises with his defensive prowess and awkward movements, making him harder to read. Lars is ideal for those who enjoy high-speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and wall pressure. Lee uses his agility and stance transitions to exploit defensive gaps. Leo excels with safe moves and strong mix-ups, keeping opponents guessing. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and stealth to capitalize on opponents' mistakes. Shaheen offers unbreakable combos and a steep learning curve, making him a niche but powerful choice. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down thanks to her mobility and adaptability. Yoshimitsu is tactical with health siphoning and teleportation, ideal for long matches. Zafina requires learning her three stances to control the stage effectively.
B Tier
B-tier characters are balanced and fun to play but can be exploited by skilled opponents.
Bryan offers high damage and pressure but suffers from slow movement and fewer gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has been countered effectively over time. Jack-8 is ideal for beginners with strong long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has lost some of his edge with updates, making him easier to pressure. Paul deals significant damage but lacks agility, perfect for learning positioning. Reina is offensively strong but lacks defensive options, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires practice and can be predictable without mix-ups, though he suits aggressive players.
C Tier
Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, overshadowed by Kuma's superior defensive and offensive capabilities. Panda's limited range and predictable movement make her a less competitive choice.
Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering players a chance to dive into its rich combat system and explore the strengths of each fighter.
