Tekken 8 Tier List (Best Characters)

Tekken 8: A Comprehensive Character Tier List (2024 Update)

Tekken 8's 2024 release marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul. Over a year later, this tier list assesses the current roster's strengths and weaknesses. Note that player skill significantly impacts performance, and this list reflects a subjective evaluation.

S Tier

S-tier characters boast exceptional balance, often described as "broken" due to their numerous offensive and defensive options.

• Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov remains a meta staple thanks to his advantageous frame data and unpredictable mix-ups.
• Feng: His speed, low attacks, and powerful counter-hit potential make him a formidable opponent.
• Jin: The protagonist's versatility and devastating combos cater to various playstyles, making him readily accessible yet highly effective. His Devil Gene mechanics add another layer of strategic depth.
• King: King's unmatched grab game and unpredictable chain throws dominate close-range combat.
• Law: Law's strong poking game, agility, and powerful counter-hits make him difficult to approach.
• Nina: While demanding mastery, Nina's effective heat mode, devastating grabs, and unique movement make her a top contender.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to master than their S-tier counterparts but remain potent threats.

• Alisa: Alisa's android gimmicks and effective low attacks make her a pressure-oriented character, suitable for beginners.
• Asuka: A solid choice for newcomers, Asuka offers strong defensive options and straightforward combos, ideal for learning Tekken fundamentals.
• Claudio: While his moves are relatively predictable, Claudio's Starburst state significantly amplifies his damage output.
• Hwoarang: His diverse stances and combos cater to both beginners (through button mashing) and veterans (through complex move sets).
• Jun: Jun's low-risk health regeneration and damaging mix-ups make her a force to be reckoned with.
• Kazuya: Mastering Kazuya's versatile style unlocks powerful combos and high damage potential, rewarding players with strong fundamentals.
• Kuma: Kuma's size and unpredictable movements create defensive advantages and punishing counter-attack opportunities.
• Lars: Lars's high mobility and wall pressure allow for effective evasion and aggressive offense.
• Lee: Lee's strong poking game, agility, and stance transitions provide offensive advantages.
• Leo: Leo's strong mix-ups and relatively safe moveset allow for consistent pressure.
• Lili: Lili's acrobatic style and unpredictable combos exploit defensive gaps, while her toolkit provides effective spacing.
• Raven: Raven's speed, teleportation, and shadow clones make him a difficult target to hit.
• Shaheen: Despite a steep learning curve, Shaheen's powerful and difficult-to-break combos make him a strong contender.
• Victor: Victor's diverse technological moveset allows for adaptability against various fighting styles.
• Xiaoyu: Xiaoyu's mobility and diverse stances provide adaptability and offensive pressure.
• Yoshimitsu: Yoshimitsu's health-siphoning combos, teleportation, and high mobility make him a strategically versatile character.
• Zafina: Zafina's three stances offer excellent spacing and control, though mastering her unpredictable mix-ups requires dedicated practice.

B Tier

B-tier characters are enjoyable but more susceptible to exploitation. They require practice to compete effectively against higher-tier characters.

• Bryan: Bryan's high damage output and aggressive pressure are balanced by his slow speed and lack of gimmicks.
• Eddy: While initially considered overpowered, Eddy's fast attacks are now more easily countered, and his limited pressure capabilities are exploitable.
• Jack-8: A fundamental character, Jack-8 offers decent long-range attacks, wall pressure, and throws, suitable for beginners.
• Leroy: Nerfs have diminished Leroy's damage output and frame data, making him more vulnerable to pressure and whiff punishes.
• Paul: Paul's high damage potential is offset by his lack of agility and versatility.
• Reina: Reina's strong offense is countered by her weak defense, making her easily punished for whiffs.
• Steve: Steve's predictable moveset and lack of mix-ups make him vulnerable to counters.

C Tier

• Panda: Panda's limited range, predictable movements, and less effective combos compared to Kuma place her at the bottom of the tier list.

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