Tekken 8 Tier List (Best Characters)

Tekken 8 Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking (2024-2025)

Tekken 8's release in 2024 marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul. This tier list reflects the current meta, approximately one year post-launch. Remember, skill significantly impacts performance; this list offers a general guideline.

S Tier: Top-Tier Performers

This tier encompasses characters with exceptional balance, potent offensive/defensive options, and often, game-breaking capabilities.

• Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov maintains a strong meta presence due to his frame data and mix-up potential.
• Feng: His swift, low attacks and powerful counter-hit capabilities make him a formidable opponent.
• Jin: A versatile character adaptable to various playstyles, Jin's deadly combos and range make him a top contender.
• King: King boasts arguably the game's strongest grab attacks, making him a master of close-range combat.
• Law: Law's strong poking game, agility, and counter-hit potential make him difficult to overcome.
• Nina: While demanding mastery, Nina's heat mode and devastating grabs offer high rewards for dedicated players.

A Tier: Strong Contenders

A-tier characters are powerful but may lack the sheer dominance or ease of use found in S-tier.

• Alisa: Her android gimmicks and effective low attacks make her a strong choice, particularly for pressure-based play.
• Asuka: A solid option for beginners, offering strong defensive options and straightforward combos.
• Claudio: Predictable outside his Starburst state, but highly effective once activated.
• Hwoarang: His multiple stances and diverse combos cater to both newcomers and veterans.
• Jun: Jun's health-restoring heat smash and damaging mix-ups make her a dangerous opponent.
• Kazuya: His versatile style and powerful combos reward skillful play, excelling at both long and close range.
• Kuma: Kuma's size and unpredictable movements make him a surprisingly strong defensive character.
• Lars: Lars' high mobility and wall pressure allow for effective evasion and punishing counterattacks.
• Lee: Lee’s impressive poking game and agile style make him a threat to both defensive and offensive players.
• Leo: Leo's strong mix-ups and relatively safe moveset create consistent pressure.
• Lili: Her acrobatic style and unpredictable combos offer strong offensive capabilities.
• Raven: Raven's speed, teleportation, and shadow clones make him a difficult target to hit.
• Shaheen: Despite a steep learning curve, Shaheen's powerful combos and range make him a rewarding character.
• Victor: Victor's technological moves and adaptability make him a versatile and unpredictable fighter.
• Xiaoyu: Her mobility and adaptable stances make her difficult to pin down.
• Yoshimitsu: Yoshimitsu's health-siphoning combos and teleportation make him a tactical choice for long matches.
• Zafina: Her three stances allow for exceptional stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier: Balanced Characters

B-tier characters are generally well-rounded but may have exploitable weaknesses.

• Bryan: High damage output but slow speed and lack of gimmicks make him vulnerable.
• Eddy: Initially considered overpowered, Eddy's fast attacks are now more easily countered.
• Jack-8: A solid foundational character, ideal for beginners, with strong attacks and throws.
• Leroy: Nerfed since release, Leroy's damage and frame data have been significantly altered.
• Paul: High damage potential but lacks agility and versatility.
• Reina: Strong offensively but weak defensively, easily punished for whiffs.
• Steve: Requires significant practice and is easily countered due to predictable moves.

C Tier: Lower-Tier Performers

• Panda: Similar to Kuma but with less effective abilities and predictability.

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