Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List

Tekken 8, released in 2024, marked a significant shift in gameplay and balance for the series. Over a year later, we've compiled a detailed tier list to help you understand the current meta and choose the best fighters for your playstyle.

Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is a comprehensive list of the fighters in Tekken 8 and their positions on the tier list. Each character's placement is influenced by their adaptability, balance, and overall effectiveness in the game. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and player skill plays a crucial role in determining success.

S Tier

S-tier characters in Tekken 8 are often considered "broken" due to their powerful movesets and versatility. These fighters excel in both offense and defense, making them top picks for competitive play.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status with his strong frame data and mix-ups, remaining a meta choice despite nerfs. Feng dominates with fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics that make him a formidable opponent at any range. King excels in close-range combat with his chain throws, making him unpredictable and powerful. Law is hard to counter with his strong poking game and agility, while Nina offers a challenging yet rewarding playstyle with her effective heat mode and grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier characters are slightly less dominant than S-tier but still highly effective. They offer a good balance of ease of use and competitive viability.

Alisa is beginner-friendly with her wide range of attacks and gimmicks. Asuka is perfect for those learning the game, with strong defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. Hwoarang offers complexity and depth, suitable for both newcomers and veterans. Jun can heal with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, while Kazuya rewards players with a solid understanding of Tekken fundamentals. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and awkward movements. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion. Lee has an impressive poking game and stance transitions, while Leo offers strong mix-ups and safe moves. Lili is unpredictable with her acrobatic style, and Raven uses speed and stealth to capitalize on opponents' mistakes. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos, and Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves. Xiaoyu is highly mobile and adaptable, while Yoshimitsu uses health siphoning and teleportation for tactical play. Zafina requires mastering her stances for effective spacing and control.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by higher-tier fighters. They require practice to compete effectively against S and A-tier characters.

Bryan offers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered effectively. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers with decent long-range attacks and strong throws. Leroy has been nerfed, reducing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. Paul deals serious damage but lacks agility, helping newcomers learn positioning. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels. Steve requires practice and can be predictable, but suits aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list. While similar to Kuma, Panda's limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the least effective character in the roster.

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