When *Tekken 8* hit the scene in 2024, it was heralded as a pivotal shift for the franchise, refining gameplay and balance to new heights. Fast forward over a year, and it's time to reassess the landscape with an updated tier list of the best fighters in the game. Each character's placement reflects their adaptability, balance, and overall effectiveness in the current meta. Remember, though, this list is subjective and player skill plays a significant role in determining success.
Tekken 8 Tier List
| 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
The S Tier in *Tekken 8* is reserved for characters who dominate the meta with either unbalanced mechanics or a plethora of versatile moves that offer strong offensive and defensive options.
Dragunov swiftly rose to S-tier status early on due to his potent frame data and mix-ups. Despite nerfs, he remains a formidable choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and counter-hit prowess, making him a challenging opponent for anyone. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and a high skill ceiling that rewards dedicated practice. King dominates close-range combat with his intricate chain throws, while Law traps opponents with his agility and strong poking game. Lastly, Nina offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with effective heat mode and lethal grab attacks.
A Tier
A Tier fighters are not as dominant as S Tier but are still highly effective, offering a variety of playstyles that can counter many opponents when mastered.
Alisa is user-friendly with her android gimmicks and strong low attacks. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering solid defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his damage output significantly. Hwoarang offers depth with four stances, appealing to both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal herself with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups. Kazuya rewards players who understand *Tekken* fundamentals with his versatile moves and powerful combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament, showcasing strong defense and awkward movements that can lead to punishing attacks. Lars excels in mobility and evasion, applying intense wall pressure. Lee has an impressive poking game and quick stance transitions. Leo offers safe mix-ups, making opponents guess high or low attacks. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos and mix-ups. Raven leverages speed and stealth for devastating counters. Shaheen is less popular but offers strong, unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves. Xiaoyu is highly mobile and adaptable with her stances. Yoshimitsu is built for long matches with health siphoning and high mobility. Zafina uses three stances for great stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.
B Tier
B Tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They offer fun gameplay but require more practice to compete against higher-tier fighters.
Bryan delivers 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 his long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has lost some of his edge due to updates affecting his balance. Paul offers high damage but lacks agility, making him good for learning positioning. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires practice and can be predictable, but suits aggressive players.
C Tier
Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, essentially a less effective version of Kuma. With limited range and predictable movement, Panda struggles to keep up with the rest of the roster.
And there you have it—an updated *Tekken 8* tier list reflecting the current state of the game over a year since its release. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this guide should help you navigate the competitive landscape of *Tekken 8*.
*Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
