Tekken 8 Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking One Year Post-Launch
Tekken 8's 2024 release marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul for the series. Over a year later, this tier list assesses the current roster's strength. Remember, this is subjective, and player skill is a crucial factor.
| 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 boast exceptional balance, often considered "broken" due to their numerous offensive and defensive options.
- Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov remains a meta pick thanks to his strong frame data and mix-ups.
- Feng: His fast, low attacks and powerful counter-hit potential make him a formidable opponent.
- Jin: Easy to learn but highly adaptable, Jin's versatility and devastating combos solidify his S-tier status. His Devil Gene mechanics add another layer of complexity.
- King: A master of grab attacks, King's unpredictable combos and chain throws dominate close-range combat.
- Law: Difficult to counter, Law's strong poking game and agile movements make him a challenging opponent. His counter-hits are particularly punishing.
- Nina: While demanding to master, Nina's effective heat mode and devastating grab attacks make her a force to be reckoned with.
A Tier
A-tier characters are less challenging than S-tier but still highly effective. They offer strong counters to various playstyles.
- Alisa: Her android gimmicks and effective low attacks make her accessible for beginners.
- Asuka: Ideal for newcomers, Asuka provides solid defensive options and straightforward combos.
- Claudio: Predictable outside his Starburst state, but once activated, he becomes incredibly dangerous.
- Hwoarang: His four stances and diverse combos cater to both beginners and veterans.
- Jun: Her health-restoring heat smash and strong mix-ups make her a potent threat.
- Kazuya: His versatile style and powerful combos reward mastery of Tekken 8 fundamentals.
- Kuma: Kuma's defensive prowess and unpredictable movements, stemming from his size, make him a surprisingly strong contender.
- Lars: High speed and mobility allow for effective evasion and aggressive wall pressure.
- Lee: His strong poking game, agility, and stance transitions make him a versatile offensive character.
- Leo: Strong mix-ups and relatively safe moves allow for consistent pressure.
- Lili: Her acrobatic style and unpredictable combos exploit defensive gaps.
- Raven: Impressive speed, teleportation, and shadow clones make him hard to track.
- Shaheen: A steep learning curve, but his powerful, hard-to-break combos make him a rewarding choice.
- Victor: His technological moveset allows for adaptation to various fighting styles.
- Xiaoyu: High mobility and diverse stances provide incredible adaptability.
- Yoshimitsu: His health-siphoning combos and teleportation make him a tactical master.
- Zafina: Her three stances offer excellent spacing and unpredictable mix-ups.
B Tier
B-tier characters are fun but more easily exploited. They require significant practice to compete effectively against higher-tier characters.
- Bryan: High damage output but slow speed and lack of gimmicks make him vulnerable.
- Eddy: Initially overpowered, Eddy's fast attacks are now more easily countered.
- Jack-8: A solid foundational character for beginners, offering good range and wall pressure.
- Leroy: Nerfed significantly, Leroy's damage and frame data are now less favorable.
- Paul: High damage potential but lacks agility and versatility.
- Reina: Strong offense but weak defense makes her easily punished.
- Steve: Requires significant practice and is easily countered due to predictability.
C Tier
- Panda: Essentially a weaker version of Kuma, lacking the same defensive capabilities and offensive pressure.
Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
