Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List

Tekken 8, released in 2024, marked a pivotal moment for the franchise with its refined gameplay and improved balance. Over a year later, we've compiled a detailed tier list to help players understand the current meta and choose their fighters wisely. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and heavily influenced by player skill and strategic play.

Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is the current tier list for the fighters in Tekken 8, reflecting their performance and utility in the game:

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco

Characters in the S tier of Tekken 8 are often considered "broken" due to their powerful movesets and high effectiveness in both offense and defense.

Dragunov was an early S-tier standout in Tekken 8, though balance patches have since toned him down. His frame data and mix-ups still make him a formidable "meta" choice. Feng boasts fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and adaptable, making him an easy pick for players at any skill level. His devil gene mechanics allow for deadly combos from any range. King dominates with his grab-attack style, utilizing chain throws to control close-range combat. Law excels with a strong poking game and agility, making him a challenging opponent to find an opening against. Nina offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with her effective heat mode and devastating grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier characters may not be as dominant as those in S-tier, but they remain highly effective and capable of countering most opponents.

Alisa is user-friendly with her android gimmicks and effective low attacks, ideal for beginners. Asuka is perfect for those learning the game, with solid defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his attack damage. Hwoarang offers complexity with his four stances, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Jun can heal herself with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, making her a unique fighter. Kazuya combines versatility with powerful combos, excelling at both long-range pokes and close-range attacks. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament, with strong defense and unpredictable movements due to his size. Lars is all about speed and mobility, perfect for players who want to master evasion and apply wall pressure. Lee has an impressive poking game and stance transitions that are great for offensive players. Leo offers safe moves and strong mix-ups, keeping opponents guessing. Lili uses her acrobatic style to create unpredictable combos and mix-ups, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and versatility with stealthy moves that capitalize on defensive gaps. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos and great range. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun and effective offensive character. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and stance adaptability. Yoshimitsu thrives in long matches with health siphoning and teleportation, offering tactical gameplay. Zafina requires mastering her three stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They require practice to compete with higher-tier characters.

Bryan applies high pressure and damage, though his slow speed and lack of gimmicks can be a disadvantage. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered effectively by players. Jack-8 is great for newcomers with decent long-range attacks and strong wall pressure. Leroy has been affected by updates, reducing his damage output and making him easier to counter. Paul deals significant damage with moves like Deathfist but lacks agility and versatility. Reina is fun but lacks defensive abilities, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires practice and can be predictable without mix-ups, though he's suitable for aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, performing similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. Her limited range and predictability make her less competitive.

Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering players a chance to dive into its competitive scene with this updated tier list as their guide.