Tekken 8: Top Characters Ranked

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, marked a significant evolution in the series, offering refined gameplay and improved balance. Over a year later, here's an updated tier list of the game's fighters, reflecting their current standing in the competitive scene. Each character's placement is influenced by their adaptability and balance, but remember, this list is subjective and player skill plays a crucial role in how effective a character can be in the hands of different players.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

**Dragunov** quickly ascended to S-tier status due to his frame data and mix-ups, which remain challenging to counter even after nerfs. **Feng** excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit capabilities, making him a formidable opponent. **Jin**, the protagonist, is versatile and adaptable to various play styles, with his devil gene mechanics adding a deadly edge at any range. **King** dominates close-range combat with his chain throws, while **Law** is hard to counter with his strong poking game and agility. **Nina** offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with her effective heat mode and lethal grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to master than S-tier but still pose a significant threat with their balanced capabilities and unique strengths.

**Alisa** is easy to learn with her versatile attacks, ideal for players who enjoy applying pressure. **Asuka** caters to newcomers with her defensive options and simple combos. **Claudio** becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. **Hwoarang** offers complexity with his stances, appealing to both beginners and veterans. **Jun** can heal and deal damage with her heat smash and mix-ups, while **Kazuya** rewards players with a strong understanding of fundamentals with his versatile style. **Kuma** proved his worth in the 2024 *Tekken 8* World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable movements. **Lars** excels in mobility and evasion, perfect for players who like to control the pace. **Lee** is agile with a strong poking game and stance transitions, while **Leo** offers safe mix-ups that can keep opponents guessing. **Lili** leverages acrobatics for unpredictable combos, and **Raven** uses speed and stealth to capitalize on defensive gaps. **Shaheen** may have a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos and range. **Victor** adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves, and **Xiaoyu** is nearly unbeatable due to her mobility and stance versatility. **Yoshimitsu** thrives in long matches with health-siphoning tactics and high mobility, while **Zafina** requires mastering her stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are enjoyable to play but require more practice to compete against higher-tier fighters due to their vulnerabilities.

**Bryan** delivers high damage and pressure but suffers from slow movement and fewer gimmicks. **Eddy** was initially considered overpowered, but his predictability has been exploited over time. **Jack-8** is ideal for beginners with his long-range attacks and wall pressure, though he lacks the complexity of higher-tier characters. **Leroy** has seen his effectiveness diminish with updates, making him easier to counter. **Paul** can deal massive damage but lacks agility, helping newcomers learn positioning. **Reina** is strong offensively but weak defensively, making her vulnerable to skilled players. **Steve** requires significant practice and can be easily countered, yet suits aggressive players.

C Tier

**Panda** sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, overshadowed by Kuma. While sharing similar moves, Panda's range and predictability make her less effective, leading to her lower placement.

This comprehensive *Tekken 8* tier list reflects the current state of the game's fighters. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, understanding these tiers can help you choose the right character to master and climb the ranks.

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