Top Tekken 8 Fighters Ranked: Definitive Tier List

Tekken 8 marked a significant shift for the series, enhancing gameplay and balance upon its 2024 release. Over a year later, explore this detailed tier list highlighting the strongest fighters in Tekken 8.

Tekken 8 Fighter Rankings

This list ranks the current Tekken 8 fighters based on their tier placement. Their ranking stems from adaptability, recent balance changes causing overpowering traits, or unique strengths. Note that this list reflects subjective opinions, with player skill significantly influencing outcomes.

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 Tekken 8 fighters dominate with minimal balance, boasting overpowering traits or versatile moves that excel in both offensive and defensive strategies.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier in Tekken 8's early days. Despite balance patches tempering his strength, his superior frame data and unpredictable mix-ups keep him a top meta pick, challenging even skilled opponents. Feng shines with rapid low attacks and potent counter-hit moves, leveraging his diverse moveset to punish unprepared players and outwit seasoned veterans. Jin, the protagonist, is highly accessible and adaptable to various playstyles. His balanced moveset, enhanced by devil gene mechanics, delivers deadly combos across ranges, with a high skill ceiling for continuous improvement. King reigns as the ultimate grab-attack specialist. His fluid combos and chain throws make him a close-range powerhouse, keeping opponents guessing. Law combines accessibility with a strong poking game, trapping foes with agile, versatile counter-hits that deter aggressive playstyles. Nina demands practice but rewards with potent heat mode and health-draining grabs. Her complex moveset, once mastered, makes her a formidable competitive choice.

A Tier

A-tier fighters are less complex than S-tier but remain highly effective. Skilled players can wield these characters to counter most opponents with strategic precision.

Alisa, an android with versatile low attacks, suits beginners with her pressure-heavy playstyle and diverse move range. Asuka caters to cautious newcomers, offering solid defensive options and simple combos to master Tekken fundamentals. Claudio is predictable until his Starburst state activates, boosting his damage output and making him a formidable force. Hwoarang balances complexity with accessibility. His four stances and varied combos appeal to both button-mashing beginners and veterans mastering his extensive moveset. Jun excels with low-risk health-restoring heat smashes and powerful mix-ups, though her auto-changing stances require careful management. Kazuya rewards fundamental mastery with versatile long-range pokes and devastating close-range combos, countering many roster members. Kuma, often overshadowed by Panda, proved his worth in the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament. His size creates awkward, hard-to-read movements, enabling punishing attacks. Lars thrives on speed and mobility, excelling at evasion and wall pressure to capitalize on opponents’ missed combos. Lee leverages agile pokes and stance transitions, exploiting defensive gaps for punishing offensive plays. Leo keeps opponents guessing with safe, varied mix-ups that maintain pressure even after missed attacks. Lili uses acrobatic unpredictability to expose defensive weaknesses, with tools to create distance under pressure. Raven combines speed, teleportation, and shadow clones for elusive, punishing plays against missed counters. Shaheen, though less popular due to his steep learning curve, offers nearly unbreakable combos and strong range. Victor employs technological tricks, adapting to traditional fighters with fun, offensive-oriented moves. Xiaoyu borders S-tier with her elusive mobility and adaptable stances for mid-range and low attacks. Yoshimitsu excels in prolonged fights with health-siphoning moves and teleportation for tactical dominance. Zafina requires mastering three stances for superior stage control, offering unpredictable mix-ups for flexible play.

Related: Voice Actors & Cast for Tekken 8

B Tier

B-tier fighters are enjoyable but vulnerable to exploitation. Balanced yet demanding, they require practice to compete against higher-tier opponents effectively.

Bryan delivers high damage and rapid pressure but sacrifices speed and gimmicks, making him less versatile. Eddy, once considered overpowered, now struggles with predictable attacks and limited pressure capabilities. Jack-8 suits newcomers with solid long-range attacks, strong throws, and wall pressure, empowering less experienced players. Leroy has lost potency due to balance updates, with reduced damage and frame data issues making him easier to counter. Paul deals massive damage with moves like Deathfist but lacks agility, aiding beginners in learning positioning. Reina shines offensively but falters defensively, with whiffs leaving her vulnerable at higher play levels. Steve demands extensive practice and struggles against counters, though aggressive players may enjoy his predictable style.

C Tier

Panda ranks lowest, mirroring Kuma’s abilities but with less effectiveness. Her limited range, predictable movement, and weaker combos make her the roster’s weakest link.

This concludes our Tekken 8 tier list.

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