Tekken 8 Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking of Fighters (2024-2025)

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 strengths and weaknesses. Remember, this is subjective and player skill significantly impacts performance.

S Tier

S-tier characters boast exceptional balance, potent offensive/defensive options, and often exploit gameplay mechanics.

• Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov remains a meta staple due to strong frame data and unpredictable mix-ups.
• Feng: His rapid, low attacks and devastating counter-hit potential punish opponents effectively.
• Jin: Easy to learn, adaptable to various playstyles, and capable of devastating combos. His Devil Gene adds another layer of versatility.
• King: A dominant grappler with powerful chain throws and unpredictable close-range attacks.
• Law: Difficult to counter, Law excels at a strong poking game and punishing opponent mistakes. His agility and versatility are key strengths.
• Nina: A challenging but rewarding character with a potent heat mode and devastating grabs. Mastering her movement is crucial for success.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to master than S-tier, yet remain formidable opponents.

• Alisa: Her android gimmicks and effective low attacks make her a strong choice for pressure-based playstyles.
• Asuka: Ideal for beginners, offering solid defensive options and straightforward combos.
• Claudio: Predictable until his Starburst activates, unleashing devastating damage.
• Hwoarang: Four stances and varied combos cater to both novices and veterans.
• Jun: Her heat smash offers significant health recovery, and her unpredictable mix-ups deal substantial damage.
• Kazuya: Rewards mastery of Tekken 8 fundamentals with powerful combos and versatile range.
• Kuma: Strong defense and unpredictable movements due to his size make him a difficult opponent.
• Lars: High speed and mobility allow for effective evasion and pressure.
• Lee: Impressive poking game, agility, and speed allow for punishing opponent mistakes.
• Leo: Strong mix-ups and relatively safe moves maintain offensive pressure.
• Lili: Acrobatic fighting style creates unpredictable combos and strong defensive capabilities.
• Raven: Impressive speed and versatility with teleportation and shadow clones.
• Shaheen: A steep learning curve, but his powerful combos and range make him a formidable choice.
• Victor: Adaptable to various fighting styles due to his technological abilities.
• Xiaoyu: High mobility and adaptable stances make her difficult to pin down.
• Yoshimitsu: Built for endurance, utilizing health siphoning and restorative combos.
• Zafina: Three stances offer excellent spacing and stage control, creating unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are enjoyable but potentially exploitable. They require practice to compete effectively against higher-tier fighters.

• Bryan: High damage output and pressure, but slow speed and lack of gimmicks make him vulnerable.
• Eddy: Initially overpowered, his fast attacks are now more easily countered. His lack of pressure and corner carry is a weakness.
• Jack-8: Solid for beginners, with good range, wall pressure, and throws.
• Leroy: Nerfed significantly, his damage output and frame data are 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 predictable moves.

C Tier

• Panda: Similar to Kuma but inferior in all aspects. Limited range and predictable movements make her the weakest character.

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