Tekken 8 was seen as a pivotal update for the series in terms of gameplay and balance when it was released in 2024. Now, more than a year later, here's an updated comprehensive tier list that reflects the current standing of the fighters in the game.

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Tekken 8 Tier List

Below is a detailed breakdown of the fighters in Tekken 8 and their positions on the tier list. Each character's placement is influenced by their adaptability, recent balance changes, and overall effectiveness in competitive play. Keep in mind that this list is subjective and heavily depends on individual player skill.

S Tier

Characters in the S Tier of Tekken 8 are either considered "broken" due to little balance or possess numerous gimmicks that provide versatile offensive and defensive options.

Dragunov was one of the earliest characters to secure an S-tier ranking in Tekken 8. Despite nerfs through various balance patches, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a formidable "meta" choice. Feng excels with his fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes with his varied moveset. Jin, the protagonist of this installment, is renowned for his versatility and potential for deadly combos, making him an easy pick for the S tier. His well-rounded moveset and devil gene mechanics allow him to be effective from any range, with a high skill ceiling that rewards practice. King dominates as the strongest grab-attack character, with unpredictable movements and combos that can catch even seasoned players off guard. His chain throw commands are key to mastering close-range combat. Law is challenging to counter due to his strong poking game and agility, making him a versatile and intimidating opponent. Nina, though difficult to master, offers powerful options with her effective heat mode and grab attacks, which can significantly reduce an opponent's health.

A Tier

A-Tier characters may not be as unpredictable or challenging to learn as their S-tier counterparts, but they remain highly effective and capable in the hands of skilled players.

Alisa benefits from her android gimmicks and strong low attacks, making her an easy choice for beginners with a preference for applying pressure. Asuka is ideal for newcomers and those with a defensive play style, offering good defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, significantly increasing his attack damage. Hwoarang offers complexity with four stances and varied combos, suitable for both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal substantial health with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, though her stance changes require careful management. Kazuya rewards players with a solid understanding of Tekken 8 fundamentals, offering powerful combos and long-range pokes. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 Tekken 8 World Tournament, with strong defensive capabilities and awkward movements that make him hard to read. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. Lee leverages his impressive poking game and agility to exploit defensive gaps. Leo is equipped with strong mix-ups and relatively safe moves, making it difficult for opponents to predict attacks. Lili uses her acrobatic style to create unpredictable combos and mix-ups, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven uses speed and versatility to capitalize on missed counters, with stealthy teleportation and shadow clone moves. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos and strong range. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun and effective offensive choice. Xiaoyu narrowly misses S-tier status due to her incredible mobility and adaptability across different stances. Yoshimitsu is designed for longevity in matches, using health-siphoning combos and high mobility to outlast opponents. Zafina requires mastering her three stances to control the stage effectively, offering unpredictable mix-ups for a unique playstyle.

B Tier

B-Tier characters are balanced and fun to play, but they can be easily exploited by opponents familiar with their weaknesses.

Bryan delivers high damage and quick pressure, though his slow speed and lack of gimmicks can be a disadvantage. Eddy was initially considered broken due to his fast attacks, but players have learned to counter him, exposing his lack of pressure and cornering ability. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers, offering decent long-range attacks and impressive wall pressure, along with versatile throws. Leroy has been affected by balance updates, diminishing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. Paul can deal significant damage quickly, but his lack of agility and versatility limits his effectiveness. Reina is fun to play but lacks defensive abilities, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires practice and has many counters, making him predictable despite his aggressive potential.

C Tier

Panda sits alone at the bottom of the tier list because she offers similar capabilities to Kuma but with less effectiveness. Her limited range, predictable movement, and difficulty in executing combos make her the least competitive character in the roster.

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