Tekken 8, released in 2024, marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul for the series. Over a year later, here's an updated tier list of the best fighters.
Tekken 8 Tier List
The following list ranks Tekken 8 characters based on current performance. Factors include ease of use, recent balance changes, and inherent strengths. Remember, this is subjective, and player skill significantly impacts 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 characters boast exceptional balance, often considered "broken" due to their numerous offensive and defensive options. Dragunov, despite nerfs, remains a meta choice thanks to his frame data and mix-ups. Feng's fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit potential punish opponents effectively. Jin, the protagonist, offers versatility and devastating combos. King excels at grab attacks and chain throws, dominating close-range combat. Law's strong poking game and agility make him hard to counter. Nina, though difficult to master, offers powerful heat mode and grabs.
A Tier
A-tier characters are strong and versatile but less overwhelmingly dominant than S-tier. Alisa's gimmicks and low attacks are beginner-friendly. Asuka offers solid defense and easy combos for newcomers. Claudio's Starburst state significantly boosts his damage. Hwoarang's multiple stances cater to both beginners and veterans. Jun's heat smash offers healing and strong mix-ups. Kazuya's versatility and powerful combos reward skilled players. Kuma's size and unpredictable movements make him surprisingly effective. Lars's high mobility and wall pressure are potent. Lee's poking game and agility exploit defensive weaknesses. Leo's strong mix-ups and safe moves maintain pressure. Lili's acrobatic style is unpredictable. Raven's speed and teleportation make him hard to hit. Shaheen's powerful, albeit complex, combos are rewarding. Victor's technological moves provide adaptability. Xiaoyu's mobility and stances offer versatility. Yoshimitsu's health-siphoning combos and teleportation are strategically valuable. Zafina's stances allow for strong spacing and control.
B Tier
B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled players. Bryan's high damage output is offset by slow speed. Eddy's fast attacks are countered more easily now. Jack-8's straightforward style is good for beginners. Leroy's effectiveness has been reduced through updates. Paul's high damage potential requires precise positioning. Reina's strong offense is hampered by weak defense. Steve's predictability makes him vulnerable.
C Tier
Panda shares Kuma's characteristics but is less effective overall, lacking in range and predictability.
Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
