Tekken 8 Tier List (Best Characters)

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

Tekken 8, released in 2024, delivered a much-needed gameplay and balance overhaul. Over a year later, this tier list assesses the current roster's strength. Remember, this is subjective, and player skill significantly impacts outcomes.

S Tier

S-tier characters boast exceptional balance, often considered "broken" due to their numerous offensive and defensive options.

• Dragunov: Initially a top-tier pick, Dragunov remains a meta choice despite nerfs, thanks to his strong frame data and mix-ups.
• Feng: His rapid, low attacks and powerful counter-hit capabilities make him a formidable opponent.
• Jin: Easy to learn yet highly adaptable, Jin's versatility and devastating combos solidify his S-tier status. His moveset and Devil Gene mechanics are effective at all ranges.
• King: A dominant grappler, King's unpredictable chain throws and combos are difficult to counter, especially at close range.
• Law: Law's strong poking game, agility, and versatile counter-hits make him difficult to exploit.
• Nina: While demanding mastery, Nina's heat mode, grab attacks, and unique movement make her a powerful contender.

A Tier

A-tier characters are less challenging to master than S-tier but remain dangerous and effective counters.

• Alisa: Her android gimmicks and effective low attacks make her accessible to beginners.
• Asuka: Ideal for newcomers, Asuka offers solid defense and straightforward combos, perfect for learning Tekken fundamentals.
• Claudio: Predictable outside his Starburst state, but once activated, he becomes incredibly difficult to stop.
• Hwoarang: His four stances and varied combos cater to both beginners and veterans.
• Jun: Jun's heat smash offers significant health regeneration, and her strong mix-ups deliver substantial damage.
• Kazuya: His versatile style and powerful combos reward strong Tekken 8 fundamentals. He excels at both long and close-range combat.
• Kuma: Often underestimated, Kuma's size and unpredictable movements make him a challenging opponent.
• Lars: His high speed and mobility allow for effective evasion and pressure.
• Lee: Lee's strong poking game, agility, and stance transitions make him a potent offensive character.
• Leo: Leo's strong mix-ups, safe moves, and pressure capabilities make him a consistent threat.
• Lili: Her acrobatic style and unpredictable combos exploit defensive gaps.
• Raven: Raven's speed, teleportation, and shadow clones make him difficult to track.
• Shaheen: Though challenging to master, Shaheen's powerful combos and range make him a strong choice.
• Victor: His diverse technological moveset allows him to adapt to various fighting styles.
• Xiaoyu: Her mobility and varied stances provide excellent adaptability.
• Yoshimitsu: His health siphoning, teleportation, and high mobility make him strategic and durable.
• Zafina: Mastering her three stances unlocks excellent spacing and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are fun but more easily exploited. They require practice to compete effectively against higher-tier characters.

• Bryan: High damage output and pressure, but slow and lacks gimmicks.
• Eddy: Initially overpowered, Eddy's fast attacks are now more easily countered.
• Jack-8: A solid fundamental character, good for beginners.
• Leroy: Nerfed from his initial release, Leroy's damage and frame data are now less favorable.
• Paul: High damage potential, but less agile and versatile.
• Reina: Strong offense, but weak defense.
• Steve: Requires significant practice and is easily countered.

C Tier

• Panda: Essentially a weaker version of Kuma, lacking in range, predictability, and combo consistency.

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