Tekken 8 Tier List: Top Characters Revealed

Since its release in 2024, *Tekken 8* has been hailed as a pivotal refresh for the series, offering revamped gameplay and improved balance. As we reflect on the game over a year later, here's a detailed tier list showcasing the best fighters in *Tekken 8*. Each character's placement reflects their adaptability, power, and potential impact in the game, though remember, this list is subjective and influenced by player skill.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco

S-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are those with minimal balance issues, often labeled as "broken" due to their overpowering advantages or versatile movesets. **Dragunov** swiftly rose to S-tier with his strong frame data and mix-ups, though nerfed, remains a meta choice. **Feng** dominates with fast, low attacks and potent counter-hits, keeping opponents on their toes. **Jin**, the protagonist, is remarkably versatile, excelling in various play styles thanks to his well-rounded moves and the devil gene mechanics. **King** stands out with his unparalleled grab attacks, making him a formidable wrestler in close combat. **Law** is tough to counter due to his agility and strong poking game, perfect for trapping opponents. Lastly, **Nina** challenges players with her complex moveset, but rewards mastery with effective heat mode and damaging grabs.

A Tier

A-tier characters, while not as formidable as S-tier, are still highly effective and can be devastating in the right hands. **Alisa** is beginner-friendly with her array of gimmicks and strong low attacks. **Asuka** offers a good introduction to *Tekken* fundamentals with solid defensive options. **Claudio** becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, boosting his attack damage. **Hwoarang** caters to both beginners and experts with his diverse stances and combos. **Jun** heals effectively with her heat smash and delivers strong mix-ups. **Kazuya** rewards players who master *Tekken 8* fundamentals with his versatile and powerful combos. **Kuma** surprises with his defensive strength and awkward movements, making him unpredictable. **Lars** excels in evasion and closing distances, capitalizing on missed combos with intense wall pressure. **Lee** leverages his impressive poking game and stance transitions to punish defensive gaps. **Leo** keeps opponents guessing with his mix-ups and safe moveset. **Lili** uses her acrobatic style to exploit defensive weaknesses. **Raven** leverages speed and versatility to capitalize on opponent mistakes. **Shaheen**, though less popular, offers unbreakable combos and a steep learning curve. **Victor** adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves. **Xiaoyu** is nearly impossible to pin down with her mobility and stance versatility. **Yoshimitsu** thrives in long matches with health-siphoning tactics and high mobility. **Zafina** demands learning her stances for effective stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. **Bryan** applies high pressure and deals significant damage but lacks speed and gimmicks. **Eddy** was initially seen as overpowered, but his fast attacks have become counterable over time. **Jack-8** is ideal for newcomers, offering decent long-range attacks and strong throws. **Leroy** has been nerfed, making him less effective in dealing damage and more susceptible to pressure. **Paul** delivers heavy damage but lacks agility, aiding newcomers in learning positioning. **Reina** is offensively strong but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels. **Steve** requires extensive practice and has predictable moves, though he can be enjoyable for aggressive players.

C Tier

**Panda** sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, as she essentially replicates Kuma's moves but less effectively. With limited range, predictable movements, and challenging combos, Panda struggles to compete with the rest of the roster.

This *Tekken 8* tier list reflects the current meta and character balance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding where each character stands can help you strategize and improve your gameplay.

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