"Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List"

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was hailed as a pivotal moment for the series, offering significant improvements in gameplay and balance. Over a year later, we present a detailed tier list of the best fighters in *Tekken 8*, reflecting their current standing in the competitive scene. This list considers factors such as ease of use, adaptability, and the impact of recent updates on character balance. Keep in mind that this tier list is subjective and heavily influenced by player skill.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

The S Tier in *Tekken 8* features characters that are either considered "broken" due to their lack of balance or possess numerous gimmicks that enhance their offensive and defensive options.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier status early in *Tekken 8*'s lifecycle. Despite nerfs, 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. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics that make him effective at any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throw commands, making him a top-tier grappler. Law is known for his strong poking game and agility, making him a challenging opponent to find openings against. Nina, though difficult to master, offers powerful heat mode and grab attacks that can significantly impact matches.

A Tier

A-Tier characters are less challenging to learn than S-Tier but still pose a significant threat when used by skilled players.

Alisa is user-friendly with her android gimmicks and effective low attacks, ideal for beginners. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering good defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his attack damage. Hwoarang offers a variety of stances and combos, appealing to both beginners and veterans. Jun can heal 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 versatile fighting and powerful combos. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 *Tekken 8* World Tournament, with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. Lee boasts an impressive poking game and agility, ideal for offensive players. Leo has strong mix-ups and safe moves, making it hard for opponents to predict attacks. Lili uses acrobatic moves to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven leverages speed and versatility, making his teleportation and shadow clone moves hard to counter. 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 dangerous choice. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and stance adaptability. Yoshimitsu is built for long matches, using health siphoning and high mobility to outlast opponents. Zafina requires mastering her three stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-Tier characters are enjoyable to play but can be easily exploited by opponents, requiring practice to compete against higher-tier characters.

Bryan offers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered, lacking the ability to pressure effectively. Jack-8 is ideal for newcomers with decent long-range attacks and strong wall pressure. Leroy has been affected by updates, reducing his damage output and making him easier to punish. Paul can deal significant damage quickly but lacks agility and versatility. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels of play. Steve requires practice and can be easily countered, though he suits aggressive play styles.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, performing similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. With limited range and predictable movement, Panda struggles to execute combos and apply pressure, making her the lowest-tier character in *Tekken 8*.

This concludes our *Tekken 8* tier list. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each character can enhance your gameplay experience. *Tekken 8* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.