Top Characters in Tekken 8: Tier List

*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, marked a pivotal shift in the series, addressing gameplay and balance issues to great acclaim. Over a year later, we've compiled a comprehensive tier list to reflect the current state of its fighters. This list takes into account each character's strengths, from their adaptability to their potential unbalance, which can make them "broken" in the right hands. Remember, this tier list is subjective and player skill plays a significant role in determining effectiveness.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

The S Tier in *Tekken 8* comprises characters known for their imbalance or abundance of strategic options in both offense and defense. **Dragunov** established himself early as an S-tier character, despite nerfs, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a meta choice. **Feng** excels with fast, low attacks and potent counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. **Jin**, the protagonist, is versatile and adaptable, with a high skill ceiling that rewards practice. **King** dominates close-range combat with his chain throws, making him a formidable grappler. **Law** is challenging to counter, with strong poking and agility that can trap opponents. **Nina** requires mastery but offers powerful heat mode and grab attacks, making her a high-reward choice.

A Tier

A Tier fighters are less complex than S Tier but still pose a significant threat. **Alisa** is user-friendly with effective low attacks, ideal for beginners. **Asuka** is perfect for those learning *Tekken* fundamentals, with good defense and accessible combos. **Claudio** becomes formidable in his Starburst state, despite being easier to read otherwise. **Hwoarang** caters to both new and experienced players with his diverse stances and combos. **Jun** can heal through her heat smash and has strong mix-ups. **Kazuya** rewards those who master *Tekken 8* mechanics with his versatile style and damaging combos. **Kuma** proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament, with strong defense and awkward movements. **Lars** is perfect for players focusing on evasion and closing distances. **Lee** boasts a strong poking game and fast mix-ups. **Leo** has safe moves and effective mix-ups. **Lili** can expose defensive gaps with her acrobatic style. **Raven** uses speed and versatility to capitalize on opponents' mistakes. **Shaheen** offers unbreakable combos, though with a steep learning curve. **Victor** adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves. **Xiaoyu** is highly mobile with adaptable stances. **Yoshimitsu** excels in long matches with health-siphoning tactics. **Zafina** requires learning her stances but offers great stage control and unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B Tier characters offer balance but can be exploited by higher-tier fighters. **Bryan** delivers high damage but is slow and lacks versatility. **Eddy** was once considered broken, but players have learned to counter his speed. **Jack-8** is ideal for newcomers with strong long-range and wall pressure. **Leroy** has seen his effectiveness wane with updates, making him easier to pressure. **Paul** excels in dealing damage but lacks agility. **Reina** is fun to play but lacks defensive options, making her vulnerable at higher levels. **Steve** requires practice and can be predictable without mix-ups, though suitable for aggressive players.

C Tier

**Panda** sits alone at the bottom of the tier list, primarily because she shares Kuma's moves but executes them less effectively. Her limited range, predictable movement, and challenging combos place her in the C Tier.

*Tekken 8* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering players a chance to explore these dynamic fighters and find their perfect match.