Tekken 8 Tier List - Best of All 32 Characters

Six months later, after Kazuya tosses Heihachi Mishima’s body into a volcano, he restarts the King of Iron Fist Tournament. This time, fighters from different countries will battle each other. The winning country survives, but Kazuya’s powerful G Corp soldiers will wipe out the losing ones.

With the stakes higher, this article ranks them from the strongest (S-tier) to the weakest (F-tier) based on their combat effectiveness. If you are a newcomer, then 32 characters with unique combos and fighting styles, finding the best character for you to master might be challenging at first.

Use this Tekken 8 Tier List ranking as the first step in your training. We try to base these 32 character rankings on each fighter’s strengths as preferred by our team and based on the opinions of other pro players.

At the top are the S-tier fighters, like powerful titans. They control the pace of the game, making every move count. You’ll find balanced fighters, clever underdogs, and those still learning as you go down the list.

Tekken 8 Tier List: Ranking Worst to Best

Ready to step into the electrifying arena of Tekken 8? Craving a character that blends fierce combos, strategic stances, and mind-bending mix-ups? Look no further than our Tekken 8 Tier List of all 32 characters to help new prodigious newcomers poised to shake up the fighting scene. But many of the characters demand dedication and byhearting many combos. Today, we will try this for this guide. It serves as your initiation into Tekken mastery and helps you find a character you may like and start practicing.

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S+ Tier: Reina (100%)

Reina, the enigmatic newcomer with a mysterious past, storms into Tekken 8 with a captivating blend of Taido and Mishima-style karate. Her unique fusion creates a fast, aggressive, powerful fighting style that utilizes swift movement, devastating combos, and hints of demonic prowess.

Reina blends contrasting styles:

Agile footwork and acrobatic maneuvers from Taido grant her swift dodges and unpredictable movement.
Punishing strikes like the Wind God Fist and Thunder God Fist unleash raw power and dominance.
Merging these styles creates a hybrid approach, allowing her to switch between graceful evasion and bone-crushing attacks seamlessly.

Reina thrives on dynamic offense:

This special movement quickly closes the gap between opponents, initiating devastating combos and applying constant pressure.
Agile footwork and powerful strikes allow her to deliver lightning-fast attacks with surprising force.
Combining speed, power, and unpredictable movement creates a diverse offensive arsenal that keeps opponents guessing.

While flashy, Reina has secrets to uncover:

Hints of Mishima’s blood manifest in powerful moves, raising questions about her past and potential hidden abilities.
Her focus on aggression can leave her open to counters, requiring precise timing and strategic spacing.
Optimizing the blend of Taido and Mishima requires dedication to learn complex combos and stance transitions.

To master Reina, players need:

Mastering combos, Sentai usage, and stance transitions is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing vulnerability.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and opponent tendencies is key to setting up effective mix-ups and utilizing her diverse style.
Dedicating time to exploring her unique blend, refining combos, and adapting to different playstyles will unlock her true potential.

Understanding Reina’s Playstyle:

Stance-Based Combos: Reina’s strength lies in her diverse stances, offering unique attacks and mix-up potential. Mastering transitions between stances like “Sentai” and “Unsoku” is crucial for effective offense.
High Damage Output: Land a clean hit, and Reina can punish hard with juggle combos and powerful launchers. Her moves pack a punch, but be mindful of their riskier nature.
Mix-ups & Mind Games: Conditioning your opponent through strategic stance usage and throws is key to opening them up for devastating blows. Deception and mind games are your allies!

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. Mastering these solidifies your combat foundation.
Embrace the Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and practice transitioning between them smoothly. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Reina’s quick lows and powerful mid-punishers. This turns the tide in your favor!

S+ Tier: Marshall Law (93.75%)

Marshall Law, the charismatic martial arts master and dojo owner, returns to Tekken 8 with his signature blend of Jeet Kune Do-inspired strikes and devastating mix-ups. While lacking long-range options, his aggressive close-quarters pressure, strategic mind games, and deadly nunchuck attacks make him a force to be reckoned with.

Law channels the spirit of Bruce Lee:

Dynamic footwork and lightning-fast strikes draw inspiration from Jeet Kune Do’s philosophy of adaptability and flow.
Punishing pokes and well-timed counters exploit opponent openings, building pressure and creating opportunities for his potent combos.
High/low sequences and deceptive stances keep opponents guessing, forcing them into mistakes Law is prepared to capitalize on.

Law unleashes hidden potential:

Transitioning into Dragon Sign Stance opens new attack options and enhances his offensive pressure.
His devastating wall combos force opponents to fear corner situations, adding another layer to his strategic arsenal.
Utilizing DSS strategically creates unpredictable mix-ups and keeps opponents on their toes.

While aggressive, Law has areas for improvement:

His attacks primarily excel in close quarters, making him vulnerable to long-range opponents.
Maintaining pressure is crucial, as he struggles to regain control once momentum shifts.
Reliant on predicting opponent actions for effective counters, requiring skillful anticipation.

To unleash Law’s full potential, players need:

Mastering frame data, combo execution, and DSS transitions is key to maximizing damage and controlling the pace.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and opponent tendencies is crucial for setting up effective mix-ups and predicting their actions.
Dedicating time to mastering his aggressive style, exploring combo routes, and adapting to different playstyles will unlock his true potential.

Strengths:

Strong pressure: Law excels at getting in your opponent’s face with fast pokes and strings, keeping them guessing.
Good mix-ups: His Dragon stance opens up unique attacks and throws, making him tricky to predict.
Decent damage: Law’s combos can rack up solid damage, especially when capitalizing on launches.

Weaknesses:

Short range: Most of Law’s attacks are limited, requiring you to get close and personal.
Execution barrier: Some of his stance transitions and combos require consistent practice.
Weak punishment: Law lacks some key punishers for specific moves, making him reliant on reads and pressure.

Core Gameplay:

Master the Dragon Stance: This is Law’s key to mind games. Learn its transitions (down+forward or hold down+forward), and practice moves like the slide (down+forward+3) and WS+3 mix-up.
Pressure with pokes and strings: Use fast moves like WS+3, d/f+1, and f+4 to initiate strings and keep your opponent on their toes.
Capitalize on launches: Practice your staple punishers like b+1,2,3, 1,2,3,1+2, and f,f+3,4 for maximum damage.
Mix-up throws: Don’t forget throws! Use throws like df+1+4 and ff+2 to break the opponent’s momentum and create opportunities.

S Tier: Victor Chevalier (90.63%)

Victor, the enigmatic spy with a taste for theatrics, infiltrates Tekken 8 with a deadly blend of super-spy tactics, close-quarters combat, and lightning-fast swordsmanship. His unconventional style, relying on precise timing, strategic spacing, and deadly ambushes, makes him a captivating and challenging opponent.

Victor draws from diverse disciplines:

Agile movements, throws, and disarming maneuvers showcase his expertise in close-quarters combat.
Stealthy approaches, misdirection, and smoke bombs add an element of surprise and deception to his attacks.
Swift katana draws and precise slashes draw inspiration from this sheathed-sword art.

Victor thrives on calculated strikes:

Mastering distance management is key to setting up his ambushes and maximizing damage from his precise knife and sword strikes.
Split-second katana draws, and quick counterattacks demand perfect timing and awareness to unleash their full potential.
His technologically advanced katana and pistol offer unique options, expanding his attack range and surprise potential.

While deadly, Victor has areas for improvement:

His reliance on spacing can leave him vulnerable to aggressive close-range opponents.
Lacking traditional blocking options, he must rely on evasion and counters to defend himself.
Mastering his timing-dependent attacks and strategic movement requires dedication and practice.

To unleash Victor’s full potential, players need:

Perfecting katana draws, counter windows, and movement choices are crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing vulnerability.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and opponent tendencies is key to setting up effective ambushes and utilizing his unique tools.
Dedicating time to mastering his unconventional style, exploring combo routes, and adapting to different playstyles will unlock his true potential.

Understanding Victor’s Core:

Stances: Victor thrives on switching between three stances – Iai (sword), Perfumer (smoke), and Gunman (pistol). Each stance unlocks unique moves and strings, offering diverse combo options and mind games.
Mix-ups: Victor excels at creating ambiguous situations where your opponent struggles to guess the next attack’s property (high, mid, low). Mastering stance transitions and string variations is key to his mix-up game.
Punishment: Victor has good tools to punish whiffed (missed) opponent moves, especially with his fast jabs and d/f 2. Learning key punishable moves for common characters will give you an edge.

Getting Started with Victor:

Practice Movement: Mastering movement with sidesteps, backlashes, and wave dashes is crucial for spacing, whiff punishing, and initiating the offense.
Learn Basic Strings: Start with simple 2-3 hit strings in each stance (e.g., d/f 2 > d/f 3, 4 in Iai) to get comfortable with transitioning and basic damage.
Experiment with Stances: Gradually incorporate stance changes into your strings, practicing transitions like Iai > Perfumer > Gunman. Focus on understanding each stance’s strengths and weaknesses.
Practice Punishes: Learn key punishes for common moves other characters use. Start with fast, easy ones like d/f 2 for -10 or higher punishable moves.

S Tier: Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo (78.13%)

Azucena, the fiery Peruvian barista and striker-style MMA fighter stirs things up in Tekken 8 with her unique blend of taunts, agile movement, and devastating combos. While unconventional, her mastery of stance-based offense and high-risk, high-reward tactics make her a captivating and challenging opponent.

Azucena unleashes a dynamic blend:

Powerful kicks and punches form the core of her offense, drawing from diverse mixed martial arts disciplines.
Rhythmic movements, acrobatic kicks, and capoeira-inspired taunts add unpredictability and offensive options.
Her core mechanic utilizes taunt stances to dodge attacks and initiate offense, requiring precise timing and strategic risk-taking.

Azucena thrives on mind games:

Switching between taunt stances creates unpredictable mix-ups and forces opponents to react quickly.
Mastering her taunt dodges lets her slip through attacks and launch devastating counter-assaults.
Her reliance on taunts leaves her vulnerable while dodging, demanding precise timing and calculated aggression.

While flashy, Azucena has areas for improvement:

Her taunt stances offer no guard, requiring careful spacing and awareness to avoid heavy punishment.
Some attacks lack reach, making her susceptible to long-range opponents.
Mastering her stance transitions, risky mix-ups, and optimal combos requires dedication and practice.

To unleash Azucena’s full potential, players need:

Mastering taunt activation, stance transitions, and counter windows is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing risk.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and opponent tendencies is key to setting up effective mix-ups and utilizing her unique offense.
Dedicating time to mastering her complex stance mechanic, exploring combo routes, and adapting to different playstyles will unlock her true potential.

Understanding Azucena’s Style:

Taunt-Based Stances: Azucena’s core strength lies in her diverse stances, each triggered by taunts. Mastering transitions between these stances, like “Provocateur” and “Matador,” is crucial for effective aggression and mind games.
Stance switcher: Utilize her “Taunt” stance (UF+3+4) for different attacks and mix-ups. Learn when to activate and deactivate it effectively.
Evasive: Learn her evasive moves like sidesteps, backdashes, and the special “Taunt” stance (UF+3+4). She excels at dodging attacks and creating openings.
Combo-focused: Master basic combos using launchers like d/f+2, u+4, or b+f+3+4. Practice ending them with the reliable b,f+3,4,3 string.

Beginner Tips:

Start simple: Focus on basic movement, spacing, and punishing punishable moves. Use Practice Mode to hone these skills.
Learn key moves: Prioritize launchers, strings like b,f+3,4,3, and her power crush (3+4). These moves form the core of her offense.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) from “Provocateur” and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp) from “Matador.” These versatile tools will serve you well.
Experiment with stances: Use the “Taunt” stance in neutral and combos. Understand its strengths and weaknesses.
Embrace the Taunts: Don’t shy away from taunts; they’re not just for showboating! Each taunt activates a specific stance, opening up different attacks and movement options. Experiment and find your flow!
Master the Dodge: Azucena’s dodge, triggered by down + back and a direction, is your key to evading danger. Practice timing it right to slip past attacks and set up counter-attacks.
Practice against AI: Use Practice Mode or AI battles to gain experience and confidence before online matches.
Practice Punishes: Azucena excels at punishing whiffed attacks with quick lows and powerful mids. Learn common opponent moves and practice your punishes; this turns the tide in your favor!

A+ Tier: Ling Xiaoyu (81.25%)

Ling Xiaoyu, the nimble acrobat and master of evasion, flits onto the Tekken 8 stage with her dazzling mix of Chinese martial arts. While lacking raw power, her speed, unpredictable stances, and relentless pressure make her a frustratingly effective opponent.

Xiaoyu’s style draws from diverse sources:

Circular Baguazhang Flow movements and palm strikes create evasive maneuvers and unpredictable attacks.
Explosive Piguaquan Power punches and kicks add power and aggression to her combos.
Her spins and back-turned stances keep opponents guessing and create unique offensive opportunities.

Xiaoyu thrives on avoiding and confusing:

Her diverse stances, transitions, and acrobatic maneuvers make her difficult to track and counter.
This stance avoids highs and ducks mids (excluding “true” mids), creating a safe space for follow-up attacks.
Deceptive low strikes keep opponents on their toes and open them up for damaging juggles.

While agile, Xiaoyu has areas for improvement:

Her attacks lack raw power, requiring precise combos and spacing for maximum damage.
Some of her attacks lack reach, making her vulnerable to long-range opponents.
Mastering her stance transitions and complex combos requires dedication and practice.

To unleash Xiaoyu’s full potential, players need:

Mastering combo execution, stance transitions, and Phoenix Stance usage is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing vulnerability.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and movement options is key to predicting opponents, applying pressure, and creating openings for combos.
Dedicating time to mastering her intricate stances, diverse moveset, and unique pressure game will unlock her true potential.

Understanding Xiaoyu’s Playstyle:

Stance-Based Agility: Xiaoyu excels at switching between various stances, each offering unique attacks and movement options. Mastering transitions between “Phoenix,” “Dragon,” and “Mantis” stances is crucial for her dynamic offense.
Fast & Aggressive: Xiaoyu thrives on outmaneuvering opponents with quick strikes, juggle combos, and evasive movement. Be prepared for a fast-paced and pressure-heavy approach.
Mix-ups & Deception: Xiaoyu’s strength lies in keeping opponents guessing. Utilize stance changes, throws, and low attacks to create openings and land devastating blows.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into stances, practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. A solid foundation is key to Xiaoyu’s agility-based playstyle.
Embrace the Dance: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and practice seamless transitions. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) in Phoenix and “b+1+2” (low sweep) in Dragon. These versatile tools will serve you well.
Punish Wisely: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Xiaoyu’s quick lows and mid-punishers. Turning the tables quickly is essential for her aggressive style.
Master the Stances: Familiarize yourself with Rain Dance and Phoenix’s unique moves, transitions, and properties. Practice entering and exiting them smoothly.
Learn Key Punishes: Focus on moves like df+1, f, F+4, and uf+4 for quick jabs and punishing highs. Practice their range and timing for optimal effectiveness.
Utilize Whiff Punishes: Rain Dance’s sidestep and backdash are great for evading and creating whiffs. Be ready to unleash powerful counters like b+1+2 or WS+3,4.
Practice Combos: Start with simple combos like df+1, f, F+4, b+3, ff+2 for wall carry. Gradually progress to more complex juggles as you get comfortable.
Experiment and Adapt: Xiaoyu’s flexibility allows for creative playstyles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works for you.
Utilize Heat and Rage: Learn how to incorporate Heat actions and Rage Burst into your combos and pressure for extra damage and mix-ups.

A+ Tier: Devil Jin (75%)

Devil Jin, the embodiment of rage and power, descends upon Tekken 8 with a refined blend of Mishima and Kazama styles fueled by demonic aggression and precise punishment. While demanding skill, his devastating combos, oppressive pressure, and unique flight abilities make him a force to be reckoned with.

Devil Jin inherits Mishima’s power:

Electrifying Wind God Fist, punishing Flash Punch Combo, and other Mishima staples form the core of his offensive arsenal.
Subtle elements of the Kazama style add fluidity and unpredictability to his attack strings.
Laser attacks and flight grant unique options, adding aerial pressure and mix-up potential.

While powerful, Devil Jin demands mastery:

His best moves are risky, requiring precise timing and spacing to punish opponents without leaving himself vulnerable.
Utilizing pressure tools and forcing opponent mistakes is key to creating openings for his devastating combos.
Balancing aggression, flight options, and laser usage creates a dynamic playstyle that requires constant adaptation.

To unleash Devil Jin’s full potential, players need:

Mastering counter windows, combo execution, and flight transitions is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing risk.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and movement options is key to predicting opponents, applying pressure, and setting up his potent punishes.
Dedicating time to mastering his high-risk, high-reward moves and exploring his flight and laser options will unlock his true potential.

Strengths:

Versatile: Devil Jin excels in all ranges, with strong pokes, powerful mids, and crushing lows.
Combo Potential: His electric (f,f+N 4) is a launcher for devastating juggles.
Heat Mode: This unique stance unlocks even more devastating combos and pressure tools.
Punishment: He has excellent counter-hit punishers to turn the tables on opponents.

Weaknesses:

Execution Difficulty: Many of his best moves require precise timing and inputs.
High Risk: His aggressive style leaves him vulnerable to counters and whiff punishments.
Resource Management: Using Heat effectively takes practice and awareness.

Understanding Devil Jin:

Mishima Legacy: He shares core moves with other Mishimas like Jin and Kazuya, including the powerful Electric Wind God Fist. Mastering Mishima’s execution is key.
Rushdown Fighter: He excels at overwhelming opponents with fast attacks and pressure. Learn his aggressive strings and mix-ups to dominate close range.
Stance Swapping: Utilize the “Morning Crow” stance for unique attacks and mix-up potential. Practice transitioning smoothly between stances to keep your opponent guessing.
High Damage Output: Land a clean hit, and Devil Jin can punish hard with juggle combos and wall splats. Remember execution is crucial for these advanced techniques.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. Master these building blocks first.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn “f,n,d,df3” (Electric) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp) for punishing and initiating offensive pressure.
Embrace the Rushdown: Don’t be afraid to get in your opponent’s face and use Devil Jin’s fast attacks to your advantage. Learn his strings and practice applying pressure effectively.
Experiment with Stances: Explore the different moves and mix-up potential of “Morning Crow.” Practice transitioning smoothly between stances to keep your opponent guessing.

A Tier: Lili de Rochefort (87.50%)

Lili Rochefort, the self-proclaimed “prodigy” and heir to a vast fortune, returns to Tekken 8 with her unique blend of graceful acrobatics and devastating attacks. While lacking formal training, her self-taught style combines elegance, versatility, and surprising power, making her a captivating and challenging opponent.

Lili’s movements are as mesmerizing as they are deadly:

Spins, cartwheels, handstands, and pirouettes weave into her attacks, adding flair and unpredictability.
Her lack of formal training fuels a unique style, reflecting her personality in graceful poses and elegant strikes.
Her long legs grant impressive reach, allowing her to control space with ranged attacks and powerful kicks.

Beneath the grace lies immense damage:

Her diverse moveset packs a punch, with counterattacks, juggles, and wall combos chipping away at opponent health.
When she knocks you down, the ground becomes dangerous territory, with her mix-ups and pressure making escape difficult.
In Heat, her moves, like Piercing Thorn, gain strength and pressure potential, while her Feisty Rabbit low becomes a powerful knockdown tool.

While graceful, Lili has areas for improvement:

Some of her popular attacks can be anticipated and punished, requiring careful mix-ups and strategic use of stances.
Many of her attacks lack homing, making her susceptible to sidestepping opponents.
Her low options can be predictable, making it challenging to open up defensive players.

To unleash Lili’s full potential, players need:

Mastering combos, counter windows, and stance transitions is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing vulnerability.
Utilizing Mirror Image and Feisty Rabbit effectively creates unpredictable mix-ups and pressure options.
Understanding spacing and movement allows her to control the pace, utilize her range, and avoid counters.

Lili’s style continues to refine:

Tekken 8’s additions, like the back-turned low punch and jumping kick, expand her mix-up potential and counter ability.
The ability to perform the hop stance twice adds offensive and evasive options, increasing her unpredictability.
Refining her strategies and utilizing new mechanics will be key to maintaining her dominance in the evolving Tekken 8 meta.

Lili’s Playstyle:

Elegant & Aggressive: Lili blends graceful movements with powerful kicks and acrobatic maneuvers. Expect a mix of high-damage combos and strategic evasion tactics.
Stance-Based Attacks: She utilizes various stances for unique attacks and mix-up potential. Mastering transitions between them is crucial for effective offense.
Wall Combos: Lili excels at utilizing walls for extended combos and juggles, maximizing damage potential.

Tips for Newcomers:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into advanced techniques, practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. This forms a solid foundation for any character.
Experiment with Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and transitions. Discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, along with her powerful launchers and wall juggle initiators. This equips you for basic combat.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Lili’s quick lows and mid-punishers to turn the tide in your favor.

As a newcomer, focus on learning a few bread-and-butter combos for different situations (punishing, wall splat, etc.). You can find beginner-friendly guides on YouTube. Learn to use Lili’s movement options (sidestep, backdash) to dodge attacks and create whiff punishes.

Don’t mash buttons. Be patient and use your attacks strategically. Focus on reading your opponent and reacting accordingly. Learn basic punishment. Practice punishing common unsafe strings with moves like df+1 or uf+4. Experiment and have fun! Tekken is a complex game, so don’t get discouraged if you lose at first. Keep practicing, experiment with different strategies, and, most importantly, enjoy the process!

A- Tier: Jun Kazama (84.38%)

Jun Kazama, the enigmatic mother and martial arts master, returns to Tekken 8 with her refined Kazama-style fighting. While favoring a defensive approach, her technical prowess, devastating ki-infused attacks, and unpredictable mix-ups make her a force to be reckoned with.

Jun’s style blends grace and power:

Precise movements and intricate combos showcase her technical skill, rewarding calculated strikes and strategic thinking.
Fluid transitions and mix-ups keep opponents guessing, creating openings for damaging follow-up attacks.
She capitalizes on opponent mistakes by utilizing counters and well-timed attacks, turning defense into offense.

Jun harnesses a unique power:

In Heat state, she imbues her strikes with ki, amplifying their damage and offering extended combos.
Utilizing ki grants powerful options but requires careful management as it inflicts chip damage on Jun.
Balancing ki usage within the Heat state is key to maximizing damage while maintaining health, adding a new layer of depth to her gameplay.

Jun’s style evolves:

Many of her Tekken Tag Tournament 2 moves return, potentially enhanced with ki integration.
Tekken 8’s mechanics might offer opportunities for new unpredictable strategies and ki-infused variations of her classic attacks.
Jun’s defensive approach and tactical use of ki need to be adapted to the evolving meta and potential new mechanics.

To unleash Jun’s full potential, players need:

Mastering combo timing, counter windows, and ki usage within the Heat state is crucial for maximizing damage and managing her unique resource.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and movement options is key to setting up her mix-ups, capitalizing on opponent mistakes, and minimizing ki-induced chip damage.
Dedicating time to mastering her technical combos, exploring ki integration, and adapting to the evolving meta will unlock her true potential in Tekken 8.

Jun’s legacy continues:

Tekken 8’s potential ki mechanics might offer new ways to interact with her style, further emphasizing strategic ki management and combo potential.
Her return might reveal her past and motivations, potentially influencing her fighting style and adding narrative depth.
Whether defending herself or others, Jun remains a captivating enigma, her technical prowess and ki-infused strikes making her a formidable guardian in the Tekken tournament.

Understanding Jun’s Playstyle:

Stance Mastery: Jun thrives on switching between three stances, “Izumo,” “Genjutsu,” and “Miyabi,” each offering distinct moves and mix-up potential. Mastering transitions and stance-specific attacks is crucial.
High Damage & Chip Punish: Jun packs a punch, but some of her moves inflict “chip damage” on herself. However, utilizing “Heat Mode” negates this and unlocks powerful options.
Mind Games & Conditioning: Jun excels at mind games. Learn to bait out opponent reactions and create openings with stance changes, throws, and mix-ups.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into stances, practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. These are the pillars of your gameplay.
Embrace the Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and transitions—experiment to understand their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Punish Wisely: Jun has effective punishments but uses them strategically. Remember, some moves inflict chip damage. Utilize “Heat Mode” to maximize your punishment potential.

Mastering the technicality, her ki integrations, refining her mix-ups are the way to use Jun in Tekken 8 effectively.

A- Tier: Kazuya Mishima/Devil Kazuya (96.88%)

Kazuya Mishima Tekken 8 Combo Move Set Devil Kazuya

Kazuya Mishima, the embodiment of power and darkness, returns to Tekken 8 with his signature Mishima-style karate and devastating punishment tools. While simple in concept, mastering his patient aggression, precise timing, and devilish transformations rewards players with crushing blows and unmatched pressure.

Kazuya’s fighting style draws from diverse elements:

Powerful single strikes inspired by Shotokan karate form the core of his offense, each hit potentially devastating.
Weaving in signature Mishima maneuvers adds aggression and unpredictability to his attack strings.
His Devil form, now accessible within Heat, unleashes demonic attacks, lasers, and the iconic Twin Pistons launcher.

Patience is Kazuya’s key strategy:

His moveset excels at punishing opponent mistakes, with the infamous Electric Wind Godfist being one of the best punishers in the series.
Mastering blocks, dodges, and sidesteps is crucial for controlling the pace and creating opportunities for his potent counters.
Utilizing stuns and applying calculated pressure can overwhelm opponents, but requires precise timing and nerves of steel.

Kazuya’s devilish side offers unique options:

In Heat state, he morphs into his devil form, gaining access to new attacks and enhanced combos.
Soaring attacks and laser beams add aerial options and unpredictable mix-ups to his ground game.
This iconic launcher, now usable in Devil form, opens up devastating combo opportunities.

While powerful, Kazuya has areas for improvement:

Most of his strikes, while damaging, are slow and punishable on block, demanding careful spacing and timing.
His core moveset can be anticipated, requiring clever mix-ups and strategic use of Devil form to keep opponents guessing.
Mastering his punishment windows and optimal combos requires dedication and practice, making him less beginner-friendly.

To unleash Kazuya’s full potential, players need:

Mastering punishes, counter windows, and Devil form transitions is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing vulnerability.
Understanding matchups, spacing, and movement options is key to creating openings, landing his powerful attacks, and avoiding counters.
Dedicating time to mastering his core gameplay and exploring his Devil form’s potential will unlock his true power in Tekken 8.

Kazuya’s story continues:

Tekken 8’s Heat mechanics might offer new ways to utilize his Devil form, potentially enhancing its strategic depth and combo potential.
Additional moves or refinements to existing ones could expand his counter-oriented style and adapt to the evolving meta.
Whether embracing or controlling his devilish power, Kazuya remains a force to be reckoned with, his calculated aggression and punishing strikes striking fear into the hearts of his opponents.

Understanding Kazuya’s Playstyle:

Punisher & Damage Dealer: Kazuya excels at punishing opponent mistakes with powerful mid-punishers and devastating juggle combos. Landing his iconic “Electric Wind God Fist” (EWGF) is key to unlocking his true potential.
Neutral Game Specialist: Kazuya thrives on spacing and mind games. Mastering movement, whiff punishes, and strategic pressure is crucial for controlling the flow of battle.
Execution-Heavy: Kazuya’s moves can be demanding to execute consistently, requiring practice and dedication. Don’t get discouraged; the rewards are worth the effort!

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into advanced techniques, practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. These form the foundation of your gameplay.
Master the EWGF: This move is Kazuya’s bread and butter. Practice its execution consistently, incorporating it into combos and punishes.
Learn Key Punishes: Familiarize yourself with Kazuya’s strong mid-punishers to capitalize on opponent mistakes. Moves like “df+1,4” and “b+1,2” are excellent starting points.
Utilize Wave Dashing: This movement mechanic allows for quick approaches and whiff punishes. Mastering it significantly improves your mobility and offensive pressure.
Embrace the Rage System: During low health, Rage unlocks powerful Rage Arts and Rage Drives. Learn to utilize them effectively for comebacks and damage bursts.

Are you ready to step into the arena and wield the power of the Devil? Then make sure to master the fundamentals, his Devil form, refine his punish game, and unleash the true potential of Kazuya Mishima in Tekken 8.

B+ Tier: Hwoarang (65.63%)

Hwoarang, the fiery Taekwondo practitioner, has his lightning-fast kicks, aggressive pressure, and unique stance transitions. While not beginner-friendly, his mastery rewards players with devastating damage and unpredictable attacks.

Hwoarang embodies the modern, self-defense oriented style of Taekwondo:

Utilizing diverse kicks with impressive range and power, he overwhelms opponents with a flurry of attacks, keeping them on their toes.
He thrives on applying constant pressure, often leading with kicks and transitioning between stances to maintain momentum.
Utilizing Flamingo, Backfist, and other stances, he creates unpredictable mix-ups and opens opportunities for devastating follow-up attacks.

While agile, Hwoarang’s strength lies elsewhere:

His kicks boast impressive damage and range, rivaling even Baek, making them his primary offensive tools.
While punches hold limited damage, they serve as fast pokes and juggle fillers, strategically enhancing his kick-focused combos.
Mastering his many stances, juggle routes, and complex movelist demands dedication and practice, rewarding skilled players.

Hwoarang players needs to play around his shortcomings:

His focus on aggression leaves him vulnerable to counters and throws, necessitating careful risk management.
Despite their power, his kicks are susceptible to counters, requiring precise timing and spacing.
As a rushdown character, lack of these attacks makes him vulnerable to specific counters, highlighting the importance of his throw game.

To unleash Hwoarang’s full potential, players need:

Mastering his stance transitions, combo timing, and counter windows is crucial for maximizing damage and minimizing his vulnerability.
Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for his devastating kicks.
Understanding spacing and utilizing movement effectively is key to landing his powerful kicks, avoiding counters, and controlling the pace of battle.

Hwoarang continues to adapt:

Tekken 8’s mechanics might offer new ways to utilize his unique Flamingo stance Rage Art, potentially enhancing its strategic depth.
Additional stance transitions or improved existing ones could expand his offensive options and unpredictability.
Hwoarang’s aggression is likely to remain central, but new mechanics might demand additional strategies to maintain his dominance.

Understanding Hwoarang’s Playstyle:

Kick-Focused Offense: Hwoarang relies heavily on powerful kicks for combos, juggles, and devastating damage. Mastering his diverse kicks and strings is key to success.
Fast & Mobile: Hwoarang’s agility allows for quick movement, evasive maneuvers, and pressure tactics. Utilize his speed to create openings and control the pace of the fight.
Stance Mastery: Hwoarang utilizes various stances that alter his moveset and offensive options. Learn how to transition between them smoothly to keep your opponent guessing.
Mix-ups & Pressure: Hwoarang excels at mix-ups, combining his diverse attacks and stances to create unpredictable offense. Mastering these mind games is key to breaking your opponent’s defenses.

Core Gameplay Tips for Newcomers:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. This builds a solid foundation for your Hwoarang skills.
Focus on Key Kicks: Learn a few essential kicks like the “Rising Dragon” (f,f,2) and the “Low Sweep” (d/b+4). These versatile tools form the core of your offense.
Practice Combos: Start with simple combos and gradually progress to more complex ones. Utilize online resources and practice tools to refine your execution.
Mind Your Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s unique moves and transitions. Practice switching stances smoothly to create unpredictable offense.
Punish Effectively: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Hwoarang’s fast and damaging punishers. This turns the tide in your favor!

Hwoarang is indeed a Taekwondo Tornado. He is a good fit for players looking to utilize his kicks, refine his stance transitions. And as we said, as a newcomer you have to be ready to embrace the complexity, refine your aggression, and master the unpredictable style of Hwoarang in Tekken 8.

B Tier: Yoshimitsu (62.50%)

Yoshimitsu, the enigmatic cyborg ninja with a penchant for the bizarre, has a arsenal of wacky attacks, unpredictable stances, and a cursed blade pulsating with dark energy. While challenging to master, his ability to confuse, disrupt, and unleash devastating damage makes him a thrilling choice for players seeking a unique and visually captivating character.

Yoshimitsu blends diverse techniques into his chaotic dance:

Wacky outfits, distracting screams, and bombastic moves create confusion, openings for devastating counters.
Exploiting unique abilities like health siphoning, self-harm, and gas attacks catches opponents off guard and disrupts their strategies.
His cursed blade, Fumaken, amplifies his power but threatens to consume him, adding another layer of unpredictable fury.

To unleash Yoshimitsu’s full potential, players need:

Mastering stance transitions, combo timing, and counter windows is crucial for maximizing damage and controlling the flow of battle.
Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for surprise attacks.
Understanding how to utilize his diverse stances, moves, and the evolving meta is key to adapting to any opponent and situation.

While powerful, Yoshimitsu has areas for improvement:

Mastering his complex stances, mix-ups, and optimal punish opportunities requires dedication and practice.
Many of his moves leave him vulnerable if their unpredictability doesn’t pay off, demanding careful risk management.
His success heavily relies on understanding opponent strategies and adapting accordingly, requiring constant learning.

Yoshimitsu’s story continues:

He grapples with his cursed blade, its dark aura a constant threat, adding a new layer of depth to his gameplay.
Tekken 8’s potential mechanics might offer new ways to utilize his stances, moves, and unpredictable style.
Whether embracing or defying the curse, Yoshimitsu remains a captivating enigma, his chaotic brilliance leaving a lasting mark on the tournament.

Understanding Yoshimitsu’s Playstyle:

Stance-Based Offense: Yoshimitsu thrives on switching between various stances, offering unique moves and mix-up opportunities. Mastering transitions between stances like “Manji” and “Dragonfly” is key to unlocking his true power.
Different Attacks: Yoshimitsu’s moveset is unconventional, featuring wacky angles, deceptive low attacks, and throws. Be prepared to surprise your opponents and think outside the box.
High Risk, High Reward: Many of Yoshimitsu’s strongest attacks are risky, leaving him vulnerable if blocked. Mastering spacing, timing, and reads is crucial for maximizing damage while minimizing punishment.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into Yoshimitsu’s intricacies. A solid foundation is essential for effective combat.
Know Your Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and practice transitioning smoothly between them. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Yoshimitsu’s fast lows and powerful mid-punishers. This turns the tide in your favor!
Embrace Deception: Utilize Yoshimitsu’s moves and stance transitions to mix up your opponent and create openings for devastating attacks.

If you want to main Yoshimitsu, you need to put effort into this Mechanized Ninja’s fighting style. You must keep learning his creative combo arsenal, refine his stance transitions, and master the unpredictability to win the rounds.

B Tier: Jin Kazama (68.75%)

Jin Kazama, the tormented heir to the Mishima bloodline, is a refined fighting style that blends traditional karate with the lingering influence of his Mishima heritage. While known for his low damage output in Tekken 7, Jin excels at stringing together devastating combos and utilizing his unique Rage Drive for explosive damage potential.

Jin draws strength from diverse martial arts:

Rooted in Kyokushin karate, Jin utilizes powerful strikes, stances, and footwork for strong fundamentals and strategic movement.
Though mostly abandoned, remnants of Mishima Style Fighting Karate flicker in his moveset, adding aggression and unpredictable mix-ups.
Subtle influences of his mother’s style remain, seen in throws and unique techniques like the Double Face Kick.

Jin excels at chaining together attacks for high damage:

Mastering his complex combos requires dedication and practice, rewarding precise execution and strategic thinking.
His Rage Drive, fueled by the Devil gene, offers high damage and potential wall carry, turning the tide of battle in an instant.
Understanding how to utilize walls and other stage elements enhances his combo potential and damage output.

Jin’s style continues to evolve:

His karate mastery receives further polish, enhancing his movement, spacing, and overall control in neutral situations.
New techniques showcase the growing influence of the Devil gene, adding even more unpredictable elements to his mix-ups.
Jin incorporates new strategies and movement options to excel in Tekken 8’s potentially revamped gameplay mechanics.

Jin still is a bit troublesome for newcomers in many ways:

Compared to other characters, his individual attacks deal less damage, necessitating longer combos and precise execution.
Mastering his complex combos and optimal punish opportunities demands dedication and practice, making him less beginner-friendly.
His focus on offense can leave him vulnerable to counters and aggressive pressure, requiring careful risk management in higher levels.

To unleash Jin’s full potential, players need:

Mastering his combo timing, counter windows, and Rage Drive utilization is crucial for maximizing damage and capitalizing on opponent mistakes.
Understanding spacing, movement options, and environmental awareness is key to setting up his combos, avoiding counters, and controlling the pace of battle.
Dedicating time to mastering his technical combos and incorporating new strategies will unlock his true potential in the evolving Tekken 8 meta.

Understanding Jin’s Playstyle:

Balanced All-Rounder: Jin excels in all ranges, offering versatile pokes, powerful mid-punishers, and devastating combo potential. He’s a jack-of-all-trades, perfect for learning the fundamentals.
Stance Mastery: While simpler than previous iterations, Jin still utilizes stances like “Crane” and “Mantis” for unique attacks and mix-up opportunities. Explore them, but don’t overload yourself initially.
Electric Wind Fist: Jin’s signature move remains a crucial tool for poking, punishing, and launching opponents. Master its variations and timing for maximum effectiveness.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before fancy combos, focus on movement, spacing, and blocking. These are the pillars of good fighting game fundamentals.
Practice Key Moves: Learn a few essential pokes like “d,f+1” and “f,f+2,” along with Jin’s powerful mid-punisher “b+1,2.” These form your offensive core.
Punish Opponents: Jin excels at punishing unsafe moves. Look for opportunities to interrupt with “b+1,2” or his launcher “f,n,d,df+3.”
Practice Combos: Start with simple two-hit combos and gradually progress to longer strings. Focus on clean execution and consistency.
Utilize the Heat System: Learn how to build heat for enhanced attacks and powerful Rage Arts. This adds another layer to your offense.

Jin Kazama remains a one of the go-to choice for new players. As you start to master him, Jin proves to be a technically demanding, combo-oriented, and rewarding character, even in higher levels. Make sure to understand his hybrid fighting style, and refine his combos hits to dominate your opponents.

B Tier: King (53.13%)

King, the enigmatic wrestler in the jaguar mask, interests many new players with his unique blend of Lucha Libre, Pro Wrestling, and submission holds. While often viewed as defensive, his strategic approach, punishing counters, and devastating chain throws make him devestating with for players seeking patient and rewarding gameplay.

King’s moveset draws from diverse wrestling styles:

Agile kicks and acrobatic maneuvers add flair and unpredictability to his attacks.
Grapples and throws showcase his strength and ability to control opponents.
Utilizing submission holds and “catch” wrestling techniques, he seeks to dominate opponents on the ground.

King excels at dictating the pace of battle:

Punishing opponents’ mistakes with powerful counters is core to his strategy, rewarding calculated aggression.
Agile dashes and sidesteps help him control spacing, avoid attacks, and set up opportunities.
Fearsome throws and chain throws threaten opponents, keeping them on their toes and creating high-damage potential.

King’s fighting style goes deeper than meets the eye:

His infamous chain throws offer multiple options, forcing opponents to guess and react quickly to break them.
Mastering his counter-hit windows and optimal punishes is crucial for maximizing damage and capitalizing on opponent mistakes.
Like professional wrestlers, King adapts his techniques, incorporating new strategies and surprising opponents with his versatility.

While powerful, King has areas for improvement:

Compared to other characters, his attacks reach shorter distances, demanding careful spacing and movement.
Aggressive tactics can leave him vulnerable to counters, necessitating calculated risks and precise timing.
Mastering his chain throws, counters, and optimal punishes requires dedication and practice, making him less beginner-friendly.

To unleash King’s full potential, players need:

Mastering his counter windows, throw setups, and optimal counter-hit opportunities is crucial for maximizing damage and controlling the pace of battle.
Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for his devastating throws and counters.
Understanding spacing and utilizing movement effectively is key to minimizing vulnerability, setting up throws, and controlling the battlefield.

Understanding King’s Playstyle:

Grappler Specialist: King excels at throws and grapples, utilizing his jaguar mask and chain to control opponents and rack up damage. Master these mechanics to dominate the close range.
Command Throws: Unique to King, these throws bypass guard if timed correctly, adding an extra layer of mind games and mix-ups to your offense.
Heat System: Manage your Heat Gauge to activate powerful Heat Actions and throws, turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into throws, practice movement, spacing, and blocking. A solid foundation is crucial for effective grappling.
Embrace the Throws: Learn key throws like db+f (Irish Throw) and ff+1+4 (Mexican Knee Drop). Experiment with throws from different stances and mix them up to keep your opponent guessing.
Master Command Throws: Practice timing throws like f+f+1+2 (King’s Chain”) and uf+3+4 (Tombstone Piledriver) to catch opponents off guard and score big damage.
Utilize Heat System: Learn Heat Actions like f+n,d,df2 (Jaguar Somersault) and b+1+4 (Jaguar Driver) to punish and extend combos. Manage your Heat Gauge wisely to maximize its impact.

When King step into the ring and don the jaguar mask, you are looking at a technically demanding, strategically deep, and highly rewarding character with grappling prowess that will challenge even the most aggrasive oponents. Make to to practice and learn all about his wrestling style, refine his chain throws, and you can easily win matches.

B- Tier: Sergei Dragunov (71.88%)

Sergei Dragunov, the stoic master of Commando Sambo, excels in pressuring opponents and turning defense into devastating offense with his powerful strikes, strategic throws, and deceptive mix-ups. Dragunov utilizes a brutal blend of martial arts:

His modified Sambo style incorporates throws, submissions, punches, and kicks, creating a versatile and unpredictable arsenal.
His attacks pack a punch, capable of bone-breaking blows and high damage potential.
He seamlessly integrates throws and grappling techniques, keeping opponents guessing and creating openings for follow-up attacks.

Dragunov is really good at controlling the pace of battle:

Powerful high and low attacks keep opponents on their toes, forcing them to respect every move and react quickly.
His unique ability to counter while crouching adds another layer to his defense, turning potential blocks into devastating counter-attacks.
Utilizing throws, feints, and mix-ups, he keeps opponents guessing, creating windows for surprise attacks and maintaining constant pressure.

Dragunov’s skill goes beyond raw power:

Moves like the “eye gouge to stingray” showcase his ability to mix up attacks, catching opponents off guard and adapting to their strategies.
His “Clipping Sweep” and “Slide” transform on counter-hit, dealing massive damage and turning the tide of battle in an instant.
He continues to adapt and evolve his techniques, incorporating new strategies and surprising opponents with his unpredictable style.

While playing Dragunov, newcomers has to focus on many areas:

Mastering his throws, counters, and mix-ups requires dedication and practice, making him less beginner-friendly.
Success heavily relies on reading opponent habits and reacting accordingly, demanding focus and quick thinking.
Compared to other characters, his movement can be slower, requiring strategic positioning and spacing to maximize his strengths.

To successfully master Dragunov, players will have to:

Mastering his counter windows, throw setups, and optimal counter-hit opportunities is crucial for maximizing damage and controlling the pace of battle.
Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for his devastating counters and throws.
Understanding spacing and utilizing movement effectively is key to minimizing vulnerability, setting up powerful attacks, and controlling the fight.

Understanding Dragunov’s Playstyle:

Long-Range Punisher: Dragunov excels at punishing whiffed opponent attacks with his long reach and powerful mid-punishers. Timing these effectively becomes crucial for turning the tide of battle.
Pressure Master: His relentless attacks and throws create constant pressure, forcing opponents to stay on their toes and make mistakes. Learning his diverse throw options and mix-ups is key.
High Damage Output: Land a clean hit, and Dragunov can punish hard with juggle combos and devastating launchers. However, these often come with higher risk compared to other characters.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. Mastering these solidifies your combat foundation.
Embrace the Whiff Punishes: Learn the range and timing of Dragunov’s key mid-punishers like “f,n,d,df+3” (electric kick) and “b+1+3” (parry reversal stomp). Punishing whiffs is core to his strategy.
Know Your Throws: Don’t underestimate the power of throws! Master throws like “1+3” (shoulder throw) and “b+1+4” (superman throw) to condition opponents and open up combo opportunities.
Practice Combos: Start with simple 2-3 hit combos and gradually progress to more complex juggles. Experiment and find combos that suit your playstyle.
Utilize His Reach: Leverage Dragunov’s long limbs to control the space and poke at opponents from a safe distance. Utilize moves like “f,f+1” (long jab) and “d/f+4” (mid kick) to your advantage.

Sergei Dragunov suits players looking for a powerful, strategic character using the Sambo style.

B- Tier: Steve Fox (40.63%)

Steve Fox, the middleweight boxing champion with a unique flair, throws down his gloves (and elbows) in Tekken 8, ready to pummel opponents with his unique blend of boxing, illegal strikes, and unparalleled dodging prowess. He may not have fancy kicks, but his lightning-fast punches, devastating combos, and mind-bending evasiveness make him a force to be reckoned with.

Steve excels at overwhelming opponents with a flurry of strikes:

Perfectly timed 3+4 inputs allow Steve to dodge attacks, leaving opponents frustrated and vulnerable effortlessly.
While incredibly effective, overreliance on this tactic leaves him open to counters and potentially game-changing punishments.
Learning the timing and strategic use of his evasive maneuvers is crucial for maximizing his defense and turning the tide of battle.

Steve has evolved from his origins:

Originally resembling boxers like Paul Phoenix, Steve has carved his own space through years of refinement and experience.
His bobbing, weaving, and footwork create a captivating spectacle, adding another layer to his strategic depth.
Steve continues pushing his style’s boundaries, incorporating new tactics and surprising opponents with his special approach.

Steve has a few cons for newcomers:

Overconfidence in his dodges can leave him open to devastating counter-attacks, requiring careful risk management.
His attacks generally cover shorter distances than other characters, demanding strategic movement and spacing.
Mastering his complex combos, evasive maneuvers, and optimal counter-hits requires dedication and practice.

To truly master Steve’s abilities, players need:

Mastering his punches, counters, and evasive maneuvers is crucial for maximizing damage, avoiding counters, and capitalizing on counter-hit opportunities.
Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for his devastating combos.
Understanding his attack ranges and utilizing movement effectively is key to avoiding counters, setting up punches, and controlling the pace of battle.

Understanding Steve’s Style:

Boxer’s Prowess: Steve excels at close-range pressure with powerful punches, devastating combos, and effective counter-hits. Mastering his spacing and timing is crucial.
Dynamic Stances: Utilize “Peeking” and “Ducking” stances to mix up attacks, create whiffs, and launch into unique combos, adding depth to your offense.
Wall Pressure & Juggles: Cornered opponents fear Steve’s wall game. Learn combos that lock them down, rack up damage, and end in powerful juggles.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Movement Basics: Practice movement, spacing, and blocking before diving deep. Understand when to approach, attack, and defend effectively.
Master the Jab: Steve’s jab is fast, punishable, and sets up many attacks. Learn its range and combos, and use it to initiate pressure and interrupt opponents.
Punish Wisely: Steve has devastating counter-hits. Learn to punish unsafe moves with powerful combos that punish and discourage aggression.
Stance Awareness: Transition smoothly between stances for surprising attacks and whiff punishments. Practice basic combos from each stance for versatility.
Practice Wall Combos: Cornered opponents are Steve’s prey. Learn basic wall combos to maximize damage and end rounds early.

Steve Fox rewards players looking for a technically demanding, visually unique, and highly rewarding character. Make sure to keep practicing his spacing and refine his evasive maneuvers.

C+ Tier: Lee Chaolan (46.88%)

Lee Chaolan is an enigmatic and stylish fighter with a hybrid “Martial Arts” style, blending Jeet Kune Do flair, diverse strikes, and strategic movement to dominate his opponents. His ability to poke, pressure, and unleash devastating combos makes him a thrilling choice for players seeking a flashy and rewarding character.

Lee excels at combining diverse techniques for unpredictable attacks:

Rooted in Jeet Kune Do’s philosophy of adaptability, Lee utilizes fast strikes, counters, and evasive maneuvers to keep opponents guessing.
Taekwondo kicks, boxing punches, and even savate sweeps enhance his arsenal, creating a unique and visually stunning fighting style.
Lee keeps opponents on their toes, seemingly transitioning between stances and attacks, creating openings for devastating combos.

Lee’s core strength lies in his pressure and mind games:

A barrage of quick, often unseen attacks pressures opponents and creates opportunities for follow-up strikes.
Powerful moves disguised as pokes can launch unsuspecting opponents, setting the stage for juggle combos and high damage.
This evasive stance baits out opponent attacks, allowing for devastating counters and turning the tide of battle.

Lee’s fighting style has transformed:

Originally mirroring Marshall Law, Lee has carved his identity through years of refinement and experience.
His diverse attacks and dynamic movement create a visually captivating spectacle, adding another layer to his strategic depth.
Lee continues to adapt and incorporate new techniques, ensuring his style remains fresh and unpredictable.

Lee players have some obstacles to overcome:

His offensive focus can leave him vulnerable to counters if his aggression isn’t carefully managed.
Success heavily relies on reading opponent habits and reacting accordingly, demanding focus and quick thinking.
Mastering his stance transitions, optimal combos, and counter-hit opportunities requires dedication and practice.

To unleash Lee’s full potential, players need:

Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for his devastating combos.
Mastering his pokes, counters, and stance transitions is crucial for maximizing pressure, baiting out opponents, and capitalizing on counter-hit opportunities.
Understanding spacing and utilizing movement effectively is key to avoiding counters, setting up pokes, and controlling the pace of battle.

Understanding Lee’s Playstyle:

Martial Arts Prowess: Lee’s strength lies in his precise kicks and devastating combos. Stringing together quick attacks and powerful launchers is key to dominating the match.
Counterhit Specialist: Lee excels at punishing opponent mistakes. Mastering his counter-hit moves like “Mist Launcher” and “Rising Dragon” can turn the tide in your favor.
Footwork Finesse: Lee’s movement is agile and unpredictable. Utilizing sidesteps, backdashes, and stances creates mind games and opens offensive opportunities.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. Mastering these solidifies your combat foundation.
Learn Key Moves: Focus on essential moves like “Mist Launcher,” “Rising Dragon,” and “Blossom Sweep.” These versatile tools will serve you well in various situations.
Practice Punishes: Punishing common opponent attacks with Lee’s quick lows and counter-hit moves is crucial. Learn optimal punishment combos to maximize damage.
Utilize Stances: Explore Lee’s stances like “Dragonfly” and “Mantis” to mix up your attacks, create pressure, and access unique moves.
Condition Your Opponent: Use Lee’s movement, spacing, and whiff punishes to make your opponent hesitate. This opens windows for launching into devastating combos.

Lee Chaolan remains a captivating choice with his hybrid style of playing mind games on opponents. He is a complex, visually stunning, and rewarding character if you are willing to put effort into him.

C Tier: Lars Alexandersson (34.38%)

Lars Alexandersson, the former Tekken Force soldier turned rebel leader, is back with his unique “Tekken Forces Martial Arts” style, blending flashy kicks and dynamic movement with powerful attacks for an aggressive and versatile offense.

Lars excels at overwhelming opponents with a mix of speed, power, and unpredictable tactics:

His lightning-fast attacks overwhelm opponents, keeping them on their toes and creating openings for devastating combos.
Powerful moves easily launch opponents into the air, setting the stage for juggle combos and high damage potential.
Shifting between “Dynamic Entry” and “Silent Entry” stances grants access to unique attacks, wall carries opportunities, and unpredictable mix-ups.

Lars’ fighting style draws inspiration from various sources:

Elements of this martial art shine through in his flashy kicks, throws, and swift movements, adding a visual flair to his attacks.
His training leaves its mark in powerful strikes honed for combat effectiveness, blended with strategic maneuvers.
Despite its origins, Lars’ style remains unique, constantly evolving as he adapts and refines his fighting techniques.

Lars may be a bit confusing for newcomers to the series:

His attacks generally cover shorter distances than other characters, demanding strategic movement and spacing.
His primarily forward-moving attacks can be predictable for experienced players, necessitating well-timed mix-ups and evasive maneuvers.
While his offense is strong, his defense requires careful management and awareness of opponent strategies.

To unleash Lars’ full potential, players need:

Practicing and perfecting juggle combos is crucial for maximizing damage and capitalizing on launch opportunities.
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each stance and transitioning seamlessly between them creates unpredictable attacks and strategic advantages.
Utilizing movement effectively to control space, bait out opponent reactions, and punish punishable moves is key to overcoming his range limitations.

Understanding Lars’ Playstyle:

Stance Mastery: Lars thrives on transitioning between his three main stances: Dynamic Entry (DE), Silent, and Orbiter. Each offers unique moves and mix-up potential. Mastering these transitions is key to effective offense.
Aggressive Pressure: Lars applies constant pressure with mid-attacks and throws. Learning his launchers and juggle combos will help him capitalize on openings and rack up damage.
Electric Punches: Lars’ unique electric attacks offer additional reach and mix-up potential. Understanding their properties and frame data is crucial for strategic use.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement (walking, dashing, sidestepping), blocking, and punishment before diving into advanced techniques.
Embrace the Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and practice transitioning between them smoothly.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like DE f,n,d,df3 (electric kick), Silent b,1+3 (parry reversal stomp), and Orbiter u/f+3 (orbital heel). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Lars’ quick lows and powerful mid-punishers like DE b+2, Silent df+1, 2, and Orbiter df+4, 3. This turns the tide in your favor!

Lars remains popular for players seeking a fast-paced, aggressive, and visually appealing character.

C Tier: Nina Williams (37.50%)

The lethal assassin and fan favorite, Nina Williams, is back in Tekken 8 deadlier than ever, blending her deadly Aikido & Koppojutsu with new pistol techniques for a unique and unpredictable fighting style. Her speed, chain throws, and elaborate combos remain her trademarks while adding firearms adds a new layer of strategic depth and potential chip damage.

Nina excels at blending martial arts prowess with tactical weaponry:

Her Aikido and Koppojutsu techniques remain devastating, utilizing throws, joint locks, and powerful strikes to control and eliminate opponents.
Dual pistols add a new dimension to her attacks, offering chip damage, surprise options, and potentially setting up deadly combos.
Seamlessly flowing between martial arts and firearms, Nina keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for devastating mix-ups.

Nina’s core strength lies in her agility and tactical options:

One of the fastest characters in the game, she overwhelms opponents with quick strikes, evasive maneuvers, and relentless pressure.
Her renowned chain throws remain a threat, demanding precision but offering high damage and combo potential.
Stringing together throws, strikes, and pistol shots, Nina’s combos are visually stunning and incredibly damaging.

While powerful, Nina has certain challenges:

Mastering her chain throws, transitions, and optimal combos requires dedication and practice, making her less beginner-friendly.
Success heavily relies on reading opponent habits and reacting accordingly, demanding quick thinking and adaptation.
Some of her faster attacks leave her open to counters, necessitating careful spacing and strategic aggression.

To unleash Nina’s full potential, players need:

Utilizing feints, mix-ups, and unpredictable strategies keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for her deadly combos.
Mastering her throws, transitions, and counter-hit opportunities is crucial for maximizing damage and controlling the pace of battle.
Understanding Nina’s attack ranges and utilizing movement effectively is key to minimizing vulnerability and setting up powerful attacks.

Understanding Nina’s Playstyle:

Aggressive Mix-Ups: Nina presses opponents with fast attacks and tricky stance transitions. Mastering strings and mix-ups is key to opening up your foe for punishing blows.
Deadly Counter Hits: Nina thrives on landing counter hits, which launch opponents for devastating juggle combos. Learning her frame data and practicing precise timing is crucial.
Wall Carry & Damage: Once you land a hit, Nina shines at carrying opponents across the arena for high-damage combos. Understanding wall splat mechanics is essential.
Mid-Range Dominance: While not a pure zoner, Nina controls the space well with her long-reaching mid-attacks and pokes. Learning her spacing and range is key.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Master the Stances: Nina has multiple stances, offering unique moves and mix-up potential. Practice transitioning smoothly between them to keep your opponent guessing.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Nina’s quick lows and powerful mid-punishers. This turns the tide in your favor!
Wall Carry Combos: Practice basic wall carry combos to maximize damage after landing a hit—experiment and find what works for you.
Utilize Throws: Don’t forget throws! They add another layer of mix-up and can create opportunities for follow-up attacks.

We’ll likely see even more innovative ways to utilize her dual pistols, refine her chain throws, and solidify her place as a legend of the Tekken tournament as players delve deeper into her strategies and the evolving meta. Even without any potential refinements for her in the near future, Nina Williams remains a captivating choice for players seeking a technical, fast-paced, and rewarding character.

C Tier: Jack-8 (50%)

The imposing Jack series returns to Tekken 8 with Jack-8, a walking arsenal of brute force ready to crush opponents with devastating blows and long-range punishment. While lacking the agility of other fighters, Jack-8 compensates with raw power and strategic mix-ups and throws that strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned fighters.

Jack-8 embodies the archetype of a slow, powerful fighter:

Jack-8’s attacks land with devastating impact, dealing serious damage with each well-placed strike. Punishes feel particularly brutal, often ending matches in a few well-timed blows.
Boasting incredible reach, Jack-8 controls the battlefield from afar, punishing whiffs and overconfident approaches with surprising ease. Extended arm techniques further enhance this advantage.
Jack-8 carries the legacy of powerful throws, boasting some of the most damaging and fearsome throws in the entire roster.

Despite his raw power, Jack-8 has a few limitations:

Slow movement and lack of evasive options make him vulnerable to quick opponents, requiring calculated aggression and strategic positioning.
With a smaller moveset, Jack-8 relies on mix-ups and timing to keep opponents guessing, demanding strong fundamentals and mind games.
His slower attacks become riskier at close range, necessitating careful spacing and throws to maintain control.

To unleash Jack-8’s full potential, players need:

Mastering counter-hit opportunities and capitalizing on whiffed attacks is key to maximizing damage and turning the tide of battle.
Combining throws, lows, and mids with strategic feints and timing keeps opponents guessing and opens windows for devastating combos.
Understanding his attack ranges and utilizing movement effectively is crucial for maximizing reach, avoiding close-range danger, and creating opportunities for powerful punishments.

Understanding Jack-8’s Playstyle:

Grappling Prowess: Jack-8 excels at close-range combat, utilizing throws, command grabs, and powerful punches to dominate opponents. Mastering throws and spacing is key to his success.
Mid-Range Powerhouse: Don’t underestimate his long-range attacks like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp). These moves keep opponents guessing and offer valuable poke options.
High Damage Output: Land a clean hit, and Jack-8 can punish hard with high-damage combos and launchers. However, these moves are slower and riskier, so use them strategically.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Practice fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced techniques. Knowing these builds a solid foundation.
Master Throws: Throws are Jack-8’s bread and butter. Learn their properties (damage, break throws, etc.) and practice incorporating them into your combos and mix-ups.
Focus on Key Moves: Familiarize yourself with some essential moves like “f,f,2” (shoulder barge), “db+1,4” (Power Driver), and “uf+2,1” (Overkill). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Condition Your Opponent: Use Jack-8’s diverse stance options (“Machine Gun” and “Hammer”) to mix up your attacks and keep your opponent guessing. This creates opportunities for throws and powerful follow-ups.
Punish Effectively: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Jack-8’s quick lows and powerful mid-punishers. Turning the tables in your favor is crucial!

Players seeking a unique blend of raw power, long-range dominance, and fearsome throws should look towards Jack-8. If you are starting to learn him, use videos on YouTube to find ways to utilize his strengths, overcome his weaknesses, and become the robotic terror Kazuya Mishima intended.

C- Tier: Raven (43.75%)

The enigmatic Raven cloaked in mystery and armed with his unique brand of Ninjutsu, is back to manipulate the battlefield and outwit his opponents. While challenging to master, his mastery of reversals, parries, and shadow play offers a rewarding experience for players seeking strategic depth and mind games.

Raven excels at controlling the pace of battle and dictating his opponent’s moves:

His renowned backflip and various “Just Frame” reversals punish even the most well-timed attacks, instantly turning the tables.
Precisely timed parries nullify attacks and open up devastating counter-attacks, keeping opponents wary and respecting his defense.
Using backflips, evasive maneuvers, and long-range pokes, Raven can control the match’s pace, frustrating his opponents and waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Tekken 8 introduces new tools to Raven’s arsenal:

Inspired by his “Alter Ego” move, Raven commands multiple shadow clones, adding an unpredictable element to his attacks and further confusing his opponents.
New moves are designed to blur the lines between reality and illusion, creating openings for surprise attacks and mind games.

Raven has specific hurdles to overcome:

Mastering his precise reversals, parries, and shadow clone tactics requires dedication and practice, making him a demanding character for newcomers.
Many offensive options leave him vulnerable if blocked, necessitating careful timing and strategic risk-taking.
His attacks generally cover shorter distances than other characters, demanding strategic movement and spacing.

To truly control the shadows and utilize Raven’s potential, players need:

Playing mind games with opponents through feints, illusions, and unpredictable tactics is essential for maximizing Raven’s unique deception-based approach.
Understanding spacing and utilizing evasive maneuvers effectively is key to avoiding his vulnerability on the block and setting up surprise attacks.
Mastering the timing for reversals, parries, and shadow clone techniques is crucial for maximizing his defensive prowess and creating counter-offensive opportunities.

Raven’s Playstyle:

Tricky Mix-Ups: Raven manipulates the opponent with deceptive stances and fast, low attacks. Master these mix-ups to keep your foes guessing and vulnerable.
Deadly Punisher: Raven boasts powerful counter-hit moves, punishing any miscalculated aggression from your opponent. Learn to identify punishment opportunities and unleash devastating combos.
Space Control & Movement: Raven’s movement is agile and unpredictable, utilizing backdashes, sidesteps, and evasive maneuvers to create space and control the flow of battle.

Essential Tips for Newcomers:

Embrace the Stances: Familiarize yourself with Raven’s unique stances, “Manji” and “Mirage,” and their distinct movesets. Learn to transition seamlessly between them to surprise and outmaneuver your opponent.
Focus on Key Moves: Start with mastering a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) in Manji and “b,1+3” (parry reversal stomp) in Mirage. These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Raven’s quick lows and powerful mid-punishers. This turns the tide in your favor and creates openings for further offense.
Master Backturn: One of Raven’s trademark tools, backturn offers unique attack options and mix-up potential. Learn to enter and exit backturn effectively to unleash its full potential.

Raven remains a captivating choice for players seeking a complex and rewarding character. With Tekken 8’s new mechanics and refinements, he is good at manipulating the opponents, testing the reflexes, and outsmarting most fighters. New players should try Raven if they love being a Ninja in a fighting game. Within Tekken 8, pro-players experiment with even more innovative ways to utilize their shadow clones, refine their deception tactics, and solidify their place as masters of mind games.

C- Tier: Feng Wei (31.25%)

The ruthless and powerful Feng Wei returns to Tekken 8, channeling the power of the God Fist Style and his relentless pursuit of power to dominate the competition. His aggressive tactics, devastating low attacks, and potent pokes make him a fearsome opponent at any skill level.

Feng Wei’s core strength lies in his raw power and relentless pressure:

Boasting some of the game’s fastest and safest low attacks, like “Piercing Arrow,” he forces opponents to crouch constantly, creating openings for punishing highs and launching combos.
His “Stunning Palm” and “WS+1” excel at controlling space and interrupting opponent attacks, further solidifying his offensive dominance.
Powerful spinning attacks like “Dragon Tail” and “God’s Hammer” unleash devastating damage, keeping opponents on the defensive and fearing the next blow.

Feng Wei’s fighting style draws inspiration from Hung Gar:

Palm strikes like “Heavenly Smite” emphasize the style’s close-range power, while kicks like “Double Kick” add unpredictable variations to his attacks.
His movements incorporate surprising dodges and feints, making him difficult to read and counter, further enhancing his aggressive approach.

Despite his strength, Feng Wei has areas for improvement:

He lacks strong options to counter high attacks, requiring careful timing and spacing to avoid getting juggled.
His primarily forward-moving attacks can be predictable for experienced players, demanding strategic mix-ups and mind games.

To unleash Feng Wei’s full potential, players need:

Understanding his low attacks’ range, speed, and frame data is crucial for applying constant pressure and creating combo opportunities.
Utilizing movement effectively to control space, bait out opponent reactions, and punish punishable moves is key to maximizing his offensive potential.
Combining aggressive lows with well-timed highs, throws, and evasive maneuvers keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for devastating combos.

Feng’s Playstyle:

Aggressive Rushdown: Feng presses opponents with quick strikes and powerful strings. Utilize his long reach and fast attacks to control the fight’s pace.
Stance Mastery: Feng has two stances, Dragon and Tiger, each with unique moves and strategies. Mastering transitions between them is key to unlocking his full potential.
High Damage Combos: Feng’s combos boast impressive damage but require precise timing and execution. Start with simpler combos and gradually increase complexity as you progress.

Newcomer Tips:

Embrace the Basics: Before diving into stances, focus on fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. These are the cornerstones of strong Tekken play.
Start with Dragon Stance: This stance offers easier moves and is ideal for learning Feng’s fundamentals. Practice moves like “d/f+1,2” and “f,n,d,df+3” (electric kick).
Explore Tiger Stance Gradually: This stance offers advanced mix-ups but requires deeper understanding. Begin with safer moves like “b+1+3” (parry reversal stomp) and practice transitioning between stances smoothly.
Punish Opponents: Learn Feng’s quick lows and mid-punishers to capitalize on opponent mistakes. This turns the tide in your favor!
Practice, Practice, Practice: Patience and dedication are key to mastering Feng. Hone your skills through practice mode, online matches, and character guides.

Feng Wei remains popular for players seeking a powerful and aggressive character to channel the Dragon God’s fury.

C- Tier: Bryan Fury (59.38%)

Bryan Fury, the zombie cyborg, the embodiment of rage and punishment, stomps back into Tekken 8, unleashing his kickboxing and devastating combos. His brutal blend of power, counter hits, and pressure tactics make him a terrifying opponent for newcomers.

Bryan’s core strength lies in his aggressive approach:

His moves punish even the slightest misplays, racking up massive damage with counter hits and keeping opponents constantly wary.
A barrage of quick attacks and strategic spacing forces opponents to respect his range and creates openings for devastating combos.
His long, cybernetic limbs extend his effective range unexpectedly, catching opponents off guard with lunging kicks and surprise attacks.

While rooted in kickboxing, Bryan’s style incorporates brutal twists:

His signature “Fisherman’s Slam” exemplifies his sadistic tendencies, adding a unique and unsettling element to his moveset.
Bryan’s attacks exhibit diverse origins and unpredictable variations by blending kickboxing with powerful karate strikes.

Despite his power, Bryan has exploitable weaknesses:

Many of his offensive options leave him vulnerable to counters, requiring precise timing and calculated risks.
His attacks generally cover shorter distances than other characters, demanding strategic movement and spacing.

To control Bryan’s fury and become a master of punishment, players need:

Understanding frame data and mastering counter-hit opportunities are crucial for maximizing damage and turning the tables on opponents.
Balancing aggressive attacks with calculated risks and evasive maneuvers is key to maintaining offensive momentum while avoiding unnecessary vulnerability.
Utilizing Bryan’s unique reach and strategic movement allows him to control the pace of battle and exploit opponent mispositioning.

Understanding Bryan’s Strengths:

High Damage: Bryan packs a punch! Land clean hits, and you’ll rack up impressive damage through juggle combos and powerful launchers.
Counter-Hit Master: Bryan thrives on punishing opponents’ mistakes. His moves boast excellent counter-hit properties, turning the tables in your favor.
Mix-up Mayhem: Keep your opponent guessing with Bryan’s diverse stances and strings. Utilize throws, lows, and mids to create mind-games and open up opportunities.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Master the Basics: Before diving deep, prioritize fundamental movement, spacing, and blocking. These are the pillars of any solid Tekken player.
Start with Key Moves: Learn a few essential tools from each stance, like “df1,2” (Mach Punch string) and “b+1+4” (Taunt Launcher). These versatile moves will serve you well.
Punish Like a Pro: Practice punishing common moves with Bryan’s fast lows and powerful mid-punishers. Turning defense into offense is key to his success.
Utilize Stances: Don’t just stand still! The transition between Bryan’s “Mantis” and “Crane” stances to mix up your attacks, keep opponents guessing, and create frame advantage.
Embrace Counter-Hits: Don’t be afraid to trade blows! Bryan excels at punishing with counter-hits, so time your attacks wisely and reap the rewards.

Bryan Fury remains a fan favorite, offering a thrilling blend of aggressive pressure and brutal counter hits, and he looks like he is always ready to unleash the cybernetic zombie rage.

D+ Tier: Alisa Bosconovitch (28.13%)

Alisa Bosconovitch Tekken 8 Combo Move Set

Alisa Bosconovitch, the enigmatic android with hidden depths, to redefine “destructive potential.” Her unique blend of powerful blows, fast pokes, and dynamic movement options offers a thrilling experience for players seeking an aggressive and versatile character.

Alisa excels at overwhelming opponents with a mix of brute force and strategic pressure:

Her attacks, especially her “chainsaw” moves, pack a serious punch, punishing opponents who underestimate her robotic might.
Quick jabs and kicks maintain constant pressure, keeping opponents on their toes and creating openings for devastating combos.
Her low options provide excellent mix-up potential, forcing opponents to respect her ground game.

Alisa’s unique mobility adds another layer to her strategy:

Long-range attacks like “Rocket Punch” surprise distant opponents, while butterfly wings grant her brief flight for evasive maneuvers and surprise attacks.
Pairing specific moves with the “Reboot” command unlocks devastating attacks that knock down and launch opponents, but these require careful timing and can be sidestepped.

Her “High Mobility Combat” style blends robotic efficiency with surprising grace:

Alisa’s movements flow in a dance-like manner, transitioning seamlessly between attacks and creating unpredictable mix-ups.
Unleashing her “Destroy Form” equips her with deadly chainsaws, adding a unique and aggressive dimension to her arsenal.

While powerful, Alisa has areas for improvement:

Many of her powerful “Reboot” attacks can be easily countered by sidestepping, requiring careful positioning and mix-ups.
Some of her moves, like “Bull Shoot,” require precise button inputs and timing, adding a slight barrier to entry.

To unleash Alisa’s full potential, players need:

Combining fast pokes, devastating lows, and powerful “Reboot” attacks with strategic movement keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for combos.
Understanding her attack ranges and utilizing her movement options effectively is crucial to maximizing her pressure and avoiding vulnerability.
Practicing and mastering certain moves like “Bull Shoot” unlocks advanced mix-up potential and increases Alisa’s overall effectiveness.

Understanding Alisa’s Playstyle:

Mid-Range Prowess: Alisa excels at controlling the fight from mid-range with her long limbs and sweeping attacks. Think pokes, jabs, and powerful mid-punishers.
Deceptive Lows: Her infamous low attacks like “d/f+1,2” and “b+4” catch opponents off guard. Mastering these lows is key to pressuring opponents and opening them up for combos.
Wall Pressure & Juggles: Alisa shines when she corners opponents. Utilize her wall splatting moves like “f,n,d,df3+4” to set up juggle combos and maximize damage.
Gadget Mastery: Utilize her drone partner, Phi, strategically. Phi’s attacks extend Alisa’s reach and offer unique mix-up potential. Learn Phi’s moves and integrate them into your combos.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into advanced tactics, practice movement, spacing, blocking, and punishing. These fundamentals are crucial for any character.
Embrace the Lows: Don’t be afraid to mix your high attacks with Alisa’s deceptive lows. Learn the timing and range of each low to create effective pressure.
Wall Carry Strategies: Practice your wall carry combos to maximize damage when you corner your opponent. Utilize Phi’s attacks for even more wall-splatting opportunities.
Punish Wisely: Learn to punish common opponent attacks with Alisa’s quick mid-punishers and powerful launchers. This turns the tide in your favor!
Experiment with Phi: Explore different ways to use Phi’s moves offensively and defensively—practice integrating Phi into your combos for extra mind games.

Alisa, Destroying Automaton, remains a captivating choice for players seeking a unique blend of aggressive offense, surprising high mobility, and a dance-like fighting style.

D+ Tier: Claudio Serafino (56.25%)

Claudio Serafino Tekken 8 Combo Move Set

Claudio Serafino, the exorcist wielding the power of Sirius, returns to purify the competition with his flamboyant martial arts and mystical prowess. His “Sirius-Style Purification Sorcery” blends powerful strikes with strategic Starburst mechanics, offering a rewarding experience for players seeking both offense and defense.

Claudio excels in mid-range combat, utilizing various tools to pressure opponents and dominate the battlefield:

His fast and safe moves excel at punishing overextended attacks, keeping opponents wary, and respecting his range.
Landing specific moves activates Starburst, granting access to powerful attacks that deal high damage and create unique mix-up opportunities.
His moves possess good tracking abilities, making it difficult for opponents to escape his pressure and counter-attacks.

While aggressive, Claudio boasts defensive tools to withstand the onslaught:

His signature hopkick boasts excellent range and ducks under many highs, offering evasive options and combo starters.
His effective sidestep game allows him to dodge attacks and reposition himself for strategic counters.
A mid-crushing move absorbs high attacks, further bolstering his defensive options.

Despite his strengths, Claudio has a few cons opponent players can use to counter him:

Although decent, his low attacks have drawbacks, such as slowness or lack of frame advantage, requiring careful usage.
Throws and wall splat setups offer limited damage and strategic potential compared to other characters.
With a smaller movelist, creative play, and strategic mix-ups are crucial to avoid predictability.

To unleash Claudio’s full potential, players need:

Creative Gameplay: Overcoming his limited moveset requires creative mix-ups, feints, and utilizing spacing to keep opponents guessing.
Strategically utilizing Starburst for powerful attacks and mix-ups while remembering its limited duration is crucial for maximizing its impact.
Understanding his optimal range and utilizing his movement and tracking effectively is key to maximizing his offensive pressure and evasive maneuvers.

Understanding Claudio’s Playstyle:

Stance-Based Offense: Claudio’s core revolves around switching between “Human” and “Beast” stances, offering distinct movesets and strategic opportunities. Mastering transitions and stance-specific attacks is crucial.
High Damage Potential: Claudio boasts powerful combos and juggles, especially when effectively leveraging his stances and Heat mode. However, some moves carry higher risk.
Mid-Range Control: Claudio excels at controlling the space between him and his opponent with pokes and long-range attacks. This approach allows him to dictate the pace of the battle.
Mix-ups & Mind Games: Conditioning your opponent through stance changes, throws, and deceptive moves is key to opening them up for devastating blows.

Core Gameplay Tips for Newcomers:

Start with the Basics: Before diving into intricate stances, solidify your foundation with movement, spacing, and blocking fundamentals. Master these first!
Embrace the Stances: Familiarize yourself with each stance’s moveset and practice transitioning between them smoothly. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Moves: Learn a few essential moves from each stance, like “f,n,d,df3” (electric kick) in Human and “b+1+3” (parry reversal stomp) in Beast. These versatile tools will serve you well.
Practice Punishes: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Claudio’s quick lows and powerful mid-punishers. This turns the tide in your favor!
Utilize Heat Mode: Claudio’s Heat mode enhances his moves and opens unique combo opportunities. Learn its activation requirements and experiment with incorporating it into your gameplay.

Claudio remains a unique and powerful character, offering a blend of offensive pressure, strategic Starburst mechanics, defensive options and the ability to channel the purifying power of Sirius.

D+ Tier: Shaheen (18.75%)

Shaheen, the agile and cunning warrior, is here with his precise strikes and acrobatic maneuvers. Boasting a mix of oppressive pokes, powerful combos, and strategic movement options, Shaheen offers a rewarding experience for newcomers and veterans alike.

Shaheen’s core gameplay revolves around his diverse offensive tools:

He applies constant pressure with quick, long-range pokes and devastating counter-hit moves, punishing overconfident opponents.
High Combo Damage: Whether on walls or open stages, Shaheen’s combos rack up impressive damage, rewarding precise execution and strategic positioning.
His moves possess good tracking abilities, making it difficult for opponents to escape his pressure, while his wall-carry potential extends combos for increased damage.
Capitalizing on the opponent’s mistimed attacks, Shaheen’s whiff punishment options are well-suited to control the match’s pace.

Shaheen’s “Military-Style Martial Arts” blend traditional strikes with dynamic movement:

Punches, hand thrusts, elbow strikes, kicks, and slides form the foundation of his offensive and defensive strategies.
Somersaults, slides, and leg stomps add an unpredictable element to his attacks, keeping opponents guessing and vulnerable to mix-ups.
Powerful slams and grinds showcase his ability to control the space and punish grounded opponents.

While powerful, Shaheen has specific areas to improve:

Excluding slides, his low attacks lack damage and range, primarily serving as frame advantage tools.
While pressuring opponents to crouch, his reliance on slides leaves him open to mid-pokes and launchers if mistimed.
Due to lackluster low options, opponents have less incentive to duck during wall splats, limiting his wall game potential.
While not his main strength, his throws offer decent utility but don’t excel in damage or setup potential.

To unleash Shaheen’s full potential, players need:

Understanding his attack ranges and utilizing his movement options effectively is crucial for applying pressure and avoiding his low attack weaknesses.
Combining pokes, counter hits, and his unique slides with throws and evasive maneuvers keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for combos.
While his wall game has limitations, understanding his knockdown options and maximizing damage within those limitations is key.

Understanding Shaheen’s Playstyle:

Trickery & Mind Games: Shaheen excels at creating illusions and manipulating opponents using stances, movement, and throws. Mastering these mind games is key to opening up devastating attacks.
Swift Strikes & Combos: Shaheen unleashes lightning-fast attacks, chaining them into punishing combos. But be mindful, her aggression comes at the cost of slightly lower health than other characters.
Stance Mastery: Shaheen utilizes four stances, each offering unique attack strings and mix-up potential. Learning to transition between them seamlessly keeps opponents guessing.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Practice Movement & Spacing: Shaheen’s agility shines when you master movement and spacing. Learn to dodge effectively and position yourself for optimal attack opportunities.
Embrace the Stances: Start with basic stance moves and practice transitioning between them. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Focus on Key Punishes: Learn a few essential punishes for common opponent attacks. Shaheen’s quick jabs and mid-punishers are perfect for turning the tide in your favor.
Mix-ups & Throws: Don’t be predictable! Use throws and stance transitions to keep your opponent guessing and create openings for devastating combos.

Shaheen remains popular for players seeking a well-rounded character with strong offense, good pressure tools, and an acrobatic fighting style to dominate the competition.

D Tier: Asuka Kazama (25%)

Asuka Kazama, heir to the Kazama fighting style, returns to Tekken 8, ready to showcase her unique blend of defensive mastery and surprising offensive power. While sharing some moves with her relative Jun, Asuka’s style embraces new elements and street fighting tactics, creating a distinct and challenging playstyle.

Asuka excels at controlling the pace of battle through exceptional defensive tools:

Moves like “SS2” and “d+3+4” effectively zone out opponents, forcing them to respect her range and approach cautiously.
Her renowned “f+2” remains one of the best whiff punishers in Tekken, capitalizing on the opponent’s overextended attacks.
Her powerful reversal boasts a larger active window, offering ample time for reactions and granting her the edge in mind games. However, mistiming leaves her vulnerable, requiring careful judgment.

Beyond defense, Asuka possesses unexpected offensive potential:

Unique “sabaki parries” reward precise reads on punches or kicks, unleashing devastating combos against predictable opponents.
New moves like “Kagamino” and “Enchanted Circle” showcase her energetic, street-fighting style, adding surprising mix-ups and pressure.
In Rage, her “Burning Lantern” and “Yata Kagami” unleash ferocious attacks, capitalizing on her newfound ferocity.

To truly utilize Asuka’s potential, players need:

Combining defensive tactics with unpredictable offensive options keeps opponents guessing and creates openings for strategic attacks.
Mastering parries, reversals, and sabaki require precise reads and reactions to maximize effectiveness.
Understanding spacing, movement, and her various keep-out tools is crucial for controlling the battlefield.

Asuka’s Playstyle:

Defensive Powerhouse: Utilize her crush counter moves to punish your opponent’s attacks and turn the tide in your favor. Learn to block effectively and exploit gaps in their offense.
Whiff Punisher: Be patient and wait for your opponent to miss, then unleash Asuka’s devastating f,2 (High Kick) as a potent whiff punish.
Combo Machine: Practice her simple yet effective combos to rack up damage after landing a launcher. Start with easy two-hit strings and gradually progress to more complex sequences.
Mix-up Artist: Keep your opponent guessing with mid and low attacks, throws, and stance transitions. Master her stances like Manji and Kasumi to open up new offensive options.

Essential Tips for Newcomers:

Focus on Movement and Spacing: Learn to control the distance in battle. Use sidesteps and backdashes to avoid attacks and create opportunities for your offense.
Practice Blocking: Blocking is crucial in Tekken. Learn to block high, mid, and low attacks effectively.
Start with Simple Combos: Master a few basic combos before venturing into more complicated ones. Focus on consistency and clean execution.
Punish Often: Be observant and punish your opponent’s mistakes with Asuka’s strong punishers.
Practice Stances: Get comfortable switching between Asuka’s stances to access different moves and mix-ups.

Asuka remains a captivating character, offering a unique blend of defensive dominance, strategic offense, and a distinct fighting style.

D Tier: Paul Phoenix (21.88%)

Paul Phoenix, the embodiment of raw power and aggression, returns to Tekken 8 ready to pummel the competition into submission. With a fighting style rooted in Judo and infused with various martial arts elements, Paul offers a thrilling mix of offense, defense, and brutal finishing moves.

Paul’s core strength lies in his relentless offensive pressure:

Attacks like “Hammer of the Gods,” “Hammer Punch,” and “Burning Fist” deliver devastating blows, capable of shattering defenses and racking up massive damage.
His fast and potent sweeps, among the best in the series, excel at breaking stances and forcing opponents into vulnerable positions.
Powerful juggles and wall combos capitalize on openings, leaving opponents reeling and fearing the next Phoenix strike.

Despite his aggressive nature, Paul boasts robust defensive tools:

Successful parries automatically trigger counterattacks, turning the tables on aggressive opponents.
Many moves allow him to shift backwards or forwards, dodging attacks and creating opportunities for punishing counters.
Rage activates “Phoenix Fury,” enhancing his throws, damage output, and granting access to powerful new attacks, further solidifying his dominance.

Paul’s fighting style draws from various disciplines:

Throws showcase his Judo foundation, offering powerful takedowns and control throws.
Strikes exhibit elements of Karate, adding precision and explosiveness to his punches and kicks.
Variations of “Chain Leg Kicks” and back shoulder attacks hint at Baji Quan influences, expanding his movelist’s versatility.

To unleash Paul’s true potential, players need:

Combining aggressive pressure with well-timed parries, evasions, and throws keeps opponents guessing and vulnerable.
Understanding his various attacks’ range, damage, and properties is crucial for maximizing pressure and combo opportunities.
Mastering parries and evasive maneuvers allows for effective counters and strategic positioning.

Understanding Paul’s Playstyle:

Powerhouse Punches: Paul boasts incredible damage output, able to punish opponents and land heavy-hitting combos. Focus on learning his powerful mid-punishers and launchers.
Mix-up Maestro: Paul excels at creating uncertainty with high/low and mid/low mix-ups, forcing opponents to guess and making them vulnerable. Mastering these mix-ups is key to his success.
Solid Defense: His down jab (d/f+2) is one of the best in the game, punishing jabs and launching opponents for combos. Utilize his strong backswing blow (b+1+2) and back one plus two (b+1+2) for safe blocking options.

Essential Gameplay Tips:

Master Movement and Spacing: Learn to control the distance between you and your opponent. Get comfortable side-stepping and using Paul’s strong forward dash (f+f) to close the gap or create whiffs.
Punish Like a Pro: Practice punishing common attacks with Paul’s quick lows like df+1 and powerful mid-punishers like b+1+2. Learning these punishes will turn the tide in your favor.
Start with Key Moves: Focus on mastering essential moves from each range, like df+1, f,n,d,df+3 (electric kick), and b+1+3 (parry reversal stomp). These versatile tools will serve you well.
Embrace the Rage System: When your life gets low, the Rage system activates, boosting your damage and giving you access to powerful Rage moves. Learn to utilize this to your advantage.
Practice, Practice, Practice: As with any character, dedication is key. Practice combos, movement, and mix-ups consistently to improve your skill and confidence.

Paul Phoenix remains a fan favorite, offering a thrilling blend of brute force, strategic defense, and a hybrid martial arts style.

D- Tier: Kuma (12.50%)

Kuma, the towering bear with a taste for victory (and salmon), returns to Tekken 8 ready to maul the competition. While seemingly clumsy, Kuma utilizes his unique physique and a blend of fighting styles to create a surprisingly effective and challenging opponent.

Kuma’s strength lies in his unconventional approach:

Thanks to his lengthy arms, Kuma excels at whiff, punishing opponents from surprising distances.
His unusual size creates a unique hitbox, forcing opponents to adapt their attack strategies to connect with him, adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
“Hunting Bear Stance” grants access to potent mix-up attacks that can catch opponents off guard, offering both damage and evasiveness.

Tekken 8 introduces a surprising twist to Kuma’s repertoire:

He now incorporates moves from Heihachi’s Mishima-Style Fighting Karate, including iconic techniques like the Wind God Fist, the Dragon Uppercut, and the Demon Breath.
These new moves further extend his effective attack range, adding new strategic options and mind games to his mix-ups.
When Rage is activated, his throws are enhanced and grant access to even more powerful Mishima-inspired attacks, showcasing his newfound ferocity.

While powerful, Kuma has exploitable weaknesses:

His shorter legs restrict the range of his kicks, making him vulnerable to certain attacks.
His larger size makes him susceptible to high-damage combos after wall splats, requiring careful positioning and awareness.
His weak backdash can leave him vulnerable to aggressive opponents who capitalize on his limited evasiveness.

To truly unleash Kuma’s potential, players need:

Understanding Kuma’s unique reach and hitbox is crucial for maximizing his offensive and defensive capabilities.
Effectively utilizing “Hunting Bear Stance” and his Mishima moves for unpredictable attacks and counters are key to his success.
Capitalizing on his nature and his opponent’s need to adapt their strategy creates opportunities for strategic victories.

Understanding Kuma’s Playstyle:

Grappler Specialist: Kuma excels at throws and close-range attacks, dominating opponents with his bear strength. Master throws and grabs to control the match.
Powerful Punches: Don’t underestimate Kuma’s punches! He packs a punch, especially when countering attacks. Learn his strong punishes to turn the tide.
Unique Movement: Kuma’s lumbering gait might seem slow, but his stances offer surprising agility. Utilize stances for evasiveness and strategic movement.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Grappling Fundamentals: Practice throws, escapes, and reversals. Understanding throw mechanics is crucial for Kuma’s success.
Punish Like a Pro: Learn key punishes for common opponent moves. This will make you a dangerous counter-attacker.
Master the Stances: Each stance offers unique attacks and movement options. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Conditioning & Mix-ups: Use throws, stances, and movement to keep your opponent guessing. Conditioning them opens them up for devastating attacks.

Kuma remains a fan favorite, offering a unique blend of brute force, deceptive tactics, and now, the legacy of the Mishima clan.

D- Tier: Zafina (15.63%)

With Tekken 8 now in players’ hands, eager fans have dissected and explored Zafina’s gameplay and fighting style. Here’s an updated deep dive into the Mystic Stargazer’s moveset, strategies, and how she utilizes the new mechanics.

Zafina’s core style remains based on swift strikes and unpredictable movement, building upon the strong foundation from Tekken 7. However, players have discovered numerous tweaks and additions:

New stances offer extended dashes and evasive maneuvers, making her second only to Lei in the total number of stances and transitions to stances from attacks. This solidifies her reputation as a genuinely tricky and unpredictable character.
Her moves provide more reliable ways to initiate juggles and pressure opponents while maintaining her mostly unsafe but bizarre approach.
Many of her attacks now have increased counter-hit damage, rewarding precise timing and capitalizing on her opponent’s difficulty in reacting properly.
Her ability to punish opponents from what are usually safe ranges remains a powerful tool in her arsenal.

The demon’s influence is more prominent than ever, building upon the abilities showcased in previous Tekken:

One of her special moves launches shadow tendrils for long-range punishment, while another unleashes a devastating close-range blast, emphasizing her eccentric and unpredictable nature.
Rage activates Azazel’s mark, amplifying damage and adding unique properties to certain moves, similar to her Rage Art and Rage Drive in the previous game.

Zafina’s signature stance transitions remain crucial, building upon her already complex stance-based gameplay:

Players can now cancel directly from one stance to another, creating more fluid and unpredictable attack chains, solidifying her position as a master of mix-up and mind games.
Each stance offers unique counterattacks, rewarding quick reads and reactions and allowing her to capitalize on her opponent’s struggle to adapt.

Zafina utilizes the Heat system in interesting ways:

“Astral Projection” creates a shadowy clone for mix-up opportunities, while “Starlit Onslaught” unleashes a flurry of enhanced strikes, further adding to her unpredictable offense.
Entering Heat grants temporary access to Azazel’s full power, significantly boosting damage and adding unblockable properties to some moves, similar to her Rage enhancements.

Zafina remains a complex character, demanding a blend of:

A strong understanding of movement, spacing, and punishment is essential.
Mastering transitions and utilizing each stance’s unique properties is key to her potential.
Utilizing phantoms, misdirects, and Azazel’s power for unpredictable offense is crucial, capitalizing on her opponent’s difficulty in reacting.

Understanding Zafina’s Playstyle:

Spirit-Infused Combos: Zafina weaves attacks with her panther and eagle spirits, enabling unique stances, powerful strikes, and unpredictable mix-ups. Mastering these spirit transitions is key to her offense.
Defensive Prowess: Zafina excels at evasive maneuvers and whiff punishing, making her a frustrating opponent to pin down. Her stances also offer diverse defensive options.
Strategic Pressure: Zafina’s strength is applying constant pressure through stance mix-ups, throws, and mind games. Patience and calculated aggression are your allies.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Grasp the Spirits: Familiarize yourself with each spirit’s moveset and practice transitioning between them seamlessly. Experiment to discover their offensive and defensive applications.
Punishment is Key: Learn how to punish common opponent attacks with Zafina’s quick lows, mid-punishers, and throws. Turning the tables is crucial for her success.
Defense First: Focus on mastering movement, spacing, and blocking before diving into advanced offensive techniques. A solid defensive foundation empowers your offense.
Embrace the Mix-ups: Don’t be afraid to experiment with stance changes, throws, and whiff punishes to keep your opponent guessing. Condition them to open up opportunities for devastating blows.

With the Tekken 8 meta still developing, Zafina’s full potential is yet to be fully explored. However, players are discovering powerful combos, strategic setups, and mind-games that utilize her reworked moveset, the new mechanics, and unique blend of martial arts and forbidden power.

D- Tier: Leo Kliesen (9.38%)

Leo Kliesen, the enigmatic martial artist known for his graceful yet devastating strikes, returns to the King of Iron Fist Tournament in Tekken 8. Feared for his balanced gameplay and diverse attack options, Leo offers a rewarding experience for players seeking offense and defense.

Leo’s core gameplay centers around the explosive power and versatility of Baji Quan:

He excels at chaining swift strikes into multi-hit juggles and powerful combos, keeping opponents on their toes with his unrelenting offense.
His diverse moveset incorporates strikes aimed at both high and low levels, making him difficult to predict and counter.
Many of his attacks boast minimal lag and recovery time, allowing him to maintain pressure and control the match’s pace.

While powerful, Leo’s gameplay also carries some strategic nuances:

Some of his attacks are relatively linear, leaving him vulnerable to sidestepping by observant opponents.
While having a wider window than others, his signature reversal is specific to kicks and only parries punches, requiring careful timing and reads.

Tekken 8 introduces new layers to Leo’s gameplay:

Rage amplifies his damage output and grants access to unique attacks, further bolstering his offensive potential.
His Heat Actions showcase his explosive power with devastating combos and throws, capitalizing on his Heat state.
New movement mechanics allow for more dynamic spacing and evasive maneuvers, adding depth to his approach.

To utilize Leo effectively, players need:

Understanding spacing, movement, and punishment is crucial for capitalizing on his fast attacks and combos.
Learning to disguise his linear attacks and utilize his diverse movelist for unpredictable pressure is key.
Timing the reversal effectively against kicks offers powerful counter-attacks, while understanding its limitations against punches is crucial.

Understanding Leo’s Playstyle:

Elegant Footwork: Leo’s strength lies in their swift movement and evasive maneuvers. Mastering sidesteps, backdashes, and hopkicks is crucial for controlling the fight’s pace.
Punishing Counterhits: Leo excels at punishing opponent mistakes with quick, damaging counterhit moves. Learn to identify punishable whiffs and react accordingly.
Mid-Range Dominance: Keep your opponent guessing with various mid-range pokes, strings, and whiff punishes. Pressure them without overextending.
Wall Carry & Juggle Potential: Cornered opponents beware! Leo’s combos can rack up damage with wall carries and juggles, ending matches in style.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Master Movement: Practice movement fundamentals like sidestepping, backdashes, and hopkicks before diving into advanced techniques.
Punish Wisely: Focus on learning key counter-hit punishes for common moves your opponents use. This punishes their aggression and creates opportunities for you.
Mid-Range is Key: Utilize Leo’s diverse mid-range tools to pressure opponents without getting countered. Strings like b+1, 2 and uf+4, 3 are great starting points.
Practice Wall Combos: Learn a basic wall combo to maximize damage when you corner your opponent. Start with something simple like df+1, f+3, df+2, 1+2.

Leo remains popular for players seeking a well-rounded character with offensive dominance and defensive tools.

F Tier: Leroy Smith (6.25%)

The seasoned Wing Chun practitioner, Leroy Smith, brings his fast strikes and potent counter-attacks back to the King of Iron Fist Tournament in Tekken 8. While approachable for newcomers, his deceptive simplicity hides a depth of strategic options and devastating potential. Let’s explore Leroy’s refined moveset and fighting style.

Leroy’s core gameplay revolves around the principles of Wing Chun:

He delivers rapid punches and combos, overwhelming opponents with speed and variety. These attacks offer effective counter tools, turning the tables on aggressive opponents.
His stance emphasizes warding off attacks, leaving openings for powerful counters.
Leroy boasts a strong parry game, making him a dangerous opponent who punishes overconfident strikers.
His straightforward execution allows newcomers to grasp his basics quickly while offering room for deeper mastery.

Unlike Leroy’s previous iteration, in Tekken 8, he can no longer summon his faithful dog Sugar in battle. While this eliminates an unpredictable element, it allows for a more focused Leroy, emphasizing his pure Wing Chun techniques.

Leroy retains his signature move, utilizing his cane for a devastating beatdown. This powerful attack, limited to once per match, is a strategic finisher or a wake-up punish.

Tekken 8 introduces new mechanics and tweaks to Leroy’s moveset:

Rage amplifies his counters and grants access to unique attacks, further solidifying his defensive prowess.
His Heat Actions showcase newfound aggression, unleashing flurries of strikes or powerful cane strikes, capitalizing on his Heat state.
New moves and combo routes expand his offensive potential, rewarding skilled players with intricate juggles and mix-ups.

To fully utilize Leroy’s potential, players need:

Understanding spacing, movement, and punishment is crucial for countering and combos.
Mastering parries and utilizing his defensive stance are key to shutting down opponents’ offensives.
Knowing when to unleash counters and cane attacks for maximum impact is essential for domination.

Understanding Leroy’s Playstyle:

Emphasis on Spacing and Counters: Leroy thrives on precise movement and timing. Utilize his quick jabs and footwork to control space, then unleash punishing counters when opponents overstep.
Balanced Offense and Defense: While boasting powerful combos, Leroy also possesses strong defensive tools like parries and reversals. Mastering both aspects is crucial for success.
Stance-Based Mix-ups: While simplified compared to Tekken 7, Leroy still utilizes stances for strategic mix-ups. Learn their unique properties and transitions to keep opponents guessing.

Core Gameplay Tips for Newcomers:

Focus on Movement: Hone your movement fundamentals like sidestepping, backdashing, and whiff punishing. Precise positioning opens up counter opportunities and avoids unnecessary damage.
Master Core Punishes: Learn essential punishes for common attacks like jabs and highs. This turns blocked moves into your advantage and builds pressure.
Experiment with Stances: Familiarize yourself with the distinct properties of each stance (e.g., offensive in Dragon, evasive in Crane). Practice transitioning between them fluidly.
Lab Key Combos: Learn a few basic but effective combos from each stance. Start simple and gradually expand your repertoire as you progress.

Leroy remains a captivating character, offering a blend of accessibility and depth. With Tekken 8’s new mechanics and refined moveset, he promises to be a force to be reckoned with in the hands of both newcomers and seasoned players.

F Tier: Panda (3.13%)

The adorable and deceptive Panda returns to the King of Iron Fist Tournament in Tekken 8, ready to prove that looks can be deceiving. While many underestimate the panda duo’s strength and agility, their playful facade hides a surprisingly versatile and powerful fighting style.

Panda’s core gameplay revolves around utilizing their unique physique for both offense and defense, building upon their strengths from previous games:

Panda utilizes a variety of rolls with extended ranges thanks to their longer arms, offering strong whiff punishment from mid-range, keeping opponents guessing.
Their strength allows for powerful throws and slams, often grabbing opponents with impressive throws due to their non-standard hitbox. This forces opponents to adapt their attack strategies to Panda’s unique physique.
Panda excels at capitalizing on opportunities, using their small size to slip under attacks and punish whiffs with quick counters. Their evasiveness is further enhanced by Hunting Bear Stance, providing valuable mix-up potential and evasive maneuvers.

While Panda relies primarily on their physical prowess, they also incorporate strategic use of long punches:

Panda is good against opponents for mid-range attacks and pressure, utilizing their longer arms for added reach.
Some moves integrate unique extensions and juggle opportunities, adding depth to their offensive options.
Certain stages allow Panda to interact with elements for environmental attacks or strategic positioning, emphasizing their adaptability.
Panda’s moves often have deceptive properties, using their seemingly clumsy animations to mask true intentions. They excel at high-damage mix-ups from Hunting Bear Stance, keeping opponents on their toes.
Many of their attacks have great counter-hit damage, rewarding precise timing and punishing overconfident opponents.
Panda excels at applying constant pressure with quick movement, throws, and bamboo projectiles, forcing opponents to stay alert due to their non-standard hitbox and longer reach.

Each new Tekken introduces new mechanics that Panda utilizes in interesting ways:

Rage activates “Panda Power,” enhancing their throws and granting access to powerful new attacks showcasing their newfound ferocity.
Panda can unleash a flurry of throws and slams while also charging through opponents, utilizing their unique mobility and strength.
The new parry system allows Panda to capitalize on aggressive opponents, potentially turning the tide of battle with their counter-hit potential.

While Panda appears easy to pick up, mastering their potential requires:

Considering their longer arms and non-standard hitboxes, it is crucial to understand Panda’s unique movement options and spacing.
Utilizing deceptive moves, capitalizing on counter-hit opportunities, and mastering Hunting Bear Stance mix-ups are key to their success.
Using environmental elements and bamboo interactions adds depth to their strategy.

Understanding Panda’s Playstyle:

Grappler Specialist: Panda excels in throws, stuns, and close-range pressure. Master throws and grabs to dominate opponents in clinches.
Agile Bruiser: Don’t let their cuteness fool you! Panda packs a punch and possesses surprising agility. Utilize quick movement and powerful strikes to control the pace.
Unique Stances: Panda utilizes various stances for diverse attacks and mix-ups. Learn to transition smoothly between them to keep your opponent guessing.

Core Gameplay Tips:

Grappling Fundamentals: Throws are your bread and butter. Practice throws from different stances and situations to build muscle memory.
Combo Openers: Master throws, low pokes, and quick highs to initiate combos and establish your offensive rhythm.
Punish Like a Panda: Learn Panda’s fast punishes to capitalize on opponent mistakes and turn the tide in your favor.
Stance Savvy: Experiment with different stances and their unique moves. Discover how they chain together for strategic options.
Mind Games Galore: Use throws, stance changes, and movement to condition your opponent and open them up for devastating attacks.

Panda remains a fan favorite, offering a unique blend of cuteness, deception, and raw power. With Tekken 8’s new mechanics and strategic depth, Panda has the potential to surprise and dominate even the most seasoned players.

Note: Use the List above to understand the best characters in online matches.

As a newcomer, no Tekken 8 tier list should be your sole measure in choosing a character. Tekken 8 has a rich collection of over 32 distinct fighters, each with its unique dance of kicks, punches, and flashy combo strings. Some characters might pack a heavier punch in the competitive scene, but that shouldn’t be your only guide.

Of course, if you’re looking for a sturdy starting point, Jin (one of the best characters to start your T8 journey), in particular, has always been a Tekken staple, and in this iteration, he’s tuned to be more beginner-friendly than ever. So, start with the offline arena, experiment with different fighters, and start with their Special Style controls to help you find your likely perfect Tekken character.

Tekken 8 Tier List: Best Characters in Each Rank

Note that this tier list is dynamic, evolving as new strategies are found by Pro Players/content creators. Your playstyle will also need to adapt quickly in each rank you climb, but this list helps you find a solid starting character for your training.

Various content creators and pro players are developing tier lists for Tekken 8. These lists should give you an idea of where each character stands in the competitive landscape. But our list is to help new players/casuals find a character they could invest their time learning all moves and combos. With that said, here are the best to choose from all 32 characters in our Tekken 8 tier list:

Tiers	Characters	Avg Rank	Top Level Ranking (Dynamic)	Recommended to master
S+ Tier	Reina	1.125	#1	100%
S+ Tier	Marshall Law	2.25	#3	93.75%
S Tier	Victor Chevalier	4	#4	90.63%
S Tier	Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo	4.375	#8	78.13%
A+ Tier	Ling Xiaoyu	6.125	#7	81.25%
A+ Tier	Devil Jin	6.25	#9	75%
A Tier	Lili de Rochefort	7	#5	87.50%
A- Tier	Jun Kazama	7.75	#6	84.38%
A- Tier	Kazuya Mishima/Devil Kazuya	8	#2	96.88%
B+ Tier	Hwoarang	11	#12	65.63%
B Tier	Yoshimitsu	11.5	#13	62.50%
B Tier	Jin Kazama	11.625	#11	68.75%
B Tier	King	11.75	#16	53.13%
B- Tier	Sergei Dragunov	13	#10	71.88%
B- Tier	Zafina Tekken 8 Combo Move Set	15.75	#20	40.63%
C+ Tier	Lee Chaolan	17.5	#18	46.88%
C Tier	Lars Alexandersson	18.25	#22	34.38%
C Tier	Nina Williams	18.375	#21	37.50%
C Tier	Jack-8	18.625	#17	50%
C- Tier	Raven	20.25	#19	43.75%
C- Tier	Feng Wei	20.375	#23	31.25%
C- Tier	Bryan Fury	21.25	#14	59.38%
D+ Tier	Alisa Bosconovitch	22.625	#24	28.13%
D+ Tier	Claudio Serafino	23	#15	56.25%
D+ Tier	Shaheen	23.5	#27	18.75%
D Tier	Asuka Kazama	26.25	#25	25%
D Tier	Paul Phoenix	26.5	#26	21.88%
D- Tier	Kuma	28.125	#29	12.50%
D- Tier	Zafina	29.25	#28	15.63%
D- Tier	Leo Kliesen	29.625	#30	9.38%
F Tier	Leroy Smith	31	#31	6.25%
F Tier	Panda	32	#32	3.13%

Blindly following the top S-Tier characters in a tier list might keep you away from characters you’d enjoy playing. Experimentation is key to fun in Tekken! Start by playing the story mode and character episodes, where you’ll get to try different fighters and get a feel for their mechanics.

You might find yourself drawn to the fluid acrobatics of Zafina, the hybrid martial art style of Marshall Law based on Bruce Lee, Yoshimitsu’s flashy sword work, or the brutal Pro Wrestling power of King. Remember, mastering any character’s nuanced movements and combos is a journey, and finding that joy in the fight is what truly matters.

That’s all for the current meta in our Tekken 8 tier list. While you are here, check our Tier List category for such more coverage.

Tekken 8 Tier List – Best Among All 32 Characters

Tekken 8 Tier List: Ranking Worst to Best

S+ Tier: Reina (100%)

S+ Tier: Marshall Law (93.75%)

S Tier: Victor Chevalier (90.63%)

S Tier: Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo (78.13%)

A+ Tier: Ling Xiaoyu (81.25%)

A+ Tier: Devil Jin (75%)

A Tier: Lili de Rochefort (87.50%)

A- Tier: Jun Kazama (84.38%)

A- Tier: Kazuya Mishima/Devil Kazuya (96.88%)

B+ Tier: Hwoarang (65.63%)

B Tier: Yoshimitsu (62.50%)

B Tier: Jin Kazama (68.75%)

B Tier: King (53.13%)

B- Tier: Sergei Dragunov (71.88%)

B- Tier: Steve Fox (40.63%)

C+ Tier: Lee Chaolan (46.88%)

C Tier: Lars Alexandersson (34.38%)

C Tier: Nina Williams (37.50%)

C Tier: Jack-8 (50%)

C- Tier: Raven (43.75%)

C- Tier: Feng Wei (31.25%)

C- Tier: Bryan Fury (59.38%)

D+ Tier: Alisa Bosconovitch (28.13%)

D+ Tier: Claudio Serafino (56.25%)

D+ Tier: Shaheen (18.75%)

D Tier: Asuka Kazama (25%)

D Tier: Paul Phoenix (21.88%)

D- Tier: Kuma (12.50%)

D- Tier: Zafina (15.63%)

D- Tier: Leo Kliesen (9.38%)

F Tier: Leroy Smith (6.25%)

F Tier: Panda (3.13%)

Tekken 8 Tier List: Best Characters in Each Rank

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