Tekken 8: Top Character Rankings Revealed

Since its release in 2024, *Tekken 8* has been hailed as a pivotal evolution for the franchise, particularly in terms of gameplay and balance. As we reflect on the game a year later, it's clear that certain fighters have risen to the top of the competitive scene. Below is our comprehensive tier list for *Tekken 8*, showcasing the best fighters in the game. Keep in mind, this list is subjective and influenced by player skill, but it offers a snapshot of the current meta.

Tekken 8 Tier List

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco

The S-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are known for their minimal balance issues, making them highly effective or "broken" in competitive play. These fighters boast a variety of offensive and defensive options that can dominate matches.

Dragunov quickly climbed to S-tier status thanks to his powerful frame data and mix-ups. Despite nerfs, he remains a top pick due to his versatility. Feng excels with fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit abilities, keeping opponents on their toes. Jin, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, with deadly combos and the devil gene mechanics that make him a formidable opponent at any range. King dominates close-range combat with his chain throws, making him unpredictable and powerful. Law is hard to counter with his strong poking game and agility, while Nina offers complex but rewarding gameplay with her effective heat mode and grab attacks.

A Tier

A-tier characters are slightly less challenging to master than S-tier but still highly effective. They offer a range of strategies that can counter most opponents.

Alisa is user-friendly with her android gimmicks and low attacks, perfect for beginners. Asuka is ideal for those learning the game, with strong defensive options and easy combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated. Hwoarang offers complexity with his stances, appealing to both newcomers and veterans. Jun can heal with her heat smash and has strong mix-ups, while Kazuya rewards players with a solid grasp of fundamentals. Kuma proved his worth at the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable movements. Lars excels in speed and mobility, perfect for evasion and closing distances. Lee has an impressive poking game and stance transitions, while Leo offers safe mix-ups. Lili uses acrobatics for unpredictable combos, and Raven leverages speed and stealth for devastating attacks. Shaheen has a steep learning curve but offers unbreakable combos. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves, and Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down with her mobility. Yoshimitsu is tactical with health siphoning and teleportation, and Zafina requires mastering her stances for effective stage control.

B Tier

B-tier characters are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They require practice to compete against higher-tier fighters.

Bryan offers high damage and pressure but is slow and lacks gimmicks. Eddy was initially considered broken but has since been countered effectively. Jack-8 is great for newcomers with his long-range attacks and throws. Leroy has been nerfed, reducing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. Paul deals high damage but lacks agility, helping beginners learn positioning. Reina is fun but lacks defensive options, making her vulnerable to higher-level play. Steve requires practice and can be predictable but suits aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, performing similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. With limited range and predictable movement, Panda struggles to keep up with the rest of the roster.

This *Tekken 8* tier list reflects the current state of the game, offering insights into which fighters are dominating the meta. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding these tiers can help you choose the right character to master and climb the ranks.

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