When *Tekken 8* hit the scene in 2024, it was hailed as a pivotal update for the franchise, refining gameplay and balancing the roster. Now, over a year later, we present a detailed tier list to help you navigate the competitive landscape of *Tekken 8* fighters. This list reflects the current meta, considering factors like adaptability and balance. Keep in mind that this is subjective, and your skill level will significantly influence your success with any character.

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Below is a comprehensive list of Tekken 8 fighters, categorized into tiers based on their performance and effectiveness in the game. Each character brings unique strengths to the table, whether due to their versatility or specific overpowered moves.

S Tier

Image via Bandai Namco S-tier characters in Tekken 8 are either overpowered or offer a plethora of options in both offense and defense, making them top picks for competitive play.

Dragunov quickly rose to S-tier with his formidable frame data and mix-ups, remaining a meta choice despite nerfs. Feng excels with his rapid low attacks and strong counter-hits, punishing opponents effectively. Jin, the protagonist, stands out with his adaptability and potential for devastating combos, making him an S-tier favorite. King dominates with his grab attacks and chain throws, crucial for close-range combat. Law is hard to counter, thanks to his strong poking game and agility, making him a versatile S-tier character. Nina offers complex yet rewarding gameplay with her effective heat mode and grab attacks, ideal for those willing to invest time in mastering her.

A Tier

A-tier fighters are strong but not as dominant as S-tier characters. They require less mastery but still pose a significant threat in skilled hands.

Alisa leverages her android nature for varied attacks, ideal for beginners looking to apply pressure. Asuka is perfect for newcomers, offering strong defensive options and straightforward combos. Claudio becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his attack damage. Hwoarang offers complexity with his four stances, appealing to both new and veteran players. Jun heals during her heat smash and has potent mix-ups, though her stance changes require attention. Kazuya rewards players with a solid understanding of Tekken 8 fundamentals with his versatile and damaging combos. Kuma proved his worth in the 2024 World Tournament with strong defense and unpredictable moves. Lars excels in mobility and evasion, ideal for closing gaps and applying wall pressure. Lee uses his agility and stance transitions to create offensive opportunities. Leo has safe moves and strong mix-ups, making him hard to predict. Lili uses acrobatics to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. Raven combines speed and versatility with his teleportation and shadow clones. Shaheen offers powerful combos and range, despite a steep learning curve. Victor adapts to various fighting styles with his tech-based moves, perfect for offensive players. Xiaoyu is nearly impossible to pin down due to her mobility and stance versatility. Yoshimitsu excels in long matches with health-restoring combos and high mobility. Zafina requires mastering her three stances for effective spacing and control, offering unique mix-ups.

B Tier

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

Bryan delivers high damage and pressure, but his slow speed and lack of gimmicks make him vulnerable. Eddy was initially seen as broken but has since been countered, lacking the ability to pressure effectively. Jack-8 is perfect for newcomers with his strong long-range attacks and wall pressure. Leroy has seen his effectiveness reduced by updates, now easier to pressure and punish. Paul offers high damage potential with moves like Deathfist, but his lack of agility can be a disadvantage. Reina is fun but lacks defensive capabilities, making her easy to counter at higher levels. Steve requires extensive practice and can be predictable without mix-ups, though he appeals to aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits at the bottom of the tier list, overshadowed by Kuma. With less effective defense and more predictable movements, Panda struggles to match the prowess of other characters.

And that concludes our Tekken 8 tier list. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer, this guide should help you choose the best fighter for your playstyle.

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