Tekken 8 Tier List: Top Characters Ranked

Since its release in 2024, *Tekken 8* has been hailed as a pivotal update to the franchise, refining gameplay and balance to new heights. As we look back over a year later, here's an updated tier list of the best *Tekken 8* fighters. Each character's placement reflects their adaptability, balance, and overall effectiveness in the current meta. Keep in mind, this list is subjective and player skill plays a significant role in how these characters perform in the game.

S Tier

Characters in the S Tier of *Tekken 8* are often seen as overpowered or "broken" due to their strong balance and versatile movesets, allowing them to dominate both offense and defense.

**Dragunov** quickly became an S-tier staple thanks to his frame data and mix-ups, which remain challenging to counter even after nerfs. **Feng** excels with his fast, low attacks and powerful counter-hit capabilities, keeping opponents on their toes. **Jin**, the protagonist, stands out for his versatility and potential for devastating combos, making him a top pick in the S-tier. His devil gene mechanics and high skill ceiling make him a formidable opponent at any range. **King** dominates close-range combat with his chain throws and unpredictable wrestling moves, making him a top-tier grappler. **Law** is known for his strong poking game and agility, which can trap opponents and make them wary of engaging. **Nina** offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with effective heat mode and lethal grab attacks, making her a formidable choice for those willing to invest time in mastering her.

A Tier

A-Tier characters are slightly less challenging than S-tier but still highly effective, offering strong counters and adaptability for skilled players.

**Alisa** leverages her android gimmicks and low attacks, making her an easy pick for beginners and pressure-focused players. **Asuka** is ideal for newcomers learning *Tekken* fundamentals, with solid defensive options and straightforward combos. **Claudio** becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, boosting his damage output significantly. **Hwoarang** offers complexity with his four stances and varied combos, suitable for both beginners and veterans. **Jun** uses her heat smash to heal and mix-ups to deal substantial damage, with her stances automatically changing to keep opponents guessing. **Kazuya** rewards players with a deep understanding of *Tekken 8* fundamentals, offering both long-range pokes and close-range combos. **Kuma** proved his worth in the 2024 *Tekken 8* World Tournament, showcasing strong defense and tricky movements due to his size. **Lars** excels in high-speed and mobility, perfect for mastering evasion and applying wall pressure. **Lee** is known for his agile poking game and stance transitions, ideal for exploiting defensive gaps. **Leo** has strong mix-ups and safe moves, making him a versatile choice for pressuring opponents. **Lili** uses her acrobatic style to create unpredictable combos, with few defensive weaknesses. **Raven** combines speed and versatility with stealthy teleportation, capitalizing on missed counters. **Shaheen** has a steep learning curve but offers powerful, unbreakable combos. **Victor** adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun and effective offensive choice. **Xiaoyu** stands out for her mobility and adaptability across different stances. **Yoshimitsu** is tactical with his teleportation and health siphoning, perfect for long matches. **Zafina** requires mastering her three stances to control the stage and deliver unpredictable mix-ups.

B Tier

B-Tier characters are balanced and fun to play but can be easily exploited by more skilled opponents, often requiring more practice to compete against higher-tier characters.

**Bryan** applies high damage and pressure but suffers from slow movement and fewer gimmicks. **Eddy** was initially considered overpowered but has since been countered effectively, lacking the ability to pressure and corner opponents. **Jack-8** is a solid choice for newcomers with his long-range attacks and strong wall pressure, complemented by versatile throws. **Leroy** has seen his effectiveness diminish with updates, making him more vulnerable to pressure and whiff punishment. **Paul** offers high damage with moves like Deathfist but lacks agility, helping newcomers learn positioning. **Reina** is fun to play but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable at higher levels of play. **Steve** requires significant practice and has many counters, making him predictable without strong mix-ups, but suitable for aggressive players.

C Tier

Panda sits alone in the C Tier, as she essentially mirrors Kuma's moves but with less effectiveness. Her limited range and predictable movement make her the lowest-ranked character, with harder-to-execute combos compared to her bear counterpart.

This concludes our *Tekken 8* tier list. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting, understanding these tiers can help you choose the right fighter for your playstyle and improve your game.

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