Tekken 8 Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking of Fighters (2024-2025)
Tekken 8's 2024 release marked a significant gameplay and balance overhaul for the series. Over a year later, this tier list provides a current assessment of the best Tekken 8 fighters. Remember, this is subjective and player skill heavily influences outcomes.
| Tier | Characters |
| S | Dragunov, Feng, Nina, Jin, King, Law |
| A | Alisa, Asuka, Claudio, Hwoarang, Jun, Kazuya, Kuma, Lars, Lee, Leo, Lili, Raven, Shaheen, Victor, Xiaoyu, Yoshimitsu, Zafina |
| B | Bryan, Eddy, Jack-8, Leroy, Paul, Reina, Steve |
| C | Panda |
S Tier
S-tier characters boast exceptional balance, potent offensive/defensive options, and often, game-breaking mechanics.
- Dragunov: Despite nerfs, Dragunov remains a meta pick due to strong frame data and unpredictable mix-ups.
- Feng: His rapid, low attacks and powerful counter-hit potential make him a formidable opponent.
- Jin: Easy to learn but with high skill ceiling, Jin's versatility and devastating combos solidify his S-tier status.
- King: Masterful grab attacks and chain throws dominate close-range combat.
- Law: A strong poking game and agile counter-hits make him difficult to penetrate.
- Nina: Though demanding to master, her heat mode and devastating grabs are highly effective.
A Tier
A-tier characters are powerful but less overwhelmingly dominant than their S-tier counterparts.
- Alisa: Gimmick-laden moveset, strong low attacks, and beginner-friendly gameplay.
- Asuka: Solid defensive options and easy combos make her ideal for newcomers.
- Claudio: Predictable until his Starburst activates, then becomes incredibly difficult to counter.
- Hwoarang: Multiple stances and diverse combos cater to both beginners and veterans.
- Jun: High-damage mix-ups and self-healing capabilities.
- Kazuya: Versatile, high-damage potential, and effective across various ranges.
- Kuma: Strong defense and unpredictable movements due to his size.
- Lars: High mobility and wall pressure capabilities.
- Lee: Impressive poking game and fast counter-attack potential.
- Leo: Strong mix-ups and relatively safe moves.
- Lili: Acrobatic fighting style and few defensive weaknesses.
- Raven: High speed, teleportation, and shadow clones create unpredictable gameplay.
- Shaheen: High skill ceiling, but powerful combos and range make him a strong contender.
- Victor: Adaptable fighting style with a wide array of technological moves.
- Xiaoyu: High mobility and adaptable stances.
- Yoshimitsu: Health-siphoning combos and high mobility.
- Zafina: Three stances provide excellent spacing and control, with unpredictable mix-ups.
B Tier
B-tier characters are fun but more easily countered than higher-tier fighters.
- Bryan: High damage output but slow speed and lack of gimmicks.
- Eddy: Fast attacks, but easily countered due to lack of pressure and corner control.
- Jack-8: Beginner-friendly with decent long-range attacks and strong wall pressure.
- Leroy: Nerfed since release, with diminished damage and frame data issues.
- Paul: High damage potential but lacks agility and versatility.
- Reina: Strong offense but weak defense.
- Steve: Requires significant practice and has many counters.
C Tier
- Panda: Similar to Kuma but with less effectiveness across the board.
Tekken 8 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
