*Tekken 8*, released in 2024, was hailed as a significant overhaul for the series, enhancing gameplay and balance. Over a year later, here's an updated tier list reflecting the current state of the game's fighters. These rankings consider factors such as adaptability, balance, and the unique strengths each character brings to the table. Keep in mind, this list is subjective and greatly influenced by individual player skills.
Tekken 8 Tier List
| 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
Characters in the S tier of *Tekken 8* are often considered "broken" due to their strong balance and numerous offensive and defensive options.
**Dragunov** emerged as an S-tier character early on in *Tekken 8*. Despite multiple nerfs, his frame data and mix-ups continue to make him a formidable "meta" choice. **Feng** boasts powerful offensive capabilities, with fast, low attacks and strong counter-hit moves that can punish unprepared opponents. **Jin**, the protagonist, is versatile and easy to pick up, making him a favorite due to his adaptability and potential for deadly combos. His devil gene mechanics enhance his effectiveness at any range. **King** dominates with his grab-attack prowess, utilizing chain throws to excel in close-range combat. **Law** is difficult to counter due to his strong poking game and agility, making him a challenging opponent. **Nina** offers complex but rewarding gameplay, with an effective heat mode and lethal grab attacks that can swiftly drain health.
A Tier
A-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are easier to master than S-tier but still pose a significant threat with their ability to counter most opponents.
**Alisa** offers a range of gimmicks and strong low attacks, making her suitable for beginners who prefer an aggressive playstyle. **Asuka** is ideal for new players, providing solid defensive options and straightforward combos. **Claudio** becomes a force to be reckoned with once his Starburst state is activated, increasing his damage output. **Hwoarang**'s multiple stances and extensive combo list cater to both newcomers and veterans. **Jun** can heal significant health with her heat smash and has powerful mix-ups, though her stance changes require careful management. **Kazuya** rewards players with a strong grasp of fundamentals, offering both long-range pokes and devastating close-range combos. **Kuma** proves his worth with strong defense and unpredictable movements, making him a surprising choice in competitive play. **Lars** excels in mobility and evasion, perfect for players looking to master these aspects. **Lee**'s agility and stance transitions make him a formidable offensive player. **Leo**'s strong mix-ups and safe moveset keep opponents guessing. **Lili**'s acrobatic style leads to unpredictable attacks, with few defensive weaknesses. **Raven**'s speed and versatility make him hard to counter, especially with his teleportation and shadow clones. **Shaheen** offers a steep learning curve but rewards players with unbreakable combos and strong range. **Victor** adapts to various fighting styles with his technological moves, making him a fun choice for offensive play. **Xiaoyu**'s mobility and stance changes make her a versatile fighter just shy of S-tier. **Yoshimitsu** excels in long matches with health restoration and high mobility. **Zafina**'s three stances require learning but offer great control over the stage and unpredictable mix-ups.
B Tier
B-tier characters in *Tekken 8* are balanced but can be exploited by skilled opponents. They offer fun gameplay but require practice to compete against higher-tier characters.
**Bryan** delivers high damage and quick pressure but suffers from slow speed and fewer gimmicks. **Eddy**'s initial reputation as a broken character has waned as players learned to counter his fast attacks. **Jack-8** is ideal for newcomers, offering strong long-range attacks and impressive wall pressure. **Leroy**'s abilities have been affected by updates, reducing his damage output and making him easier to pressure. **Paul** can deal significant damage quickly but lacks agility and versatility. **Reina** is fun to play but lacks defensive capabilities, making her vulnerable to skilled opponents. **Steve** requires extensive practice and has many counters, making him predictable without strong mix-ups.
C Tier
**Panda** sits at the bottom of the tier list, performing similar moves to Kuma but less effectively. Her limited range, predictable movements, and difficulty in executing combos make her the lowest-ranked character in *Tekken 8*.
*Tekken 8* is now available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, offering players a chance to explore these diverse fighters and master their unique styles.
