Tekken 8 launches in January and is set to continue to dominate the world of 3D fighting games, with its 32-character base roster being one of the most impressive in any modern release. With all of its starting fighters already confirmed, fans are gearing up to pick characters old and new when Tekken 8 finally releases.

While it may be ditching the guest characters of Tekken 7, the latest Tekken roster still includes most of the fan-favorites while bringing in a few fresh faces as well. Most of the cast’s gameplay has been revealed, but all of their new bios are available. Tekken 8’s introduction of the Heat system has changed everything, but many game plans have stayed relatively intact.

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Kazuya Mishima

Cold-Blooded Oppressor

Kazuya has returned in his most power-hungry iteration yet as he seeks to dominate the entire world alongside his G Corporation. His damage has now been bolstered alongside new moves like Parricide Fist and his Devil form has become his Heat state.

Jin Kazama

Lightning of Fate

Seeking to end the Devil Gene and his father Kazuya, Jin still repents for his actions in Tekken 6. Known as a defensive fighter who requires strong fundamentals, his new moveset has more of a focus on stronger offense instead and even evokes Devil Jin.

King

Anger of the Beast

King is needed by the children in his care more than ever after events surrounding G Corporation's world domination. King benefits from changes like better tracking on his throws, but loses out on some of his previous combo ability.

Jun Kazama

Light of Hope

The mother of Jin who canonically disappeared back in Tekken 3, Jun has now mysteriously returned. She has a unique mechanic that sees certain moves costing her own HP and Heat state circumventing this loss.

Paul Phoenix

Hot-Blooded Destroyer

Paul has gone broke despite his veteran fighter status and seeks to earn money from the latest tournament. With several new moves enhancing his already offensive approach, he’s a powerhouse of committal attacks.

Marshall Law

The Legendary Dragon

Fallen into destitution via a downward spiral, Law has joined up with Paul to split their potential tournament earnings. With new moves like his nunchucks and a simpler overall execution, he’s more accessible than ever.

Jack-8

High Tech Annihilator

G Corporation’s signature weapon, the latest in the Jack series is equipped with unprecedented firepower. Historically a simple character to play, his moveset changes and new Gamma Howl stance provide more depth.

Lars Alexandersson

The Lion of the Rebellion

Heihachi’s illegitimate son, Lars and his Yggdrasil rebel army have teamed up with Jin to take down Kazuya. With better routes for his Entry-related moves that get enhanced greatly by Heat state, the loss of some wallsplats and launchers isn’t too detrimental.

Ling Xiaoyu

Dancing Phoenix

After searching for the missing Jin for months, Xiaoyu is even more determined to find him. Known to be a challenging character to master, she is still capable of some of the best okizeme follow-up.

Nina Williams

Silent Assassin

A professional killer veteran of the series, Nina now serves as Kazuya’s commander. Losing many of her launchers and combo extenders, she is now more focused on direct strings and gained gun attacks.

Leroy Smith

Grandmaster of Drip

Originally set on taking down the Mishima Zaibatsu, Leroy has shifted his attention to stopping G Corp. While his stance-based moveset is a polished continuation of the past, his new moves involving his cane and his dog Sugar express a riskier approach.

Asuka Kazama

Spirited Peacemaker

As her rivalry with fellow fighter Lili reaches its peak, Asuka’s world has changed with G Corp’s invasion. While her Naniwa Gusto stance opens up new options in Tekken 8, players have complained about the loss of properties on many of her moves.

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Lili de Rochefort

Fighting Heiress

Still more rich and spoiled than ever, Lili de Rochefort is obsessed with defeating her rival Asuka. The loss of the “Screw” system has changed her approach, but her moves could end up compensating.

Bryan Fury

Harbinger of Chaos

His most violent incarnation yet, Bryan wages wars with his cyborg body. He’s lost some combo options and taunt effectiveness, but he’s still as aggressive as ever.

Hwoarang

Blood Talon

Compelled by his rivalry with Jin, Hwoarang is still unfulfilled. Inheriting style from his master Baek, his new moves and combos have players keeping a close eye on him.

Claudio Serafino

Banisher of Demons

Driven to defeat the Devil Gene, Claudio Serafino has unleashed a forbidden art that consumes his lifeforce. Buffed in his new iteration, his improved combos have more potential.

Azucena Milagros Ortiz Castillo

Perfect Blend

A newcomer who got into MMA to promote her famous coffee, she seeks to succeed even further. With tricky mix-ups and a command dodge, she can represent Tekken 8’s aggressive style.

Raven

Shadow Agent

Seeing the destruction ahead, Raven trains his ninjutsu further than before. His new Shadow Clone mechanic has redefined his moveset.

Leo Kliesen

Seeker of Truth

After discovering their mother was killed by G Corp, Leo searches for answers.

Steve Fox

Counter-Punching Paragon

Following his mother Nina’s rejection of him as her son, Steve develops a new fighting style.

Kuma

Master of Salmon

Continuing the legacy of the Mishima Zaibatsu, Kuma trains his Mishima-style to honor Heihachi Mishima.

Yoshimitsu

Mechanized Space Ninja

As he struggles to control his cursed blade, Yoshimitsu returns with yet another new set of armor.

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Shaheen

Desert Falcon

Following the death of his close friend Salim, Shaheen seeks retribution from G Corp.

Sergei Dragunov

White Reaper

Finally free from military work, Dragunov seeks to accomplish a mysterious goal for his personal pleasure.

Feng Wei

God Fist

Purely focused on being the “Dragon God” at all costs, Feng Wei has joined with G Corp to avenge his loss against Leroy.

Panda

Pretty Protector

Forever dedicated to Xiaoyu, Tekken 8's Panda has unwaveringly followed her across the globe in her search for Jin.

Lee Chaolan

Silver Haired Demon

Teaming up with Lars’ Yggdradil army, Lee has used Violet Systems to develop advanced weaponry fit for facing G Corp.

Alisa Bosconovitch

Destroying Automaton

With her newly gained free will, Alisa follows her heart and seeks to fight by Lars’ side.

Zafina

Mystic Stargazer

Overwhelmed after sealing Tekken 6’s Azazel in her arm, Zafina has teamed up with Xiaoyu and Claudio, who saved her.

Devil Jin

Black Wings of Ruin

Losing the morals that normally guide Jin, the ruthless Devil Jin is a mysterious force with unknowable power.

Victor Chevalier

Refined Violence

The leader of the UN’s Raven Unit finally revealed, Victor Chevalier prepares his forces for G Corp’s assault.

Reina

Purple Lightning

While she is still a complete mystery, her blatant similarities to Heihachi’s moveset imply that Reina may be yet another illegitimate Mishima.

Tekken 8

Franchise

Tekken

Platform(s)

PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S

Released

January 26, 2024

Developer(s)

Bandai Namco Entertainment , Arika

Publisher(s)

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Genre(s)

Fighting

Engine

Unreal Engine 5

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