Top 10 List of Tekken 8 Characters
Tekken 8 is here, and things are different now. Some fighters got stronger. Others got weaker. To win, you must know who the best characters are in 2025.
We looked at tournaments like EVO Japan, checked who wins online ranked matches, and studied the newest patch, version 1.05. This list is not just for pros; it’s also for new players who want to pick the right main.
Let’s look at how we ranked the top 10 fighters.
How We Picked the Best Fighters
We didn’t just guess. We used real facts.
1. Pro Tournaments Matter
Big players use strong characters. At EVO Japan 2025, some fighters kept winning. That tells us they’re excellent, even at the highest level. If someone wins a lot on stage, the character is powerful.
2. Ranked Matches Online
We also checked online play. Sometimes a character is used a lot, but doesn’t win much. That shows they might be popular but not strong. On the other hand, if fewer players use a fighter but they win a lot? That’s a sign of hidden power.
3. Patch 1.05 Changes
Game updates change things. The 1.05 patch gave some fighters new buffs. Others got nerfed. For example, Kazuya still hits hard, but now he needs better timing. Jun got stronger, so more people picked her. We looked at all of these changes to rank the fighters fairly.
Picking for Everyone – Not Just Pros
Some fighters are hard to learn, while others are easier. We picked characters that work for both casual players and tournament champions. We also considered fun. Some fighters are tricky and fun to use, while others are strong but require lots of skill.
So if you’re new or want to win more, this list will help you.
S-Tier: Tournament Dominators
These fighters win big matches. They are strong, fast, and smart, and top players love them. But they’re not always easy to use!
Jin Kazama
Jin is strong and well-balanced. He can poke, block, and combo. His “Electric Wind Hookfist” is tricky but powerful. After patch 1.05, his combos hit harder. Many pros pick Jin because he works in every situation.
Pro Tip: Try mixing up your Hookfist attacks. Use fast jabs first. Then surprise your enemy with a Heat Burst combo. It’s hard to block!
Jun Kazama
Jun is fast. She rushes down her enemies and keeps them under pressure. Her moves are smooth and safe. Her “Spiral Arrow” is safe even if blocked, which makes her scary to fight.
Did You Know? GameRant ranked Jun #1 for pressure. If you like to move fast and hit first, she’s your girl.
Kazuya Mishima
Kazuya is a beast. He controls matches with his 50/50 mixups. That means you must guess high or low, and guessing wrong hurts. But he’s hard to use. His “EWGF” move takes good timing.
Watch Out: Kazuya is strong, but tricky. If you miss your move, you get punished. Practice a lot!
A-Tier: Strong and Steady
These fighters don’t win every time, but they are solid picks. They work well in ranked matches and tournaments. You’ll see them a lot online.
Paul Phoenix
Paul hits hard. His “Deathfist” move can KO enemies fast. Even after patch 1.05, he’s still strong. He didn’t get nerfed much.
Claudio Serafino
Claudio is great for new players. He has easy moves and controls space well. His Starburst mode adds power. He’s simple but strong.
Easy Pick: Want to win and learn? Start with Claudio. He’s fun and easy to master.
Leroy Smith
Leroy used to be top-tier. Now, after some nerfs, he’s still good. His parries are strong, and his combos hit hard. He’s slower now, but still useful.
Fun Fact: Leroy’s cane is now limited. But his parry skills still scare people!
Dark Horse Picks: Surprise Winners
These characters are less popular. But in the right hands, they can win big. They have strange styles and can trick their opponents.
Azucena
She dances around attacks. Her dodge moves confuse players. At EVO, she shocked people by beating top picks.
Yoshimitsu
He’s weird. He spins, flies, and switches stances. Many players don’t know how to fight him. If you love fun and mind games, give Yoshi a try.
Try This: Use Yoshimitsu’s teleport. Trick your enemy, then hit them from behind!
How to Choose Your Main Fighter
So, who should you pick? It depends on your style.
For Beginners
If you’re new to Tekken 8, start with Claudio. His moves are simple. He helps you learn spacing and timing. You don’t need perfect combos to win with him.
Want a challenge? Try Kazuya. He’s hard to master but super strong. You’ll need to practice his “Electric Wind God Fist.” But once you learn it, you can crush your enemies.
Tip: Pick Claudio if you want to win fast. Pick Kazuya if you want to learn cool skills.
For Pros & Ranked Climbers
If you play ranked or enter tournaments, go with Jin or Jun. Jin is balanced. He can attack, block, and counter. He fits every playstyle. That’s why many pros pick him.
Jun is fast and aggressive. She pressures enemies and forces mistakes. If you like speed and combos, Jun is your pick.
Reminder: Jin = all-rounder. Jun = pressure queen.
Watch the Meta – It Changes Fast!
Tekken 8 is constantly changing. New patches and characters can shake things up.
- DLC Watch: Eddy Gordo is back! He’s fast and tricky. His mix-ups are hard to block. If more DLC fighters come, they might change the tier list.
- Patch 1.06 Rumors: Some say buffs are coming for lower-tier fighters. If true, characters like Yoshimitsu could rise.
Meta Tip: Always check patch notes before you play. Your favorite fighter may have changed!
Conclusion: Test Before You Train!
Choosing the best fighter is fun, but don’t rush. Try out the top 3 in Practice Mode first to see who fits your style.
Want big combos? Try Kazuya. Like fast moves? Go for Jun. Want balance? Pick Jin. No matter who you choose, have fun and keep learning. The more you play, the better you’ll get.
Now it’s your turn — head to Practice Mode and climb to S-rank!
