With the new Tekken already here, players are asking themselves many questions regarding gameplay details. Will the new Heat system be better than the previous mechanics? And most importantly – what can we expect from the brand-new character roster?
The Tekken series boasts one of the most memorable and fun character collections in the fighting game genre. Involved in a legendary conflict between powerful clans, playable heroes demonstrate their extraordinary skills to defeat their opponents in intense one-on-one fights and unravel the following chapters of the gripping storyline. Tekken 8 arrives with an incredibly satisfying lineup of 32 familiar and new faces, and here you will learn all about their potential.
| Fighter | Fighting Style |
|---|---|
| Kazuya Mishima | Mishima-ryū Karate |
| Jin Kazama | Kyokushin Karate |
| Devil Jin | Unknown |
| Jun Kazama | Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts |
| King | Wrestling |
| Paul Phoenix | Integrated Martial Arts Based on Judo |
| Marshall Law | Jeet Kune Do |
| Jack-8 | Sheer Force |
| Lars Alexandersson | Tekken Forces Martial Arts |
| Ling Xiaoyu | Baguazhang and Piguaquan |
| Nina Williams | Koppojutsu and Aikido |
| Leroy Smith | Wing Chun |
| Asuka Kazama | Kazama Style Traditional Martial Arts |
| Lili de Rochefort | Street Fighting, Self-Taught Style |
| Bryan Fury | Kickboxing |
| Hwoarang | Taekwon-Do |
| Sergei Dragunov | Combat Sambo |
| Feng Wei | Kenpo |
| Panda | Heihachi-style Improved Kuma Shinken |
| Kuma | Heihachi-style Kuma Shinken |
| Yoshimitsu | Advanced Manji Ninjutsu |
| Leo Kliesen | Baji Quan |
| Shaheen | Close Quarters Combat |
| Steve Fox | Boxing |
| Claudio Serafino | Sirius Exorcist Arts |
| Lee Chaolan | Mishima Style Fighting Karate combined with Martial Arts |
| Zafina | Ancient Assassination Arts |
| Raven | Ninjutsu |
| Alisa Bosconovitch | Thruster-Based High-Mobility Fighting Style |
| Azucena | Mixed Martial Arts |
| Victor Chevalier | Super Spy CQB |
| Reina | Unclear (Officially) |
Kazuya Mishima
He returns to confront Jin Kazama in the ultimate battle for world domination. As we all saw in the trailer, the new aggression-fueled Heat system makes his Devil form even more powerful and his attacks fiercer.
Jin Kazama
Ready to confront his power-obsessed father, Jin becomes the star hero of Tekken’s plot. And now, thanks to the new combat system, he can focus more on offensive moves, balancing them with the previously used defensive ones. Unlike Kazuya, Jin still uses the Devil transformation as a separate character slot.
Devil Jin
Fan-favorite Devil Jin returns to bring a bit of mayhem to this tragic story. He is arrogant, overly confident, and particularly sadistic – all of which may help him eventually gain absolute control over Jin Kazama’s body.
Jun Kazama
Seemingly dead since Tekken 2, Jin’s mother returns to participate in the battle between father and son. The heroine plays a crucial part in the story and may influence Kazuya’s vision. An extremely intriguing move, Bandai Namco!
King
This iconic character (in two versions) appeared in all main installments of the series to support orphanages. Like in previous titles, King uses a classic moveset, including epic throws and powerful combos.
Paul Phoenix
Ditching his signature hairstyle for a more realistic look, Paul Phoenix joins the roster of playable heroes. Wanting to prove he is the most powerful warrior in the universe, the man takes advantage of highly aggressive attacks like Phoenix Smasher and Piston Fire.
Marshall Law
Determined to collect enough money for his dream restaurant, Marshall Law returns to compete in another Iron Fist Tournament. His Martial Arts style and beautiful friendship with Paul Phoenix make him one of the most beloved picks on this list.
Jack-8
Using a remodeled look, a powerful cannon laser, and unforgiving abilities, Jack-8 is a proud representative of G Corporation’s latest series of robots. This guy poses quite a challenge to any fighter on our list.
Lars Alexandersson
Heihachi Mishima’s illegitimate son returns to once again support Jin Kazama in his fight against the overpowered Kazuya Mishima. Leading his rebel army, Lars impresses with his menacing attacks, including Zeus Unlimited, Ark Blast, and Volcanic Lightning.
Ling Xiaoyu
Ling reappears to support Jin in the war against his cruel father by combining beautiful dance-like moves and traditional martial arts. Blending elegant attacks with complex combos, the heroine can surprise and defeat even the most powerful opponents, like King.
Nina Williams
The silent assassin does everything in her power to support Kazuya in his brutal fight for the world’s fate. Two guns make her one of the most intimidating female heroes in the new installation, and her skills are pretty challenging to master.
Leroy Smith
After making his first DLC appearance in Tekken 7, Leroy Smith returns with a much more precise Wing Chun moveset. As one of the leading story characters, nothing will prevent him and his dog Sugar from stopping the G Corporation.
Asuka Kazama
The upcoming appearance of Jin’s cousin means two things – her vital role in the conflict and an ideal opportunity for novice players to master a powerful heroine. Her mighty crush moves are a guarantee of a rewarding experience!
Lili de Rochefort
In her quest to defeat Asuka, Lili continues to impress with her elegant fighting style and surprisingly vigorous kicks. The new Heat system may be an excellent opportunity to achieve that goal!
Bryan Fury
The brutal cyborg returns to use his kickboxing moves in the worst possible way. This guy genuinely desires chaos, death, and omnipresent destruction, so he is a fantastic choice for players looking forward to learning the most devastating attacks.
Hwoarang
Like Jin, Hwoarang debuted in Tekken 3 and became his fierce opponent. He will still try to beat Jin in Tekken VIII using his powerful taekwondo moves.
Sergei Dragunov
He is a member of the Spetsnaz special forces, using a unique Commando Sambo style. His ‘The White Angel of Death’ alias proves true in the fight against experienced and novice players.
Feng Wei
Endowed with superhuman skills, Feng Wei strives to gain ultimate power by participating in the King of Iron Fist Tournament. By supporting G Corp’s actions, he will do anything to take revenge on Leroy.
Panda
Don’t let that cute face fool you, as Panda knows some devastatingly killer moves. Representing the same battle style, she is the best choice for experienced players who require a bit of classic combat in this sea of innovations.
Kuma
Focused on honoring Heihachi Mishima, Kuma develops his training style, sporting a similar outfit to what his master used to wear.
Yoshimitsu
Equipped with refreshed samurai armor, Yoshimitsu returns to defeat his opponents with the cursed blade. His appearance may intimidate, but he’s a surprisingly fun character choice, even for novice players.
Leo Kliesen
Being a Tekken 7 DLC, Leo found his place in the main character list to discover some secrets. He demonstrates a rather universal set of skills that anyone can learn.
Shaheen
Introduced in Tekken 7, Shaheen fights for the final fall of G Corporation, responsible for the death of his friend, Salim. Using highly acrobatic moves, including slides and slams, he is quite an easy-to-learn character for beginner players.
Steve Fox
He is a boxer, introduced in Tekken 4, and one of the most unusual playable heroes. Nobody is as good at counter hits and pressure as this guy!
Claudio Serafino
This most unpredictable exorcist in the world dreams of defeating Devil Gene. Gifted with supernatural powers, the warrior operates one of the most unique attacks in the Tekken series.
Lee Chaolan
As the adopted son of Heihachi Mishima, Lee decided to join forces with Lars’ army to defeat the G Corporation once and for all. To achieve this goal, he wears brand-new armor in Tekken 8.
Zafina
Operating the might of Azazel living in her left hand, Zafina — like Claudio Serafino — wields one of the most visually impressive powers in the game. She may play quite a fascinating role in the new story!
Raven
Not seen since Tekken 6, Raven returns to impress with a new character design and refined combat skills. He is unimaginably fast, unpredictable, and, as always, mysterious.
Alisa Bosconovitch
Being an android, Alisa operates extremely unexpected attacks, including using her head as a bomb. Endowed with autonomy, she now supports Lars using her acrobatic moves.
Azucena
She is one of three completely new heroes. Known as the Coffee Queen, Azucena excites with her energetic fighting style and can be quite a dangerous weapon in the hands of experienced players.
Victor Chevalier
Voiced by Vincent Cassel, Victor is the founder of the UN Raven Unit. He is another brand-new character, equipped with an impressive arsenal of weapons like a sword, guns, and a teleporting device.
Reina
Making her debut in Tekken VIII, Reina uses electricity, which may suggest a family connection to the Mishima clan. According to Kohei Ikeda, the heroine will be crucial to the plot of the new installation.
Conclusion
Excited? New and familiar faces promise a pretty unpredictable story – packed with plot twists and brutal fights. Additionally, there will be more content as part of the season pass! Let us know what you think about this surprisingly extensive character roster. The whole world is breathing anticipation!