Summary
- Tekken 8 will be released in January and will feature a 32-character roster that includes both fan-favorites and new faces.
- The game introduces the Heat system, which has changed gameplay dynamics but still retains familiar elements.
- The game's cast ranges from a variety of Mishima family members to an eclectic cast of allies, enemies, and third parties.
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.
Kazuya Mishima
Cold-Blooded Oppressor
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994) |
None |
Mishima-Style Fighting Karate |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken 3 (1997) |
Japan |
Karate |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994), Tekken 3 (1997) as King II |
Mexico |
Professional Wrestling |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken 2 (1995) |
Japan |
Kazama-Style Traditional Martial Arts |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994) |
USA |
Integrated Martial Arts Based on Judo |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994) |
USA |
Martial Arts |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994) as Jack, Tekken 8 (2024) as Jack-8 |
Unknown |
Sheer Force |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken 6: Bloodline Rebellion (2008) |
Sweden |
Tekken Force Martial Arts |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken 3 (1997) |
China |
Baguazhang, Piguazhang-Based Chinese Martial Arts |
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
|
First Appearance |
Country |
Fighting Style |
|
Tekken (1994) |
Ireland |
Assassination Arts |
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.