Tekken 8: Most Popular Characters, Ranked

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Key Takeaways

  • Steve Fox merges classic popularity with revamped aggressive gameplay to secure the 8th spot.
  • Bryan Fury’s in-your-face fighting style and flashy finishers propel him to 7th place.
  • Hwoarang’s deadly kicks and revamped appearance make him one of the fastest-rising popular characters.

As someone who’s been playing Tekken since the days of the arcade machines and the iconic red-haired girl, I must say, the roster for Tekken 8 is truly something special. The characters that have stood the test of time and the new faces added to the mix make this game a delight to play.

Since the launch of Tekken 8 in January 2024, fans have been debating which characters are the most frequently used among the diverse roster. In an attempt to quantify their popularity, many have analyzed the data. However, more recently, Harada – the lead developer of Tekken – revealed the authentic usage statistics on his YouTube channel, Harada’s Bar.

Analyzing which characters are frequently used in the game could provide a useful insight into what players generally prefer, based on popular character archetypes. At the same time, it may inspire players to experiment with less-tried fighters, potentially discovering characters they find more engaging than they initially thought. Therefore, having access to insights about character usage can only be beneficial.

8. Steve Fox

Steve’s Fast And Ferocious Fighting Style Has Won A Lot Of Fans Over

As a devoted fan, I find myself drawn to the eight-ranked iconic figure in the Tekken series – the boxer known as Steve. While he’s always been a fan favorite, his recent facelift combined with his relentless shut-down playstyle has convinced numerous players to give him a try. Steve’s deceptive mixups and distinctive dodges can turn him into a formidable challenge for opponents, all while providing an exhilarating experience for those using him.

Steve proves simpler to learn due to his focus on punching instead of kicks, though mastering him and effectively using his dodges takes time. This balance makes him more approachable compared to other characters. As a result, he’s seen a significant increase in popularity for the recent installment of the series.

7. Bryan Fury

Many Players Seemingly Enjoy Pummeling Their Opponents To Pieces With Bryan

Bryan, the ferocious character introduced in Tekken 3, has regained his status as one of the series’ fan favorites. A significant portion of this popularity stems from his unique fighting style. Unlike other combatants who rely on strategic attacks or long-range projectiles, Bryan prefers to get up close and personal, delivering powerful blows to his opponents before finishing them off with his devastating Heat Smash explosion.

His rapid-fire jabs and numerous powerful strikes make it seem like he can create combinations effortlessly, even out of seemingly nothing. Add his blazing speed into the mix, and it’s no wonder that anyone facing him feels a chill down their spine. It goes without saying that Bryan has many admirers, which is why he’s ranked seventh in popularity.

6. Hwoarang

The Taekwondo Representative Of The Series Remains Popular Among Fans

A swift fighter named Hwoarang, a taekwondo expert introduced in Tekken 3, saw a significant rise in popularity. In sharp contrast to his questionable appearance in Tekken 7, Hwoarang underwent a near total makeover for this game, appearing more realistic and adhering closer to his original design. However, he still retains the constant, smirk-like expression on his face.

Just as anticipated, Howarang’s kicks are more lethal than ever, making it a breeze for him to lift opponents high for a rapid-fire combo. Once aloft, he can swiftly push them towards the wall to inflict massive damage in a matter of seconds. His finisher is one of the most spectacular in the game, and his introductions and conclusions feature his famous motorbike, adding an iconic touch to his moveset.

5. Sergei Dragunov

His Status As A “Meta” Character Has Seen Dragunov Receive A Lot Of Attention

In a simpler, more natural language, one could say: Dragunov stands out distinctly, there’s no argument about it. However, what truly propelled him into the top five is his designation as a “meta” character. During the early stages of Tekken 8 and even for a significant part of Tekken 7, many players found Dragunov to be an overpowered character due to his collection of cunning mixups and those dreaded overhead attacks and low sweeps that haunt dreams.

Over time, his popularity increased significantly as more people learned about his exceptional skills, despite the game developers adjusting (nerfing) him to a balanced level at launch. Nevertheless, Dragunov’s distinctive combat style, lethal grabs, and 50/50 playstyle have undeniably earned him a favored status among many Tekken 8 players.

4. Kazuya Mishima

Longtime Players And Newcomers Alike Have Embraced Kazuya’s Tactical Playstyle

Given that Kazuya has been a playable character since the initial game in the series, there are numerous longtime Tekken fans who have relied on him as their go-to character for years. With an impressive graphical enhancement from Tekken 7 and a few additional moves added to his repertoire, he’s also become quite popular among new players.

Another possible reason for Kazuya’s heavy usage could be because he’s still the main antagonist of the series, making him an intriguing character to play as in a fighting game. The chance to unleash chaos on opponents as the formidable boss has always been appealing to fans of this genre, and it might draw players to Kazuya due to his villainous nature – or simply because he and his moves look stunningly impressive in this game from a visual standpoint.

3. Jin Kazama

The Main Protagonist Has Been Made Easier To Learn To Bolster His Accessibility

In fighting games, the main characters often become extremely popular due to their simplicity for beginners and ease of learning. This is certainly true for Jin, who has been designed with an abundance of combo potential thanks to his latest moves. However, these added moves make him more complex to master effectively, which might explain why so many players still choose to use him frequently.

Among all the combatants in the game, Jin stands out as one of the most flamboyant, showcasing an electrifying fighting style that allows him to tap into aspects of his Devil Gene to obliterate opponents with spectacular launchers and attacks. Previously, Jin was challenging to master in Tekken games, but for this installment, it appears Harada and the team aimed to make him more approachable – a change that seems successful given his rising popularity.

2. King

Who Could Have Guessed Such A Staggering Number Of Tekken Players Were Also Wrestling Fans

The character King is more well-known than the game Tekken itself, attaining iconic status within pop culture due to his unique appearance. One reason for this widespread appeal could be attributed to his distinct wrestling fighting style, which stands out with its focus on grapples and slams, making it easy for players to experience their fantasies of being a wrestler in the game.

Bandai Namco has significantly enhanced King’s character in Tekken 8 by equipping him with a microphone for delivering promos during his entrances, as well as introducing new moves like the Irish whip, which allows him to toss opponents across the ring. Although his basic grabs are relatively simple to master, King’s extensive move set ensures that players can spend hours exploring and perfecting his diverse range of techniques, making him an immensely gratifying character to learn and play with online.

1. Reina

Arguably The Best And Most Impactful Newcomer The Series Has Ever Seen

It’s clear that Reina is among the top newcomers in any Tekken game, perhaps even the best. Her chic looks, tough demeanor, and fighting style reminiscent of the Mishimas have made her a beloved character from the instant her introduction trailer was unveiled. The popularity of her character usage demonstrates that the excitement surrounding her hasn’t waned in the slightest.

It’s been enjoyable switching from the usual characters like Kazuya or Heihachi in the Mishima series, as playing as this new character offers a fresh experience, particularly with her intense, rushdown-focused fighting style that’s incredibly gratifying to employ. What’s more, she’s simple to personalize and plays a significant role in the narrative – factors that have significantly boosted her popularity among players.

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2024-12-10 12:34