Tekken 8’s Ghosts Get a New Battle Mode

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Summary

  • Tekken 8’s March update adds new items and a unique Ghost vs. Ghost feature.
  • Season 2 plans include balance adjustments, new characters, and Ghost showdown events.
  • Players can defeat Special Ghosts for limited-time character panel rewards.

Tekken 8 got an update in March, which is the last one prior to the commencement of its second season. This latest patch includes new merchandise in the store and a novel feature concerning Ghosts – AI-managed characters that adapt according to the player’s moves. The Tekken 8 overhaul can be downloaded on all platforms, but Bandai cautions users that any previous replay data will be wiped clean if they choose to install this update.

Introduced in January 2024, the fighting game has consistently received updates, enhancing gameplay mechanics, incorporating fresh elements, and notably expanding the cast of characters for Tekken 8. The initial season brought on board fighters such as Eddy Gordo, Lidia Sobieska, Heihachi, and the main character from Final Fantasy 16, Clive Rosfield. Prior to the end of this season, producer Katsuhiro Harada disclosed future plans for Tekken 8, some of which have already been executed, including a photo mode and new customization options.

The newest update for Tekken 8, version 1.13, has just been released! This is the last update for the game’s inaugural season. Among other things, this patch introduces a new costume for Heihachi, an option to conceal player details on avatars, and a highly anticipated feature: Ghost Vs. Ghost battles. In Tekken 8’s social space, players can engage with others, pick the “Battle Ghosts” option to challenge other players’ Ghosts, and watch their performance after choosing one of three fight styles. More updates for this feature are coming soon!

Starting today and running up until April 1st, I’m thrilled to share that we’re officially unveiling Season 2 of Tekken 8! In the game lobby, you’ll come across Five Special Ghosts. If you manage to best them in battle, you’ll score yourself character panels featuring five incredible fan art designs from our “TEKKEN FANDOM” campaign. Keep in mind, these Special Ghosts are here for a limited time only, so seize the opportunity! Following this, our next update is set to bring in another five Ghosts, each potentially offering fresh rewards.

As a die-hard Tekken fan, I eagerly await Harada’s word on the upcoming balance adjustments for various characters in Tekken 8. Although the v1.13 patch doesn’t reveal any changes yet, we can look forward to them in the next significant update arriving on April 1st. For those of us wanting a sneak peek into Tekken 8’s second season, mark your calendars for the upcoming “TEKKEN Talk Live event” scheduled for March 23rd at 8 PM PDT. Let’s tune in together to uncover what exciting developments await!

Currently, the only definite change for the commencement of the second season is the inclusion of popular character Anna Williams. Upon her unveiling, fans expressed criticism towards her appearance, which the producer subsequently acknowledged and addressed. At present, Nina’s sibling is the sole fighter confirmed to be part of the second season’s expansion pack. If history repeats itself as with the first season, it’s likely that an additional three characters will join the roster for Tekken 8, with one or two possibly being guest characters.

Tekken 8 Patch Notes v1.13

Application Date and Time

[JST] From around 11:00 on Tuesday, March 11th, applied sequentially

[CET] From around 3:00 on Tuesday, March 11th, applied sequentially

[PDT] From around 19:00 on Monday, March 10th, applied sequentially

Maintenance Date and Time

[JST] Tuesday, March 11th, 10:30 – 15:00

[CET] Tuesday, March 11th, 2:30 – 7:00

[PDT] Monday, March 10th, 18:30 – 23:00

Note:

Please note that the date and time may change without prior notice.

All online content will be unavailable during maintenance.

Impact of the Update

The application of the update data will affect the following modes and features:

“DOWNLOADED REPLAYS” / “MY REPLAY & TIPS”

Replay data from before the update will no longer be playable.

“ONLINE REPLAY”

All replay data from before the update will be deleted.

The details of the update are as follows:

“TEKKEN SHOP”

“Heihachi Costume 01” Added

  • Revival Costume for Playable Character “Heihachi”

“TEKKEN SPECIAL DEAL” Available

  • Selected items available at special prices during the event period.

“TEKKEN FIGHT LOUNGE”

Added “Ghost vs. Ghost” Feature

  • What is a Ghost?: An AI-learned replica of the player that grows based on battle actions
  • Added a new feature allowing battles between the player’s Ghost and other players’ Ghosts in the Lounge
  • By talking to another player in the Lounge and selecting “Battle Ghosts,” players can initiate a match
  • Before the battle, players can choose one of the following three strategies, which alter the Ghost’s behavior even if using the same Ghost:
    1. AGGRESSIVE: A combat style focused on offense
    2. DEFENSIVE: A combat style focused on defense
    3. BALANCE: A combat style balancing offense and defense
  • The “Ghost vs. Ghost” feature will continue to receive updates according to the following schedule:
    1. March (v1.13):
      • Implementation of the “Ghost vs. Ghost” feature
    2. May (v2.01):
      • Addition of features such as Ghost data deletion and AI learning ON/OFF toggle
      • Opening of “TEKKEN GHOST SHOWDOWN” within “TEKKEN FIGHT LOUNGE”
      • “TEKKEN GHOST SHOWDOWN” will be available real-time battles between player-trained Ghosts
    3. June (v2.02):
      • Implementation of a feature allowing players to give commands to AI Ghosts during “Ghost vs. Ghost” battles
      • Implementation of a feature enabling AI Ghosts to learn and refine their behavior based on player evaluations during “Ghost vs. Ghost” battles

Five Special Ghosts Appearing with Obtainable Character Panels

  • Defeat Special Ghosts in battle to obtain one character panel per victory
  • Character panels feature five fan art designs collected from the “TEKKEN FANDOM Campaign”
  • Special Ghosts will appear in the lobby until just before maintenance for the next update scheduled on Tuesday, April 1st
  • In the next update, these Special Ghosts will be replaced with five new ones

Option to Hide Player Information Displayed on Avatars

  • Added a “Hide” option to the player information toggle, which can be switched by pressing [R3/Right Stick/N]
  • Player information can now be cycled in the following order:
    • “TEKKEN 8” in-game player name ⇒ Platform account name ⇒ TEKKEN ID ⇒ (NEW) Hide ⇒ Player name

“PLAYABLE CHARACTERS”

Character Move Behavior Fixes and Balance Adjustments

  • As a major balance adjustment is planned for the “Season 2” update on Tuesday, April 1st, no balance adjustments will be implemented in v1.13, which precedes this update.
  • The latest information on Season 2 will be announced in the upcoming “TEKKEN Talk Live” events.

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2025-03-11 18:26