Tekken 8: Release date, characters, and everything confirmed

Tekken 8 is just around the corner, so it’s time to get caught up. We’ll get you ready for the next battle with every character confirmed and the release date. Here’s everything we know about Tekken 8 right now.

When does Tekken 8 come out?

The next entry in the Tekken series will be released on January 26, 2024. It will debut on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Yes, it will skip the PS4 and Xbox One generations. No Nintendo Switch release has been announced at this time.

If you pre-order the game, you’ll get a Paul Phoenix outfit for your avatar in Arcade Quest. There’s also a PlayStation-exclusive pre-order set that includes skins for Tetsujin and Mokujin.

There are a few physical pre-order bonuses you can get from Best Buy and GameStop. At GameStop, you can get a keychain showing Jin’s iconic gloves. There’s also an $84.99 bundle you can get that includes an action figure of wrestler King and the game. Best Buy gives you a metallic plate of the game with your purchase. It shows the initial teaser logo for the game that has metallic chains forming an 8.

Which characters are in the game?

On the base roster, there will be 32 characters available. However, not all of them have been announced as of the time of writing. So far, they include:

• Asuka Kazama
• Azucena
• Bryan Fury
• Claudio Serafino
• Feng Wei
• Hwoarang
• Jack-8
• Jin Kazama
• Jun Kazama
• Kazuya Mishima
• King
• Lars Alexandersson
• Leo Kliesen
• Leroy Smith
• Lili
• Ling Xiaoyu
• Kuma
• Marshall Law
• Nina Williams
• Paul Phoenix
• Raven
• Sergei Dragunov
• Shaheen
• Steve Fox
• Yoshimitsu

What modes are in Tekken 8?

So far, the game’s publisher Bandai Namco hasn’t been clear with all of the Tekken 8 modes yet. However, one of the key new features of the game is Arcade Quest.

It’s a new single-player-oriented mode, in which you create your own avatar. You’re going through a story as you battle rivals on multiple arcades. The Steam page says we’ll be “mastering the basics and practical skills in Tekken 8” in this mode. It might be a way to welcome in newcomers to the series and fighting game genre.

Through Arcade Quest, you’ll unlock different items and customizable objects for your characters and avatars.

There will also be a story mode revolving around Jin and Kazuya six months after the death of Heihachi. The Steam page for the game says “The story of Jin Kazama’s growth and determination marks a new chapter in the timeless saga.”

It’s probably a given there is a dedicated versus mode for competitors to face each other. There’s also an online lobby system of course.

Is Tekken Ball coming back?

There will be a volleyball-themed mode called Tekken Ball. You’ll be trying to keep the ball going until it hits the opponent. It looks surprisingly fun and brings back those PS1 memories of Tekken 3.

Additionally, there’s the Super Ghost Battle mode. It has AI ghosts evolving from your moveset. It lets you play ghost data from pro players, so if you can want to test your skills in the game, this might be a good way to go.

Is Tekken 8 crossplay and does it support rollback netcode?

Tekken 8 will indeed support crossplay at launch, unlike Mortal Kombat 1. You’ll be able to play the game with anyone regardless of whether you or your own opponents play on Xbox, PlayStation, or PC.

Tekken 8 will support rollback netcode as well.

Are there any new gameplay mechanics?

Tekken 8 will be more aggressive this time around. The “Heat System” has been added, which puts your character into a “state of enhancement” for a period of time. Attacks that you impact on your defending opponent also turns into a Recoverable Gauge which can be taken down in one strike.

Players of differing skill levels can also play using Arcade Style or Special Style. The Special Style adds the Easy Combo and Assist features from Tekken 7 into one. It’s for more casual play. Meanwhile, Arcade Style is more for hardcore fighting game players.