Tekken 8: Release date & time, platforms, characters, new Heat mechanic, more

Tekken 8 is the latest installment in Bandai Namco’s iconic 3D fighting game series. With this in mind, here’s everything to know about Tekken 8, including its release date, platforms, roster, and more.

Tekken 8 is the dramatic return of Bandai Namco’s incredibly iconic 3D fighting game which looks to take the franchise to the next level with a new story campaign, characters, game modes, and more.

Excitement is building, so for those eagerly waiting for the release of Tekken 8, we’ve gathered all the essential information about the title, including its release date, confirmed characters, and all of the trailers.

Here’s everything you need to know about Tekken 8.

• Tekken 8 release date & time
• Tekken 8 platforms
• Tekken 8 roster: Confirmed characters
• New Tekken 8 gameplay mechanic: Heat system
• Tekken 8 Arcade Quest mode explained
• Tekken 8 trailers

Tekken 8 release date & time

Tekken 8 will be released on January 26, 2024, with eastern regions getting it late on January 25. The game will be available for preload on January 23 at 3 PM PT/ 6 PM ET/ 11 PM GMT. You can check out the game’s official release times below:

Tekken 8 platforms

Tekken 8 will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. There will be cross-platform play and cross-progression, so players can freely hop between different platforms with the same account and play with others on different systems.

Tekken 8 is skipping PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, so unfortunately, those with the older generation of consoles will not be able to get Tekken 8 on those systems.

Tekken 8 roster: Confirmed characters

Tekken 8 comes with a sizable pool of characters to choose from which will only get bigger through DLC characters coming in the future. There are a total of 32 confirmed characters for Tekken 8, check out the full list below:

• Alisa
• Asuka Kazama
• Azucena
• Bryan Fury
• Claudio
• Devil Jin
• Dragunov
• Feng
• Hwoarang
• Jack-8
• Jin Kazama
• Jun Kazama
• Kazuya
• King
• Kuma
• Lars Alexandersson
• Lee Chaolan
• Leo
• Leroy
• Lili
• Marshall Law
• Nina Williams
• Panda
• Paul Phoenix
• Raven
• Reina Mishima
• Shaheen
• Steve Fox
• Victor Chevalier
• Xiaoyu
• Yoshimitsu
• Zafina

New Tekken 8 gameplay mechanic: Heat system explained

Tekken 8 looks to take a more aggressive approach to gameplay, and the new Heat gameplay mechanic is a driving force behind this playstyle.

This new Heat system is a gauge that players can build up and unleash with certain moves and commands. While Heat is active, the attacker has a period of time where they are at an advantage. This new system can be activated once per round for ten seconds.

There are two moves to concern yourself with while in Heat, the Heat Smash and the Heat Dash. The Smash will consume all of your Heat bar and the Heat state will end after use. The Heat Dash is activated after hitting a certain move on the opponent, and you can get a combo from it.

While in Heat, you can also do recoverable damage to players even if they are blocking your attacks.

Tekken 8 Arcade Quest mode explained

Tekken 8 features a new single-player mode called Arcade Quest. It lets players create a unique avatar to visit arcade rooms designed to train their abilities in combat.

Harder challenges will unlock in a story inspired by the rise of esports players, so fighters can get stronger by practicing special techniques in unique scenarios. By progression through this mode, you can also unlock customization items for both the playable characters and avatars.

Tekken 8 trailers

There have been quite a few trailers for Tekken 8, including character reveal trailers for all of the confirmed fighters. Here is the first announcement trailer we had which officially revealed the game.

Reveal trailer

Story and gameplay trailer

We then had a story and gameplay teaser trailer which gave players a look at some in-game footage and some of the game’s characters.

Release date and exclusive content trailer

The trailer revealed at Gamescom 2023 finally confirmed Tekken 8’s release date as well as the new game mode called Arcade Quest.

Character gameplay trailers

There are also 12 character gameplay trailers which you can check out all on the Tekken 8 Bandai Namco YouTube playlist.

Official Launch Trailer

Tekken 8’s Launch Trailer arrived days before the game’s release and provided a cinematic glimpse of the main story.

For more on Tekken 8, check out some of our other guides below:

Will Tekken 8 be on Xbox Game Pass? |  Tekken 8 pre-order bonuses | How to use Rage Art in Tekken 8: Mechanic explained | How old are Tekken 8 characters? | Will Tekken 8 have microtransactions? I Who is Eddy Gordo in Tekken 8?