Tekken 8 Release Date, News, Gameplay, & More 2024

Tekken 8 Release Date: Tekken is one of the most popular fighting game franchises in the world. The series is known for its deep combat mechanics, extensive character roster, and over-the-top storylines. Tekken 8 is the upcoming eighth installment in the mainline Tekken games. Here is everything we know so far about Tekken 8’s release date, gameplay, characters, storyline, and more.

Tekken 8 Release Date

Tekken8 was officially announced at the September 2022 PlayStation State of Play event. The game is currently slated for release in 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. No specific release date has been announced yet.

However, given that major fighting games usually aim to release around June, many fans speculate Tekken 8 will launch in June 2023. This would follow the release pattern of previous mainline Tekken games:

• Tekken 3 – March 1998
• Tekken 4 – March 2002
• Tekken 5 – February 2005
• Tekken 6 – October 2009
• Tekken 7 – June 2015

So a June 2023 release date for Tekken 8 seems very likely at this point. We’ll probably get an official release date announcement in early 2023.

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Gameplay

Specific details on Tekken 8’s gameplay mechanics are sparse so far. However, based on the trailer and statements from the developers, we can infer some things about how the game will play:

Graphics & Animation

• Built using Unreal Engine 5, Tekken8 boasts stunning next-gen graphics and animation. Characters and environments look more realistic than ever.
• Motion capture was used to make character movements more natural and fluid.
• Debris, sweat, and blood effects help bring the fights to life.

Gameplay Enhancements

• Tekken 8 will retain the series’ core 3D fighting mechanics but also implement “various game mechanics that can only be done using next-gen specs.”
• Recovery rolls will allow players to quickly recover after being knocked down rather than lying prone. This should help maintain fight flow and tension.
• Level designs now feature uneven terrain and slanted surfaces rather than just flat planes. This adds variety and impacts how moves work.
• The game will build on Tekken 7’s Rage system with a new “Rage Drive” move type.
• Developers suggest the narrative will be more cinematic and immersive than past games.

Overall, Tekken 8 aims to refine the franchise’s core combat mechanics while also pushing the gameplay and presentation to new levels. As more details emerge, we’ll get a better idea of what exact changes are coming to the Tekken formula.

Characters

The Tekken games are known for their massive character rosters pulling fighters from diverse backgrounds and fighting styles. Tekken 7 featured over 50 playable characters after DLC.

So far, only three characters have been officially confirmed for Tekken 8’s roster:

• Jin Kazama– The main protagonist of the Tekken series ever since his debut in Tekken 3. Jin possesses the Devil Gene which gives him superhuman fighting abilities. Based on the Tekken8 trailer, it appears Jin will remain the central character.
• Paul Phoenix– A hot-headed brawler and comic relief character who has appeared in every mainline Tekken game. The trailer shows Paul still sporting his iconic red judo gi.
• King– The third character revealed for Tekken8 so far. King is a luchador wrestler who wears a jaguar mask. The Tekken games have featured multiple characters behind the King mask, and Tekken8 likely introduces yet another new King.

In addition, fans speculate many other mainstay characters like Kazuya, Heihachi, Nina, Yoshimitsu, and more will return. We also expect some new fighters to join the fray when Bandai Namco reveals more of the Tekken8 roster. Each entry typically introduces 5-10 new characters.

Story & Setting

Tekken games are known for their over-the-top narratives dealing with family drama, honor, revenge, and supernatural elements like demons and clones. Tekken8 will continue this tradition with a story focusing on the Mishima clan conflict.

The Tekken 8 trailer establishes a post-apocalyptic setting with ruined cityscapes engulfed in flame. Based on Jin’s opening monologue, it seems war has ravaged the world and Jin feels responsible. The mysterious third-eyed man is likely a major antagonist that Jin will have to contend with.

Past Tekken games have incorporated genre fiction elements like vampires, cyborgs, and time travel. So the over-the-top storytelling is sure to continue in Tekken 8. The series has never been afraid to take things to crazy places, so expect epic drama when Tekken8’s full narrative is revealed.

Pre-Order Bonuses & Special Editions

Official details on Tekken 8’s pre-order incentives and special editions haven’t been announced yet. However, looking at past games provides an idea of what to potentially expect:

• Pre-Order Bonuses– Expect in-game items like special costumes for characters or bonus levels/modes. Bandai Namco likes to offer small rewards for pre-orders.
• Deluxe Edition– Tekken 7 had a $20 Deluxe Edition which included the season pass. Expect Tekken8 to have a similar Deluxe Edition bundle.
• Collector’s Edition– A pricier $100-150 edition with a steel case, art book, soundtrack, and figure. Tekken collector’s editions also sometimes include arcade cabinets.

Of course, nothing is confirmed yet. But these types of offerings are likely coming for fans wanting to get bonus content. As Tekken8 details emerge, the specific pre-order and special edition items will be unveiled.

DLC Plans

Past Tekken games have supported strong post-launch DLC plans to extend the game’s lifespan:

• Tekken Tag Tournament 2 received 4 DLC packs with characters, stages, costumes, and more.
• Tekken 7 got 2 seasons of DLC adding 12 new fighters and various cosmetics.

Expect Tekken 8 to receive substantial DLC support as well. The developers have implied as much, stating they hope “to keep providing updates for Tekken8 for a long time after launch.”

Bandai Namco likely already has plans for multiple seasons of DLC content updating Tekken8 over the next few years. This should keep the roster fresh and give players new stuff to master after launch.

Will Tekken 8 Be On Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox Game Pass has become an extremely popular subscription service, giving players access to 100+ games for a monthly fee. However, it’s unlikely Tekken 8 will be included on Game Pass at launch.

Bandai Namco has not included their major fighting game releases like Soulcalibur VI or Dragon Ball FighterZ on Game Pass. These titles are designed as evergreen games that sell steadily for years. Including them on Game Pass would undercut that sales momentum.

Of course, it’s possible Tekken 8 could come to Game Pass 6-12 months after launch. Microsoft may pay for exclusivity rights. But don’t expect to get Tekken 8 as part of your Game Pass subscription on day one. Although surprising Game Pass additions can occasionally happen.

Will Tekken 8 Have Crossplay?

Crossplay support, allowing players on different platforms to compete, has become increasingly common in fighting games. So will Tekken 8 include crossplay between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC?

Unfortunately, crossplay is still unconfirmed. Tekken 7 did not launch with crossplay but it was later patched in. So the developers are open to the feature.

Including crossplay would be a big win for players by uniting the community. And Tekken 8 running on Unreal Engine 5 makes crossplay implementation easier. Fingers crossed Bandai Namco prioritizes crossplay for day one. But we’ll have to wait for official confirmation.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Tekken 8:

What platforms will Tekken 8 be released on?

Tekken 8 is confirmed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. No PlayStation 4 or Xbox One version has been announced.

Will Tekken 8 support 4K resolution?

Yes, Tekken 8 will support 4K gaming on PS5, Xbox Series X, and compatible PCs. The game uses Unreal Engine 5 so it can output beautiful 4K visuals.

Will there be an arcade release?

Tekken was traditionally launched in Japanese arcades several months before the console. However, Tekken 7 skipped arcades entirely. For Tekken 8, no arcade version has been mentioned yet. The focus seems solely on home consoles.

Is Akuma returning?

Akuma from Street Fighter was added to the Tekken 7 roster as DLC. His Tekken 8 return hasn’t been confirmed yet, but he’s likely coming back given his popularity. Potentially as DLC rather than the launch roster.

Will Tekken 8 support VR?

Tekken 7 received an add-on VR mode on PS4. But so far Tekken 8 VR support hasn’t been mentioned. The team may be focusing their resources on nailing the core gameplay first before experimenting with VR again.

Conclusion

Tekken stands as one of the greatest 3D fighting game franchises ever. And Tekken 8 looks ready to build on that legacy by utilizing incredible next-gen graphics and pushing the gameplay to new heights. When Tekken 8 launches in 2023, it should be an absolute graphical showcase and provide combat mechanics as deep as ever.

Some questions remain regarding the roster, gameplay changes, and special editions. But the Tekken 8 hype train has left the station. Now we await more details and the official launch day to experience the King of Iron Fist Tournament on new consoles. Strap in for another wild ride through the lives of the Mishima clan and their never-ending power struggle.