Picking a character in a fighting game is a big decision, especially in a title as complicated as Tekken 8. Each fighter feels different, with unique abilities. There’s also an execution barrier to consider, as some fighters are much harder to use than others. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the best beginner characters in Tekken 8.
Best fighters for beginners in Tekken 8
These fighters are in no particular order, but all bring something to the table, especially if you’re just starting your Tekken journey.
Alisa
I’ve played Alisa more than any other Tekken character, and she’s the first fighter I used when I decided I really wanted to learn how to play. Alisa has incredible movement options and teaches the value of staying mobile.
Alisa is incredible at poking, meaning she can hit and frustrate her rivals from safety. You can take advantage of your opponent’s frustration with Alisa’s Destructive Form stance, which turns her arms into chainsaws. Chainsaws are risky as they are a little slow, but the damage more than makes up for it.
If all else fails, you can blow up new players with her sheer number of gimmicks, from rockets to bombs.
Claudio
Claudio was beginner-friendly in Tekken 7, and that certainly carries over in Tekken 8. This fighter boasts powerful moves, easy combos, and a low execution barrier.
Defense is just as important as offense, but Claudio has several downright scary tools that reward aggression and apply pressure. His Ira (WR2) is almost as infamous as his deadly fast hop kick (u4), which launches opponents for heaps of damage. Claudio is an aggressive character in Tekken 7, and the Heat system in Tekken 8 complements that play style.
The Starburst mechanic may put some players off, as it does seem tricky at first glance. Starburst is an integral part of Claudio’s kit, but it’s no more complicated than the multiple stances of other characters in the roster.
Victor
Victor is a newcomer to the series with a unique kit and can overwhelm opponents with a flurry of mixed attacks. As Victor is new, he’s unproven but has a wonderfully low execution barrier. Even as a novice, you can quickly make things happen with Victor, as his basic combos take little effort.
There’s an argument to be made that Victor doesn’t teach fundamentals, as his move set is pretty unique. That said, I get strong Tekken 7 Noctis vibes from Victor, and he was clearly built for newcomers. If you’ve fallen for Victor’s charm and next-level drip, I say give him a shot.
Paul
Paul is the self-proclaimed strongest man in the universe and has been a mainstay of the series since the beginning. Compared to most of the roster, Paul has a short move list, overflowing with exceptionally hard-hitting attacks.
If you’ve played previous Tekken games, iconic moves like Demolition Man are still as powerful as ever. By learning to play Paul, you can force your opponents to pick between two uncomfortable scenarios. Either try to match your aggression and die to a couple of poor decisions, or play defensively and fall victim to your unrelenting pressure. Paul has a simple game plan and a moderate execution barrier and is a superb pick whether you’re a novice or a pro.
The Tekken 8 rendition of Paul may look like he fought a lawnmower, but he’s solid.
Pick your favorite
I just heard the collective sigh of everyone reading, but if you’ve made it this far, hear me out. Tekken 8 is a complex game, and most characters have over 100 moves. While some are easier to grasp than others, I firmly believe you’ll enjoy Tekken 8 most if you like your character. Whether you’re drawn to a fighter’s looks or style, I urge you to try them in Practice Mode and see how you feel after a session.
The harsh reality with any fighting game is that you’ll get wrecked by better players no matter who you choose. If you enjoy your character, you’re more likely to take those hard knocks on the chin. If you’re a new player and I’ve not mentioned your favorite, don’t let me dissuade you from putting the time in.
If you’re taking Tekken seriously, you’ll need to learn how to read combos online. Check out our in-depth guide that explains everything you need to know about Tekken notations.