Bandai Namco has thrilled Tekken fans by announcing that Heihachi Mishima will be the next DLC character to join the roster for Tekken 8. This exciting news was shared alongside the revelation that a new chapter will be added to the game’s story mode for the very first time. Players can look forward to delving deeper into the longstanding feud between the Mishima and Kazama families.
The big announcement took place during Evo 2024, where Tekken 8 was a major highlight for both competitive players seeking high-stakes battles and viewers eager to witness top-tier gameplay in the fighting game genre. Heihachi is a beloved character and a central antagonist in the Tekken series, making his addition a cause for celebration among fans. Following the release of DLC character Eddy Gordo and the upcoming availability of Lidia Sobieska on July 25, players can expect Heihachi to become playable in Fall 2024.
In addition to the new DLC character, Bandai Namco announced that a free story expansion will accompany the ongoing ‘The Dark Awakens’ storyline in Tekken 8. This extra content will offer players a deeper narrative experience without any additional cost. While the publisher has not yet confirmed the release date for the story expansion, fans can anticipate more details in the near future.
Another exciting development in the world of Tekken is a collaboration with Nike, which introduces exclusive in-game gear and the limited edition Nike Air Foamposite One Kazuya Mishima sneakers. A special trailer showcased various Tekken characters sporting Nike footwear and featured the iconic branding integrated into the game’s stages.
The Nike collaboration included a surprise drop of the exclusive sneakers, which were made available for purchase to Evo attendees through the SNKRS app. Bandai Namco has promised to provide further information on the Nike x Tekken collaboration as the partnership unfolds.
Evo 2024 in Las Vegas made history by becoming the largest event in its history and the biggest competitive tournament in esports to date. With over 10,224 players from 63 different countries participating in one of Evo’s eight major tournaments, the event showcased top-tier competition across a variety of popular fighting games. In addition to Tekken 8, other standout titles included Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1, Guilty Gear Strive, and King of Fighters XV. The featured throwback game for 2024 was Street Fighter III: Third Strike, providing a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans.