We’re going on three weeks now since Tekken 8 hit the scene. The latest blockbuster fighting game from Bandai Namco has been a big hit with the masses so far, and pros and newcomers all around the globe are diving in to learn everything that they can about the game.
Much like with any new fighting game, players are currently in a mad dash to figure out who the top tiers are and who aren’t. Fortunately, two of the world’s biggest Tekken champions, Arslan Ash and Knee, recently shared their thoughts on who they feel are the early top 5 best characters in Tekken 8.
Twitter user SpaghettiRip managed to catch up with both players seemingly after their in-person clash at Middle East Film & Comic Con in Abu Dhabi where the two engaged in an incredible Tekken 8 set.
Speaking to the two pros, who are known for being two of the best Tekken players to ever compete, SpaghettiRip asked both contenders if they could share their early top 5 best characters in Tekken 8 right now. It goes without saying (but I’m going to say it anyway) that everyone involved here understands that it is very early in the game’s lifespan, so their answers are provided through that lens and not so much as a concrete, definitive answer.
With that being said, Arslan Ash kicks off the clip by sharing his list. With it being so early, Arslan only has a top 4 right now (though he says a fifth character has potential), with his last pick on the actual list being more of a maybe and not 100% just yet.
Knee puts together his top 5 based on not only what he’s been experiencing, but based on what a lot of people are saying right now. What’s interesting, though, is that both Arslan and Knee’s lists are fairly close when it comes to their selections.
It’s also worth noting that neither player specifically mentioned that these lists are ordered. This very likely means that their choices are the current general top 5 without specific numbered placements.
Both have characters such as Devil Jin among their top 5 best in the game, but they also have the same surprising choice as well. It seems both players feel that Xiaoyu might also be in the top 5 right now, though Arslan is 50/50 on that (but believes she’s for sure top 10), and Knee believes it more concretely, adding the addendum that this one is more based on his personal experience and struggles with her.
You can check out both Arslan Ash and Knee’s top 5 characters in Tekken 8 right now lists below, as well as the footage where they share who they picked and why.
I asked @ArslanAsh95 and @holyknee what their early Top 5 characters were in #TEKKEN8
Of course it’s much too early to tell what a real Top 5 is but it was very interesting to hear their opinions. pic.twitter.com/A0BJAEE01J
— Spag (@SpaghettiRip) February 14, 2024
Arslan Ash’s top 5 picks (no order)
• Feng
• Dragunov
• Devil Jin
• Xiaoyu
• Jun (has a lot of potential)
Knee’s top 5 picks (no order)
• Devil Jin
• Azucena
• Dragunov
• Feng
• Xiaoyu