2023 was an incredible year for fighting games.Street Fighter 6andMortal Kombat 1marked huge installments in their respective series, and the fighting fun is set to continue in 2024. No, I’m not talking about the return ofMultiVersus, although it will be interesting to see how that unfolds. I’m talking about the return ofTekkenas the next game in the long-running franchise is set to arrive on July 16, 2025.
There was a time when it looked likeTekken 8might be here before the end of 2023, but that didn’t happen. The next Tekken game will be one of the first games to launch in 2024 with onlyThe Lost Crownand unexpected hitPalworldmoving the needle so far. If you’re a big fan of the series and you want to secure your copy now, and pick up a pre-order bonus in the process, now is your last chance before release day on January 26.
Not only do you get the security of knowing your copy of Tekken 8 is bought and paid for if you pre-order it now, but you’ll also get a little something for doing so. Potentially a couple of things depending on where you place your pre-order and the platform on which you plan to play. All players who pre-order will get a Paul Phoenix avatar costume, andPlayStationpre-orders will include Mokujin and Tetsujin avatar skins. Pre-order through Best Buy and you’ll get a Tekken 8 metal plate.
Tekken 8
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Tekken 8 is the next-gen evolution of the long-running fighting game series from Bandai Namco. It brings back several popular characters and adds new, while it also introduces the new ‘Heat’ mechanic.
Additional Content
Considering what it has had to compete with in terms of other big fighting game series launching titles during the build to its own, the hype for Tekken 8 has been pretty strong. Fighter reveals have generated a lot of hype,even after some of them have been leaked ahead of time. A datamine of a closed network test revealed some of the roster beforeBandai Namcowas ready to divulge that information, but the studio has taken that hiccup in its stride and continued on.
Tekken 8’s deluxe edition might cost quite a bit more than a standard copy, but you get a lot of in-game extras for that additional money, including the game’s year one pass.
As with most series nowadays, even ones that have been around as long as Tekken has, the wait between games has been a long one. One that has grown longer with each passing installment. The release of Tekken 8 will end a seven-year wait for a new game in the series, and with only a few days to go, the risk of its date being pushed is now gone. Bandai has smartly avoided a hectic end of 2023 and will give Tekken fans something to get excited about to kick off 2024, although it doesn’t come right before a pretty busy February.
Up the ante a little more and you can get Tekken 8’s ultimate edition. All of the pre-order bonuses and additional content already mentioned, plus some more in-game stuff including costumes and avatar skins.
Tekken 8 launches later this week and since it’s 2024, Bandai Namco’s fighting series has left last-gen platforms in the past. Only available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and if you still want more than the three editions above have to offer, you can order a copy that comes with a King action figure at GameStop, or go the whole hog and get the collector’s edition below.
If you want to go all in on your Tekken 8 experience after a seven-year wait, then the collector’s edition might well be for you. All of the in-game stuff you get with every edition plus some physical goodies, headlined by an impressive Jin figurine.
FAQ
What Time Does Tekken 8 Release?
Tekken 8 will be released at the same time everywhere. No staggered released schedule and a midnight CET release time means those of you living in the EST timezone will technically be able to start playing on January 25 when it releases at 6 pm.
Does Tekken 8 Use Unreal Engine 5?
Yes, Tekken 8 has been built using Unreal Engine 5. The first entry in the series on current-gen consoles, it promises to be the best-looking Tekken to date.
Will Tekken 8 Have DLC?
Yes, Bandai Namco has already confirmed Tekken 8 will have DLC. In fact, the studio has already revealed its first DLC fighter will be Eddy. There will be more characters added for at least the first year following the game’s release.
