If you want to survive in Tekken 8, you need to be aggressive.
Being aggressive means knowing how to punish certain attacks. Every character in the game has multiple options to punish your opponents and start a powerful combo.
There are some characters that are blessed in their variety of counter hit options and stand at the top of the competitive tier list. If you want to know which fighters have the best punishment game, look no further.
What is a Punish?
Fighting games come in many varieties but the rules are all generally the same. You want to knock out your opponent before they get a chance to knock you out. One of the greatest lessons in real life fighting is that your opportunity for victory will always be shown by your opponent.
In Tekken 8, the best punishment characters are those who have decent range, and multiple counter hit options. When you land a counter hit move, your opponent will be put into a vulnerable state giving you an opportunity for a follow up combo.
Punishing on block requires you to understand your own tools as well as character matchups. Be sure to go into training mode to try out punishment drills. It is up to you to decide which character’s playstyle is right for you. Here is a list of the 10 of the best punishment characters in Tekken 8
List of Best Punish Characters In Tekken 8:
Azucena Ortiz (Good)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ck_axLUak0
Azucena’s debut in Tekken has been met with mixed reception among the fanbase. Many players love the coffee queen’s eccentric personality while criticizing her powerful options and low execution. While the latest patch has weakened her substantially, players should not underestimate her. She has strong stances that can parry high and low attacks and her heat smash is one of the best in the game. If you want the perfect blend of fluid offense with powerful defense punishment options, give Azucena a try.
Notable moves
- Liberator Stance: This is Azucena’s signature stance. This stance automatically counters highs and lows but will leave them vulnerable to low attacks. If your opponent doesn't see it coming they will be in trouble. There are multiple follow up attacks in this stance
- Borrasca Kick Combo ( Down Back Left Kick Right Kick): This low attack can catch opponents asleep at the wheel. The second hit automatically hits when the first connects
- Daylight Disk (Up Forward Left Kick Right Kick) The second hit of this attack can often trip people up. This will hit ducking opponents so use this move in your mixup plan
Luna Lema ( Forward x2 Left Kick) This is a launching kick with a ridiculous amount of range. Your opponents best not whiff any attacks in front of you.
Leroy Smith (Good)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNwJv2rrJT8
The debut of Leroy Smith in Tekken 7 caused an uproar in the competitive community. The master of Wing Chun was infamous for his strong punishment, stances and counter hit options that could easily decimate an opponent. His presence in tournaments was so dominant that he was briefly banned until he was properly reworked. In Tekken 8 initially Leroy was seen as a lower tier character with many of his options weakened or outright removed but the latest patch has given him substantial buffs to his moveset. In addition to his powerful counter game, Leroy can now do massive chip damage to the opponent. This old master still has plenty of fight in him.
Notable moves
- Hermit Stance (Left Kick + Right Kick): Leroy will raise his leg up in a classic martial arts pose. This stance will automatically parry low kicks and punches. There are several devastating follow ups you perform during the stance.
- Chain Punch Root ( During Hermit Back Left Punch + Right Kick, Left Punch): If you love the Ip Man movies, you’ll appreciate this counter. In heat this move will do more damage and chip damage
- Knee Snap ( Back Left Punch): If you are in front of the opponent, this attack will have a counter hit follow up
Lao Weng Xuan Feng Jia ( Forward Right Kick x2): This attack hits twice and has good range. It will engage heat on hit.
King (Good)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-gcJicXbFI
When it comes to dishing out punishment, King is no slouch. King has a vast arsenal of throws that will have players throwing their controllers across the room in frustration. While being known for his grappling skills, King also has a solid combo game. He has several counter hit moves that can start devastating combos. King also has decent movement options with his Jaguar Step & Jaguar Sprint. If you mix in combos with your throw attempts, your opponent won't know how to defend themselves.
Notable moves
- Body Blow (Crouching Right Punch): This is a strong middle punch that can start a combo on counter hit. With how loud the impact sounds, I’m surprised the opponent doesn’t throw up. Use this move after ducking a high attack or blocking an unsafe low.
- Jumping Knee Lift (Up Forward Right Kick): This is a simple hop kick that serves as a launcher. This move is useful against ducking opponents. Watch out for this cat’s knees.
- Elbow Impact (Forward Right Punch, Left Punch) :As a heat engager move, this is one of King’s punishment tools. Landing this attack on low profile opponents feels so satisfying(Looking at you Xiaoyu). During a combo with heat active you can use this move and hold forward to follow up for more damage.
Quick Hook>Uppercut (Back Left Punch, Right Punch)This is one of King’s best punishment tools. This move will cause an airborne opponent to spin to continue the combo. The first hit can also counter launch the opponent.
Jin Kazama (Great)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d2lPEIAYJY
Jin has always been a bland character to me personality wise. Out of the three main Mishimas, Jin just isn’t as interesting as Kazuya or Heihachi. Gameplay is where this devil boy shines. Jin has a low skill floor and a high ceiling to match. With powerful counter hit
tools, strong lows and even a parry, this spiky haired edge lord has tools for every situation.
Notable moves
- Zanshin stance: Jin will crouch slightly and avoid high attacks. This stance has strong follow ups that can catch your opponent off guard.
- Double Lift Kick ( Down Left Kick Right Kick) This is a powerful launcher that is best used as whiff punishment. Use this move when expecting a low attack.
Left Axe Kick (Forward x2 Left Kick) Jin will deliver a brutal ax kick that can hit crouching opponents. On hit, this move will pop the opponent up for a combo
Lidia Sobieska (Great)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnghRIMNtHw&t=250s
Lidia makes her return as the second DLC character for Tekken 8. The Warrior Prime minister has a more refined style of karate with powerful stances and some new moves as well. Tekken 8’s new Heat mechanic gives Lidia powerful buffs to her parry mechanic and deadly combo enders. Be warned, due to the nature of Karate many of her moves are somewhat linear so they can be sidestepped with proper timing. Despite this setback Lidia is a punishment powerhouse and a fine addition to the Tekken 8 roster.
Notable moves
Political Storm ( Forward Left Punch + Right Punch, Left Kick, Left Punch Right Punch): This combination attack will hit crouching opponents. This will also engage heat on hit.
Horse Stance (Left Punch Right Punch): Lidia will step forward into a horse stance. You can hold the buttons to keep her still for a brief period. Releasing the buttons will cause her to throw a devastating gut punch. You can also transition into other stances
Cat Stance( Back Left Kick Right Kick: This is one of Lidia’s offensive stances. She can follow up with various commands and even other stances.
Vortex (counter Up Forward Left Punch) This is one of Lidia’s parry moves. You can take your opponent off guard if you predict their high attacksBryan Fury (Great)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nktif6CnDXQ&t=130s
Bryan Fury is one of my most hated characters to fight against. He can delete your health bar with his powerful counter hit options and he laughs while doing it. Bryan is also the pioneer of the “Snake Edge”, a sweep move that can launch the opponent to start a combo. At the wall, Bryan’s damage potential skyrockets and can drive the strongest opponents to their knees. If you favor brute force that can bully other players give this crazed, cackling cyborg a chance.
Notable Moves
- Mach Breaker (Forward x2 Right Punch) This a fast right cross punch. This attacks good range and is also a heat engager.
- Snake Edge ( Down Forward Left Kick) I hate this move so much. This low sweep is the father of all sneaky low kicks that can start a combo.
- Hatchet Kick (Quarter Circle back Left Kick) Bryan has more than one annoying low kick. This move can bully opponents who are not blocking and leave them standing. This is one of Bryan's reliable finishing moves to end a round.
Boa Crusher (Forward Right Kick, Left Punch): This two hit string can often confuse the opponent. You can delay the second hit to mess with their sense of timing.
Kazuya Mishima (Great)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lckBwNAIB4
Kazuya is the poster boy for punishment & counter hit moves. Since the very first Tekken game Kazuya has been a character that relies on character knowledge and fundamentals. In Tekken 8 he has more offensive options with his Heat moves. While he might be difficult execution wise and have a limited move pool, Kazuya rewards players who master his tools.
Notable moves
- Abolishing Fist (Down Forward Right Punch) : Kazuya will throw a brutal right punch to the body. On counter hit this move will put your opponent in a crumble state to start a combo. This attack can also be a cheeky roundstarter.
- Electric Wind God Fist(Forward Neutral, Down Forward Right Punch): This is Tekken’s version of the Dragon Punch from Street Fighter. This is the true mark of a Mishima. While the motion for this attack can be a bit difficult, it will launch the opponent on hit.
- Spinning Demon (Forward, Neutral, Down Forward Right Kick) This is one of my most hated moves to get hit with. I am terrible at blocking low. This move can knock the opponent to the ground and start a 50/50 situation.
Goutsuiken (Down Back Left Punch Right Punch) :This is one of Kazuya’s best whiff punishment tools. Kazuya will throw a punch into a ground pound that will engage heat on hit. Kazuya will also automatically transform into his devil state.
Devil Jin (Best)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVBXL_HsvBI&t=141s
I previously mentioned that Jin lacks an interesting personality. I cannot make the same statement for his demonic counterpart. If you are a fan of the series “Bleach”, you’ve probably already made the comparisons to Hollow Ichigo. Devil Jin is wild, bloodthirsty and completely insane. His moveset removes base Jin’s defense options in favor of overwhelming offense. He has stronger counter hit options, a hellsweep, flight and even full screen lasers. While his execution requirements are more strict than average, this demon will reward any player who can put in the work.
Notable Moves
- Electric Wind God Fist(Forward Neutral, Down Forward Right Punch): Like father, like son, am I right. Jin’s electric punch has similar properties to his fathers. While the motion for this attack can be a bit difficult, it will launch the opponent on hit.
- Fly( Left Kick + Right Kick) : Certain moves from Devil Jin can actually put him in a flight stance. He will become immune to low attacks and even some mid attacks
Laser Scraper ( Back Forward Right Punch Left Kick) Even though Tekken translates to “iron fist”, projectiles have secretly always been a part of the game. These laser will hit mid unless side stepped
Steve Fox (Best)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LR-JteGt2AQ
Steve Fox should never be underestimated. He has powerful stances that can avoid high attacks and can quickly slip in to deal devastating combos . He also doesn’t use his kicks so his lows can be a bit tricky to spot at first. Steve can play serious mind games with his opponent thanks to his slipping techniques and has scary pressure tactics. If you enjoy boxing and British accents, step into the ring with Steve.
Notable moves
- Flicker (Back Left Kick + Right Kick) This is Steve’s defensive stance. You can deal good damage from a distance while also baiting your opponent to make mistakes. A lot of Steve’s moves in this stance are also plus on block
- Ducking (Forward or Down Forward Left Kick + Right Kick) This offensive stance sets up Steve for his dangerous pressure. He will close the distance quickly and gain access to his many options while rising
Peekaboo (Back Left Punch + Right Punch) If you have ever watched the Hajime No Ippo anime, you know how dangerous the Peekaboo stance is. Steve will bully his opponents with brutal lows that will chip away at their health and psyche.
Lili Rochefort (Best)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG531-wQr9k
Lilli’s fighting style is very graceful yet effective. If you don’t know how to counter her moves she can easily dance you to death. Lili’s moves have a lot of reach and can avoid certain attacks when timed right. She is also one of the few characters who are more dangerous when their back is turned to you. If you enjoy unorthodox movesets that can confuse your opponents pull a chair and grab a tea with Ms. Rochefort.
Notable moves
- Submissive Heel (Down Forward Left Kick): While this move may start slow, it is an excellent pressure tool once you’ve conditioned your opponent. This move is plus on block, and will force a crouch. On counter hit this move will start a combo
- Peacock Waltz ( Left Kick, Left Punch): This is arguably Lilli’s best whiff punishment tool. It has great range and is also a heat engager
- Backflip (Down Forward Left Kick+Right Kick) This nifty launcher allows Lilli to launch opponents and set up a back turned stance. Once in the stance Lili will have various options for mix ups
Belier Attaque ( Forward Right Kick) Don't underestimate this simple side kick. This is one of Lili's best keep out tools. It has long range and will put the opponent in a crumple state on hit.
If you want to survive in Tekken 8 you need to strike hard and without mercy. Every character in the game has their own strengths that can be mastered with time and effort. It is up to the player to learn from every match and when to punish their opponent. Tekken 8 is over halfway through its first year and has more DLC being developed at this very moment. Train hard and get ready for the next battle.
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