When it comes to fighting games, few franchises are as iconic as Tekken. With its seventh installment, Tekken 7, the game brings a perfect balance of classic characters, new additions, and deep combat mechanics. But let’s be real—whether you’re a seasoned player or just diving into the game, the question on everyone’s mind is: Who are the best characters in Tekken 7?
As we’ll break down the Tekken 7 Tier List, giving you the top characters in the game ranked according to their strength, versatility, and competitive viability. This guide will help you choose the best fighters to dominate your matches and climb the ranks.
If you’re searching for the definitive Tekken 7 Tier List, you’ve come to the right place. This article will give you everything you need to know, whether you’re playing casually or planning to compete in online or tournament play. Let’s get into it!
Tekken 7 Tier List: An Overview
Before we dive into the individual rankings, it’s essential to understand how a tier list works or how is it made. Tier lists rank characters based on their overall strength, move set effectiveness, versatility, and how they perform in competitive settings. We’ll group characters into different tiers: S-Tier, A-Tier, B-Tier, C-Tier, and D-Tier.
Here’s a breakdown:
– S-Tier: The best characters in the game, dominating the competitive scene.
– A-Tier: Strong picks that excel in most matchups.
– B-Tier: Balanced characters who can perform well but may require more effort to master.
– C-Tier: Characters that have specific strengths but fall short against top-tier competitors.
– D-Tier: The least effective fighters, with significant weaknesses.
S-Tier Characters: The Best in Tekken 7
Akuma
Starting with an absolute powerhouse, Akuma—originally from Street Fighter—is one of the most unique and dominant characters in Tekken 7. His ability to use projectiles (Hadoukens) and EX moves makes him a threat from all ranges. Akuma’s Focus Attack Dash Cancel (FADC) allows for devastating combos that can punish opponents and rack up high damage.
His 50/50 mix-up game combined with the unique EX meter gives him an edge that other characters simply can’t match. However, mastering Akuma requires a deep understanding of both Tekken’s movement and Street Fighter mechanics.
Devil Jin
Devil Jin is another top-tier character who has consistently been ranked among the best. His versatility, aggressive playstyle, and ability to excel in any range make him an absolute monster in competitive play. He’s equipped with solid lows, strong pokes, and dangerous launchers that can lead to high-damage juggles.
While Devil Jin’s Electric Wind God Fist (EWGF) is tricky to master, once you get the hang of it, you’ll find that he can punish mistakes and capitalize on openings like no other character. His only downside? He can be difficult to master, but if you put in the time, he’s one of the most rewarding characters in the game.
Geese Howard
Another guest character, Geese Howard from the Fatal Fury series, is an S-tier beast. Like Akuma, Geese has a unique meter system that allows him to perform devastating combos. His reppukens (projectiles) and high-damage wall carry make him a significant threat.
Geese’s ability to punish mistakes and deal massive damage with his max mode combos gives him an advantage in tournament-level play. If you can manage his meter efficiently, Geese can take down almost any opponent with ease.
A-Tier Characters: Strong and Reliable Picks
Kazumi
Kazumi is one of the most solid characters in Tekken 7. She has simple but effective tools, including fast pokes and powerful whiff punishers. Her tiger summon adds some variety to her gameplay, but she really shines in her ability to control space and punish her opponents’ mistakes.
While she may not have the flashy, high-damage combos that characters like Akuma or Devil Jin possess, her consistency makes her a top-tier pick, especially for beginners who want a well-rounded character that’s easy to learn but tough to master.
Paul Phoenix
The long-time fan favorite, Paul Phoenix, continues to be a strong contender in Tekken 7. His iconic Death Fist can deplete a chunk of an opponent’s health bar, making him one of the hardest-hitting characters in the game. His simple, direct playstyle combined with explosive damage makes Paul a popular pick in both casual and competitive scenes.
The downside to Paul is that his movement isn’t as fluid as some of the higher-tier characters. He relies heavily on reading the opponent and landing his big hits, but when he does, the damage is unmatched.
Jin Kazama
Jin Kazama is a balanced fighter with great tools for both offense and defense. His parry mechanic allows him to counter a wide variety of attacks, and his laser scraper is a versatile move that helps him control space.
Jin shines in versatility, being able to switch between aggressive and defensive styles depending on the situation. His moves are quick, and his combos are relatively easy to execute, making him a solid pick for players of all skill levels.
B-Tier Characters: Balanced but Require Effort
Hwoarang
If you love fast-paced, aggressive playstyles, Hwoarang is the character for you. His complex stance system and pressure-heavy playstyle can overwhelm opponents, but mastering Hwoarang requires extensive practice.
His speed and mix-ups are his greatest strengths, but they come with a price—Hwoarang is a high-risk, high-reward character. He can deal tons of damage if you manage his stances effectively, but one wrong move can leave you open to punishment.
Law
Marshall Law, with his flashy flip kicks and quick attacks, is always a fun character to play. His strengths lie in his speed and combo potential. Law is excellent at pressuring opponents, and his Dragon’s Tail sweep can catch them off guard.
While Law doesn’t have the same level of versatility as A-tier characters, he can still compete with the best of them in the right hands. He’s a good pick for players who love fast, combo-oriented gameplay but aren’t afraid of taking risks.
C-Tier Characters: Solid but Limited
King
King is one of the most iconic characters in Tekken, known for his grapples and long chain throws. While he can be devastating in the right hands, King’s reliance on his throws limits his versatility. In high-level play, experienced opponents can break his grabs, making it difficult to land his most powerful moves.
That being said, King is still a strong character when it comes to punishing opponents and controlling the pace of a match. If you can master his mix-ups and throws, King can be a formidable opponent.
Feng
Feng is another strong but underutilized character. His unique movement options and evasive stances allow him to avoid attacks and punish opponents. However, his reliance on specific moves and techniques can make him predictable in high-level play.
D-Tier Characters: Weak but Playable
Lars
Once a powerhouse in previous Tekken games, Lars has fallen to the D-tier in Tekken 7. His limited combo potential and predictable moves make him one of the weaker characters in the game. While Lars can still be fun to play, his weaknesses become apparent in competitive matches.
Features and Move Variety in Tekken 7
Tekken 7 features a vast roster of characters, each with their unique move sets, combos, and playstyles. Whether you’re a fan of quick, aggressive fighters like Hwoarang or prefer more technical characters like Jin, the variety ensures that there’s a fighter for every player.
One of the key features of Tekken 7 is the Rage System. When your health drops below a certain point, your character enters a rage state, allowing access to powerful Rage Arts and Rage Drives. These moves can turn the tide of a match, making comebacks possible even when you’re down to your last sliver of health.
Conclusion: Choose Your Fighter Wisely
If you’re aiming to climb the ranks in Tekken 7, knowing which characters dominate the Tekken 7 Tier List is crucial. Whether you’re using S-tier powerhouses like Akuma and Devil Jin or more balanced A-tier picks like Kazumi, choosing the right fighter can make a significant difference in your success. However, remember that mastering a character takes time and practice, regardless of their ranking.
Ready to start dominating your Tekken 7 matches? Download the game, study this tier list, and pick your main—because in the world of Tekken, every punch, kick, and combo matters.
Happy fighting!