Tekken 8 pushes the envelope for fighting games and takes full advantage of the power of the latest generation of consoles

"Fist Meets Fate” in the dramatic new storyline in Tekken 8.

The Tekken series holds the Guinness World Record for being the longest-running video game storyline, with Tekken 8 continuing the tragic saga of the Mishima and Kazama bloodlines and their world-shaking father-and-son grudge matches. This latest saga begins where the previous title left off, with a world mired deep in the devastating war between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. After suffering what seems to be a defeat from Kazuya, Jin faces his own fate. His mother, Jun Kazama, appears after her absence from the Tekken franchise to try and turn the tide in this blood feud.

Tekken 8 will feature exciting new gameplay focused on “Aggressive” tactics. Retaining Tekken’s unique fighting game identity, the game will provide both players and spectators with the series’ most thrilling experience yet with visceral screen-jarring attacks and environments that are both dynamic and destructible.

Tekken 8 is giving players a chance to experience the sequel bringing this legendary franchise into the new generation and help make it the best yet in the series. A Closed Beta Test (CBT) for the game will start on 20th October and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, with registrations open now.

The Tekken 8 CBT will let players test online head-to-head competitive play with cross-platform matching, raising the level of competition by letting them pair with others regardless of where they play. They will also be able to test the TEKKEN Fight Lounge, an immersive lobby where players can interact with one another and access new features and game modes. In the lounge, players can create custom Avatars, communicate with other players via chat and emotes, set up matchmaking, and experience the deep customisation and variety of game modes via four distinct areas called Battle Area, Customisation Shop, TEKKEN DOJO, and Beach Area. The lounge will also feature the return of Tekken Ball, the beloved mini game that first appeared in Tekken 3 where epic battles are “fought” on a beach volleyball court.

The Tekken 8 CBT will let testers try out features in the Battle Area and Customisation Shop, while Tekken Ball will not be available. More features for the “TEKKEN Fight Lounge” will be announced soon.

The CBT will have 19 characters that include many returning favourites as well as new fighters. Jin, Kazuya, Jun, Paul, Law, King, Lars, Jack-8, Xiaoyu, Nina, Leroy, Lili, Asuka, Hwoarang, Bryan, Claudio are coming back to this beta test, while Azucena, Raven, and the newly announced Feng will join the playable roster. There will also be a variety of environments that highlight the rich detail and dynamic sets in the game, some of which players may recognise from the many gameplay and character reveal trailers released so far. These include Urban Square (Evening), Yakushima, Rebel Hangar, Sanctum, Arena, and Ortiz Farm, a new stage that has been added since the Closed Network Test.

There is no required subscription to Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus to participate. Also, players who were part of the game’s Closed Network Tests in June 2023 and downloaded the build will be able to play the upcoming Closed Beta Test after an update.

Beta test dates and additional details are as follows:

• 11th October at 08:00 a.m. BST – Registration ends.
• 18th October at 08:00 a.m. BST – Selected testers will be notified and provided codes to redeem.
• 20th October at 09:00 a.m. BST – Closed Beta Testing starts.
• 21st October from 09:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. BST – Closed Beta Test downtime for server maintenance.
• 23rd October at 09:00 a.m. BST – Closed Beta Testing ends.

For more information on the Tekken 8 Closed Beta Test including FAQ and required PC specs, please visit here.

Tekken 8 is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on January 26, 2024.