Tekken 8 is the culmination of the Devil Gene and Mishima Family Saga that has been running since 1994. As you prepare to witness the penultimate showdown between Jin and Kazuya, you’ll want to hone your skills again through Tekken 8 various game modes. From fighting game staples like Practice Mode, offline VS, and Ranked Matches to Tekken Ball and Fight Lounge. Whether you’re a long-time fan or the new kid on the block, Bandai Namco has prepared everything for everyone.
Tekken 8: All New and Returning Game Modes
Tekken 8 offers nine different game modes, most are playable offline, that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. Some, such as Ghost Battle, Tekken Ball, and the classic VS Mode are returning fan-favorite modes. While Bandai Namco has upped the title’s interactivity with brand-new attractions like the Arcade Quest and Tekken Fight Lounge.
- All offline game modes:
- Story: The Dark Awakens
- Character Episodes
- Arcade Quest
- Practice Mode
- Super Ghost Battle
- VS Mode
- Tekken Ball
- All online game modes in Tekken 8:
- Tekken Fight Lounge
- Online Matches (Ranked, Quick, and Player Matches)
- Practice Mode
- Tekken Ball
Story: The Dark Awakens
Series veterans who’ve been following the 30-year-long saga will want to see how Kazuya and Jin finally end their dispute. As well as see what role the mysterious Mishima-style newcomer, Reina, has in store.
Set six months after the events of Tekken 7, where the world has been engulfed in war and chaos. This time though, Jin’s mother, Jun Kazama, reappears after her long absence to turn the tide of the blood feud. On the other hand, another person who wields the Mishima-style karate wrapped in purple lightning suddenly enters the fray.
In case you’re still on the fence, the first chapter of “The Dark Awakens” story mode can be played in Tekken 8‘s demo version.
Character Episodes
This Tekken 8 game mode showcases alternative side stories for all 32 characters. What happens when Azucena the Coffee Queen and Lili the Tea Princess go head-to-head? What does Dragunov do during his downtime, aside from bashing people’s skulls in? And do you know that Kazuya is a sneaker aficionado? Find all the answers here in Tekken 8 Character Episodes game mode!
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Best Fighting Game of 2023Arcade Quest
However, unlike in Street Fighter 6 where your custom avatar can meet famous characters and participate in random street brawls. Instead, Arcade Quest tries to simulate the “arcade experience” where you play as a fledging Tekken player who travels and challenges fellow digital gamers.
Playing through this classic Arcade Mode replacement is perfect for solo players and beginners. The progression system will help you learn Tekken from the basics to the more advanced mechanics without getting lost.
Practice Mode
Any fighting game worth its salt will always come with Practice Mode, where ambitious players can practice combos and punishes with a dummy in solitude. Frame Data feature is available for free at launch, and with it, competitive players can quickly learn the game’s hitbox as well as frame advantages.
Aside from that, Tekken 8‘s Practice Mode is equipped with a Command List with audio cues, Combo Challenges, and Save State. You can save 10 seconds of any match replay clip and swiftly practice the recorded interactions as well.
Super Ghost Battle
The Tekken 6 and Tag Tournament 2 game mode is back with a vengeance. This time, the AI “ghost” can learn your and other online players’ unique tactics and movements faster and more accurately thanks to Q-learning.
As you participate in various matches and level up your ranks, the ghost’s movements will also evolve. Other players’ Ghost data can be quickly downloaded as a sparring partner through the Tekken Fight Lounge lobby or Leaderboards. Of course, Ghosts of the game’s developers and top players can be downloaded too!
If you ever want to have a matchup with LilMajin’s King from the comfort of your home, there’s no better chance than playing Tekken 8.
VS Mode
The golden days of offline multiplayer may have gone past, but thankfully fighting games like Tekken keeps the light burning. Through the VS Mode, you and a couple of friends can enjoy friendly bouts without having to worry about lost internet connections. The number of rounds and match timer can be easily customized to your liking.
Tekken Ball, Fan-Favorite Game Mode, Returns in Tekken 8
One of the ultimate minigames from Tekken 3 returns in Tekken 8. Hit the beach ball to build up power and smack it across the screen to damage your opponent. Newcomers to the series who’ve played Roblox Bladeball or Team Fortress 2’s Pyro Dodgeball custom game mode should be familiar with this system.
Along with offline PvP matches, you can also engage in this unconventional battle through the Tekken Fight Lounge online lobby. Definitely the perfect game mode to wind down after running a stressful gauntlet of Ranked Matches.
Tekken Fight Lounge, All New Tekken 8 Online Lobby Game Mode
Similar to other fighting games these days from Dragon Ball FighterZ to Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8 also features an online visual lobby. Dubbed Tekken Fight Lounge, you can control your custom avatar and chat with other players while waiting for the next battle.
Sit across another player’s cabinet, and you can quickly invite them for a Player Match. Or select the Match Anywhere option to start a Ranked or casual Quick Match from anywhere you’re standing. Spectating other players’ fights and saving their Ghost Datas for later can be done in the Tekken Fight Lounge too.
While waiting for the match to start, you can do a quick warm-up on the loading screen just like in Tekken 7. This time around though, there are only 30 player ranks and the infinite rematch option has been removed. If you want to take a break, Practice Mode and Tekken Ball are accessible in online mode by going to the Tekken Dojo and Beach Area.
Tekken 8 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC via Steam.
