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Tekken 8 is a classic that needs no introduction. However, the latest addition to the franchise blends veterans with newcomers who send the fanbase into a frenzy. Reina Mishima is one of those characters. Since her announcement, she remained an enigma of sorts. But that didn’t stop this mysterious beauty from building a fanbase, more so thanks to her last name. With the release in full swing, it’s time to learn how to play Reina in Tekken 8.
Unlocking Reina in Tekken 8
As her name implies, Reina is related to the infamous Mishima clan. Although she may be illegitimate, that doesn’t stop her devotion to her late father, Heihachi Mishima. Before you can play Reina in Tekken 8, you must unlock her by completing all 15 chapters of The Darkness Awakens storyline. From there, you can enjoy her in any game mode or complete her chapter to understand the character better.
Reina Moves Guide
If you’ve played with Heihachi in previous games, then Reina may feel somewhat familiar. She does have her own style, however, and she mixes it with her father’s. Reina is, by no means, an easy character to play with in Tekken 8. She may share some similarities with Jin, but she also incorporates Taido. It’s this versatility that makes her tough to learn, yet so satisfying once you master her moves.
Reina is the type of character you want to play aggressively. She can deliver powerful, hard, and fast blows that can overwhelm opponents. Plus, Reina is the perfect character to take full advantage of the Tekken 8 Heat system, thanks to her speed.
Before we get into some useful moves and combos, let’s tackle the notation lingo. For those unfamiliar with the Tekken franchise, the table below addresses all the basic notations and what they mean:
| Notation | Corresponding Action | Button (PS5 | Xbox) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Left Punch | Square | X |
| 2 | Right Punch | Triangle | Y |
| 3 | Left Kick | X | A |
| 4 | Right Kick | Circle | B |
| f | Move forward | Directional button |
| b | Move backward | Directional button |
| u | Up | Directional button |
| d | Down | Directional button |
| n | Neutral | Do nothing |
The same applies if you must move in a specific direction, such as d/b for down-back. If any of the letters are capitalized, then you should hold the button rather than just press it. Now, let’s get into specific Reina moves you’ll want to focus on in Tekken 8.
Important Reina Moves and Combos in Tekken 8
With the notation jargon out of the way, it’s time to focus on the more vital Reina moves in Tekken 8. Out of all her moves, we strongly recommend learning these:
- Wind Step (fn): A swift move forward so she can enable a chain of other movements
- Wind God Step (d/f, 3): A crouch dash that can be used as a combo starter
- Manji-geri (d/f 4): A mid-attack and combo starter
- Electric Wind God Fist (fnd/f 2): A high attack and launcher
- Sentai (f 3): Allows Reina to enter her Sentai stance, and if you hold f, you can spin and attach a chain
- Heaven’s Wrath (d 1+2): Enters her Heaven’s Wrath stance
Of course, you can experiment with her move list in tutorial mode, but the ones above can easily turn a match in your favor. But what’s a move without a devastating combo? And Reina has plenty of those in Tekken 8. Below are just a handful of worthwhile combos to memorize:
- d/f, 2> d, 2, 3, F> (Sentai), 2> 2, 2, 2, 2
- d/f 2> b 4 > fF 3+4 > d/f 1 > f 2, 3 F > d/f 1, F > (Sentai) 1, d d/f f 2
- d/f 4 > f n d/f 2 > d/f 2 > d/f 1 > f 2, 3 F > 1+2 > D/F 1, 4
- b 4 > fF n d/f 2 > d/f 2 > d/f 1 > f 2, 3 F > d/f 1, F > 1, d d/f f 2
- d/f,3 (Wind God Step) > 2 > 3, 2 > dash > 2, 2, 2, 2
- (Wind God Step) 2, u/f1, (Heat + Heaven’s Wrath) 2f, d/f4, 2, 3, d/f3, (Wind God Step) 2, 4
Tips On Using Heat with Reina
Reina is effective on her own in Tekken 8, but when she’s in Heat, she can land brutal hits. Focus on throwing in Heat Engagers like her split kicks. They’re simple, land decent damage, and can help you get to your Heat faster. Reina can pile on the pressure with this feature.
Don’t forget about how well Reina can play on defense, too, when in Heat. Activate Heat and be in your Heaven’s Wrath stance. Reina will automatically parry any high or mid-range attack, slamming and stomping the opponent on the ground. It’s the perfect opportunity for you to set up more combos or even get room to breathe if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
As we mentioned before, Reina is not an easy character. She certainly shouldn’t be used as an entry-level character. However, if you want to have fun with her or even make her your main, take the time to practice with her. You may fumble a bit, but your patience will pay off once you realize just how destructive she can become.
Tekken 8 is available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
