The Tekken 8 community has erupted in frustration following controversial changes introduced in the Season 2 update.
Patch notes revealed universal character damage buffs and enhanced offensive mechanics, prompting some players to argue the game has diverged too much from classic Tekken gameplay.
Pro player JoKa expressed strong disapproval, stating "this does not feel like Tekken AT ALL."
"Minor character buffs combined with excessive stance transitions create problematic 50/50 situations. Many new moves lack proper counterplay options. Balancing through homogenization erases character identities. While sidestep improvements exist, they're negated by overpowered tracking moves. The focus on guessing games undermines Tekken's strategic depth."
"Where are the promised defensive improvements?"
T8 now hit the most negative reviews in a day since the day the Tekken Shop launched one year ago
by u/YourGameTVlol in Tekken
The backlash has manifested through Steam reviews, with over 1,100 negative evaluations in recent days dropping the game's recent rating to 'mostly negative'.
The current top review criticizes: "A fundamentally good game ruined by baffling design decisions."
Another states: "Season 2 transformed every character into braindead mix-up machines without defensive buffs."
A common complaint highlights: "Developers promised improved defense yet doubled down on oppressive offense that removes player agency."
The discontent has reached such levels that some players are migrating to Street Fighter 6, while veterans call this the "worst patch in Tekken history." Professional competitors have even threatened to quit entirely.
I don't know if I'll continue playing Tekken if this patch stays.
I'm sorry for doomposting, but I thought it had a chance to be a better game.
I'm just really sad.
Like depressed.
I streamed 70 hours of Tekken this past week to prep for s2 just to have those hopes shattered.
Gn.
— END | Jesandy (@Jesandy1572) April 1, 2025
The community now awaits developer response, with players divided between demanding a complete rollback or emergency balance adjustments.
