The Tekken 8 patch notes for version 1.03 have been released and they also promise to be a game changer. Bandai Namco has pulled no punches here – taking a brand new playable character, a season pass style process, different customization choices along with a number of gameplay tweaks and bug fixes. Strap in, Tekken fans, because this update is a doozy.
Eddy Gordo Joins the Fray
Eddy Gordo, the capoeira master who has been a fan favorite since Tekken 3, is leading the charge in the latest patch 1.03 release. Playable Character Year 1 Pass owners get 72 hours early access to Eddy so they can get a head start on learning his style of fighting.
For all those unfamiliar with Eddy, his style is very Brazilian – rooted in the martial art of capoeira and incorporates acrobatic kicks, feints, and sweeps with a dash of unpredictability. Old Tekken fans will certainly appreciate the chance to test Eddy’s ability in the revamped game’s emulation engine.
A New Way to Grind
Patch 1.03 also adds the Tekken Fight Pass, a new mode that players can expect to reward them for their online activities. Like battle passes in other games, the Tekken Fight Pass will feature daily and weekly missions that let players level up and unlock items through online matches.
The Fight Pass will feature two tiers, a standard tier and a premium tier. The premium level offers even more snazzy rewards such as Tekken Coins to be exchanged for items in the Tekken Shop.
Fresh Customization Options: Cyber Packs and Legacy Costumes
Bandai Namco knows that Tekken fans are big on customization and patch 1.03 certainly does that with two new costumes: Cyber Pack 01 and Cyber Pack 02. All playable characters will be able to wear these futuristic-inspired outfits – players can dress up their favorite fighters in futuristic clothes.
There will also be a special Yoshimitsu legacy costume available in the Tekken Shop for fans to relive his glory days.
Not surprisingly, an Eddy Gordo Avatar Skin will also be available for players to dress up as the capoeira master.
Bug Fixes and Gameplay Enhancements
While Eddy Gordo and new customization options are certainly exciting, patch 1.03 also brings a host of gameplay tweaks and bug fixes to the table.
A key new feature is the ability to terminate and invalidate matches in ranked, quick, and group match modes if the quality of the network connection is less than specified. This should help alleviate frustrations caused by laggy matches and disconnections.
Additionally, an indicator has been added to the versus screen in Player Match mode to indicate when the stage has been chosen randomly, allowing for more transparency for players.
For PC gamers on the Steam edition, a “QUIT” button has been put into the main menu to get a cleaner exit.
Move Adjustments and Balance Changes
Of course, no Tekken patch would be complete without move adjustments and balance changes. In version 1.03, the development team has focused on correcting unintended move behavior, continuing the work started in the previous 1.02 update.
While a more comprehensive balance update is slated for version 1.04 in May, following the conclusion of EVO Japan 2024, patch 1.03 lays the groundwork by addressing certain moves that exhibit significant strength.
Version 1.04, on the other hand, promises to take a closer look at buffing characters who haven’t been able to fully showcase their uniqueness, ensuring a more balanced and diverse meta.
Impact on Existing Content
It’s important to note that the application of the 1.03 update data will have an impact on certain modes and features within Tekken 8. Specifically, downloaded replays and “My Replay & Tips” data from before the update will be unavailable for playback, while online replay data will be deleted altogether.
Additionally, character behavior and move properties in modes like “Super Ghost Battle” and “Ghost Match” will reflect the post-update state, ensuring consistency across the board.
A Momentous Update
Eddy Gordo, the Tekken Fight Pass, additional customization options, and a slew of gameplay tweaks and bug fixes later in the year, the Tekken 8 patch notes for version 1.03 are a historic update for the fighting game series’ latest entry.
Whether you are a well-used Tekken fan or a relative newcomer to the series, patch 1.03 will renew the series with new challenges, bonuses, and outlets for expression.
So what are you waiting for? Play it, check out the new content, and prepare to unleash your Tekken powers!