Tekken 8: All the Possible NEW Characters to Arrive in the DLC

The hype for Tekken 8 is turning feverish. Bandai Namco previously revealed the base roster will feature 32 playable fighters, a mix of Tekken legends returning and brand new characters. But a new leak this week suggests even more fighters could join the fray post-launch as DLC.

Tekken Leak Reveals New DLC Characters!

Photos online have revealed a long list of unknown Tekken 8 DLC characters. The leak lists fan favorite fighters such as Roger kangaroo, Xiao Meng, Armor King and Eddy Gordo as potential downloadable additions down the line.

But leaks — any type — must always be looked at with a grain of salt until verified. But this Tekken 8 DLC rumor sounds reasonable considering the characters ‘names. What are the leaked fighters having the very best chance of actually making it into the game?

Eddy Gordo – The Return of The Capoeira King?

Since Tekken 3 came out, Brazilian fighter Eddy Gordo and his unique capoeira style have been a Tekken staple. He was reduced to a glorified cameo in Tekken 7, serving as an in-game mascot for cursed Lucky Chloe. But the leak suggests Eddy may finally be returning as a full-fledged DLC character in Tekken 8.

In previous Tekken games, Eddy was known for his fast kicking combos and unpredictable moves. With Tekken 8’s new offensive Heat system potentially enhancing Eddy’s rushdown abilities further, he could be a solid DLC addition very soon.

Katarina Alves – The Savate Stylist

While Eddy’s Tekken 8 status remains unclear, the leak does suggest Brazilian fighting style mate Katarina Alves might also return as DLC. The savate practitioner is another recent addition, first appearing in Tekken 7 as one of the few new characters fans actually liked.

Katarina’s combination of strikes and ground attacks gave her her own gameplan – but one that wasn’t strong enough to make the elite tournament cut. However, her fighting style is under-represented in the Tekken 8 base roster. Having Katarina back as DLC might allow her to emerge from Eddy’s shadow.

Armor King and Craig Marduk – Grappler Backup

The biggest missing piece from Tekken 8’s starting lineup are the series’ other main grapplers outside of King. King’s shadowy luchador rival Armor King II has been a fan favorite since Tekken 5 and debuted in Tekken 5.

His vicious poison mist and brutal slams offered a darker, more vicious counterpoint to King’s wrestling-inspired movesets. Meanwhile, Australian monster Craig Marduk has been slaying foes with his ferocious vale tudo brawling since Tekken 4. Both are heavy hitters that would make for great DLC additions to Tekken 8’s pipeline.

Other DLC All-Stars: Julia, Lidia, Kunimitsu II

Looking past the leaked names, there are plenty of other legacy characters presumably still in the running to be Tekken 8 DLC down the road as well:

• Julia Chang’s explosive blend of kung fu and pro wrestling could provide a refreshing change of pace.
• Lidia Sobieska, a prime minister combatant new to Tekken 7, has enough fans to purchase Tekken 8’s DLC pack.
• the fox mask-wearing kunoichi successor to the original Kunimitsu, Kunimitsu II, looks like a shoe-in for the new series.

Of course, these are only some of the legacy and recency based more likely DLC combatants out there. Because of the substantial character roster Tekken has developed over its 28 year existence, Bandai Namco should have enough material to keep building Tekken 8’s roster into the future.

Tekken 8 Releases January 2024 With Beastly Base Roster

Whether fighters such as Eddy Gordo, Armor King and others make it as post-launch DLC remains to be seen. What we do know is the fact that Tekken 8 will launch with a deep base roster from the beginning.

In addition to longtime staples Jin, Paul, Nina and King, new school faces Leroy, Fahkumram and Lidia are also set to make the cut from the start. Other previously revealed newcomers include:

• Reina, a mysterious martial artist with ties to the Mishima clan.
• Azucena (MMA fighter)
• Victor Chevalier, a hotshot French spy with a katana.

With Tekken 8’s release fast – approaching, Bandai Namco is expected to reveal more details on DLC content in the coming months. The Game Awards 2023 in early December could be one such opportunity.