Tekken 8 Season 3: Who Can Make the Cut?

Tekken 8’s controversial Season 2 is slowly coming to a close with the reveal and imminent release of its final character – Miary Zo from Madagascar, a fighting god reborn with ties to True Orge. The entirety of Season 2 was legacy and new original fighters: Anna Williams, Fahkumram, Armor King, and aforementioned Miary Zo. We’re reasonably sure that next year’s lineup will surely feature at least one guest character, but at the same time, there are more old fighters that could come back.

So who could be the four horsemen of Tekken 8 Season 3?

Craig Marduk

There’s this air of reasonable certainty that, despite many people’s groans, this Aussie powerhouse is going to find his way back again. He has been part of Tekken’s DNA since his bombastic debut in Tekken 4. Marduk’s absence in Tekken 8’s base roster is noticeable, especially given how his rivalry with Armor King remains one of the franchise’s longest-running feuds. Now, with AK back, it’s only reasonable to also get his rival.

With Tekken 8’s new Heat system rewarding aggression and forward momentum, Marduk’s brutal clinches and tackle chains could be re-engineered to take full advantage of the system, granting him lots of new winning situations. Just like you could be in a winning situation with NY online sports betting.

His reappearance could also reignite a long-dormant subplot: Marduk’s brush with retirement, redemption, or even a heel turn after years out of the limelight.

Julia Chang

The eco-warrior, archaeologist, and adopted daughter of Michelle Chang is one of the most requested returning characters across all socials. It feels like Tekken 8’s darker tone could give her the chance to mature further, finally shedding some of her naivete and idealism. Or the storyline could put her in stark contrast to all the bleakness. Julia is super versatile and could serve any role. In Tekken 7, her Savage Stance let her flow between offense and defense seamlessly, turning her into a pressure machine when mastered. With Tekken 8’s clear dive into aggression, she could be an interesting addition, especially since her combo routes are so varied. Julia has always rewarded smart aggression, so giving her Heat transitions that enhance mobility or let her cancel out of Savage into air grabs would make her one of the most dynamic fighters in the game.

Eliza

Now, hear me out. I know you hate Akuma. I hated him too. But Eliza was also a 2D character, and she was executed while more clunkily, also more effectively. And this could be enhanced with the Heat system. Systems that were perceived to be more unfair could be safely gated behind it, giving the players one shot to execute them, while also allowing the opponent to see the clear window for counterplay.

His visuals could be upgraded as well – Lili received a major facelift for 8th iteration, so Eliza could follow her steps, as well as resolve the storyline between them.

Akira Yuki

Akira Yuki is a mythical “what if” crossover between prominent 3D fighting games. His signature Bajiquan style, full of elbows, shoulder rams, and crisp stance transitions, aligns perfectly with Tekken’s close-range combat ethos, and unlike previous crossover guests like Geese Howard, Akuma, or Noctis, Akira wouldn’t rely on projectiles or absurd gimmicks – VF’s super grounded style could be an opportunity to make a character that’s very close to fundamentals. With Virtua Fighter 6 now in development, his inclusion could serve as a brilliant cross-promotion opportunity.

We know that he’s not the number 1 inclusion on people’s guest Wishlists, and everyone would rather see Tifa or Kiryu, but Harada might as well be spiting everyone who asks him for stuff.

So we just have to wait and see. Maybe, we’ll see something at the upcoming the Game Awards 2025 show this December.