The Tekken 8 player base has erupted in frustration following the Season 2 update's controversial gameplay changes.
Patch notes detailed universal buffs to character damage and offensive pressure, leading many long-time fans to argue that Tekken 8 has drifted from its core identity. Professional player JoKa voiced strong criticism, stating the update fundamentally alters the gameplay experience.
Key complaints from the competitive community include:
- Excessive combo damage across all characters
- Enhanced 50/50 situations with limited counterplay
- Heat system buffs with no defensive improvements
- Character homogenization through removed weaknesses
- Problematic move tracking and hitboxes
The backlash has manifested through Steam reviews, with over 1,100 negative ratings pushing recent reviews to "Mostly Negative." Players describe the changes as:
- "Reducing strategic depth in favor of mindless offense"
- "Removing defensive player agency"
- "Turning characters into mix-up machines"
Notable pro player Jesandy expressed dismay on social media, considering quitting the game after extensive preparation for Season 2. Some community members are migrating to Street Fighter 6, while others dub this "the worst balance patch in franchise history."
Players are demanding developer responsiveness, with proposals ranging from complete patch rollbacks to emergency hotfixes addressing:
- Defensive option improvements
- Damage scaling adjustments
- Character-specific balance reverts
The situation represents a critical moment for Tekken 8's competitive scene, with many questioning whether the current direction aligns with the series' legacy.
