Get ready for the next-gen tournament with the Tekken 8 Demo

Dataminers have already found a way to access the complete character roster of Tekken 8 via the free-to-play demo.


Despite his "death" in Tekken 7, Heihachi Mishima's legacy lives on in Tekken 8.
Despite his "death" in Tekken 7, Heihachi Mishima's legacy lives on in Tekken 8.

Tekken 8 is now offering players an early taste of its action-packed gameplay with a comprehensive demo available on Steam and Xbox.

Scheduled for release in January 2024, this latest installment in Bandai Namco’s acclaimed fighting game franchise is a promising new addition that guarantees enhanced next-gen graphics and gameplay mechanics. Of course, it wouldn’t be Tekken if it didn’t feature a deep lore and intricate combat system.

Fans can look forward to a captivating and engaging storyline with intense martial arts battles, complete with a heavy dose of family drama between the Mishimas and everyone around them.

Tekken 8 will see the return of Jun Kazama, a character that only long-time fans will be familiar with.
Tekken 8 will see the return of Jun Kazama, a character that only long-time fans will be familiar with.

The Tekken 8 demo, initially released on PlayStation 5 earlier in December, has now been expanded to include Steam and Xbox Series X|S platforms. This marks a significant moment for fans of the series, as they can now explore various aspects of the game across different platforms. The demo offers a rich experience, featuring the initial chapter of the story mode, The Dark Awakens, along with other exciting modes like Arcade Quest, Super Ghost Battle, Versus Mode, and Gallery Mode. These different modes provide players with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in the full version of the game.

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One of the key highlights of the demo is the inclusion of four iconic characters from the Tekken universe: Jin and Kazuya along with Paul, and Nina. Players can dive into the world of Tekken 8, experiencing the unique fighting abilities of well-known characters. The demo also showcases three different stages: Urban Square (Evening), Yakushima, and Sanctum, each offering a distinct backdrop for the intense battles.

While the demo is rich in content, it’s important to note that it doesn’t include online play capabilities. Players looking to battle against others will have to settle for local versus matches for the time being. Additionally, any progress made in the demo will not carry over to the full game, so players are advised not to get too attached to their achievements in this early build.

It's sad to see the joke character that Paul, one of the series' longest-running characters, has become.
It’s sad to see the joke character that Paul, one of the series’ longest-running characters, has become.

Despite these limitations, the Tekken 8 demo is an excellent opportunity for both seasoned fans and newcomers to the series to get a feel for the game’s mechanics and narrative. It serves as a perfect introduction to the intense battles that Tekken is known for. With a sizeable download of 27.64 GB, the demo offers a substantial amount of content, ensuring that players have plenty to explore and enjoy.

Bandai Namco’s decision to release the demo on multiple platforms is a strategic move to broaden the game’s appeal and accessibility. By allowing players on different systems to experience Tekken 8 before its official release, the company is ensuring that the game reaches a wider audience, potentially increasing its fan base and sales.

Of course, while this is an act of goodwill from Bandai, who is already promising that Tekken 8 won’t have Denuvo at launch, it hasn’t stopped hackers from getting into the game and accessing the full roster. Be warned, if you plan on seeking such a method. Given the current circumstances, and the fact that Tekken 8’s release is only a little over a month away, you might just want to wait for January 26 to come.

Tekken 8's full roster is expected to have over 30 characters.
Tekken 8’s full roster is expected to have over 30 characters.

Tekken 8 is the last entry this fiscal year from a renowned fighting game franchise. Unfortunately, it couldn’t launch in time to duke it out with Street Fighter VI and Mortal Kombat 1 at The Game Awards or other awarding ceremonies.

Ray Ampoloquio
Ray Ampoloquio // Articles: 7186
With over 20 years of gaming experience and technical expertise building computers, I provide trusted coverage and analysis of gaming hardware, software, upcoming titles, and broader entertainment trends. // Full Bio