Tekken 8 Still Plagued by Cheaters

It has been a year since the launch of Tekken 8, yet the persistent problem of cheating within the game not only persists but is escalating. Despite ongoing player complaints and internal investigations, Bandai Namco has failed to implement effective measures against dishonest players. Without swift action from the developers, the online mode is at risk of devolving into total chaos, where fair play becomes the exception rather than the norm.

Shortly after Tekken 8's release, videos emerged online showcasing players with seemingly superhuman reflexes. For instance, some players are able to block attacks within a single frame—a feat impossible without the aid of third-party software or macros. Others can instantly break any grab, which also surpasses human capabilities. These actions are clear indicators of cheating, yet they go unpunished.

In addition to cheating, the game continues to suffer from significant technical issues that impact balance and gameplay. For example, Yoshimitsu's attacks occasionally become unblockable, and the defense system fails to register them. There are also tactics to deliberately slow down matches, which disrupts the opponent's rhythm. When combined with cheats, these bugs render the competitive mode nearly unplayable.

Recently, dedicated members of the Tekken 8 community, such as Mike Hollow and Blackheart59, exposed a network of cheaters. In their Discord group, programs are openly shared that enable players to automatically dodge attacks, block combos, and even avoid losses. Astonishingly, these players continue to participate freely in ranked matches, and Bandai Namco has yet to respond, despite the public exposure.

The only relatively safe way to enjoy the game is by using consoles with crossplay disabled. However, even this method does not offer full protection from dishonest players. Some users create "smurf accounts" to play against less experienced opponents, further disrupting the balance. Others exploit control bugs to gain an unfair advantage.

Bandai Namco has announced the second season of Tekken 8, slated for April, but the developers still lack a clear strategy to tackle cheaters. The community is concerned that the focus will shift towards new DLCs and cosmetic updates rather than addressing the critical online issues. If the situation does not improve, players may lose interest in the game, threatening its long-term viability.