Tekken 8
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Bandai Namco has revealed two upcoming characters for Tekken 8 during EVO 2025 in Las Vegas, announcing the return of fan favourite Armor King and introducing newcomer Miary Zo. The announcement took place on the EVO 2025 main stage in early August, streamed live to thousands of viewers worldwide. Armor King will join the roster on 16 October 2025, while Miary Zo, a fighter from Madagascar, is scheduled for release in winter 2025. Both characters are part of the game's ongoing post-launch support aimed at keeping the competitive scene fresh ahead of Tournament 2025.

Details of Armor King and Miary Zo

Armor King, a long-standing rival to King in the series, returns with an updated move set and enhanced visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5. Early footage showcased a blend of his classic wrestling-based attacks with new combos designed to integrate into Tekken 8's aggressive gameplay style.

As reported by TechRadar, Miary Zo is a brand-new addition to the Tekken universe, marking the series' first fighter from Madagascar. Her fighting style incorporates acrobatic movements, rapid strikes, and environmental awareness, offering a unique approach to spacing and pressure. Although Bandai Namco has not disclosed her full move list, the initial gameplay trailer hinted at a high-speed offensive strategy that could challenge defensive playstyles.

Potential Impact on the Competitive Meta

Character additions in Tekken 8 have previously altered the competitive meta. The return of Fahkumram in Patch 2.04 earlier in August 2025 prompted notable changes to tournament line-ups and player strategies. With Armor King's grappling focus and Miary Zo's rapid offence, analysts and players are already considering how these fighters could disrupt the established balance.

The release dates place both characters within the preparation window for Tournament 2025. This could give players who adapt quickly to the newcomers an edge in high-level play, especially if either fighter proves particularly effective in certain match-ups.

Pro Player Reactions from EVO 2025

While no full competitive matches with the new characters have yet been played, the reveals at EVO 2025 quickly sparked discussion among professional players and analysts. Social media posts from top competitors highlighted curiosity about how Armor King's grappling style could influence match-ups against current top-tier picks. Analysts noted that Miary Zo's high-mobility, offence-focused approach might introduce fresh strategies that could challenge more defensive styles in the current meta.

Tekken 8's Post-Launch Support and EVO Presence

Since its release on 26 January 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC, Tekken 8 has received consistent updates, including DLC characters such as Clive Rosfield from Final Fantasy XVI. Cross-platform play, the Arcade Quest online mode, and regular balance patches have kept the community engaged.

EVO 2025 featured Tekken 8 as one of its headline titles, drawing approximately 8,500 competitors, slightly down from the 10,000 entrants in 2024. Despite the decrease, fan engagement remained high, with strong attendance both in person and online.

Looking Ahead to Tournament 2025

Armor King will be available in competitive play well before Tournament 2025, while Miary Zo's release is expected shortly before or during the final preparation period. This timing could influence training camps, sparring sessions and team strategies. The Tekken community will be closely monitoring how quickly these fighters integrate into the meta and whether they become staples in high-level competition.

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