Ranking Every Tekken Game from Worst to Best

The ‘Tekken’ series has been a cornerstone of fighting games since its arcade debut in 1994. With its punchy combat, memorable characters, and evolving mechanics, it’s no surprise the franchise has built a massive following over three decades.

From clunky spin-offs to genre-defining masterpieces, I’m diving into every mainline ‘Tekken’ game and one notable side venture to rank them all. Let’s step into the King of Iron Fist Tournament and see which titles throw the hardest punches.

Death by Degrees (2005)

This action-adventure spin-off starring Nina Williams feels like a misstep. The game trades ‘Tekken’s signature fighting for awkward beat-’em-up mechanics and clunky camera angles.

It tried to bank on fan service with over-the-top costumes, but the controls are stiff, and the combat lacks flow. I wanted to love Nina’s solo outing, but it’s a forgettable detour from the series’ strengths.

Tekken Advance (2001)

Bringing ‘Tekken’ to the Game Boy Advance was ambitious, and it’s not a total disaster. The simplified controls work surprisingly well, and the visuals squeeze decent charm out of the handheld’s limits.

Still, the emulated 3D feels flat, and the game lacks depth compared to its console cousins. It’s a fun novelty for portable play, but it can’t compete with the mainline entries.

Tekken 3D: Prime Edition (2012)

This Nintendo 3DS title looks impressive for a handheld, boasting crisp visuals and a hefty roster of 41 characters from ‘Tekken 6’. The 3D effect is a nice touch.

But the single-player modes are thin, and the online multiplayer is laggy and unreliable. It’s a solid effort for a portable fighter, but it feels like a watered-down experience.

Tekken (1994)

The original ‘Tekken’ kicked off the series with bold ideas, introducing a button-per-limb control scheme that felt fresh. Its character designs stood out against rivals like ‘Virtua Fighter’.

Time hasn’t been kind, though. The controls are sluggish by today’s standards, and the game feels barebones compared to later entries. It’s a pioneer, but not one I revisit often.

Tekken Revolution (2013)

This free-to-play experiment leaned heavily on ‘Tekken Tag Tournament 2’ for its foundation. Its accessible controls and decent visuals made it inviting for casual players.

However, the lack of originality and its shutdown in 2019 limit its legacy. The gacha mechanics and repetitive gameplay keep it low on the list.

Tekken Mobile (2017)

‘Tekken Mobile’ brought the series to smartphones with slick character models and a roster of 41 fighters. The ‘Waza Card’ system made special moves easy to pull off.

Sadly, its touchscreen controls pale against traditional inputs, and its online-only nature ended with a shutdown in 2019. It’s a fun distraction, but not a true ‘Tekken’ experience.

Tekken 4 (2001)

‘Tekken 4’ took risks with environmental obstacles like walls and inclines, adding a new layer to the arena. The Tekken Force mode was a cool side addition.

But the level design frustrated players, with uneven terrain messing up hit detection. It’s a bold experiment that didn’t quite land, though it paved the way for future innovations.

Tekken 2 (1995)

Building on the first game, ‘Tekken 2’ added more characters, moves, and modes, making it a hit. The introduction of quirky fighters like Roger the kangaroo brought some humor.

It’s a clear step up from the original, but it still feels dated compared to later titles. The improved formula showed the series’ potential, but it’s not a top contender.

Tekken 6 (2007)

‘Tekken 6’ shines on modern hardware like the Xbox Series X, where load times are snappy. Its large roster and smooth combat keep it engaging.

Yet, the original release suffered from painfully slow loading screens, and the gameplay feels less polished than newer entries. It’s a strong chapter, but not the series’ peak.

Tekken Tag Tournament (1999)

The first ‘Tag Tournament’ introduced team-based combat, letting players swap between two fighters mid-match. The chaotic energy and massive roster made it a fan favorite.

It lacks the depth of later tag games, and the mechanics feel a bit raw. Still, its fast-paced action and charm make it a nostalgic gem.

Tekken 7 (2015)

‘Tekken 7’ brought the series into the modern era with crisp visuals and a focus on competitive play. The introduction of Rage Arts added cinematic flair to battles.

The story mode feels underwhelming, and some mechanics feel too simplified. But its polished gameplay and active online community keep it near the top.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (2011)

This sequel cranks up the chaos with a huge roster, including nearly every ‘Tekken’ fighter up to that point. The animations are bursting with personality, and the tag mechanics are refined.

It can feel overwhelming with its high health pools and complex combos, but the sheer variety and polish make it a standout. It’s a love letter to longtime fans.

Tekken 3 (1996)

‘Tekken 3’ is often hailed as a classic, and for good reason. It introduced iconic characters like Jin Kazama and refined the series’ 3D combat with smoother controls.

The arcade-perfect gameplay and vibrant roster still hold up. It’s a timeless entry that set the standard for what ‘Tekken’ could be.

Tekken 5 (2004)

‘Tekken 5’ is a masterclass in balance, with tight combat and a strong story mode. The Devil Within mode and arcade versions of earlier games add extra value.

The soundtrack, with tracks like ‘Moonlight Wilderness’, is unforgettable, and the visuals still look sharp. For many, this is the series’ gold standard.

Tekken 8 (2025)

Running on Unreal Engine 5, ‘Tekken 8’ is a visual powerhouse with lightning-fast combat. The single-player content is robust, and the multiplayer feels accessible yet deep.

The story mode doesn’t fully deliver on its promises, but the overall package is the most polished yet. It’s the best ‘Tekken’ experience to date.

Which ‘Tekken’ game is your go-to, or did I miss a hidden gem? Drop your thoughts in the comments!