Tekken 8 Still Plagued by Cheaters

It's been a year since the launch of Tekken 8, yet the problem of cheating in the game not only persists but is escalating. Despite the outcry from the player base and their own investigations, Bandai Namco has failed to implement effective measures against dishonest players. If the developers do not act soon, the online mode risks devolving into complete anarchy, 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 in a single frame, an action that's impossible without using third-party software or macros. Others can instantly break any grabs, which also surpasses human capabilities. These actions are clear indicators of cheating, yet they remain unpunished.

In addition to cheating, the game is plagued by significant technical issues that impact balance and gameplay. For example, Yoshimitsu's attacks sometimes become unblockable due to the defense system failing to register them. There are also techniques to artificially slow down matches, throwing off the opponent's rhythm. When combined with cheats, these bugs render the competitive mode nearly unplayable.

Recently, prominent members of the Tekken 8 community, such as Mike Hollow and Blackheart59, have 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 in ranked matches without any repercussions from Bandai Namco, despite being publicly exposed.

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

Bandai Namco has announced the second season of Tekken 8, scheduled to start in April, but the developers still lack a clear strategy to combat cheaters. The community fears that the focus will shift towards new DLCs and cosmetic updates rather than addressing the critical online issues. If the situation remains unchanged, players may lose interest in the game en masse, threatening its future.