So, you have picked your character, but every time you launch the opponent into the air, you panic and just jab them once? We have all been there. Tekken 8 combos can look intimidating, but they all follow a simple recipe.


In this guide, we will break down the structure of a combo and provide some easy, high-damage examples for popular beginner characters.

Understanding Tekken Notation

Before we look at the combos, you need to know how to read them. Tekken uses numbers for the 4 buttons:

1 = Left Punch (Square/X)
2 = Right Punch (Triangle/Y)
3 = Left Kick (X/A)
4 = Right Kick (Circle/B)
u/d/f/b = Up, Down, Forward, Back
T! = Tornado (The move that spins them for a combo extension)

The Universal Combo Recipe

Almost every character in Tekken 8 follows the same structure for a combo. If you learn this, you can improvise with almost anyone.

1. The Launcher

This is the start. It lifts the opponent off their feet. Common launchers are usually u/f+4 (Hopkick) or d/f+2 (Uppercut).

2. The Filler

Once they are in the air, you hit them with a few small moves to keep them floating and carry them toward the wall. You don't want to use your strongest move yet; you want many small hits.

3. The Tornado (T!)

This is new to Tekken 8. You need to use a move that triggers a "Tornado" effect. This causes the opponent to spin and land on their back with their legs in the air, giving you time to run up for a final big hit.

4. The Ender

Now that they are helpless on the ground or spinning, you use your character's highest damage single hit to finish the job.

Easy Combos for Popular Characters

Here are three "Bread and Butter" (BnB) combos for characters that beginners love. These aren't the hardest combos possible, but they are reliable and deal great damage.

1. Paul Phoenix (High Damage, Easy Input)

Paul is the king of easy damage. This combo is simple but takes away nearly half the opponent's health bar.

d/f+2 (Launch) ➜ 3, 2 ➜ b+1, 2 (T!) ➜ Run up ➜ qcf+2 (Deathfist)

Note: "qcf" means Quarter Circle Forward (Down, Down-Forward, Forward).

2. Jin Kazama (The All-Rounder)

Jin is the poster boy of Tekken 8. His combo requires a little bit of timing, but looks very stylish.

d+3+4 (Launch) ➜ 3, 1 ➜ 4 (T!) ➜ Run up ➜ b+3, f, 1, 2

The "d+3+4" is his "Can-Can" kicks. It is a very safe way to launch people.

3. Victor Chevalier (The Newcomer)

Victor is incredibly friendly for new players. He uses swords and teleportation, and his buttons flow together very naturally.

u/f+4 (Launch) ➜ d/f+4, 2 ➜ 1+2 (T!) ➜ Run up ➜ d+2 (Iai Stance) ➜ 2, 2, 2

Tips for Landing Combos Online

Pro Tip: Do not mash the buttons! Tekken allows you to "buffer" inputs. Press the button cleanly and firmly. If you mash, you might get an accidental wrong move.
  • Practice on both sides: Being able to combo when you are on the left (Player 1) is easy, but make sure you practice while standing on the right (Player 2) side too.
  • Don't drop the Tornado: If you are panicking, skip the "Filler" and go straight to your Tornado move. A short combo is better than a dropped combo.
  • Use Special Style: If this is all too hard, press L1 / LB to turn on Special Style. This lets you perform air combos just by mashing the Triangle/Y button!

Start practicing these in Training Mode today, and you will be ranking up in no time!