If you have just started playing Tekken 8, you might be overwhelmed by the flashy blue flames and aggressive gameplay. This new mechanic is called the Heat System, and it is the biggest change in the history of the franchise.


Don't worry—it is actually very easy to understand once you break it down. In this guide, we will explain exactly what Heat is, how to use it, and why it helps you win more matches.

Key Takeaway: Think of "Heat" as a temporary power-up mode that you can use once per round to play aggressively.

What is the Heat System?

The Heat System is a period of time (usually 10 seconds) where your character enters a powered-up state. You can see this state by the blue flames surrounding your character and the blue timer bar under your health.

When you are in Heat, three main things happen:

  • Your attacks deal Chip Damage (damage even when the opponent blocks).
  • Your character gains new moves or enhanced properties on existing moves.
  • The timer pauses every time you hit the opponent or knock them down, letting you stay powered up longer.

How to Activate Heat

You can turn on your Heat mode in two specific ways. Knowing which one to use is the first step to mastering the game.

1. Heat Burst (The Safe Option)

This is the manual activation. By pressing RP + LK (Right Punch + Left Kick), or the R1/RB button on your controller, your character will slam the ground and strike a pose.

Why use it? It is safe! If you are under pressure, you can use Heat Burst to push the enemy away. It gives you immediate access to your Heat abilities, but usually for a slightly shorter duration.

2. Heat Engager (The Aggressive Option)

Every character has specific moves (usually 5 or 6) called "Heat Engagers." If you land one of these moves on an opponent, your character automatically runs toward them and enters Heat.

Why use it? This is the best way to start your offense. Because you automatically run forward, you are right in the opponent's face with a significant advantage, forcing them to guess what you will do next.

What Can You Do While in Heat?

Once you are blue and glowing, you have access to two powerful mechanics. Using these will consume your remaining Heat Timer.

Heat Smash

Think of this as a "Mini-Super" move. By pressing the Heat button again (RP+LK or R1/RB), you will perform a massive, cinematic attack.

  • Pros: Does tons of damage and is usually safe if blocked.
  • Cons: It uses up all your remaining Heat energy. Once you use it, Heat mode ends.

Heat Dash

If you are in Heat and you land a "Heat Engager" move, you can hold Forward (f) to perform a Dash instead of just finishing the attack. This cancels the animation and lets you run in instantly.

  • Use this for combos: You can extend combos that would normally end.
  • Use this for pressure: Even if they block, you dash in and remain close enough to keep attacking.

Understanding Recoverable Health

You will notice that when you take damage from Heat moves or aerial combos, part of your health bar turns white/transparent. This is Recoverable Health.

This health isn't gone forever! You can earn it back by hitting your opponent. However, if you get hit by a low attack or a throw, that white health disappears and becomes permanent damage.

Summary for Beginners

The Heat system is designed to make Tekken 8 more aggressive. Here is your cheat sheet for your next match:

  1. You get one Heat bar every round. Don't save it for the next round—use it!
  2. Use Heat Burst if you need "get off me" tool.
  3. Use Heat Smash when you want to finish the round with big damage.
  4. Don't be afraid to block while the opponent is in Heat; you will take chip damage, but you can earn that health back later.

Now that you understand the basics, jump into Practice Mode and look at your character's Move List to see which moves are your Heat Engagers!