It has been a year since the release of Tekken 8, and the issue of cheating within the game has not only persisted but has escalated significantly. Despite numerous player complaints and Bandai Namco's own investigations, the developers have yet to implement effective measures to curb dishonest play. If decisive action is not taken soon, the online mode risks devolving into complete chaos, where fair play becomes the exception rather than the norm.
Shortly after Tekken 8's launch, videos emerged online showcasing players with seemingly superhuman reflexes. For instance, some players can block attacks in a single frame, an action that is impossible without the aid of third-party software or macros. Others can instantly break any grab, a feat beyond human capabilities. These actions clearly indicate the use of cheats, which remain unpunished by Bandai Namco.
In addition to cheating, the game continues to suffer from significant technical issues that impact balance and gameplay. For example, Yoshimitsu's attacks sometimes become unblockable due to a glitch in the defense system. There are also tactics to artificially slow down matches, disrupting the opponent's rhythm. When combined with cheats, these bugs render the competitive mode nearly unplayable.
Recently, active members of the Tekken 8 community, including Mike Hollow and Blackheart59, uncovered a widespread network of cheaters. In their Discord group, software is openly distributed that enables players to automatically dodge attacks, block combos, and even avoid losses. Shockingly, these players continue to participate in ranked matches without any repercussions from Bandai Namco, despite public exposure.
The only relatively safe way to enjoy the game is by playing on consoles with crossplay disabled. However, this method does not offer complete protection against dishonest players. Some users create "smurf accounts" — secondary profiles used to compete 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, set to commence in April, yet the developers lack a clear strategy to combat cheaters. The community fears that new DLCs and cosmetic updates will take priority over addressing these critical online issues. If the situation does not improve, players may lose interest in the game en masse, threatening its future viability.
