Gaining XP to reach high ranks in TEKKEN 8 has many hidden aspects. The article explains all of them.
The most important factor in the TEKKEN 8 ranking system is your real playing skills. Win more matches, and you shoot up to the God of Destruction ∞ (Ouroboros). This piece of advice is of the same sort as “don’t get hit” to win matches.
The principles of progressing through the ranking system in TEKKEN 8 rely on earning Experience Points (XP) in Ranked Matches. If you understand how it works, you will know what to expect on your way to that highly-desired God level — or Emperor, or even King, it also feels good.
In this article, we discuss how the TEKKEN 8 ranking system really works. The information has been updated with all the big changes that came to the game with Season 2.
How does ranking work in TEKKEN 8?
The “win matches” advice is quite relevant to explain the basics of the TEKKEN 8 ranking system.
- Every player who starts their first online match makes it through a calibration fight against a bot. The game calculates the results and general performance to apply the player’s first rank.
- Most beginners land somewhere at the start of the TEKKEN 8 ranked ladder: Silver or maybe Light Blue ranks.
- All the following Ranked Matches can become your source of XP — sure, if you win the fights. After reaching specific milestones with the accumulated experience points, you get promoted to new TEKKEN 8 ranks.
- The rank promotion is character-dependent, but after unlocking some ranks, the rest of your personal roster gets a slight automatic ranking boost.
We have a dedicated guide that explains all ranks in TEKKEN 8, including the names, color division, and the XP points needed to unlock. Please, check it out for more details.
The ranking system has plenty of hidden details. They are highlighted in the following sections.
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Do players lose XP in TEKKEN 8 Ranked Matches?
The entire system has been crafted to make the initial progression through the ranks easier. The higher you reach, the more difficult it becomes for you to unlock the next TEKKEN 8 rank.
- Players do not lose XP when they lose matches within the ranks from 1st Dan to Cavalry: up to Green (Turquoise).
- Starting from the Yellow ranks, the game takes XP away after a player loses a match. The amount of lost XP increases on high ranks.
Even the official patch notes for TEKKEN 8 Season 2 clearly state that it becomes extremely difficult to rank up closer to the highest level of the ladder, God of Destruction. In Season 2, the developers even introduced eight tiers of this rank, so the top players have something to fight for. Only the best of the best can reach God of Destruction ∞ (Ouroboros).
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What affects the amount of earned and lost XP?
Even with the threat of losing XP, ranking up in TEKKEN 8 is relatively easy up to Red ranks. Starting from the Mighty Ruler rank, the game doesn’t help players with extra bonuses. It guards this gate for skilled competitors.
Lower ranks receive additional points. For example, TEKKEN 8 gives extra XP for a few consecutive wins (three and more). The streak bonus disappears after the Tenryu rank.
Also, when you reach new ranks for the first time, the game gives you a boost. Your character unlocks something like Dominator, the highest Yellow rank, and suddenly you see him in the middle of this XP range — to not get demoted in the very next match. This doesn’t happen if you unlock the same rank later on again.
As for losing matches, TEKKEN 8 removed extra punishment for three losses in a row.
The general principle of earning and losing XP is pretty logical.
- In matches between players of the same rank, both earn and lose equal amounts of XP.
- Players who face stronger opponents earn more XP than they lose.
- Facing weaker opponents (in terms of ranks), gives smaller XP reward for winning and takes away more points for losing.
What are ranks for?
Someone would say that TEKKEN 8 ranks are needed to show off with them in front of your friends and opponents. While this is certainly true, the developers have created the ranking system rather with a practical idea in mind.
- The game needs ranks to let players of relatively the same level to face each other in online matches.
The main purpose of ranking is to make the fight interesting for everyone. It’s fun to play against an opponent of your skill level, and such matches help players learn something.
Starting from TEKKEN 8 Season 2, online matchmaking is based on the highest rank of your characters. The system does not demote top players to something like Light Blue when they decide to practice with another fighter. It’s a good feature for beginners, while fighting extremely stronger opponents can be awfully frustrating.
Rank restrictions in online matches
Starting from Season 2, TEKKEN 8 players can set rank restrictions for online fights even in Quick Matches.
- The options in Ranked and Quick include the same rank only and specific rank difference: ±1, 2, 3 ranks.
Players who are strongly focused on ranks and progression follows one possible way in TEKKEN 8. Did you play through the Arcade Quest? The story interactions there nicely highlight the group of players who love having fun in the game, hang out with friends in the virtual fights, and grow their personal skills regardless of the ranking position.
Not everyone wants to be a pro. Are you among those who dream of becoming the God of Destruction? You still should focus on improving skills first and consider ranks as a side-proof of your progress, not the main goal.
For all TEKKEN 8 news and updates, stick around on esports.gg!
