Tekken 8 season 3: Release date window, trailer and what to expect

As we come to the end of its turbulent second year, players are eagerly awaiting the start of Tekken 8 season 3.

Promising huge gameplay changes, and of course, another four new characters coming to the roster, Bandai Namco will be hoping that this is the game's best season yet.

If you're a die-hard player or are looking to return after the end of the offensive meta, here's what you need to know about the Tekken 8 season 3 release and what you can expect.

Tekken 8 season 3 release date speculation

Tekken 8 season 3 is currently scheduled to release in March 2026.

This was confirmed via a recent press release from Bandai Namco.

While the specific release date hasn't been confirmed yet, last year's season 2 began on Monday 31st March.

Based on this, we think that season 3 could launch on Monday 30th March 2026, although this is simply guesswork on our part – we'll be sure to update this page as and when we have a confirmed release date.

What to expect from Tekken 8 season 3

Tekken 8 season 3 promises a swathe of huge gameplay changes, aimed at returning the game to a slower, more defensive meta, closer to that of Tekken 7.

In a reveal trailer for the new season, the developers describe the new approach as having "refined balance," being more conventional, focused and deliberate.

Season 3 also promises a "fresh start," with a ranked match reset forcing players to start from scratch to earn that God of Destruction rank once more.

Naturally, a new season means we'll be getting four new characters who will be added to the roster throughout the year, with three returning characters already confirmed.

The beginning of the season will see the return of Kunimitsu II, the daughter of the original Kunimitsu, who succeeded her mother for the first time in Tekken 7.

In summer, she'll be followed up by Robert Richards – Bob to you and me – who was first introduced back in Tekken 6.

In autumn, we'll get perhaps the most exciting returning character of all, with the return of kangaroo boxing prodigy Roger Jr and his mother.

The son of now-infamously adulterous Roger, Roger Jr.'s missed out on a spot in Tekken 7, last appearing in both Tekken 6 and Tekken Tag Tournament 2.

The final character of season 3, set to join the roster in winter, has not been revealed yet, but considering both season 1 and 2 ended with new characters in Clive Rosfield and Miary Zo, it's safe to assume that we'll be getting a new character to round off season 3 too.

Whether that's an original character or a guest character remains to be seen, however.

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