Tekken 7 Characters: A Comprehensive Guide to the Roster

Introduction

The world of fighting games is a vibrant and competitive arena, and few series have left as indelible a mark as Tekken. Known for its deep combat mechanics, compelling storylines, and, of course, its diverse and memorable cast of Tekken 7 Characters, Tekken has captivated players for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to learn, navigating the intricate world of Tekken can be daunting. This guide serves as a comprehensive introduction to the playable roster of Tekken 7 Characters, offering insights into their backgrounds, fighting styles, and roles within the game’s narrative. Tekken 7’s impact on the fighting game landscape is undeniable, solidifying its position as one of the most popular and influential fighting game franchises of all time. Understanding the nuances of each Tekken 7 Character is key to mastering the game, making this guide an invaluable resource for aspiring Tekken players.

The Core Roster: The Tekken Kings and Queens

Tekken’s legacy is built upon a foundation of iconic fighters, many of whom have been battling it out since the series’ inception. These characters, often referred to as “legacy characters,” are the cornerstones of the franchise. Understanding their move sets, strengths, and weaknesses is essential to navigating the competitive landscape.

Returning Favorites: The Icons of the Iron Fist

These are the characters that many associate directly with the Tekken franchise. Their presence is fundamental to the Tekken experience.

Kazuya Mishima, a figure of immense power and a tragic past. The son of Heihachi and father of Jin Kazama, Kazuya embodies the darkness that defines the Mishima bloodline. His fighting style, known for its powerful strikes and devastating combos, reflects his relentless pursuit of revenge. The Devil Gene, inherited from his father, gives him superhuman abilities, making him a formidable opponent. His story is one of betrayal, ambition, and the struggle against his own demonic heritage.

Heihachi Mishima, the patriarch of the Mishima family, a man driven by ambition and a thirst for power. Known for his brutal strength and ruthless tactics, Heihachi is the ultimate antagonist. His fighting style, centered on the Mishima style Karate, emphasizes powerful punches and devastating kicks. His role in the Tekken saga is pivotal, as his actions are responsible for the creation of many conflicts, which drive the plot forward, including his rivalry with his son, Kazuya.

Paul Phoenix, the fiery-haired, powerhouse grappler. Known for his powerful punches and explosive temper, Paul is a fan favorite for his raw strength and comedic personality. His fighting style relies on powerful strikes and the ability to quickly overwhelm opponents. His story often involves his quest to become the strongest fighter in the world, often with humorous results.

Nina Williams, the icy assassin. A master of the deadly arts, Nina is a force to be reckoned with, known for her speed, agility, and deadly grapples. Her fighting style is elegant and deadly, utilizing a variety of lethal holds and strikes. Her past is mired in tragedy, but her skill is undeniable. Her role in the Tekken universe is crucial, as she is often involved in the games’ central conflicts.

Marshall Law, the martial arts master, is the best friend of Paul Phoenix, and the father of Forest Law. His fighting style is derived from Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. He is a fast and agile fighter who is known for his quick combos and devastating kicks.

King, the masked wrestler with a heart of gold. He is an iconic figure in the Tekken universe. His fighting style is based on professional wrestling, featuring powerful throws and devastating strikes. King’s motivation is to raise money for the orphanage where he was raised. He has many fans due to his likable personality and his fighting style.

Yoshimitsu, the enigmatic swordsman. Yoshimitsu is one of the most unique characters in Tekken. His fighting style is based on sword fighting and unorthodox moves. His purpose is to fight for the sake of his clan, the Manji.

Lei Wulong, the drunken master detective. He is a martial arts master who uses a variety of stances and techniques to disorient and confuse his opponents. His aim is to arrest the criminal organization causing trouble in the world.

Ling Xiaoyu, the cheerful and optimistic fighter. She is a young girl who dreams of building her own amusement park. Her fighting style is derived from the martial art of Baguazhang, featuring quick movements and fluid attacks.

Steve Fox, the boxing champion. A stylish boxer with a focus on fast strikes and a relentless approach. He is a formidable character with quick punches and unpredictable attacks. His story revolves around his quest to uncover his true lineage and find his true purpose.

Bryan Fury, the cyborg warrior and a brutal sadist. He is a fan favorite for his sheer power and relentless pressure. Fury’s fighting style centers around powerful attacks and relentless pressure. He is a cyborg, which allows him to withstand immense damage.

Well-Established Characters: Building the Roster

These characters, who made their mark in the earlier iterations of the game, hold considerable weight in the lore and gameplay.

Jin Kazama, a character deeply connected to the Mishima bloodline, and the central protagonist in some of the series’ most crucial moments. His fighting style balances traditional karate with Mishima family techniques. His role is pivotal, as he is both the bearer of the Devil Gene and a force for good, trying to right the wrongs of his family.

Hwoarang, the Taekwondo expert. His aggressive and flashy moves make him a dynamic and exciting character to watch. He is a master of Taekwondo, which relies on powerful kicks and acrobatic maneuvers.

Lee Chaolan, the adopted brother of Kazuya Mishima. He fights with a stylish and precise fighting style, often using taunts and trickery to gain the upper hand. He is an elite fighter with a keen eye for combat.

Julia Chang, the optimistic environmentalist and a skilled fighter. Her fighting style, based on the martial art of Kung Fu, is filled with powerful punches and lightning-fast strikes. Her background is centered around her desire to save her homeland.

Feng Wei, the power-hungry Kung Fu master. He is known for his relentless pursuit of power and strength. He is a formidable character whose fighting style relies on brutal strikes and devastating combos.

Leo Kliesen, a mysterious and skilled character. Their fighting style is based on the fighting style Baji Quan. They are an elite fighter with an unwavering determination.

Lars Alexandersson, a rebellious character with a noble lineage. He uses a distinctive fighting style with a mix of Mishima techniques, which reflects his unique background and connection to the Mishima Zaibatsu.

Asuka Kazama, another member of the Kazama clan, and a skilled martial artist. Her fighting style, based on the Kazama style martial arts, is centered on defense, counters, and throws. She is a natural counter-attacker, making her a challenging opponent to face.

Lucky Chloe, the bubbly pop idol with an acrobatic fighting style. She is known for her quick movements and flashy combos, appealing to players who enjoy a more unconventional style.

Gigas, the monstrous, powerful fighter. His focus is on devastating strikes and physical force. He is a formidable fighter.

Newcomers in Tekken 7

Tekken 7 brought a fresh wave of characters, injecting new personalities and fighting styles into the mix.

The Story’s Core Characters

These characters are essential to the narrative of Tekken 7.

Akuma, the guest character from the Street Fighter series. He brings his signature techniques, like the Hadoken and Shoryuken, into the Tekken arena. Akuma plays a pivotal role in the story’s climax, making him a unique addition to the roster.

Kazumi Mishima, the deceased wife of Heihachi and the mother of Kazuya. She has a mysterious connection to the Mishima family and is a key figure in the game’s plot.

Claudio Serafino, the leader of the Archers of Sirius. A mysterious warrior who wields magical powers, Claudio’s fighting style is elegant and powerful, adding depth to the game’s already diverse cast.

Katarina Alves, a master of Savate. Katarina’s introduction brought a new, accessible playstyle. Her fighting style is graceful but effective, making her a good choice for beginners.

Shaheen, a calm and collected character. Shaheen’s fighting style is based on a variety of techniques, making him a versatile choice.

Jack-7, the updated iteration of the Jack series of robots. Jack-7 is a powerhouse known for his raw strength and overwhelming attacks. His role is simple: destruction.

DLC Characters: Expanding the Battlefield

The DLC characters offer exciting new combat options.

Eliza, a vampire character, brings a unique mix of ranged attacks and powerful strikes.

Armor King, a formidable grappler. A character with a history of brutality.

Anna Williams, Nina’s sister. Her fighting style is similar to Nina’s but with her own unique flair.

Craig Marduk, a powerhouse grappler. A physically imposing character with a brutal fighting style.

Zafina, a mystical fighter. Zafina’s unique fighting style makes her a threat on the battlefield.

Ganryu, the sumo wrestler, with a focus on throws and unique stances.

Kunimitsu II, who inherits the fighting style of the original Kunimitsu. A quick and deadly fighter.

Leroy Smith, a Wing Chun master. This master makes it a threat in combat.

Fahkumram, a Muay Thai master. A powerhouse fighter with devastating attacks.

Lidia Sobieska, the Polish Prime Minister. A powerful character with a fighting style based on karate.

Character Archetypes and Gameplay Styles

The Tekken 7 Characters are grouped into archetypes based on their playstyles:

Offensive Rushdown: Characters like Hwoarang and Paul excel at overwhelming their opponents with relentless pressure and quick attacks.

Defensive/Turtle: Characters like King and Asuka are known for their defensive prowess, countering attacks and punishing mistakes.

Mix-up Heavy: Characters like Yoshimitsu and Lei offer a wide range of attacks to confuse and disorient their opponents.

Zoning: Characters such as Shaheen and Akuma utilize ranged attacks to control the space and keep their opponents at bay.

Grappling/Throw-focused: King and Marduk are specialists in grabs and throws.

Charge-based: Jack-7 can be played via charge-based moves.

These different styles make playing with different Tekken 7 Characters varied.

Story and Lore Connections

The characters in Tekken 7 are deeply intertwined through complex storylines and relationships. The Mishima family remains at the center of the story, with their rivalries driving much of the game’s action.

Key relationships include the volatile father-son dynamic of Heihachi and Kazuya, the tragic fate of Kazumi Mishima, and the ongoing conflicts between members of the Kazama and Mishima families.

The characters’ stories evolve through the game, adding depth to the fighting, while bringing out new conflicts.

Conclusion

The roster of Tekken 7 Characters is a testament to the series’ longevity and creativity. From the classic icons to the newcomers, each character brings a unique style and personality to the game. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, and gameplay styles of the various Tekken 7 Characters is critical to mastering the game. Whether you gravitate towards the raw power of Paul Phoenix, the intricate techniques of Jin Kazama, or the brutal force of Jack-7, there’s a Tekken 7 Character to match your playstyle. The future of Tekken may bring new characters, but the core roster is a diverse collection of fighters. Ultimately, the best Tekken 7 Characters are the ones you enjoy playing and those whose fighting style and personality fit yours.