Shared Balance Adjustment Policy for Ver.2.02 and Ver.2.03

Following the previous update (Ver.2.01), we will continue addressing “moves with excessively high return relative to risk” and “high-performance moves that can repeatedly create advantageous situations, leading to one-sided gameplay.”

Balance adjustments will prioritize moves with particularly high impact, based on player feedback and match data.

In consideration of several major esports tournaments scheduled in August, large-scale balance adjustments are expected to conclude with Ver.2.03. However, we will continue monitoring the competitive environment after Ver.2.03 and consider further adjustments as needed.

Balance Adjustment Policy for Ver.2.02

* Patch notes are scheduled to be released around 10:30 AM [JST] on Tuesday, June 3rd.

The upcoming update (Ver.2.02), scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 3rd [JST], will include further adjustments aimed at optimizing the overall balance between offense and defense.

In addition to the shared policy above, we will revise certain aspects of the Heat system to prevent it from having an excessive impact on match flow.

1) Adjustment to Heat Timer Consumption for Certain Moves

Some moves that consume remaining Heat Timer time have had a disproportionate impact on the balance of offense and defense. To address this, we will adjust the amount of Heat Timer consumed by these moves.

In particular, “high guard-crush potential moves” have made it difficult for the defending side to respond and often led to one-sided situations. As such, we will increase their Heat Timer consumption to better balance risk and reward.

This change aims to make move selection more tactical and appropriate to the situation by correcting the risk/reward balance for Heat Timer-consuming moves.

2) Tracking Adjustment for Heat Smash

For some characters, if the first hit of a Heat Smash whiffs, the follow-up attacks would still track the opponent excessively.

In Ver.2.02, we will adjust the tracking so that if the first hit misses, the following attacks will no longer track the opponent.

This aims to prevent situations where the defending player is unfairly hit despite a successful evasion and to improve counterplay opportunities against Heat Smash.

Balance Adjustment Policy for Ver.2.03

* Patch notes are scheduled to be released on Tuesday, July 8th [JST].

1. Buffs for select characters within a range that does not significantly impact overall battle balance
2. Revisions to frame advantage on block for Rage Arts, in light of increased importance of counterattacks due to raised health values

We will continue working to improve overall battle balance and provide a better competitive environment.

Thank you for your continued support of TEKKEN 8.