At the venue of “EVO 2025,” we unveiled the gameplay trailer for Armor King, the third additional character in Season 2.

We asked the director about the highlights and key points of the trailer.

It also introduces Armor King’s fighting style and new moves in TEKKEN 8, so be sure to read through to the end!

・Armor King Gameplay Trailer

 

▼Trailer Highlights

– The trailer was packed with exciting moments, but what are the key points you’d especially like viewers to pay attention to?

Above all, it’s the overflowing love for pro-wrestling that we poured into this trailer. Since we revealed it at EVO—one of the biggest esports events—we wanted to create something that would get the crowd hyped and involved.

The trailer kicks off with an introduction by Lenne Hardt, and we envisioned the audience shouting along, “Armor King! Armor King!” just like at a real wrestling event. We wanted to recreate that electrifying arena atmosphere together with everyone.

 

In the battle segments, we focused on fully showcasing Armor King’s “villainous” persona—while still making sure players think, “He looks awesome, and his moves are insanely cool!”

We carefully crafted the sequence of opponents, offense and defense, and overall action flow. The trailer strings together a series of moments that highlight his appeal as a heel wrestler: savage strikes and stomps, a poisonous mist counter that feels like he’s mocking his opponent, and a variety of fiery attacks that really bring out his rough, rebellious flair.

 

The climax features a serious pro-wrestling match between Armor King and King, consciously contrasting Evil vs. Justice. Our aim is for viewers to enjoy the scene as if they were watching a real wrestling match, with both characters throwing their all into each move. With meticulously detailed visual direction, this PV is packed with Armor King’s appeal. Please take a look!

 

Regarding Armor King in ‘Tekken 8

・Please tell me about his battle style and his signature moves.

As for wrestler characters, there’s King, who uses orthodox pro-wrestling techniques. In contrast, Armor King has the persona of a “heel wrestler,” characterized by brutal attacks like poison mist, fire attacks, and stomping. While he also uses throws, he particularly excels in striking techniques, with his agility and acrobatic movements being his main appeal.

In TEKKEN 8, Armor King can now transition into a special stance called ‘Bad Jaguar.’ With a ferocity reminiscent of a predator hunting its prey, it differs from his traditional ‘Shadow Step’ stance by allowing the use of high, mid, and low strikes, as well as throws, greatly expanding his tactical options. By mastering ‘Bad Jaguar,’ Armor King can achieve exhilarating aerial combos that were not possible in previous iterations.

 

・In the trailer, Poison Breath were prominent. What kind of usage are you envisioning for them?

In TEKKEN 7, Poison Breath was used as a proactive offensive tool. However, traditionally, heel wrestlers don’t use it that way during a pro-wrestling match. Therefore, in TEKKEN 8, Poison Breath is given the role of a move to change the momentum in a match, emphasizing its impact as a cheating technique (in pro-wrestling).

Using Poison Breath to startle the opponent and shift the situation when they seem to gain momentum is a unique fighting style for Armor King. Of course, that’s not its only use; for example, it’s possible to use Poison Breath as a follow-up from a throw, then further pursue the startled opponent with additional attacks. Including the performative aspect of Poison Breath, it becomes a factor that spices up the battle.

 

・What kind of changes and enhancements occur for Armor King during Heat?

Fire attacks are also a symbolic element of Armor King in this game. During Heat, his fists are enveloped in flames, and various attacks are enhanced. Easy-to-use mid attacks with quick startup, high attacks becoming combo starters, and the addition of variations to the Power Crush after ‘Bad Jaguar’ are some of the changes, allowing for more diverse offensive approaches.

Additionally, the startup of Poison Breath becomes faster, making it easier to hit opponents, so it can be used as a mix-up option. Being able to use what are usually defensive techniques offensively is a defining characteristic of Armor King’s Heat.

 

▼ Could you please say a few words to the users who are looking forward to Armor King’s participation?

Regarding this trailer, I sometimes wonder if I went a little overboard with the direction due to my excessive love for pro-wrestling… but I hope you can feel the passion that went into the ‘Armor King’ gameplay trailer, including that aspect!

 

Articles featuring “Behind-the-Scenes Comments from the Director” on previously added characters are also available now!
▼Season 2 Additional Playable Character
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▼Season 1 Additional Playable Character
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