The King of Iron Fist Tournament just got a major shake-up. Bandai Namco has officially rolled out Tekken 8 Update 2.06 (2.006.001 on consoles), bringing the long-awaited Armor King back into the ring, along with a series of balance tweaks, bug fixes, and new shop content.
This is one of the most substantial patches since the game’s launch, and it hits all the right notes for both competitive players and casual fans alike.
Armor King Returns to the Ring
The dark jaguar himself, Armor King, makes his long-anticipated debut in Tekken 8 as part of the Season 2 DLC lineup. He’s been fully reimagined for the new engine, sporting updated visuals, brutal grapples, and his signature mix of intimidation and style.
Early Access Schedule
- CEST: October 14, 1:00 AM
- PDT: October 13, 4:00 PM
Players can unlock early access with the following editions or passes:
- Tekken 8 Season 2 Character & Stage Pass
- Tekken 8 Season 2 Character Pass
- Tekken 8 Season 2 Ultimate Edition
- Tekken 8 Season 2 Deluxe Edition
General Access
- CEST: October 17, 1:00 AM
- PDT: October 16, 4:00 PM
Alongside his release, the Armor King Avatar Skin is now available in the Tekken Fight Lounge, discounted at 75% off (100 Tekken Coins) for a limited time to commemorate his arrival.
Tekken Shop Additions
The in-game shop receives several fresh updates with new cosmetic content and event rewards.
Tekken Fight Pass – Round 7
Players can complete missions to earn Tekken Coins and various customization items.
- Free Tier: Up to 100 Tekken Coins
- Premium Tier: Up to 700 Tekken Coins (includes 600 bonus coins)
New Costume Packs
- Nightmare Jester Pack: Includes 7 items: Hat, Jacket, Pants, Boots, Nose, Face Paint, and Juggling Clubs.
- Whimsical Jester Pack: Includes 6 items: Hat, Dress, Shorts, Boots, Face Paint, and Balloons.
Tekken Special Deal Event
A temporary discount event is also live, featuring select shop items at reduced prices. Full details are available on the official Tekken website.
Gameplay and Balance Adjustment
Patch 2.06.01 brings a long list of mechanical refinements and performance updates aimed at improving consistency and fairness across the roster.
Highlights include:
- Hitbox and Collision Fixes: Adjusted across multiple characters to prevent unintended whiffs and proximity errors.
- Sound and Visual Sync: Enhanced timing for voice lines, impacts, and cinematic sequences.
- Legacy Command Support: For King and Lee, older command inputs have been restored alongside their current ones.
- Wall Behavior Corrections: Fixed irregular wall collisions and rebound inconsistencies.
- Power Crush Damage Normalization: Equalized damage output between absorbed and landed hits.
- Replay Data Reset: All pre-2.06 replays are no longer playable due to engine changes, though ghost data will auto-update to reflect the new balance.
These adjustments aim to fine-tune the competitive balance while maintaining the trademark explosiveness that defines Tekken 8’s combat.
Looking Ahead: Miary Zo Joins the Fight this December
Bandai Namco also gave fans a glimpse of what’s next — the final character of the Season 2 Pass, Miary Zo, arrives this December. Known as the “Fighting God Reborn,” Miary Zo serves as the vessel of the Silver Fighting God, a divine being rooted in Madagascan folklore. Her fighting style blends Morengy (a traditional Madagascan martial art) with movements inspired by wildlife she grew up observing.
She’s accompanied by her two lemur companions, Vanilla and Cacao, who act as the Silver Fighting God’s messengers. Miary brings an optimistic and open-hearted personality to the roster, calling every rival a “Battle Friend Forever.”
Her debut comes with a brand-new stage, Baobab Horizon, inspired by Madagascar’s natural landscapes. It will be available for players who own the Year 2 Character and Stage Pass, or for individual purchase.
Release Schedule
- Early Access: December 2, 2025
- General Access: December 5, 2025
Final Thoughts
With Armor King roaring back into the spotlight and a significant balance overhaul across the board, Tekken 8 continues to prove why it’s one of the most finely tuned fighters of this generation. And with Miary Zo arriving in December, the future of Season 2 looks promising, blending lore, style, and competitive depth in true Tekken fashion.
