It has been a year since the launch of Tekken 8, yet the persistent problem of cheating continues to plague the game, showing no signs of abatement. Despite numerous player complaints and internal investigations, Bandai Namco has yet to implement effective measures to curb dishonest players. Without swift action, the online mode risks devolving into chaos, where fair play becomes a rarity rather than the standard.

Shortly after Tekken 8's release, videos emerged online showcasing players with seemingly superhuman abilities. Some players can block attacks in a single frame, a feat impossible without third-party software or macros. Others can instantly break any grab, surpassing human reaction times. These actions are clear indicators of cheating, yet they go unpunished.

Beyond cheating, the game also grapples with severe technical issues that impact balance and gameplay. For example, Yoshimitsu's attacks occasionally become unblockable due to a faulty defense system. Additionally, some players exploit methods to artificially slow down matches, disrupting their opponents' rhythm. When combined with cheats, these bugs render competitive play nearly unplayable.

Recently, prominent members of the Tekken 8 community, including Mike Hollow and Blackheart59, exposed a network of cheaters. In a Discord group, they found programs being openly shared that enable players to automatically dodge attacks, block combos, and even avoid losses. Shockingly, these cheaters continue to participate freely in ranked matches, with Bandai Namco taking no action despite public exposure.

The only relatively secure way to play is on consoles with crossplay disabled. However, this method doesn't guarantee complete protection from dishonest players. Some create "smurf accounts" to compete against less experienced opponents, disrupting the game's balance. Others exploit control bugs to gain an unfair advantage.

Bandai Namco has announced the second season of Tekken 8, slated for April, but the developers still lack a clear strategy to combat cheaters. The community fears that the focus will shift towards new DLCs and cosmetic updates rather than resolving critical online issues. If the situation doesn't improve, players may lose interest in the game, threatening its long-term viability.