Season 2 just got better with the latest Tekken 8 Armour King reveal drop at EVO 2025!
Bandai Namco announced the fan-favourite rival to the Wrestle King himself.
But what can we tell from the reveal, and when is Batista dropping into the roster?
Tekken 8 Armour King
Firstly, Tekken 8’s Armour King is coming out on October 13th for early access and on the 16th for everyone else.
Meaning those who have the season 2 character pass can play him earlier than the rest.
However, that does mean dropping a fair chunk of change on the DLC price. Also announced was the new Madagasa stage and fighter Miary Zo.
Secondly, move-wise, the Black King is looking pretty solid and like his Tekken 7 version. His df 2 low goes into shadow step stance, which can turn into a low knockdown sweep. This leads into guaranteed stomps on knockdown.
However, you can go for an interruptible, untechable grab or quick jab.
But Tekken 8’s Armour King has a new demon paw that launches on counter hit. The most exciting aspect is his new poison breath reversal. This seems to work much like either a flash or hit tanker.
Although I cannot see the bars, I presume heat or stacks give buffed enhanced states for it with the change of colour.
Also, he appears to have perfect input throws judging by the amount of blue sparks we see. One of the more exciting ones was a running wizard that could lead to a wall break!
Possibly doing more damage as well, even with his giant swing variant.
But one other interesting aspect of Tekken 8’s Armour King is his wall bounce. All characters have a universal wall bounce you never see used online. However, the black Jaguar has a huge bounce that clears almost the entire screen!
Madagascar Challenger
Also at EVO 2025, not only was Tekken 8’s Armour King there, but the previously mentioned Maria Zo was too!
Although we did not get to see her gameplay, we got a sneak preview of the stage and herself. She uses the Moraingy fighting style along with other African moves.
Madagascar is located to the east of Mozambique and Tanzania. I mention the geography of her not just to dunk on class flunkers but also to point out a potential plot point. Some fans speculate that she may have involvement with the past Ogre character.
However, they neglect that the green guy was from Mexico, not Africa!
But so far Tekken 8’s Armour King looks promising, and his outfit is dripping with edge.
Even so, I must err on the side of caution, as this is season 2 of Tekken 8. If there is a way to screw up, they will find it.
One developer post points to his Heat emphasising his offensive nature, giving him faster mids and startups. It specifically mentions poison breath now having the potential for mix-ups. But it even points out that this turns the once defensive moves into offensive ones.
They are seriously making another DLC character out of the gate with more offence! This is after all of the complaints and worries that season 2 brought down.
I’m going to be honest and say that this comes across as a tad spiteful. It’s almost as if the devs are angry that you, the players, are angry at the aggressive focus.
But hey, Bandai Namco, keep doing what you want to do despite the feedback. Because right now that new Virtua Fighter 6 gameplay trailer is looking really pretty!
No flashy in your face damage effects or out of placed proportions. No bars or ultimate rage arts just pure martial arts combat fun.
