Following Tekken 8‘s Close Network Test, Bandai Namco has revealed that it will host a Tekken 8 Closed Beta scheduled for October 20, 2023. The beta will be available for the PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, so no platform is left out. Registration for this beta is now live, and with some luck, maybe you’ll be selected to give Tekken 8 a try.
However, unlike the Tekken 8 CNT, this beta will be quite beefy and provide a better representation of what Tekken 8 will be like. This beta will include several stages: Urban Square (Evening), Yakushima, Rebel Hangar, Sanctum, Arena, and Ortiz Farm. This new stage was added during the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test. Crossplay between the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC will also be included, so you can duke it out regardless of which platform you play on.
Speaking of crossplay, you won’t need to subscribe to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live to play in this beta, which is good to know. And if you already participated in the Tekkne 8 Closed Network Test, you’re already accepted; there’s no need to register again.
That’s not all, as this closed beta will also feature a lobby where players can interact with one another and access the new Tekken 8 features and game modes. There, players can create custom Avatars, communicate with other players, set up matchmaking, and experience the deep customization and variety of game modes via four distinct areas called Battle Area, Customization Shop, TEKKEN DOJO, and Beach Area. As a surprise reveal, the Tekken Ball mini-game that first appeared in Tekken 3 will return.
The Tekken 8 Closed Beta will also include 18 playable characters, which include the following:
- Jin Kazama
- Jun Kazama
- Paul Phoenix
- Marshall Law
- King
- Lars Alexandersson
- Jack-8
- Ling Xiaoyu
- Nina Williams
- Leroy Smith
- Lili
- Asuka Kazama
- Hwoarang
- Bryan Fury
- Claudio Serafino
- Azucena
- Raven
- Feng Wei (who was just revealed)
The Tekken 8 Closed Beta dates and additional details are as follows:
- October 11th at 3:00 a.m. EST – Registration ends
- October 18th at 3:00 a.m. EST – Selected testers will be notified and provided codes to redeem.
- October 20th 4:00 a.m. EST – Closed Beta Testing starts.
- October 21st 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. EST – Closed Beta Test downtime for server maintenance.
- October 23rd 3:00 a.m. EST – Closed Beta Testing ends.
If you’re looking to try your hand at Tekken 8 and get to play with everything that the game features, unlike the CNT, I’d register as soon as possible.
Tekken 8 will be released for the PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (Steam) on January 26, 2024.