Understanding Tekken 9 tier lists means recognizing the current strength of each character based on their moveset, frame data, and matchup advantages.
So, you’re diving into the competitive scene of Tekken 9 and hearing about tier lists. What do they even mean? It’s essentially a ranking system evaluating how powerful each fighter is, but how do we actually use one?
This guide will help you wrap your head around Tekken 9 how to understand tier lists, explaining how players and pros determine a character’s place within the ranks. These lists are based on observed performance, not just initial impressions.
Tekken 9 How to Understand Tier Lists
Okay, so you’re getting into Tekken 9, huh? That’s awesome! It’s a super fun game with a lot of cool characters, each with their own special moves and fighting styles. You might have seen people talking about “tier lists” and wondered what that’s all about. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds! This guide will help you understand what tier lists are and how to use them when you play Tekken 9.
What Exactly is a Tier List?
Imagine you’re sorting your toys into different boxes. The really awesome, super strong toys go in one box, the toys that are okay go in another box, and the ones that aren’t as good go in the last box. That’s kind of what a tier list is for Tekken 9. It’s a way to rank all the characters based on how well they perform in the game, from the very best to the least effective. Think of it as a helpful guide showing you which characters are considered strong and which are weaker in the current game.
Tier lists aren’t official from the game developers. They are created by players, especially the really skilled ones, who spend tons of time playing and understanding the game’s mechanics. They look at things like how fast a character moves, how strong their attacks are, and how easy they are to use. These lists reflect the collective knowledge and experience of the community.
Why are Tier Lists Useful?
Tier lists can help you in a few ways. Here are some reasons why people use them:
- Choosing a Character: If you’re new to the game, tier lists can help you choose a good character to learn. A character in the higher tiers is generally easier to get good with and will give you a competitive edge.
- Understanding Matchups: Tier lists can give you an idea of how difficult certain fights might be. You’ll get to know which characters are likely to be a challenge and which you have a better chance against.
- Improving Your Game: Seeing where your favorite character is ranked can motivate you to work harder. If they’re not at the top, you know you need to practice to win with that character.
- Following the Meta: “Meta” is short for “most effective tactics available.” Tier lists show you what’s working best right now. By understanding the tier list, you can stay informed and use characters and strategies that will help you win.
Understanding the Different Tiers
Tier lists are usually broken down into different sections. They might be named different things, but here are some common tiers you will see and what they mean:
- S Tier (or God Tier): This is the top of the top. Characters here are considered the best in the game. They are powerful, have lots of different attack options, and are difficult to beat. They often have very few weaknesses.
- A Tier: Characters in the A tier are still really strong. They might not be as dominant as the S tier characters, but they are still very good choices. They might have some small weaknesses but generally perform well.
- B Tier: B tier characters are good, solid picks. They are a balanced option, not being too strong or too weak. You can do well with these characters, but they might need more practice.
- C Tier: These characters are considered average or below average. They might have noticeable weaknesses that are easy for opponents to exploit. You will need to work much harder to win consistently with these characters.
- D Tier (or Low Tier): This is the bottom tier. Characters here are considered the weakest. They might have very clear weaknesses or very few ways to compete with other characters. It will be challenging to win with these characters, but it’s not impossible.
Some tier lists may also include other tiers like “S+” or “A-” to further differentiate characters. Sometimes they use names like “Top Tier,” “High Tier,” “Mid Tier,” “Low Tier,” or even specific names based on the character’s traits like “Rushdown Tier” or “Zoner Tier.”
How to Read a Tekken 9 Tier List
Now that you know what tier lists are and the different sections, let’s learn how to read them. Here is how a standard tier list layout could be.
| Tier | Character | Why they are placed in this tier |
|---|---|---|
| S Tier | Jin Kazama | Very powerful, great mix-ups, strong damage output. Very few weaknesses making him top of the tier. |
| A Tier | King | Good mix-ups, strong throws, but has some predictable moves. Still a top contender but slightly below S tier. |
| B Tier | Paul Phoenix | Powerful but slow, good damage, but can be punished. Balanced character, good for beginners to intermediate players. |
| C Tier | Hwoarang | Very complicated play style, difficult to master but with good practice can perform well. Has some weaknesses which are easily exploited by experienced players. |
| D Tier | Mokujin | Random movesets, relies on luck, very challenging to use. Has very few ways to compete with other characters in the game. |
As you see in the table above, each character is placed in a tier, and a short explanation of why they are placed there is also provided. You can easily get to know which are the top, mid and low tier characters. It is helpful to get some knowledge before selecting the character that you want to play.
- Find the Character: First, find the character you want to play or are curious about.
- Look at the Tier: Check which tier that character is in. Remember that S tier is the strongest, and D tier is the weakest.
- Read the Comments: Many tier lists come with short comments about each character. Read these comments to understand why a character is ranked where they are. These comments will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the character.
- Use it as a guide, not a rule: Remember that tier lists aren’t set in stone. The game may get updated, or you might find new ways to use a character.
Things to Keep in Mind About Tier Lists
Tier lists are a great tool, but it’s important to understand their limits:
- Not Everyone Agrees: Tier lists aren’t perfect. Different players might have different opinions about where a character belongs. There are often many debates about a character’s placement.
- Skill Matters Most: You can still win with a character that’s in a low tier if you’re skilled at using that character. Tier lists show a character’s potential, not the player’s.
- Tier Lists Change: When new patches and updates come out, the game changes, which means the tier lists can change too. A character that was in the middle tier might be in the top tier after an update, or vice-versa.
- Matchups Are Important: A character who is very good may struggle against a specific opponent. This is known as a “bad matchup”. The game is about much more than just who is in which tier.
- Your Playstyle: Some characters fit your playing style more than others. It’s okay to pick characters that are in a lower tier if you enjoy playing them. Sometimes you might find that you enjoy the playstyle of a weaker character more than a stronger character.
How to Use Tier Lists to Improve Your Game
Now that you know what a tier list is and how to read one, it’s time to learn how to use this to help improve your game.
Choosing Your Main Character
If you are just starting out, tier lists can be a great place to get an idea of who you should play. A top tier character might be a good choice as it will have great potential.
If you want to take it slowly, you can try different characters and see which one suits your playing style. Don’t just choose a character based on tier alone, also consider your own enjoyment of the character.
- Start with Top Tiers: If you’re completely new, try some S or A tier characters. They’re usually easier to win with and can help you learn the game faster.
- Experiment: If you don’t enjoy a top-tier character, don’t worry. Try a mid-tier or low-tier character if you find their playstyle more interesting.
- Don’t Be Afraid of Low Tiers: If you want a challenge, try a lower-tier character. If you can learn them well, you can surprise your opponents with your skill.
Understanding the Meta
The “meta” is the most effective strategy in the current state of the game. Tier lists are great for keeping up with the meta.
- Learn Meta Characters: Pay attention to which characters are at the top of the tier list. They’re probably the ones that people are having the most success with right now.
- Adapt Your Strategy: You can see which characters are considered strong and which are considered weak. This will help you understand what the strongest strategies are, and you can adapt accordingly.
- Don’t Be a Copycat: You don’t have to use the exact same strategies as everyone else. The tier lists give you a starting point to build your own style.
Improving Your Matchups
Tier lists can give you an idea of the matchups you should be cautious about.
- Understand Character Weaknesses: Reading the descriptions in the tier lists will help you understand what a character’s weaknesses are. Once you understand what they are bad at, you can exploit it.
- Practice Against Tough Opponents: If your favorite character is a lower tier, you’ll need to practice against high-tier characters so you can learn how to win against them.
- Don’t Get Discouraged: Losing is a part of learning, so don’t let losses get you down. Keep playing and learning from your mistakes.
Using Tier Lists as a Learning Tool
Tier lists are not just about winning. They are also a way to learn more about the game.
- Analyze Top Players: If you see that a certain character is at the top, you can watch videos of people who are using that character to get an idea of how to play.
- Understand Character Strengths: Reading about the strengths of different characters in a tier list helps you understand the game’s mechanics better.
- Track Changes: Keep an eye on changes in tier lists after updates to understand how the changes affect the game.
Using tier lists is all about being smart and staying curious. They are a useful tool, but your own skills, style, and practice will always matter more. So, go out there, experiment with different characters, and have fun playing Tekken 9!
Remember, while tier lists can give you a starting point and help you make informed decisions, they shouldn’t dictate how you play the game. It’s crucial to have fun and choose a character that resonates with you. With dedication and practice, even characters in lower tiers can dominate in the right hands. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having a blast with Tekken 9.
Which Character Should a Tekken Newcomer Pick?
Final Thoughts
Understanding tier lists in Tekken 9 requires analyzing character strengths and weaknesses. High-tier characters often have more favorable matchups and powerful moves. However, character choice also depends on your play style and skill.
A tier list is just a guide, not a rigid rule. You must experiment to find characters you enjoy and do well with. ‘Tekken 9 how to understand tier lists’ comes down to a combination of theory and personal experience.
