Tekken 8’s post-launch content rollout is officially underway, with Bandai Namco revealing the release date for the fighting game’s first premium DLC character, the capoeira specialist Eddy Gordo. The seasoned combatant makes his return on April 5th for all players, though owners of the game’s Playable Character Year 1 Pass will get early access starting April 1st.
Alongside Eddy’s arrival comes the version 1.03.01 patch for Tekken 8, a substantial update that not only enables the new fighter but also implements various gameplay adjustments, new cosmetic items, and an intriguing new progression system titled the Tekken Fight Pass.
A new gameplay trailer showcased Eddy in all his handstand-kicking glory, putting his unique capoeira fighting style on full display complete with furious spinkicks, low sweeps, and the series’ first look at his powerful Rage Art cinematic. Longtime fans will be pleased to see the franchise’s beloved capoeira warrior retain his unmistakable martial arts flair and trickster offense.
But Eddy is just the first of four new characters coming to Tekken 8 over the next year through its premium Season 1 DLC content roadmap. Following his arrival in spring, Bandai Namco will roll out additional yet-to-be-revealed fighters across the summer, autumn, and winter months to keep expanding the base roster.
The version 1.03.01 patch itself is set to go live on April 1st after a period of scheduled server maintenance. Among its most notable additions is the new Tekken Fight Pass, offering a new way for players to progress and earn rewards by completing daily and weekly challenges across various online modes.
The Fight Pass features a standard free tier that lets users increase their level and unlock items by accomplishing set tasks. However, there is also a “Premium tier” that promises to offer “more luxurious” items and the ability to accrue Tekken Coins, the game’s premium currency that can be spent in the Tekken Shop.
Speaking of the in-game store, the 1.03.01 update will inject some new cosmetic items for players to acquire. Two new Cyber costume packs with futuristic skins for the entire roster lead the way, alongside an iconic legacy costume for the returning Yoshimitsu.
Tekken 8’s developers also made a host of “functional improvements” and bug fixes, while reiterating their cautious approach to implementing wider balance changes. Version 1.03 focused on correcting unintended move behaviors, with a more comprehensive balance update planned for the upcoming 1.04 patch scheduled for May following the EVO Japan 2024 tournament.
This balance update will primarily aim to “buff characters who haven’t been able to fully showcase their uniqueness,” though some tweaks to excessively powerful moves are also expected. Bandai Namco promises to carefully evaluate user data to ensure a measured approach to any gameplay meta shakeups.
With Eddy Gordo’s imminent release kicking off an array of new content and system updates, it’s clear Bandai Namco is fully committed to supporting Tekken 8 as a premium live service experience worthy of the franchise’s prestigious legacy. The fighting game’s dedicated community has plenty to look forward to in the coming months.
