Tekken 8 Closed Network Test - Start date, how to sign up, and more

tekken 8 closed network test
Credit: Bandai Namco

tekken 8 closed network test
Credit: Bandai Namco

Fighting game fans interested in trying out Tekken 8 have received good news as Bandai Namco announced a Tekken 8 Closed Network Test with plenty of features and characters.

Explained by legendary game producer Katsuhiro Harada, Tekken 8 will put emphasis on aggressive gameplay, featuring new systems to allow for more offensive styles to thrive. Leaving behind last-gen console generations (PS4 and Xbox One), Tekken 8 is a massive step up visually from what we saw in Tekken 7 as well, with improved character models and, in a lot of cases, brand-new designs.

  • Read more: Tekken 8 - Characters we want to see return

So with all that said, we got all the information you need to know about the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test, including the schedule, how many characters will be playable, how can you register to gain access, and more.

Tekken 8 Closed Network Test - Schedule

tekken 8 closed network test
expand image
Credit: Bandai Namco
Kazuya Mishima, an iconic Tekken character

The Tekken 8 CNT will be online for two weekends. The first weekend will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 players, meanwhile the second will open up its player base to Xbox Series S/X and PC users.

Week 1 (PS5 only)

  • 21st July at 09:00 BST – 24th July at 08:00 BST
  • Maintenance will be held from 21st July at 21:00 BST until 22nd July 00:00 BST

Week 2 (PS5, Xbox S/X, and PC)

  • 28th July at 09:00 BST – 31st July at 08:00 BST
  • Maintenance will be held from 29th July 09:00 BST until 29th July at 12:00 BST

If you're a PS5 player you're in luck, as you'll be able to gain access to both weekends if you get chosen after you opt-in to the Tekken 8 CNT.

Tekken 8 CNT - Playable characters and modes

The Tekken 8 CNT will feature a total of 16 playable fighters and five stages. These are:

Characters:

  • Jin
  • Kazuya
  • Paul
  • Law
  • King
  • Lars
  • Jack 8
  • Xiaoyu
  • Nina
  • Leroy
  • Lili
  • Asuka
  • Hwoarang
  • Bryan
  • Claudio

Stages:

  • Urban Square
  • Yakushima Rebel Hangar
  • Sanctum
  • Arena

Bandai Namco confirmed there will be no offline modes since this is a beta to try out the network implementation. You'll be able to play ranked matches during the Tekken 8 beta up to rank 10.

The following gameplay features have been changed from past alpha testing periods:

  • "Heat Energy" has been removed.
  • The upper limit (heat activation time) of "Heat Timer" will change depending on how the heat is activated.
  • The "Heat Smash" command has been standardized for all playable characters.

How to register for the Tekken 8 CNT

tekken 8 cnt
expand image
Credit: Bandai Namco
Stages look incredible and are interactable

Depending on your region there are multiple ways to opt-in for the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test.

North America

  • Head to the Tekken 8 CNT registration page
  • Click on the sign up now button. It will send you to the bottom of the page
  • Input your email address, select your preferred platform, and your region
  • That's it!

UK

  • Go to the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test page
  • Click on Log in or Create an Account
  • If you have an account simply use your previous credentials, or create one from scratch
  • Once you have an account, select your preferred platform and register

Email notifications regarding selection will occur in two batches:

  • The first batch will be on July 19th 9:00AM CEST (start of the pre-download period) for PlayStation 5 players.
  • The second will be on July 26th 9:00AM CEST (start of the pre-download period) for Xbox Series S|X and Steam players.

That's all you need to know! Will you be trying out Tekken 8?