The recent Tekken 8 Closed Beta Test (Tekken 8 CBT) generated much excitement and discussion among fans and the fighting game community.

One particular aspect of the game that sparked conversation was the Tekken 8 Heat System adjustment and how significantly it has changed the game’s combo mechanics.

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The Closed Beta Test, which recently concluded, showcased several improvements and tweaks that have been made since the earlier Closed Network Test (CNT) that occurred in July.

One of the most notable changes was the Tekken 8 Heat System adjustment, which initially garnered mixed reviews.

Tekken 8 Closed Beta Test
Credit: Bandai Namco

In the CNT, the Tekken 8 Heat System was introduced, and it received both praise and criticism. This new addition allowed players to harness the power of Heat Burst during a combo, enabling access to the Heat Dash.

In turn, this allowed for the creation of exceptionally long and, some would argue, overpowered combos. These sequences left many players in awe, watching as their opponents strung together moves with seemingly no end in sight.

Tekken 8 Heat System adjustment was made to balance the game

Tekken 8 Story Mode Jin Kazama
Screenshot by Ron Muyot/ONE Esports

The Heat System, in its original form, gave players a substantial advantage, transforming the flow of battles and enabling extended combos that sometimes felt unfair.

For those who managed to master the system’s intricacies, it offered a significant edge in battles. However, not all players embraced this new mechanic, as it disrupted the finely tuned balance that Tekken is known for.

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The closed beta provided an opportunity for the development team to address these concerns and fine-tune the system. The adjustments made were not only necessary, but also emblematic of the Tekken franchise’s commitment to balance and fair play.

The most significant alteration to the Heat System was the restriction placed on the Heat Dash. In the Closed Beta Test, players could only use the Heat Dash as a combo extender if their character was already in Heat State before the initiation of the combo.

This change marked a clear departure from the earlier implementation, where Heat Dash could be integrated seamlessly into an ongoing combo.

How to activate Tekken 8 Heat System
Screenshot by Ron Muyot/ONE Esports

In addition, the amount of recoverable damage caused the Heat condition has been reduced, as well as the duration of the Heat State since the timer continues even if the attack is blocked.

The implications of this adjustment were profound. It drastically redefined the way combos were executed and countered.

No longer could players exploit Heat to create extended, overpowered combos. Instead, the Heat System now became an option for those who carefully plan their offense, rather than a tool for relentless button mashing.

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The adjustment of Heat offers several advantages to the game and its players. The change brings a new layer of strategy to Tekken 8. Now, players had to consider their character’s Heat State carefully and plan their combos accordingly.

This forces players to think more about the timing and placement of their moves, enhancing the tactical depth of the game.

Hwoarang and Lars in the Tekken 8 release date trailer
Screenshot by Ron Muyot/ONE Esports

The Tekken 8 Heat System adjustment, as witnessed in the Closed Beta Test, was met with a positive reception by both seasoned veterans and newcomers to the franchise.

It not only balanced the game but also raised the skill ceiling by requiring players to be more deliberate in their approach to combos.

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