Armor King returns in Tekken 8 with a dark trailer, brutal new moves and a confirmed October release via Season Pass 2.
Bandai Namco has officially unveiled the long-awaited trailer for Armor King during EVO 2025, one of the world’s largest fighting game events. The fan-favorite character returns in grand style as part of Tekken 8 Season Pass 2, bringing new moves, updated visuals, and the intimidating presence that made him a legend among Tekken fans.
Trailer Impresses with Dark Aesthetic and Aggressive Style
The newly released trailer, showcased on Sunday (August 4), features Armor King stepping into the ring with a revamped design and an even more brutal set of moves. His striking presence, combined with dark visual effects, highlights his vengeful and mysterious nature. The video showcases his use of the Heat system, which powers up his attacks with fiery effects, along with new impactful finishers designed to leave opponents stunned.
The official trailer description reads:
“He’s back with vengeance and an unmatched aura.”
Release Date Confirmed for October
According to Bandai Namco, Armor King will be available on October 13, 2025 for players who purchase Season Pass 2, which also includes new stages and extra content. For general access, the character will be released on October 16.
Armor King is the third DLC character of the season, joining Lidia Sobieska and Craig Marduk, and setting the stage for the mysterious newcomer Miary Zo, who will be the fourth character in the pack.
Legacy and Rivalries Take Center Stage
Armor King is a veteran of the Tekken series, having first appeared as a rival to the wrestler King. His backstory is filled with family tragedy and intense confrontations, especially with Craig Marduk, the man responsible for the original Armor King’s death.
The current Armor King, introduced in Tekken 5, is the brother of the original and took up the mantle to continue the clan’s legacy. His ongoing rivalry with King and Marduk remains one of the franchise’s most compelling storylines.
His inclusion in Tekken 8 reinforces the narrative continuity of the series, appealing to both long-time fans and new players alike.
Community Reactions Are Divided
While many fans celebrated the return of Armor King, the community has mixed feelings regarding his new mechanics. Some players voiced concerns about the character’s heavy reliance on stances and adjustments to his mobility. Others, however, praised the visual overhaul and how faithfully the character retains his iconic style.
On Reddit, one user commented:
“The look is amazing, but I hope the fighting style doesn’t stray from traditional Armor King.”
Another fan wrote:
“Finally, a character this season with real charisma and impact!”
Bandai Namco has yet to release full technical details on Armor King’s moveset or how the Heat system is specifically applied to him, but more information is expected in the coming weeks.
Tekken 8 Continues to Expand with Strong Post-Launch Support
Since its official release, Tekken 8 has received steady updates and new characters through seasonal passes. The addition of Armor King underlines Bandai Namco’s commitment to keeping the game competitive, dynamic, and engaging for a wide range of fighting styles.
Season Pass 2 is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Conclusion
Armor King’s return in Tekken 8 rekindles the iconic rivalry with King and brings a powerful dose of darkness and brutality to the roster. With a striking trailer, updated design, and confirmed release date in October, he’s set to become one of the most-played fighters of the new season. For fans of dark wrestling styles and intense matchups, this is a comeback worth celebrating.
