Once determined to stop an evil Devil Jin, now determined to save him, Lars Alexandersson returns inTekken 8. Heir of Heihachi and wielder of Tekken Force powers, Lars is the pure, uncorrupted hero of theTekkenfranchise, determined to save the world from evil at any cost. While Lars plays a pivotal role in theDark Awakens story ofTekken 8, he is also a massive contender when it comes to online ranked matches, having an approachable yet diverse technique list. While some may brush off Lars as an easy fighter, those willing to master his energized tricks will be able to add an incredibly swift and powerful fighter to their arsenal.

Style Overview - Lars Alexandersson, The Lion of the Rebellion

A newer character to the Tekken franchise, making his debut in Tekken 6 as the main protagonist determined to bring an end toDevil Jin’s world domination tour,Lars uses a Tekken Force Martial Arts style that incorporates charged lightning to bring the pain to his enemies. His fighting style is versatile and mobile, allowing him to attack from a variety of directions and approaches.

Lars was specifically added to the Tekken franchise with an easier layout in mind, and players who are new to Lars will find they can quickly learn to unlock some incredibly cool techniques. Whethera Beginner to theTekkenseriesor a Bushin, here are some general tips to keep in mind when playing as Lars Alexandersson:

Tekken 8 - Lars - Pose 1

Lars' Move List

Lars has a very manageable move list,consisting of 101 techniques.He has three stances that he can transition through, allowing him toquickly change his direction, lane, and type of attack.Designed as a fighter that is easy to approach, especially for players who may not be overly familiar with the fighting style of theTekkenseries, Lars is a fast and powerful storm of a fighter that can appeal to players of the series, new and old.

Input

Thunderbird Descent

Kick the enemy high into the air, then crash down with the force of lightning.

Heat Input OR RP + LK

Tekken 8 - Lars - Action Shot

Delta Slicer

A quick double jab followed by an empowered chopthat activates Heat if available.

Jump, spin, and kick the enemy,sending them flying back.

Tekken 8 - Lars - Perfect

LK + RK

Double Barrel

Performed during Dynamic entry, a rising jab-cross thatknocks the enemy to the ground and activates Heat(if available).

Dynamic Entry (Forward + LK), LP, RP

Bow Shock

Performed during Dynamic Entry,strike the enemy with a downward flying kick,activating Heat if available.

Dynamic Entry, LK

Lightning Thrust

Duck low while approaching the enemy, unleashing a blast of lightning into their gut,knocking them to the ground.

Silent Entry, LP

Rebellion

Available during Heat,engulf yourself with lightning before charging at the enemy.

Forward + LK + RK

Blue Jet

Available during Heat and performed from Limited Entry, gather lightning while approaching the enemy before sweeping the enemy’s leg and exploding upwards into them, sending them flying back.

Zeus Unlimited

Call down the full power of the lightning, dazing the enemy as Lars transforms himself into an electric current. Blitz through the enemy multiple times, then regain form and crash down on the enemy with a final crack of thunder.

Rage Input OR Down-Forward + LP + RP

Tekken 8 Tag Page Cover Art

Legionnaire’s Spin

Tag the enemy in the face with a quick jab, then spin and heel-crush their toes.

RP, LP

Kick Start

Step forward and high kick -transition to Limited Entryby holding Down after execution.

LK

Flash Bang

A three-hit technique that ends with a massive empowered kick thatsends the enemy flying back while transitioning to Dynamic Entry.

Forward + LP, RP, LK

Volcanic Lightning

Open with a spinning, rising knee strike, followed by three open-handed strikes thatknock the enemy to the ground.

Forward + RK, LP, RP, LP

Ark Blast

Strike forward with both hands and unleash a small blast of lightning thatknocks enemies to the ground nearby.

Forward + LP + RP

Outpost Blitz

Lock the enemy with a high kick, then flip backward with an empowered kick thatsends enemies flipping back.

Down-Back + RK

Wind Liger

Duck low while approaching the enemy and charging up lightning. Then rise and spin, unleashing the lightning on your enemy.

Back + LP + RP

Zeus

Charge for a moment, then unleash a massive lightning blast that is unblockable, andsends enemies flying high into the air.

Back + LK + RP

Lightning Screw

A rising double kick that sends enemies high into the air,allowing for juggle combos.

Up-Forward + LK

Storm Axle

An empowered downward kick that bounces the enemy off the ground,allowing for ground juggle combos.

Up-Forward + RK

Dynamic Entry

Dash forward while ducking and charging lightning,opening a new line of attacks.

Rimfire

A powerful uppercut that causes the enemy to stumble back,shift to Avalanche Flip with Up-Forward (Hold).

RP

Into the Storm

Release the charged lightning in a spinning strike that sends the enemy flying back. The momentum of the technique places Lars close to the enemy,allowing for follow-up techniques.

Duck and charge again,opening a line of more powerful attacks.

Rising Storm

A spinning upwards kick that knocks the enemy into the air nearby,allowing for follow-up juggle techniques.

Lightning Axle

Lift the enemy into the air with a toe kick, then slam them to the ground with an overhead kick that summons a massive lightning bolt to strike the enemy.

Limited Entry

Duck and charge for a third time,opening a line of even more powerful attacks.

Combos for Lars

Basic Combo: Delta Slicer > Heat Dash + Legionnaire’s Spin > Limited Entry + Blue Jet

A combo that can be used at the start of a round to quickly drop enemies to about half health, start by tagging the enemy with the rapid strikes of Delta Slicer, activating Heat, and automatically transitioning to Heat Dash. Strike the enemy in the mid-lane, then spin and stomp down on their toes while transitioning to Limited Entry.The moment Lars enters the stance, input the Blue Jet techniqueto knock the enemy to the ground with a lightning rush attack.

Input: LP, LP, LP, LP, RK, Down (Hold), LP

Advanced Combo: Flash Bang > Dynamic Entry + Stack Up > Silent Entry + Rising Storm

Punch your enemy twice before kicking them back with lightning, transitioning directly to Dynamic Entry. Release the charged lightning with a downward stomp,transitioning to Silent Entry by holding forward as the stomp executes.As Lars dashes forward to close the gap, spin and kick the enemy back before they can recover or roll away.

Input: Forward + LP, RP, LK, LK + RK, Forward (Hold), LK

Perfect Combo: Arc Combination > Limited Entry + Streamer + Dynamic Entry + Backward Rising Storm + Dynamic Entry + Double Barrel > Silent Entry + Lightning Thrust > Heat Dash + Left Right Combo + Rebellion > Silent Entry + Lightning Axle

A perfect technique with a fast start-up time that can guarantee victory round after round if players can perfect the alternating directional inputs. Start with a low punch and a spinning kick, then transition to Limited Entry. Release the stance, launching the enemy into the air withan uppercut as you rise. Transition to Dynamic Entry,sliding under the airborne enemy,then turn around and juggle them with a spinning kick. Transition back to Dynamic Entry to close the distance and continue the jugglewith the first punch from Double Barrel.Hold Forward during the Double Barrel input to transition to Silent Entry as the first punch lands,then send enemies flying back with a charged lightning blast that activates Heat and automatically dashes forward. Lock the enemy with a quick jab-cross combo that will chip enemies if blocked, then rush them down with a charged dash. Pause a moment to allow Lars to transition to Silent Entry, and bring down the lightning with a final Lightning Axle technique.

If theenemy manages to block some of the inputsabove and is still standing for any reason,repeat the Rebellion > Silent Entry + Lightning Axle combo, burning through enemies with chip damage.

As noted in the input chain below, Lars will switch sides with the enemy halfway through the combo. At this point in the combo, any Forward input will use the opposite directional input. For example, if Lars starts on the left of the screen, meaning the right directional input is forward, once Lars switches sides with his enemy, the left directional input will become Forward, and the right directional input will become Back.

Input: Down-Back + LP, LK, Down (Hold), LP (Rising), Forward (Hold) Switch Sides Forward + LK, Forward + LK, LP, Forward (Hold), LP, LP, RP, Forward + LK + RK, LK + RK

How to Win as Lars

While Lars is designed to be an easy character to approach, don’t assume this rules him out asan effective fighter in theTekken 8lineup.Players who fully uncover all of Lars' lightning tactics will be able to maximize his mobility with Dynamic, Silent, and Limited Entry, dashing in and out of range of the enemy while applying constant damage.

Those looking to main Lars should master the following:

Countering Lars

Lars can be difficult to fight without a proper strategy, being a very versatile fighter that is easy to approach. Since Lars' best damage comes from his Entry stances, which start low and explode up at the enemy,fighters with styles and techniques that focus on fighting in the low lane with ground attacks that can interrupt Lars' lightning dashes can prevent him from being able to initiate powerful and flashy techniquessuccessfully.Consider fighters likeKumaor Lilifor this approach.

Lars can also have a difficult time with enemies more focused onpunishing and power crush strategies, like Jin and Kazuya. While smart Lars players can still effectively use the mobility of Lars' kit to secure wins,thelow power crushes available to Jin, Kazuya, and even fighters like Alisa, can push through Lars' attempt to initiate low juggle combos.