Top 5 Tekken Games Ranked – Why Tekken 3 Stays #1

The Tekken series by Bandai Namco has produced some of the most played fighting games across arcades, consoles, and competitive tournaments. Among them, Tekken 3 has consistently been ranked as the best entry by fans, critics, and professionals. This article ranks the top 5 Tekken titles and explains why Tekken 3 still holds the top position decades later.

What Makes a Tekken Game Stand Out?

Each Tekken game is judged based on:

• Gameplay speed and balance
  
• Character variety and move depth
  
• Competitive longevity
  
• Story quality
  
• Technical polish at release
  
• Community reception
  

A game that ranks higher tends to perform well across all of these categories.

Why Tekken 3 Is Still Ranked #1

Tekken 3 introduced:

• Sidestep movement, enabling 3D depth
  
• New characters like Jin Kazama, Hwoarang, Ling Xiaoyu
  
• Faster response time compared to Tekken 2
  
• 8.5 million units sold on PlayStation 1
  
• Iconic soundtrack and responsive controls
  
• Minimal loading times for the era
  

It was the first Tekken title to feel modern. The balance between accessibility and skill ceiling made it both casual-friendly and respected in arcades.

You can still play it on Android. You can download Tekken 3 APK to relive the original PS1 experience on mobile, although it’s important to verify sources to avoid corrupted files or malware.

Top 5 Tekken Games Ranked

Rank	Title	Release Year	Why It Stands Out
1	Tekken 3	1997	Fast pacing, strong roster, new mechanics
2	Tekken 5	2005	Polished gameplay, story depth, arcade ports
3	Tekken 7	2015	Competitive focus, Rage Arts, online play
4	Tekken Tag 2	2011	Team-based play, massive character list
5	Tekken 6	2007	Bound system, interactive stages

Tekken 5 – Ranked #2

Tekken 5 returned to fast gameplay after the slower mechanics in Tekken 4. It offered:

• Fluid animations
  
• Multiple arcade versions of past Tekken games
  
• A balanced roster
  
• Story intros and endings for each character
  

Players appreciated how it felt like a polished continuation of Tekken 3’s formula, without drastic changes. Retro gamers can get a safe Tekken 3 APK download to play the classic title on Android using emulators.

Tekken 7 – Ranked #3

Tekken 7 brought:

• Online competitive play
  
• New Rage system and slow-motion effects
  
• Guest characters like Akuma (Street Fighter) and Noctis (FFXV)
  

While its online scene remains strong, some players felt the balance leaned too much into cinematic mechanics over technical precision. Still, it’s a core title in tournaments like EVO.

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 – Ranked #4

Tag 2 added team dynamics. Highlights include:

• Two-character tag battles
  
• Over 50 playable fighters
  
• Deep combo possibilities with tag mechanics
  

While casual players found it complex, longtime fans enjoyed the additional strategy layer.

Tekken 6 – Ranked #5

Tekken 6 introduced:

• Bound system, allowing extended combos
  
• Breakable floors and wall-bound stages
  
• New characters like Lars and Alisa
  

However, its story campaign mode and slower response times led to mixed reviews. It’s still a strong entry, but not as tight or focused as Tekken 5 or 3.

What Characters Made Tekken 3 Memorable?

Tekken 3 introduced fighters who became franchise staples:

• Jin Kazama – Mixed Kazama/Mishima style
  
• Hwoarang – Taekwondo specialist with stance shifts
  
• Eddy Gordo – Capoeira animations popular among casuals
  
• Ling Xiaoyu – Fast, deceptive movement and mix-ups
  

This lineup added diversity without making the roster unbalanced.

What Did Tekken 3 Add to the Fighting Genre?

• 3D movement via sidestep
  
• Speed-focused combat
  
• Minimal input lag
  
• Replay value through Tekken Force mode and Theater mode
  

It redefined what PlayStation fighting games could look and feel like, influencing future entries in other series too.

How Do Players View Tekken 3 Today?

• Metacritic user rating: 9.4
  
• Often ranked #1 in fan polls and YouTube tier lists
  
• Strong retro communities still create tournaments around it
  
• Speedrunners and casuals revisit it for its quick load times and responsive controls
  

It remains playable on Android, PC emulators, and classic PlayStation consoles. Its small file size makes it common for mobile players to search and download Tekken 3 APK to try it on modern devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Tekken 3 better than Tekken 7 for new players?
A: Yes. Tekken 3 has a lower learning curve, faster matches, and simpler combo structures.

Q: Can Tekken 3 still be played today?
A: Yes. Players use PS1 consoles, emulators, or Android ports to access the game.

Q: Which Tekken has the most characters?
A: Tekken Tag Tournament 2, with over 50 fighters.

Q: Is Tekken Tag Tournament part of the main story?
A: No. Tag games are spin-offs and don’t continue the Mishima saga.

Final Verdict: Why Tekken 3 Still Leads

Tekken 3 ranks highest because of its speed, balance, character additions, and cultural presence. Later games added content and graphics, but none matched the influence and playability of Tekken 3. Whether through original hardware or modern APK ports, it remains the fan favorite.