Bandai Namco recently unveiled the gameplay trailer for Lidia Sobieska at Combo Breaker 2024. Read on to learn more about the Prime Minister of Poland and fans' reactions to the trailer.
Lidia is Coming to Tekken 8
New Designs, Kit Changes, New Stage, and Rage Art
Lidia was first announced last month at Evo Japan 2024 as the second DLC character for Tekken 8. Now, during Combo Breaker 2024, Bandai Namco has unveiled the gameplay trailer for the Prime Minister of Poland Lidia Sobieska, the second DLC character for Tekken 8.
Just like the first DLC character, Eddy Gordo, Lidia Sobieska–who was initially introduced as DLC in Tekken 7– has received new gameplay changes in her kit as showcased in the latest trailer. The trailer features her battling against Jin and Reina, both of whom practice Karate.
However, unlike them, who primarily use the Mishima Style, Lidia distinguishes herself with her unique Karate techniques. One significant enhancement is her expanded defensive abilities, including new parries and guard point moves, some of which transition during Heat Drive.
Additionally, Lidia demonstrates new aerial combo finishers, new stances, auto-parry, and a powerful crush launcher that delivers a ton of damage to opponents.
She also showcases a new Rage Art, featuring an eagle—likely the White-Tailed Eagle, Poland's national animal—flying by her side as the background turns white.
During this sequence, she performs combos on Reina, with the Polish words "Ludzie" (People), "Pokój" (Peace), and "Uczciwość" (Fairness) appearing in the background.
The DLC also includes a new stage reminiscent of the Island Paradise stage from Tekken 7, complete with fresh stage music.
In addition to changes in her moveset, Lidia's design has also been updated. Her hair is now a darker blonde compared to her previous ash-blonde look. She now wears a full Karate uniform (gi) with red patterns, as opposed to her last outfit where the top half of her gi was tied around her waist.
No Confirmed Release Date as of Now, Osu!
The trailer did not specify Lidia's exact release date, but according to a post on Tekken’s official Twitter (X) account last April, Lidia is set to release this summer. Players who "own the Deluxe Edition, the Ultimate Edition, or the Deluxe Edition upgrade pack will receive 72 hours of early access!"
Lidia Sobieska will be free for Playable Character Year 1 Pass holders however, those who don’t haven’t purchased the Pass can most likely expect the price to be similar to Eddy at $8.
Tekken fans have expressed widespread excitement about Lidia's return. Twitter (X) user @Antsamon stated, "Thank you for bringing her back. You have no idea how happy I am."
Some users have noted that her new Rage Art resembles a Domain Expansion from Jujutsu Kaisen. YouTube comments are also highly positive, with one user saying, "I WISH IRL politicians could be this badass."
In addition to Lidia, many players are enthusiastic about the new stage music. One YouTube comment exclaimed, "THE MUSIC IN THE BACK IS GOING CRAZY BRO," while another added, "This stage theme is FIRE."
