Bandai Namco Entertainment will release Tekken 8 on January 2024 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and Windows. Fans of the legendary franchise can't wait to jump right into this newest fight!
We have already explained the Arcade Quest Game Mode, so it is time to learn the basic mechanics. In this guide for beginners, we will tell you about the controls in Tekken 8 on PS5 and Xbox.
Tekken 8 Basic controls guide
To dominate your opponents and win every fight, you need to master the basic controls. These controls apply to every fighter in the game. It is worth noting, though, that these movement controls are applied when you are standing on the left side.
Activity | Xbox Series X|S Controls | PS5 Controls |
|---|---|---|
Movement | Left stick | Left stick |
Move Backward | D-pad left | D-pad left |
Duck | D-pad down | D-pad down |
Jump | D-pad up | D-pad up |
Left Punch | X | Square |
Right Punch | Y | Triangle |
Left Kick | A | X |
Right Kick | B | O |
Block Middle and High | Hold the left stick in the opposite direction from the opponent | Hold the left stick in the opposite direction from the opponent |
Block Low | Hold down + left stick in the opposite direction from the opponent | Hold down + left stick in the opposite direction from the opponent |
How to grab and throw
Grabbing your opponent can seriously affect the outcome of any fight, especially if your opponent always uses the block feature. To perform a standard grab, press the following:
- On PS5: Triangle + O or Square + X
- On Xbox: Y + B or X + A
It is worth noting that the grab is only performed if the opponent is within reach of your character's hands. Many fighters have additional grabs activated. Here's how to do it:
- On PS5: Triangle + O while moving forward or Square + X while moving forward.
- On Xbox: Y + B while moving forward or X + A while moving forward.
Grab is especially useful against opponents who block by pulling their character back. Get as close to your opponent as possible and use a combination of buttons to grab and throw them.
How to block and defend
Defense is a crucial element of fighting in Tekken games, as the proper use of blocking and throwing defences can turn a round upside down.
If you have learned and mastered the basic controls, you already know how to block. Holding the left stick in the opposite direction of your opponent will block medium and high attacks. To block low attacks, hold the down and left arrows on the D-pad, or drag your left stick southwest. Don't overuse blocking, as it can cause your opponent to grab and throw you.
Now it's time for you to learn how to defend yourself against grabs and throws. Each grab is performed with two or one hand, and it is critical to be able to block it in time. Here's how to do it:
- On PS5:
- Opponent Grabs with Left Arm: Square
- Opponent Grabs with Right Arm: Triangle
- Opponent Grabs with Both Arms: Square+Triangle
- On Xbox:
- Opponent Grabs with Left Arm: X
- Opponent Grabs with Right Arm: Y
- Opponent Grabs with Both Arms: X+Y
These controls will help you block an opponent's grab instantly and surprise them with a powerful counterattack. Perform the block the moment your opponent grabs you, and keep a close eye on his character's hands.
How to use Special Style
Now, beginners have a much better chance to win in Tekken 8. Each character in Tekken 8 has a unique Special Style that can turn the tide of battle. Special Style is a feature that will make the game much more accessible and help amateurs be more competitive. Here's how to activate Special Style:
- On PS5: Press L1
- On Xbox: Press LB
It's easy to use, but very effective, especially when combined with Rage Art and Heat, but we'll talk about that in a bit.
When you use Special Style, you will see a list of unique and simple moves that the fighter has. Special Style will replace regular punches with several special attacks and combos. You can turn this feature on and off at any time, even during combos.
How to use Heat
Heat is another new mechanic in Tekken 8 that focuses on aggression. Heat is a blue indicator placed below the health bar that will help you tilt the advantage in your favor during tough moments. Heat puts the player in an aggressive state for 10 seconds. Here's how Heat works in Tekken 8:
- On PS5: Press R1
- On Xbox: Press RB
Once activated, you will have two abilities, Heat Smash and Heat Dash.
- Heat Smash is a powerful attack that takes a large amount of HP from your opponent. Press R1 (RB) again to cast Heat Smash. Note that this attack will deplete your blue heat bar, and you can’t activate Heat until the next turn.
- Heat Dash is used to pressure your opponent. Press R1 (RB) and move towards your opponent. This attack uses significantly less heat, making it more variable.
How to use Rage Art
Rage Art is a special ability that you can use with your last breath to finish off your opponent. Rage is activated when the character has less than 25% HP left. When your health bar lights up, you can use Rage Art. This mechanic gives you a chance when you're almost lost, so be sure to use it.
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