How To Become Good At Tekken: PRO Guide

Tekken 7 is the latest installment in the iconic Tekken fighting game franchise from Bandai Namco. As with any deep and complex fighting game, getting good at Tekken requires dedication, practice, and an understanding of some core strategies. If you’re new to the game or simply want to take your skills to the next level, follow these top 10 pro tips straight from the experts.

Master Sidestep Dodging

One of the most fundamental defensive techniques in Tekken 7 is sidestepping or sidewalking to dodge incoming attacks. Being able to sidestep consistently can help you evade combos, set up whiff punishes, and open up your opponent for big counter hits. Practice this movement relentlessly.

Don’t Over Rely on Combos

While combos deal massive damage in Tekken 7, don’t get too combo-hungry. Seasoned players will be ready to duck or interrupt obvious combo starters. Instead, focus on solid pokes, frame advantage, and punishing unsafe moves from your opponent.

Stand Blocking is Safer

When blocking high and mid attacks, simply holding back to stand block is generally safer than going for low blocks. Low parries have their place, but committing to low blocks can leave you vulnerable to mid-strikes.

Mix Up Your Offense

Repeating the same combos mindlessly is a surefire way to get crushed by experienced Tekken players. Always be changing up your timing, mixing in grabs, lows, and strikes from multiple angles to keep your opponent guessing.

Master Wake-Up Strategy

When you get knocked down, don’t just mash buttons wildly trying to wake up. Stay calm and look for the optimal wake-up option like a tech roll to avoid eating a full juggle combo. Smart wake-up games are essential.

Use Rage Arts Wisely

The powerful Rage Arts are extremely punishable when whiffed or blocked. Only use these high-risk abilities when you have confirmed they will hit the opponent for big damage payoffs.

Low Parries Aren’t Always Optimal

While stylish, going for low parries isn’t always the best option. In many situations, simply blocking low attacks and punishing is the safer play, especially when first learning a character’s move set.

Rage Drives > Rage Arts

Rage Drives are similar to Rage Arts but more combo-friendly and safer overall. For big damage follow-ups and mix-up potentials, prioritize learning your character’s Rage Drive over their Rage Art.

Find Your Groove

Some players perform better with fight sticks, while others prefer gamepads. There’s no universal best controller, so experiment with different input methods to see what fits your playstyle ideally.

Patience is Key

Above all else, be patient and take the time to really learn the intricacies of your character, the matchups, and the neutral game fundamentals. Tekken 7 has immense depth, so don’t get discouraged. Use the built-in replay tools to analyze your mistakes and continue leveling up!

Those are the top 10 pro tips to accelerate your skills in Tekken 7 according to veteran players like Justin “King Jae” Nelson. He highlights critical strategies like sidestepping, punishing with combos rather than just flowcharting them, safe blocking habits, using Rage Drives effectively, and finding the right input method for you.

Tips From the Pro

Nelson also emphasizes the need for patience and continuously studying and practicing the game loop, whether that’s replicating frame traps in practice mode or reviewing your losses to identify key areas to improve. Developing strong fundamentals like movement and whiff punishing takes immense time and focus.

For players just getting started, Nelson recommends trying out straightforward but powerful characters like Shaheen, Josie, Miguel, and Paul. These newcomer-friendly fighters rely heavily on strong pokes and pressure while still having access to flashy juggles. Once you find a character you love playing, dedicate yourself to mastering their entire moveset inside and out.

Learning from your mistakes is also highlighted as crucial to Tekken improvement by Nelson. Don’t get discouraged by losses. Instead, approach each one as a learning opportunity. Did you get counterhit too much going for unsafe launchers? Were you too passive and allowed the opponent to dictate the neutral? Taking notes and recognizing poor habits is key.

Lastly, confidence is vital according to the pro player. While you don’t want to get overconfident, trusting your offense and matchup knowledge goes a long way toward consistent Tekken 7 success. If you keep drilling good habits in practice mode and continuously implement feedback, your skills will rapidly improve.

There’s no shortcut to becoming a Tekken 7 master. But by internalizing strategies like these top 10 pro tips, grinding practice diligently, and reviewing your gameplay regularly, you’ll be well on your way to Tekken tournament dominance. Stay patient, stay focused on leveling up, and don’t be afraid to bring the heat with those flashy combos once you’ve earned the frame advantage lead! The world of 3D fighting games awaits.