How to Play Dragunov: Tekken 8 BEGINNER Guide

I’m a longtime Tekken player and I understand how intimidating it could be to start a character with a name as powerful as Dragunov. This Russian heavyweight is renowned for relentless pressure, devastating combos, and a playstyle that can leave even the most seasoned opponents on the ropes. But do not panic fellow gamers, I’ve got you covered on how to play this Tekken 8 pressure monster in basics.

The Essentials: Best Buttons for Dragunov

Before we get into the mechanics of Dragunov’s play, we get the basics – his simplest moves. As a beginner, you should know these key tools that underpin his offensive and defensive tactics.

Pokes and Pressure: 

– 2,1: A standard poke that leads into Dragunov’s snakedash.

– df1: A decent mid poke with range and extension.

– df4: A quick 12-frame mid that’s great for holding opponents back.

– b4: Improved move in Tekken 8 with good hit and block potential.

– WS4: A crucial tracking move that’s essential for catching sidesteppers.

Mixups and Oki: 

– d1: A high-crushing move with promising follow-ups on counter hit.

– b1 + 2: A versatile move that works well on hit and block and has a sure follow-up.

– qcf4: New Heat Engager from Dragunov, designed to catch grounded opponents.

– d2: A potent low to set up your offense with a juicy counter-hit followup.

Punishes:

– 2,1: A consistent punisher that can cause more pressure.

– df4: A quick mid for punishing those whiffed moves.

– WS4: Another key tracking move for catching sidesteppers and whiffs.

– f1 + 2: A punisher that sends your foes into the stratosphere.

In case you’re a beginner, work on these core moves first. They’ll be the basis of your offense, defense, and overall game plan with Dragunov.

Game Plan: Pressure and Whiff Punishment

With all of Dragunov’s essential tools in your grasp, it’s time to explore his strategy. Pressure monster Dragunov is a master of keeping opponents on the defensive with constant attacks and mixups.

Don’t hesitate to unleash his ferocious pressure tools on your offensive. If your opponent hesitates or whiffs a move, take the opportunity to unleash your 50/50 mixup game. Dragunov has low pokes, grabs, and devastating counter-hit launchers to keep opponents guessing and open up opportunities for you to take full advantage of.

Look out for whiff punish opportunities when you get a life lead. Dragunov has great acceleration and punishing tools that make him a potent asset when exploiting your opponent’s misfortunes. Sidestep often, tap your plus-frame buttons, and fast starts to restore offensive momentum.

Combos and Wall Carry

Combos would not be a complete Tekken character guide without discussion, and Dragunov is no exception. While his combos may seem intimidating at first, learning some basic combos will help unlock Dragunov’s full potential damage output.

Some basic combos to get you started:

• df2, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 1+2
• WS2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 1+2
• qcf2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
• 1,3,2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2

You’ll also need to look at Dragunov’s impressive wall carry skills later on in the game. His crouch dash cancel is crucial for advanced combos and maximizing damage at the wall. Here’s a basic wall combo to get you started:

– uf1, WR4, d3,1 + 2,1 + 2.

Always remember that practice and muscle memory are the keys to mastering combos. Don’t be put off by the initial difficulties – with practice and dedication, these combos will become second nature.

Closing Thoughts

Dragunov is a character who demands patience, precision, and an understanding of his moveset. For a beginner, it helps to just work on the basics – learning his core moves, understanding his game plan, and sticking some basic combos into muscle memory.

However, Dragunov’s real strength is relentless pressure and exploiting mistakes. You’ll need to level up, learn some frame traps, and know when to unleash his ferocious combos, too.

It is a rewarding journey, and with time and effort, with Dragunov, you will start to terrorize opponents with his relentless offense.

So, embrace the challenge, fellow gamers, and let the pressure monster within you be unleashed! Dragunov’s mastery is a journey, but one that will bring him victory on the Tekken 8 battlefield.

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