Introduction

Greetings, readers! Welcome to the ultimate guide to mastering the thrilling world of Tekken 7. This comprehensive article will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate the game’s exhilarating combat system and emerge victorious. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a fresh-faced newcomer, this guide will provide you with all the tools you need to conquer the battlefield.

Choosing Your Fighter: A Diverse Roster Awaits

Tekken 7 boasts an impressive roster of 51 characters, each with unique fighting styles, special moves, and combos. Selecting the right fighter is crucial to complement your playstyle and preferences. Start by experimenting with different characters to discover their strengths, weaknesses, and alignment with your combat style. As you progress, you’ll develop a preference and expertise with certain fighters, allowing you to tailor your gameplay to your unique abilities.

Understanding Character Roles: Mastering Your Niche

Within the diverse cast of Tekken 7 fighters, four primary roles emerge:

• All-Rounders: Versatile fighters with a balanced mix of offense, defense, and mobility. Examples include Kazuya Mishima and Nina Williams.
• Strikers: Specialists in long-range attacks, using projectiles and quick strikes to keep opponents at bay. Notable examples are Leroy Smith and Katarina Alves.
• Grapplers: Close-range combatants who excel in throws, holds, and joint locks. King and Dragunov are renowned grapplers.
• Counter Hit Specialists: Fighters who capitalize on punishing opponents’ weak points and launching devastating follow-up attacks. Geese Howard and Zafina fall under this category.

Commanding the Arena: Masterful Movement and Positioning

Controlling Space: Navigating the Arena

Mastering movement is paramount in Tekken 7. Use the d-pad or analog stick to control your fighter’s positioning, sidestepping, backdashing, and rolling to maneuver around the arena. Understanding the arena’s boundaries and obstacles is crucial to avoid being cornered and vulnerable.

Utilizing Movement Options: Unleashing Evasive Maneuvers

• Sidestepping: Move left or right, evading linear attacks and repositioning yourself for counterattacks.
• Backdashing: Quickly retreat backward, avoiding long-range attacks and creating distance.
• Rolling: Perform an evasive roll forward or backward, dodging low attacks and projectiles.
• Jump: Jump over high attacks or gain aerial advantage for powerful attacks.

Attacking with Precision: A Symphony of Strikes and Combinations

Core Attacks: Building the Foundation

Tekken 7’s combat system revolves around a variety of strikes:

• Jabs: Quick and weak punches that initiate combos and break guard.
• Mid Attacks: Strikes that hit the opponent’s torso and can be blocked high or mid.
• High Attacks: Strikes that target the opponent’s head and can be blocked high.
• Low Attacks: Strikes that hit the opponent’s legs and can be blocked low.

Combo System: Unleashing Devastating Sequences

• String Attacks: Chains of sequential attacks that can be used to pressure opponents and build damage.
• Launchers: Attacks that send the opponent into a juggle state, allowing for follow-up attacks.
• Juggles: Air combos performed on airborne opponents.
• Wall Combos: Combos that utilize the arena walls for increased damage and extension.

Defending against Onslaught: An Impeccable Shield

Blocking and Parrying: Repelling Attacks

• Blocking: Hold back to block incoming attacks, negating most damage.
• Parrying: Timed block that nullifies the opponent’s attack and creates a window for counterattack.

Sidestepping and Backdashing: Evasive Defenses

As previously mentioned, sidestepping and backdashing are crucial evasive maneuvers that can be utilized to avoid linear and long-range attacks, respectively.

Punishing Mishandled Attacks: Capitalizing on Openings

Tekken 7 places great emphasis on punishing opponents for improperly executed attacks. By recognizing and exploiting these punishable moves, you can gain a significant advantage:

• Whiff Punishment: Punishing an opponent’s whiffed (missed) attack with a quick and damaging combo.
• Block Punishment: Countering a blocked attack with a fast and powerful move like a low crush.
• Counter Hit Punishment: Capitalizing on an opponent’s attack that connects while they’re recovering from a previous move, resulting in increased damage.

Character-Specific Strategies: Exploiting Unique Strengths

Kazuya Mishima: The Mishima Bloodline

As the iconic protagonist of the Tekken series, Kazuya Mishima wields unparalleled power. His electric-based attacks and devastating combos make him a formidable opponent. Mastering his "Wave Dash" movement technique enables swift and unpredictable movement, while his "Demon Step" grants him evasive and aggressive options.

Heihachi Mishima: The Grandmaster

Heihachi Mishima, Kazuya’s father and arch-rival, is a seasoned veteran with an unorthodox fighting style. His powerful grabs and throws are complemented by his signature "Electric Wind God Fist" and "Dragon Uppercut" techniques. Mastering his "Zen State" mode unlocks enhanced mobility and attack power.

Josie Rizal: The Filipino Martial Arts Prodigy

Josie Rizal is a rising star in the Tekken universe, blending Filipino martial arts, Muay Thai, and Eskrima. Her "Windmill" combo is a devastating sequence that can decimate opponents, while her "Lightning Screw" is a powerful unblockable attack. Utilizing her "Hula Hoop" movement grants her unique evasive and mix-up potential.

Bonus: Essential Techniques for Dominance

Break Throws: Escaping Grapples

When an opponent grabs you, input an appropriate combination of buttons to break free, preventing them from executing a detrimental throw.

Rage Arts: Unleashing Ultimate Skills

Upon reaching a certain amount of health depletion, you can activate Rage Arts, powerful special moves that deal significant damage. Timing is crucial for successful execution.

Recovery Options: Managing Knockdowns

After being knocked down, utilize techniques like "Quick Rise" or "Floor Break" to quickly regain your footing and minimize your opponent’s advantage.

Conclusion: Embracing the Tekken Legacy

Readers, your journey to mastering Tekken 7 begins here. By implementing the strategies and techniques outlined in this comprehensive guide, you’ll equip yourself with the skills to conquer any opponent. Continue to explore the intricacies of Tekken 7, experiment with different characters, and hone your combat prowess. Remember to check out our other articles for further insights into the world of Tekken and beyond. May your battles be triumphant, and may the spirit of Tekken ignite within you.

FAQ about How to Play Tekken 7

1. What are the basic controls?

• Movement: D-Pad or Left Analog Stick
• Punch (Left/Right): Square/Triangle
• Kick (Left/Right): X/Circle
• Block: R1
• Rage Art: L1 + R1

2. How do I perform combos?

• Chain together basic moves (punches and kicks) in sequence.
• Use directional inputs to change the direction of your attacks.
• Practice in the practice mode to master different combinations.

3. What is Rage?

• When your health is low, you enter Rage mode, which grants you increased attack and defensive capabilities.
• Rage Art is a special move available during Rage mode that deals massive damage.

4. How do I break throws?

• Press any button (except block) at the exact moment your opponent grabs you.

5. What are the different character types?

• Tekken 7 features various characters with unique fighting styles:
  • All-Rounders: Balanced in all areas
  • Rushdowners: Fast and aggressive
  • Grapplers: Specialized in throws
  • Zoning: Keep opponents at a distance with projectiles

6. How do I unlock new characters?

• Play through the story mode or complete Treasure Battle to unlock new characters.
• Some characters can be purchased as downloadable content (DLC).

7. What are the online modes?

• Online Match: Play against other players worldwide.
• Quick Match: Find a random online opponent quickly.
• Ranked Match: Earn points and climb the online leaderboard.

8. How do I customize my character?

• Visit the "Customization" menu to change your character’s costume, accessories, and colors.
• You can also create and share custom characters.

9. What is "Tekkenbot Prime"?

• Tekkenbot Prime is an AI-controlled opponent that mimics the playstyles of real players.
• It’s a useful practice tool to improve your skills and learn new techniques.

10. How do I get better at Tekken 7?

• Practice regularly in the practice mode.
• Study different character matchups and strategies.
• Analyze your own gameplay and identify areas for improvement.
• Play online against a variety of opponents to gain experience.