To throw opponents in Tekken 8, use the standard throw command which is typically a combination of forward or neutral with the left punch button and right punch button simultaneously. Certain characters have unique throw inputs.
Grabbing your opponent and tossing them around is a core part of Tekken, and Tekken 8 is no exception. Knowing how to throw opponents is key for applying pressure and opening up defensive players. This isn’t just about damage; it’s about creating opportunities.
Throws can disrupt predictable patterns and force your rival to react differently. Every fighter needs a reliable throw game.
Tekken 8 How to Throw Opponents
Throws are a really important part of playing Tekken 8. They can help you break through your opponent’s defenses, start your own attack plans, and even make your opponent think twice about what they’re doing. Think of them like sneaky surprise moves that can change the whole fight. This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about throws in Tekken 8, so you can become a throwing master!
What are Throws in Tekken 8?
In Tekken 8, throws are special moves that let you grab your opponent and toss them around. These moves are different from normal punches and kicks because they can’t be blocked in the usual way. When you successfully land a throw, your opponent can’t just defend against it with a normal guard. They need to use a specific button or direction to try to escape. If they don’t escape correctly, they get tossed, opening them up for further attacks. Throws can be a great way to mix up your offense and keep your opponent guessing.
Basic Throw Mechanics
How to Perform a Basic Throw
The most common throws in Tekken 8 are done by pressing two buttons together: either the square and triangle (□ + △) buttons or the X and circle (X + O) buttons (on PlayStation controller). On Xbox, the equivalent would be X and Y (X + Y) or A and B (A + B). These are your “left throw” and “right throw” respectively. When you press these buttons while close to your opponent, and not while either player is attacking or blocking, your character will reach out to grab.
- Left Throw: Usually done with □ + △ (or X + Y).
- Right Throw: Usually done with X + O (or A + B).
Throw Range
Throws in Tekken 8 don’t have a very long reach. You need to be relatively close to your opponent for the grab to connect. If you’re too far away, your character will just whiff (miss the throw) and leave you open for a counterattack. You have to position your character at the right distance before attempting a throw.
Throw Animation
Each character has their own unique throw animations and follow-ups. Some throws might slam the opponent on the ground, while others could launch them into the air. Take time to check your character’s throws in practice mode to see all the different options.
Breaking Throws
Just because you get grabbed doesn’t mean it’s game over. Tekken 8 lets you attempt to break or escape a throw. If you’re quick enough, you can get out of the throw before your opponent can toss you.
Identifying the Throw Type
The key to breaking a throw is to know which type of throw your opponent is doing. In Tekken 8, you mainly see two types: left throws and right throws. When an opponent starts a throw, you need to quickly watch their hands, usually before your character gets fully grabbed.
- Left Throws (□ + △ / X + Y): Typically, your opponent will use their left arm to grab.
- Right Throws (X + O / A + B): Typically, your opponent will use their right arm to grab.
How to Break Throws
Once you’ve identified the throw, you can react accordingly:
- Break a Left Throw: Press the same button combination that does a left throw: either square and triangle (□ + △) or on Xbox X and Y (X + Y).
- Break a Right Throw: Press the same button combination that does a right throw: either X and circle (X + O) or on Xbox A and B (A + B).
Timing the Break
Throw breaking isn’t just about pressing the right buttons, but also timing. You have a short window of time to break the throw after your opponent starts the grabbing animation. If you’re too slow, the throw will connect, and you’ll be on the receiving end of a toss. You also cannot break a throw once it has reached a certain point of its animation.
Throw Break Practice
The best way to improve your throw-breaking skills is to practice. Head into training mode, set the dummy to throw you with left and right throws, and try to break them. This will help you get a feel for the timing and recognize which throw is coming. It might seem difficult at first, but with some consistent practice, it will become second nature.
Advanced Throw Techniques
Command Throws
Besides the basic throws, many characters in Tekken 8 have command throws, which are unique throws performed using specific button combinations, sometimes with direction inputs as well. These are often more powerful or have special properties compared to the basic throws. Examples might be forward, circle and triangle or backward, X and square. It can take time to learn and memorize the command throw inputs for all the characters, but they are really useful and add a lot to the game. Command throws also can vary on the speed and timing they must be broken on.
Chain Throws
Some characters can also perform chain throws. This means after a successful throw, they can continue the chain into another throw, and potentially another, creating longer, more damaging throw sequences. Chain throws, if landed correctly, can be difficult to escape. You need to be fast with your breaks, and they are usually character specific.
Throw Mix-Ups
One way to use throws effectively is through mix-ups. A mix-up happens when you vary your attacks and actions, keeping your opponent guessing about what you’re going to do next. Instead of just using the same throw over and over, you can mix them in with other punches, kicks, and movement options. This makes it harder for your opponent to predict and defend against your throws. You might want to do a punch, then a left throw, then a low kick, then a right throw, making your offense varied and difficult to break.
Throw Baiting
Another useful trick is throw baiting. This is when you act like you’re going to do a throw, but then you don’t. You might get close to your opponent, and then instead of doing a throw, you might do a punch, or move away quickly. This can encourage your opponent to try and break a throw that’s not coming, leaving them open for a different kind of attack. Throw baiting is a smart way to keep your opponent guessing and to make their defense vulnerable to your attacks.
When to Use Throws
Against Blocking Opponents
Throws are especially effective against opponents who block a lot. When your opponent is holding guard, they are usually protected from punches and kicks. Throws, however, are a great way to get around this defense and inflict damage. A well-timed throw can disrupt their blocking patterns, creating an opening for follow-up attacks.
To Control the Pace
Throws can also help you control the pace of a fight. If your opponent is being aggressive, a throw can stop their attacks and give you a chance to reset the situation. Conversely, if your opponent is being very defensive, you can use a throw to disrupt that rhythm and force them to react.
Ending Rounds
When your opponent has low health, throws can be a great way to end a round quickly. Landing a throw can give you the guaranteed damage you need to win the round. Be mindful of your positioning, though, because a failed throw attempt can leave you open for a counterattack.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-reliance on Throws
It’s important not to rely too much on throws. If you only use throws, your opponent will eventually figure this out and they will just focus on breaking the throws, making them easy to defend against. You have to mix your throws in with other moves like punches, kicks, movement, lows, etc. to have a diverse offense and defense.
Predictable Throw Patterns
If you always use the same throws, or you throw when your opponent knows you’re going to, they’re going to easily escape and punish you for it. You need to change up how and when you throw, mixing in left and right throws, along with your normal attacks, to make you unpredictable to play against.
Throwing from Too Far Away
As mentioned earlier, throws in Tekken 8 have a short range. If you’re too far away when you throw, your throw will just whiff, leaving you open for a counterattack. Make sure you’re close enough to your opponent to grab them before you attempt a throw. Don’t just mash buttons from afar, instead approach your opponent at the correct distance before starting your throws.
Forgetting About Throw Breaks
Sometimes players get so focused on attacking that they forget that the opponent can break throws. If you ignore how your opponent is reacting, you could be punished severely. You have to use some throws, but not throw predictably and only throw when you think it would be unexpected by your opponent.
Understanding throws in Tekken 8 is crucial for developing a well-rounded game plan. They add a layer of strategy that goes beyond simple punches and kicks. By learning how to perform throws, break throws, and use them effectively, you’ll significantly improve your performance in battles. Remember that practice is key, so spend some time in training mode to become a master of throws.
How To Break Throws In Tekken 8
Final Thoughts
Effectively throwing opponents in Tekken 8 requires practice. You need to understand basic throw inputs and character-specific variations. Timing and spacing are crucial for successful throws.
Learning when to use throws can disrupt opponent’s patterns. Mix them with strikes to create openings. This aspect of gameplay is a key element.
Therefore, understanding ‘Tekken 8 how to throw opponents’ is vital for improving your game. Practicing these techniques will give you more offensive options and make you a more formidable player.
