Tekken 9 Defensive Option Descriptions

Tekken 9 Defensive Option Descriptions

Okay, let’s dive deep into the world of defense in Tekken 9! If you’ve ever felt like you’re just getting pummeled and can’t seem to do anything about it, you’re in the right place. We’re going to break down all the ways you can protect yourself, avoid taking hits, and turn the tide of a fight. Tekken 9 offers lots of cool defensive choices, and knowing how each one works is a key part of becoming a better player. From simple blocks to more advanced movement techniques, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Let’s get started!

The Basics: Blocking in Tekken 9

Blocking is your first line of defense. It’s the most basic, but also one of the most important things you’ll need to understand in Tekken 9. There are two main ways to block: standing block and crouching block. It’s simple but learning when to use each block is an important skill to have.

Standing Block

When you stand still and hold back on the joystick or d-pad, your character will put up a standing block. Standing blocks are very useful to stop your opponent’s high and mid attacks. High attacks are moves that, well, hit you high up, while mid attacks can hit you when you’re standing up. The downside to the standing block is that it can’t stop low attacks.

• How to do it: Simply hold the back direction on your controller.
• What it blocks: High and mid attacks.
• What it doesn’t block: Low attacks.

Remember, if you just stand still, you might as well hold back and block! It’s better than taking a hit for no reason.

Crouching Block

Now, if your opponent likes throwing low hits, you need a crouching block. This is done by holding down and back on your controller. When you’re crouching, you can defend against all the low hitting attacks. This is great against low attacks, but it won’t stop high attacks, you will be hit by these while crouching. Also, keep in mind some moves will automatically hit your crouching opponent even if you block.

• How to do it: Hold down and back on your controller.
• What it blocks: Low attacks.
• What it doesn’t block: High attacks.

Knowing when to stand block and crouch block is a must in Tekken 9, it will come with practice.

Movement as a Defensive Tactic

In Tekken 9, you’re not stuck just standing still. You can move around the stage, and moving correctly will play a crucial role in defense. Learning to move well can let you avoid attacks altogether, and set yourself up for a better offense.

Back Dashing

Back dashing is done by quickly tapping back on your controller, twice. This makes your character quickly move away from your opponent. Back dashing is great for creating some space, and avoiding those moves that have shorter reach. It can also give you time to think and react to what your opponent is planning to do.

• How to do it: Tap back on your controller, twice in a row.
• What it does: Moves your character quickly backward.
• Why it’s important: Helps create space, avoids some attacks, and gives you time to react.

Side Stepping and Sidewalking

Side stepping and sidewalking are ways to move around your opponent and avoid linear attacks. Side stepping is a quick tap left or right, and sidewalking is holding left or right to move around in an arc. These are super helpful against some types of moves that will just miss you if you move to the side.

• Side Step: Quick tap left or right on your controller.
• Sidewalking: Hold left or right on your controller.
• What it does: Moves your character to the side.
• Why it’s important: Avoid linear attacks, can make the opponent miss their attack.

Understanding when to use side stepping versus sidewalking is an important skill for every Tekken 9 player.

Advanced Defensive Techniques

Now that you have the basics down, let’s look at some of the more complex ways to defend yourself in Tekken 9. These options often require more precise timing and execution, but they can make a big difference in your ability to stay safe and counterattack.

Reversals and Parries

Reversals and parries are timing based defense options that can turn an opponent’s offense against them. Reversals involve catching a specific type of attack (like a grab) just at the right moment, while a parry is catching a hit with an input that makes you take no damage, and open up the opponent for counter attack. These are powerful tools that, if used correctly, can allow you to turn the tables on your opponent and punish them. This is important because usually, you’re at a disadvantage when you are defending.

• Reversal: Catching a specific type of attack at a very precise moment (e.g., catching a throw).
• Parry: Absorbing a hit at a very precise moment, often with a special input.
• Why they are important: Can give you a big advantage and allow for counterattacks.

Low Parries

A Low parry is when your character will parry (stop) an incoming low attack without taking any damage, and putting your opponent in a stunned state. A low parry is executed by pressing forward and the block button at the same time. Low parries are a great way to disrupt your opponent’s offense. Keep in mind that not every low move is parryable. Practicing them will help you figure out when is best to use a low parry.

• How to do it: Press forward + block right as the opponent’s low attack is about to land.
• What it does: Parries low attacks, setting the opponent up for a counter attack.
• Why it’s important: Great way to stop low attacks and regain momentum.

Power Crushes

Power Crushes are special moves that can absorb certain kinds of attacks while still hitting your opponent. These moves are usually slow, but they come with a special perk: they can go right through the opponent’s mid and high attacks. If your opponent likes to throw many mid and high attacks, a power crush move can be a good way to stop their attacks and force them to change their strategy.

• How to do it: Varies character to character. It’s a move with specific input and properties.
• What it does: Absorbs certain attacks while still dealing damage.
• Why it’s important: Can be used to stop strings of mid and high attacks, gives you more offensive options even while on defense.

The key to using Power Crushes is understanding which moves will absorb what kinds of attacks. Different Power Crush moves have different absorption properties, so it’s worth spending time in training mode to learn your character’s options.

Understanding Attack Properties

To really get good at defense in Tekken 9, you also need to understand how attacks are classified. Understanding what they are can help you know how to block, parry, or evade correctly. Moves are generally classified as being high, mid, or low.

High Attacks

These are moves that hit you up high. They can be easily blocked with a standing block. If you try to block high attack while crouching, you will get hit by the attack.

• How to block: Standing block.
• What they hit: Opponents not crouching.
• What they can’t hit: Opponents crouching.

Mid Attacks

Mid attacks are moves that can hit you while you’re standing. Mid attacks can’t hit you if you crouch, so if you think your opponent is going to throw a mid, a crouch block is a good idea.

• How to block: Standing block.
• What they hit: Opponents standing.
• What they can’t hit: Opponents crouching.

Low Attacks

These are moves that hit you down low. Low attacks can’t be stopped with a standing block, but they are blocked when you are crouch blocking. Low attacks can also be low parried by pressing forward + block button just as the attack is about to connect, which is a great way to create an opening for a counter attack.

• How to block: Crouching block.
• What they hit: Opponents standing.
• What they can’t hit: Opponents crouching.

Mix-Ups and How to Deal with Them

One of the biggest challenges in Tekken 9 is dealing with mix-ups. A mix-up is when your opponent throws different types of moves and forcing you to make a quick decision on how to react. The key here is not to panic and to use all the tools that you have learned so far. By understanding your options, you can often predict their moves and react appropriately.

Reading Your Opponent

Paying close attention to your opponent’s attack patterns can help you anticipate their moves. For instance, if they keep doing a high attack right after a low one, you will eventually start recognizing the pattern and adjust your defense. This is all part of getting good at the game.

• Key Tip: Always watch what your opponent is doing. Try to recognize patterns and adjust your approach.
• How it helps: Predicting moves allows you to block, sidestep, or counter more effectively.

Reacting to Mix-Ups

Quick reactions are very important when facing mix-ups. Instead of trying to guess, you should try to wait a little longer and react to whatever move the opponent throws. For example, if you see them crouch, you know to expect a low attack. If they stand up, get ready to block a mid or high. Practice quick switches between block types. Try switching between a standing block and a crouch block very quickly to prepare for mixups.

• Key Tip: Don’t panic and commit too early. React based on what your opponent does.
• How it helps: Improves your overall ability to defend.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to get better at Tekken 9 is to practice. Spend time in training mode learning to use each of your defensive options. Try out different scenarios, and make sure to learn the timing of all the defensive tools you have. After enough practice you will feel comfortable using these new skills in real fights.

• Training Mode: Spend lots of time in practice to learn your character’s options and to improve your timing with your defensive techniques.
• Real Matches: Playing against real people is the best way to truly test how much you have improved.

Remember, defense is just as important as offense in Tekken 9. Learning to defend well will not only help you stop taking hits, it will also allow you to create opportunities to attack and win the match. Using the defensive tools we talked about will help you climb the ranks and become a force to be reckoned with.

In conclusion, the defensive aspect of Tekken 9 is a deeply layered, and fundamental element of gameplay. From basic blocks to advanced parries and power crushes, mastering these techniques is key for success. Don’t get discouraged if it feels overwhelming at first, it will come with time and practice. Keep practicing your blocking, moving, and your advanced defensive options. Learning to read your opponent, react quickly, and using all the tools in your arsenal will greatly increase your chance of winning the match.