Tekken 9 How To Identify Unsafe Moves

Tekken 9 How to Identify Unsafe Moves

Alright, Tekken fans! Let’s talk about something super important if you want to become a truly great player: identifying unsafe moves. In Tekken 9, like in other Tekken games, not every attack is created equal. Some moves leave you wide open to getting punished if they don’t land. Knowing which moves these are, and how to take advantage of them, is key to victory. Think of it like this: if you swing a big baseball bat and miss, you’re going to be off balance and easy to tag. It’s the same in Tekken. This guide will teach you how to spot those vulnerable moments so you can turn the tables on your opponents.

Understanding Frame Data: The Key to Safety

Before we dive into specific moves, we need to talk about “frame data.” Think of a fighting game as a really fast movie. Each “frame” is like a single picture in that movie. Frame data tells you how many frames it takes for a move to start, how many frames it stays active (the part that can hit), and how many frames it takes to recover after the attack is over. The key part for safety is the recovery frames. If a move has lots of recovery frames, it’s considered unsafe. A move that is unsafe on block means that if your opponent blocks your attack, they’ll have enough time to hit you back before you are able to block again. The move has left you in a vulnerable position.

What Are Plus and Minus Frames?

Frame data is often described using plus (+) and minus (-) signs. Let’s keep it super simple:

• Plus Frames (+): If a move is “plus on block,” it means you can act first after the move is blocked. You get to go first. Your opponent can’t easily punish.
• Minus Frames (-): If a move is “minus on block,” it means your opponent can act first after blocking. They have the advantage! This is often when they can punish with a fast attack. The bigger the negative number, the more unsafe the move. For example, -10 is generally a bad place to be.

Imagine you throw a punch and it gets blocked. If your punch is -7 on block, your opponent can hit you before you can defend. But if the move was +2 on block, you have the advantage and they can’t punish you as easily.

Where to Find Frame Data

Frame data is not usually in the game itself. You need to use other resources. Don’t worry, lots of websites and apps can help. Check out websites and communities dedicated to Tekken 9. They often have move lists with all the frame data listed out. Once you get more experience, you will start noticing moves with long animations that just feel unsafe.

Recognizing Unsafe Moves by Animation

While frame data is precise, you can also get a pretty good idea about move safety just by watching the animation. Some animations just scream “punish me!” Here’s what to look for:

Long Wind-Ups

Moves that take a long time to start are often unsafe. If you see your opponent winding up for a big attack, there’s a good chance they’ll be easy to hit if you block it. These long wind ups typically mean more recovery frames.

Big, Telegraphic Movements

Moves that are easy to predict are often punishable. If your opponent jumps super high before attacking, or makes a big movement, you have time to react and punish. These predictable attacks are usually – on block, making them unsafe.

Moves with Big Recovery

Watch for characters struggling to regain their balance after an attack. If they are slow to return to a neutral stance, they are likely vulnerable. A delayed return means recovery frames, which usually equals an unsafe move.

Common Types of Unsafe Moves in Tekken 9

Let’s look at a few common types of moves that are often unsafe. Keep an eye out for these:

Slow Low Attacks

Low attacks can be tricky. The best low attacks are fast. Slow low attacks often leave you very exposed. If you block a slow low attack, you can usually get a free launch. These attacks often have slow recovery.

High Recovery Kicks and Punches

Some kicks and punches may look powerful, but leave your character struggling to get back into position after use. These are usually punishable on block. Keep a close watch for long animation times after the attack connects.

Certain Power Moves

Some really powerful moves have long animations before and after. These moves may cause big damage, but they can easily be punished if the opponent blocks them. Some of these are obvious, so learn to block and punish!

Moves with Large Vertical Movement

Moves that launch you very high in the air often result in slow recovery when you land. These are usually unsafe if they don’t connect. If you see someone fly through the air, that can be a good time to counter.

Specific Character Moves

Different characters have different movesets. Some characters have special moves that look cool but are really unsafe if blocked. It is important to study the moves of each character. Pay close attention during the matches and make a mental note of moves that leave your opponent exposed.

How to Punish Unsafe Moves

Okay, you’ve spotted an unsafe move, now what? The whole point of knowing about unsafe moves is to punish them! Punishing is simply the act of capitalizing on your opponent’s mistake by hitting them when they are vulnerable. Here’s how to do it:

Block First, Then Punish

The first step is to block the unsafe move. Don’t try to interrupt or counter it before it connects with your block. You need to see the animation and confirm if it’s unsafe first. Then, use a fast, reliable punish. A good punish is generally a move that has a startup of 15 frames or less.

Use Quick Attacks

Most Tekken characters have fast jabs (often called “1” or “square” button moves on the controller) that you can use to punish. These moves come out fast and can stop your opponent before they have a chance to do something else. A lot of characters also have great punish options with their 1,2 strings.

Learn Launch Punishes

Some unsafe moves are so unsafe that you can launch your opponent into the air. If you learn these launch punishes, you can do serious damage. These are usually moves that are -14 or worse on block. These launches are high damage options.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The best way to get good at punishing is to practice. Go into practice mode, record your opponent doing unsafe moves, and then practice punishing those moves. It takes time, but you’ll get better at spotting these opportunities. Record the move, block it and then start experimenting with your characters moves. See which options come out fast and connect.

Recognizing Safety in Other’s Gameplan

It’s not just about reacting to unsafe moves; it’s also about knowing what not to do. For instance, if someone is constantly using a move that is plus on block (meaning they have the advantage), don’t try to counter them right after the move. Instead, try to change your approach. Don’t keep doing the same thing or you will get punished yourself.

• Be Patient: Don’t just rush in. Wait for them to make mistakes. The most aggressive player does not always win.
• Vary Your Options: Mix up your moves, so they can’t predict what you’ll do. This will help you avoid using moves that can be easily punished.
• Watch for Patterns: Good players will often repeat certain moves that are effective on inexperienced players. You must recognize these patterns. If they keep doing the same move, they might be relying on it to win. If you can predict what they will do, it becomes very easy to punish.

Using Frame Data to Your Advantage

Understanding frame data is a very powerful tool that will help you improve. While learning every number for every move can be difficult and time-consuming, just being aware of the concepts will help you improve. When you see someone using a unsafe move, you won’t have to look at numbers to know they are vulnerable. Frame data will help you figure out how you can punish them.

Checking Frame Data After a Match

It is good practice to analyze your losses. Go over the match and see what you could do to improve. If you find yourself constantly getting punished, it can be good to check which moves are unsafe in your own game plan. Make sure you do not use moves that are too unsafe.

Experimenting in Training Mode

Training mode is your best friend for Tekken. Experiment with moves and try to block different attacks and see which ones you can punish. Training mode will help you figure out what your character’s options are. Training mode will also help you figure out what your opponents options are. If you are struggling to figure out a particular moves weakness, make sure to experiment in training mode.

Common Mistakes New Players Make

New players make mistakes when trying to figure out unsafe moves. Let’s talk about a couple of them.

Trying to Punish Everything

You don’t need to punish every move that you block. Some moves may be slightly negative but not punishable. If you try to punish everything, you will find yourself being punished as well. The right strategy will focus on punishing the really unsafe moves.

Using Slow Moves To Punish

Sometimes new players will block an unsafe move and they still try to punish with a slow move. The opponent can just block and then punish you for trying to punish. Make sure you use a fast move to punish the unsafe attack.

Advanced Techniques for Identifying Unsafe Moves

Once you get comfortable with the basics, here are some more advanced things you can consider:

Spacing and Spacing Traps

Spacing can effect a moves safety. For example, a character may use a move that appears unsafe but they can use spacing to make sure they are out of range. They may be able to move backwards during the recovery to make it safe. You can’t always punish the move because they have spaced it so the recovery frames are safe.

Whiff Punishing

Whiff punishing is when you punish your opponent for missing an attack. If they whiff a slow move, they will be open for attack. This is similar to punishing on block. However, they did not even hit anything so they are extra vulnerable.

Understanding Different Properties

Some moves have special properties. For example, some low attacks crush high attacks. Some moves have armor which can absorb attacks. These special properties can make them unsafe in certain situations. You must learn the different properties of each move to use them properly. Not all attacks that are unsafe will result in you being able to hit them.

Identifying unsafe moves in Tekken 9 is a vital skill that will give you an advantage over your opponents. By understanding frame data, analyzing animations, and practicing your punishes, you’ll be able to turn your opponent’s mistakes into victories. Stay patient, pay attention, and you’ll see big improvements in your game. The more you play, the more you will learn.