Tekken 9 How To Optimize Controller Setup

Tekken 9: How to Optimize Your Controller Setup

Okay, so you’re pumped for Tekken 9! You’ve seen the trailers, you’ve picked your main, and now you’re ready to climb the ranks. But hold on a second – have you thought about your controller setup? A good controller configuration can make a huge difference between mashing buttons and actually pulling off those awesome combos. Let’s dive into how you can set up your controller to play your best Tekken 9.

Understanding Controller Options

First, let’s talk about the different kinds of controllers you can use. Tekken 9, like most fighting games, works well with a few main types:

• PlayStation Controllers (DualSense/DualShock): These are the standard for many players, with a comfortable layout and familiar buttons. They are perfect for starting out.
• Xbox Controllers: These are also very popular, and many players find the ergonomic design comfortable for long play sessions. The analog stick placement might feel more natural for some.
• Fight Sticks: These are arcade-style controllers with a joystick and large buttons. They offer precise inputs and are favored by serious fighting game players. They might take some getting used to if you haven’t used one before.
• Hitboxes/Mixboxes: These replace the traditional stick with buttons for movement, providing potentially even greater precision than fight sticks. They’re a bit more niche but offer distinct advantages for some players.

Which one is best for you? It really depends on personal preference. If you’re just starting, the controller that you are most comfortable with is a good choice, if you have never played fighting games with a controller, then you can choose any controller, but I would recommend either Playstation Dualsense/Dualshock or Xbox Controller, for starting your journey in fighting games. As you improve, you might experiment with different types.

Key Mapping: The Foundation of Your Setup

Key mapping is where the magic happens. This is where you decide which button does what. Tekken 9 uses four main attack buttons: Left Punch (usually Square or X), Right Punch (Triangle or Y), Left Kick (Cross or A), and Right Kick (Circle or B). The default configuration is fine for beginners, but as you improve, you’ll want to customize it to your liking. Let’s look at some things to think about:

Essential Button Assignments

Here’s a breakdown of common button assignments and why they’re useful:

• Movement Buttons (D-pad or Analog Stick): This is the most important setting, as moving smoothly and accurately is vital. For most players, D-pad provides better accuracy, for others, Analog stick works well, choose whichever you like the most.
• Face Buttons (Square/X, Triangle/Y, Cross/A, Circle/B): These are your attack buttons. It is best to keep the defaults as they are for starting and then decide whether to change them.
• L1/LB and R1/RB: These are commonly used for shortcuts for special moves or accessing rage art, which we will see below in later section.
• L2/LT and R2/RT: These buttons are often used for hotkeys for throws, since it is easily accessible for many players, and throws are integral to fight against players.

Reaching Buttons Quickly

Think about which buttons you use most often, and make sure they’re easy to reach. If you find yourself stretching your fingers, it’s time for a change. Make sure that buttons that you need to press often should be in accessible positions.

Special Moves and Customization

Tekken 9 characters have many special moves, like throws, parries, and rage art. Setting up shortcuts for these can really help your game.

Hotkeys for Throws

Throws are super important in Tekken. Instead of trying to press two buttons at once, map a button to the throw, like L2/LT and R2/RT. This makes it easier to perform throws and increases the chances to get the throw correctly.

Rage Art and Rage Drive

Rage Art is a strong attack that you can use when your character is low health, while Rage Drive is the ability to make your character stronger. Setting them on a single button (like L1/LB or R1/RB) can let you execute them quickly when the moment arrives, giving you the edge in the fight.

Practice Makes Perfect

After setting up the controller, take some time in the practice mode. Getting used to the new button layout is vital for consistency. Try out the moves, combos that you are not sure about, and the buttons you have setup. Try them again and again to get muscle memory.

Advanced Controller Optimization: Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve got the hang of the basic button layout, you can move to more advanced stuff.

Button Buffering and Input Shortcuts

Tekken 9 uses a concept of button buffering, which means that if you press a button slightly before the input frame it still triggers, which is called button buffering, and you can take advantage of it by pressing a button bit before its actual activation frame. Learning how to take advantage of this allows you to string together attacks more easily. Certain specific moves or actions can also be bound to specific button presses.

Using Different Control Styles

Some players prefer to hold their controller in a specific way that allows them to hit buttons quickly or execute the inputs. It is often referred to as a “claw” or “hybrid” grip. For example, if you use an Xbox controller and hold it in the way that your right hand index finger is on either (Y) or (B) button and right hand middle finger is on (X) or (A) button, this setup is beneficial for quick inputs. Experiment with different grip styles to see what feels natural to you.

Sensitivity Settings

If you are using an analog stick for movement, Tekken 9 has options to adjust sensitivity. Experiment with these settings to find what works for you. If you think your movement is too fast or slow, you can adjust sensitivity accordingly.

Controller Specific Tips

Each type of controller has some tricks to maximize its use.

PlayStation Controllers

PlayStation controllers are generally more comfortable for using the D-pad. The layout for PlayStation controllers are slightly different from other controllers. The position of the buttons are quite close to each other, so they might feel more comfortable for some players. For experienced Tekken players, they may already be comfortable with the button layout. For PlayStation controllers, many players like to have the throw buttons bind to the L2/R2 triggers, as it is easily accessible.

Xbox Controllers

Many players prefer the analog stick placement of the Xbox controller. Xbox controllers are generally more ergonomic for players with larger hands. The buttons are slightly further away from each other. Make sure you try different settings of sensitivity for the Analog stick. The (LB/RB) buttons are often assigned for Rage Art and Rage Drive respectively.

Fight Sticks

Fight sticks require a different kind of practice as they are completely different than normal controllers. It is generally recommended to start with practicing basic movements using the stick. Experiment with different stick grips. Assigning buttons for 1+2, 3+4 is also a good option for executing throws. Many players find fight sticks very precise for executing their moves, however it may take some time to adapt to this style of input.

Hitboxes/Mixboxes

If you are using Hitboxes, then it is recommended that you should use different fingers for each direction input. Hitboxes can give you an edge with very precise inputs. You can make use of techniques like pianoing buttons to do intricate move combinations.

The Importance of Regular Evaluation

Your controller setup shouldn’t be set in stone. As you get better, you may find some buttons you want to change. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust to your play style.

Recording and Analyzing Gameplay

Record your matches and watch them back. See if your controller setup is actually helping or hindering your gameplay. Analyze your inputs, and see if you can improve the buttons on your controller. Try different button mappings in different sessions and find out if there is any better option for you.

Stay Adaptive

Always be ready to change your settings as you get better. Don’t get stuck with the same settings as you grow as a player. The best players always keep on improving themselves and their controls.

By understanding all the different options that we discussed, you can create a controller setup that makes it easy for you to fight in Tekken 9. Your controller setup is crucial for improving your skills in Tekken 9. Use these tips to enhance your gameplay, allowing you to master your character and come out victorious in matches. Good luck!