In Tekken 9, players utilize armor moves by anticipating opponent attacks and activating them at the correct time to absorb hits while dealing damage.
Want to survive those tense fights in Tekken 9? You’ll need to understand armor moves. These special techniques allow your character to absorb some damage while pushing through with an attack, and knowing how to utilize armor moves is a core part of higher-level play. They can turn the tide of battle, allowing you to break through your opponent’s offense and create openings. Learning the timing is crucial for maximum impact.
Tekken 9 how to utilize armor moves
Alright, let’s talk about armor moves in Tekken 9! These special moves are like having a shield for a short time, letting you power through enemy attacks without getting stopped. It’s not about being invincible, though; it’s more like being a tank for a few seconds. They add a whole new layer to fighting, letting you get aggressive at times you normally couldn’t. But here’s the deal: just throwing them out randomly won’t cut it. You need to know when to use them, which ones to use, and how to make the most of their protective properties. Let’s dive deep and see how you can use armor moves to become a better Tekken 9 player.
Understanding Armor Properties
Before we get into specific moves, let’s nail down what armor actually does. In Tekken 9, armor moves don’t make you untouchable. They allow you to absorb a certain number of hits (usually one or two) without being interrupted from your animation.
Think of it like this: imagine you are trying to swing a bat but someone is always pushing you in the chest. Armor is like putting on a chest protector. You might still feel the push, but you can still swing your bat and follow through your plan.
Damage Absorption: Armor moves don’t negate damage; they just let you keep going. You will still take the pain from the attack that you armor through.
Number of Hits: Most armor moves can withstand one high or mid attack. Some can even power through two hits. However, low attacks generally bypass armor.
Time Window: The armor property is not always active throughout the entire move animation, it is usually active at the beginning. There is a specific frame window during which the armor effect is in effect. You need to know when this window is to use it correctly.
Vulnerabilities: Remember, armor moves are not foolproof. Throws and some specific unblockable attacks will still connect and bypass armor. Also, if you get hit by a high or mid attack from the direction the armor is active you will still take a lot of damage.
Types of Armor Moves in Tekken 9
Armor moves aren’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Different characters have different kinds of armor moves with their own advantages and drawbacks. These can range from simple punches or kicks with armor, to full-blown power moves that take a while to get going. It is good to know what kind of moves your character has. Let’s check them out:
Simple Armor Punches and Kicks
These are your bread and butter moves. They are usually quick to come out, and are perfect for interrupting an opponent who is pressing the attack. Usually, these types of moves only armor a single high or mid hit, but they are safe to do if you block or whiff.
Pros: Fast startup, good for aggression, safe on block or whiff
Cons: only 1 armor hit, no combo follow-up
Charged Armor Moves
These moves require you to hold a button for a bit. The longer you hold, the more powerful the attack and possibly how many attacks they can armor through. But, you also make yourself vulnerable while charging.
Pros: High damage if the charged hit connects, can armor multiple hits.
Cons: Very unsafe when whiffed, charging can be interrupted.
Armor Stance Moves
Some characters can enter a stance that has armor properties. This is not a move itself, but the stance changes the character’s properties. These stances generally armor a few hits and allow the character to flow into other moves. These stances offer a strategic option to get around an opponent’s offense.
Pros: Ability to change properties and flows into other attacks
Cons: The stances can be slower to enter and exit.
Armor Movement Moves
Some attacks that are also movement have the property of armor. Moves like this can have the properties of both a movement option and an armor option, allowing the player to move in on the opponent while tanking an incoming attack.
Pros: Lets you get in close while attacking, very useful for a specific play style.
Cons: Can be slow in startup and unsafe if whiffed.
How to Use Armor Moves Effectively
Alright, now that we know what armor moves do, let’s learn when to use them. It’s all about being strategic and not just throwing them out whenever you feel like it. Here’s how you can make armor moves work for you:
Predicting Your Opponent’s Offense
One of the best times to use armor moves is when you anticipate what your opponent is about to do. If you see them trying to hit you with a string of attacks or if you feel they will try to press, that’s a prime opportunity for armor.
Example: You notice your opponent is trying to attack with a series of high kicks in a row. You know they are coming. You can use an armor move to tank one of the kicks and get a free attack.
Dealing With Pressure
Armor moves are perfect for escaping from sticky situations. If your opponent is constantly attacking, you can use an armor move to stop their momentum and take your turn.
Example: You are cornered, and they are attacking non-stop. Using an armor move gives you a split second to get a hit in to stop them.
Punishing Predictable Attacks
If you know your opponent likes to do certain moves over and over again, use armor to punish them for being predictable. They might think they are going to get a hit in, but they will be surprised when you tank the hit and get a free combo.
Example: Your opponent likes to use a slow mid attack that you know they will try to use. You can use an armor move to get in close and punish their predictable pattern.
Spacing and Mix-ups
Use armor moves to force your opponent to guess. When they think they have a good spot to get an attack in, armor through it. This will make your opponent have to guess more and think more before attacking.
Example: Your opponent is always trying to close the distance and get a close-range attack. Use an armor move to surprise them and keep them on their toes.
Don’t Overuse Armor Moves
Using armor moves all the time is predictable and could lead to you losing. You need to use them at the right moments and have a backup plan in case your armor move gets blocked.
Example: If you start using armor moves too much, the opponent will wait it out and then punish you for it.
Character Specific Armor Move Strategy
Every character in Tekken 9 is different, and so is the armor moves that they have. It is best to know your character and the specific use cases of your moves. Here are some pointers on understanding your character:
Understanding Move Properties
Startup Speed: How quickly the move comes out. Faster moves are great for interrupting, slower moves are better for aggression.
Active Frames: The time window when the armor property is active.
Recovery Time: The time it takes for the move to finish, so you can get back to your stance.
Damage Dealt: How much damage the armor move can do.
Finding Your Characters Best Armor Moves
Some moves can be better for certain situations, it is key to understand which move is best for you in certain scenarios.
Combo Starters Some armor moves lead into combos, these are important to know.
Punishment Tools Use your armor moves to punish whiffs and unsafe attacks
Spacing Tools Some armor moves have good reach and can be used to close distance
Practice and Experimentation
The best way to learn your character’s armor moves is to practice. Do it a bunch in practice mode to understand when the armor window is active, and what properties the move has.
Training Mode: Practice your moves in training mode to get comfortable.
Match Up Specifics: Go into matches to get a feel on how the armor moves work in a real-time match.
Common Mistakes When Using Armor Moves
It’s easy to fall into some traps when first learning to use armor moves. Here are some common mistakes that you should avoid doing:
Relying Too Much on Armor
Armor moves are strong, but they aren’t a replacement for fundamentals. Focusing only on using armor moves means that you will not learn fundamentals like movement, spacing, and combo execution. This can cause issues down the road.
Example: Relying heavily on armor will mean that you will not learn to be patient and wait for your opportunity.
Using Armor Moves Randomly
Armor moves are not good to use at any time. If you use them without thinking, they are very easily punished. They are best used when you know that your opponent will attack, not just thrown out whenever you can.
Example: If you keep using armor moves randomly, your opponent will notice and start to take advantage of it.
Ignoring Armor Vulnerabilities
Forgetting that throws and low attacks bypass armor can lead to some frustrating losses. It’s key to remember their weaknesses.
Example: You might armor a mid attack but immediately get hit with a low attack because you were not ready.
Not Knowing Your Armor Properties
It is easy to forget exactly what your move can and can not armor. It is important to practice in training mode to understand how the armor move works.
Example: You use a move expecting it to absorb 2 hits, but it only absorbs 1. This means you didn’t study the armor properties of the move properly.
Tips for Mastering Armor Moves
Here are some tips that will help you get even better with armor moves:
Watch Your Opponents
Pay attention to their fighting style and what they do most often. Knowing this information will give you the edge when anticipating moves to armor through.
Example: Watch for predictable patterns in your opponents offense. If they do a low kick a lot you might bait this with an armor move to punish them.
Mix Up Your Timing
If you always armor at the same time, opponents will learn to bait you out. Sometimes use an armor move, and sometimes not, it will force them to have to guess and think harder.
Example: You might bait your opponent by making them think you are going to armor through a move but instead you block and punish.
Practice in Training Mode
Spend some time practicing in training mode. It is the best place to get familiar with your character’s armor moves. It is also the best place to test the properties of your armor moves.
Example: Set the practice mode opponent to a specific move that you struggle with, practice armoring that specific move and how you can punish it.
Learn to Adapt
If an opponent is catching onto your armor patterns, change up your strategy. It is important to adapt to what your opponent is doing.
Example: If your opponent stops attacking when they see you use an armor move, you might start to try and bait them to attack and then punish it.
By understanding what armor moves do, how to use them effectively, and by avoiding common mistakes, you will be able to incorporate armor moves into your gameplay and become an even more formidable Tekken 9 player. Always remember that balance is key. Don’t become predictable, and always adapt and adjust your strategy as the fight progresses.
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Final Thoughts
Successfully using armor moves in Tekken 9 requires practice. Players must understand each move’s specific properties and timing. Armor absorbs hits and allows characters to push through attacks.
‘Tekken 9 how to utilize armor moves’ efficiently is key to turning the tide in battles. Knowing when to activate armor to counter aggressors is a must for higher-level play. You must learn to anticipate your opponent’s patterns.
Using armor moves strategically lets you punish overeager opponents. This creates pressure and provides opportunities for your own offense. Practice different armor moves in training mode.
