Tekken 9 Movement Fundamentals Basics

Tekken 9 Movement Fundamentals

Alright, so you’re itching to dive into Tekken 9 and show everyone what you’ve got? That’s awesome! But before you start throwing out crazy combos, let’s talk about something super important: movement. Think of it like learning to walk before you can run – in Tekken 9, good movement is the key to winning. It helps you get in close, avoid attacks, and set up those sweet combos that leave your opponents in shock. This isn’t just about running around the screen; it’s about being smart, making calculated moves, and controlling the space around you.

The Basics: Walking and Running

Let’s start with the most basic ways to move your character: walking and running. Seems simple, right? Well, there’s more to it than just pushing the stick.

• Walking: This is done by lightly tilting the stick in the direction you want to go. Walking is great for making small adjustments, getting into the perfect range for an attack, or slowly closing the distance on your opponent. It allows you to be precise and cautious, very useful for baiting opponents.
• Running: To run, quickly flick the stick twice in a direction. Running lets you cover ground quickly, either to chase an opponent or get away from danger. However, be aware that running leaves you more open to attacks, so don’t just run blindly! Also, you can’t block while you’re running.

Think of walking as your precision tool and running as your fast travel option. Knowing when to use each is a big part of mastering movement.

Backdashing: The Art of Retreat

Backdashing is a super useful move for getting out of trouble or creating space. It’s like taking a quick step back, but much faster. It’s done by quickly tapping back on the directional input twice. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Avoiding Attacks: Backdashing is fantastic for dodging moves that you see coming. If you think your opponent is going to throw out a high attack, a quick backdash can save you from getting hit.
• Creating Distance: If you’re in a situation where you need more space to breathe, backdashing is your best friend. It creates the distance you need to plan your next move.
• Setting Up Punishes: Sometimes, backdashing can bait your opponent into attacking. This allows you to capitalize on their whiffed attacks and punish them.

Keep in mind, just like running, you’re not able to block during the backdash animation. You need to be extra careful of how and when you use it. Don’t backdash repeatedly and expect to be safe, as many moves can still catch you out.

Sidestepping: Moving in 3D

Tekken is a 3D fighting game, which means you can move not only forward and back, but also to the side. This is where sidestepping comes in! Sidestepping is done by quickly tapping up or down on the directional pad. It is another way to create space or dodge attacks.

Understanding Sidestep Direction

• Sidestep Left: Tap up on the directional pad. This will make your character move to the left of the screen.
• Sidestep Right: Tap down on the directional pad. This will move your character to the right of the screen.

Sidestepping Benefits

• Dodging Linear Attacks: A lot of attacks in Tekken only move straight forward. Sidestepping is perfect for making these attacks miss.
• Changing Angles: By sidestepping, you can make it harder for your opponent to land a hit. This gives you a better chance to get an opening.
• Setting up Unique Angles: Sidestepping can reposition you, allowing you to attack from unexpected angles and keep your opponent guessing.

Sidestep is a powerful move, but like backdashing it should be used with a plan. Some moves will track you even if you sidestep, and some will hit you even wider when you try sidestep to the side. Pay close attention to your opponents moves.

Mixups: Keeping Your Opponent Guessing

Movement in Tekken isn’t just about dodging; it’s also about creating mixups. Mixups are where you change between different kinds of movement to confuse and open up your opponent. Here are some examples:

• Walk Forward, Then Backdash: Walk forward like you’re about to attack, then quickly backdash. This can bait your opponent to come forward and allow you to punish with a quick attack.
• Sidestep, Then Attack: Sidestep to avoid an incoming attack and immediately follow with an attack before your opponent can adjust.
• Run In, Then Stop: Run towards your opponent as if you’re going to attack but suddenly stop. This can throw them off and let you see their reaction to plan your next move.

Mixups make your movement less predictable. The more unpredictable you are, the harder you are to read and, ultimately, to beat. It is like showing your opponent your “hand” in a game of poker, so to speak. You are constantly shuffling what they think you are going to do. Be unpredictable.

Movement and Character Styles

It’s also important to remember that different characters have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to movement. Some characters are fast and agile, and others are slow and more powerful. You need to understand your character’s movement capabilities in order to optimize your game.

Fast and Mobile Characters

These characters often have better dash speed and longer ranges on their movement options. They are designed to use movement for both defense and offense. For these characters, you need to learn to be nimble and unpredictable with your feet. Characters like Ling Xiaoyu, Hwoarang and Lili are good examples here.

Slower and More Powerful Characters

Characters like Marduk, Jack-8, and Gigas are not as mobile but make up for it with more power and different mechanics. Movement is still important for them, but you will be focusing on movement in the very specific and calculated moments. Their movement is often used in a more calculated fashion compared to the faster characters.

The important thing is to understand your character’s style and how their movement options can best be used to your advantage.

Advanced Movement Techniques

Once you’ve gotten the basics down, you can start looking at some more advanced movement techniques. These can give you an edge in more competitive matches.

Korean Backdash (KBD)

KBD is an advanced way to perform backdash. Instead of performing backdash once, you input backdash followed by sidestep. In turn, your character will quickly dash backward multiple times while still being able to go in the direction you are inputting. The end result is much more range, mobility and it will help you create the space you need while also keeping your distance. However, it’s difficult to pull off for beginners, and takes lots of practice to get consistent. KBD isn’t just pressing back and then left or right quickly, but the exact timing and rhythm of your inputs are essential to getting this advanced movement technique down.

Wave Dash

Wave dash is another advanced technique used mostly by Mishima characters. You will perform a crouch dash followed by a back dash, and repeat this in a looping motion. It helps you to quickly close gaps between you and your opponent, creating an effective and unpredictable offense for your Mishima character.

Dash Canceling

Dash canceling is used to be able to instantly use your attack right after you perform a dash. For some moves this is not possible unless you cancel dash animation first, by performing another move. This way you can be much more aggressive without over-committing to a dash and keeping it safe.

Practicing Movement

Practice is key to mastering movement in Tekken 9. Here are some ways to work on your movement skills:

• Training Mode: Spend time in training mode just working on movement. Try backdashing, sidestepping, and mixing it up with walking and running.
• Record and Replay: If you’re not sure about your movement, record yourself in training and see what you’re doing. You might spot places where you can improve.
• Fight Against Others: Practice your movement against real opponents online or with friends. This is the best way to test if your movement is effective in a real match.
• Watch High Level Gameplay: Check out some high-level Tekken players and how they utilize their movement. Pay close attention to the how and when they move. It will give you a good indication and ideas for your game plan.

Common Movement Mistakes to Avoid

Everyone makes mistakes, but it’s helpful to know common movement mistakes so you can work on avoiding them. Here are a few:

• Backdashing too much: Backdashing is great, but overusing it will make you predictable and vulnerable.
• Sidestepping at the wrong time: Some moves can track you, and sometimes sidestepping might bring you closer to the threat of an attack.
• Only moving forward: Don’t be afraid to move back, to the side, or stay in one place. Being predictable in your movement makes you an easy target.
• Not moving at all: If you only stay in one spot, you’ll become an easy target, as your opponent will know exactly where you will be at all times.
• Over-reliance on Running: Don’t rely solely on running as it can be easily telegraphed and will leave you vulnerable.

Utilizing Movement in Match

Understanding the importance of movement is key to your victory. It’s about being unpredictable and making your opponents work harder to reach you while also creating space to punish them. Learn these fundamentals and you’ll be in much better position to improve your Tekken game. You need to be able to move around the map fluently and effectively. Using this movement, you will be able to engage or disengage with ease. Your opponent will not be able to predict your moves and you will have a much easier time finding an opening to strike.

Remember, movement in Tekken 9 is not just about running around. It’s about having full control over your character and using movement intelligently. It takes time, practice and concentration, but once you get good at it, you’ll see a huge difference in your gameplay and your overall improvement. So, don’t just mash buttons and hope for the best; understand how your character moves and use it to your advantage. Good luck and have fun!