How To Block In Tekken 8?

Tekken 8, the latest installment in the long-running fighting game series, continues the tradition of deep, technical gameplay that the franchise is known for. Among the many skills players need to master, blocking stands out as a critical defensive technique that can significantly impact match outcomes.

Blocking in Tekken 8 is not a passive action. It requires active input from the player and an understanding of the game’s mechanics. The basic principle involves using directional inputs to guard against incoming attacks. However, the nuances of when and how to block can make the difference between a crushing defeat and a hard-fought victory.

The Fundamentals of Blocking

At its core, blocking in Tekken 8 revolves around two primary techniques:

Standing Block: Hold back on the directional pad or stick to defend against high and mid attacks.
Crouching Block: Hold down-back to guard against low attacks while evading highs.

It’s crucial to note that while a neutral guard (not pressing any buttons) can block some attacks, actively holding back is generally more reliable. This active approach gives you greater control over your character’s positioning and readiness to counterattack.

Advanced Blocking Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to level up your defensive game with these advanced techniques:

Fuzzy Guard

Fuzzy guarding involves quickly alternating between standing and crouching blocks to cover multiple attack heights. This technique is particularly effective against opponents with tricky mix-ups, allowing you to defend against a wider range of attacks.

Sidestep Blocking

Always be ready to block during a sidestep. It’s generally better to sidestep and block or fail a whiff punish than to get hit. This technique adds an extra layer of mobility to your defense, making you a more elusive target.

Low Parry

When at a disadvantage, try buffering a low parry into your mid block. This can make your opponent more conservative with their low attacks, giving you a psychological edge and potentially creating openings in their offense.

The Art of Block Punishment

Blocking an attack is only half the battle. To truly excel, you need to capitalize on your defensive success with effective punishment:

Wait for a move with high recovery frames.
Quickly stop blocking and use a fast attack, such as 1,2 (left and right punches).
Confirm the initial hits with a combo starter or follow-up move.

Mastering block punishment requires character-specific knowledge and practice, but it’s a crucial skill for turning the tables on aggressive opponents.

Training Mode

Tekken 8 offers built-in tools to help you improve your blocking skills:

Use the Hit Analysis feature to see when your character is safe to counterattack.
Keep Attack Warnings on to see when the bot is about to strike.
Practice in both Medium and Hard modes to improve your block punishment skills under varying levels of pressure.

Advanced Blocking Strategies

Korean Back Dash (KBD)

The Korean Back Dash is an advanced movement technique that allows you to create distance quickly while maintaining a blocking stance.

Character-Specific Knowledge

Learn character-specific moves and strings that can be ducked or parried. This knowledge will help you make better split-second decisions and anticipate your opponent’s attacks.

Defensive Stance Mixing

Don’t be afraid to occasionally duck to scout for high attacks. Mix up your defensive approach to keep opponents guessing and prevent them from easily reading your defense.

The Psychology of Blocking

Blocking in Tekken 8 is always a gamble, especially against low attacks. You can’t react to most lows, so you need to predict and use movement to prevent your opponent from setting up mix-up situations.

By varying your defensive choices and occasionally taking calculated risks, you can create doubt in your opponent’s mind. This uncertainty can lead them to make mistakes or become overly cautious, giving you opportunities to seize control of the match.

Common Blocking Mistakes to Avoid

Over-relying on neutral guard: While neutral guard can block some attacks, active blocking is more reliable.
Neglecting low blocks: Many players focus too much on standing blocks, leaving themselves vulnerable to low attacks.
Blocking too long: Holding a block for too long can leave you open to throws or mix-ups.
Failing to punish: Not capitalizing on successful blocks is a missed opportunity to turn the tide of the match.

Integrating Blocking into Your Overall Strategy

Remember, blocking is just one part of a comprehensive defensive strategy. To truly excel in Tekken 8, you need to combine solid blocking with:

Effective movement and spacing
Quick reaction times
Knowledge of frame data and punishes
Adaptability to different playstyles

By integrating these elements, you’ll create a well-rounded defensive approach that can stand up to even the most aggressive opponents.

The Path to Defensive Mastery

As you continue to refine your blocking skills, you’ll find that not only do you survive longer in matches, but you also create more opportunities for devastating counterattacks.

So, the next time you boot up Tekken 8, don’t just focus on your combos and mix-ups. Take some time to work on your blocking, and watch as your overall performance reaches new heights. After all, in the King of Iron Fist Tournament, it’s often the fighter with the strongest defense who ends up wearing the crown. For more information on all of your favorite games, keep coming back to Rip Gamezz!