Tekken 7 Tips You Need to Know Before Starting

The latest entry in the popular Tekken series is out today. The game is pretty darn great (make sure to check out our Tekken 7 review to find out for yourself and our Everything You Need to Know post for even more information), but it also adds some new mechanics that might confuse both veterans and newcomers. There’s a definite learning curve towards mastering the game, and having to deal with Street Fighter‘s Akuma makes it even more complicated than past games.

If you’re picking up the game, and find yourself losing nearly every match, then you’re in luck. To help new players, or ones just looking to better themselves, we’ve come up with seven Tekken 7 tips that’ll help you have a better experience with the game. Check them out in the gallery below, and remember to put in time in the training mode before hopping online into ranked matches!

We hope you enjoyed our look at seven tips you should know before starting Tekken 7. Make sure to heed our advice, and practice honing your abilities in the training mode if you want to get competitive. Tekken is a complex game, but it’s one that is relatively easy to pick up the mechanics. Learning to master them will take time, and can only be done once these layers are fully grasped. This will get you started on that journey, but ultimately it’s up to the player to learn the ins and outs.

Let us know in the comments below if you’re picking up the latest installment in the Tekken franchise, and what Tekken 7 tips you’d give to new players!

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Tekken 7 Tips

Tekken 7 Tips
Learn to Use Rage Arts

The biggest mechanical change that Tekken 7 introduces is Rage Arts. These are flashy and powerful attacks that can be used once the player's health is in a critical state. Rage Arts can be the perfect equalizer for a match that was one-sided until that point, so learn to use them whenever the opponent is moving forward, that way the attack lands.
Master the EX Meter

Another new mechanic comes in the form of Street Fighter's EX meter. This bar only appears for two characters, Akuma and the pre-order bonus Eliza. It works the same way as it does in SF, as it builds over time during matches, and can be used to power up existing supers. Using this to perform powerful Hadokens is key to using Akuma effectively in battle.
Crush Your Opponents

Typically getting hit by an enemy will interrupt a character's attack, but that's not the case when using a Power Crush. This new technique will absorb mid and high attacks, but is weak to lows and throws. Using this effectively can interrupt an opponent's combo, and presents a perfect opportunity to land Rage Arts afterwards.
Watch the Backstory

Tekken 7 is the culmination of the series' story, which features a ton of twists and turns. Newcomers will likely be confused by it, and even veterans will likely need a refresher course to get up to speed. Thankfully, tucked away in the game's gallery mode is not only every opening from past Tekken games, but every single character ending. Purchase these to get up to date before playing the game's story mode, and you'll be able to fully appreciate the narrative.
Sidestep Projectiles

As mentioned earlier, Akuma has the unique ability of powering up his special attacks. This makes his projectile fireballs extremely deadly in combat. In order to negate these, players will want to sidestep out of the way. To do this, This is done by tapping up or down. It might be tricky at first, as you may accidentally crouch or jump, but after enough practice you'll be able to perform this with ease.
Customization Is Key

Customization in Tekken 7 isn't just about putting Bullet Club t-shirts on every fighter on the roster, as it also can be the key to victory. Some of the equipment that can be attached to characters open up new moves, and add effects to a player's Rage Arts. Effectively using these new specials while playing can be a difference maker in a close battle, so pay attention to what items you are equipping to characters.
Unlock New Gear

If you want to get the best gear, you'll want to play the game's Treasure Battle mode. This'll have players battling against the computer endlessly. Victories will be rewarded with exclusive items, and in-game currency can be earned to buy even more gear. Make sure to hit this mode early and often, to make sure you can buy some good equipment for your main fighters.