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The Tekken 8 Heat system is one of the flagship new mechanics in the latest iteration of Bandai Namco’s popular fighter, and getting to grips with it is key to winning matches. There’s plenty to understand about it, so we’re here to take you through it all to make sure you know what you’re doing when it comes to using Heat in Tekken 8.
Along with the Heat System, you should check out the all-new Tekken 8 Special Style as well. And if you haven’t seen which Tekken 8 DLC characters have been announced yet, we’ve got a guide covering that too. For now though, let’s take you through what you need to know about the Tekken 8 Heat system
What is Heat in Tekken 8?
Heat is a new mechanic added in Tekken 8 which allows players to do special moves, increased damage, and even do chip damage. It is represented in-game by a thin, blue bar underneath each player’s health bar. You can enter Heat by using either a Heat Burst or a Heat Engager, both of which involve using a specific attack on your opponent.
Heat is one of the new mechanics added to encourage more aggressive play in Tekken 8. In a video introducing the mechanics, the game’s directors Katushiro Harada and Kohei Ikeda describe Heat as a “Period of time that is overwhelmingly beneficial to an attacker, featuring the concept of being ‘Aggressive'”, and that it makes a good starting point for a player’s offense.
Heat Burst
The easiest way to enter Heat is using a Heat Burst. Available on every character, you can use a Heat Burst by pressing R1/RB or 2+3 on your controller. This will use a specific attack on your opponent, putting you into Heat and potentially opening up your opponent for a combo. Using Heat Burst to enter Heat will give you 10 seconds of Heat, which is reduced when using special moves.
Heat Engager
Heat Engagers are character-specific moves which can also be used to enter Heat. If you have a full Heat bar and land a Heat Engager, you will immediately be put into Heat for 15 seconds, or less if you use your special moves.
Heat Dash
Heat Dash is a mechanic performed immediately after your Heat Engager. If you land a Heat Engager, either to enter Heat or while you are already in Heat, you can press Forward after the attack to Heat Dash. This will let you rush towards your opponent, giving you frame advantage and letting you land a combo. However, this will also consume your whole Heat bar.
Heat Smash
Heat Smash is essentially the heir to Tekken 7’s Rage Drive, acting as a kind of special move that you can use while you’re in heat. By repeatedly using the Heat Burst input, you will perform a combo which ends with a powerful Heat Smash attack, using up your full Heat bar. Be careful, as these can be blocked, so your best option is to launch your opponent first to guarantee a successful Heat Burst.
Passive Bonuses
As well as allowing you to perform certain special moves, Heat has a variety of passive bonuses. On all characters, being in Heat will make you slightly more powerful and allow you to deal chip damage. In addition, it has certain added benefits for specific characters. For example, Kazuya has guaranteed electrics on his EWGF without having to hit a Just input. Similarly, some characters gain new, more powerful moves, making it a great tool to mixup your opponent.
That’s everything you need to know about the Tekken 8 Heat system. If you’re wondering is Tekken 8 on Game Pass, we’ve got a guide for that, and if you’re wanting to play with friends and want to know is Tekken 8 crossplay, we’ve got you covered there too.
Tekken 8 Heat system FAQs
What is Heat in Tekken 8?
Heat is a mechanic which lets you use special moves, deal higher damage, chip damage, and regain health for a short period.
How do you Heat Burst in Tekken 8?
You can use Heat Burst by pressing R1/RB or 2+3 on your controller.
