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The Tekken 8 Special Style is one of the biggest features added to the latest game in Bandai Namco’s iconic series, but you might not know exactly what it is. So whether you’re a Tekken veteran or a complete newcomer, we’ve got all the info on Special Style, what it is, and whether or not you should be using it in your game.
Check out what we know about Tekken 8 DLC characters so far. And if you’re wondering is Tekken 8 the last Tekken, we’ve got a guide to tell you what you need to know. But for now, let’s take a look at the Tekken 8 Special Style and whether you should be using it.
What is Special Style in Tekken 8?
Similar to the Modern controls introduced in Street Fighter 6, Special Style is a simplified control method which allows players to perform certain special moves and combos simply by pressing a button or two. Here is what all of the buttons in Tekken 8’s Special Style do:
Special Move
For example, by pressing Square/X, you use your Heat Engager special move, which will deal a strong hit to the opponent and put you into Heat, letting you deal higher damage and chip damage, as well as triggering your Heat Dash to make you run towards the opponent.
Air Combo
On the other hand, by repeatedly pressing Triangle/Y, you will use a combo. If it lands, it will knock the opponent up in the air, and you can perform a full combo on them by repeatedly pressing Triangle/Y.
Power Crush
By pressing Cross/A, you use your Power Crush. This is a move which has armour on it, meaning it cannot be interrupted unless you run out of health. By using this move, you can hit through your opponent’s attacks, potentially knocking them in the air and leading to a combo.
Low Attacks and Throws
Lastly, Circle/B lets you quickly use low attacks and throws. Pressing Circle/B on its own, or with down, down/right, or down/left, will use a low attack, letting you get through your opponents guard for some quick damage. Circle/B and either forward or back will use a throw, making it another good option for opponents who guard too often.
Heat Burst and Heat Smash
By pressing R1/RB, you will use your Heat Burst. This will immediately attack your enemy with a Power Crush move, but will also immediately put you in Heat. If your first attack hits, you can repeatedly press R1/RB to launch into a Heat Smash, a powerful combo which uses up your entire Heat gauge.
Rage Art
Your last resort, you can use your Rage Art by pressing R2/RT. This only becomes available when you have less than 20% of your health remaining, but becomes more powerful the less health you have. When you use your Rage Art, you will attempt to hit your opponent with a Power Crush attack. If it hits, a short cutscene will play showing your character’s unique Rage Art, dealing a huge amount of damage. But be careful, Rage Arts can be blocked or dodged, and can instantly lose you the match if you use it at the wrong time.
Should you use Special Style in Tekken 8?
Special Style is largely targeted at players who are new to Tekken and fighting games, and who aren’t familiar with the game’s mechanics, especially in Story Mode. Tekken is an infamously difficult game, and not everyone will be able to pick it up and go straight into hitting combos. As such, we would say that if you have experience with Tekken or fighting games in general, you should stick to the Classic controls, and if you’re a new player, you should try out Special Style.
Alex’s Advice
Unlike Street Fighter 6’s Modern controls, you can turn Special Style on and off during fights by pressing L1/LB. This can be a good way to learn the Classic style while still being able to use Special Style when you need it.
However, even if you are a new player, we wouldn’t recommend Special Style for everyone. If you want to pick up Tekken long-term, then you should try to use the Classic controls as soon as possible. While Special Style can be helpful to get started, it only lets you perform a fraction of what’s possible in Tekken, and you will quickly hit a skill ceiling. It may be harder at first, but you will quickly find that even a basic ability to use the Classic controls will be more useful than Special Style.
That being said, even veteran players will still have some use for Special Style. If you’re playing as a character you’re unfamiliar with, whether that’s in the story mode or against friends, it can be an easy way progress without having to dedicate too much time towards learning a character you’re not going to play in the long run.
That’s everything you need to know about the Tekken 8 Special Style. For more Tekken info, check out our guides on is Tekken 8 crossplay and is Tekken 8 on Game Pass too.
Tekken 8 Special Style FAQs
What is Special Style in Tekken 8?
Special Style is a simplified control scheme which lets you perform special moves and combos by pressing just one button.
Is Special Style in Tekken 8 for beginners?
Special Style in Tekken 8 is aimed at beginners to fighting games, and experienced players should stick to the Classic controls.
