How to Block in Tekken 8: Blocking Explained

Tekken 8 is one of the more complicated fighting games on the market, and if you want to start winning more often, you’ll need to know how to block. It will take a long time to master defense, but even getting the basics down can save you a headache in the future.

How to Block Attacks in Tekken 8

To block in Tekken 8, you need to walk backward by moving to the side on the d-pad or the left stick of your controller. If you move toward the wall with your back facing the same direction, your character will automatically start blocking middle and high attacks. But that would be too simple on its own. Other players can still throw low attacks that you need to crouch against.

When you crouch there is no need to keep moving backward to ward off additional low attacks. However, opponents can still switch up attacks and hit you with jumps, overheads, or the Heat System. Tekken 8 is all about learning the moves of other characters and predicting where the next attack might land.

Blocking in Tekken 8:

• Move backward to block high and middle attacks.
• Crouch to block low attacks.
• Move down, left, or right to crouch or slowly step backward.

Each match should be a careful mix of backstepping and crouching to try and deflect any combos. Learning the combos of each character is no small task and it will take a lot of losing to get used to defense in the game. In the long run, defense with a back step is more common in fighting games than a dedicated block button.

On top of blocking, you can also dash backward to create more distance, jump to evade, or even dash from side to side to completely throw off a combo. That last dimension is what makes Tekken 8 especially difficult. Once you can master defense against all sides, you’ll be winning far more often, regardless of your character.

While you’re still learning, check out some of your replays in between matches.