Controlling Your Superstar

WWE ‘13 uses many of the same control systems as the previous game iteration. Some new gameplay features have been added, making the game even more explosive, but returning WWE fans will feel comfortable with the controls and new players can pick them up with relative ease. After learning the basics (button presses, match rules, and strategy) it’s important to understand how to smoothly transition between all of the different gameplay scenarios in order to effectively keep control of your opponent.

This chapter breaks down all of the controller commands for your Superstar, and then goes deeper into match-specific controls. Certain matches have situational controls (climbing cage walls, asking opponents if they quit, etc.) and we have included tables divided by match type for quick browsing references.

WWE ‘13 adds the powerful OMG! Finisher to your repertoire.

Controls Quick Reference

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Move
Run	Hold and move	Hold and move
Target opponent (manual)	Click	Click
Strike
Grapple
Move/turn opponent
Submission	Hold then button-mash	Hold then button-mash
Reversal
Irish whip	+	+
Taunt	D-pad	D-pad
Signature/Finisher
Store Finisher	Click	Click
Drag opponent	+	+
Pin grounded opponent
Climb/Interact with object
Limb Targeting System	Hold	Hold

Controls vs. Match Types

Here, we break down the “Controls” and “Match Types” in separate sections. We classify “Controls” as controlling your Superstar in the ring—what will be your movement and move-set actions. The “Match Types” will include using objects and interacting with the specific environment in each match type to help you achieve objectives within that match type. Example: If you want to know how to climb a ladder and grab the hanging prize in a Ladder Match, visit the “Ladder Match” section under “Match Types” later in this chapter for a detailed breakdown of controls for that kind of match.

In the descriptions that follow, the controls are the same for every Superstar and Diva. Only the moves in the move-sets are different. This means that what CM Punk will do for a chain grapple is going to differ from what The Great Khali will do for a chain grapple, but what you press on the controller will be the same. If a Superstar’s Finisher is a submission, don’t worry—Finishers are all controlled the same way!

States of Being

You and your opponent will face each other in the ring in multiple states as the match progresses, and each state allows different moves to be performed. Each of these different situations will open different moves in your move-set. When looking at a particular move or Finisher, take note of the situation required to pull off the maneuver. In the screenshots below, Dude Love is being controlled against opponent Ken Shamrock:

Standing

Grounded

Standing Groggy

Groggy Against Ropes

Groggy in Corner

Groggy Seated in Corner

Groggy Seated on Top Rope

Tree of Woe

On Apron

Attacking from Top Rope (Turnbuckle)

Rebound from Irish Whip

Irish Whipped Against Object

Basic Controls Tutorials

These are the basic actions performed in most game situations. Some Superstars will have multiple assigned button presses for the same move. Consult the in-game “Move-Set” menu under “Creations” to identify the moves for each Superstar.

Movement

Moving around areas within the game is fairly straight forward as you are getting started. As you improve, you’ll want to combine these movements into your move combinations and seamlessly incorporate using the ropes, apron, turnbuckles, and ringside objects in your matches.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Move Superstar
Run	Hold and move	Hold and move
Enter/exit ring	toward ropes +	toward ropes + press
Step on apron	toward ropes + tap	toward ropes + press
Climb turnbuckle	Run toward turnbuckle (far) or + (close)	Run toward turnbuckle (far) or + (close)
Lift grounded opponent
Lift grounded opponent to face opponent’s rear
Turn grounded opponent over	,	,
Turn standing groggy opponent	,	,
Turn corner groggy opponent	,	,
Lift corner groggy opponent to top rope
Place corner groggy opponent in Tree of Woe
Place groggy opponent on ropes to middle rope position
Drag opponent	+	+
Change target opponent against multiple opponents (target settings set to manual)	Click	Click
Limb Targeting System	Hold	Hold

Strikes

Strikes can be performed in almost every scenario within a match, and pressing or holding the strike button will initiate the strike assigned to that scenario in the Superstar’s Move-Set.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Strike
Strike combination	, , ,	, , ,
Alternate strikes	any direction +	any direction +
Strong strike	Hold	Hold
Strong strike 2	any direction + hold	any direction + hold
Gut kick	to a corner +	to a corner +
Running strike	Run +	Run +
Running strike 2	Run + hold	Run + hold
Striking a grounded opponent
Running strike to grounded opponent	Run +	Run +
Diving attack from turnbuckle	Climb turnbuckle,	Climb turnbuckle,
Diving attack from turnbuckle 2	Climb turnbuckle, any direction +	Climb turnbuckle, any direction +

Grapples

Use A button on the Xbox 360 or X button on the PlayStation 3 to initiate grapples in different scenarios. Just as with strikes, using the left analog stick in conjunction with the grapple will perform a different move from the Superstar’s move-set. You can reposition to different holds with the right analog stick. If you “tie” your opponent in moving in for a grapple, you’ll initiate a Collar and Elbow tie-up button-mashing mini-game. The Superstar that comes out on top will move into a chain grapple lock. If it’s deemed a tie, the Superstars will push off and return to a standing, neutral position.

Front Facelock

Side Headlock

Wrist Lock

Waist Lock

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Collar and Elbow tie-up	Mash	Mash
Engage Front Facelock	+	+
Engage Side Headlock	+	+
Engage Wrist Lock	+	+
Engage Waist Lock	+	+
Reposition to Front Facelock
Reposition to Side Headlock
Reposition to Wrist Lock
Reposition to Waist Lock
Chain grapple	in a direction +	in a direction +
Pull-back strike from hold
Groggy grapple	in a direction +	in a direction +
Groggy grapple from behind	in a direction +	in a direction +
Running grapple (facing)	Run +	Run +
Running grapple (behind)	Run +	Run +
Drag a held, groggy, or grounded opponent	Hold + Hold then	Hold + Hold then
Move groggy opponent against ropes to second rope
Move groggy opponent in corner up onto top turnbuckle
Move groggy opponent in corner into Tree of Woe

Reversals

Any time your opponent wraps you up or strikes at you, use it as an opportunity to reverse the move and gain control. The game is (by default) set in “Options” to flash a reversal indicator over your Superstar’s head when you have the chance to reverse—which is pretty much any time your opponent is in dominant position but not in the middle of a move animation. Study each of the four chain grapple locks and get the feel for when to reverse based on the character’s movement in the transitions.

Reversing a move is another series of complex formulas that takes into account Superstar attributes, damage taken, and match situations. You can adjust the reversal success slider bar for both the player and the AI from “Options -> Gameplay -> Match Options -> Balancing”.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Reversals

Irish Whips

Irish whips are very important for both controlling a match and scoring big damage against your opponent. When you sling your opponent into a corner of the ring, they can enter a groggy-like state or bounce off, heavily damaged (Hammer Throw ability). Outside of the ring, whipping an opponent into an object like a fence or the corner post does damage and causes them to slump against the object. If you Irish whip a Superstar into the ropes from a distance, you can execute an Irish whip Rebound strike or grapple. If you are close to the ropes, you can whip them out of the ring completely (onto the apron or down to the ground ringside). This will give you some breathing room and allow you to taunt or interact with an object.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Irish whip to	toward far ropes +	toward far ropes +
Irish whip to corner	toward corner +	toward corner +
Irish whip out of ring	toward close ropes +	toward close ropes +
Irish whip back into ring from ringside	toward apron +	toward apron +
Leapfrog/Duck rebounding opponent	on the rebound	on the rebound

Using Objects

Sometimes you can grab a chair near the announcer table.

Grab objects out of the crowd.

Using objects can be a key component of certain matches. You may need them to complete objectives, or you can use them to wear down opponents with heavy damage. You can grab and use any object that moves, including the ring stairs. To search for an object under the ring, approach the middle of the ring from ringside and press the pick up button to reach under and grab a chair or other object. You can strike with it four times before your Superstar drops it. If your Superstars gets hit while holding it, they’ll drop it. A successful reversal (or grapple) will pry the object from the Superstar’s hands.

Reaching under the ring will sometimes bring up a bunch of object options. Use the left stick and press grapple to choose.

Perform extra actions with objects to get really creative in the ring! Pressing grapple in certain cases will allow you to use the object a bit differently (such as feeding an opponent’s feet through a chair for the extra crunch).

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Get object
Strike with object
Running strike with object	Run +	Run +
Perform action with object

Limb Targeting System

The limb targeting diagram can be called up when you are in control of a chain grapple lock, standing over a grounded opponent, or standing near a groggy opponent. This system allows you to target specific areas of an opponent’s body to achieve certain outcomes within a match. As matches wear on and Superstars take damage, they may begin to favor an arm, or hold their head or ribs. By controlling these damage areas, you can reap the in-ring benefits that surface when your opponent is weakened in specific areas.

When you are in control of a chain grapple lock, or when you are up against a standing groggy opponent, activate the limb targeting diagram and press the button that corresponds with the body part you want to attack. Against a grounded opponent, position yourself near the body part and press strike or grapple to inflict damage. As you inflict damage to a body part, you’ll see that part of the diagram change from transparent to yellow, and then to orange, and finally to critical red. Side effects occur when a Superstar takes critical damage. Their performance will most definitely slow down, and they’ll become vulnerable in different ways. Learning to master limb targeting is critical for submissions.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Activate limb targeting	Hold	Hold
Attack the head	Hold +	Hold +
Attack the arms	Hold + or	Hold + or
Attack the legs	Hold +	Hold +

Targeting the Head

Critical damage to the head will result in an increased probability of transitioning into a standing groggy state, as well as an increased chance of being submitted.

Targeting the Arms

Critical damage to an arm will result in an increased chance of being submitted.

Targeting the Legs

Critical damage to the legs will result in a reduced walking speed, as well as an increased chance of being submitted. The Superstar may also randomly collapse if he or she attempts to run (which is hilarious, by the way).

Targeting the Midsection

There’s no specific button in the Limb Targeting System to target the midsection, but it will turn red when it takes damage. The midsection takes the brunt of most attacks throughout the course of a match, percentage-wise, so it often turns red by the time you’re ready to finish your opponent with a pin or submission. Critical damage to the midsection will result in a reduced adrenaline meter, groggy grapples from gut kicks, and an increased chance of being submitted.

Momentum and Taunts

Gaining momentum in a match is crucial—not only to make sure that you are the one in position to do the manhandling, but also to open up powerful Signature Moves and Finishers. Gain momentum quickly by scoring on your opponent with a variety of attacks, by reversing your opponent’s attacks, and by taunting.

The momentum system is based on formulas, and they favor variety. If you repeat a taunt over and over, you’ll notice that the amount your momentum increases will lessen with each repeat until you aren’t rewarded at all for that particular taunt. Vary your taunts by using all directions on the D-pad equally throughout any given match.

If your taunt is interrupted by an opponent, you don’t get the momentum boost and you lose the advantage! Longer taunt animations (some are 10 seconds!) may give you more momentum, but they are more likely to be interrupted. Use shorter taunts when your opponent is grounded at your feet or nearby, and save the longer ones for when your opponent is ringside or won’t be able to get to you to interrupt.

Signature Moves, Finishers, and OMG! Moments

Every Superstar has at least one Signature Move and one Finisher assigned. When you build up your momentum all the way, you open up your Signature Move. Perform a Signature Move successfully and you’ll be rewarded with a fiery “F” icon representing a Super Finisher that will score more damage than a Normal Finisher. After a few seconds, this fiery “F” will revert to a Normal Finisher “F” icon. Signature moves and Finishers are situational (your opponent may have to be grounded or standing) so there may be a bit of setup involved when executing them. Look for the Finisher button prompt to appear when you’re in the right position.

When you have a stored Finisher, you can use a Wake Up Taunt to have your grounded opponent stand up groggy.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Signature Move	when “Signature” is available	when “Signature” is available
Wake-Up Taunt	D-pad up with stored Finisher	D-pad up with stored Finisher
Store Finisher	Click when “Signature” is available	Click when “Signature” is available
Normal Finisher	when “F” icon is present	when “F” icon is present
Super Finisher	when fiery “F” icon is present	when fiery “F” icon is present

Pinfalls

There are basically two ways to finish your opponent in the ring: Pinfalls (pins) and Breaking Point Submissions. Every Superstar can pin an opponent, and some can transition a grapple move into a pinfall attempt and hold it for a count. When you approach a grounded opponent, press the “pin” button to call for a count and end the match.

If your Superstar has the Leverage Pin ability, an icon will appear showing up and down on the right analog stick when it’s available. Press up or down to pin and start the Leverage Pin mini-game.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Pin	near grounded opponent	near grounded opponent

Breaking Point Submissions

If you don’t fully understand how to break down your opponent and make them vulnerable to a submission attempt, all the button-mashing in the world won’t help you. When you engage in a submission attempt, a button-mashing mini-game will show up on the screen. An outline of the words “Breaking Point” serve as a meter for the mini-game, and the objective is to win by filling the words with red.

Submission attempts early in a match will be easily stuffed–you’ll notice that the more the body part targeted by a submission is damaged, the more the words “Breaking Point” will be filled when the mini-game starts. Reference the “Limb Targeting System” section of this chapter for details on how to break down body parts.

Action/Move	Xbox 360	PlayStation 3
Engage Breaking Point Submission	Hold	Hold
Win mini-game	Mash	Mash