Controls & fighting basics
Learn the four attack buttons, guarding and movement.
First released in arcades in 1997. These guides focus on the 1998 PlayStation edition, including Tekken Force, Tekken Ball and console unlockables.
The game in pictures
Four limbs, four buttons
With the default PlayStation controls, Square is left punch (1), Triangle is right punch (2), Cross is left kick (3) and Circle is right kick (4). Move lists often use these numbers instead of button symbols.
Guard and movement
Hold away from your opponent to guard standing attacks. Down-back crouch-guards against lows, but leaves you vulnerable to mid attacks. Directions are relative to the direction your fighter faces.
Practise with a purpose
Start in Practice mode. Learn a short attack sequence, a low attack and a launcher before attempting long combos. Return to guard after attacking and watch which moves leave you open.
Use the third dimension
Sidestepping lets you move around some attacks. It is a positioning tool, not a guarantee of avoiding every move. Combine lateral movement with spacing and defence.
Image information
Images from Tekken Wiki contributors. Game imagery © Bandai Namco; Gon © Masashi Tanaka. Image provenance.
Edition: original PlayStation release. Check your controller configuration before practising inputs.