TEKKEN 7 Game Overview + Sidestep List in Chart
Welcome to the world of TEKKEN 7, where split-second decisions and precise movements can make or break your game! If you’ve ever found yourself struggling against certain characters or moves, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most crucial defensive techniques in TEKKEN 7: sidestepping. Get ready to level up your gameplay and outsmart your opponents!
Quick Answer: How to Sidestep Effectively in TEKKEN 7
To sidestep effectively in TEKKEN 7, you need to know which direction (left or right) works best against each character. Generally, sidestep left (SSL) for characters like Akuma, Devil Jin, and Kazuya, while sidestep right (SSR) for characters like Armor King, Asuka, and Jin. However, timing and situational awareness are key to successful sidestepping.
The Power of Sidestepping: A Personal Journey
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me share a quick story. When I first started playing TEKKEN 7, I was getting crushed by my friend’s Hwoarang. His constant pressure and mix-ups left me feeling helpless. Then, I learned about sidestepping. I spent hours in practice mode, learning to sidestep right during his Flamingo stance. The next time we played, I was able to evade his attacks and create openings for counterattacks. My friend was shocked, and I felt like I’d unlocked a new level of play. That’s the power of mastering sidestepping!
Understanding Sidestepping in TEKKEN 7
Sidestepping is a defensive technique where you briefly move your character to the left or right, potentially avoiding your opponent’s attack and creating an opportunity to counterattack. It’s a crucial skill that separates beginners from advanced players. When used correctly, sidestepping can help you:
- Evade linear attacks
- Create openings for punishment
- Control the pace of the match
- Frustrate your opponent and force mistakes
The Ultimate TEKKEN 7 Sidestep Chart
Now, let’s get to the meat of this guide – a comprehensive chart detailing which direction to sidestep against each character in TEKKEN 7. Remember, this is a general guide, and some moves may be tracked differently. Always be ready to adapt!
| Character | Side | Specific Character Match-Up Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Akuma | SSL | Sidestep isn’t always safe; prefer to backdash him. |
| Armor King | SSR | Step a lot; most buffered throws can be backdashed. |
| Alisa | SSL | Sidestep is not a must. |
| Anna | SSL | |
| Asuka | SSR | She has good homing moves; use caution when sidestepping. |
| Bob | SSR | At midrange, sidestep left. |
| Brian | SSR | He has strong homing moves; use caution when sidestepping. |
| Claudio | SSL | Exercise caution with sidestep. |
| Devil Jin | SSL | Advanced players can catch sidesteps with WS2 and launch you. |
| Dragunov | SSR | At midrange, sidestep left. |
| Eddy Gordo | SSR | |
| Eliza | SSL | |
| Fahkumram | SSL | Be careful; stepping BF4 can catch you, and all wall unblockables are very linear. |
| Feng | SWR | Sidestep left to evade Df1 or hopkick. |
| Ganryu | SSR | |
| Gigas | SSL | Caution with midrange sidestep. |
| Geese | SSL | Step with caution; remember B3, Df+1, QCB2, and D2 track to the right. |
| Heihachi | SSL | Caution near the wall; Heihachi can be devastating there. |
| Hwoarang | SSR | Sidestep changes based on stance; in Flamingo, sidestep to the stomach side; ducking can be viable. |
| Jack | SSL | Caution when sidestepping. |
| Jin | SSR | |
| Josie | SSL | She has many duckable moves. |
| Julia | SSR | At range 0 and 1, step right; at range 2 or 3, step left. |
| Katarina | SSL | For B+1, D+1, and Df+2, sidestep left. |
| Kazumi | SSL | Sidestep right to evade WR 2. |
| Kazuya | SSL | Sidewalk left to evade HS; always punish TP (-12), D/F+2 (-12), and WS2 (-18). |
| King | SSR | Step a lot; most buffered throws can be backdashed. |
| Kuma | SSR | WS 3 has good tracking; take caution when sidestepping. |
| Kunimitsu | SSL | |
| Lars | SSR | Sidestep and sidewalk frequently. |
| Law | SSR | In general, he has good homing moves; WS2 tracks a lot. |
| Lee | SSL | |
| Lei | SSR | You can poke him out of animal stances after Razor Rush on block. |
| Leo | SSL | |
| Leroy | SSL | |
| Lidia | SSL | Her HS tracks only to the right; many moves are linear, but her hopkick tracks well. |
| Lili | SSR | Backflip can still clip you, but in general, she’s very linear. |
| Lucky Chloe | SSL | Sidestep right with caution for hopkick and backturned mix-ups. |
| Marduk | SSL | |
| Master Raven | SSL | Caution while stepping. |
| Miguel | SSL | |
| Negan | SSL | |
| Nina | SSR | Be careful with Db+3. |
| Noctis | SSR | At midrange, sidestep left. |
| Panda | SSR | WS 3 has good tracking; take caution when sidestepping. |
| Paul | SSR | In general, he has good homing moves. |
| Shaheen | SSL | Duck or block are better than sidestepping him. |
| Steve | SSL | Df+2 on S4 is very linear and steppable; backdash is still a viable option. |
| Xiaoyu | SSR | When she’s backturned, sidestep left. For AoP, use moves with a low hitbox to hit her out of AoP. |
| Yoshimitsu | SSL | Sidestep right to avoid his ranged moves. |
| Zafina | SSL | Caution while stepping; her movements are very tricky. |
Advanced Sidestepping Strategies
Knowing which way to sidestep is just the beginning. To truly master this technique, consider these advanced tips:
- Mix it up: Don’t become predictable with your sidestepping. Alternate between sidestepping, blocking, and backdashing to keep your opponent guessing.
- Know your frames: Understanding frame data can help you identify safe opportunities to sidestep.
- Practice, practice, practice: Spend time in practice mode setting up common scenarios and practicing your sidestepping.
- Watch the pros: Observe how professional players use sidestepping in tournaments. You’ll often see them create miraculous escapes or devastating punishes through smart movement.
- Be aware of tracking moves: Some moves are designed to catch sidesteps. Learn to recognize these and avoid sidestepping into them.
Common Sidestepping Mistakes to Avoid
As you work on improving your sidestepping game, watch out for these common pitfalls:
- Over-relying on sidestepping and becoming predictable
- Sidestepping at the wrong range (too close or too far)
- Forgetting about low attacks, which often track well
- Not capitalizing on successful sidesteps with proper punishes
- Sidestepping near walls, which can lead to wall splats
Putting It All Together: A Sidestepping Gameplan
Now that you’re armed with knowledge, it’s time to put it into practice. Here’s a simple gameplan to incorporate sidestepping into your matches:
- Identify your opponent’s character and recall the recommended sidestep direction
- Observe your opponent’s tendencies in the first round
- Mix in sidesteps with your regular defense, especially after blocking strings
- When a sidestep is successful, capitalize with a strong punish
- Adjust your strategy if your opponent starts using tracking moves
Conclusion: Level Up Your TEKKEN 7 Game
Mastering the art of sidestepping in TEKKEN 7 is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, practice, and patience. But with the knowledge from this guide and consistent practice, you’ll soon find yourself evading attacks that once seemed unavoidable and creating opportunities where none existed before.
Remember, every great TEKKEN player started somewhere. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be the one leaving your opponents wondering, “How did they dodge that?!” Good luck, and may your sidesteps always be on point!
Do you have any favorite sidestepping moments or strategies? Share them in the comments below – let’s learn from each other and grow as a community!
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