UFC 4, the latest installment in the renowned Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) video game series, offers an exhilarating and authentic experience of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. Whether you are a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the franchise, understanding the game’s controls is essential to becoming a formidable force in the virtual Octagon. In this article, we will walk you through the key UFC 4 controls and provide valuable tips to help you master them, ensuring you dominate your opponents with skill and finesse.
Basic Controls
- Striking:
Basic Strikes: Use the face buttons (Square, Triangle, Circle, and X on PlayStation / X, Y, B, and A on Xbox) for different strikes. For example, X (or A) is typically a jab, while Triangle (or Y) delivers a high kick.
Modifier Strikes: Combine basic strikes with the L1 (PlayStation) / LB (Xbox) button for more powerful and diverse attacks. This adds variety to your combos and enables you to execute devastating moves.
Head Movement: Employ the right analog stick to sway your fighter’s head and avoid incoming strikes. This defensive technique is crucial for countering your opponent’s attacks effectively.
Leg Kicks: To deliver leg kicks, press R1 (PlayStation) / RB (Xbox) and a face button simultaneously. Properly executed leg kicks can impair your opponent’s mobility and set up future strikes.
- Grappling:
Clinch and Takedowns: Get close to your opponent and press the L2 (PlayStation) / LT (Xbox) button to initiate the clinch. From here, you can attempt takedowns by combining the right analog stick with the R2 (PlayStation) / RT (Xbox) button.
Ground Game: After successfully taking your opponent down, you’ll enter the ground phase. Utilize the right analog stick to perform various ground transitions, including passing guard, advancing position, or attempting submissions.
Submissions: When attempting a submission, a minigame ensues, where you must follow the on-screen instructions accurately to apply the hold or escape from it. Pay close attention to your opponent’s stamina and be strategic in your submission attempts.
Advanced Controls
- Combos:
Combinations: Mixing basic strikes and modifier strikes together in fluid sequences creates devastating combos. Practice different combinations in training mode to improve your flow and increase your chances of landing successful strikes during a fight.
Feints: Master the art of feinting by initiating a strike and quickly canceling it with the block button (L1+R1 on PlayStation / LB+RB on Xbox). This deceptive maneuver can bait opponents into counterattacking, leaving them vulnerable to your real strike.
- Defense:
Blocking and Parrying: Effective blocking can absorb incoming strikes, reducing the damage taken. Timely parrying (using L2+R2 on PlayStation / LT+RT on Xbox) allows you to deflect attacks and create openings for counterattacks.
Swaying and Bobbing: Perfecting head movement is vital in avoiding damage. Combine lateral movement with head sways and bobs (R2+right stick) to slip punches and kicks gracefully.
- Advanced Grappling:
Denials and Transitions: When grappling on the ground or in the clinch, carefully read your opponent’s movements. Anticipate their actions and use the right analog stick to deny their transitions while seeking opportunities for your own.
Submission Escapes: Escaping submissions requires precise timing and awareness. Keep a close eye on the submission gauge and follow the on-screen prompts to escape the hold effectively.
Conclusion
Mastering the UFC 4 controls demands time, dedication, and practice. Engage in the game’s various training modes to hone your striking, grappling, and defensive skills. Watch real-life UFC fights to understand the techniques used by professional fighters, and apply those strategies in the game.
Remember, becoming an expert in UFC 4 is not just about pressing buttons; it’s about understanding the rhythm and flow of mixed martial arts. Embrace the challenge, and soon you’ll be delivering devastating strikes, expertly grappling, and dominating the virtual Octagon like a true UFC champion.
