Tekken 8 complete movement guide: Korean Backdash, Wavedash, and more

Positioning characters is important in 3D fighting games like Tekken 8. You can achieve that by using some of the core movement tools. From Korean Backdash to Wavedash, there is a wide catalog of maneuvers to delve into if you are shooting for the God of Destruction rank. Besides, certain fighters like Nina and Steve have brought in their own evasive techniques, something you might want to get acquainted with while using them in your journey. 

Most players have been using some of the advanced movements ever since they were discovered, which is as early as Tekken 3. Regardless, it is still not too late to learn about these motion tools. So, let’s have a look at all the essential movements in Tekken 8.


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Why is movement important in Tekken 8?

Consider learning some of the core movements in Tekken 8 if you plan to improve your gameplay. You have access to many different maneuvers in the title, all of which can help you reach a tactical position before the big counterplay. 

Certain fighter-specific movements, like weave and sway, also overlap with attack inputs. Hence, you can employ them to create some intricate combos.

How to sidestep and dash cancel in Tekken 8

Tekken 8 side step

Starting with the basics, the sidestep is an outstanding maneuver that will help you evade a lot of linear pressure in Tekken 8. Since the arenas have a 3D design, you can move towards or away from the camera using the following inputs:

  • u, u 
  • d, d 

Double tap the up button to move deeper into the background, and vice versa. Additionally, you can hold the end input to perform a sidewalk, in which your character will tread around the opponent in a circular motion. 

In the case of dashing, it requires a consecutive press of the forward or back input. During a dash, your motion will be strictly horizontal. You can easily cancel it by pressing the opposite directional input (example: f, f, b to perform a forward dash cancel).

How to Korean Backdash in Tekken 8

Bandai Namco might have shadow-nerfed the Korean Backdash (KBD) in Tekken 8, but it is still a crucial movement tool that allows you to quickly disengage from a fight. All it takes is an advanced dash cancel move, such as:

  • b, d/b, b, N

You have to build up your muscle memory accordingly if you are trying to execute KBD on an arcade stick or a PS5 controller. But, there are a few ways to approach the specified input on a hitbox, snackbox, or keyboard. 

A step-by-step Korean Backdash guide

Tekken 8 Korean Backdash

Firstly, pick Nina for the practice, as she can transition into the backsway with a faulty button press, which will serve as an indicator. Next, practice the following inputs for warm-up:

  • b, b, d
  • b, d/b 
  • b, db, b, N, b

The final input is a loop to perfectly execute the KBD. Remember that the first double dash is essential to create some distance from the opponent, so always commit to the extra move at the beginning. Make sure to also release the “d” first to get a smooth transition. 

An easy trick on any leverless device will be to press “f, d, f” while holding the back button to perform a decent Korean Backdash movement in Tekken 8. Maintain a proper rhythm for the forward inputs to cancel out the down and back motions. 

How to Wavedash in Tekken 8

Tekken 8 Wavedash

As the name suggests, the Wavedash lets you swing forward in a wave-like motion. Also known as Wavu, it is a perfect offensive maneuver that allows you to swiftly catch up on an opponent.

Here are the inputs for the Wavedash:

  • f, N, d, df

There is no easy way to approach this motion, so you will have to practice each step separately to build up momentum. Start with the forward-neutral motion before progressing to the next step:

  • Forward-> Neutral-> Quarter-circle-forward (d, d/f, f)
  • Now, Quarter-circle-forward-> Neutral-> Forward

Once you are comfortable with the inputs, piece them together into a loop to successfully perform the Wavedash movement in Tekken 8. 

Nina’s Hayashida step guide in Tekken 8

Nina Hayashida step

Nina can abuse her back sway to create a weird backdash motion called the Hayashida step. Here is how you can perform this movement in Tekken 8:

  • b, d/b, b, N, u

Get accustomed to the quarter-circle-back motion, which begins with a down input, followed by a back hold and down release. Perform it a few more times before releasing the back button to sidestep up.
It might take you some time to perfect this evasive motion, but the end result is a quick diagonal backdash. Although the Hayashida step in Tekken 8 is faster than a KBD, it leaves you vulnerable to incoming attacks.

Weave, Sway, and more 

Steve Sway in Tekken 8

Certain Tekken 8 fighters have innate movement abilities that can be incorporated with various moves. For instance, Steve has a bunch of evasive weaves, which are listed below: 

  • Ducking Left: 3 (Left foot)
  • Ducking Right: 4 (Right foot)
  • Quick Spin: 3+4
  • Cyclone Left (Right): During Quick Spin, u (or d)
  • Ducking: f, 3 (or, f, 4), etc.
  • Ducking In: f, 3, hold, F (or, f, 4, hold, F)
  • Swaying: b, 3 (or b, 4), etc.
Tekken 8 Azucena dodge

Azucena also has a built-in weave in her Libertador state (f, 3+4), during which you can backdash to perform a sway motion. She can also dodge high attacks automatically when her stance is active. Besides, the following fighters have a visible sway motion pinned to the quarter-circle inputs: 

  • Nina
  • Paul
  • Bryan

Lastly, you can perform a wall jump with any fighter in Tekken 8 using the “b, b, u/b” input. At times, it can be your escape from a pinned situation. 

Backdash Gaming Desk
Backdash Gaming Desk
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