For both Tekken newcomers and experience players, the Heat system in Tekken 8 will likely be unfamiliar. In this guide, we'll be breaking down what the Heat mechanic is, and all the new moves it will allow you to use.
The goal of the Heat system is to give players the ability to harness their aggression and lean into offensive playstyles. Activating Heat can open up new movements, attacks, and character abilities, depending on their different features. Stick with us for all the details.
Looking for more on Tekken 8? Check out everything we know about the game, where we break down the game's trailer and reveal all the known features coming to Tekken 8. Alongside the Heat system, another new addition to Tekken 8 is the new Arcade Quest game mode, which we've also got all the details for.
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+ 2What is “Heat” in Tekken 8?
In Tekken 8, you're able to activate your Heat state once per round, generating a light blue aura around your character. When Heat is active, you'll do chip damage, which converts to health over time, meaning you'll want to use Heat to go on the offensive to confirm the round. However, as it's only available once per round, you'll have to choose carefully when you activate your Heat.
click to enlarge + 2Heat Timer
Whilst Heat is powerful in Tekken 8, you have to be careful when you choose to use Heat. You can only activate Heat once per round, and the status only lasts for 10-15 seconds depending on how you activated it.
However, it is possible to extend your Heat beyond this time frame. When you down an opponent or hit them, you'll freeze your Heat bar and maintain your current level of Heat. If you're talented enough, you'll be able to prolong the timer of your Heat state and maintain it until the end of the round.
How do you activate Heat in Tekken 8?
In Tekken 8, there are two different ways for you to trigger your character's heat state. The two methods have different Heat durations and should be used in different scenarios, and we've got all the details on them both down below.
Heat Burst
The first way you can activate heat is by using Heat Burst. Using this move will activate your Heat state, whilst setting up a slamming attack against your opponent. To activate Heat Burst, press R1 on your controller whilst your Heat bar is full.
When you use Heat Burst, you'll also gain a slight advantage on your hits and guard against your opponent. The Heat duration for this attack is 10 seconds.
Heat Engager
The other way you can activate your Heat state is by using your Heat Engager attack. If you land this attack, it will trigger your Heat state and you'll land a heavy, high-damage hit on your opponent, knocking them down.
The controls to perform your Heat Engager depend on the character you're playing in Tekken 8, so you should check the controls for the character you're playing to find out their available moves. The Heat duration for this attack is 15 seconds.
All Heat abilities in Tekken 8
While you are in a Heat state, all of your attacks will deal extra Chip damage, and your character's movement and attacks are enhanced. Here, we've got all the different unique Heat abilities you can use while in Heat state. It's worth noting that the abilities available to you will vary from character to character; not every character can use all of the abilities.
Heat Smash
To perform a Heat Smash with an eligible character, press R1 when stood next to your opponent and you are in a Heat state. Doing so will cause you to grab them and smash them to the floor, dealing a considerable amount of damage to them.
However, it's worth noting that using Heat Smash will consume all of your Heat upon use. Therefore, your Heat will end after using the move, meaning you should attempt to use this move to finish off an opponent.
Heat Dash
When you're in Heat state, you can perform a special movement called a Heat Dash. To do this, press R1 whilst your Heat is activated, and your opponent will stagger, opening them up for a combo.
When you use Heat Dash, all of your remaining Heat will be used as well. You can combo the attack with the Heat Engager or Heat Burst as well, to deal extra damage fast.
That's all there is to know about Tekken 8's Heat System and its different abilities. For more guides like this, why not check out the system requirements for Tekken 8? We've also got guides explaining what Rage is in Tekken 8, as well as all the pre-order bonuses that are currently available for the game.