Hello!
Welcome to the world of Virtua Fighter!

In this episode, we'll first learn about the core systems and basic controls that form the foundation of Virtua Fighter.

1. Understanding the 3-Button System

Instead of complex controls, VF uses only 3 buttons - P (Punch), K (Kick), and G (Guard) - to perform all actions.

• P (Punch): The fastest and most basic attack. It's the starting point of offense and defense.

• K (Kick): Has a longer range and is more powerful than punches, but can leave you vulnerable if it misses.

• G (Guard): The core of defense. Immediately switches to a defensive stance when the button is pressed.

2. Characteristics of the Guard System

The guard system is often the first hurdle for those who have played other fighting games like Tekken or Street Fighter.

Common mistakes made by players from other fighting games:

• Habit of inputting back (4) on the lever: In other games, pushing the lever back guards, but in VF, pushing the lever back simply makes you walk backward defenselessly.
  In a crisis, don't push the lever back; always press the G button.

• Muscle memory conflicts: Breaking the habit of instinctively pulling the lever back when being hit and developing the habit of holding down the G button is 90% of mastering the basics.

Advantages of the VF Guard:

• Standing Guard: You can withstand an opponent's attack without moving backward, which is advantageous for distance control.

• Precise Control: Because movement (lever) and defense (button) are separated, you can raise or lower your guard at the exact moment you want.

• Flexible Response: Even while guarding, it's very easy to combine the lever to perform throw escapes or special movements.

3. Basics of Movement

Developing the habit of moving while guarding is the path to becoming a Virtua Fighter master.

• Dash (66) and Backdash (44): Don't just stand still. Adjusting distance by moving out of and into the opponent's attack range is essential.

• The Correct Way to Guard While Moving: Get into the habit of always holding down the Guard (G) button when backdashing or moving. It is safest to never take your hand off the guard except for the brief moment when you input the lever.

• Only take your hand off guard when you are attacking or dashing deeply forward. This one habit neutralizes all of the opponent's surprise attacks.

4. Height Judgment: Rock-Paper-Scissors of High, Mid, and Low

All attacks in VF come in one of three heights. Understanding this is essential to breaking through the opponent's defenses and protecting yourself.

High: The fastest and has no openings. Can be blocked standing, but whiffs completely if you crouch. High-level players crouch to avoid high attacks and then counterattack with powerful techniques.

• Mid: The core of VF offense and defense. Must be blocked standing, and will always hit if you're crouching. Exists to forcibly stand up crouching opponents or launch them into the air.

• Low: Attacks that sweep the legs. Must be blocked crouching, and will hit if you're standing. The damage is weak, but they're used to disrupt the opponent's standing guard.

Tip for beginners: "Why shouldn't I just keep crouching?"
In other games, crouching guard is often safe, but mid attacks are very powerful in VF.

Because you'll be launched or take heavy damage if you get hit by a mid attack, make it a habit to guard standing as a default, and only crouch for a brief moment when a low attack is coming.

5. Recovery and Ukemi: Falling Isn't the End

The way you get up when you fall to the ground determines the fate of the next round.

• Ukemi (Recovery): Activated by inputting P+K+G simultaneously at the precise moment your body touches the ground.

  • Effect: Rolls and gets up immediately instead of staying down.

  • Advantage: Avoids down attacks (e.g., 2P, 3K) that the opponent can use to hit you while you're on the ground.

• Choosing the direction of recovery: If you leave the lever in neutral, you'll get up in place; if you input sideways (2 or 8), you'll roll sideways as you get up. When cornered at the edge of the ring, rolling sideways is advantageous for survival.

• Guard immediately after recovery: You are defenseless while getting up. Make it a habit to hold down the G button until you are completely standing. Prevents you from getting hit again as soon as you stand up.

The danger of Down Attacks:
If you lie on the ground without performing Ukemi, the opponent can land a guaranteed powerful stomp or stepping attack.

Getting up as quickly as possible is the best policy, but sometimes, there are high-level mind games involving lying down for a very brief moment to disrupt the opponent's timing.

However, as a beginner, prioritize practicing getting up immediately by mashing G.

If you can maintain a guard state and control distance one step ahead of your opponent, you've already surpassed the beginner stage.

The above article was written

for beginners.

Please let me know if there are any parts that need to be corrected or supplemented.