Mastering King’s grapple combos in Tekken 7 is essential for players who want to dominate with this iconic wrestler character. King is known for his powerful chain throws and devastating command grabs that can punish opponents with heavy damage and flashy style. Understanding how to perform King grapple combos effectively can turn the tide of a match, especially when mixed with his strong striking game. This guide explores the fundamentals of King’s grappling techniques, breaking down essential combos, setups, and tips to maximize damage and control in any situation.
Understanding King’s Grapple Mechanics
King is unique in Tekken 7 for his vast array of throws, many of which can be chained into devastating combos. Unlike traditional fighting moves, grapple moves require precise input timing and positioning to connect successfully. King’s grapples can be categorized into basic throws, chain throws, and command grabs. Chain throws are particularly important because they allow King to extend damage by linking multiple grabs in succession, often breaking opponent guard attempts.
Basic Throws vs. Chain Throws
- Basic Throws: These include simple grabs like forward+1+2 or back+1+2, which deal moderate damage and serve as good pressure tools.
- Chain Throws: Complex sequences that combine multiple grabs and strikes, enabling King to inflict massive damage if executed properly.
Getting comfortable with both types is vital since basic throws can open up opponents, while chain throws maximize punishing potential.
Key King Grapple Combos in Tekken 7
1. Forward Throw Chain Combo
One of King’s signature combos starts with the standard forward throw. This setup is fast and hard to break, allowing King to keep pressure on opponents while dealing consistent damage.
- Input:Forward + 1+2 (grab), then quickly input 1+2, 1+2, 1+2, 3+4
- Explanation:This combo chains multiple throws into a powerful slam finishing with a ground pound for high damage.
This combo requires good timing to prevent the opponent from escaping and works well when your opponent is stunned or recovering from a missed attack.
2. Back Throw to Chain Throw
King’s back throw also leads to devastating chain grabs that confuse and corner the enemy.
- Input:Back + 1+2, followed by 2, 1+2, 1+2, 3+4
- Explanation:After the initial back throw, follow up with a mix of strikes and grabs to rack up damage quickly.
Effective use of this combo is crucial in tight spaces or when your opponent is near the wall, as King can capitalize on wall splats from these moves.
3. Wall Combo Setup
King shines near walls, where he can chain throws for even higher damage. The wall combo usually begins with a mid launcher or a wall splat and follows up with grapples.
- Input:2, 1 (mid launcher), forward+1+2 (wall throw), then 1+2, 1+2, 3+4
- Explanation:The initial launcher sends the opponent to the wall, allowing King to execute his high-damage wall throw combo.
Practicing the timing and spacing for wall combos can drastically improve your match results.
Tips for Executing King’s Grapple Combos Effectively
1. Practice Throw Breaks Awareness
Opponents will often attempt to break your throws by pressing the correct buttons. Knowing when to vary your grabs and mixing up timing helps reduce the chance they escape. Use delayed inputs and alternate between forward, back, and neutral grabs to keep your opponent guessing.
2. Use Juggle Opportunities
King’s combos often involve juggling the opponent in the air after launching them. Make sure to master timing for aerial grabs and strikes to maximize combo damage. Juggling also gives King a chance to control the pace of the match.
3. Integrate Strikes with Grapples
While King is primarily known for grappling, mixing in quick strikes between grabs helps pressure the opponent and open opportunities. Use fast moves like 1, 2 or crouch jab to keep opponents defensive, then follow up with a grapple when they drop their guard.
4. Utilize Wall Positioning
King’s damage output increases significantly near walls. Work on pushing opponents to the edges of the stage and capitalize with wall combos and splats. Positioning can be as important as combo execution.
5. Learn to Read Opponent Patterns
Anticipating when opponents will try to break your throws or evade your grapples is key to success. Adjust your combo sequences based on their tendencies, punishing predictability with heavy chain throws.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying Too Much on Grapples: Overusing throws can make your gameplay predictable and open you up to counters.
- Poor Timing: Missing input windows in chain throws often leads to whiffs or break opportunities for the opponent.
- Ignoring Wall Positioning: Failing to use walls for combos greatly reduces King’s damage potential.
- Not Mixing Up Throws: Always using the same grabs allows opponents to easily break and escape.
Advanced King Grapple Techniques
1. Delay Chain Throws
By slightly delaying your chain throws, you can trick opponents into breaking early or late, wasting their break attempts. This mind game aspect is crucial for high-level King play.
2. Use King’s Unique Throws
King has access to some rare multi-throw sequences like the Giant Swing and Rolling Death Cradle. Learning how to incorporate these into combos adds variety and unpredictability.
3. Mix Throws with Low Attacks
Inserting lows before or after throws confuses opponents who expect only grabs. This opens up new ways to land combos and maintain pressure.
King’s grapple combos in Tekken 7 offer a rewarding blend of strategy, timing, and raw power. By mastering his chain throws, wall combos, and integrating strikes smartly, players can unleash devastating damage that overwhelms opponents. Remember to practice input timing, vary your grabs, and leverage wall positioning to maximize effectiveness. With patience and dedication, King becomes a formidable force capable of punishing mistakes and controlling the match flow. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, refining your King grapple combos will elevate your Tekken 7 gameplay to new heights.