Hey Tekken fans! Are you ready to dive deep into the world of Yoshimitsu in Tekken 8? This guide will be your ultimate companion, breaking down the essential combos you need to know to dominate your opponents. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Manji Clan, this guide will give you the knowledge to wield Yoshimitsu's unique fighting style effectively. We will cover everything from basic bread-and-butter combos to more advanced, stylish strings that will leave your foes reeling. So, grab your katana, and let's get started!

Understanding Yoshimitsu's Fighting Style

Before we jump into the combos, let's take a moment to understand what makes Yoshimitsu such a unique and challenging character to master. Yoshimitsu is all about deception, misdirection, and unpredictable attacks. He is a character that requires a deep understanding of his moveset, as well as a good understanding of your opponent's tendencies. His stances and transitions are key to his gameplay. He relies on stances like Meditation and Manji Dragonfly to open up new attack options and to control the pace of the match. He's also known for his tricky movement options, such as the sidestep into stance and the instant while rising attacks, which can be used to outmaneuver opponents and create openings. Furthermore, Yoshimitsu's damage output can vary wildly depending on the combos and the specific situation. Some combos focus on high damage, while others prioritize the mind games. Yoshimitsu is not a character you can just button-mash with. He demands creativity, patience, and a willingness to adapt your strategy on the fly. You'll need to learn how to utilize his various tools effectively to succeed. Understanding the range and properties of Yoshimitsu's moves is also crucial. Some attacks are designed for close-range combat, while others are better suited for keeping your opponent at bay. Furthermore, his ability to teleport, and other special moves, adds another layer of complexity to his gameplay. Mastering Yoshimitsu means mastering his entire toolkit and learning how to use it to your advantage in any given situation.

Stance and Movement Mastery

• Meditation Stance: This is one of Yoshimitsu's most iconic stances. It allows him to perform a variety of unique attacks, including the instant teleport, and the sword-based attacks. The Meditation stance can be entered by pressing and holding the back button plus the punch button (usually, 1 or a similar input). It is important to learn the timing of your attacks out of this stance to effectively pressure your opponent. Make sure you practice and memorize the move lists, because many of the best options in this stance have tricky input commands.
• Manji Dragonfly Stance: Another critical stance is the Manji Dragonfly, which is entered by pressing the back button plus the kick button (usually 4 or a similar input). This stance is designed to be a high-low mixup game, and it gives Yoshimitsu access to a variety of overhead and low attacks that can really keep your opponent guessing. Moreover, this is a great stance to frustrate the opponent.
• Movement Tricks: Yoshimitsu's movement is also a key element of his game. He has great sidestep options, and the ability to cancel into stances from a sidestep can be very effective in throwing off your opponent's timing. You should also consider using the while-rising attacks to quickly launch attacks after being knocked down. These tools allow you to dance around your opponent. This mobility also gives him excellent whiff punishment options.

Basic Combos: The Building Blocks

Let's start with the basics. These are the bread-and-butter combos that you'll use most often in your matches. They're relatively easy to execute, deal decent damage, and are the foundation upon which you'll build your more complex strings. Start with these and gradually incorporate them into your game. Each of these combos is designed to be easy to learn and execute consistently. Remember, consistency is key!

Combo 1: Simple Punish

This combo is a great starting point for punishing opponents' whiffs or unsafe moves. It is designed to be easy to execute. It's also a reliable option for beginners. These combos are usually your go-to options for punishing moves that leave the opponent open. Learning to identify these opportunities is crucial to your success.

• Input: F+2, 1, 2
• Execution: Forward + 2, 1, 2
• Notes: This combo is a good option for punishing moves with a small amount of pushback or recovery time. It's safe and effective, and it’s a good starting point for learning your combos.

Combo 2: Mid-Range Pressure

This combo is designed to be used from mid-range and can be effective for keeping your opponent on their toes. It includes a string of attacks that end in a knock-down, which is great for creating space and setting up your next attack. This is a very common scenario in fighting games, so knowing how to handle it is essential. You want to make sure you have the space to do it, because many of these attacks can be punished if you miss.

• Input: 3, 2, 1
• Execution: 3, 2, 1
• Notes: Great for creating space and setting up your offense.

Combo 3: The Wall Carry

This combo is designed for wall carry. This combo is very useful when you want to bring the opponent to the wall, to set up another combo or for further pressure. Use it at mid-range or even closer range. Wall carry combos are all about controlling the space and setting up your opponent for a beatdown. Practice the timing and spacing to make sure you connect properly.

• Input: DF+2, 1, 2
• Execution: Down-Forward + 2, 1, 2
• Notes: A good option for carrying your opponent to the wall.

Intermediate Combos: Leveling Up Your Game

Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to level up your game. These intermediate combos will require a bit more practice and timing. They provide more damage, better combo potential, and more opportunities for mix-ups. Practice these in the training mode, and try to incorporate them into your matches gradually. With consistent practice, you'll be able to pull these off with ease. Remember, these are designed to give you more options in your fights, and they offer better damage.

Combo 4: The Mix-Up Starter

This combo uses a mix-up to start, creating some confusion for your opponents. This is an example of a combo designed to use mind games. Yoshimitsu is great for these types of strategies. Knowing the mix-up potential is essential for Yoshimitsu.

• Input: FF+3, 1, 2, 1
• Execution: Forward, Forward + 3, 1, 2, 1
• Notes: This combo is great for mix-ups.

Combo 5: Advanced Wall Carry

This is a more advanced version of the wall carry combo. It is designed to maximize the damage potential while still carrying the opponent to the wall. This combo is more complex but more rewarding, both in terms of damage and the pressure you create. This type of combo takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away.

• Input: DF+2, 1, 4, 1, 2
• Execution: Down-Forward + 2, 1, 4, 1, 2
• Notes: This combo is a strong option for getting your opponent into a wall.

Combo 6: The Meditation Mix-Up

This combo incorporates the Meditation stance, adding to the mind games. The Meditation stance is a core part of Yoshimitsu's gameplay, and it opens up a wide array of options. Learning to use it effectively is essential if you want to be successful with Yoshimitsu. This combo is a bit more complex, but it's well worth the effort.

• Input: F, N, 2, 1, B, 1+2 (Meditation), 1+2
• Execution: Forward, Neutral, 2, 1, Back, 1+2 (Meditation), 1+2
• Notes: A good combo that incorporates meditation stance for mix-ups.

Advanced Combos: Unleash Your Inner Yoshimitsu

For the true Yoshimitsu enthusiasts, these advanced combos are designed to be devastating. They require precise timing, execution, and an understanding of the character's full potential. These combos are not easy, but they can be incredibly rewarding. If you can master these, you will truly be a force to be reckoned with. Keep practicing, and don't give up! These combos are designed to give you the edge in any fight. They are not for the faint of heart, but if you're willing to put in the work, they will make you a formidable opponent.

Combo 7: The Teleport Surprise

This combo leverages Yoshimitsu's teleportation abilities to confuse and damage your opponent. This is a very complex combo, but it showcases Yoshimitsu's unique style. Mastering this combo will give you a significant advantage. This combo also offers the potential for some amazing mind games.

• Input: u/f+3, 3+4, f, 1, 2, 1
• Execution: Up/Forward + 3, 3+4, Forward, 1, 2, 1
• Notes: Teleport combo. Requires precise timing.

Combo 8: The High-Risk, High-Reward

This combo is a high-risk, high-reward attack string. It is not always safe, but when it connects, it can turn the tide of a match. This is another combo that showcases the complexity of Yoshimitsu's gameplay. Knowing when to use it is as important as knowing how to execute it. This combo is only for the most dedicated Yoshimitsu players.

• Input: d/f+4, 1, 2, d/f+1, 2, 1+2
• Execution: Down/Forward + 4, 1, 2, Down/Forward + 1, 2, 1+2
• Notes: High-risk, high-reward combo. Requires good execution and understanding of spacing.

Combo 9: The Ultimate Mix-Up

This combo is a showcase of Yoshimitsu's mix-up potential. It uses his stance transitions to create confusion and damage. This combo demands good execution and knowledge of Yoshimitsu's moveset. If you want to master Yoshimitsu, mastering this combo is crucial. This is the ultimate tool in Yoshimitsu's arsenal.

• Input: b+2, 1, 4, 1, 2
• Execution: Back + 2, 1, 4, 1, 2
• Notes: An ultimate mix-up combo. Requires precise timing.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering Combos

Mastering Yoshimitsu's combos is not just about memorizing inputs. It's about developing the skills to use them effectively in real matches. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to becoming a Yoshimitsu master. These are essential if you want to dominate with Yoshimitsu.

Practice in Training Mode

Training Mode is your best friend. Use it to practice the inputs and timing of each combo. Set the dummy to various settings to simulate different situations. Practice until you can execute each combo consistently. This is the best way to develop the muscle memory you'll need.

Understand Your Opponent

Pay attention to your opponent's moves and habits. This will help you anticipate their actions and land your combos at the right moments. The more you play, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns. This is an essential skill to develop in fighting games.

Utilize Stance Transitions

Yoshimitsu's stance transitions are key to his gameplay. Practice transitioning into and out of stances quickly and efficiently. Incorporate stance transitions into your combos to add complexity and deception. Stance transitions are the essence of Yoshimitsu.

Learn to Punish Whiffs

Yoshimitsu has excellent whiff punishment tools. Learn to identify and punish your opponent's unsafe moves. Mastering whiff punishment will significantly increase your damage output. Whiff punishment is an essential skill in Tekken.

Watch and Learn from Others

Watch high-level Yoshimitsu players and learn from their gameplay. Observe how they use combos, mix-ups, and movement to their advantage. Watching others play is a great way to learn new techniques and strategies. Learn from the best players to level up your gameplay.

Adapt and Experiment

Don't be afraid to experiment with different combos and strategies. Yoshimitsu's versatility allows for a wide range of playstyles. Adapt your approach based on your opponent's playstyle. Experimenting is key to discovering new and effective strategies.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

Mastering Yoshimitsu takes time and dedication. It requires you to embrace his chaotic nature, to learn his unique tools, and to think outside the box. However, the reward of dominating your opponents with this character is well worth the effort. With practice, patience, and a bit of creativity, you'll be able to unleash the full potential of the Manji Clan warrior and become a true Yoshimitsu master. So get out there, practice those combos, and have fun! Good luck, and may the katana be with you!