Kunimitsu is the latest DLC character in Tekken 8, and she can be incredibly fun to play. Tekken 8 can be an extremely challenging game, since you have to keep an eye on so many mechanics and details in every match. In this guide, we’ll go through basic punishment techniques, game plan, stances, and key moves for Kunimitsu that will allow you to get a good grasp on the character as you play and discover her more.
This guide will assume you’re familiar with some Tekken terminology, but here’s a quick rundown of the basics that should help you understand the text if you’re not. The numbers 1-4 correspond to left punch, right punch, left kick, and right kick in that order. Lowercase letters imply the direction to press while performing a move: “d” means down, “u” means up, “b” means back, and “f” means forward. Other abbreviations used in the guide are “ws,” which is short for “while standing,” implying that the move is used in the transition between crouching and standing/neutral, as well as “qcf,” which stands for “quarter circle forward,” implying that to perform a move you must first input the down, down forward, and forward inputs in quick succession. The guide will also mention frames, also indicated by “f”, and preceded by their respective number.
Kunimitsu’s Punishment Techniques
Kunimitsu has incredible punishes (from 10 to 15 frames). Her moves give you a lot of freedom, and though her more rewarding punishes are slightly challenging, if you’re going for basic punishes, those can be decent as well.
- 10f: 1,2,2 , ff4,2
- 12f: 2,2 , 4,2
- 13f: f2,3
- 14f: f,d,df2
- 15f: df2, uf3
Note that you can enter backturn from her 1,2,2 10f punish by holding back. Furthermore, ff4,2 is a 9f move that comes out at 10f due to the ff input and can be an exceptionally damaging punish for moves that are -10f on block. However, ff4,2 is also launch punishable on block, so if you’re a little late and the opponent blocks it, you can get launched.
For her 12f punishment, 2,2 is a safe high-mid string that can be continued for further mixups. 4,2 is generally a better punishment for moves that are -12 since it allows her to enter backturn automatically with plus frames, giving you a free backturn mixup.
At -13 frames, she can use f2,3 to wall-splat opponents. Even when you’re further away from the wall, this move knocks them down on the ground so you can continue your offense.
Kunimitsu can launch the opponent for moves that are -14 on block with her f,d,df2. This move can be buffered on block, so you can press the motion inputs while Kunimitsu is blocking the attack, and press 2 as soon as she’s done blocking to launch the opponents. This move requires a little practice to get used to, but it is a great option in her toolkit.
Like most characters, Kunimitsu can launch opponents for moves that are -15 on block with her df2. Df2 is her basic combo starter, and it has a decent range. However, it is -14 on block.
Kunimitsu’s Basic Game Plan
Kunimitsu is a rushdown character with three stances. She has some excellent moves that allow her to get into stances so she can continue her offense. Her moves can always keep the opponent guessing. She also has great movement, which can be used to create whiffs.
In Heat, she gets access to some safe-on-block moves that can be extremely rewarding while dealing chip damage on block. She can use u1+2 during heat to safely enter her backturn stance with +5, even on block, giving you a free mixup.
As Kunimitsu, you have to keep up the stance pressure. She has some great lows, so if your opponent isn’t ducking, you can use these lows to make them duck, which will then open up the opportunity for you to use your high-damaging mids on them.
Kunimitsu’s Stances
Kunimitsu has three stances: Backturn (BT), Katon, and Setsunagake (SET). She can enter backturn manually by pressing b3+4. You can also use full crouch d1+2 to enter backturn by holding back, or by using b4, which is a mid attack.
From backturn, she has access to a powercrush with BT2, or she can use the unparryable low with BTd2, which is only -12 on block.
Her Katon stance can be accessed by pressing 1+2 manually, or you can get into it from 2,2 1+2, or 1,1 1+2. From Katon, she has access to a mid launcher with Katon 3,2 or a low mixup with Katon 4,2. Katon 2 is also a great button where Kunimitsu jumps in the area to attack the opponent, and it is +5 on block.
SET stance can be accessed by pressing f3 manually. You can also get into the stance by hitting the opponent with f4 and holding forward. SET stance is her primary way to approach the opponent. It has a safe-on-block mid with SET 2 that also launches the opponent on counter hit.
Kunimitsu’s Key Moves And Heat Engagers
The following is the list of Heat Engagers for Kunimitsu:
- f1+2
- ws2,1
- BT1,4
- Katon 1,2
- SET 1+2
These moves can allow Kunimitsu to enter heat easily. Furthermore, among her key moves, full crouch d1+2 is a great low to start your pressure. Kunimitsu’s d1 is +3 on block, and can be an effective way to keep up your pressure.
You can use qcf1 to close the distance to an opponent quickly. Qcf1 has a great range, but it can be sidestepped and is -13 on block. However, feel free to use this move a lot if your opponent keeps pressing buttons when they’re far away.
She also gains access to u1+2, db1+2, and Katon d1+2 during heat. These are moves that deal chip damage on block and are also safe. Her b1+2 is also an amazing move that’s currently safe on block but deals a significant amount of damage.
With that, we wrap up the beginner’s guide for Kunimitsu in Tekken 8. Don’t forget to bookmark GameObserver and check back again for more interesting guides and news for your favorite games.
