Learning the Armor Sprint in Tekken 8 is like getting a superpower—except instead of flying or going invisible you run through your opponents’ attacks like a freight train. To add some style to your approach (and annoy the living crap out of your opponent) the Armor Sprint is a great feature in Tekken 8. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works, when to use it, and what to avoid so you don’t end up face-planting in the fight.
What is Armor Sprint?
Armor Sprint is a special type of dash in Tekken 8 that lets you charge at your opponent with extra toughness. Instead of running headfirst into someone’s fist, Armor Sprint gives you the ability to tank one hit during your approach. That’s right, you’ll absorb the hit and keep moving forward like it’s no big deal.
But it doesn’t make you invincible. It’ll only absorb one hit with no value when you receive a multi-hit combo, you will be affected with every blow after the first one. It’s a high-risk, high-reward move that, when timed right, can completely change the flow of a fight. But when mistimed… it’s a shortcut to getting knocked around.
How to Perform Armor Sprint in Tekken 8
Simply double-tap forward (pressing the forward button twice quickly) and then hold down the punch button. Your character will charge ahead with armor properties, ready to take a single hit without flinching.
Or, if you want it even simpler, here’s the formula:
Forward, Forward + Punch
Well, it’s easy to do, but using it at the right time is important. Just because you can sprint through an attack doesn’t mean you should—but I won’t judge if you learn that the hard way.
When to Use Armor Sprint for Maximum Impact
The beauty of the Armor Sprint is its versatility. Most defensive players love to keep you at a distance with quick jabs or pokes, Armor Sprint can be of good value in such combats. As long as it’s just one hit, you can sprint right through it and get up close to do some good damage. It especially works to encounter players who love their zoning moves and try to keep you at arm’s length.
Further, it’s better to perform this Sprint when you predict a single, heavy-hitting move from your opponent. Let’s say they’re winding up for the big punch or kick, you can Armor Sprint right through it with the right timing, receive the hit, and then counter with your attack while they’re vulnerable. It’s satisfying, and it’s also a great way to make your opponent second-guess their strategy. When you can turn their best move against them, you’ve got them right where you want them.
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When to Avoid Using Armor Sprint (Or, How Not to Get Wrecked)
Armor Sprint isn’t without its weaknesses. Like I said, it only absorbs one hit, so any multi-hit move will quickly put you in your place. If you’re up against a character who strings together multiple kicks, or any character that can chain a flurry of attacks, Armor Sprint will not save you from that situation. You’ll absorb the first hit, sure, but then the next two or three hits will knock you down faster than you can say, “I shouldn’t have done that.” And don’t even get me started on throws.
Armor Sprint doesn’t protect you from throws as well, so if your opponent catches on to your strategy, they might grab you out of your sprint and toss you around. So, use it wisely and pay attention to which attack moves your enemy is using. Then there are unblockable attacks. The big, slow, telegraphed moves that make you think, “Oh, I could totally Armor Sprint through that.” Don’t. Unblockables will rip right through your Armor Sprint, and you’ll end up eating a huge chunk of damage. If you see your opponent charging up for something massive, back off right away, sidestep, or simply do anything other than Armor Sprint directly into it.
How to Practice Armor Sprint
To get the hang of Armor Sprint, spend some time in training mode. Practice sprinting through different types of moves, especially the fast jabs and zoning attacks that tend to give players a hard time. Learn what your character can and can’t tank with the sprint so you know exactly when to pull it out in a real match. And only take this sprint move as a single part of your attacks with other moves in the hand. Mix it up with regular dashes, sidesteps, and backdashes to have an upper hand in the battles. The more unpredictable you are, the harder it is for opponents to counter your moves.
One last thing—different characters in Tekken 8 have unique takes on Armor Sprint, so be sure to learn how your guy uses it. Some Tekken 8 characters have faster sprints, while others have special follow-up options that make their sprint even more dangerous. For example, King can use Armor Sprint to get close and set up a throw, forcing your opponent to guess whether they should block or dodge a grab.
So there you have it. The Armor Sprint in Tekken 8 is a powerful tool but only if you use it right. It’s not invincibility in a bottle and it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card. But with good timing, some practice, and a healthy dose of randomness it can be your most satisfying move to hit.
