EA Sports UFC 4 has recently joined the likes of FIFA 21, NHL 21, and Madden 21 on Game Pass after it was recently added to EA Play. The game was initially released in August 2020 and is the latest MMA offering from EA, coming over two years after UFC 3.
The core gameplay of UFC 4is very similar to its predecessor, though some mechanics have been overhauled to make the experience more accessible for new players, especially the ground game. Still, there are plenty of people downloading the fighting game from EA Play who are completely new to the series and possibly even the sport of MMA too. These tips are for them.
Updated December 4, 2021, by Michael Llewellyn:EA’s UFC 4 has proved to be quite a popular title for the franchise. Its inclusion as part of the Xbox Game Pass has introduced a lot of new players to the franchise, which means it’s much easier to get a match in a ranked fight or quick fight than ever before. However, the game’s matchmaking system could use some work, as many new players may find themselves pitted against a much more experienced player that has been on the game since its launch in August 2020. These kinds of fights will always be frustrating for the new player, but going into the game with some of these tips in mind will help improve a newcomer’s experience.
13 Always Keep An Eye On Stamina
Many first-time players will boot up UFC 4, learn what the buttons for head kicks and punches are, then spam them over and over in hopes of securing a cinematic knockout. Like most fighting games, this strategy will often result in a swift defeat.
In the case of UFC 4, the main reason this is such an issue is because of stamina. As is the case in real MMA, fighters need to conserve energy in case the match goes into the later rounds, or else they will be sitting ducks for their opponent to finish off.
12 Don’t Spam/Miss The Big Moves
With stamina in mind, one should also consider using the big moves as sparingly as possible. When playing online, players will always encounter opponents that will spam the overhand haymakers and the flashy head kicks.
However, these moves are only effective if they land. If they miss, the game will penalize the player’s stamina bar significantly. In addition, spamming the bigger moves will make the player too predictable, so use them effectively. Hitting nothing but air will drain the stamina bar far more quickly than if an attack lands on a blocking opponent. Timing these moves is the key to success.
11 Don’t Overuse Dodging
Following on from the previous entry, it’s common that new players will constantly wiggle the right stick in an attempt to dodge punches like Muhammed Ali in his prime. Unlike some fighting games, dodging drains the player’s stamina at a deceivingly high pace in UFC 4, so overusing it is a big mistake.
That’s not to say that the dodging shouldn’t be used at all. It does, of course, have its purpose. However, it should be used sparingly to avoid being gassed in the early rounds.
10 Learn How And When To Counter
As stated above, the dodge mechanic can be a double-edged sword. So using it at the right time is paramount to landing a successful counterattack which can often lead to a flash knockout.
Players will often encounter the kind of opponent that will throw four-hit combos designed to break the guard. This means that they are basically spamming the Square and Triangle buttons for quick combos. It’s frustrating, but the best way to counter this is to practice slipping the straight punch ever so slightly to the side, countering with a hook. The same strategy will work for the hook spammers out there too. To counter the hooks, a quick pull-back on the R stick will cause the opponent to miss and leave them wide open for a devastating counterpunch.
9 Master The Submission Mechanic
As mentioned before, most new players spend their first few hours in the game trying to nail picture-perfect knockouts, so submissions are largely ignored. Although they may not be as flashy as knockouts, submissions are how approximately 25% of fights in the UFC are finished, so it’s important to learn the mechanic.
Thankfully, the game offers in-depth tutorials for submissions, so players can be up to speed before they have their first fight.
8 Keep Your Hands Up
Anyone who has been coached to fight will have undoubtedly heard the phrase “keep your hands up” over and over again. The reason fighters keep their hands up isn’t too tricky to comprehend – it defends the fighter’s head while also keeping their hands at a good height to land head punches of their own.
Players should adopt this simple strategy in UFC 4, ensuring that their hands are up as often as possible. Of course, players also have to contend with body blows but holding their hands up should always be the default stance. Keep in mind that the block won’t protect the player’s fighter forever, as the arms get damaged meaning that the block will become less effective as the fight wears on.
7 Clinch When In Trouble
In any professional fight, whether it be boxing, kickboxing, or MMA, fighters will likely clinch on multiple occasions. Floyd Mayweather is particularly well known for his clinching, as the defense-first fighter will frequently hold onto his opponents if they start getting the upper hand.
When on the receiving end of some hard strikes, clinching or even shooting a takedown is a great way to stop the opponent’s momentum. Just remember that, unlike boxing, MMA fighters can elbow, knee, and take down their opponent while in a clinch, so be sure not to get complacent.
6 Set Up Significant Strikes With Jabs
UFC 4 lets players pull off some extraordinary moves in an attempt to replicate some of the greatest knockouts in MMA history. Spinning back fists, superman punches, and jumping roundhouse kicks are all implemented into the game, though players should think carefully before throwing them.
Not only does throwing audacious knockout attempts drain stamina as mentioned before, but it also makes the player very predictable and easy to pick apart. Instead, it’s best to set up significant strikes with a few jabs, as it will create a better opening while also gaining some footing on the scorecard.
5 Focus On Combos
Following on from the previous point, it’s handy to memorize a handful of reliable combos, which play to the chosen fighter’s strengths and have been worked on in the game’s practice mode.
These combos don’t need to be too in-depth to begin with, just a few one-two combinations that intend to create an opening and catch the opponent by surprise. Once new players are comfortable with a few one-two hits, they can then move up to some more complex combinations.
UFC 4 is designed to reward those who use combos, so players should be implementing them into their fights as soon as possible.
4 Pick A Fighter To Suit Your Playstyle
As the name mixed martial arts suggests, the sport features fighters with a huge range of styles, from Muay Thai to Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing.
Consequently, when selecting a fighter, players should ensure that they’re picking someone who is compatible with their game plan. For example, if players are going for a quick knockout, they should go with a hard-hitting kickboxer. On the other hand, those planning to finish with a submission will need someone who is well-versed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
3 Don’t Ignore Body Shots and Leg Kicks
Considering that knockouts occur when someone is struck on the head, many new players believe that swinging for that area with every strike is a logical move. However, this can create numerous issues.
For starters, constantly swinging for the head will make the player extremely easy to predict, allowing the opponent to easily block, dodge, and counter. Furthermore, body and leg kicks have a plethora of benefits, such as wearing the opponent down, making them overprotect a certain area, or even forcing them to give up if they take too much punishment to a specific body part.
2 Create Distance When Needed
In UFC 4, somw fighters are well suited for coming forward and keeping the pressure on with strikes and in-fighting. The best way to deal with these opponents is to try and create as much distance as possible.
Using spinning back kicks and sidekicks to the body is a great way to push an opponent back and drain their stamina. The UFC also has a push-away feature that is effective for getting some distance. Fighters with a long reach should also utilize the lunge away mechanic, which is great for backing away from an opponent and landing a counter.
1 When An Opponent Is Rocked, Go All Out For The Finish
As new players begin to improve at UFC 4, they will start landing flush blows that will rock their opponent. It’s easy to know when this has happened as there will be numerous audio and visual indicators, such as the stamina and corresponding health bar flashing.
When an opponent is rocked, throwing the game plan out of the window and starting to swing for the fences suddenly becomes a solid idea. Granted, there’s always the chance that the opponent can land a successful counter-attacking blow, though their chances are slim and the opportunity to finish the opponent shouldn’t be squandered. However, be aware a more experienced player can easily turn the tide of combat very quickly. Additionally, one should keep an eye on their own stamina at this point because going wild and not getting a successful KO will be a huge drain on the stamina of the player’s fighter.
EA Sports UFC 4 is available now for the PS4 and the Xbox One
