How to Counter and Punish Kazuya in Tekken 8

Kazuya Mishima is a powerful character in Tekken 8. His mix-ups, Electric Wind God Fist (EWGF), and Devil Form make him a tough opponent. Beating him requires strong defense and smart punishes.

Understand Kazuya’s Strengths

Kazuya has fast electric attacks that launch on counter-hit. His Hell Sweep is a strong low move that leads to high damage. He also has a powerful wavedash that keeps opponents guessing. His Rage Drive and Rage Art are dangerous in the right hands.

Block and Punish Hell Sweep

Kazuya’s Hell Sweep is unsafe on block. Watch for his wavedash movement. When you see the animation, prepare to block low. Once you block it, punish with a launcher or a fast knockdown move.

Sidestep His Electric Wind God Fist

Kazuya’s EWGF is fast and safe. However, it has a weakness. Sidestep to the left to avoid it. This move has little recovery, so punishing it directly is hard. Instead, sidestepping can make him whiff, allowing you to punish.

Interrupt His Wavedash Mix-Ups

Kazuya players use wavedash to mix between mid and low attacks. Jab or use a fast mid attack to interrupt. If he keeps wavedashing, check him with quick pokes. This will stop his pressure and force mistakes.

Break His Throws

Kazuya has strong command throws. If you see him go for a grab, break the throw with the right input. Learn his animations to react quickly.

Punish His Unsafe Moves

Many of Kazuya’s moves are unsafe. His Down Forward 2 is launch punishable if not done on counter-hit. His Twin Pistons is unsafe if blocked. Know your character’s punishes and use them at the right moment.

Pressure Him on Wake-Up

Kazuya struggles against strong okizeme. Once you knock him down, keep attacking. Force him to guess between mids and lows. His wake-up options are not the best, so take advantage of them.

Stay Patient and Punish Wisely

Kazuya is dangerous but predictable. Do not get greedy with attacks. Wait for him to make a mistake and punish hard. A strong defense will make it harder for him to open you up.

You can also beat true devil kazuya with angel jin with these strategies:

1. Avoid His Electric Wind God Fist (EWGF)

True Devil Kazuya’s EWGF is fast, safe, and launches on counter-hit. Sidestep left to make it whiff, then punish with a quick launcher or a strong poke. If you can’t sidestep in time, block and prepare for follow-ups.

2. Block and Punish Hell Sweep

True Devil Kazuya’s Hell Sweep is a devastating low that leads to high damage. If you notice his wavedash, prepare to block low. Once blocked, counter with a launcher or a fast Wall-Splat move if near a wall.

3. Use Angel Jin’s Mobility

Angel Jin likely has good mobility and range attacks. Use movement to keep a safe distance and bait out unsafe moves. If Angel Jin has projectile or teleport abilities, use them to control space and avoid Kazuya’s approach.

4. Punish His Unsafe Attacks

True Devil Kazuya has powerful but unsafe moves:

• Demon God Fist is unsafe if blocked.
• Twin Pistons (1,2) can be punished if blocked.
• Up Forward 4 (Jump Kick) can be sidestepped and countered.

Learn your best 10-frame and 15-frame punishers and apply them.

5. Counter His Rage Drive and Rage Art

True Devil Kazuya’s Rage Drive is fast and can wall-splat. If you see him glowing red, play defensively. His Rage Art has startup frames, so a quick low poke or throw can interrupt him if timed correctly.

6. Use Okizeme to Pressure Him

Once you knock True Devil Kazuya down, keep attacking. He has slow wake-up options, so mix between mid and low attacks. Safe meaty attacks can force him to block, reducing his offensive potential.

7. Stay Patient and Punish Mistakes

True Devil Kazuya is powerful but relies on predictable mix-ups. If you stay calm and block correctly, you can force him to make mistakes. Wait for unsafe moves and punish hard.

Conclusion

Kazuya can dominate careless opponents. However, if you understand his weaknesses, you can counter him effectively. Block his lows, sidestep his electrics, and punish his unsafe moves. Stay patient, and you will beat Kazuya in Tekken 8.