Documented for this version

Which controls does this version use?

Actions

Tekken 3 action controls
D-pad
Move the fighter

Up and down change the fighter's position in the 3D arena.

LeftRight
Walk forward or backward

Direction depends on the fighter's facing.

Square
Left punch
Triangle
Right punch
Cross
Left kick
Circle
Right kick
L1
Tag or mode-specific command

The exact function varies by mode and configuration.

R1
Tag or mode-specific command

The exact function varies by mode and configuration.

Start
Pause the game

Control notes

  • Button functions can vary with in-game control configuration.

  • Directional inputs are combined with attack buttons for special moves and throws.

How it plays

How does Tekken 3 play?

Tekken 3 is played from a side-on perspective in fully 3D arenas. The objective is to defeat an opponent by reducing their life bar before time expires. Players can move laterally, block, throw, counterattack, and combine four attack buttons into character-specific moves and combos.

Arcade mode progresses through a sequence of battles and ends with a character-specific conclusion. Other modes alter the structure through teams, time limits, survival rules, or special objectives. Tekken Force uses beat-'em-up stages, while Tekken Ball adds a ball-based scoring game with fighting mechanics.

Plan your run

What is the best way to play Tekken 3?

Learn a small set of reliable attacks before memorizing long combos. Practice spacing, sidesteps, launchers, and safe ways to recover after a blocked attack.

Use throws and low attacks to challenge opponents who block high, but avoid repeating predictable patterns. In Arcade and Survival, conserve health by favoring controlled punishment over risky launches.

Meet the cast

Who are the key characters?

1

Jin Kazama

The central new protagonist, trained by Heihachi and carrying the Devil Gene inherited through his family.

2

Heihachi Mishima

The head of the Mishima Zaibatsu and a veteran fighter seeking to control the threat posed by Ogre.

3

Ogre

An ancient fighting entity that attacks and absorbs the abilities of powerful martial artists.

4

Ling Xiaoyu

A young Chinese martial artist who uses agile movement and acrobatic attacks.

5

Paul Phoenix

An American martial artist and one of the series' returning fighters.

Documented inputs

What cheats and unlocks are documented?

Documented unlock

Clear arcade and bonus modes to gradually unlock hidden characters and extra rewards.

Before you begin

What should you know before playing?

  1. 1

    Use Practice mode to check the range and recovery of each launcher.

  2. 2

    Sidestep attacks and linear moves rather than constantly backing away.

  3. 3

    Team Battle and Survival reward dependable punishment more than flashy combos.

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