Alright, guys, let’s talk about submissions in WWE 2K23. I’ve been messing around with this for a while, and I finally feel like I’ve got a decent handle on it, so I wanted to share my experience.
Figuring Out the Basics
First thing I did was just jump into a few matches. I picked characters known for submissions, like Bret Hart and Kurt Angle, just to get a feel for it. I tried both the button mashing and the stick-twirling methods, just winging it at first.
Honestly, I got tapped out a lot at the beginning. It felt like no matter what I did, the AI was just reversing everything or escaping instantly. Super frustrating!
Digging Deeper
After getting my butt kicked repeatedly, I decided to actually, you know, read the in-game tutorials. (Yeah, I know, shocking, right?). It turns out there’s a bit more to it than just spamming buttons.
- Stamina Matters: I noticed that trying to slap on a submission when my opponent was fresh was pretty much useless. I needed to wear them down first.
- Targeting Limbs: The tutorial emphasized focusing my attacks on a specific body part. So, if I wanted to finish with an armbar, I’d work the arm throughout the match. Makes sense!
The Two Submission Systems
The game gives you two options for how to handle submissions, which i tried my best to master both.
- Button Mashing: It’s a classic. You just hammer on the face buttons (A, B, X, Y on Xbox; X, Circle, Square, Triangle on PlayStation) to fill your meter and try to out-mash your opponent. I’ve found you have to try different combinations of button presses and use varying speeds.
- The Wheel: This one uses the right stick. You rotate it to chase a little segment around a circle, trying to keep your zone overlapping the opponent’s. To be honest, i’ve found that once i get used to it, it provides me with more wins.
My Practice Routine
Here’s what I started doing to actually get better:
- Pick a Target: I’d choose a wrestler and focus on weakening one limb, usually the legs or arms.
- Wear ‘Em Down: I used moves that specifically targeted that limb. Signature moves and finishers are great for this.
- Go for the Submission: Once I saw the limb was damaged (it turns red in the little body display), I’d try to apply the submission hold.
- Button Mashing or Stick Twirling: I’d experiment with both methods to see which one felt more natural for that particular hold.
Finally Getting Some Wins!
After a few days of doing this, I started actually winning submission matches! It felt good. It’s still not easy, especially against tougher opponents, but I no longer feel completely helpless.
My biggest takeaway? Patience. Don’t just rush into a submission. Wear your opponent down, focus on a limb, and then choose the right moment. And don’t be afraid to experiment with both submission systems to see which one you prefer.
Good luck, and happy tapping!
