Input delay is a critical factor in fighting games, especially in Tekken 8, where precise timing can mean the difference between victory and defeat. In this blog, we’ll explore what input delay means, how it measures up in Tekken 8, and why it matters for players at every skill level.
What Is Input Delay in Fighting Games?
Input delay refers to the time between pressing a button on your controller and seeing the corresponding action on the screen. It’s influenced by several factors, including:
- Frame rate of the game
- Display technology (e.g., monitors vs. TVs)
- Connection quality during online matches
The conversion of frames to milliseconds indicates that at 60 frames per second (fps), each frame corresponds to approximately 16.67 milliseconds. This is detailed on the FPS to MS website, which provides a straightforward reference for frame rates and their equivalent time intervals.
Additionally, the Frames To Ms Calculator also explains the calculation, confirming that to convert frames to milliseconds, you divide 1000 by the frame rate (in this case, 60 fps), resulting in approximately 16.67 ms per frame.
How Much Input Delay Does Tekken 8 Have?
Recent analyses have shown that the average input delay in Tekken 8 is around 3.5 frames or approximately 57 milliseconds on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) source. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessor, Tekken 7, which launched with an input delay of about 8 frames source. The reduction in input lag makes Tekken 8 one of the most responsive titles in the series, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Offline Matches
- In offline matches, Tekken 8 benefits from minimal input delay, generally around 1 frame. This is a significant improvement compared to Tekken 7, which had about 2 frames of input lag even in offline play. The reduction is due to the removal of unnecessary artificial input lag that existed in its predecessor source.
Online Matches
- Online gameplay introduces additional input lag based on the quality of the connection. The game features different settings that affect input delay depending on the chosen rollback option:
- Default Setting:
- Ping 0-66 ms: 0 frames
- Ping 67-100 ms: 1 frame
- Ping 101-133 ms: 2 frames
- Ping 134-200 ms: 3 frames
- Ping 201-233 ms: 4 frames
- Ping 234+ ms: 5 frames
- Prefer Fluidity Setting:
- Ping 0-100 ms: 1 frame
- Ping 101-133 ms: 2 frames
- Ping 134-200 ms: 3 frames
- Ping 201-233 ms: 4 frames
- Ping 234+ ms: 5 frames
- Prefer Responsiveness Setting:
- This option minimizes additional network lag, potentially resulting in 0 frames of added delay for low ping values source.
To make online matches even more enjoyable, ensure you’re familiar with Tekken 8’s multiplayer nuances. Wondering if you can play with multiple controllers or switch input modes during matches? Check out Can You Play with 2 Controllers on Tekken 8?.
Summary of Input Lag
- Offline Input Lag: Approximately 1 frame.
- Online Input Lag:
- Varies from 0 to 5 frames depending on ping and selected settings.
In Tekken 8, mastering your character’s moves often depends on having the lowest possible input delay. If you’re still experimenting with new characters, check out our guide on Why Can’t You Practice a New Character in Tekken 8? to optimize your training sessions.
Pro Tip: Always use a wired connection and disable background apps on your network for the best performance.
Factors That Influence Input Delay in Tekken 8
1. Hardware and Display
- Controller Input Lag: Older controllers or third-party hardware can introduce lag. Use officially supported devices to avoid this.
- Display Latency: Gaming monitors with 1ms response times are ideal. Avoid TVs with high refresh rates but poor input latency.
2. Connection Type
- Wired internet connections provide 50% lower latency than Wi-Fi.
- Use a Category 6 Ethernet cable for faster and more reliable connectivity.
3. Game Settings
- Reduce graphical settings that tax your system unnecessarily.
- Enable the Performance Mode if you’re on a console like PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X.
How Tekken 8’s Rollback Netcode Helps
Rollback netcode predicts your inputs and “rolls back” to correct them if needed. While not perfect, it significantly improves the online experience by:
- Reducing stutter in matches.
- Synchronizing actions across players with varying internet speeds.
Players have reported smoother gameplay compared to previous Tekken titles, making Tekken 8 more accessible for global competition.
Comparison with Previous Titles
- Tekken 7: Initially had around 8 frames of input lag.
- Tekken 8: Improved to approximately 3.5 frames on PS5, with expectations of even lower input lag on PC source.
Tips to Reduce Input Delay While Playing Tekken 8
Optimizing Your Setup
- Use a wired controller. Wireless options often introduce minor latency.
- Opt for a monitor with a refresh rate of 144Hz or higher and low input lag.
Improving Your Internet
- Always play on a wired Ethernet connection.
- Set up Quality of Service (QoS) on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.
Game-Specific Adjustments
- Enable the Network Smoothing Option in Tekken 8 for more stable matches.
- Practice in offline mode to get accustomed to input timing without network interference.
If you’re interested in how these changes impact practice sessions, check out Can You Mute Music in Practice Mode in Tekken 8? for tips on customizing your experience.
FAQs About Input Delay in Tekken 8
Q: Does Tekken 8 Have Better Input Delay Than Tekken 7?
Yes. Thanks to improved rollback netcode and optimizations for next-gen consoles, Tekken 8 offers noticeably lower input delay.
Q: Can Display Settings Affect Input Lag in Tekken 8?
Absolutely. Setting your console or PC to performance mode and using a low-latency monitor significantly reduces lag.
Q: How Do I Check My Input Delay During Matches?
You can’t directly check input delay, but you can monitor the ping or latency with your opponent in the match stats.
Q: Will a Fight Stick Reduce Input Lag?
Fight sticks don’t inherently reduce lag. However, high-quality, wired fight sticks are more responsive than cheaper wireless models.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences in input delay between online and offline matches in Tekken 8 is crucial for players aiming to optimize their performance. For the best experience, utilizing wired connections and adjusting game settings to prioritize responsiveness can significantly reduce lag during online play. For further details on connection types and their impact on gameplay, check out the Wavu Wiki.
Don’t let input lag be the reason you lose a match. Take control of your setup and fight your way to the top of the leaderboards!