Reina is one of the most stylish characters in Tekken 8, and early data shows she’s one of the most used fighters in the game. She’s also remarkably complex. Still, don’t let that put you off; check out our Tekken 8 Reina Beginner’s Guide, where I’ll teach you the basics.
How to play Reina in Tekken 8
Before I bombard you with moves and homework, let’s go over Reina’s game plan. Reina is an explosive character who likes to get up close and dismantle her enemies with a dizzying array of attacks. If left unchecked, Reina can run rings around her opponents, and she has several stances that flow into each other.
While powerful, Reina suffers from pretty bad low moves. Good opponents will know this, and it can be hard to start an offensive push. Many of Reina’s moves are unsafe and punishable, so you must have comprehensive knowledge of her moves to stay unpredictable.
Mastery of Reina’s kit will come with dedication and patience. If you put the time in, you can do tremendous things with this stylish fighter.
While this is a beginner’s guide, you will need to learn Tekken notation if you’re looking for information outside the game.
I’ve written an in-depth guide on the subject, but you can use the image above for reference. Notations may seem unnecessary, but anyone can read them regardless of their controller.
Reina’s best moves in Tekken 8
Reina has an immense move list that can fluster even seasoned Tekken pros. You’ll have an easier time if you learn a small pool of moves and build from there. Here are my picks for ten of Reina’s best. I recommend learning these attacks in practice mode before trying against AI opponents and then online.
I know online is scary, but it’s the best place to learn. Make it your goal to land 2 or 3 of the following moves each fight, and you’ll be surprised how fast you memorize them.
Musho Tensho (df1, 1)
If you’re new to Tekken, you may be surprised to learn that jabs and fast moves are among the most potent attacks in the game. Big, stylish abilities look cool, but good luck landing outside combos.
Musho Tensho is a quick mid/high jab string, and the 2nd hit is guaranteed if the first one lands. The 2nd hit is duckable, but your opponent would be unwise to crouch. You can use df1, 2 to make the string mid/mid. Doing the attack this way also makes it a Heat Engager.
Flash Punch Combo (112)
Flash Punch Combo is a classic Mishima-style punishment tool, although it doesn’t knock down. Remember that the first two punches are safe, but the 3rd isn’t, so don’t spam it into blocking opponents.
The 3rd hit is guaranteed if the first or 2nd strike lands, and it’s a superb fast move to throw out and keep your opponent honest.
Eisaimon (db2)
Reina has bad low options, but Eisaimon is one of her best. If your opponent refuses to duck, check them with db2 for a decent chunk of damage. Like most lows, Eisaimon is punishable, but it’s pretty fast and should be fine if you’re not using it all the time.
Raiden (ff2)
Raiden may be my favorite move in Reina’s entire kit. This move is a safe mid-jab with fantastic range, but that’s not all. If you hold f afterward, Reina will spin into Sentai Stance.
You can use any Sentai move, but I like to use 1,2 as it’s a powerful armor string. You can also use 3+4 for a cheeky low extension or 3 for a Heat Engager. If you want to be even more obnoxious, use 1+3 or 2+4 from Sentai to perform an unbreakable throw.
Ebi-geri (b4)
Ebi-geri is excellent for dealing with your opponent’s high moves if you see them coming. Reina performs an evasive kick, ducking under high attacks.
Ebi-Geri launches on a counter hit so you can perform a combo, and the move is safe if blocked.
Trailokya Splits Kick (ff3)
If your opponent keeps slipping under your high attacks, you can use your Trailokya Splits Kick. This overhead attack hits crouching opponents and is also a Heat Engager.
Trailokya Splits Kick is a little slow but is perfectly safe, even if it’s blocked.
Kasho Maki-manji (d 3+4, 4)
This mid/high string is unsafe but worth throwing out to see if your opponent reacts. If the d 3+4 lands, the 4 is guaranteed afterward. The best thing about this move is Reina ducks low to perform it.
If you land a counter hit, Reina performs an unbreakable throw instead, which hits for a whopping 41 damage. Don’t rely on this move, as it’s risky, but the payoff is worth it.
Seigan Ugachi (uf1)
Seigan Ugachi is a fast, safe, high strike that puts Reina into Heaven’s Wrath stance. If you land a counter hit, you can follow up with a guaranteed 2 for a ton of damage and a Heat Engager. You can use an unbreakable throw from Heaven’s Wrath with 1+3 or 2+4.
Sin Smiter (b2)
Sin Smiter is excellent for dealing with side-stepping opponents as it’s fast and tracks. This move hits mid and is safe, so use it to deal with evasive fighters.
Electric Wind God Fist (EWGF) (f, neutral, d, df+2)
EWGF is one of the most challenging moves to learn in Tekken, as it has such strict timing. I’ve written a separate guide for electrics, which I recommend reading if you’re a new player. Don’t beat yourself up because you won’t be able to do this immediately.
This move is hard to input because of the timing. You must press 2 on the exact same frame as df. If you’re a split second off, you’ll do a regular Wind God Fist instead.
EWGF is a quick uppercut that launches your opponent and is safe even if blocked. You maintain an advantage with EWGF, which even has pushback to keep you safe. Wind God Fist still launches, but it’s punishable.
What beginner combo should I use with Reina?
Here’s the first combo I learned for Reina, and it’s great because it’s so versatile. I’ve suggested a launcher, but you can do the middle and end parts if your opponent is in the air. This combo is excellent as it does decent damage and has easy inputs.
df2, df1, df4 2 3, df3 1 4
You may have to dash just before the df3 to ensure the final blows land. With practice, you can swap the df2 for a Wind God Fist and even 2 EWGFs for a massive damage increase.
What does Heat do for Reina in Tekken 8?
Reina is an absolute menace when Heat is active. For starters, all of her Wind God Fists become electric, which is a tremendous offensive buff. Heaven’s Wrath stance auto parries high and mid attacks and is so oppressive that your opponent may just clam up until your Heat is over.
If you didn’t think Reina had enough moves, she also has a 2nd Heat Smash you can perform from Heaven’s Wrath stance. The Heat Smash is unique as it can break the floor of select stages for extra combo potential.
Is Reina suitable for beginners in Tekken 8?
I’ve seen this question come up a lot on social media, and it’s always met with mixed answers. As someone who’s played Tekken since the start, I firmly believe you should pick a character that speaks to you. Whether you’re drawn to Reina for her looks or style, you can play her, even if you’re a beginner.
I can’t sugarcoat it: Reina is far more complicated than most other fighters in Tekken 8. However, she has easy moves as well. As a novice, you can lean on many of the moves in the list above and incorporate more advanced stuff later.
The Electric Wind God Fist is a massive hurdle, and you may not even get it consistent after months of play. That said, you will do it eventually if you stick with Reina and practice. The important part about learning a complex character is to take things at your own pace. Try not to get disheartened; it will all eventually click into place.
