Everything You Need to Know About Dragunov in Tekken 8

Overview

Dragunov is known as a pressure monster. He can apply strong 50/50s and has great whiff punishes. And in Tekken 8, he got some additional tools that enhance this playstyle even more. Heat mode was also kind to Dragunov, as his grabs become unbreakable while it’s active. Overall nerf to the counterhit tools across the board means that what’s available to him is even stronger in comparison.

Best Buttons

Best Pokes

2,1 – every other character gets 1,2, he has 2,1. Has access to his snakedash.
df1 – a good move that has an extension, but use without it as a poke.
df4 – 12 frames, good range, but not as good on hit and on block.
db2 – good tracking move that has a nice string in db2,1,2. -14 on block though.
WS4 – a very important move for Dragunov as it’s one of his tracking moves.
b4 – this move became very good in Tekken 8. Good on hit and on block.
b2 – great properties on hit and block, and leaves you in full crouch.
WS1 – has different transitions. You can do WS1,2 or WS1,3, and even WS1 into snakedash.

Mixups and Oki

d1 – 18 frame move, but has some nice followups on counterhit.
b1+2 – great on hit and on block. Has a guaranteed followup on hit.
qcf4 – new move in Tekken 8, it’s Dragunov’s Heat Engager. Hits grounded.
d2 – great low for mixups, highcrush, great followup on counterhit.
WS2 – a bit risky.
WS3 or WS1 – safer moves.
b4,2,1 – a decent mixup option. You can delay every attack of this string.

Pressure

Great moves to apply pressure to your opponent, most are plus on block.

d1
b1+2
qcf4
db3+4
d2
FC df1,4
WR2

Punishes

2,1
4,1
df4
df1
f4,3
df2
uf1
f1+2
4,3,1+2
FC d1
WS4
WS1,2
WS1,3
WS1+2
WS2
uf1
qcf1

Heat Moves

1,2,1 – guaranteed followup when you Heat Dash.
b4,3 – becomes a launcher in Heat when you dash
4,3,1+2 – same properties.
qcf4 – confirmable into launch.
FC grab – leads into Heat.
FC df1 into 1+2 – unbreakable grab.
WR2 into 1+2 – another unbreakable throw.

Launchers

Regular

df2
1cf1
3+4
db3
qcb2
wS2
uf1
f1+2
b1+2
uf4

Counterhit

WR2
db2,1,2 – only the last hit launches.
ub2

Gameplan

Dragunov has great pressure tools, so don’t hesitate to use them to start your offense. If your opponent hesitates, feel free to start your 50/50 game. When you get a life lead, pay attention to your opponent’s whiffs, so look for the whiff punish opportunities.

For his defense, you have great movement, so sidestep often or use your buttons with plus frames and good startups to take your turn back.

Combos

df2, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 1+2
WS2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 1+2
qcf2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
1,3,2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
db2,1,2 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
df2, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 3+4
WR2, qcf3+4, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
df1,4 qcf3+4, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2 dash 3,1~df SNK 2
df2, 4,4 FC df1,4 SNK 2, SSR, dash, df3+4, Heat Burst, df3+4, 2,1 SNK 4, Heast Dash, b1+2

Wall Combo

uf1, WR4, d3,1+2,1+2
uf1, qcf2, WR4
uf1, qcf2, d3,1+2,1+2

Conclusion

Dragunov is very strong at pressuring his opponents with moves that are very good both on block and on hit. He has great mixups, and great Oki. His launchers can be followed by very high-damaging combos. His throws are also very threatening. On the downside, people can sidestep Dragunov quite easily, so you need to pay attention. His block punishment is also not very good. Overall though, he one of the best characters in the game currently, so consider using him to gain ranks!