UFC 4
for PS4
Text Manual
UFC 4 PS4 Guide
Contents
Getting Started
PlayStation® 4 System
Starting a game: Before use, carefully read the instructions supplied with the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system. The documentation contains information on setting up and using your system as well as important safety information.
Touch the (power) button of the PlayStation® 4 system to turn the system on. The power indicator blinks blue, and then turns white. Insert the UFC®4 disc with the label facing up into the disc slot. The game appears in the content area of the home screen. Select the software title in the PlayStation® 4 system home screen, and then press the cross button. Refer to this manual for information on using the software.
Quitting a game: Press and hold the PlayStation button, and then select [Close Application] on the screen that is displayed.
Returning to the home screen from a game: To return to the home screen without quitting a game, press the PlayStation button. To resume playing the game, select it from the content area.
Removing a disc: Touch the eject button after quitting the game.
Trophies: Earn, compare and share trophies that you earn by making specific in-game accomplishments. Trophies access requires a Sony Entertainment Network account.
SHAPE YOUR LEGEND
In EA SPORTS™ UFC®4 the fighter you become is shaped by your fight style, your achievements, and your personality. Develop and customize your character through a unified progression system across all modes. Go from unknown amateur to UFC superstar in the new Career Mode, experience the origins of combat sports in two all-new environments; The Kumite and The Backyard, or challenge the world in new Blitz Battles or Online World Championships to become the undisputed champ. In gameplay, fluid clinch-to-strike combinations offer more responsive and authentic stand-up gameplay, while overhauled takedown and ground mechanics deliver more control in those key phrases of the fight. No matter how, or where, you play EA SPORTS UFC 4 puts ‘you’ at the center of every fight.
CONTROLS
Note: All cross button/circle button and square button/triangle button controls assume your fighter is in Orthodox Stance. These controls are reversed in Southpaw Stance.
Stand Up: Striking Fundamentals
Locomotion: left stick
Head Movement: right stick
Switch Stance: R3 button
Lead Jab: square button (tap)
Back Cross: triangle button (tap)
Lead Leg Kick: cross button (tap)
Back Leg Kick: circle button (tap)
Lead Hook: L1 button + square button (tap)
Back Hook: L1 button + triangle button (tap)
Lead Uppercut: square button + cross button (tap)
Back Uppercut: triangle button + circle button (tap)
Lead Body Kick: L2 button + cross button (tap)
Back Body Kick: L2 button + circle button (tap)
Lead Head Kick: L1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Head Kick: L1 button + circle button (tap)
Body Strike Modifier: L2 button
Strike Modifiers: L1 button and/or R1 button
High Block: R2 button
Low Block: L2 button + R2 button
Leg Catch: L2 button + R2 button (timed)
Clinch Attempt: R1 button + square button or cross button (tap)
Taunts: dpad right/ dpad up/ dpad left/ dpad down
STAND UP: STRIKING ADVANCED (FIGHTER DEPENDENT)
Lead Overhand: R1 button + square button (hold)
Back Overhand: R1 button + triangle button (hold)
Lead Question Mark Kick: L1 button + cross button (hold)
Back Question Mark Kick: L1 button + circle button (hold)
Back Jump Spin Kick Body: L2 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Switch Kick Body: L2 button + circle button (hold)
Lead Front Kick: R1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Front Kick: R1 button + cross button (tap)
Lead Crane or Jumping Switch Kick: R1 button + circle button (hold)
Back Crane or Jumping Switch Kick: R1 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Front Kick Body: L2 button + R1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Front Kick Body: L2 button + R1 button + circle button (tap)
Back Crane Kick Body: L2 button + R1 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Crane Kick Body: L2 button + R1 button + circle button (hold)
Lead Side Kick Body: L2 button + L1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Side Kick Body: L2 button + L1 button + circle button (tap)
Back Spin Side Kick Body: L2 button + L1 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Spin Side Kick Body: L2 button + L1 button + circle button (hold)
Lead Side Kick Leg: L2 button + R1 button + square button (tap)
Back Oblique Kick Leg: L2 button + R1 button triangle button (tap)
Lead “2 Touch” Kick Head: L2 button + R1 button + square button (hold)
Lead Spin Handplant Body: L2 button + R1 button + triangle button (hold)
Lead Spinning Backfist: L1 button + R1 button + square button (tap)
Back Spinning Backfist: L1 button + R1 button + triangle button (tap)
Lead Spinning Heel Kick: L1 button + R1 button + square button (hold)
Back Spinning Heel Kick: L1 button + R1 button + triangle button (hold)
Lead Hook or Axe Kick: L1 button + R1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Hook or Axe Kick: L1 button + R1 button + circle button (tap)
Back Spin Side Kick Head: L1 button + R1 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Spin Side Kick Head: L1 button + R1 button + circle button (hold)
Lead Superman Jab: L1 button + square button + cross button (tap)
Back Superman Punch: L1 button + triangle button + circle button (tap)
Lead Jumping Roundhouse: L1 button + square button + cross button (hold)
Back Jumping Roundhouse: L1 button + triangle button + circle button (hold)
Lead Side Kick Head: R1 button + square button + cross button (tap)
Back Side Kick Head or Ducking Roundhouse: R1 button + triangle button + circle button (tap)
Lead Tornado Kick: R1 button + square button + cross button (hold)
Back Cartwheel Kick: R1 button + triangle button + circle button (hold)
Lead Elbow: R2 button + square button (tap)
Back Elbow: R2 button + triangle button (tap)
Lead Spinning Elbow: R2 button + square button (hold)
Back Spinning Elbow: R2 button + square button (hold)
Lead Knee: R2 button + triangle button (tap)
Back Knee: R2 button + circle button (tap)
Lead Flying Switch Knee: R2 button + cross button (hold)
Lead Flying Knee: R2 button + circle button (hold)
STAND UP: TAKEDOWNS/DEFENSE
Single Leg: L2 button + square button (hold)
Double Leg: L2 button + triangle button (hold)
Power Single Leg: L2 button + L1 button + square (hold)
Power Double Leg: L2 button + L1 button + triangle (hold)
Driving Takedowns (Defended Late Takedowns): left stick right/ left stick up/ left stick left
Defend Takedown: L2 button + R2 button
Defend Driving Takedown: left stick (match attacker direction)
CLINCH: FUNDAMENTALS
Note: Clinches are performed with R1 button + square button (tap) or cross button (tap)
Move Opponent: left stick
Transition: R1 button + square button (tap) or triangle button (tap)
Transitions on Cage: left stick
Trips/Throws: R1 button + cross button (tap) or circle button (tap)
High Block: R2 button
Low Block: L2 button + R2 button
Defend Trips/ Throws: L2 button + R2 button
Escape Clinch: left stick (pull away from opponent)
Lead Uppercut: square button (tap)
Back Uppercut: triangle button (tap)
Lead Hook: L1 button + square button (tap)
Back Hook: L1 button + square button (tap)
Body Strike Modifier: L2 button
Lead Elbow: L1 button + R1 button + square button (tap)
Back Elbow: L1 button + R1 button + triangle button (tap)
Lead Knee Leg: cross button (tap)
Back Knee Leg: circle button (tap)
Lead Knee Body: L1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Knee Body: L1 button + circle button (tap)
Lead Knee Head: L1 button + cross button (tap)
Back Knee Body: L1 button + circle button (tap)
Flying Submissions: L2 button + R1 button + square button or triangle button (tap)
Single and Double Leg Takedowns and Defense: See control section Stand Up: Takedowns/Defense
GROUND: FUNDAMENTALS
Advanced Transitions: right stick (see Control sections Ground: Advanced)
Grapple Assist Get Up: left stick up
Grapple Assist Submit: left stick left
Grapple Assist GnP: left stick right
Grapple Assist Alternate: L1 button + right stick up/ right stick left/ right stick right
Defend Transitions, Sweeps, and Get Ups: R2 button + right stick right/ right stick up / right stick left/ right stick down
Reversals: R2 button + right stick right/ right stick up / right stick left/ right stick down (timed)
GROUND: ADVANCED
Get up/Transitions/Sweeps: right stick right/right stick up/ right stick left/ right stick down
Advanced Positions: L1 button + right stick right/ right stick up/ right stick up left/ right stick down
Submission Attempts: L2 button + right stick right/ right stick up/ right stick left/ right stick down
GROUND: GROUND AND POUND
Lead Straight: square button (tap)
Back Straight: triangle button (tap)
Lead Hook: L1 button + square button (tap)
Back Hook: L1 button + triangle button (tap)
Lead Elbow: L1 button + R1 button + square button (tap)
Back Elbow: L1 button + R1 button + triangle button (tap)
Body Knees: A button (tap) or B button (tap)
Body Modifier: L2 button (tap)
High Block: R2 button (tap)
Low Block: L2 button + R2 button (tap)
Head Movement: right stick left/ right stick right
Defense Post: L1 button + right stick left/ right stick right
INSIDE THE OCTAGON
Fight Tips
Put your skills to the test inside the Octagon. Use these tips to master the techniques that lead to victory!
Striking
Building of UFC 3’s improved RPM, UFC 4 has simplified strike input complexity by adding tap and hold inputs (see Stand Up: Striking Advanced (Fighter Dependent) in Controls), making striking and managing distance better than ever before!
Combinations
Every fighting style has strike combinations that throw with more speed and fluidity than a random combination of strike inputs. Check the in-game move list to see which combinations your fighter throws with maximum efficiency.
Blocking and Strike Feints
Remember to balance your offense with your defense. Blocking not only provides some relief from incoming strike and stamina recovery, it also builds up your Grapple Advantage to help tilt the fight in your favor (See Game Screen for more information on Grapple Advantage).
Hold R2 button to block high, or R2 + L2 buttons to block low. Your blocks will break if you absorb too many strikes close together, so time your blocks carefully.
Alternatively, press R2 button to feint a strike to throw off your opponent. Feinting also cancels any attacks you’re making which helps if you start to throw a head kick you think you’ll regret.
HEAD MOVEMENT & STRIKE VULNERABILITY
Use the right stick to dip your hear and evade incoming strikes. This year in UFC 4, you can now move your head while blocking (hold R2 + right stick). Some core punches throw more effectively from specific head positions.
Be Careful: Moving your head into an opponent’s strike (such as ducking into an uppercut or dodging into a flying knee) increases your damage taken.
While throwing a strike, your own strike vulnerability increases: in other words, you take more damage if you’re hit while attempting to throw your own strike. Time your strikes carefully!
Clinch
New to UFC 4, the Clinch is the close-range, grapple fight variation of the Stand Up game (and no longer uses right stick grapple controls). To enter the Clinch, press R1 button and hold the square or triangle buttons. To escape, simple push the left stick away from your opponent. While in the Clinch, moving, striking, transitioning, takedowns, and submission attempts are down with the left stick and button inputs (see Clinch: Fundamentals in Controls).
Takedowns
Want to take the fight to the ground? You’ll want to see how we’ve simplified Takedown attempts for UFC 4 first.
From a standing or clinch position, execute a single and double leg takedown by pressing L2 and holding square or triangle,--or, attempt a power takedown by pressing L2 and L1 button while holding square or triangle buttons. To defend against a takedown, press L2 and R2 buttons.
If a takedown is defended late, it’ll turn into a driving takedown. If you’re executing the takedown, you’ll have a second chance to finish if by moving left stick up, left stick down, or left stick right. If you’re defending against a takedown, match left stick direction of the attacker to escape.
From a Clinch position, you can attempt a takedown through trips and throws by pressing R1 while tapping the cross or circle buttons. Modify the takedown by moving right stick up, right stick down, right stick left, or right stick right.
Ground Movements and Grapple Assist
Once you have your opponent on the ground, there are two ways to navigate your movements: via legacy controls from UFC 3 through right stick (see Ground: Advanced in Controls), or with our all-new, simplified ground navigator using left stick.
With the simplified ground navigator, move left stick to Get Up, left stick left to attempt a Submission (or move your fighter to the closest possible submission position), or move left stick right to attempt a Ground and Pound (or move your fighter to the closest possible Ground and Pound position). Press L1 during any left stick input to see alternative options.
Grappling HUD
While on the ground, the grappling HUD displays your available transitions and maneuvers, executed via right stick. A circular meter will fill until you have completed the action but will fail if your opponent blocks your attempt. Select Grapple Assist for an appropriate move to be chosen for you.
Ground and Pound
Ground and Pound, a combination of grappling and ground fighting, is a brand-new fighting style for UFC 4. When you reach a Ground and Pound position, you can finish the fight with just a few strikes. Alternate between straights and hooks to break your opponent’s guard and finish the round, or avoid strikes with timed head movements and defensive posturing (see Ground: Ground and Pound in Controls).
Submissions
Successful submissions will put an end to a fight, but you’ll first need to complete a submission mini-game. There are two types of submissions in UFC 4: limb submissions and choke submissions.
Limb submissions are performed through an arc HUD, where the attacker and defender control a wedge that they move by pressing L2 and R2. The size of the wedge changes based on fighter’s Attributes and current Stamina and can shrink further if your movements are too erratic. The attacker needs to overlay their wedge on the defender’s wedge to make them submit, while the defender needs to avoid the attacker’s wedge to escape.
Choke submissions are performed like limb submissions, but the attacker and defender instead control their wedges with the left stick through a circular HUD.
Note: Keep control on your movements, as abrupt changes in direction affects the wedge’s size.
During a submission the square, triangle, cross, circle buttons might appear on screen. These are submission event triggers, such as Slams, Chains, or Strikes, which deal extra damage or cancels an opponent’s attack.
GAME SCREEN
Alt Text: This image features two fighter in a UFC arena punching each other. The image show where the health and stamina bars for each player can be found. Also pictured is the location of the Grapple advantage meter and the clock.
The health and stamina bars for both fighters are displayed at the top corners of the screen: one to the left, the other to the right. The Grapple Advantage meter appears at the top center of the screen, as well as the time left in the round and the current and remaining rounds.
Health
Health consists of four main areas: head, body, left leg, and right leg. When any of these areas approach zero health, the fight can be finished. The more damage each of these areas take increases the chance of a health event, such as a stun, making a fighter vulnerable for a short period of time.
Health meters are displayed under the Stamina bars on the top left and right corners of the screen. Manage your health bars, defend your damaged areas, and attack your opponent’s weak points to win your match.
Blocking
A green block meter appears and decreases as your fighter absorbs consecutive strikes while block. When this meter runs out, you’ll be forced to drop your guard, so be sure to space out your blocks or evade.
Stamina
Keep an eye on your fighter’s stamina bar at the top corner of the screen. This bar gradually decreases as you attack your opponent the lower it is, the slower and sloppier your fighter’s moves become. To recharge your energy, create some distance between your fighter and your opponent—you’ll recharge some stamina while block or moving, but you recharge faster when absolutely still.
Grapple Advantage
Displayed at the top center of the screen, the Grapple Advantage meter will be either in your or your opponent’s favor, based on who is successfully landing hits or defending takedowns, grapple transitions, sweeps, and Get Ups.
FIGHT NOW
Put your mixed martial arts skills to the test. Soak in the electric atmosphere as each fighter enters the stadium to the sounds of cheering crowds. Inside the Octagon, you’ll need to think like a champion to take your opponent down!
First, determine the fight’s difficulty level, number of rounds, venue, clock speed, and other set-up rules. You’ll then set up the fighters’ rules, such as weight division and the UFC fighters for each corner. Confirm your selection to battle it out at the Octagon!
Fight Now
Start an exhibition match following your personalized rule sets with FIGHT NOW!
Custom Fight Now
CUSTOM FIGHT NOW allows for even more personalization than FIGHT NOW, such as disabling Perks, limiting stamina regeneration, or tweaking damage values. You can also tweak your CPU opponent’s behavior to your liking.
Knockout Mode
Submission specialists need not apply—KNOCKOUT MODE is a stand-up brawl. In UFC 4, all the strikes deal damage, so unleash your fury from every direction! Once a fighter’s health bar is depleted, it’s lights out.
Stand and Bang
Like the name implies, this expedition tests your stand-up skills. Pick apart your opponent with well-timed punches and kicks to with the match!
CAREER MODE
Live out your MMA dreams by fighting as your favorite fighter (or create your own!) and take them to the top of the fighting world! In CAREER MODE, you’ll develop your fighting style, gain insider knowledge and game plans from Watch Tape, create legendary rivalries through Social Media, and more, as you fight your way up to the UFC!
Fight Experience
Every successful move you land gives you Fight Experience, in both sparring matches and fights. The more successful you are with a move, the faster it levels up. Gain Fight Experience for multiple moves to unlock new combination packages. Upgrading your moves also grants you Evolution Points.
Sparring
The Training Camp now houses to UFC 4’s brand-new mode: sparring, which lets you focus your training on specific areas of martial arts (such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Wrestling, and Jiu Jitsu) so you can level up specific moves more quickly. Every spar will have at least one Sparring Challenge, which gives you Evolution Points upon completion.
Be careful not to injure your sparring partners, as this will lock you out of that training section for weeks. Likewise, any injuries you receive derails your training time. There is also a Heavy Bag you can practice on: though there is a low risk for injury, you won’t level up your moves.
Evolution Points
You earn Evolution Points by completing Sparring Challenges and upgrading moves with Fight Experience. Use your Evolution Points to upgrade your fighter’s Attributes and purchase Perks. If you’ve lost Attributes from Injuries, you’ll need to spend Evolution Points to recover them.
Injuries
Like real MMA fighters, your fighter will experience Injuries throughout their career. In UFC 4, there’s a chance you’ll earn an Injury after a health event, such as a stun or KO. Injuries decrease your Attributes and can only be recovered by spending Evolution Points.
If you’re injured at Training Camp, you’ll need to spend time resting, or use Cash to recover. If you’re injured during a fight, it’ll affect your fighter’s performance and you’ll need to spend some time on the side lines between fights.
Inviting Fighters and Building Relationships
Your best resource for new skills is other fighters. Use your Cash to invite your favorite fighters to your Training Camp to learn their moves. As you train with these fighters, you’ll also develop a relationship with them: the more you train together, the less your paired training sessions cost.
While you can learn a lot from your fellow fighters, remember that your fans crave matches between fighters with Bad Blood.
Watch Tape
Want to study up on your opponent? Watch Tapes lets you learn game plans, insider knowledge, and your opponent’s Top 5 moves to give you an edge in your next fight. Use this information to plan out your Training Camp visits or save the information for future rematches.
Promotions and Sponsorships
UFC 4 is introducing Sponsorships, which rewards your fighter with a lump sum of Cash after each fight and unlocks Promotions to drive up your Fight Hype. To keep your Sponsorships, you’ll need to attend some commitments in exchange (such as guest appearances an Promotions), at a cost to the time you could be spending training.
Social Media
From ESPN to Coach Davis, Social Media drives your fighter’s day to day decisions. Hot rumors, breaking news, fighter callouts, it’s all here. You can also stream your Sparring matches to increase your Fight Hype—just make sure you don’t get knocked out on camera.
Amateur League
Our brand-new Amateur League lets you run through four different MMA fight styles in stakes free. Though h wins and losses don’t count, the Amateur League is still worth a visit: a certain promotor might be watching…
Dana White’s Contender Series
Win an invitation to the hottest new TV show in UFC history, Dana White’s Contender Series, to enter the proving ground for your Career. If you win this fight spectacularly, you’ll earn an invite to the UFC—lose, and you’ll return to WFA to once again prove your worth.
WFA Championships
A fully functional league itself, win the WFA belt to improve your chances to join the UFC. The longer you stay in the WFA, the higher your starting rank will be in the UFC—if you’re really good, you might enter the Top 5.
Progression and Contracts
You’ll move up and down the rankings as you compete, or maybe into another organization if you’re not doing well. But don’t get discouraged: everyone loves a comeback story!
Try to decline a few fight offers to build Fight Hype for a future bout (or to give yourself more time before a big fight), but decline too many, and you may find yourself on the sidelines as others pass you by.
Fitness and Fight Hype
Before a fight, you’ll want to build up your strength and skills as well as your Fight Hype. Balance your Promoting and Training, and you may become the hottest UFC fighter in the business!
PROGRESSION
Complete Challenges across UFC 4 to advance your Player Level. The XP you earn will unlock rewards for your Player Card and created fighters, such as new clothes, masks, and Card backgrounds.
Challenges
Access your Player Hub throughout UFC 4 to see the latest Challenges. Complete these Challenges for rewards to use in Create Fighter or on your Player Card.
Player Level
Increased your Player Level by completing fights and Challenges from the Player Hub. You’ll earn rewards for every Player level increase.
Player Card
Your Player Card displays your fighter’s picture and gametag. Use your earned rewards to personalize your Player Card with backgrounds, flairs, and accolades.
CREATE FIGHTER
You’ll need a character to earn rewards, so first head to Create Fighter. Your customization options will be limited initially, but you’ll earn more as you progress. You can use your created character across a variety of offline and online modes.
Fighter Type
Each Fighter Type has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that best matches your style of play. For example, Wrestlers and Jiu-jitsu specialists excel at their ground game, while Boxers and Kickboxers like to stand and bang.
General Info
The basics: name, age, weight class, and social media nickname.
Appearance
Personalize your look to stand out in the Octagon. Customize your fighter’s face, hair, body type, tattoos, and more.
Clothing
Choose from a wide range of clothing options and accessories that best fit your style.
Emotes
Give your fighter some character with customizable emotes for introductions, celebrations, and taunts.
OFFLINE
Practice Mode
Use PRACTICE MODE to learn moves and practice your techniques stress-free.
Tutorials
Watch videos and stay up to date on the latest UFC 4 information in the TUTORIALS menu.
Training Manual
Study up on UFC 4’s gameplay with a deep dive into the tips and tricks of the game to upgrade your skills to the next level.
Custom Events
Pit your favorite fighters against each other in Custom Events. Select your fighters to create a Fight Card, and then play through your event to see who comes out on top!
Select MANAGE EVENTS to see your created events or the results from completed matches, or replay a matches, or replay a match to experience the fight all over again!
Tournaments
Tournaments: the ultimate couch multiplayer mode. Organize an old-school tournament pitting 8 or 16 fighters in a single night of mayhem. Damage is carried from fight to fight, so you’ll need to plan strategically to become the champion.
ONLINE
Test your skills against other UFC 4 players in online play!
Online World Championships
Test your created fighters against live opponents in ranked matches. Climb the leaderboard and divisions to win the championship belt—then defend it to earn gems for your belt!
Blitz Battles
Join Blitz Battles for rapid-fire matches: win all six rounds to become the Ultimate Winner! A constant rotation of Arcade-inspired rulesets keeps this experience fresh, so check back often.
Quick Fight
Jump into one-off matches with licensed fighters or your created fighters in regular MMA, KO Mode, or Stand and Bang matches. This is a great place to practice your moves against real opponents, or just to have some fun! A casual leaderboard tracks your wins and finishes.
Invite
Challenge your friends or recently met players to a customizable online match.
DLC Store
Visit the Xbox store to browse available DLC and find new fighters to bring into the game.
NEED HELP
The EA Worldwide Customer Experience team is here to ensure you get the most out of your game—anytime, anywhere.
Online Support & Contact Info
For FAQs, help articles, and to contact us, please visit help.ea.com
Twitter & Facebook Support
Need a quick tip? Reach out on Twitter to @EAHelp or post on facebook.com/EAHelpHub/.
Accessibility Resources
UFC 4 Text Game Manual for PS4
Plain-text manual for easy text-to-speech