Mastering UFC 5: Essential Tips for New Players

Highlights

To ensure success in the Octagon, even experienced players of EA Sports UFC 5 should refer to the training manual for valuable tips as the game presents new mechanics and alterations from its previous version.

It is important to utilize the practice mode in order to understand the game's mechanics and create effective defensive strategies against formidable opponents' assaults.

In EA Sports UFC 5, conserving stamina is vital for achieving success. Players need to be strategic in selecting their shots and refrain from expending unnecessary energy on unsuccessful attacks.

The latest installment in the EA Sports UFC series, UFC 5, delivers an enhanced combat experience, building upon the mechanics introduced in previous games. With a refined striking game, an improved submission system, the addition of doctor stoppages, and more, players can expect a heightened level of intensity in the fights. The visuals and impact of the punches, kicks, and slams have also been heightened, providing a more visceral experience.

UFC 5 is a comprehensive fighting game that presents players with numerous systems and mechanics to master. Initially, it may seem overwhelming, reminiscent of the complexity of the sport it emulates. However, once players grasp the game's fundamental principles, everything seamlessly comes together. To ensure success in UFC 5, there are a few essential aspects that players should acquaint themselves with before diving headfirst into the gameplay.

7. Check The Training Manual

Despite its mechanical similarities to its predecessor, UFC 5 introduces various changes. The mechanics of throwing uppercuts and the clinch have been swapped, while the spinning elbow, back fists, and kicks have undergone significant rework. As a result, even players familiar with the older games will benefit from learning the new system.

To access the in-game training manual, navigate to the 'Learn' section in the start menu or refer to it during offline matches. The manual covers various aspects such as stamina, health, offense, and defense for both ground and standing positions. Many players will likely find themselves frequently consulting the training manual during the initial stages of the game, as it provides incredibly helpful tips on understanding the different mechanics.

6. Use The Practice Mode

Pro players of UFC 5 and its predecessors frequently advise both new and experienced players to prioritize training in a gym. This is an essential tool for mastering the game's systems. By utilizing the strike recording feature, players can program their opponents to execute combinations and make the AI attack independently. It's an effective method for learning defensive techniques against takedowns and countering troublesome combinations.

When players are prepared to engage in online fights, they will encounter opponents who consistently land combinations and secure early victories. In such scenarios, players should document their matches on the Xbox or PS5, analyze the attack patterns, and then replicate them in practice mode using strike recording. This facilitates the learning of effective counters and strategies for avoiding future similar attacks.

5. Conserving Stamina Is The Key To Victory

In practice mode, using the health and stamina settings can be a valuable tool for understanding stamina conservation and assessing the effectiveness of specific attacks on opponents. It is crucial for players to be selective in their strikes, avoiding reckless punches and kicks, and refrain from wasting heavy attacks that may ultimately miss the target.

The player's stamina is directly influenced by the accuracy of their strikes and the frequency of missed attacks. Strikes that connect with an opponent's guard will deplete less stamina compared to missed strikes, while also gradually breaking down the opponent's defense. Therefore, mastering stamina conservation in practice mode is essential, as running out of energy will result in more losses than being knocked out. Additionally, being too aggressive in pursuit of a knockout can deplete stamina and make the player vulnerable to counterattacks, potentially resulting in a knockout for themselves.

4. Keep An Eye On The Damage Icons

In UFC 5, a notable addition is the introduction of injuries that fighters can suffer during a match. These injuries include cuts, broken noses, and damage to the limbs from submissions, even if the fighter manages to escape. These injuries have various effects on the character, such as impaired breathing due to mouth and nose damage, compromised vision caused by cuts and swelling near the eye, and significant harm to the legs, heart, and arms resulting from submissions and chokes.

To mitigate the damage, if a fighter can avoid further harm to the injured area for 30 seconds, the level of damage will either decrease or disappear entirely. However, players must remain vigilant and frequently check the briefcase symbol with a cross, which represents a doctor stoppage. The more red the symbol becomes, the higher the likelihood that a doctor will interrupt the fight to assess the situation.

3. Mix Up The Striking

It's important to vary striking techniques in UFC 5 instead of solely targeting the head and occasional kicks. Players should aim to diversify their strikes by incorporating punches and kicks to both the head and body. A dependable combination to confuse opponents is the one-two, followed by a strike to the body. Prior to engaging in online fights or career matches, it is crucial to practice strikes and timing in the gym.

To begin, players should start with basic combinations such as a straight jab to the head, followed by a straight right to the body in quick succession. Another approach to become familiar with attack animations and flow is to execute a one-two, accompanied by a leg kick. Over time, players will master the application of longer and more impactful Adesanya-style combos in their gameplay.

2. Don't Get Predictable

Instead of sticking to the same combinations, players should mix up their strikes and avoid becoming predictable. Even if an opponent falls for the same one-two hook combo multiple times, they might catch on, counter the attack, and end the fight with a single shot. To keep their opponent on their toes, players should vary their patterns, throw feints, and force their opponent out of their comfort zone.

If their current approach isn't effective, it's time to change the gameplan. For instance, if players notice their opponents prefer to wait and counter from a distance, they should try a different strategy. Incorporating head movement can encourage opponents to come forward, and switching between orthodox and southpaw stances can disrupt opponents' gameplans and make them reconsider their strategies. Players should strive to be unpredictable without being reckless.

1. Practice Transitions And Submissions On The Ground

In UFC 5, a revamped submissions system eliminates the frustrating minigames seen in previous versions. Instead, the focus is on depleting an opponent's submission resistance meter by cleverly locking in submissions after wearing down their stamina. Players have the ability to deny and counter with reversals to gain control over the fight.

For a better grasp of the ground game, utilize the practice mode. Additionally, offline matches provide arrow prompts to assist in denying transitions and submission attempts. Over time, players will become adept at reading their opponent's movements and tells, eventually eliminating the need for arrow prompts and becoming formidable competitors in online matches.

UFC 5 launches October 27th, 2023, for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.