It’s probably better to have game controllers as tools, not as a gateway to having fun playing fighters or being good at them. The advanced tools here open new opportunities, for sure. Still, the sticks and hitboxes are not a magic thing to improve playing skills for everyone and at every game. On DashFight, we highlight the importance of regular practice and dedicated training. Perhaps guides and articles on our platform will be helpful for your - dashfight.com/

This topic was made into video format tons of times but honestly for some reason is never enough and is always good to revisit the topic. The video is really well done I truly hope DashFight sticks around! For sharing my own experience I as many others 30yo+ used to play on the arcades but I also on my 20s had a period where I only could play on pc and keyboard was my only option and I remember how I started playing sf4 on keyboard thinking I wasn't good enough or I didn't had the controller I needed to be "good" yet I remember how happy I was when I completed my first trial on USF4 with a regularass keyboard (not even mechanical) and it turns out I wasn't handicapping myself but in the contrary I had way better precision with keyboard then w/any controller lol. Now days I play with stick just fine and I prefer it for many reason but is nice to be able to use a hitbox or keyboard whenever I need to or want to so my whole point of the story is U should try everything if u have the chance everything works, everything's fun, and at the end of the day use whatever u like the most. 🕹🎮⌨.

Depending on the game there are some technical nuances you have to know or consider before getiing comfortable with a dpad a lever or a hitbox directionnal setup, also you to know if the game gives you an advantage for using more face buttons . For example not everyone know that you can do shortcuts, move buffers and fast pace techniques like piano linking etc. these are what seperates a lot of player skill wise. If you know how to do those high level execution on any type device then it all comes to how much money you want to spend to do them consistently.

There are tons of options but it all comes down to personal preference

I remember playing KOF XIII and that game had one of the best challenge combos in Fighting games history. I´ve recently been playing those challenges again with a leverless controller and there are some advantages to it. With a classic controller it´s almost impossible to do those challenges, with an arcade stick it´s easier but it´s not ergonomic, because your hand doesn´t use the same muscle motions to go left or right, but with a leverless controller you have an advantage because you have an equal motion for your ring finger and your index, so combo wise we´re getting a very solid system to execute. But movement wise it can still be improved upon.

Wow another "It's down to preference" videos. Amazing

4:45 Some of us got a shout-out 😁

I used to think fight sticks were better for fighting games in general...but I realised that they were a nostalgia thing for me, when arcades were still a thing...then I realised that the controller for fighting games depends on whether it's a 2D or 3D fighter for me...for games like Street Fighter, sine I have to do quarter circle movements, I prefer a fight stick...but for 3D fighters like Tekken, since it requires more precidse directions with the moves, I prefer a DS4 or Dual Sense...

I mean I basically have no experience with fighting games well I do have experience with smash bros but that's quite different from usual fighting games but I am planning on getting myself guilty gear strive but I need a new gamepad ATM so I am looking on what a good gamepad/controller might be for my PC.

I use a leaverless for smash bros but a fight pad for FGC games (guilty gear im really loving atm)

11:07 Which model is that ?

Stock pads are alright for casual play and in 4-button fighters, though a problem might arise when your dpad thumb starts shedding away layers of skin (me in Marvel 2 and 3) Some controllers have some intended way of using them, for the Snackbox and other mini all-button controllers, it was recommended to hover your hands over it instead of anchoring it Oh and I think button layouts matter, I believe the Vewlix button layout needs to be played with your hands centered while Noir and Sega should position your hands diagonally inward to avoid potential straining All in all, anything that keeps your hands safe and away from carpal tunnel is a straight upgrade in my book!

Dpad gives me thumb fatigue when moving in tekken. I use custom hitbox type controller. I think sticks are legendary and would like to try one someday, tho hitbox layout is in my muscle memory now ( I even use the layout on my pc keyboard to play beatemups and platformers. I crafted several diy hitboxes and gifted them to my friends. Any type of controller can give you hand injury afaik so be aware.

I'm 26, but got involved in the FGC only very recently. I got into arcade sticks because Tekken 7 was my first fighting game and I saw a lot of pros using them AND I saw TheMainManSWE using one on his channel. Now I'm obsessed with fight sticks and I'm a collector. So far I've tried 8 different Korean levers (my favorite) on 8 different cases (Qanba Obsidian, Qanba Dragon, Qanba Crystal, Qanba Obsidian 2, Qanba Titan, Etokki Omni, Hori Fighting Stick α, and Victrix Pro FS (original black). So far, my favorite lever is the Sanjuks V6 w/ a 15 mm actuator, mid collar circle guide, and Crown HST35 grommet. I also own 1 all-button controller, which I like (Victrix Pro FS-12 with Gamerfinger G3/ Cherry MX Silver buttons). I prefer an arcade stick with a K lever overall. As for buttons, I've found that I like linear switches. A clicky hinge switch on a lever is great, but not my favorite on buttons. The Qanba Gravity KS are my reliable go-to buttons, which aesthetically also happen to go well with IST clear bat tops, which I most often use on my levers. I do have 2 full sets of Gamerfinger buttons as well, which are also great, but not entirely worth their price or deliberate scouting for due to scarcity.

2:58 my Tekken default grip lol

For someone with big ass hands, I found more success with a leverless. For context, I wear a size L to XL glove size, and can't make micro adjustments on a stick to save my life. Playing on P2 side is an even bigger nightmare, with 3/4 of my palm blocking the forward motion, forcing me to rely on my thumb. Having access to a more ergonomic option really made me love the FG genre more!

I actually switch between hitbox and pad depending on the game. NRS games feel weird on hitbox, and hitbox is way better for something like tekken where the execution is much steeper and requires more precision.

Pick what you want. For all the folks switching to hitbox etc, MenaRD won 2 Capcom Cups and is one of the best players in the world and he's on pad. SonicFox who is hands down one of the best fighting game players in the history of the genre uses pad. Punk, iDom, Smug, SnakeEyez, HookGangGod etc all use pad. The list goes on and on. Plenty of dude's out there just use a standard straight up PS4/PS5 pad. Heck Alex Myers just unveiled some new hitbox contraption that's more ergonomically friendly for his hands. At the end of the day, play what YOU find comfortable. Also never forget about that dude who competed in tournament (and made top 8) using a steering wheel controller. Plus don't forget about the guy who competes with a guitar hero controller. No, I'm not joking. Me, I use a home made arcade stick with an old school 90's arcade straight button layout.

I am ancient. That said I used to tear up my wrist on arcade games. The shift to a pad was irritating at first but I very quickly realized I could play longer sessions without pain. Hand and wrist health should definitely be a consideration when choosing a device. My experience may represent the minority. Maybe fight sticks are easier for most people. If you are trying to play competitively then I assume you are trying to practice a lot. If an expensive controller saves your hands it is worth the cost.

i have a problem maybe the comment section can help me with. I played Kazuya on Smash Ultimate for 5 years now and im consistent with his ewgf on a controller. For tekken 8 and Project L should i learn keyboard or stick with controller? :3 thx

Keyboards are pretty good. I'm surprised it was never brought up.

Depends on the game

Stick is the most fun to use though

I started playing tekken on a gamepad, even though I play every other game on keyboard and mouse. Somehow I felt that controller is very important for fighting games 🤷🏻‍♂️ after spending months, I realised that my hands just go more naturally on a keyboard and I switched to a keyboard, and my execution has never been better!

Best Xbox controller/dpad for MK?

Ain’t no personal preference best dpDad Xbox series x

Fight stick is fun. Hands down.

I'm kinda mad they didn't cover Keyboards as a controller on it's own. I've played on it all my life. Lol

If you want play for a long time, it's better an arcade stick. MENARD, one of the best players on the world (and he actually uses a joystick) is doing the transition to an arcade stick cause joystick is havng him some troubles in his hands...

Switch Pro Controller

😒 pu an 8 button Arcade Fighting stick, there is no substitute 👊😒 KO!

The fact this is even a thing people need to debate makes it all the worse. Fightign games were once meant to be played to have fun. Fun in the same way we had fun playing platformers, rpgs, adventure games or whatever tickles our interests. Now fighting games have become an entire separate entity where people need to find a common sense in "how to play" and "what device to use to have the best fun". This proves one of two things. Number 1): that fighting games now have become a bunch of bullshit games where only professional gamers know how to wank off for real or number 2): how crazy the gaming community has become to transform fighting games into that pro competition wank fest. Whatever it is, fighting games are no longer that kind of fun where randomness was a thing and you could turn over a situation to your favor by doing the right thing out of nowhere.