Overview
While the timing based grapple system is the bread and butter of the Fire Pro series, much more than basic grapple attacks lie within.At time of release of Fire Pro World Early Access, I am a 21 year veteran of the series. My introduction to the series was with Six Man Scramble on the Sega Saturn. I have since purchased and played every previous title I missed beforehand, and every game in the series since then.Fire Pro Wrestling is a lot of fun, but can be extremely overwhelming to newcomers.I realize some of the basic game-play mechanics may not be immediately obvious to new players.This is the reason I am creating this guide.Each detail I outline will include screenshot details to assist you as much as possible.While this document is published, I will be adding additional details in the coming weeks to expand on its content.Please use the index on the right hand side of this page to quickly navigate to the information you desire.
Introduction
Everyone is different, as is our personal terminology and language.
To avoid any confusion, please reference this Key Word index for clarification of terms used in this document.
Downloaded Workshop Wrestlers – How to create promotions and locate your downloaded wrestlers
For details assisting with;
- Creating Promotions
- Creating Stables
- Finding your Downloaded Wrestlers
Please view the video I created below.
Striking
First things first.
This is not a fighting game.
Strikes will not just simply land because you are close to your opponent.
Being on the same plane and the proper distance away is key.
This takes practice. Don’t expect to learn proper strike distances right away, give yourself some time.
Mashing strike attacks and whiffing them will have an effect on your stamina, so time your strikes properly.
You have 5 strike options available outside of a grapple.
Strikes can be done by pressing
SML
MED
BIG
Any Direction + BIG
SML + MED
Some additional guidelines
SML is generally used for a punch or a chop.
MED is generally used for a kick
BIG or direction + BIG is often used for heavier attacks such as elbows, heavy kicks or lariats.
SML + MED is often used for drop kicks, rolling strikes, takedowns, or moves that catch your opponent and force them into a multiple strike series, submission hold or pinfall position.
Breathing
How important is breathing in Fire Pro Wrestling?
So much so it has its own dedicated button.
Tap and Hold the Breathe button to breathe.
This will help reduce wrestler fatigue.
Breathing may seem like an chore to new players who want to just jump right in and wrestle, but the more you play the game and learn the game, the more you’ll appreciate it.
It adds to the science, pace and psychology of the match. Before you know it, you’ll be implementing it into your matches without even thinking about it.
Times I like to take a quick breather:
-In-between a slam and applying a ground submission.
-If an opponent misses a jumping strike / jump kick and lands on the mat.
-In-between tossing my opponent outside and waiting to preform a follow up attack.
-After a BIG grapple waiting for the opponent to rise dizzy.
Standard Irish Whip
Grapple your opponent and win the grapple with the RUN button.
This can be done from a front or a back grapple.
This can be done with the directional pad in the neutral position, or pressing towards the direction you wish to send them.
Irish Whip Return Attacks
You opponent has hit the ropes and is coming at you.. now what?
Well you now have the opportunity to land a running return attack.
Use the SML, MED, or BIG attack buttons to land a running return attack.
Not all return attacks are created equal and many require different timing.
Please keep this in mind!
Experiment with each move in your arsenal. It is likely your wrestler has 3 different running return attacks, one for each button. They may all require different timing.
Irish Whip Return Drop Down/Slide/Leapfrog
So you want to add a little extra flash to your match?
When your opponent is running at you after an Irish Whip, press the BREATHE button.
You will drop down for them to run over you, leapfrog over them or baseball slide between their legs.
This return action is determined by your wrestler’s style.
Some wrestler’s styles cannot preform this activity at all, so be aware.
Irish Whip to the Corner
Grapple your opponent. It is necessary to initiate this grapple directly in line with the corner turnbuckles.
Win the grapple by pressing in the direction of the turnbuckle and tap the RUN button.
This can be done from a front grapple or a back grapple.
You will now Irish Whip your opponent into the corner. The time they stay slouched in the corner will depend on how worn out they are.
Corner Set Up
This move will set your opponent up in the corner in the same manner as an Irish Whip.
Grapple your opponent with your back near the corner.
Press in the direction of the corner and tap the RUN button.
You will automatically walk your opponent to the corner and smash them into the turnbuckle, where they will remain slumped. Duration of your opponent staying in the corner will vary based off how worn they are.
Corner Attacks – Running In
With your opponent slouched into the corner, hold in the direction of your opponent and tap the RUN button. It is necessary to initiate this run activity directly in line with the corner turnbuckles.
As soon as your wrestler begins to run, press and old the BIG button.
As your wrestler approaches his opponent, they will unleash an attack to them in the corner.
Corner Attacks – Corner to Center
Advice on Setting Up for this attack.
Find a move in your BIG grapple arsenal which lands your opponent directly in-line horizontally with the original grapple position.
When your opponent is worn enough, BIG grapple moves will usually cause them to rise up in a dizzy or dazed state. This is what you want.
Set your opponent up near the center of the ring. It is necessary for the opponent to be as close to directly in line with the corner turnbuckles as possible.
Your opponent can be positioned to rise facing towards you, or away from you. It does not matter.
Head to the corner and press in the direction of the turnbuckle plus the BIG button.
As long as your opponent is lined up properly, the animation for the Corner to Center attack will begin.
The rest of the attack is automatic. No further inputs are required.
Superplex – Corner Grapples
With your opponent slouched in the corner, walk into them to grapple.
You now have 3 options to win the grapple.
UP + BIG
LEFT or RIGHT + BIG
DOWN + BIG
All three of these options may result in different corner / superplex attacks.
Not all corner attacks are the same! Please keep this in mind.
Some corner attacks are strikes, stretches, heel like tactics, or other. These usually require no additional input.
However, superplex moves and other various throwing moves from the top rope require additional activity.
Once you have set your opponent up into the corner at this point, another grapple will automatically occur. Win the grapple with the BIG button.
Your opponent has the opportunity to counter during this additional grapple, so pay attention. Timing to continue superplex type moves in similar to that of basic grappling.
Picking Up or Rolling Over Opponent
Depending on the position of your opponent on the mat, the SML button can do one of two activities. Roll your opponent over, or pick them up off the mat.
Pick up opponent;
At Head when Face Up
At Feet when Face Down
Roll opponent over;
At Head when Face Down
At Feet when Face Up
Lay / Roll on the Mat
If you are knocked down, if you so choose, you can lay on the mat for as long as you like by holding the MED button.
In addition to just laying down, tapping the Up or Down while remaining on the mat will cause your wrestler to roll in that direction. You can continue to roll completely out of the ring if you so desire.
Laying on the mat is useful in some of the following situations.
-Feeding to your opponent, allowing them to attack. This comes in handy while trying to improve your match ratings.
-Roll out of the ring to make a dramatic coward heel escape to the outside.
-Play possum to an opponent who has climbed to the top rope for an attack, then move at the last second.
Selling for your Opponent
As you may have noticed in Fire Pro, if you or your opponent are not worn down significantly, stronger attacks during a grapple or on the ground may be auto reversed!
If such a move is attempted early in the match, it will be automatically reversed.
However, you can override the auto reversal if you wish to take the move from your opponent. This is helpful if you are looking to sell a move and allow your opponent some offense to increase your match rating.
Tap and Hold the Breathe button while in a grapple or while lying on the ground.
This will override your auto reversal.
As you can see in this example image, I was easily able to hit the Styles Clash 5 seconds into the match by holding the Breathe button on the Player 2 controller.
Delay Get Up
While you are rising up off the mat, you can further delay standing completely erect.
This is useful as it is immune to top rope attacks and springboard attacks.
Once you see your wrestler begin to rise, press and hold the MED button.
Okite Yaburi – Finisher / Move Steal
While this is commonly referred to as “Finisher Steal”, it does not always steal your opponent’s finisher. It steals a move from their grapple moves.
If your opponent has a Finisher (Signature) move such as a ground move or a top rope move, it will not steal those.
Grapple your opponent and win the grapple with BREATHE + SML + MED.
Tap all three at the same time. Normal grapple timing inputs appy.
A wrestler can only do this once per match.
You will know if you did it correctly because the words “OKITE YABURI” will flash on the screen.
Exit / Enter the Ring
When it comes to exiting or entering the ring you basically have three options.
Exit Ring
Push in the Direction of the ropes and tap the SML button.
You will now exit directly to the floor.
Push in the direction of the ropes and tap the MED button.
You will now exit to the ring apron
You can exit to the floor from the apron by pressing towards the floor and the MED button.
Push in the direction of the ropes and tap the SML + MED at the same time.
You will slide out under the bottom rope.
Enter Ring
Push in the Direction of the ring and tap the SML button.
You will now enter directly to the ring.
Push in the direction of the ring and tap the MED button.
You will now climb to the ring apron
You can enter the ring from the apron by pressing towards the ring and the MED button.
Push in the direction of the ring and tap the SML + MED at the same time.
You will slide in under the bottom rope. You can also side in by running directly in the direction of the ring apron.
Throw Opponent Out Of the Ring (Standard)
Grapple your opponent with your back close to the ropes.
Press the directional pad in the direction of the ropes and tap the RUN button to win the grapple.
You will toss your opponent to the floor.
If your opponent is worn down enough, they will return to their feet in a dizzy state, allowing for you to preform a follow up attack.
Throw Opponent Out Of the Ring (Special)
Grapple your opponent.
Tap the 3D Walk + RUN button at the same time to win a grapple. You will walk your opponent to the ropes and toss them out of the ring.
The timing on this one can be tricky, so practice.
You will notice a unique animation when you hit it correctly.
During a battle royal, it is necessary to wear down your opponent before tossing them out.
Your opponent may cling to the top rope and roll back in otherwise.
If your opponent is worn down enough during a normal match, they will return to their feet in a dizzy state, allowing for you to preform a follow up attack.
Springboard – Outside to In
It is recommended only preforming these attacks on a dizzy opponent.
Land a BIG grapple move first and follow up with a springboard attack while your opponent is dazed.
While standing on the ring apron, hold the directional pad in the direction of your opponent in the ring and tap the BIG button.
Springboard – Inside to Out
It is recommended only preforming these attacks on a dizzy opponent.
Land a BIG grapple move first and follow up with a springboard attack while your opponent is dazed.
You can also toss your opponent out of the ring after they have been worn down. They will usually stand back up in a dizzy state.
While standing inside the ring against the ropes, hold the directional pad in the direction of your opponent in the ring and tap the BIG button.
Suicide Dive / Plancha
It is recommended only preforming these attacks on a dizzy opponent.
Land a BIG grapple move first and follow up with a springboard attack while your opponent is dazed.
You can also toss your opponent out of the ring after they have been worn down. They will usually stand back up in a dizzy state.
Run in the direction of your opponent by pressing in the direction of your opponent and tapping the RUN button.
While running, tap and hold the BIG button.
Your wrestler will automatically preform their Suicide Dive / Plancha move.
It is not necessary to rebound off the opposite ropes before a Plancha, but it does add to the cool factor.
Top Rope Attacks
Climb the turnbuckle by pressing in the direction of the turnbuckle then tap the MED button.
From the top rope, you have 4 attack options.
SML
Attacks with this button are generally for opponents lying down. May vary by wrestler.
MED
Attacks with this button are generally for opponents lying down. May vary by wrestler.
BIG
Attacks with this button are generally for opponents standing up. May vary by wrestler.
SML + MED
Attacks with this button combination may vary. In many cases this combination is reserved for top rope Favorites or Signature moves. Or moves in a wrestlers arsenal which they are known to use, but use it infrequently.
Top Rope – Other
Most character performance / taunts can also be done while on the top rope.
Use the Right Analog Stick to preform these as you normally would from anywhere else.
Top rope moves intended to hit opponents who are standing can also be used to attack opponents who are outside the ring.
Run to Turnbuckle – Climb
While on the same horizontal plane as the corner turnbuckles, hold in the direction of either of the turnbuckles and tap the RUN button.
As soon as you begin to run, tap and hold the BIG button
If your wrestler has the ability to climb the turnbuckle while running, your wrestler will automatically climb up and be perched ready to attack.
Please note, Ascent Style in edit mode must be set to RUN for your wrestler to be able to preform this action.
Run to Turnbuckle – Springboard Attack
While on the same horizontal plane as the corner turnbuckles, hold in the direction of either of the turnbuckles and tap the RUN button.
As soon as you begin to run, tap and hold the SML button, or the MED button.
As is such with top rope moves, some of these springboard attacks are intended to hit standing opponents, while others are intended to hit opponents lying down.
Your wrestler may not have springboards attacks set in edit mode, so please explore your wrestler’s move arsenal before trying to bust this out to look cool in front of your friends.
Run to Turnbuckle – Bonus!
Remember those springboard attacks we just discussed?
Well they work in Landmine Death Matches too!
Obtaining Weapons – Off the Mat
Picking up weapons off the mat is greatly improved from previous games in the series.
While the command is the same, its much more forgiving and easier to do now.
Stand anywhere near a weapon, on any side of the weapon.
See the red circle I have placed on the image. Pretty much standing anywhere within this range is acceptable.
Now press Down + RUN
I find it easier to press and hold the Down direction a split second before tapping the RUN button, as opposed to trying to press both simultaneously.
Your wrestler will pick up the weapon.
Obtaining Weapons – Under the Ring
From the arena floor, stand directly next to the ring.
Press the directional pad in the direction of the ring and tap the RUN button.
Your wrestler will now retrieve a weapon from under the ring.
You wrestler’s “Favorite Weapon” setting in Edit mode may have an influence on the weapon you receive.
On screen weapons are limited to 8.
If you try to preform this action while the maximum number of allowed weapons has been reached, your wrestler will slide back into the ring.
Obtaining Weapons – Florescent Light Bulbs
For Landmine Death Match, you have the option to have the corner turnbuckles covered with barbed-wire boards, or florescent light bulb tubes.
While both are great tools to Irish Whip your opponent into, the light bulbs allow the opportunity to pluck a tube from the corner and swing it like a weapon.
This is a one time use weapon, as it breaks on impact.
Press and hold in the direction of the corner and tap the RUN button to pluck a light bulb.
Additional notes about light bulbs.
Light bulb tubes count as weapons, so if you have 8 weapons active, you will not be able to pluck a bulb.
If a bulb is broken, the in ring weapon count is subtracted by 1. You can now pluck another.
An unlimited number of bulbs can be plucked, as long as your maximum weapon count has yet to be reached.
If a corner appears to have all bulbs broken due to wrestlers running into them, you will be unable to pluck a bulb from that corner for the rest of the match.
Swinging Weapons / Dropping Weapons
A weapon can be swung with any of the three attack buttons.
SML does a mid section weapon jab.
MED does a mid section weapon swing.
BIG does a large overhead swing.
Weapon swings behave like strikes, so proper spacing between you and your opponent is key.
If you need to drop your weapon, tap the RUN button.
Throw Opponent Back Into the Ring
Grapple the opponent on the arena floor with your back closest to the ring.
Press in the direction of the ring and tap the RUN button to win the grapple.
You will now toss your opponent back into the ring under the bottom rope.
Apron – Climb the Turnbuckle
If you are on the apron, you can climb the turnbuckle from the outside.
Press in the direction of the turnbuckle and tap the SML button.
Apron – Re-position Around the Post
While standing on the ring apron, you can transfer to a different side.
Press in the direction of the turnbuckle and tap the MED button.
Cage Match – Climb/Shake the Cage
Exit the ring to the ring apron before attempting to climb the cage.
Climb
Press and hold the directional pad in the direction of the cage and tap the SML or MED button. You will now cling to the cage. Climb up or down and move side to side using the directional pad.
You can quit climbing by climbing down to the ring apron then while holding Down on the directional pad, tap the SML button. Same goes for jumping off the cage to the arena floor.
Shake the Cage
Press in the direction of the cage on the directional pad and tap the BIG button.
This is used to prevent your opponent from excaping over the top.
Try to time your shake to a point in which they are actively climbing.
Cage Match – Escape/Perch on Top of the Cage
To climb over the cage
Press and hold Up on the directional pad to climb up.
Once you have reached the top, continue holding the Up direction and tap the SML or the MED button.
To climb to the corner
While climbing, navigate to the top corner of the cage.
Hold the directional pad in the direction of the corner and tap the SML or the MED button.
Cage Match – Dive
These are difficult to hit, but feel easier to hit in this game than in Fire Pro R.
Around the 8 – 10 minute mark, in game time, you’ll notice your opponent stays down for significantly longer than usual. This is when you want to make your attempt to hit a cage dive.
Results may vary.
I have tested this against CPU opponents and have verbally counted out loud until they got up off the mat. I’ve seen the CPU take as long as 20 to 25 seconds to get up.
All cage dive moves in the game are intended to hit opponents who are lying down.
Perch to the corner of the cage and tap the SML, MED, or the BIG button.
Cage Match – Punch/Kick while Climbing the Cage
If you find yourself in a situation where you and your opponent are both climbing the cage, you can attack them while climbing.
Press the directional pad in the direction of your intended attack and tab the BIG button.
Cage Match – Throw Opponent into the Cage
Grapple your opponent with your back close to the ropes.
Press the directional pad in the direction of the ropes and tap the RUN button to win the grapple.
You will toss your opponent into the cage face first.
Submission – Rope Escape
While you are being held in a submission hold, you can slowly inch your way to the nearest ropes.
This may not work with all submissions. Nor may it be worthwhile in, say, the center of the ring.
Tap and Hold the Breathe button or the 3D Button. (Or both)
Now rotate your Directional Pad in in a 360 degrees motion in the direction of the nearest ropes.
Pinfall – False Finish (2.9)
In Fire Pro Wrestling, fans love false finishes. If you are looking to improve your match rating, having the ref land a 2.9 count is helpful at increasing the fan’s approval of a match.
To release a pin, tap the MED button.
Timing is key. Personally I’ve got caught up in the action quite a few times and totally botched my finish, ending the match before I actually wanted to.
Trying to use visual queues from the referee is helpful. Tap the MED key right before the ref hits the mat for the 3.
Menu – Clear Pause + Frame Skip
New to Version 0.9003
Pause the game and tap the RUN button.
This will hide the in game pause menu.
You can also tap repeatedly on the RUN button to skip frame by frame to simulate slow motion.
This feature is extremely helpful while capturing in game screen shots.
Menu – Clear Selection (One or All)
New to Version 0.9003
From the wrestler selection screen, you can now clear a single wrestler or clear all previously selected wrestlers.
Highlight a wrestler on the pre-match selection screen and tap the SML button.
This will clear the single wrestler you had highlighted.
Highlight anywhere on the pre-match selection screen and tap the RUN button.
This will clear ALL previously selected wrestlers.
This will not revert the match settings to default.
Ring Edit Mode – Loading Ring Textures
Please see the video below for help locating and loading ring textures.
Back Up Your Save Data
Corruption, while not common, can still happen.
Never hurts to plan ahead!
I have created a video to assist you in quickly backing up your save. See the YouTube video embedded below.