With the UFC soaring in popularity, there's no better time to step into the virtual octagon than now. From bone-crunching strikes to slick submissions that'll force your opponents to tap or snap, dive headfirst into the action-packed realm of UFC 4 as we breakdown 10 of the best features that make UFC 4 a fun gameplay experience: 

1. High Impact Moments

Conor McGregor rocks Nate Diaz & triggers a High Impact Moment

Who doesn't love a heart-pounding adrenaline spike as the fate of the fight hangs in the balance? High Impact Moments triggers on the more destructive hits as a colour indication guides you on whether it's time to defend for dear life or capitalise on a wounded opponent.  

What High-Impact Moments bring to UFC 4:

• Encourages strategic fighting to limit damage or target your opponent's weakness
• Increased intensity of trading in the pocket
• Adds a thrilling flair to striking exchanges
• The yin-yang dynamic of whether to go all-in & risk it all when hurt, or try to survive long enough to more safely pick your moment to strike back

2. New Arenas

Kimbo Slice gets ready to scrap in the new 'Backyard' arena

Bored of the bright lights of the T-Mobile arena? Fear not, there are four completely new settings to fight your heart out in. The UFC Apex, Action Avenue, The Kumite, and The Backyard.

What New Arenas bring to UFC 4:

• The UFC Apex - The home of the UFC during the pandemic era, nothing matches the tension of such fighting in a compact facility 
• Action Avenue -  Nobody starts at the top and a dynamic urban setting like this perfectly captures the essence of humble beginnings in the world of MMA
• The Kumite - An environment straight out of Jean-Claude Van Damme's Bloodsport, enter the legendary Kumite, a sacred ground where warriors from around the world gather to test their skills. Without a doubt, the most unique of all four & pays homage to the old lore of martial arts in a very fun way 
• The Backyard - There's nothing cooler than channeling your inner Kimbo Slice or Jorge Masvidal & stepping into the gritty settings of the origins of underground fighting, where rules are few and fighting is pure

3.  New Submissions System:

Anderson Silva locks in an Armber on Robert Whittaker

Maintaining composure and control is now the key to winning intense submission battles. Whether you’re using stick or trigger buttons to defend a choke or joint submission, smooth & controlled movements are crucial for survival. Embrace your inner BJJ artist and flow your way to victory.

What the New Submission System brings to UFC 4: 

• Emphasising finesse over chaotic button mashing brings enhanced more realistic grappling scrambles
• Different mechanics for both chokes & joint attacks adds a very necessary depth to techniques that require such different approaches
• Encourages mastery as you’ll feel like a white belt on his first day of jiu-jitsu class paired up against Damian Maia if you’re caught even a step or two behind 

4. Grapple Assist

The black & yellow UFC menus

There’s nothing worse than loading up UFC, sitting down ready for some masterful standup battles, and before you know it… you’ve just been Khabib’d in under a minute. That’s where grapple assist is designed to make the ground game less complex for newer players. It offers simplified controls while still giving experienced players the option for deeper and more advanced grappling.

What Grapple Assist brings to UFC 4:

• Accessible ground game as newcomers can learn & enjoy grappling mechanics without getting overwhelmed
• Strategic options as experienced players can still opt for legacy UFC 3 controls, offering a more nuanced grappling experience
• Smooth transitions as executing transitions like get-ups, submissions, and ground and pound positions become intuitive and seamless.
• Hybrid control versatility -  For those who want the best of both worlds, the hybrid control option combines Grapple Assist and Legacy Grappling, giving players the freedom to mix & match to what suits them

5. Over 1600 Gear Pieces

Throwback 'The Notorious' Conor McGregor Merch

Over 1600 gear pieces are at your disposal meaning that the room for creativity is higher than ever. This ranges from fight wear to cosmetics, but don’t think you won’t have to earn it. Complete challenges to earn rewards & then let your creative spark go wild.

What these gear pieces bring to UFC 4:

• A great variety of options to create a personalised fighter that represents your style
• A wealth of iconic & nostalgic MMA gear that allows you to create any fighter that you wish was on the roster 
• Endless collectible hunting as you unlock everything from designer pieces to ancient martial arts outfits that wouldn’t look out of place on a samurai

6. Blitz Battles 

A taekwondo special rules blitz battle is set to begin

A brand new feature set around an intense six-round rapid-fire tournament format. You’ll be forced to stay on your toes as from rotating rule sets to mixing weight classes, unique twists are to be expected along the way. 

What Blitz Battles brings to UFC 4: 

• A dynamic & raw tournament that perfectly encapsulates the nostalgia of the early footprints of the UFC before it became what it is today
• No blitz battle is the same with its unpredictability, making it one of the most replayable modes in the game
• High-stakes intensity as one lapse in concentration & all your hard work can be undone
• Probably the hardest challenge in the game as you have to win 6 fights in a row, all in one sitting so you’re in it for the long haul

7. Fluid Clinch System

Tony Ferguson is the type of guy to hold an overhook in the clinch for the entire round during practice

You'll experience completely revamped clinch gameplay with the introduction of the fluid clinch system. Using expanded RTM tech, this delivers fluid movement, strikes, trips, and kick-catching mechanics like never before. 

What the Fluid Clinch System brings to UFC 4

• With modified button inputs and context-based actions, the clinch becomes more accessible and allows you to execute transitions, throws, and even flying submissions.
• Realistic Locomotion as breaking out of or maintaining the clinch relies on smart fighter movement as you have to adapt your positioning and utilise the cage to your advantage
• Gritty warfare as intense clinch battles simulate the physicality of close-quarters combat as you fight for position and leverage your strength to gain the upper hand

8. Different Career Paths for Different MMA Disciplines

Coach Davis leading the boxing drills

Choose your preferred discipline as you embark on a personalised mixed martial arts career journey. Select your favourite discipline whether it’s boxing, muay Thai, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu, & carve your own path in career mode. 

What Different Career Paths for Different MMA Disciplines bring to UFC 4:

• Tailored fighting styles with different moves available as you master the intricacies of your own specialties 
• Variety in training partners & rivalries 
• The chance to become progress quicker through the ranks as you accept more lucrative UFC contracts with goals that suit your strengths as a fighter

9. Real-Time Fighter Damage

Kamaru Usman puts it on a beat-up Colby Covington

Now this one was made for Nate Diaz. Graphics & dynamic fighter damage combine to create a far more captivating gameplay experience. From facial swelling to visible cuts & even bruised bodies, you’ll see it all as the fight progresses. 

What Real-Time Fighter Damage Brings to UFC 4:

• Realism & authenticity that showcases the wear & tear on fighters' bodies
• Every defensive move feels essential & more consequential
• Higher emotional engagement as you see the toll of each hard-hitting strike that lands

10. Extensive Roster

2020 Conor faces off with Prime Conor

Last but most definitely not least is the addition of a 330+ strong roster & 250+ unique fighter options with 85+ alternates. With options from every era since the UFC began & characters from previous EA titles like Fight Night Champion, the matchup possibilities are endless.

What the Extensive Roster brings to UFC 4:

• Different versions of selected ‘Icons’ like Anderson Silva and GSP add depth and authenticity to the roster
• Constant roster additions of new rising stars in the UFC keep the game fresh and up to date
• Fighter updates based on real-life performances, overseen by UFC legend Daniel Cormier, ensure the accuracy and relevance of the roster
• Legends from every era including the likes of Brock Lesnar and Chuck Liddell, are featured, allowing you to relive epic matchups
• Unique roster members such as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury bring the worlds of boxing and MMA together, enabling you to create dream fights that were once unimaginable

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