The fighting Prime Minister of Poland, Lidia Sobieska, is back in Tekken 8 as the second DLC character. While complex even by Tekken standards, Bandai Namco's Esports Manager Alex Julio recently provided IGN with an ten minute demonstration of her best moves, unique threats, and how to effectively use her. This article serves as a starter guide for Lidia Sobieska in Tekken 8.

Stances: A Core Part of Lidia's Gameplay

Lidia utilizes a complex stance system in Tekken 8. She has four stances: Cat Stance, Horse Stance, Striking Wolf Stance, and Heaven and Earth. Each stance offers a unique set of follow-up options, from lows to quick highs that beat jabs, to punishing mids leading to damaging combos. Mastering these stances is key to pressuring opponents and keeping them guessing.

Key Moves Explained

The guide dives into some of Lidia's most important moves:

• Forward Forward 2: A returning mid punch that leaves Lydia at plus five on block and forces her into Horse Stance. On hit, it offers various follow-up options, making it a great mix-up tool. In Heat mode, it becomes even more potent.
• Forward Forward 1: A high approach option that leaves Lydia at plus six but doesn't force a stance change. While punishable by ducking, it forces opponents to respect her aggression.
• Political Storm: This 14-frame punisher is a great heat engager with fantastic range. The last hit is launch punishable, but stopping after the second hit makes it minus 10 on block.

Punishers and Combos

The guide also details Lidia's punishers for various frame disadvantages. It covers options from 10 to 15 frames and even beyond, including her 10-frame punish string, Political Storm (a 14-frame punisher that doubles as a heat engager), and while-rising punishers.

Heaven and Earth Stance

Unique to Lidia, Heaven and Earth Stance can only be accessed in Heat mode or after a heat engager. It grants a temporary charge that empowers specific moves. Within the stance, Lidia has strong mid and high options, with the final option being a parry that restores some heat time and allows for follow-up attacks.

Lidia Sobieska is a complex character with a vast moveset. This guide equips new players with the tools to get started with Lidia and helps seasoned players understand her strengths and weaknesses.