SmackDown: Here Comes The Pain - PS2 Controls Guide

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 52 views

Hey wrestling fans! Ready to step back into the squared circle and relive the glory days of WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain on the PS2? This game was a classic, and mastering the controls is key to dominating your opponents and capturing championship gold. This guide is your ringside seat to understanding the control scheme, from basic grapples to high-flying maneuvers and submission techniques. So, lace up your boots, grab your controller, and let's get ready to rumble!

Basic Controls and Movement

Before you can unleash a flurry of powerbombs and dropkicks, you need to understand the fundamental controls. Think of these as your building blocks for success in the ring. They may seem basic, but these will be the foundation of your gameplay. Whether you are playing a career mode or exhibition match, this will be the most useful information you can use. Understanding these basics is essential.

Movement: Use the Left Analog Stick or the D-Pad to move your wrestler around the ring. Simple enough, right? The analog stick gives you more precise control, allowing for subtle movements, while the D-pad is great for quick directional changes.
Running: To get some momentum, press the R1 Button while moving. This is crucial for executing running attacks, delivering devastating blows, and chasing down your opponents. Timing is key; knowing when to run is a core skill.
Grapple: This is where the real fun begins! Press the Circle Button near your opponent to initiate a grapple. Once you're in a grapple, you can perform various moves based on your wrestler's attributes and the direction you press.
Attack: Use the X Button for basic attacks like punches and kicks. These are great for softening up your opponent or interrupting their moves. Combining these with running attacks or grapple moves can be devastating.
Irish Whip: Press the Right Analog Stick towards your opponent to perform an Irish whip, sending them flying towards the ropes. This sets up opportunities for running attacks or reversals.
Block/Counter: The Square Button is your friend when it comes to defense. Pressing it at the right time will allow you to block incoming attacks or counter grapple attempts. Timing is everything here.

Mastering these basic controls is the first step towards wrestling dominance. Practice moving around the ring, running at the right moments, and getting a feel for the timing of attacks and blocks. These are your essential tools for creating a winning strategy. They will help you to dominate the competition. By honing these basic skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a champion in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain. So get out there and start practicing, and soon you'll be taking down even the toughest opponents!

Grapple and Offensive Maneuvers

Alright, now that you've got the basics down, it's time to learn how to dish out some punishment! Grappling is the heart of the game, and mastering the offensive maneuvers is essential for taking control of the match. Understanding these techniques can be the difference between winning and losing. Knowing your wrestler's move set and how to execute it is crucial to winning. Here’s a breakdown of how to execute grapples and other offensive actions.

Grapple: As mentioned before, press Circle near your opponent to initiate a grapple. From here, the game offers a range of options.
Light Grapple: Press Circle again to perform a light grapple move, often a quick strike or a basic hold.
Strong Grapple: Press Directional Button + Circle to perform a stronger grapple move, often leading to a more powerful attack or submission hold.
Reversals: This is the most important element of any match. The Square Button is key for defense. By pressing the button at the right time, you can block or reverse the opponent's moves, turning the tide of the match. Timing is key! This can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Ground Game: When your opponent is on the mat, you can perform ground attacks by pressing the Circle Button near their head or feet. This opens up options for submissions or pinning attempts.
Running Attacks: As mentioned earlier, press the R1 Button to run. While running towards your opponent, press X Button or Circle Button to perform a running attack. These moves can be game-changers.
Turnbuckle Attacks: When you're near a turnbuckle, you can use the Circle Button to perform specific turnbuckle maneuvers, such as diving attacks or corner strikes. This is your chance to inflict some major damage.
Special Moves: Every wrestler has a unique special move that can be unleashed when their special meter is full. This can be unleashed by pressing L1 + R1 together. These moves are often match-enders and can lead to a quick victory.

By mastering these grapple and offensive maneuvers, you'll be able to control the pace of the match, inflict serious damage, and ultimately secure the win. Remember to learn your wrestler's specific moveset and practice the timing of reversals. With enough practice, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Defensive Techniques and Counters

Defense is just as important as offense in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain. Knowing how to protect yourself from attacks, reverse your opponent’s moves, and maintain control in a match can be the difference between winning and losing. Here's how to stay safe and turn the tables on your opponents.

Blocking: The Square Button is your best friend when it comes to defense. Pressing it at the right time will block most attacks, protecting you from damage. Practice blocking to get the timing down. This is crucial for survival in the ring.
Reversals: This is a key aspect of defensive strategy, and the ability to reverse your opponent’s moves can turn the tables on them. Reversals require precise timing, so practice and learn the animation cues to know when to strike. This will allow you to counter your opponent's moves.
Breaking Grapples: If you find yourself in a grapple, you can break free by rapidly tapping the X Button or the Circle Button. This can prevent your opponent from executing a strong grapple move or submission hold.
Getting Up: When knocked down, you can quickly get up by pressing the Directional Buttons along with the X Button. This helps you to return to a standing position.
Submission Defense: When caught in a submission hold, you can attempt to escape by rapidly tapping the D-Pad or the X Button. The more you tap, the faster you escape the hold. This is a battle of will and reflexes.
Pinning: You can interrupt a pin attempt by quickly pressing the X Button to kick out. Timing is everything here.
Using the Environment: Utilizing the ring and the surroundings to your advantage is an effective defensive move. You can whip your opponent into the turnbuckle or throw them over the ropes, creating space and opportunities for counterattacks.

By mastering these defensive techniques, you can minimize the damage you take, wear down your opponent, and create opportunities to mount a comeback. Remember, patience and timing are key to successful defense. With these skills, you'll be able to withstand the onslaught and emerge victorious.

Special Moves and Finishers

Every wrestler in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain has their own signature moves and finishers. Unleashing these can be the highlight of any match and lead you to victory. Knowing how to execute these is essential for dominating your opponents. So, let’s get into how to execute them and when the right time to use them is.

Special Meter: Your special meter is located at the bottom of the screen. As you perform attacks and take damage, the meter will fill up. Once it's full, you can unleash a special move.
Activating Your Special: When your special meter is full, press L1 + R1 together to unleash your wrestler's signature move. Make sure you're in a good position to land the move for maximum impact.
Finishers: Finishers are powerful moves that often lead to an instant victory. These moves are unique to each wrestler and can be devastating. They can only be used once the special meter is full.
How to Execute Finishers: To execute a finisher, you typically need to be in a grapple with your opponent. Press the Directional Button + Circle Button to perform your finisher, provided your special meter is full.
Choosing the Right Moment: Timing is crucial when using special moves and finishers. Wait for the right moment to unleash them, such as when your opponent is weakened or when you need to turn the tide of the match. This can be when they are vulnerable. The right time can often lead to a swift victory.
Crowd Reactions: When you successfully perform a finisher, the crowd will erupt in cheers, adding to the excitement. It’s an iconic moment of the game!

Mastering your wrestler's special moves and finishers is key to dominating matches. Understand when to use them and how to set them up for maximum impact. With practice and precision, you'll be delivering those iconic moves and earning those big wins in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain!

Advanced Techniques and Tips

Now that you've got the basics down, let's dive into some advanced techniques and tips that will take your game to the next level. These strategies can help you outsmart your opponents, dominate the match, and secure the championship. So, are you ready to learn some advanced skills?

Chain Wrestling: Link together your moves to keep the pressure on your opponent. This can involve chaining grapples, strikes, and running attacks to create a continuous flow of offense.
Targeting: Learn to target specific body parts to weaken your opponent. Repeatedly attacking a limb can reduce their ability to perform certain moves.
Match Psychology: Understand how to control the pace of the match. Know when to attack, when to rest, and when to build the drama. A well-executed match strategy can be as important as your technical skills.
Using Weapons: If weapons are allowed, use them strategically. Be careful not to get disqualified, but use them to gain an advantage or create an opening for a finisher.
Ring Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and utilize the environment to your advantage. Use the ropes, turnbuckles, and barricades to create opportunities or dodge attacks.
AI Adjustment: Experiment with difficulty settings to find the right balance between challenge and enjoyment. Adjusting the AI can greatly enhance your gameplay experience.
Practice, Practice, Practice: The best way to improve is to practice. Spend time in the training mode, experiment with different moves, and learn your wrestler's strengths and weaknesses.
Learn Your Wrestler: Spend time learning the move sets, strengths, and weaknesses of each wrestler. Knowing your wrestler's moves is vital for success.
Watch the Pros: If you want to take your skills to the next level, watch professional wrestling matches to see how the pros create their matches and execute their moves. This can provide valuable insights into match psychology, timing, and strategy.

By incorporating these advanced techniques and tips into your gameplay, you'll become a more skilled and strategic wrestler in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of the fight! With enough practice, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Conclusion: Dominate the Ring!

And there you have it, folks! Your complete guide to mastering the controls in WWE SmackDown: Here Comes the Pain on the PS2. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the wrestling scene, this guide has provided you with the knowledge and skills needed to dominate the ring. Remember, practice, patience, and a little bit of flair are the keys to becoming a true wrestling champion.

So get out there, choose your favorite wrestler, and start your journey to wrestling greatness. Unleash your inner superstar, perform those iconic moves, and hear the roar of the crowd as you claim the championship. Are you ready to step into the ring and become the champion? The virtual world of wrestling awaits! Now go out there and show the world what you've got! We'll see you in the ring!