Steam users can get access to the long-awaited Undisputed boxing game. Fans haven't had a decent boxing game since Fight Night Champion almost 12 years ago. The developers at EA appear to be more focused on their UFC series, so fans hungry for a faithful recreation of the sweet science of boxing are still active and playing Fight Night Champion using Xbox Series X/S compatibility.
Luckily, FN Champ was way ahead of its time and still looks and plays beautifully, but it's time for a new contender to enter the ring, and that contender is Undisputed. The game is still in early access, so there is room for improvement, but the foundations are in place for what can develop into the best boxing game available. Undisputed understands the mechanics of defensive fighting. The importance of not getting hit is as vital as landing a KO or winning on the judge's scorecards.
Currently, Undisputed doesn't support the keyboard and mouse. It's set up for controller support only. So players can use the Xbox, PS5, Switch, and generic controllers to play the game. The in-game settings and button layout suggest that the game was designed with the Xbox controller in mind.
Defensive Controls In Undisputed
The following will list the button layout for defensive maneuvers in Undisputed:
- High Guard - hold the R2 button.
- Low Guard - hold the R2 button and down on the R Stick to protect the body. Or press the L1 button.
- Weave - hold the L2 button to weave away from the punches.
- Weave and Guard - Hold L2 and R2.
- Plant the feet and slip punches - click and hold down the L stick to slip a boxer's punches.
- Back and Side Stepping - Quickly hit away twice to back away from the opponent. Quickly tap up or down the side step left or right in the ring.
Defensive Strategies
Blocking isn't always the most effective option. Fighters light on their feet, like Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leanard, are faster and more effective at fighting from a medium to long range, backing away from trouble, and picking their opponents apart in Undisputed.
Flat-footed sluggers like Rocky Marciano and Joe Frazier are shorter and better suited to fighting inside the pocket, blocking, using slips, and counterpunches. Undisputed players should be mindful of their stamina and block damage. Relying too heavily on blocking will damage their arms, and mindlessly weaving in and out will deplete their boxer's stamina.
Good Fast Boxers
The style of fighter is down to the player's choice and where they feel most comfortable. But good starting boxers with a long range that box well while back peddling are as follows:
- Muhammad Ali
- Tyson Fury
- Roy Jones Jr.
- Sugar Ray Leonard
- Sugar Ray Robinson
Good Boxers From The Pocket
- Rocky Marciano
- Joe Frazier
- Ricky Hatton
Pick any of the above fighters who can practice against boxers with lower stats to get a feel for weaving and blocking. As it stands, it's not as responsive as Fight Night, but with some practice, the defense can be mastered.
Undisputed is available in Early Access for PC.