Undisputed - formerly known as eSports Boxing - is a boxing game in Early Access on Steam. Despite being an unfinished product in its current state, the fundamentals are there to build toward making the best boxing game since Fight Night Champion.
While Undisputed still needs some work, there's enough there to please fans of the genre where tactics, timing, and strategy win over combo chains and super moves like the Tekken series. As a title in the combat sports genre, picking one's shots, maintaining stamina, and defense take precedence over flashy moves. That's not to say that Undisputed doesn't have power moves of its own, but knowing how and when to land them is vital.
What Are Power Punches In Undisputed?
Unlike the flashier moves in combat sports title UFC 4, power punches in Undisputed are more like strength modifiers. The power punches are generally the same as regular jabs, straights, and hooks, but they are more damaging and land with a satisfying smack when they connect. However, they drain around 25% of a fighter's stamina when they miss, so picking shots and timing is the most crucial factor in making sure they connect with an opponent.
NOTE: Currently, Undisputed doesn't support keyboard and mouse controls. The game is designed to be used with a controller. The in-game settings feature Xbox controller layouts, but the game supports PS4, PS5, Switch, and generic controllers.
How To Land A Power Punch In Undisputed
Even though the fighter swings and hits harder, throwing a power punch can be performed seamlessly with combinations. Though a slightly different button layout, the modifier works similarly to Fight Night Champion in its execution. To perform a power attack, use the following instructions:
- Hold RB to activate the strength modifier - then throw any punch to add extra power to the move.
Be aware that swinging away multiple power hooks in succession is ill-advised. Even though there's a good chance one or two will land, the opponent only needs to block and fire back with any hit to land a counterpunch.
When To Land A Power Punch
It takes too long to cover up after throwing a power punch, leaving the player's fighter open to a counterattack. Counterattacks have more chance of getting a flash KO than a power punch, so it's always a good idea to is it as sparingly as possible. In an area that UFC 4 players should be familiar with, Power shots have an increased chance of landing if the player has created some distance. This usually prompts the opponent to try and step in and close the distance, potentially leaving themselves open to a powered-up straight left or right.
Try to be unpredictable and keep the opponent on their toes. However, the only time a fighter should swing wildly away at their opponent with power punches is when they have their opponent stunned. With an opponent wobbled, the player's fighter has a short window where their stamina won't take a hit. So it's better to wait until an opponent is stunned before throwing wild power punches. Instead, focus on landing counterattacks.
Undisputed is available on Steam Early Access of the PC.