Want to take your combat skills to the next level in VV: ULTIMATUM? Then you need to master the Z-Step.
The Z-Step is one of the most important mechanics in the game. It allows you to follow up on your attacks, extend your combos, and dominate your opponents. In this guide, we will break down exactly how the Z-Step works and the 4 ways you can pull it off.
How Does the Z-Step Work? (The Core Mechanic)
The secret to a successful Z-Step comes down to timing and reading your screen. Here is the basic formula:
- Hit and Knock Back: You must first use an attack or skill that knocks your enemy away from you.
- Watch for the Cue: When the enemy is knocked back, a square targeting box will flash on your screen.
- Press Q: The exact moment you see that square box light up, press the "Q" key.
Important Note: Not every skill can trigger a Z-Step! Before heading into battle, hover your mouse over your skills in the menu to check their descriptions. The game will explicitly tell you if a skill supports Z-Step.
4 Ways to Trigger a Z-Step
There isn't just one way to use this mechanic. Depending on your playstyle and build, you can trigger a Z-Step in four different ways:
The M1 Knockback (Basic Attacks)
- How to do it: Land a full basic attack (M1) combo until the final hit knocks the enemy away.
- Difficulty: Hard. Triggering a Z-Step from just basic attacks is highly inconsistent and very difficult to time in a real match.
The Aerial Launcher
- How to do it: Use a skill that launches your opponent into the air.
- Timing: As soon as they take flight and the square box appears, hit Q to chase them into the sky.
Knockback Skills
- How to do it: Use any standard active skill that has a heavy knockback effect.
- Timing: Once the skill connects and sends the enemy flying across the map, press Q to instantly close the gap.
Teleport / Dash Knocks
- How to do it: Use a skill that teleports or dashes your character directly into the enemy, ending in a knockback.
- Timing: This is great for aggressive play. As soon as your dash attack connects and pushes them back, slap the Q key to continue the pressure.
Summary for Success
To get good at the Z-Step, don't just mash your buttons. Focus on using Launchers, Knockbacks, or Dash skills, watch the center of your screen for that square box, and hit Q with precise timing.
Once you get the muscle memory down, you'll be chaining together flashy, unstoppable combos that will leave your opponents helpless!
Which skill is your favorite for setting up a Z-Step? Let us know in the comments below!