Understanding the controls is your first step to success in Tetris 99. The game utilizes a standard Tetris control scheme with a few additions for targeting opponents. Familiarize yourself with these inputs to react quickly and efficiently during intense battles.
- Left/Right D-Pad or Left Stick: Move Tetrimino left or right. Precise movement is key for fitting pieces into tight spaces.
- Down D-Pad or Left Stick: Soft Drop. Speeds up the fall of the current Tetrimino, allowing for faster stacking without locking it immediately.
- Up D-Pad or Left Stick: Hard Drop. Instantly drops the Tetrimino to the bottom and locks it into place. Essential for quick placements and clearing lines rapidly.
- A Button (or X Button): Rotate Tetrimino Clockwise. Used to orient your pieces for optimal placement.
- B Button (or Y Button): Rotate Tetrimino Counter-Clockwise. Offers an alternative rotation direction, sometimes more convenient depending on the piece and situation.
- L Button: Hold Tetrimino. Swaps your current Tetrimino with the one in your Hold Queue. This is a powerful strategic tool for saving crucial pieces like the 'I' Tetrimino for Tetris clears.
- R Button: Target Switch. Cycles through targeting options (Random, K.O.s, Attackers, Badges). Mastering targeting is vital for offensive and defensive play.
- Right Stick: Manual Target Selection. Allows you to manually select a specific opponent to target. Useful for focusing on a player who is close to being K.O.'d or a strong attacker.