What Does 1, 2, 3, 4 Mean in Fighting Games? A Beginner‘s Guide to Numbered Notation

If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious or confused by the mysterious numbered terminology used in fighting games. What do inputs like “quarter circle 2” or “6 1 4” even mean? Well dear reader, you’ve come to the right place!

In this friendly beginner‘s guide, I’ll be revealing the secrets behind numbered inputs in fighting games. I’ll explain where 1, 2, 3, 4 notation originated from, what each number refers to on PlayStation and Xbox controllers, give examples of real fighting game moves, and provide tips to help you master these inputs yourself.

Let‘s level up together!

The Origins of Numbered Notation in Fighting Games

First, a little history lesson on the origins of using numbers for fighting game inputs. This standard was established back in the early 90s arcade scene with games like Street Fighter II.

In arcade cabinet controllers, the buttons were naturally ordered 1, 2, 3, 4 from left to right. Joysticks used the cardinal directions up, down, left, right. Game developers and strategy guide authors began adopting this logical numbered notation as shorthand for indicating joystick and button inputs.

For example, Ryu‘s Hadouken fireball was written as "D, DF, F + 1" using numbers instead of writing out "Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Punch". This compact numerical notation helped players memorize inputs and combos.

When fighting games migrated to home consoles like the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis, the 1, 2, 3, 4 convention stuck around. PlayStation controllers mapped square, triangle, cross, and circle as 1, 2, 3, 4 respectively. On Xbox controllers, X, Y, A, B correspond to 1, 2, 3, 4.

This standardized numbering allows fighting game strategies and terminology to remain consistent across platforms. Whether you‘re playing Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat, 1, 2, 3, 4 will always refer to the same inputs.

So in summary, numbered fighting game notation has its roots in 90s arcades and was adopted to aid learning complex input commands. It‘s now an integral part of fighting game terminology that connects arcade and home play.

What Each Number Refers to on PlayStation and Xbox Controllers

Now that you know a bit about the history of 1, 2, 3, 4 notation, let‘s break down exactly what each number means on modern controllers:

PlayStation Controller

• 1 = Square button
• 2 = Triangle button
• 3 = Cross button
• 4 = Circle button

Xbox Controller

• 1 = X button
• 2 = Y button
• 3 = A button
• 4 = B button

Pretty straightforward right? If you see a combo written as “1, 2, 3, 2, 1” this simply translates to:

• On PlayStation: Square, Triangle, Cross, Triangle, Square
• On Xbox: X, Y, A, Y, X

Memorizing which button corresponds to 1, 2, 3 and 4 is essential for translating numerical inputs into actual in-game commands. So print out those controller diagrams and study up!

Real World Examples of Numbered Inputs in Fighting Games

Now let’s look at some real world examples of how numbered inputs are used for special moves in various fighting game franchises:

• Hadouken in Street Fighter = quarter-circle 4
• Sub-Zero’s Ice Ball in Mortal Kombat = Down, 1
• Chun-Li’s Lightning Legs = repeatedly tap 3
• Scorpion’s Spear in Mortal Kombat = Back, 2
• Zangief’s Spinning Piledriver = half-circle 2
• Sol Badguy’s Gun Flame in Guilty Gear = 236 + 1
• Captain Falcon‘s Falcon Punch in Smash Bros = reverse half-circle 4

As you can see, numbering provides a quick, compact way to indicate often complex directional and button inputs. Trying to write out the full button names would be seriously tedious!

These examples also demonstrate how universal numbered notation is across various fighting game genres. From traditional 2D fighters to platform brawlers like Smash Bros, 1, 2, 3, 4 is used everywhere.

Alternate Input Notation Systems

In addition to 1, 2, 3, 4, there are a couple other input notation systems you may encounter:

Numpad notation uses a keyboard numpad layout for directions and numbers for buttons. 5 = neutral, 2 = down, 6 = forward etc. More common in 3D fighters like Tekken.

Stick notation uses cardinal directions abbreviated, like F = forward, B = back, DR = down-right. Buttons are numbered. Used by some arcade stick players.

However, 1, 2, 3, 4 remains the most common due to its simplicity and consistency across platforms. So as a beginner, just focus on mastering the basics of numbered notation for now before learning variants.

Tips for Learning Numbered Inputs as a Beginner

If you’re new to fighting games, reading and performing these numbered inputs can feel intimidating at first. Mastering the complex commands takes practice and muscle memory. Here are my tips for getting comfortable with numbered notation:

• Verbalize inputs out loud at first, like “quarter circle 2 punch!” as you do a move. Saying the numbers helps memorize them.

• Visualize the button locations on your controller as you read inputs. Picture pressing 1, 2, 3, 4 in your mind.

• Start off slowly and focus on precision before trying to do inputs fast. Speed will develop over time.

• Use the directional pad instead of analog stick at first, as it allows for more precise digital inputs.

• Practice numbered input combinations in training mode to build muscle memory. Don’t worry about combos yet.

With a bit of focused practice over time, reading and entering numbered fighting game inputs will become second nature!

Performing Tricky 1, 2, 3, 4 Commands

Once you‘ve mastered the basics of numbered inputs, you can move on to some more complex and tricky commands used in fighting games:

360 motions: These require rotating the joystick a full 360 degrees then pressing a button. Useful for grapple moves like Zangief‘s Spinning Piledriver. Try breaking it into smaller quarter circle segments.

Charge moves: Hold a direction like back for 2 seconds, then press forward + button. Allows you to “charge up” powerful attacks. Works well for Guile‘s Sonic Boom.

Negative edge: Release a button instead of pressing it. Lets you incorporate button release timing into combos. Useful for cancelling into specials.

Buffering: Enter part of a motion during another animation, so the move comes out instantly after. Helps make combos more fluid.

Option selects: Special inputs that give you multiple outcomes based on your opponent‘s actions. Advanced 1, 2, 3, 4 techniques!

Learning when and how to utilize these more advanced commands will come with time and experience. For now just focus on getting your basic special move 1, 2, 3, 4 inputs down pat!

Numbered Notation in Other Fighting Game Genres

So far we’ve focused on examples from traditional 2D fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. But numbered inputs are also widely used in other fighting game genres:

Platform fighters: Games like Super Smash Bros use 1, 2, 3, 4 to notate special moves, Smash attacks, and tilt attacks. Makes sense given Nintendo controllers have A, B, X, Y buttons.

Anime fighters: Fast-paced games like Dragon Ball FighterZ and Guilty Gear also adopt the classic 1, 2, 3, 4 conventions for their complex air combos and long special move inputs.

3D fighters: While some use numpad notation, many 3D games like Tekken, Soulcalibur, and Dead or Alive still utilize numbered buttons in their move lists.

So whether you enjoy traditional 2D brawlers, high-flying anime fighters, or 3D martial arts gameplay, mastering 1, 2, 3, 4 input notation is an essential skill to learn. The numbers connect players across all fighting game genres.

A Summary of Key Fighting Game Terms Using 1, 2, 3, 4

Let’s do a quick recap of some key fighting game techniques that utilize 1, 2, 3, 4 numbered inputs:

Term	Input Notation	Description
Hadouken	↓↘→ + 1	Street Fighter’s classic projectile
Spinning Piledriver	←↓↘→ + 2	Zangief’s 360 command grab
Dragon Punch	↓↘→ + 3	Rising uppercut commonly known as a “Shoryuken”
Charge Move	Hold ←, → + 4	Charge back then forward + button
Negative Edge	421~3	Release a button instead of pressing it
Buffer	21~4	Input part of a command pre-emptively
Option Select	624~14	Special input with multiple outcomes

Memorize these core fighting game techniques and numbered input notation fundamentals. They form the foundation for mastery of far more complex combo strings and setups down the road.

Applying Numbered Notation for Advanced Combos and Techniques

While we‘ve focused on basics so far, experienced fighting game players can utilize 1, 2, 3, 4 systems to notate extremely advanced techniques:

• Large combo strings incorporating links, cancels, buffers, etc.
• Option selects for making reads and reactions easier
• Setplay notation to describe oppressive block pressure strings
• Max damage optimizations listed using frame-specific inputs
• Character-specific bread and butter combos
• And much more!

Think of the numbered input system as the framework underpinning high-level fighting game strategy. The notation remains consistent even as gameplay techniques become more sophisticated and complex over time.

Conclusion

If you made it this far reading, congratulations! You now understand the origins and meaning behind the mysterious numbered notation used by fighting games.

To summarize:

• 1, 2, 3, 4 notation started in 90s arcades and continues to be used on PlayStation, Xbox, and other modern controllers
• Each number corresponds to a specific button, making inputs universal across platforms
• Understanding numbered inputs allows you to decipher complex special moves and combos
• With practice, you can master advanced techniques that build on the basic 1, 2, 3, 4 foundation

Hopefully this guide has demystified the common fighting game terminology around numbered inputs. Never again will mentions of “quarter circle 4” or “236P” make you scratch your head in confusion.

You now have the knowledge to continue your fighting game journey armed with the ability to read, understand, and input a huge variety of special moves, combos, and advanced techniques thanks to 1, 2, 3, 4 notation. Good luck and have fun leveling up your skills!