With 2018's Tetris Effect, what is old is new again. Dazzling, atmospheric visuals, an appealing soundtrack, and unique gameplay modes and concepts put a new spin on the classic series and breathe new life into the experience. Studios Monstars and Resonair have managed to take a classic, established formula and reinvigorate it, maintaining the appealing puzzle mechanics and taking it to eleven. Recently, this exhilarating version of Tetris was further enhanced with new online options.
This rebranded puzzler for Xbox One, Series X/S, PlayStation, and Windows, tagged "Tetris Effect Connected," is more enticing and robust than ever. While the online showdowns tend to be the main draw, they can also be some of the more intimidating bouts of the game. But have no fear - This list will tackle pro tips and tricks to help you hone your Tetris Effect game and overcome opponents.
Updated October 1, 2021, by Stephen LaGioia: With recent releases such as Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 as well as the Classic Tetris World Championship ongoing until November 2021, Tetris mania seems to be in full swing; which isn't surprising given the timeless nature of this appealing puzzler. This competition is particularly worth highlighting for the context of this piece, as the 2021 show will be including Tetris Effect for the first time ever.
This event will showcase over 400 players from around the world battling it out—which should make for a fun showcase as well as provide some insights and tips for aspiring players. To complement this, we thought it would be fitting to revisit this list and further enlighten players with updates and additional tips for Tetris Effect: Connected.
15 Take Advantage Of Tuck Spins
Most versions of Tetris allow players to get a little fancy when it comes to flipping and placing tetrominoes by implementing a tuck spin mechanic, and it's no different here. Tuck spins (or T-Spins) enable an extra flip or two even after a piece seemingly has an obstruction. For instance, you might have a partly-blocked area in which a T-Tetromino could perfectly fit, but it appears the gap is too small to allow for the extra flip needed to maneuver and fasten the piece in this space.
In fact, you can squeeze this piece into the space—you simply need to position it near the opening and quickly flip it the number of times needed for it to align. These moves are handy as they allow for more organization and space when in a frantic battle.
14 Play With A D-Pad
One useful Tetris Effect tip doesn't involve its actual gameplay as much as the control method. A game like Tetris demands solid, precise, and fast-responding controls, and there's no better option than a controller with a sturdy D-pad. Keyboards, joysticks, and even separate D-pad buttons—like the Dualshock and Switch Joy-Cons—aren't quite at sharp.
Make a point to use a controller with a classic, well-made D-Pad, even if it means a third-party peripheral. A good rule of thumb is that if it's a (traditional) controller that's suitable for a classic fighting game, it's suitable for Tetris Effect: Connected.
13 Unlock Expert In Journey Mode
The game's solo campaign, known fittingly as Journey Mode, can bring some tough trials, even on the default difficulty. But things really start picking up after unlocking the frantic Expert Mode.
While playing through this speedy variant of the campaign can be absurdly hard, use this as an opportunity to practice. It's a good way to really put your Tetris Effect skills to the test, as the rapid speed of the gameplay will force you to be precise, tactical, and quick, while utilizing the Zone properly. Spend some time burning through at least some of Expert Mode.
12 Utilize 6-3 Stacking
It's a popular practice to leave a space or two as players continue to build a wall next to the ever-increasing gap. This allows them to easily insert blocks, particularly I-Tetrominos, which can set the stage for huge line clears and loads of points all at once. However, one underutilized tactic is the placement of this gap somewhere near the middle of the screen, rather than the side. It's widely agreed among Tetris players that the "6-3" stack is the most ideal.
This means that there will be lines six blocks long on the left side, followed by a gap, and another three on the right side. This is handy as it makes for the easiest line clears and makes moves—including tougher ones like T-Spins—simpler to pull off. If you want to get fancy, open the gap up and build slimmer sides so you're working with a 3-3 stack.
11 Utilize Tetromino Holds
Unlike the older Tetris classics, this game has various options to exploit beyond just speed and maneuverability, thanks to some new features. One nifty tool at your disposal is the ability to quickly swap out a piece with another. The tetromino on standby will be displayed on the top left-hand side of your screen. Simply press the right or left bumper to swap out the piece.
This basic move can go a long way in changing the outcome of a game, as one unsatisfactory piece can be interchanged for a much better fitting one. You can even tinker with the "hold" setting in the gameplay options to better fit your gameplay style. Included here are the options to preemptively rotate and trigger a held tetromino even before it shows up on screen.
10 Emphasize Combos - Especially In Classic Score Attack
Classic Score Attack ditches all of the bells and whistles of the flashy modern modes, boiling things down to the iconic NES-style Tetris. As such, much of the strategy is whittled down to maneuverability and quickly earning points. There's little worry in piling up tall stacks, as garbage pieces and game-changing elements don't exist in this mode.
Given these traits, and this mode's emphasis on high scores, it's really best to focus on building up combos and notching several Tetrises here. Of course, clearing more lines at once should usually be strived for, but that's particularly true in Classic Score Attack.
9 Alternate Between Quick Clears And Larger Combos
Classic Score Attack notwithstanding, it's usually a good idea to oscillate between smaller, quicker line clears and larger combos. This lends itself to the game's frantic, sporadic, and often unpredictable nature. With elements like stacks of garbage, flipping screens, and oversized tetrominoes, things can get pretty hairy in a heartbeat.
Thus, clogging up your screen to dire levels should usually be avoided. Of course, this partly depends on how your opponent is performing, and what their current situation is.
8 Turn Up The Next Queue
Of course, it's a good idea to stay alert as to your next incoming piece, which is displayed on the top right of your screen.
But this can be further exploited by a simple tweak in the gameplay options screen. In the gameplay options, you can go to "next queue" and dial up the number of incoming tetrominoes shown at once to a maximum of four.
7 Use Hard Drops Often
Like many more recent Tetris offerings, TEC allows you to play a speedier game through the handy "hard drop" option. Simply tapping the down arrow once a piece is lined up will cause it to swiftly drop like a rock. This should be utilized whenever possible in order to get a leg up on an opponent.
It's true that rushing these too much can create the potential for flubbed drops. Though the "ghost piece display" in the gameplay options helps to ensure the piece is lined up properly. Be sure it's turned on.
6 Dial Back Or Eliminate Visual And Audio Distractions
Both the gameplay and visual options will also allow you to tone down the stimulation overload that TEC can be. The rather small viewscreen can be zoomed in so that you can better see the action on the screen. The somewhat jarring adjustable camera can be flicked off, and the tetromino graphics can be given more classic color schemes to make them pop a bit more.
In the visuals options, things like line clear effects, zone brilliance, and matrix visibility can be toned down to further alleviate distractions and highlight the action.
5 Zone Mode: Using Zone Mode Effectively
One of the standout inclusions of Tetris Effect is the ability to freeze gravity and initiate "Zone Mode." This can be exploited to blindside and overcome opponents in Zone Battle—if used wisely. Once your Zone Meter is at least close to full, initiate it and try to rack up as many line clears as possible while this frozen state is initiated. Build up stacks that leave two or three empty lines of leeway to safely fill in.
Since the action freezes, you won't have to worry about topping out by overfilling the screen, so try to notch several line clears. Clearing enough will toss impactful rows of garbage on the other player's screen. Clearing every line during this time will send a whopping ten lines of garbage. Just be sure not to overextend pieces so that they block incoming tetrominoes, as the stack doesn't move until this ability ends.
4 Zone Mode: Clear Lines Quickly While Opponent Uses Zone
Just as it's a good idea to quickly build line clears for Zone Mode, it's also smart to clear much of your own blocks while an opponent is locked in this mode. A well-played Zone by the opposition will likely bring loads of garbage pieces that could quickly give you problems.
You can weather this incoming storm by countering with your own Zone Mode. Even if the meter isn't quite full, it might be a good idea to use a desperation Zone here. At the very least, though, be sure to quickly clear clogs of high-stacked blocks, as there's a good chance they'll be bumped to—or close to—the top of the screen.
3 Connected Mode: Quicker Revives Using This Technique
Playing the unique co-op version of Tetris can be fun and exciting, but also nerve-wracking. This is especially the case if you happen to bite the dust, and are forced to sit on the sidelines while your partners resurrect you. It's like a puzzler version of Gears of War - and only slightly less aggravating.
Thankfully, you can help towards a speedy recovery, so that you don't have to totally rely on teammates' effectiveness in notching Tetrises. When you're down and out, a pulsing ring will be visible around your avatar, which you may notice oscillates to a rhythm. When the ring shrinks to a small dot, tap one of the rotate piece buttons. Keep doing this, and you'll be revived at a far quicker rate.
2 Connected Mode: Be Quick To Fill In Spots For Other Players When Needed
It's a good idea to utilize the unique combined conditions of Connected Mode. This can be done at intervals where the three-player screens meld into one. Be on the lookout for gaps that befit the shape of your tetromino and be ready to jump in to fill the space when it's your turn to move.
Of course, this depends on the situation, and it's often fine just filling in your own section as your teammates fill in theirs. Play off your teammates and fill in any area that will lead to the most line clears.
1 Connected Mode: Pile On The Tetrominoes Right Before Connected Meter Fills
You may have noticed certain players frantically stacking their own screen in Connected Mode. While this would seem like a self-sabotaging effort, it's actually beneficial to the team—provided it happens soon before the screens merge. This is effective because any messy stacks will collapse and reorganize upon merging.
If your screen's fairly empty, make a point to watch the meters encircling the players' avatars. When they're near full, start stacking, as this will allow for more line clears more quickly, which can be used against the boss. Just be sure there are a few gaps to fill in.