WWE 2K24 introduces a more refined and strategic approach to in-ring combat, and mastering the neutral grapple combo system is essential for anyone looking to dominate their opponents. Unlike heavy or signature moves, neutral grapple combos focus on flow, speed, and adaptability. These techniques form the backbone of your offense, allowing you to build momentum, drain your opponent’s stamina, and set up for big finishers. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, learning how to chain these combos effectively will give you a serious edge in every match.
Understanding Neutral Grapple Combos
What Is a Neutral Grapple?
In WWE 2K24, a neutral grapple refers to a basic lock-up that doesn’t involve a directional input. When you press the grapple button without pressing a directional key or stick, your wrestler will engage in a neutral grapple state. This opens up a set of combo opportunities that can include strikes, holds, slams, and transitions into other move types.
The beauty of the neutral grapple is its versatility. Since it doesn’t rely on directional input, it’s faster to execute and more difficult for opponents to predict. Most wrestlers have multiple neutral grapple combo chains that can lead into signature setups or submission holds, depending on the wrestler’s move set.
How to Initiate a Neutral Grapple Combo
To start a neutral grapple combo, follow these steps:
- Approach your opponent standing face-to-face.
- Press the grapple button (typicallyCircleon PlayStation orBon Xbox) without moving the analog stick.
- Quickly follow up with a combo input (such as Light Attack + Light Attack + Heavy Attack).
The combo tree may vary depending on the superstar you are using. Some characters may emphasize technical holds, while others lean into power moves or quick strikes. You can view and customize these combos in the Move Set editor under the Combos tab.
Combo Variations in Neutral Grapples
Light to Heavy Chain Combos
One of the most effective forms of neutral grapple combos is the Light-Light-Heavy sequence. This combo allows players to start with quick strikes that are hard to reverse and end with a heavy move that causes significant damage or knockback. Examples include:
- Light + Light + Heavy: Jab >Elbow >Snap Suplex
- Light + Heavy + Heavy: Knee Strike >Gut Kick >Powerbomb
Strike to Grapple Transitions
Neutral grapples also allow for fluid transitions between strike combos and throws. These combos are ideal for players who want to chain offense and reduce the opponent’s chance to reverse.
- Strike >Grapple >Slam: Palm Strike >Collar Tie >Belly-to-Belly
- Strike >Hold >Throw: Forearm Smash >Headlock >Russian Leg Sweep
Technical Combos
Some superstars in WWE 2K24, like Chad Gable or Zack Sabre Jr., favor technical grappling combos. These may include submissions or transitions into grounded positions, perfect for wearing down an opponent’s limbs.
- Chain: Arm Drag >Arm Wrench >Fujiwara Armbar
- Chain: Wristlock >Back Take >Sleeper Hold
Tips for Mastering Neutral Grapple Combos
Know Your Superstar’s Move Set
Each superstar has unique neutral grapple combos. Study your favorite wrestler’s move list and test out the timing in Practice Mode. Memorizing a few reliable combo sequences can help you stay unpredictable during real matches. Some combos may even cause stun effects or set up environmental attacks.
Use Neutral Combos to Build Momentum
While finishers and signatures are flashy and effective, it’s the neutral combos that build your momentum meter steadily. Performing well-timed, uninterrupted combos increases your offensive momentum bar, allowing you to access your finisher faster.
Mix Up Your Attacks
Spamming the same combo repeatedly can make your offense predictable. Mix up light and heavy attacks, use different endings, or transition into directional grapples to throw off your opponent’s reversal timing. A balanced offense will keep your opponent guessing.
Exploit Stagger Windows
After a successful neutral grapple combo, your opponent often ends up staggered. Use this brief window to follow up with a running attack, corner grapple, or even climb to the top rope for aerial offense. Don’t waste the advantage a well-timed combo gives you.
Advanced Techniques in Neutral Grapples
Canceling and Feinting
Experienced players can fake a grapple and transition into a strike, or cancel a combo mid-sequence to bait out a reversal. While this requires precise timing and experience, it can completely flip the tempo of a match when done right.
Combining Combos with Signature Setups
Some wrestlers have neutral grapple combos that end in setups for their signature moves. For example, a three-hit combo may end with a spinning kick that stuns the opponent long enough to perform a signature taunt or grab. Use these moments wisely to close the match with style.
Ground Transitions
Some neutral combos leave the opponent on the mat. These are excellent for transitioning into ground grapples, pin attempts, or submission holds. Consider using a neutral grapple chain that ends in a ground slam to follow up with a high-impact leg lock or knee drop.
Best Superstars for Neutral Grapple Combos
Recommended Wrestlers
Certain superstars in WWE 2K24 are particularly well-suited for neutral grapple combo-based gameplay. These include:
- Seth Rollins: Quick and combo-heavy, ideal for chaining light attacks into knockdowns.
- AJ Styles: Offers fluid transitions and technical versatility.
- Shinsuke Nakamura: Strong mix of strikes and grapples with unorthodox finishers.
- Charlotte Flair: Great for technical holds and aerial follow-ups.
- Johnny Gargano: Balanced with high combo variety and chain wrestling skills.
Custom Wrestler (MyRISE / MyPLAYER)
If you’re creating your own wrestler in MyRISE or MyPLAYER mode, consider giving them a move set that focuses on combo continuity and quick transitions. Move trees built around light strikes, transition grapples, and fast submissions can dominate the neutral game.
Practice and Consistency
Spend Time in Practice Mode
The best way to get comfortable with neutral grapple combos is through repetition. Practice the timing, understand how different opponents react, and test combo strings against reversal-heavy AI. The more you refine your execution, the more confident you’ll be during real matches.
Adapt to Opponent Behavior
Some players will quickly adapt to your combo patterns. Don’t fall into the trap of becoming predictable. Rotate through various combos, switch up pacing, and always be ready to counter their reversal attempts with your own defense.
Neutral grapple combos in WWE 2K24 form the core of any skilled player’s offense. They offer fluidity, adaptability, and momentum gain without relying on flashy finishers alone. By understanding your superstar’s unique combo options and applying them effectively in matches, you can create devastating offense chains that overwhelm your opponent and lead to match-winning moments. Practice regularly, mix up your strategies, and soon your neutral grapple game will be one of your most valuable tools inside the squared circle.