Hey there, fellow soccer fan! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been absolutely hyped about Inazuma Eleven Victory Road finally hitting the scene. I mean, come on—it’s been way too long since we’ve had a proper Inazuma Eleven game to sink our teeth into, right?
Well, I’ve been putting in some serious hours with the game, and let me tell you, there’s one tactic that’s been giving me (and apparently a lot of other players) a bit of a headache: Keyman Lockdown. You know, that move the game basically forces you to figure out during Chapter 3 when you’re facing off against the Baseball Club? Yeah, that one.
I spent way too much time scratching my head trying to figure this out, so I’m putting together this complete guide to save you from the same frustration. Whether you’re rocking a controller or stubbornly sticking with keyboard and mouse like I was at first, I’ve got you covered.
What Exactly is Keyman Lockdown?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let me break down what Keyman Lockdown actually is. From what I’ve gathered (and confirmed with the official wiki), this tactic is also known as “Block The Keyman” in English. It’s a defense hissatsu tactic that’s exclusive to Victory Road, and it’s used by Nagumohara in the game.
Basically, it’s one of those special team tactics that can completely turn the tide of a match when used correctly. The game introduces it during Chapter 3, and honestly, the tutorial could be a bit clearer about how to actually set it up and use it effectively.
How to Get Keyman Lockdown in the First Place?
Alright, so you can’t use what you don’t have, right? Here’s exactly how I got my hands on Keyman Lockdown:
Step 1: Find the Special Training Booth
First things first, you need to head over to the marker in the game’s hub area. You know, that big floating icon that’s probably near the soccer field? Yeah, that one. Interact with it, and you’ll see several options pop up.
Step 2: Navigate to the Tactics Tab
Once you’re in the menu, select “Special Training Booth.” This will open up a new menu where you’ll see different tabs. You want to click on the “Tactics tab”—it should be pretty obvious once you’re there.
Step 3: Purchase Keyman Lockdown
Here’s where you’ll need to spend some of those hard-earned Zeal tokens. Keyman Lockdown costs three Zeal tokens, which might seem like a lot early in the game, but trust me, it’s worth every single one. Just select it and confirm your purchase.
Pro tip: Make sure you have enough Zeal tokens before you head to the training booth. I made that mistake myself and had to run around completing side quests first!
Setting Up Keyman Lockdown in Your Team Dock
Now that you’ve got the tactic, you need to actually set it up so you can use it in matches. This part confused me at first because the game doesn’t exactly hold your hand through it.
Accessing Your Team Dock
Head to your Team Dock—this is basically where you manage your team, tactics, and all that good stuff. If you’re new to the game, it’s probably in the main menu or accessible from your hub area.
Equipping the Tactic
Once you’re in the Team Dock, look for the tactics section. You should see Keyman Lockdown listed there now that you’ve purchased it. Select it and equip it to one of your tactic slots.
I recommend putting it in an easily accessible slot since you’ll need to use it quickly during matches. The last thing you want is to be fumbling around trying to find it when you’re in the middle of an intense match!
Using Keyman Lockdown with a Controller (The Easy Way)
Okay, so if you’re playing with a controller (which I highly recommend for this game, by the way), using Keyman Lockdown is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it.
Step 1: Activate Your Tactics
During a match, when you want to use Keyman Lockdown, you need to first make your tactics appear on screen. To do this, simply hold down L1/LB (depending on whether you’re on PlayStation or Xbox). You’ll see your set tactics appear in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Select Keyman Lockdown
With the tactics menu now visible, press the input that’s associated with Keyman Lockdown. This should be Triangle/Y (again, depending on your controller type). The game should highlight the tactic to show you’ve selected it.
Step 3: Target Your Opponent
This is where it gets a bit tricky. You need to move your joystick toward the target player you want to lock down. In the Baseball Club match, this will be Thierry. As you move your joystick, you’ll see an orange ring moving across the field.
Step 4: Execute the Tactic
When your target is inside that orange ring, press the Confirm input (which is usually X/A on most controllers) to execute the tactic. If you’ve done everything right, your team will perform the Keyman Lockdown, and hopefully, you’ll shut down that key player!
Personal experience: I messed this up so many times because I was trying to move the ring too quickly. Take your time with the targeting—it’s better to be precise than fast!
Using Keyman Lockdown with Keyboard and Mouse (The Challenging Way)
Now, if you’re like I was at first and you’re determined to use keyboard and mouse, I have some bad news for you: Keyman Lockdown is significantly harder to use this way. But don’t worry—I figured out a workaround that actually works!
The Basic Problem
The main issue with keyboard and mouse controls is that moving the targeting ring with the mouse just doesn’t work as smoothly as with a joystick. I spent a good hour trying to make it work before I realized there was a better way.
Method 1: Position-Based Activation
Here’s the trick I discovered:
- Get really close to your target with the character that will use the tactic
- Position yourself directly on top of the target player
- Activate the tactic using the keyboard controls (Tab + E/Q/Left Mouse Button)
- Confirm immediately without trying to move the targeting ring
This works because when you’re right on top of the target, the game often auto-targets them for you, bypassing the need to move that pesky orange ring.
Method 2: Virtual Controller (The Best Solution)
Honestly, the best solution I found is to use a virtual controller program. There are several free programs out there that let you emulate controller inputs with your keyboard. Here’s why this is better:
- You get the smooth joystick movement for targeting
- The controls are more intuitive
- You can still use your mouse for camera control if you want
Quick setup tip: I used a program called DS4Windows, but there are plenty of alternatives. Just make sure to set it up before launching the game!
Complete Keyboard Controls Reference
Since we’re on the topic, let me share the complete keyboard controls I’ve figured out for Victory Road. This should help you not just with Keyman Lockdown but with everything else too:
Basic Movement and Actions
- Move: WASD
- Move Camera: Hold Left Mouse Button + Mouse Movement
- Pause: Esc
Offensive Controls
- Pass Mode/Kick Mode Switch: F
- Dash Attacks: WASD + Shift + Left Mouse Button
- Long Kick/ZONE: E
- Evade: Right Mouse Button
- Pass/Hold for Through Pass: Left Mouse Button
Defensive Controls
- Dash: WASD + Shift
- Zone: E
- Slide Tackle: Right Mouse Button
- Change Current Player: Left Mouse Button
Special Tactics (This is the important part!)
- Use Special Tactics: Tab + E/Q/Left Mouse Button
- Use Super Tactics: Tab + Right Mouse Button
ZONE Mode Controls
When you’re in ZONE mode (those slow-motion special move moments), the controls change slightly:
- Pass/Shoot: Left Mouse Button
- Special Move: E or Q
- Castle Wall Placement/Slide Tackle: Left Mouse Button
- Cursor Assistance: WASD
- Castle Wall Cursor Control/Switch to Goalkeeper: Ctrl
When Should You Use Keyman Lockdown?
Now that you know how to use it, you might be wondering when you should actually break out Keyman Lockdown. Here’s what I’ve learned from my time with the game:
Perfect Situations for Keyman Lockdown
- When facing a star player – If the other team has one player who’s dominating the match, this is your chance to shut them down
- During critical moments – Use it when you’re defending a lead or trying to prevent a goal
- When the opponent is on a counter-attack – It can disrupt their momentum and give you time to regroup
- In tournament matches – Save it for when it really counts, like in the final minutes of a close game
When to Hold Back
- Early in the match – It’s usually better to save it for when you really need it
- When the target is too far away – You need to be relatively close for it to work effectively
- If you’re already dominating – No need to waste it when you’re already in control
Advanced Tips and Strategies
I’ve been playing around with Keyman Lockdown quite a bit, and I’ve picked up some advanced strategies that really help:
Timing is Everything
The best time to use Keyman Lockdown is right when the target player is about to receive a pass or start a run. If you time it perfectly, you can completely disrupt their play before it even begins.
Combine with Other Tactics
Keyman Lockdown works even better when you combine it with other defensive tactics. Try setting up a defensive formation first, then use Keyman Lockdown on their most dangerous player.
Practice Makes Perfect
I can’t stress this enough—practice using Keyman Lockdown in less important matches before you need it in a crucial game. The Baseball Club match in Chapter 3 is basically a tutorial, so take advantage of that to get comfortable with the mechanics.
Common Problems and Solutions
Let me address some of the issues I ran into while learning to use Keyman Lockdown:
Problem: The Targeting Ring Won’t Move (Keyboard/Mouse)
Solution: As I mentioned earlier, try positioning yourself directly on top of the target before activating the tactic. If that doesn’t work, consider using a virtual controller.
Problem: I Can’t Find Keyman Lockdown in the Shop
Solution: Make sure you’re looking in the right place. It’s in the Special Training Booth under the Tactics tab. Also, ensure you have enough Zeal tokens (you need 3).
Problem: The Tactic Doesn’t Seem to Work
Solution: Double-check that you’ve actually equipped Keyman Lockdown in your Team Dock. Also, make sure you’re close enough to the target when you try to use it.
Problem: I Keep Missing the Target
Solution: Practice the timing. Try to activate the tactic when the target is relatively stationary, like when they’re trapped or about to receive a pass.
Keyman Lockdown vs. Other Tactics
Just for comparison, here’s how Keyman Lockdown stacks up against some other tactics I’ve tried:
| Tactic | Type | Best Use | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keyman Lockdown | Defense | Shutting down star players | Medium |
| Dodo no Mure | Defense | Multiple opponents | Easy |
| Kizuna Protocol | Offense | Team coordination | Hard |
| Tri-Dive | Offense | Breaking through defense | Medium |
As you can see, Keyman Lockdown sits in a nice middle ground—it’s not too difficult to use once you get the hang of it, and it’s incredibly effective for its specific purpose.
My Personal Experience with Keyman Lockdown
I’ve got to be honest with you—when I first encountered Keyman Lockdown in Chapter 3, I was completely lost. The game gives you this brief tutorial, but it doesn’t really explain how to set it up beforehand or how to use it effectively.
I spent probably two hours just trying to figure out how to buy the tactic, then another hour trying to equip it, and then at least three more hours attempting to use it effectively with keyboard and mouse. It was frustrating, to say the least.
But once I finally got it working? Man, it was worth all the trouble. There’s something incredibly satisfying about completely shutting down that one player who’s been giving you trouble all match. I actually won a few matches I probably would have lost just because I mastered this one tactic.
If you’re struggling like I was, don’t give up! It might take some practice, but once you get the hang of it, Keyman Lockdown becomes one of the most valuable tools in your tactical arsenal.
FAQ: Keyman Lockdown in Victory Road
How much does Keyman Lockdown cost?
Keyman Lockdown costs 3 Zeal tokens, which you can earn by completing matches and various objectives in the game.
Can I use Keyman Lockdown on any player?
Technically, yes, but it’s most effective when used on the opponent’s star player or someone who’s causing you the most trouble.
Is Keyman Lockdown worth the Zeal tokens?
Absolutely! In my opinion, it’s one of the most useful defensive tactics in the game, especially against teams with one dominant player.
Do I need a controller to use Keyman Lockdown effectively?
While you can use it with keyboard and mouse, I strongly recommend using a controller. The targeting is much smoother and more intuitive.
Can I use Keyman Lockdown multiple times in one match?
Yes, but it uses up TTP (Team Tactical Points), so you’ll need to manage your resources carefully.
What’s the difference between Keyman Lockdown and other defensive tactics?
Keyman Lockdown specifically targets and shuts down one key player, while other defensive tactics might affect multiple players or provide general defensive bonuses.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it—everything I’ve learned about setting up and using Keyman Lockdown in Inazuma Eleven Victory Road. It might seem complicated at first, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever played without it.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it on your first try. I certainly didn’t! But keep at it, and soon you’ll be shutting down star players like a pro.
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference. And if you have any other questions about Victory Road or want to share your own experiences with Keyman Lockdown, drop a comment below!
Happy gaming, and may your tactical mastery lead you to victory!
Want more Inazuma Eleven Victory Road guides and tips? Check out our other articles for comprehensive strategies, character builds, and everything you need to dominate the soccer field!