Skate has quickly captivated its audience despite a rocky soft launch marred by connection issues with servers, crossplay, and EA accounts. Loyal fans of the series have eagerly jumped in, excited to explore the broad range of board maneuvers available—from flashy flips and precise grinds to off-board actions that require careful timing and control.
One of the game’s most impressive features is its extensive list of grab tricks. In total, players can choose from 63 different moves. These are organized into various categories such as modified grabs, ground-based grabs, one-foot grabs, and no-foot grabs. Players working their way through amateur, intermediate, and expert challenges will find plenty of opportunities to refine their skills. A move that stands out among the repertoire is the Benihana, which is highlighted in its own Front Flip Challenge. This trick demands a refined combination of technique and precision far beyond simply pressing a series of buttons.
The Benihana is a one-foot grab that must be performed while traversing an elevated surface—it cannot be executed on flat ground. Across the four neighborhoods of San Van, there are notable locations where players can practice the move outside of challenge mode. When attempting the Benihana as an objective, the game even provides ramps to assist players in mastering it.
Performing the move correctly can be challenging at first. On Xbox systems, the successful combo is to push the right stick upward, press L2, and then press X. For PlayStation players using either PS4 or PS5, the procedure is similar: move the right stick upward, press L2, and then press Square. Although these control inputs are outlined in the available trick guide, many report that the description does not always convey the full timing and coordination needed to pull off the move. Following the commands too mechanically may result in executing other maneuvers such as a One-Foot Air, a Judo Air, or a Boned Ollie. The art of the Benihana lies in the precise timing of each action rather than simply activating all commands simultaneously.
To perform the Benihana in Skate 4 properly, you begin by launching off a ramp. Once airborne, hold the right stick upward and press L2, then release the stick and rapidly press either X (Xbox) or Square (PlayStation). The exact moment you press the final button is critical, as it differentiates the Benihana from similar moves.
Game settings can affect how these controls register. Players using the ‘Goofy’ stance can follow the inputs outlined above without adjustment. Those whose settings indicate a ‘Regular’ stance should swap L2 for R2. You can change your stance by visiting Settings > Gameplay > Controls > Preferences > Default Stance.
Skate 4 offers an engaging experience for its devoted community, inviting both newcomers and seasoned players to challenge themselves and perfect their skills across San Van’s varied environments.