Five Tips to Master Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 from Day One

Alright, let’s dive into the chaotic world of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. So, if you’re one of those folks who snagged the Digital Deluxe Edition early, you’re in for a treat—get ready to shred some pixels before everyone else! The official launch is July 11. But guess what? If you’re on Game Pass, it’s like, “damn, already?” You can jump right in on the first day.

Let’s talk features—because who doesn’t love a good feature while they’re skating away life’s dilemmas? There’s a fancy thing called Smart Delivery (whatever that means), Xbox Cloud Gaming, all the jazz you need to play anywhere. You’ll pretend your thumbs aren’t blistered while trying not to slam your character into digital oblivion.

Speaking of nostalgia, Tony Hawk, man. Who hasn’t crashed—both in the game and in real life—to his tunes? The hours I spent aiming to land tricks, only to face-plant in the process, both virtual and IRL. Yep, pretty sure I once believed I could nail a kickflip in the park. Spoiler: didn’t end well.

Anyway—so THPS 3 + 4, right? It’s gotten a total facelift. We’re talking more legendary skaters and a few surprises like Andy Anderson, because hey, everyone loves a secret or two. Plus, that soundtrack? It’s full of earworms that’ll have you humming while you try not to trip over your own fingers.

Here’s a thing: mastering this game isn’t easy. It’s like trying to herd cats with a skateboard—patience, strategy, and the occasional swear word. Here’s a hint: start on the street with easy tricks—ollies, then work up to grinds. No rush. Unless rushing gets your adrenaline up, then, by all means, go bust a pixelated kneecap.

As you get into it, remember—Goals. Not like life achieving ones, but in-game ones. They let you unlock more Parks, smugly checking off “collected letters” goals. It’s oddly fulfilling, trust me.

But don’t forget to embrace the glorious art of bailing. Honestly, it’s a metaphor for life. You screw up, you bail, you dust off and try again. Maybe save your pride—and teeth—by hitting RT mid-screw-up. Who invented this feature deserves a hug.

Wander around these Parks, because, let’s face it, the real fun is finding those tight pockets—like behind the College ticket office. It’s like finding a secret place no one else knows, a rail grind haven, multiplier’s paradise. Bliss.

Oh, and for those who love a makeover—enter the Create-A-Skater mode, slap on some cool threads. New Balance anyone? Make sure you dump points in Speed, Hangtime, and Air. It only makes sense if you want to defy physics, and Tony Hawk is nothing if not a master of that art.

Before wrapping it up, if you’re new, seriously, hit up Tony Hawk’s tutorial. Dude knows his stuff, and it’s a fun lesson in why button-mashing might not always be the answer.

Pre-ordered the deluxe edition? Well, enjoy riding as the Doom Slayer. Yes, that Doom Slayer. Because why not mix demons with skateboards? The game gets unleashed to the wider world in mid-July—grab it, shred it, live it. And remember, it’s all about the ride, not just the tricks.