Best Special Tricks in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 (March 2026)

Special Tricks in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 are the ultimate game-changers that separate casual players from true pros, offering massive score multipliers ranging from 1,000 to 9,000 base points when executed perfectly. These signature moves, unique to each of the game’s 36 skaters, can be unlocked and equipped to any character once obtained, creating endless customization possibilities for your perfect trick loadout.

Whether you’re chasing high scores in competitions, attempting to complete the challenging “Special Technique” achievement, or simply want to look cool while shredding, mastering the best special tricks is essential for dominating the leaderboards in THPS 3+4.

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4: Top 10 Special Tricks

Rank	Special Trick	Type	Base Score	Best For
1	The 900	Grab	9,000	High scores, Tony Hawk signature
2	Misty Flip	Flip	6,000	Easy execution, reliable scoring
3	Ghetto Bird	Flip	4,200	Fast combos between grinds
4	Kickflip Backflip	Flip	3,000	Style points, medium difficulty
5	Special Delivery	Lip	1,000+	Extended scoring on vert
6	Meathook	Grab	1,750	Doom Slayer exclusive
7	DooT	Grab	1,750	Revenant meme trick
8	Rip and Tear	Grind	1,000+	Chainsaw grinding madness
9	Lotus	Manual	1,000+	Birdman meditation move
10	Shell Spin	Manual	1,000+	Michelangelo’s unique spin

Understanding Special Tricks in THPS 3+4

What Are Special Tricks?

Special Tricks are signature moves in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 that can only be performed when your Special Meter is full. Unlike regular tricks, these moves offer significantly higher base scores and unique animations that showcase each skater’s personality. Each skater has their own unique Special Trick, a signature that can be unlocked and used for all skaters if they are equipped from the skater menu.

How to Build Your Special Meter

Building the Special meter is essential for high-end tricks and plenty of points, so players are going to want to build the special as fast as possible and acquire the most effective score so that there’s no competition left that can truly compete with you. The fastest methods include:

• Air Tricks: The best way to build a high score and to get special fast is through air tricks, so practice jumping out of half pipes and committing to a mix of air tricks and Air Specia
• Varied Combos: Mix different trick types to build meter faster
• Grind Chains: Long grinds with trick variations fill the meter efficiently
• Perfect Landings: Clean landings provide bonus meter filling

For players learning special moves, the game offers an accessibility feature: Always Special: Great for practicing a skater’s special moves, this feature keeps the special meter full even if you bail. Trying to perfect Tony Hawk’s iconic 900? With this, you can practice the move over and over again, or any other Special Tricks you’re trying to master.

The 10 Best Special Tricks in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 Ranked

1. The 900 – The Ultimate Special Trick

The 900 is Tony Hawk’s most iconic move. It’s a 900-degree spin performed on a ramp that was first performed by Tony Hawk in 1999 at the X Games, and it’s a move that every player should learn to do in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4.

Stats:

• Type: Grab
• Base Score: 9,000
• Difficulty: Extreme
• Required Air Time: Very High

This Grab Special Trick can only be achieved with enough air time, so try and be careful when performing this trick. With 900-degree spins, players need enough air and the skill to enter into a manual and revert to keep a combo going with the best possible start to a base score.

Pro Tips:

• Best performed on large vert ramps like the Cruise Ship pool
• Hold the grab button throughout the entire rotation
• Practice with the “Always Special” mod enabled first
• Combine with reverts and manuals for massive combo scores

2. Misty Flip – The Reliable Scorer

For such an easy trick, the Misty Flip provides an incredible amount of score. If players want to build a great base score for a repeatable Special Flip Trick, the Misty Flip is definitely deserving of use, and a player who isn’t so skilled can perform this one with ease.

Stats:

• Type: Flip
• Base Score: 6,000
• Difficulty: Medium
• Best Use: Mid-combo scoring boost

The Misty Flip is a mystifying flip that sees players get decent airtime while flipping the board, making for a stellar move for a stellar skater.

3. Ghetto Bird – The Speed Demon

The Ghetto Bird is iconic and hard to pull off. Players will want to use this one when they’re in between rails and manuals so that they can build up combo and score effectively with a move that’s hard to see due to the fast footwork involved with this 180-degree board flip.

Stats:

• Type: Flip
• Base Score: 4,200
• Difficulty: Hard
• Execution Speed: Very Fast

Flip tricks are extremely useful for building score, and this is one that moves fast, but requires a bit of airtime to get right.

4. Kickflip Backflip – The Crowd Pleaser

There are plenty of cool skating tricks, but why not perform one that will have players backflip with their skateboard? The Kickflip Backflip is truly a fun time that shows how talented some skaters are, as the ability to perform a literal backflip while on the move, and still land on a skateboard just for a simple press of a Flip Special Trick, is a blast to be sure.

Stats:

• Type: Flip
• Base Score: 3,000
• Difficulty: Medium-Hard
• Style Factor: Maximum

5. Special Delivery – The Vert Master

Lip tricks aren’t the best to pull off, as their score is granted for every second that players remain in the Lip trick, and that also requires players to balance the meter in the center of their screen. Regardless of the confusion, Special Delivery is a great Lip Special Trick to use since it will have players balance on the lip of any surface as they chow down on some deliciously cheesy pizza, thus providing a fun visual trick that mixes it up a bit.

Stats:

• Type: Lip
• Base Score: 1,000+ (per second)
• Difficulty: Medium (requires balance)
• Best Location: Half-pipes and bowls

6. Meathook – Doom Slayer’s Signature

This Special Grab Trick is another epic move that won’t grant the biggest selection of stellar points, but it does look pretty cool. The Meathook move will see the player shoot a chain at their skateboard and yank it towards them, providing them with an iconic staple of the DOOM franchise. It’s pretty cool, but fairly dangerous, so be sure to build up some decent airtime for this move.

Stats:

• Type: Grab
• Base Score: 1,750
• Exclusive To: Doom Slayer (Deluxe Edition)
• Animation: Shoots chain at skateboard

7. DooT – The Meme Special

An iconic meme from the DOOM series came from a joke cover where the Revenant can be seen blowing a brass horn, with the title of DOOM replaced with DOOT, the noise a horn makes. Now, if players have the Doom Slayer and Revenant skaters for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4, they can perform an iconic doot that allows players to summon a brass horn and blow.

Stats:

• Type: Grab
• Base Score: 1,750
• Exclusive To: Revenant (Deluxe Edition)
• Fun Factor: Maximum

It’s a quick move, and a hilarious one, even if the points are very limited for this Grab Special move.

8. Rip and Tear – Chainsaw Madness

Few things are cooler than replacing a skateboard with a revving chainsaw, and Doom Slayer knows it. The Rip and Tear move is the most effective and useful Grind trick that players can use, and it sees the chainsaw rev as players surf on top of it, balancing for as long as possible as they chain grinds, manuals, and flip tricks.

Stats:

• Type: Grind
• Base Score: 1,000+ (continuous)
• Exclusive To: Doom Slayer (Deluxe Edition)
• Visual Impact: Chainsaw replaces skateboard

9. Lotus – The Meditation Master

Few skaters aura farm as hard as The Birdman, a character who knows he’s pretty cool since he’s basically a skating god. This skeleton with bird wings can prove just how epic they are at skating with a Special Manual Trick that sees them sit on their board, arms folded and eyes closed, with wings flapping to show that they don’t need eyes to see perfect skating moves like this.

Stats:

• Type: Manual
• Base Score: 1,000+ (continuous)
• Exclusive To: Birdman (Secret Skater)
• Style: Meditation pose on board

10. Shell Spin – Turtle Power

It might not be the most comfortable to spin in a dizzying circle during this manual grind, but it certainly is fun to watch. The Shell Spin is for Michelangelo, a Ninja Turtle with a pretty hard shell that allows him to spin like a grounded tornado.

Stats:

• Type: Manual
• Base Score: 1,000+ (continuous)
• Exclusive To: Michelangelo (Secret Skater)
• Animation: Spins on shell

All skaters can use this trick to spin around the ground as if they have no use for a skateboard, making for a unique way to perform a Manual trick for keeping the score high and effective.

How to Unlock and Equip Special Tricks

Unlocking Special Tricks

Special tricks become available through several methods:

1. Default Skaters: Each of the 29 base skaters comes with their signature special trick unlocked
2. Secret Skaters: Unlock secret characters like Birdman, Officer Dick, and Michelangelo to access their unique specials
3. Deluxe Edition: The Doom Slayer and The Revenant playable skaters, each includes 2 secret moves.
4. Progression: Complete skater-specific challenges to unlock additional special moves

Customizing Your Special Trick Loadout

Gnarly: Customize a skater’s special trick selection in the Tricks section of the Skater Tab. Here’s how:

1. Navigate to the Skater Customization menu
2. Select the “Tricks” tab
3. Choose your special trick slots (up to 10 can be equipped)
4. Assign button combinations for each special
5. Save your configuration

Pro Tip: Mix different trick types (Grab, Flip, Grind, Manual, Lip) for maximum combo potential.

Special Tricks Strategy Guide

Competition Scoring

When competing for gold medals and high scores, special tricks are your secret weapon:

• Opening Moves: Start with The 900 for maximum base score
• Mid-Combo: Use Ghetto Bird or Misty Flip to maintain momentum
• Grind Extensions: Rip and Tear for extended rail combos
• Manual Links: Shell Spin or Lotus between obstacles
• Closing Flourish: End with a Kickflip Backflip for style

Challenge Completion

Special Technique: Land 5 Special Tricks of any kind. This challenge rewards players who master special trick execution. Tips for completion:

• Use Free Skate mode with no timer pressure
• Enable the “Always Special” modifier
• Choose Airport or Cruise Ship for multiple ramp options
• Mix different special trick types for variety

Building Million-Point Combos

A Milli: Earn a score of 1,000,000 in any park. Special tricks are essential for reaching this milestone:

1. Start Strong: 900 → Revert → Manual (10,000+ base)
2. Chain Specials: Misty Flip → Grind → Ghetto Bird
3. Maintain Multiplier: Use manual specials between gaps
4. Finish Big: End with another high-scoring special

Platform-Specific Controls

PlayStation Controls

• Special Tricks: Direction + Button combinations when Special Meter is full
• Most specials use: Up + Triangle/Circle/Square

Xbox Controls

• Special Tricks: Direction + Button combinations when Special Meter is full
• Most specials use: Up + Y/B/X

Nintendo Switch Controls

• Same as Xbox layout with corresponding buttons

PC Controls

• Fully customizable keybindings
• Default matches Xbox controller layout

Advanced Special Trick Techniques

Combo Extensions

Special tricks shine when chained together:

• Vert to Street: 900 → Revert → Manual → Ghetto Bird → Grind
• Pure Street: Grind → Kickflip Backflip → Manual → Shell Spin
• Technical Line: Lip Special → Drop In → Misty Flip → Wallplant → Grind

Timing and Execution

Perfect special trick execution requires:

1. Full Special Meter (yellow bar completely filled)
2. Adequate Air Time (varies by trick)
3. Correct Button Input (direction + button simultaneously)
4. Clean Landing (release buttons before landing)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Button Mashing: It would serve players well to look at their skater menu so that they aren’t just spamming random buttons and end up doing a combo that results in them bailing and losing their score.
• Insufficient Air: Many specials need significant height
• Wrong Timing: Input commands at peak of jump
• Repeated Tricks: Score decreases with repetition

Best Parks for Special Tricks

Top 5 Locations

1. Cruise Ship – Multiple pools and massive vert opportunities
2. Airport – Long runs with varied terrain
3. Skater Island – Perfect competition layout with scoring opportunities
4. Tokyo – Tight design with creative special trick spots
5. College – S-tier level design perfect for combos

Special Tricks in Multiplayer

Online competition adds new dimensions to special trick usage:

• Horse Mode: Challenge opponents with difficult special combinations
• Trick Attack: Special tricks provide score advantages
• Combo Mambo: Chain specials for multiplier dominance
• Graffiti: Use specials to claim hard-to-reach areas

Accessibility Features for Special Tricks

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 includes several features to help players master special tricks:

• Always Special: Great for practicing a skater’s special moves, this feature keeps the special meter full even if you bail.
• Game Speed: Skateboarding is a fast sport, and new players might be surprised how quickly they need to react to the environment to get the most out of their combos. With this feature, choose Half Speed to slow things down, great for practicing intricate tricks or for a more relaxed experience.
• Timer Length: By default, Career mode uses a two-minute timer for each run. For players just learning the game, or for those who want more time to complete a challenge, this feature lets you up the allotted time to five, 10, or 60 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many special tricks can I equip at once?

You can equip up to 10 special tricks simultaneously, allowing for a diverse moveset that covers all trick types.

Can I use other skaters’ special tricks?

Yes! Once you unlock a skater, their special trick becomes available for all characters in your roster.

What’s the highest-scoring special trick?

The 900 offers the highest base score at 9,000 points, making it essential for high-score runs.

Do special tricks work differently in THPS 3+4 compared to the originals?

The remake maintains the original special trick mechanics while adding new moves exclusive to secret skaters and Deluxe Edition characters.

How do I unlock the Doom Slayer’s special tricks?

The Doom Slayer and his special tricks (Rip and Tear, Meathook) are exclusive to the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game.

Can I change special trick button inputs?

Yes, you can fully customize button combinations for each special trick in the Skater Customization menu under the Tricks tab.

Do special tricks count toward combo challenges?

Absolutely! Special tricks are excellent for challenges requiring specific combo lengths or score thresholds.

What’s the best special trick for beginners?

The Misty Flip offers the best balance of high score (6,000 points) and ease of execution, making it perfect for newcomers.

Are there special tricks exclusive to THPS 3+4?

Yes, new secret skaters like Birdman, Michelangelo, and the Doom characters bring exclusive special tricks not found in the original games.

How do I practice special tricks effectively?

Use Free Skate mode with the “Always Special” modifier enabled, then head to parks with good vert ramps like Cruise Ship or Airport.

Conclusion

Special Tricks in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 represent the pinnacle of skateboarding excellence, transforming good runs into legendary performances. From Tony Hawk’s iconic 900 to the Doom Slayer’s chainsaw-grinding madness, mastering these signature moves is essential for anyone serious about dominating the leaderboards.

Whether you’re aiming for that elusive platinum trophy, competing online, or simply wanting to look cool while shredding, the 10 special tricks highlighted in this guide offer the perfect starting point. Remember that each special trick can be customized to any skater once unlocked, allowing you to create your dream moveset.

With the game available now on all platforms (including Game Pass), there’s never been a better time to perfect your special trick arsenal. Practice with the accessibility features, experiment with different combinations, and most importantly, have fun discovering what makes each special trick unique.

The key to mastery isn’t just knowing which tricks score the most points – it’s understanding when and how to use them effectively. So grab your controller, fill that special meter, and start throwing down the sickest tricks Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 has to offer. See you on the leaderboards!