How to Play DDR (Beginner)

Beginner Mode

(levels 1-4)

The way to "win" at the game is to pass songs. This is done by keeping your life bar up. How your life bar changes is based on how you are graded with your stepping.

Each four panel game has its own grading system, but they have things in common. The color scheme (in general), and the effect it has on your life bar.

To pass a song, you need to keep from getting a *MISS*. Getting a score of *BOO* or *WAY OFF* will reduce your life bar, so you must try to avoid getting these grades as well.

*Technical Note*

In some versions, DDR uses "boo" in place of "miss", and "almost" in place of "boo".

Quarter Note: aka. 1/4 Note

This note is the most commonly used note in any four panel dancing game. It is the note that beginners first learn on, as it is timed to the bass beat of every song. It is red in color (as shown above). To be able to view it in this color on Dance Dance Revolution, you must select "note" from the options menu. You can do this by holding the "start" button when you choose your song.

Learning How to Play on the Pad

When you first start playing, you will notice in beginner mode (DDR) that the dance character will stay in the middle of the pad. Do not follow what the character does, because it will slow down your learning. Put your left foot on the left arrow, and your right foot on the right arrow. When playing, make sure that you alternate your feet. This means using both of your feet during play. A common habit for beginners is to overuse one foot over another - keeping their left foot on the left arrow and using the right to hit the other arrows. To get used to alternating your feet during play, try this:

Left Arrow - Hit with your left foot

Down Arrow - Hit with your left foot

Up Arrow - Hit with your right foot

Right Arrow - Hit with your right foot

When you get the hang of that, playing will feel a lot easier. You might start noticing that some parts are too difficult to do, so if you are having trouble, then its time to change it up:

Left Arrow - Hit with your left foot

Down Arrow - Hit with your right foot

Up Arrow - Hit with your left foot

Right Arrow - Hit with you right foot

Do you see what changed there? You will begin to notice that at certain times, the first way will work better than the second. Once you figure out when to change it up, you are ready to move to the next skill level.

On levels 1 through 4, you will see something that has two arrows coming up at the same time: This is a called a "jump". To hit this jump properly, you will need to hit both arrows at the same time. Watch what grade you get when you hit the jump. If you are getting anything below "great", you are probably jumping too early.

This is the end of Beginner Mode. If you have learned how to alternate your feet (no going in the middle), and you can do some jumps, you are ready to advance to intermediate mode!