Street Fighter 6 has taken the fighting game community by storm, but with all the flashy combos and special moves, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Players often find themselves on the receiving end of relentless attacks, leading to frustration and defeats. The key to turning the tide? Learning how to block effectively! In this guide, we will delve into the art of blocking, helping players enhance their defensive strategies and gain the upper hand in combat.
TL;DR
- Blocking in Street Fighter 6 is crucial for defense and survival.
- Know when to block standing and when to crouch to protect against various attacks.
- Learn about proximity guard and auto guard mechanics for better defensive play.
- Master cross-up blocking to counter jump-in attacks effectively.
- Practice makes perfect—stay patient and improve your timing!
Understanding the Basics of Blocking
Blocking in Street Fighter 6 is a fundamental skill that every player must master to succeed. The mechanics are designed to provide a solid foundation for defense, allowing players to withstand their opponent’s onslaught. Here’s how it works:
- Basic Blocking: To block an attack, simply hold away from the opponent. This can be done by holding back (B) or down-back (Db). Remember, blocking cannot be performed while airborne or during the recovery of your own attacks.
- Standing vs. Crouching: Most attacks can be blocked while standing or crouching. High attacks, such as overheads, require you to block standing (B), while low attacks necessitate a crouch block (Db).
Mastering Cross-Up Blocking
Cross-up attacks can catch players off guard, especially when they involve a jump-in. Here’s how to tackle these tricky maneuvers:
- What are Cross-Ups? Cross-up attacks occur when a move hits behind an opponent, usually during a jump-in, typically using moves like j.LK or j.MK.
- Blocking Cross-Ups: To block a cross-up, hold forward (F) as if you’re attempting to walk underneath the opponent. This will help you evade the attack effectively.
- Cornered Situations: If you’re cornered, you can still block cross-ups by holding back or forward. If you hold back, the jumping character will land in front; if you hold forward, they will land behind you in the corner.
Exploring Auto Guard Mechanics
Street Fighter 6 has introduced some interesting mechanics that can aid in blocking:
- Auto Guard: When stuck in a “true blockstring” (never exiting blockstun between attacks), characters will automatically block mid and overhead attacks even without inputting a block direction. However, low attacks still require manual blocking, and overheads won’t be auto-guarded if crouching.
- True Blockstrings: These are rare, except when the blocking character is in Burnout, as even chained light normals typically have a gap between hits when blocked.
Utilizing Proximity Guard
Proximity guard is another vital mechanic to understand:
- What is Proximity Guard? When holding back during the startup of an opponent’s attack, your character enters a blocking animation before the move connects. This can be a game-changer in high-pressure situations.
- Limitations: Unlike previous Street Fighter titles, proximity guard has been toned down, meaning it won’t trigger from outside the attack’s usual range. Slow projectiles have also seen reduced activation range, diminishing their effectiveness in controlling the opponent’s positioning.
Practical Tips for Blocking
To become a blocking master, consider these practical tips:
- Practice Makes Perfect: Spend time in training mode to practice blocking against various attacks. The more familiar you are with the timing, the better your defense will be.
- Watch Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent’s patterns. Understanding their tendencies can help you anticipate attacks and prepare your blocks accordingly.
- Mix Up Your Defense: Don’t be predictable in your blocking. Alternate between standing and crouching blocks to keep your opponent guessing.
Conclusion
Blocking is an essential skill in Street Fighter 6 that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. By mastering the nuances of blocking, including standing vs. crouching, cross-ups, auto guard, and proximity guard, players can create a solid defense. Remember, practice is key, and as players improve their timing and decision-making, they will find themselves climbing the ranks and enjoying the game even more. So, get in there, practice your blocks, and let the victories roll in!
FAQs
What is the basic way to block in Street Fighter 6?
To block, hold away from the opponent, either back (B) or down-back (Db), depending on whether you’re blocking high or low attacks.
How do I block cross-up attacks?
To block cross-up attacks, hold forward (F) as if you’re trying to walk underneath the opponent during their jump-in.
What is auto guard?
Auto guard allows a character to automatically block mid and overhead attacks while stuck in a true blockstring without needing to input a block direction.
What is proximity guard?
Proximity guard activates when you hold back during the startup of an opponent’s attack, causing your character to enter a blocking animation before the attack connects.
How can I improve my blocking skills?
Practice in training mode, observe your opponent’s patterns, and mix up your defense to keep them guessing.