Welcome to the ultimate Street Fighter V: Character Guide! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new challenger, this comprehensive guide is designed to elevate your game and help you dominate the competition. Dive deep with us into an exciting journey through the world of Street Fighter V as we explore an Overview of Characters, outline the Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Character, highlight the Best Moves and Combos, unveil winning Strategies for Each Character, and share expert Tips for Mastering Characters. Get ready to master your favorite fighters and unleash your full potential in the arena. Let’s get started!

Street Fighter V: Character Guide#

Overview of Characters#

In Street Fighter V, characters are the heart and soul of the game. This guide will give you a quick rundown of the diverse folks you’ll be battling with or against. Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, knowing a bit about each character can help you strategize and have more fun. Let’s dive in!

The Classic Warriors#

Ryu
Ryu is the face of Street Fighter. He’s a balanced fighter, great for beginners and vets alike. Ryu excels at mid-range combat with his iconic Hadouken (fireball) and Shoryuken (uppercut). If you’re looking for a go-to well-rounded character, Ryu’s your guy.

Ken
Ken is Ryu’s fiery counterpart—literally. He’s got similar moves but is faster and can pull off some flashy, aggressive combos. His V-Trigger ignites his moves, adding more flair and damage. If you like in-your-face fighting, Ken is your ticket.

Chun-Li
Chun-Li is known for her speed and agility. Her lightning-fast kicks can overwhelm opponents quickly. She’s also got some incredible aerial moves that can catch foes off guard. Perfect for players who prefer rapid, nimble attacks.

The Bruisers#

Zangief
This burly Russian is all about grappling. Zangief’s game plan involves getting up close and personal to slam his opponents to the floor. His spinning piledriver and iron muscle moves make him a formidable foe. If close-quarters combat is your thing, Zangief is your man.

Birdie
Birdie is a hefty British brawler with a unique mix of grappling and ranged attacks. His chain attacks give him some unexpected reach, while his bullhead charge can quickly close gaps. He’s versatile but requires a bit of practice to master.

The Agile Fighters#

Cammy
Cammy is a fast-paced, hard-hitting fighter from the UK. Her Spiral Arrow and Cannon Spike are great for quick assaults. She’s about precision and speed, making her a favorite for players who love to dart around the battlefield.

Ibuki
This nimble ninja uses speed, shurikens, and explosive tricks to keep opponents guessing. Ibuki thrives on confusion and fast movement. If you enjoy outmaneuvering your enemies, she’s a great choice.

The New Faces#

Necalli
Necalli is a fierce warrior with a primal energy. He’s got powerful strikes and can enter a devastating V-Trigger mode that boosts his power. If you like playing an aggressive and relentless character, Necalli won’t disappoint.

Laura
Laura is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner who combines grappling with powerful electric attacks. She excels at mixing up her opponents with varied approaches. Versatility is her strength, making her suitable for players who like to keep their options open.

The Eccentrics#

Dhalsim
Dhalsim is a yoga master with long-range attacks and teleportation abilities. His stretchy limbs and fire moves can keep opponents at bay. While tricky to master, he rewards patience and strategic play.

F.A.N.G
F.A.N.G is a quirky character who deals poison damage over time. His unusual moves and unorthodox style can throw off opponents. He’s great for players who want to control the battlefield with a mix of range and status effects.

Conclusion#

Street Fighter V boasts a diverse roster to suit every playstyle, whether you’re looking for speed, power, or trickery. Get to know these characters, practice their moves, and you’ll soon find the perfect fighter for your personal style. Dive in, experiment, and most importantly, have fun!

Remember, it’s not just about winning—it’s about enjoying the fight. See you in the arena!

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Character#

In Street Fighter V, every fighter has unique strengths and weaknesses. Knowing these can help you pick a character that matches your playstyle and understand your opponents better. Here’s a breakdown of the key strengths and weaknesses of each character in the game.

Ryu#

Strengths#

• Versatile with well-rounded abilities.
• Great for beginners thanks to simple controls.
• Strong projectiles and anti-air moves.

Weaknesses#

• Predictable and can be easy to counter.
• Lacks advanced mix-up options.

Ken#

Strengths#

• High mobility and strong rush-down tactics.
• Excellent offensive pressure with multiple combo options.
• Strong anti-air moves.

Weaknesses#

• Defensive game is lacking.
• Struggles against characters with solid zoning abilities.

Chun-Li#

Strengths#

• High speed and excellent pokes.
• Strong anti-airs and air control.
• Versatile moveset with good low attacks.

Weaknesses#

• Can be vulnerable to heavy hitters.
• Requires precise execution to maximize potential.

Cammy#

Strengths#

• Fast and aggressive with great pressure.
• Strong normals and mix-up potential.
• Good mobility and quick recovery.

Weaknesses#

• Lower health makes her fragile.
• Struggles against characters with good defense.

Dhalsim#

Strengths#

• Exceptional range with strong zoning abilities.
• Can control the space and is difficult to approach.
• Unique teleport setup for tricky plays.

Weaknesses#

• Slow movement and recovery.
• Can be overwhelmed by fast, aggressive characters.

Zangief#

Strengths#

• High health and powerful grabs.
• Excellent close-range combat.
• Strong anti-projectile moves.

Weaknesses#

• Slow and can be easy to zone out.
• Limited long-range options.

Guile#

Strengths#

• Strong defensive play with great zoning tools.
• Powerful projectile game with Sonic Boom.
• Good anti-air moves.

Weaknesses#

• Slow and predictable at times.
• Requires precise timing for effective play.

M. Bison#

Strengths#

• Strong offensive pressure with powerful specials.
• Good mix-ups and teleport moves.
• High damage output.

Weaknesses#

• Slow movements.
• Can be punished heavily if predictable.

Karin#

Strengths#

• Strong footsies and ground game.
• Excellent combo potential.
• Good mobility.

Weaknesses#

• Low health.
• Requires precision to execute her moves properly.

Akuma#

Strengths#

• High damage output.
• Versatile with both offensive and defensive options.
• Good mix-up game.

Weaknesses#

• Very low health.
• Requires high skill and precision.

Laura#

Strengths#

• Strong mix-up game with command grabs.
• Good pressure and offensive tools.
• Excellent close-range combat.

Weaknesses#

• Struggles against strong zoning characters.
• Limited defensive options.

Necalli#

Strengths#

• High damage and excellent combos.
• Powerful V-Trigger mode.
• Good balance of offense and defense.

Weaknesses#

• Limited zoning options.
• Can be outplayed by faster characters.

Urien#

Strengths#

• Strong zoning and control.
• Great range on normals.
• Powerful V-Trigger setups.

Weaknesses#

• Slower mobility.
• Can be weak under pressure.

Ibuki#

Strengths#

• Highly mobile and versatile.
• Strong mix-ups and tricky setup options.
• Excellent air control.

Weaknesses#

• Low health.
• Complex to play, requires high skill.

Juri#

Strengths#

• High mobility and versatility.
• Strong pokes and pressure game.
• Unique projectile game.

Weaknesses#

• Low damage output.
• Needs precise execution.

Vega#

Strengths#

• Extremely quick with long reach.
• Good mobility and pokes.
• Effective mix-ups and wall dives.

Weaknesses#

• Lower health.
• Struggles under heavy pressure.

Abigail#

Strengths#

• Extremely high health and damage.
• Powerful close-range game.
• Strong armor moves.

Weaknesses#

• Slow and easy to zone.
• Large hitbox makes him vulnerable.

Understanding these strengths and weaknesses can help you choose the right character for your playstyle and exploit your opponent’s vulnerabilities effectively. Happy fighting!

Best Moves and Combos#

Street Fighter V is all about mastering the right moves and combos to outsmart your opponent. Here’s a rundown of some of the best moves and combos for a few fan-favorite characters.

Ryu#

Hadoken (Fireball)#

• Input: QCF + Punch (Quarter Circle Forward + Punch)
• Why it’s good: Ryu’s Hadoken is a great zoning tool. It lets you control the space between you and your opponent. The EX version is faster and hits twice, which can keep your opponent on their toes.

Shoryuken (Dragon Punch)#

• Input: Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch
• Why it’s good: Shoryuken is Ryu’s go-to anti-air move. It’s perfect for catching jump-happy opponents. The EX Shoryuken has invincibility frames, making it a solid wake-up option.

Bread and Butter Combo#

• Input: Crouching Medium Punch, Crouching Medium Punch, Cancel into Hadoken
• Why it’s good: It’s a reliable combo that deals decent damage. Easy to pull off and can be done from a safe distance.

Chun-Li#

Kikoken (Energy Ball)#

• Input: Charge Back, Forward + Punch
• Why it’s good: Great for zone control. Mix it up with her fast mobility to keep your opponent guessing.

Spinning Bird Kick#

• Input: Charge Down, Up + Kick
• Why it’s good: It’s Chun-Li’s best move for hitting multiple times and adding pressure. EX version adds more hits and damage.

Air Combo#

• Input: Jumping Light Kick, Jumping Medium Kick, Jumping Heavy Kick
• Why it’s good: Uses Chun-Li’s mobility to her advantage. Great for keeping the pressure in the air and surprising opponents.

Ken#

Fireball (Hadoken)#

• Input: QCF + Punch
• Why it’s good: Similar to Ryu’s but Ken’s Fireball combo potential really shines. The EX variant is faster and more effective in combos.

Tatsumaki Senpukyaku (Hurricane Kick)#

• Input: QCB + Kick (Quarter Circle Back + Kick)
• Why it’s good: Great for crossing up opponents and creating mix-ups. The EX version travels faster and can surprise opponents from afar.

Basic Combo#

• Input: Standing Heavy Punch, Heavy Shoryuken
• Why it’s good: A simple but effective two-hit combo. It’s quick and deals decent damage, perfect for beginners.

Cammy#

Cannon Strike#

• Input: Jump, QCB + Kick
• Why it’s good: This is Cammy’s signature dive kick. It’s great for closing distance and applying pressure. The EX version hits multiple times for more damage.

Spiral Arrow#

• Input: QCF + Kick
• Why it’s good: Rapid movement that can hit from a distance. Great for ending combos and dashing under projectiles.

Killer Bee Combo#

• Input: Crouching Medium Punch, Standing Medium Punch, Cannon Spike (Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Kick)
• Why it’s good: It’s a quick series of hits that’s hard to interrupt. Perfect for putting on pressure and dealing significant damage.

Tips for Creating Your Own Combos#

1. Start Small: Begin with simple two-hit combos.
2. Focus on Consistency: Practice until your combos come out smoothly every time.
3. Pay Attention to Positioning: Some combos only work in the corner or mid-screen.
4. Mix and Match: Combine different specials to keep your opponent guessing.

Mastering these moves and combos will significantly up your game. Get into training mode and practice until you can perform them with your eyes closed. Remember, practice makes perfect! Happy fighting!

Strategies for Each Character#

In Street Fighter V, each character has unique moves, strengths, and weaknesses. Here’s a guide to help you with strategies for a few of the main characters. This will set you on the path to victory!

Ryu#

Ryu is the quintessential Street Fighter character. He’s well-rounded and great for beginners.

Basic Strategy#

• Fireballs (Hadokens): Use them to control space and keep your opponent at bay.
• Dragon Punch (Shoryuken): Effective as an anti-air move. Use it when your opponent jumps in.
• Footsies: Stay at mid-range and use his strong normal attacks (like crouching medium kick) to poke at your opponent.

Advanced Tips#

• V-Trigger Activation: Once activated, Ryu’s damage and stun output increase. Use it wisely to turn the tide.
• Combos: Practice linking his simple moves into more complex combos, starting with basics like crouching medium punch into hadoken.

Chun-Li#

Chun-Li is fast and has a variety of tools to control the match.

Basic Strategy#

• Zoning: Use her Kikoken fireballs and long-range normal attacks to control the space.
• Anti-Air: Her standing medium kick and air throws are great for dealing with jumping opponents.
• Pressure: Use her rapid kicks (Hyakuretsukyaku) to apply pressure to your opponent.

Advanced Tips#

• V-Skill: Her V-Skill (Rankyaku) lets her leap towards or away from opponents, providing mobility and mix-ups.
• Combos: Get comfortable chaining her lightning legs (Hyakuretsukyaku) into her normal attacks for devastating damage.

M. Bison#

M. Bison is powerful with strong normals and command grabs.

Basic Strategy#

• Dominant Normals: His standing heavy punch and crouching medium punch have great range. Use them to your advantage.
• Special Moves: Utilize his Psycho Blast to control space and his Devil Reverse to mix up your aerial approach.
• Defensive Play: Although aggressive, Bison is also great at punishing mistakes.

Advanced Tips#

• V-Trigger: His V-Trigger gives him more mobility and damage. Use it to end rounds or mount a comeback.
• Throws and Grabs: His command grabs are essential for breaking down defensive opponents.

Cammy#

Cammy is all about speed and agility, making her one of the quickest characters in the game.

Basic Strategy#

• Rushdown: Use her quick normals and Spiral Arrow to apply constant pressure.
• Aerial Assault: Her Cannon Strike (air) and dive kicks can catch opponents off guard.
• Ground Game: Use her light attacks to start simple combos and keep the opponent guessing.

Advanced Tips#

• V-Trigger: Cammy’s V-Trigger enhances her mobility even further. Use it for mix-ups and extending combos.
• Block Strings: Practice block strings to keep the opponent on the defensive and open them up for big damage.

Zangief#

Zangief is the grappler of the game, relying on his command grabs to deal heavy damage.

Basic Strategy#

• Get in Close: Use his Lariat and Banishing Flat to close the distance.
• Command Grabs: His Spinning Pile Driver is deadly. Use it when you’re up close.
• Armor Moves: Utilize his V-Skill (Iron Muscle) to absorb hits and counterattack.

Advanced Tips#

• Mix-Up Game: Mix up your grabs and strikes to keep opponents guessing.
• V-Trigger: Once activated, his V-Trigger allows for even more grabbing opportunities and resets.

Karin#

Karin is a versatile character with a mix of speed and technicality.

Basic Strategy#

• Footsies: Use her excellent normals to control the mid-range.
• Combining Moves: Her Ressenha specials can be used to apply pressure and combo effectively.
• Counters: Use her counter move to punish predictable opponents.

Advanced Tips#

• V-Trigger: Use her V-Trigger to chain moves together and create new combo opportunities.
• Execution: Practice makes perfect with Karin. Her timing and execution can be tricky but rewarding.

Conclusion#

These strategies should help you get started with each character. Remember, practice and adaptation to different playstyles are key. Each character has deeper mechanics and nuances that you will discover over time. Dive in, experiment, and find what works best for you. Happy fighting!

Tips for Mastering Characters in Street Fighter V#

So you’ve picked up Street Fighter V and picked a character to main. Now, how do you take your skills to the next level? Here are some tips to help you master your chosen fighter and crush your opponents.

1. Learn Your Character’s Moveset#

First things first: get to know all the moves. Spend time in training mode to understand each normal attack, special move, and Critical Art. Here are a few things to focus on:

• Special Moves: Learn how to execute each special move consistently. Find out how each move can be enhanced by using EX meter.
• Normals and Combos: Get familiar with your character’s normal attacks. Practice basic combos until they become second nature.
• Anti-Airs: Identify which moves are great for knocking opponents out of the air. This is key for defense.

2. Understand Frame Data and Priorities#

Frame data might sound complicated, but it’s super important. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Startup: The number of frames before a move becomes active.
• Active: The frames during which the move can hit the opponent.
• Recovery: The frames after a move is done, where you can’t do anything.

Know which moves are safe (where you recover quickly) and which ones leave you vulnerable. Understanding this helps you make better decisions in fights.

3. Master V-Skills and V-Triggers#

Each character has unique V-Skills and V-Triggers that can turn the tide in battle:

• V-Skill: These are special moves that can build your V-Gauge. Learn how and when to use them effectively.
• V-Trigger: This is a character-specific buff or ability activated when your V-Gauge is full. Get comfortable with activating and using it at the right time.

4. Practice Movement and Spacing#

Understanding movement and spacing is crucial:

• Dashing and Walking: Practice dashing in and out of your opponent’s range. This helps you control the pace of the match.
• Jumping: Knowing when to jump and when to stay grounded can prevent you from getting punished.
• Spacing: Learn your character’s ideal fighting range. This helps you keep the pressure on your opponent while staying safe.

5. Watch High-Level Play#

Check out matches played by top players who main your character. Study their playstyle, combos, and strategies. You’ll pick up advanced techniques and understand the character’s potential and matchups better. Sites like YouTube and Twitch are goldmines for this kind of content.

6. Play Against Real Opponents#

Training mode is great, but nothing beats actual fights with human opponents:

• Online Matches: Test your skills against players of different skill levels. Each match offers a learning opportunity.
• Local Tournaments: If possible, participate in local events. Playing offline can offer a different, often more intense experience.

7. Stay Patient and Learn from Losses#

Improvement comes from patience and persistence:

• Analyze Losses: Don’t get discouraged by losses. Instead, watch the replays, pinpoint your mistakes, and work on them.
• Stay Calm: Frustration can lead to more mistakes. Breathe, stay calm, and focus on learning with each match.

By sticking to these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll see your skills and understanding of your character soar. Remember, every top player started where you are now. Happy fighting!