Aksys Games on the Internet // Mechanics

These commands assume the character is facing right.

For *** you must press two directions simultaneously.

Throw/Throw Escape fig. 01 Pressing + at the same time will execute a Throw on your opponent. Throws cannot be blocked, but you must be close to your opponent to successfully perform one.

Throw/Throw Escape fig. 02 If your opponent attempts to perform a throw on you, pressing + the moment you are thrown will allow you to perform a Throw Escape, releasing you from their grasp.

Throw/Throw Escape fig. 03 However, a Throw Escape cannot be performed on throws used as counters or throws that are also specials (when performed correctly).

Throw/Throw Escape fig. 04 You must press + at exactly the right time--too soon, and you will be unable to avoid your opponent's throw.

Special Attacks fig. 01a Special Attacks fig. 01b Inputting certain commands will cause your character to perform a special attack. See the character pages for information about specific characters' special attacks.

Distortion Drives fig. 01a Distortion Drives fig. 01b A Distortion Drive is a powerful attack, unique to each character. Each character's Distortion Drive requires a different set of commands. Using a Distortion Drive consumes 50% of your Heat gauge.

Rapid Cancel fig. 01a Rapid Cancel fig. 01b The moment your attack lands or is blocked, press + + simultaneously to activate a Rapid Cancel.
A Rapid Cancel will forcibly interrupt the animation of your current action and return the character to their default standing position, from which they can perform another action. This will consume 50% of your Heat gauge.

Astral Heat fig. 01a Astral Heats are ultimate attacks that tap into a hidden power of your character. If your Astral Heat hits its target, your victory is assured.

You must meet the following conditions to use an Astral Heat:

It is the final round of a match. A loss by either character means the victory of the other.
The target has less than 20% of their HP left.
Your Heat Gauge is at 100%.

Only Ragna, Rachel, and v-13 can use Astral Heats at the beginning of the game. The Astral Heats of all other characters need to be unlocked.

Clash fig. 01 When your attack intersects at just the right moment with that of your opponent, they will cancel one another out, and no damage will be received by either party--this is known as a "Clash". After a Clash, there are several ways to cancel out of the recovery animation.

Counter Hit fig. 01 Successfully landing an attack on your opponent while they are in the middle of their own attack will cause a "Counter Hit". A successful Counter Hit forces its victim into a longer recovery, giving the attacker the opportunity for combos that wouldn't normally be possible.

Press , , or while you are down, and your character will perform a roll. You can use directional buttons to change the direction of the roll. You are still vulnerable to enemy attacks while you are down, so make sure to roll at the right time to avoid getting hit!

Rolls fig. 01

Rolls fig. 02 After being hit with certain attacks, your character may begin to stagger. By pressing , , or at the right time, you can recover from this state sooner.

Rolls fig. 03 However, a Throw Escape cannot be performed on throws used as counters or throws that are also specials (when performed correctly).

Rolls fig. 04 You can also shorten the duration of Jin's freezing attacks by moving the stick back and forth.

You can block attacks by holding (for a standing guard) or (for a crouching, or low, guard). If you are blocking a special attack, each blow will still lower your HP by a small amount, which is also known as "chip" damage.

Block fig. 02a Not all attacks can be blocked while standing--some attacks must be blocked with a low, crouching block, and vice-versa. Keep a sharp eye on your opponent's moves and react with the appropriate block.

Barrier Block fig. 01 This move depletes your Barrier gauge in exchange for a slightly stronger guard. Using the Barrier Block has certain advantages, such as not moving the Guard Libra and pushing your opponent back farther than a normal guard.

Barrier Block fig. 02 As long as you maintain your Barrier Block, your Barrier gauge will deplete. When the Barrier gauge reaches 0, your character will be in the "Danger" state, and their defenses will be drastically lowered. The Barrier gauge regenerates automatically over time.

Instant Block fig. 01 Block right before your opponent's attack hits. When an Instant Block is performed correctly, your character will glow white. When you use an Instant Block, your character will take less time to recover from the block, and your Heat gauge will fill a little. Instant Blocks will also allow you to interrupt some combo strings that couldn't be broken otherwise, but very exact timing is required to do so.

Counter Assault fig. 01 While blocking, press ++. This move consumes 50% of your Heat gauge, but initiates a counterattack from a blocking stance.

Barrier Burst fig. 01 The last line of defense. Activating the Barrier Burst will cause you character to emit a shockwave that throws their opponent away from them. This move can be performed while blocking or while taking damage. However, once it has been activated, your Barrier gauge will disappear and your character will enter the "Danger" state for the rest of the round, so use it with the utmost care. How much of your Barrier gauge is remaining when you activate the Barrier Burst will affect the power of the shockwave.

Guard Libra fig. 01a Guard Libra fig. 01b When you block attacks, the Guard Libra gauge will begin to move in your direction.

Guard Libra fig. 02b Guard Libra fig. 01b If it fills, a "Barrier Crush" will occur, causing the character who was guarding to be momentarily stunned. If this happens to your opponent, make sure to take the opportunity to unleash a powerful combo.