Street Fighter 6/Akuma

Overview

Combos

Strategy

Matchups

Frame Data

Resources

Match Footage

#SF6_Akuma

Introduction

A demon of combat that has welcomed the Satsui no Hado into his being in his quest to become the ultimate master of the fist.

Akuma has an incredibly versatile toolkit, with strong, far-reaching normals and a high walkspeed to control space, multiple projectiles to force or shield an approach, and incredible corner carry to force his foes into the most dangerous of situations. He's especially good at maintaining his advantageous positions, with certain knockdowns leading to a potentially rewarding vortex that can loop back into itself. All this is counterbalanced by his lower health, a massive drawback that makes each mistake that much more costly and forces him to use each tool in his arsenal wisely to avoid inviting his own destruction.

While Akuma has the traditional shoto toolkit (fireball, DP, tatsu, shoto normals), he puts his own dark spin on them, encouraging peerless aggression. His Gou Hadoken has three vastly different speeds it can be fired at, and can be charged for additional hits. His fireball also has a unique air version called Zanku Hadoken, which can be used to counter DP attempts or set up for continued pressure. His Gou Shoryuken acts as a great combo ender and anti-air, with an OD version that leaves opponents close on hit. His Tatsumaki Zanku-kyaku goes through fireballs like Ryu's, but the heavy version goes into the air, allowing him to cruelly punish bad jumpins. What really sets Akuma apart from the other shotos is his signature Demon Raid. Upon pressing this special, Akuma leaps into the air and can perform a series of followups. He has an overhead, a low, and a divekick, and each option can leave Akuma plus. If opponents try to parry through the followups, Akuma can always call this out by landing and throwing them for a Punish Counter Throw. Demon Raid is an incredible special for allowing Akuma to get his gameplan started, and the OD version even allows Akuma to throw a fireball and counter attempts to stuff his approach. While Demon Raid is strong, it can be easily anti-aired on reaction, requiring Akuma to be very considerate with where he unleashes it.

In the neutral, Akuma leverages his shoto normals of 2MK, 5HP and 5LP/5LK to control space. His fast walkspeed and strong pokes give him a dominating neutral presence. He also has some strong command normals for counterpoking, including the powerful 6MK snap kick and 6HP lunging punch. Once he's gotten you in the corner, Akuma excels at a diverse and threatening offense. He has many ways to be plus, including his 5MP and 5HK, though the latter can be ducked and punished. Akuma can use his new Adamant Flame special to set up shimmys and crush your opponent's Drive Gauge. Successful hits can be brutally effective, as Akuma's combo game is very strong with excellent juggle points OD special extensions. His devastating Empyrean's End Level 2 super leads to combo extensions, and his Level 3 is easy to combo into, allowing him to pile on the damage. On top of all of this, Akuma also has an alternate CA called Shun Goku Satsu, a 0f comboable command grab that deals incredible damage when it connects. Truly, Akuma is the master of violence.

Akuma's low vitality is a genuine concern in this game, as he has 9000 health compared to the standard 10,000. This might not seem like a lot, but it is a noticeable con, as Akuma can be two-touched by most of the cast. While opponents may fear his rewarding and dominating offense, Akuma carries much risk in basic play. Opponents who find an opening or make a specific read can punish Akuma harder than anyone else in the cast, especially if they have a Level 3 charged up. Akuma lives and dies by the mastery of the person playing him. If you can pilot him well, he will reward your efforts tenfold. If you like offense-oriented characters and can stay calm on the razor's edge, then embrace the demon with Akuma.

Pick if you like:	Avoid if you dislike:
Strong pressure options, with many ways to be plus Controlling neutral with long-reaching strikes and fast walkspeed Being able to both zone and quickly approach A diverse but still accessible kit, with good options for every situation	Has less health than other characters

Classic & Modern Versions Comparison

List of differences with Modern Akuma

Missing Normals	Crouching Medium Punch (2MP) Jumping Light Punch (j.LP) Jumping Medium Kick (j.MK) Jumping Heavy Kick (j.HK)
Missing Command Normals	Skull Splitter (6MP)
Shortcut-Only Specials	Adamant Flame (4S) Medium/OD Only Adamant Flame Follow-Up is (4S~6S or 6X) Demon Raid (2S) Medium/OD Only Demon Low Slash is (2S~No Input) Demon Guillotine is (2S~S) Demon Blade Kick is (2S~X) Demon Swoop is (2S~[2]) Demon Gou Zanku is (2A[S]~A[S]) Demon Gou Rasen is (2A[S]~A[X])
Assist Combos	A[L~L]: 5LK ~ HP Gou Hadoken A[M~M~M~M~M]: Viscera Piercer (5MP~MP) ~ OD Adamant Flame ~ Level 2 Super On burnout it will use Viscera Piercer (5MP~MP) ~ M Adamant Flame A[H~H~H~H~H]: 5HK ~ 5MK ~ OD Tatsumaki Zanku-kyaku ~ M Gou Shoryuken ~ Level 3 Super On burnout it will use 5HK ~ 5MK ~ H Gou Shoryuken ~ Level 3 Super
Miscellaneous Changes	2L is 2LK but switches to 2LP if chained into 2LP is unavailable outside of chains

Akuma
Vitals
Life Points	9000
Ground Movement
Forward Walk Speed	0.052
Backward Walk Speed	0.036
Forward Dash Speed	19
Backward Dash Speed	23
Forward Dash Distance	1.35
Backward Dash Distance	0.92
Drive Rush Min. Distance (Throw)	0.880
Drive Rush Min. Distance (Block)	2.121
Drive Rush Max Distance	3.425
Jumping
Jump Speed	4+38+3
Jump Apex	2.115
Forward Jump Distance	1.90
Backward Jump Distance	1.52
Throws
Throw Range	0.8
Throw Hurtbox	0.33

Frame Data Glossary - SF6
Hitbox Images	🟥 (Red): Attack hitbox Appears pink for Throw hitboxes 🟩 (Green): Vulnerable hurtbox that can be hit by strikes/projectiles If a move's hitbox and hurtbox overlap, the colors blend to appear orange 🟦 (Blue): Vulnerable throw hurtbox Will be thrown if Pink throw hitbox touches Blue throw hurtbox
Active	How many frames a move remains active (can hurt opponents) for. For projectiles with a maximum active period, a value may be listed in [brackets], but this number is not factored into the move's total frame count. For multi-hit moves with no gaps between the active hitboxes, active frames are listed as X,Y (or sometimes X*Y) For multi-hit moves with gaps between hits, active frames are listed as X(n)Y where n = the frame gap between hitboxes.
Cancel	Available options for canceling one move into another move. "Chn": Chain cancel (Light normals; specific chain options listed in Description) "TC": Target Combo "Sp": Special move "SA": Super Art (if a number is listed, refers only to that specific Super; SA3 = Lv.3 Super Art) "Jmp": Jump cancel (usually on hit only, if applicable) "SS": Serenity Stream (Chun-Li's stance) If one hit of a multi-hit attack is cancelable, this can be indicated with (1st), (2nd), etc. Occasionally, a move can be canceled only into a specific follow-up (e.g. Dee Jay [4]6P > 22PP); this can be indicated by listing the move input in the Cancel field, or with an asterisk that is explained in the move notes (Sp*)
Cancel Hitconfirm Windows	Hitconfirm reaction windows into Special Moves, Target Combos, and Super Arts. Refers to the amount of time (in frames) you have to cancel one attack into another attack on reaction e.g. most cancelable 2MKs have a 13 frame window to cancel into a Special/Super on reaction, making them nearly impossible to hitconfirm Counts from the first frame the attack connects until the final cancelable frame Visual effects like hitsparks and HP drain do not actually occur until frame 2; the first frame is still counted to keep the numbers consistent with previous games, and because it is technically possible to start reacting to the character's reeling animation on frame 1 If a Target Combo is cancelable into another attack, the hitconfirm window will include the entire sequence starting from the first hit If there is a frame gap on block between hits of the TC, the hitconfirm window may also be included for just the followup hit Some sequences like Ken's 5MP~HP TC may have a range of values listed (43f~47f). In this example, inputting 5MP~HP at its usual timing gives a 43f hitconfirm into a Special/Super. Delaying the chain into HP gives more total time for the final hitconfirm.
Damage	Attack damage on hit. Multi-hit moves may have the damage listed for individual hits as X,Y (or sometimes X*Y). Sometimes a move's damage changes depending on which active frame connects, or on cinematic vs. non-cinematic hits; in this case, multiple values may be listed, and it will be clarified in the move description.
Damage Scaling	Some moves cause additional damage scaling in combos. Refer to Game Data page for a more detailed breakdown. Scaling Types: Starter: When a move begins the combo, the next attack is scaled by X percent e.g. Ryu 2MK (20% Starter) > Hadoken: Hadoken is at 80% damage scaling Combo: When a move is comboed into, the next attack is scaled by X percent or X number of hits e.g. Ryu 2HP > OD High Blade Kick (2-Hit Combo Scaling) > Shoryuken: Shoryuken is at 70% damage scaling (100% > 100% > [skip 80%] > 70%) e.g. Cammy 5HP > OD Spiral Arrow (5% Combo Scaling) > Cannon Spike: Cannon Spike is at 75% damage scaling (100% > 100% > [80-5 = 75%]) Immediate: When a move is comboed into, this attack is scaled by X percent e.g. Drive Impact Crumple (20% Starter) > Throw (20% Immediate): Throw is at 60% damage scaling Multiplier: A damage scaling multiplier applies after Perfect Parry (50%) and mid-combo Drive Rush (15%). Any hits in the combo continue their usual damage scaling, but reduced by these amounts. These can bring the minimum scaling below the usual 10%, and they stack with each other; as a result, the minimum scaling can reach 4% using a long Drive Rush combo after Perfect Parry. Minimum Scaling: The lowest damage scaling that can be applied to an attack. Super Art Level 1/2/3 generally has 30%/40%/50% minimum scaling respectively. This ensures the attack will still do reasonable damage even at the end of a heavily scaled combo.
Drive Rush Cancel Advantage	Refers to the frame advantage when canceling a normal, command normal, or Target Combo into Drive Rush on hit or block (abbreviated as DRC for Drive Rush Cancel). This is calculated at the moment a follow-up attack can be input, not at the moment the character can block or perform movement options. An attack that with DRC +8 on Hit can link into an 8-frame attack, and DRC +4 on Block can create a true blockstring into a 4-frame attack. Note that any DRC on Block worse than +4 cannot form a true blockstring, allowing the opponent to interrupt with an invincible reversal. Most light normals are slightly negative after a DRC on block, meaning the opponent can mash their fastest normal to guarantee a counter-hit (though this requires fast reactions). The attacking character could punish this with Light > DRC into an immediate invincible attack, but this would be an incredibly expensive and high-risk gambit.
Forced Knockdown	Most airborne command normals, special moves, and Super Arts put the user in a "Forced Knockdown" state. While in this state, an air knockdown will occur when being hit by any attack, even if it would otherwise cause an air reset. As an example, Ryu's 2HP causes an air reset when used as an anti-air. Against a move like Cammy's Hooligan Combination, however, the 2HP puts her into an air knockdown state. This allows Ryu to successfully cancel 2HP into Shoryuken for a juggle, similar to how a Drive Impact wall splat works. Taking advantage of Forced Knockdown juggles is important for dealing with moves like Ken's Dragonlash, Dhalsim's Air Teleport, or Kimberly's 6HK~Hop sequence. Moves that already cause an air knockdown, like most j.MP air-to-airs, will not display the "Forced Knockdown" message.
Guard	Refers to the direction an attack must be blocked. L is for Low attacks (must be blocked crouching), H is for High attacks/overheads (must be blocked standing), LH is for attacks that can be blocked crouching or standing. T is for Throw attacks which cannot be blocked.
Juggles	When a character is put into an Air Knockdown state, it is often possible to follow up with a Juggle attack before they hit the ground. In the simplest terms, there are 2 main juggle states: Free Juggle: any attack can juggle, causing an Air Reset or an Air Knockdown Limited Juggle: only specific attacks with juggle potential may juggle The following is a more detailed overview of the SF6 juggle system: Juggle Count (JC): The status of the character being juggled. A high JC limits which attacks can work in juggles. JC0: free juggle state - any attack that can hit an airborne opponent will work JC1+: limited juggle state - juggle only works if the attack's Juggle Limit ≥ defender's Juggle Count Juggle Start (JS): When starting a juggle, the opponent's JC will be set to this value. May be different vs. standing and airborne opponents. Attack with Juggle Start value of 3 will put opponent at JC3, so only attacks with Juggle Limit value ≥ 3 can follow up Juggle Increase (JI): When opponent is already in a juggle state, attacks will increase the opponent's JC by this amount. Airborne opponent at JC1 followed by attack with Juggle Increase value of 3 will set opponent to JC4 Juggle Limit (JL): Property of an attack hitbox that determines whether it connects on a juggled opponent. The JL must be ≥ the opponent's JC to hit successfully. An uppercut with a JL value of 5 will connect on an opponent at JC5 or below, but will whiff on JC6 opponent Most normals have a JL value of 0, meaning they only work in Free Juggle (JC0) states Some multi-hit attacks have different JL values on each hit, so a 3-hit move may only hit twice in juggles An example to tie everything together: An attack (JS3) launches opponent into the air (Opponent now at JC3) Followed up with an attack (JI2/JL4); it connects, because JL4 ≥ JC3 (Opponent now at JC5) Attempts to juggle again with same attack (JL4), but whiffs because JL4 < JC5 (Opponent hits the ground) Drive Rush notes: DR normals have a Juggle Start/Increase value of 0 DR normals have +3 added to their usual Juggle Limit
On Hit/Block	These are frame advantage values when the attack hits or is blocked. If the number is positive, then the move will recover before the defender can act again. If the number is negative, the defender will be able to act before the attacker and maybe even punish. KD refers to knockdown on hit, and the listed KD Advantage refers to how many frames the attacker can act before the defender finishes their wakeup animation. Note that generally, there is an extra +2 hit advantage on Counterhits and +4 hit advantage on Punish Counters (exceptions are noted in the description).
Recovery	How many frames it takes for a move to finish after the active frames have finished. For projectiles, recovery is considered to begin after the first active frame. Moves with different recovery values on hit/block/whiff may have multiple values listed like X(Y), with specific details listed in the description.
Startup	How many frames it takes before the move becomes 'active' or have a hit box. The last startup frame and the first active frame are the same frame, meaning all values are written as Startup + 1. Moves with multiple relevant startup values may be listed as X(Y); for example, a move that hits airborne first before hitting grounded opponents, or a 2-hit move where the first hit whiffs at some ranges.

Normals

Standing Normals

5LP

Standing Light Punch

5LP
5L

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5LP

Standing Light Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
4	3	7	Chn Sp SA	300	LH	+4	-1

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 13f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +4 oH / -1 oB
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

5MP

Standing Medium Punch

5MP

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5MP

Standing Medium Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	4	11	Sp SA TC	600	LH	+4	+1

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 16f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +9 oH / +6 oB

Akuma's main pressure normal aside from his light normals. Plus on block and frame traps into said lights. Comes with a TC attached for combos.

On counter-hit be linked into 5MP~MP TC at point blank range for extra damage. At longer ranges can be linked into 2MP (whiff at max range) and 5LK to be safer on block for less damage. It may be more practical to use 5MP~MP TC and cancel into 236P for safety instead.

5HP

Standing Heavy Punch

5HP

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5HP

Standing Heavy Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	5	18	Sp SA	800	LH	+3	-3

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 19f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +14 oH / +8 oB

Long reaching, special cancelable and fast shoto-style 5HP. Very easy for Akuma to bully opponents with, especially considering his swift walk speed.

Most reliable damage cancel is 214HP and 214PP in the corner. 214HP will be blocked if canceled even 1f too late (needs to come out after 3rd active frame). It can also combo into 214HK tatsu, but this will whiff at further ranges.

On Punish Counter links into 5MK at close range.

5LK

Standing Light Kick

5LK

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5LK

Standing Light Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	11	Sp SA	300	LH	+2	-4

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 13f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +4 oH / -2 oB
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

Notable as Akuma's farthest reaching light button, while also being special cancellable. Great for whiff punishing due to its long range and fast start up.

5MK

Standing Medium Kick

5MK

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5MK

Standing Medium Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	5	15	Sp SA TC	700	LH	+3	-3

• Forces stand on hit
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f (only 15f to confirm TC without Counter-hit)
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +13 oH / +7 oB

Force stand property makes this an important combo tool to cancel into 214LK and 214MK

5HK

Standing Heavy Kick

5HK

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5HK

Standing Heavy Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	3(8)4	15(16)	-	400x2	LH	+7	+3

• Second hit can be ducked if the first hit is blocked.
  • Ducking the second hit leaves Akuma -13.
• Forces stand on hit
• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Crouching Normals

2LP

Crouching Light Punch

2LP

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2LP

Crouching Light Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
4	2	9	Chn Sp SA	300	LH	+5	-1

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 13f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +5 oH / -1 oB
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

Important combo and confirm tool. Has the most advantage on hit out of Akuma's grounded light buttons, linking naturally into 5LK for light confirms. This also makes it the light button of choice from a Drive Rush combo, as it easily combos into 2HP to force standing for L or M Tatsu.

2MP

Crouching Medium Punch

2MP

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2MP

Crouching Medium Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	3	14	Sp SA	600	LH	+6	-1

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 16f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +13 oH / +6 oB

Similar to Luke's 2MP, this button is incredible with a disjointed hitbox. While it's not +oB, it is extremely +oH, linking into itself at mid range.

Most reliable cancel is into 214MP~6P. Cancel into 236LP for spacing and 214HK at point blank range. Cancel into 214PP~6P in the corner for wallsplat extensions.

On CH can combo into 5MK for optimal combos or 2MK at max range if the former would whiff. On CH can also cancel into 214HP

On PC can combo into 5HP making this a great shimmy button. At max range when whiff punishing, can cancel directly into 214HP~6P

In DR can link into 5HP too.

2HP

Crouching Heavy Punch

2HP

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2HP

Crouching Heavy Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	8	19	Sp SA	900	LH	0	-8

• Forces stand on hit
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +17 oH / +9 oB

Another button that forces stand so you can confirm into your various Tatsus. Great combo filler due to the high damage and it cancels to almost any special.

2LK

Crouching Light Kick

2LK

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2LK

Crouching Light Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	2	10	Chn	200	L	+3	-3

• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

Akuma's fastest low, and a mixup option from Demon Raid feints or from a Drive Rush, the latter being able to link into 5MK on normal hit for combos.

2MK

Crouching Medium Kick

2MK

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2MK

Crouching Medium Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	3	19	Sp SA	500	L	+1	-6

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 13f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +11 oH / +4 oB
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

2HK

Crouching Heavy Kick

2HK

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2HK

Crouching Heavy Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	3	23(29)	-	900	L	KD +32	-12

Sweep. Has some juggle potential, and can be used as a combo ender after 214LK, which gives you incredible oki or even a safejump.

Jumping Normals

j.LP

Jumping Light Punch

j.LP

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j.LP

Jumping Light Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
4	10	3 land	-	300	H	~+5(+10)	~+1(+6)

j.MP

Jumping Medium Punch

j.MP

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j.MP

Jumping Medium Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	4	3 land	Sp SA1	700	H	~+5(+10)	~+5(+7)

Akuma's prime air to air button. Allows for air to ground conversions by using j.214KK, j.236P series, or Air Level 1 Super.

j.HP

Jumping Heavy Punch

j.HP

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j.HP

Jumping Heavy Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	6	3 land	-	800	H	~+12(+14)	~+8(+11)

j.LK

Jumping Light Kick

j.LK

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j.LK

Jumping Light Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	10	3 land	-	300	H	~+5(+10)	~+1(+6)

j.MK

Jumping Medium Kick

j.MK

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j.MK

Jumping Medium Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	6	3 land	-	500	H	~+9(+13)	~+5(+9)

j.HK

Jumping Heavy Kick

j.HK

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j.HK

Jumping Heavy Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12	6	3 land	-	800	H	~+11(+15)	~+8(+11)

Command Normals

6MP

Skull Splitter

Overhead

6MP

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6MP

Skull Splitter

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
20	1(1)3	18	-	200,400	H	+3	-1

Akuma's overhead to start his offense. Has good range.

DR 6MP links into 2MP or 5MK, the latter link being very important becauses it forces stand as this move is very likely to hit them crouching, allowing Akuma to combo into 214LK.

6MK

Resso Snap Kick

Toe Kick

6MK

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6MK

Resso Snap Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	3	15	-	700	LH	+5	-4

A solid poking normal with great range, but little reward on hit. On Punish Counter notably links into 2HK for a knockdown, or Level 2 Super for a potential combo near the corner, however these have a tendency to whiff near the kick's max range.

6HP

Kikoku

6HP

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6HP

Kikoku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	4	20	TC	800	LH	+4	-3

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 20f (TC)

Akuma steps forward while punching, making this button one of his farthest reaching pokes. Hitconfirms into 6HP~6HK target combo.

Due to scaling, 6HP is the preferred link in DRC over 5HK.

4HK

Rago High Kick

4HK

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4HK

Rago High Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12	5	27	Sp SA	800	LH	KD +47	-15

• Puts airborne opponents into limited juggle state
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 19f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: KD +69 oH / +7 oB
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

A very rewarding anti-air and combo filler button. Forces limited juggle on hit, allowing Akuma to combo further. In the corner, the usual extension is 4HK > Level 2 fireball > H Shoryu or Tatsu, but you can also do 4HK > 236K~K > H Shoryu or Tatsu for slightly less damage.

When used as an anti-air, 4HK is very slow but highly rewarding. Since it can be special canceled, Akuma can get strong midscreen conversions. An example is 4HK > Level 2 fireball > Parry Drive Rush > 5HK > M Tatsu.

j.2MK

Tenmaku Blade Kick

Divekick

j.2MK

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j.2MK

Tenmaku Blade Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16	13	7	-	800	LH	+2(+11)	-3(+6)

• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

A situational divekick that can only be performed during a forward jump. Has a very steep angle, similar to 236K~LK. Like other divekicks, the closer the attack lands to the opponent's feet, the more advantage Akuma will have. Oddly enough, has exactly one more frame of advantage than 236K~K, on both block and hit at all spacings.

Target Combos

5MP~MP

Viscera Piercer

5MP~MP

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5MP~MP

Viscera Piercer

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	3	21	Sp SA	700	LH	-1	-6

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 38f
• Drive Rush cancel advantage: +13 oH / +8 oB
• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

5MK~HK

Bone Crusher Axe Kick

5MK~HK

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5MK~HK

Bone Crusher Axe Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
20	3	20	-	600	H	+1	-3

• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Somewhat sneaky, safe on block overhead. Has situational use during combos; causes a ground bounce on hit if opponent is in a juggleable state.

6HP~6HP~HK

Kikoku Combination

6HP~6HP~HK

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6HP~6HP

Kikoku Combination 1

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	3	21	TC	600	LH	KD +39	-10

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 41-42f (TC)

6HP~6HP~HK

Kikoku Combination 2

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	-	-	-	875(700)	LH	KD +35	-13

Key hit-confirmable TC for Akuma. 6HP~6HP can be finished into 623MP for more damage in the corner.

Throws

Forward Throw (LPLK)

Forward Throw

LPLK

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LPLK

Goshoha

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	23	-	1200 (2040)	T	KD + 28	-

• Punish Counter: HKD +28
• Applies 20% immediate damage scaling when comboed into (e.g. after Crumple)

Back Throw (4LPLK)

Back Throw

4LPLK

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

4LPLK

Shuretto

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	23	-	1200 (2040)	T	KD + 14	-

• Side switches
• Punish Counter: HKD +14
• Applies 20% immediate damage scaling when comboed into (e.g. after Crumple)

Drive System

Drive Impact (HPHK)

Drive Impact

HPHK

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

HPHK

Oni Goroshi

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
26	2	35	-	800	LH	KD +35 / Wall Splat KD +65	-3 / Wall Splat HKD +72

• Armor (2-hit): 1-27f
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (including Wall Splat on block)
• Combos when canceled from -- (no corner wallsplat)
  • Useful for draining opponent's Drive gauge, especially after Perfect Parry

See Drive Impact on the Gauges page for more details.

When canceled from a normal, these are the important blockstring gaps; a gap of N will trade with an N-frame startup attack; [] = Burnout

• 2HP 8[4]
• 5HP 9[5]
• 4HK, 5MP~MP, 5MK 10[6]
• 5MP, 2MP 11[7]
• 2MK 13[9]
• Note: A gap ≥ 6f can be thrown, and a gap ≥ 9f can be jumped out of by most characters

Against the following characters in Burnout:

• JP (22K), frame 3 counter
• Marisa (214K), frame 3 armor
• Zangief (5[HP]), frame 4 armor

It's important to use a blockstring that cannot be absorbed by their armor/counter moves. Ideally, the string should also not be a true combo, or it will cause a Lock and prevent Stun. Note that if the opponent mashes buttons on wakeup, the counter-hit will cause DI to Lock.

• DR~5HP > DI: 1f blockstring gap prevents opponent from absorbing the hit
• DR~2HP > DI: 1f blockstring gap prevents opponent from absorbing the hit if cancel is delayed
• DR~4HK/5MK > DI: 2f blockstring gap prevents opponent from absorbing the hit
• DR~5MP/2MP > DI: 3f blockstring gap prevents Zangief 5[HP] from absorbing the hit

Drive Reversal (6HPHK)

Drive Reversal

6HPHK (in blockstun)

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

6HPHK

Souha Double Palm

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
20(18)	3	26	-	500 recoverable	LH	KD +23	-6

• Full Invuln: 1-22f; Armor Break
• 5f extra recovery on hit

See Drive Reversal on the Gauges page for more details.

Drive Parry (MPMK)

Drive Parry

MPMK

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

MPMK

Drive Parry

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
1	12 or until released	33(1)(11)	-	-	-	-	-

See Drive Parry on the Gauges page for more details.

• Perfect Parry:
  • Applies a 50% damage scaling multiplier to any punish afterwards
  • vs. strikes, has only 1f recovery and prevents the opponent from canceling their attack
  • vs. projectiles, puts you into a fixed 11f recovery

Drive Rush (66)

Drive Rush

66

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

66

Drive Rush

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9(11)	45(46)	24(23)	-	-	-	-	-

• Applies 15% damage scaling multiplier to any follow-up hits when used mid-combo
  • Only applies scaling once per combo; does not apply when an enhanced Drive Rush attack starts the combo

See Drive Rush on the Gauges page for more details. Frame data shown in (parentheses) refers to Parry Drive Rush.

• Distance:
  • 0.880 (min, cancel into immediate Throw)
  • 2.121 (min, earliest blocking/movement frame)
  • 3.425 (max, final DR frame)
• See Strategy page for Blockstring Gaps and Combo Routes

Special Moves

Gou Hadoken (236P)

Gou Hadoken

Lv.1 Fireball

236P

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236LP

Gou Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16~32	-	30	SA3	700	LH	0	-4

• Slow 1-hit projectile; Projectile Speed: 0.055
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 16~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 4f (Super)

236MP

Gou Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14~30	-	32	SA3	700	LH	-2	-6

• Medium-speed 1-hit projectile; Projectile Speed: 0.075
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 14~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 4f (Super)

236HP

Gou Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12~28	-	34	SA3	700	LH	-4	-8

• Fast 1-hit projectile; Projectile Speed: 0.095
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 12~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 4f (Super)

236PP

Gou Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12~27	-	29	SA2 SA3	400,600	LH	KD +55	+2

• Fast 2-hit OD projectile; Projectile Speed: 0.095
• Has juggle potential; puts opponent into limited juggle state on hit
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 12~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 12f (Super)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Akuma's fireball is very similar to Ryu's. It can be fired at three different speeds, and functions as a strong zoning and keepaway tool. When mixed with his fast walkspeed and movement-based specials, Akuma is one of the best characters at controlling screen space. 236LP is the safest version but has the slowest startup, while 236HP is the fastest but most unsafe if not well-spaced.

At Lv.1, Gou Hadoken is most useful as a low-risk harassment tool. Unlike most characters, Akuma does not extend a hurtbox on his arms when throwing a projectile; this makes it very difficult to counterpoke him in neutral and forces many characters to risk a jump-in to punish his zoning. He does slightly extend a hurtbox near his feet when the fireball is active, but this will at best lead to a trade.

What makes Akuma's zoning game so threatening (in addition to his different fireball speeds) is the ability to charge them up to a stronger version. Holding the button for less than 25f (or less than 24f for the OD version) will result in a regular Gou Hadoken with worse startup; this can still be valuable to throw off the opponent's timing, but does not improve the attack properties. When the button is released, the projectile hitbox will start up in 6 frames (4 for OD).

Charged Gou Hadoken (236{P}/236[P])

Charged Gou Hadoken

Lv.2 / Lv.3 Fireball

236{P} / 236[P]

---

---

---

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236{P}

Gou Hadoken Lv.2

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
(25~48)+6	-	29	SA3	400,600	LH	KD +55	+2

• 2-hit projectile; button must be held 25f (up to 48f)
• Button strength determines speed; Projectile Speed: LP 0.07 / MP 0.085 / HP 0.105
• Projectile hitbox comes out 6f after button release; total startup 31-54f
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 13~
• Has juggle potential; puts opponent into limited juggle state
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 15f (Super)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

When Lv.2 fireball is ready, Akuma will pose with his arms outstretched, and his projectile changes to a reddish-purple color. Releasing the button too early will result in a regular Gou Hadoken, and holding it too long gives the opponent more time to react and may cause specific combos to drop (e.g. corner 4HK > 236{P} > 623HP), so it's important to learn this timing.

When zoning at mid-range, charging to a Lv.2 fireball can punish opponents who try to neutral jump on reaction, causing them to land directly on top of the projectile. However, it does leave Akuma wide open for a jump-in if used too predictably. If the opponent blocks at range, he has plenty of advantage to approach with Drive Rush for extended pressure, or he can hang back and continue zoning.

In the corner, Akuma has many combo enders (e.g. 214HK or 214LK > 2HK) that allow him to set up a meaty Lv.2 fireball on the opponent's wakeup. This stuffs any SA1 on startup while giving him advantage on block or a juggle (214HK, 623HP > SA3, or Drive Rush normals) on hit.

236[P]

Gou Hadoken Lv.3

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
56	-	28	SA3	300x2,600 (1200)	LH	KD +57	+5

• 3-hit projectile (must be held 49f for full charge); Projectile Speed: LP 0.09 / MP 0.115 / HP 0.145
• Has juggle potential; puts opponent into limited juggle state
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 13~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 12f (Super)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

236[PP]

OD Gou Hadoken Lv.2

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
31	-	28	SA2 SA3	300x2,600 (1200)	LH	KD +57	+5

• Fast 3-hit OD projectile (must be held 24f for full charge); Projectile Speed: 0.145
• Has juggle potential; puts opponent into limited juggle state
• No extended arm hurtbox; slight leg hurtbox extension on frame 10~
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 12f (Super)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

An even stronger version of the charged fireball; each version travels much faster, but you can still vary the speed depending on which button is pressed. All versions are otherwise identical. Once the button is held for 49f, he automatically fires the Lv.3 fireball, so the timing can't be varied like the Lv.1 and Lv.2 versions. This version is very hard to use for zoning, as the opponent has plenty of time to react to the charge animation; it works best at long range when the opponent expects you to release a fast Lv.2 version, and only if they don't have good anti-zoning specials.

On block, Akuma will always have advantage, but the exact amount depends on the distance and projectile speed used. He even has advantage if the hits are all Perfect Parried. After a ranged knockdown, Akuma can time an immediate Lv.2 236{HP} to lock the opponent down on wakeup and continue zoning. He can also advance forward with 236KK~236P, which can stuff or avoid immediate wakeup reversals. Opponents can counter this by delaying their reversal, but Akuma can also mix in 236KK~P, and it's hard to consistently distinguish between these two setups.

OD Gou Hadoken skips directly to a fully charged version; there is no intermediate version like 236{P}. Besides the faster startup and faster travel speed, it functions almost identically to the meterless Lv.3 fireball. The higher priority makes it more useful in projectile wars, since it will go through all 2-hit OD fireballs while retaining a hit.

Zanku Hadoken (j.236P)

Zanku Hadoken

Air Fireball

j.236P

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

j.236P

Zanku Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	-	9(2) land	-	600	LH	varies	varies

• 1-hit projectile; can be input on Forward jump only
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)
• Button strength determines angle and speed
  • LP: ~35°, Projectile Speed 0.04
  • MP: ~45°, Projectile Speed 0.055
  • HP: ~50°, Projectile Speed 0.075

j.236PP

Zanku Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6(21)	-	9(2) land	-	300x3	LH	KD~	varies

• 3-hit OD projectile; can be input on Forward/Neutral jump
• Stationary projectile on frames 6-20 before firing (only 2 more hits if this collides with something)
• Travels downward at ~50° angle; Projectile Speed 0.075
• Puts grounded opponents into limited juggle state

All versions:

• Can be input on airborne frames 9-33 (not counting 4f pre-jump); Forced Knockdown until landing
• On HIT only, landing recovery after 2f~ can be canceled into anything except walk/jump (guaranteed combo)
• Puts airborne opponents into free juggle state (or maintains existing juggle state)
• Hitbox is considered both a Projectile and an Airborne attack (loses to both types of invuln)
• Projectile immediately dissipates if Akuma is hit
• Foot hurtbox is Projectile Invuln 1f~land

Akuma's essential tool for safely approaching while controlling space. No other member of the cast has a move like this, allowing Akuma unique neutral opportunities. Just like the ground version, Akuma can vary his projectile speeds, making it harder to know when to attempt a counterattack. LP is good for creating a projectile wall to keep himself safe, while MP and HP are better at stuffing anti-air attempts and scoring frame advantage from long range.

Akuma's advantage on hit or block varies tremendously depending on how it connects. On hit, the ability to cancel his landing recovery guarantees a follow-up of some sort even at point blank against a tall character. On block, a minimum-height Zanku can be approximately -5 vs. tall characters or -3 vs. standard characters (or -3/-1 for OD); outside of this unlikely scenario, you should always assume that Akuma is extremely plus on hit or block. Interestingly, an opponent that Perfect Parries all hits of the OD version is actually left at a disadvantage even in the best case scenario.

By stalling in the air, Akuma can cause many anti-air attacks to whiff; it can be very difficult to time an anti-air that beats both Zanku and his strong j.HP. However, any move with anti-air invincibility (like most DP specials) can blow right throw the projectile and punish either option. If the opponent predicts the Zanku, they can even anti-air with a projectile invuln attack instead. In either case, once Akuma is hit, the threat of the projectile is eliminated.

When spaced properly against a grounded opponent, Akuma can usually Drive Rush for additional pressure on block or a combo extension on hit. If you're unsure of the advantage, the safest option is DR~5LP > 214MK, but it's often possible to get DR~5HP.

Zanku Hadoken can be useful for air-to-air purposes. If it hits an opponent trying to jump out of the way, they are left in a free juggle state that Akuma may be able to capitalize on. After an air-to-air j.MP > j.236P, Akuma can usually pick up a Drive Rush juggle; at most spacings, this works best with HP Zanku due to the knockback, but in the corner LP Zanku usually works better.

OD Zanku has 3 hits and travels very fast, though Akuma can't vary the speed or trajectory. He pauses in the air for much longer and can perform it from a neutral jump, making it easier to space safely against the opponent's anti-airs while still allowing follow-up pressure. Against opponents in the corner, this is especially deadly, as a neutral jump OD Zanku can also stuff jump-out attempts, leading to a 4HK extension.

Gou Shoryuken (623P)

Gou Shoryuken

Dragon Punch

623P

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OD Follow-up

LP/MP Version

---

HP Version (tall hitbox is juggle-only)

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OD Version

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

623LP

Gou Shoryuken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	10	21+12 land	SA3	1100(800)	LH	KD +38	-23

• Anti-Air Invuln: 1-14f; Airborne 7-35f (Forced Knockdown state); cannot hit cross-up
• 300 less damage on active frames 4-10 (high anti-air connect)
• Puts opponent into limited juggle state (follow-up juggles possible after high connect)
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f (Super, 1st active frame only)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (623P > SA3 starter: 30% total scaling)

623MP

Gou Shoryuken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	2,8	30+12 land	SA3	700,600 (1300)	LH	KD +32	-30

• Anti-Air Invuln: 1-9f; Airborne 8-42f (Forced Knockdown state); cannot hit cross-up
• Puts opponent into limited juggle state
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f (Super, 1st active frame only)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (623P > SA3 starter: 30% total scaling)

623HP

Gou Shoryuken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	2,3,6	35+15 land	SA3	600,500,400 (1500)	LH	KD +30	-36(-39)

• Anti-Air Invuln: 1-8f; Airborne 9-52f (Forced Knockdown state); cannot hit cross-up
• vs. crouch block, loses 3f advantage, 100 chip, and 2000 Drive damage
• Puts opponent into limited juggle state
• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f (Super, 1st active frame only)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (623P > SA3 starter: 30% total scaling)

623PP

Gou Shoryuken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	2,2,7	37+15 land	-	300x3,1000 (1900)	LH	KD +14	-39(-41)

• Full Invuln: 1-8f; Airborne 8-53f (Forced Knockdown state); cannot hit cross-up
• vs. crouch block, loses 2f advantage, 75 chip, and 1250 Drive damage
• Transitions to cinematic slam on first 2 hits (active frames 1-4)
  • If these hits whiff, 3rd hit connects for only 300 damage and no cinematic

Akuma's DP is not special in any particular way, being functionally identical to Ryu's in terms of stats. This makes it a good anti-air, combo ender, and defensive tool like other DP's.

623HP is notable in that it has a SA3 cancel point, allowing it to be used as a high-damage combo ender anywhere on the screen. Akuma can go into this from 214LK > 623HP, but this has a nasty habit of whiffing from far ranges.

OD Shoryu is unique in that it puts opponents into a hitgrab follow-up on clean hit that leaves Akuma +14. From here, he can layer in a sneaky Oboro Throw.

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku (214K)

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

214K

L/M/OD Version

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HK Version

LK Verion

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MK Version

---

HK Version

---

OD Version

On Hit Only

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LK

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12	2	21	-	600	LH	KD +50	-13

• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

214MK

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	-	-	-	500x2 (1000)	LH	KD +41	-13

• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

214HK

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	-	-	-	400,300x2,600 (1600)	LH	KD +34	-59

214KK

Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	-	-	-	200x3,100,300 (1000)	LH	-	-

Light and Medium versions will whiff on crouching opponents. Start combos with 5HK or use 5MK or 2HP to force stand.

214LK can combo into 623HP for damage or 2HK for a safejump.

Although more range specific, ending combos with 214HK does slightly more damage and has a few more frames of knockdown advantage than 623HP.

Both the grounded and air OD versions cause a ground bounce that can be followed up with Light, Medium, or OD Shoryuken.

Aerial Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku (j.214K)

Aerial Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

j.214K

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

j.214K

Aerial Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	-	-	-	900	LH	-	-

• Applies 30% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/70/60...)

j.214KK

Aerial Tatsumaki Zanku-Kyaku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	-	-	-	200x4,500 (1300)	-	-	-

• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Can cross-up if performed from a jump over close to the ground.

Adamant Flame (214P)

Adamant Flame

214P

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LP

Adamant Flame

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
15	3	23	SA3	700	LH	+1(+2)	-8

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 15f (Super) / 20f (Follow-up)

214MP

Adamant Flame

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
19	3	20	SA3	800	LH	+2(+3)	-4

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 15f (Super) / 20f (Follow-up)

214HP

Adamant Flame

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
23	3	19	SA3	900	LH	+3	-2

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 15f (Super) / 20f (Follow-up)

214PP

Adamant Flame

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
18	3	23	SA2 SA3	700	LH	+1	-3

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 17f (Super) / 20f (Follow-up)
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo (100/80/70...)

Akuma leans back before delivering a powerful chest strike. Use for crouching conversions if you forgot to make the opponent stand, or in the corner for additional damage.

Shifts Akuma backwards during startup. Can be used to shimmy, but can't be point blank as you will get grabbed in startup. On PC, Medium and Heavy versions put you +10/+12 on first hit respectively, allowing you to link to your best extensions.

When used as a DP punish starter, Akuma can link it into whatever follow-up he wants. H Adamant Flame is Akuma's best starter for punishing OD DP's, while M Adamant Flame is useful for punishing wakeup Level 1 supers like Ryu's Shinku Hadouken or Luke's Vulcan Blast.

OD Adamant Flame is Akuma's metered combo extender in the corner, giving him a wallsplat with the follow-up or a cancel point into his Level 2. Notably, while the move looks incredibly unsafe, it's actually only -3, allowing Akuma to bait a reversal if he messes up a confirm. In burnout, Adamant Flame becomes plus, allowing Akuma to consistently loop it and deal excellent chip.

Adamant Flame Follow-Up (214P~6P)

Adamant Flame Follow-Up

214P~6P

LP version

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MP version

---

HP version

---

OD version

LP version

---

MP version

---

HP version

---

OD version

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LP~6P

Adamant Flame Follow-Up

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	4	18	SA3	500	LH	+3	-10

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 45-48f (Super)

214MP~6P

Adamant Flame Follow-Up

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
-	-	-	SA3	600	LH	KD +32	-18

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 45-48f (Super)

214HP~6P

Adamant Flame Follow-Up

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
-	-	-	SA3	600	LH	KD +47	-14

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 47-50f (Super)
• Counts as 3 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

214PP~6P

Adamant Flame Follow-Up

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
-	-	-	SA2 SA3	300,400 (240,320)	LH	KD +32	-18

• Cancel Hitconfirm Window: 54-57f (Super)

All version count as an additional hit for combo damage and scaling. So 5HPxx214P~6P is 100/100/80.

Light version leaves the opponent standing, useful for Raging Demon combos. Sets up a perfect strike/throw opportunity as well.

Medium version lets you knockdown when you can't force stand on an opponent.

Heavy version will lead to a 623HP or 214HK follow up in the corner. It count as 3 hit for scaling purposes (So 5HPxx214P~6P,623HP is 100/100/80/50). At midscreen, this version can lead into an okizeme situation with 236HK~2 chase that leaves Akuma +2 and in grab range.

OD version wallsplats and is an important combo tool to maximize corner damage. If used as a combo starter, it counts for two hit for scaling purposes (so the next hits will be at 80/70/60 scaling etc). If used mid-combo, it doesn't. OD follow-up also has incredible corner carry- if used before a launch, it can wallsplat from slightly further than midscreen. Akuma can follow this up with a Drive Rush 5HK or 5P to extend the combo further, both of which can lead into any tatsu or DP for an ender.

Demon Raid (236K)

Demon Raid

Demon Flip

236K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236K

Demon Raid

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

236KK

Demon Raid

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

• Earliest actionable follow-up: 33f
• Latest actionable follow-up: 55f

Akuma's signature "demon flip". A command jump that leaves Akuma airborne and has four possible follow-ups: an overhead, a divekick, a sweep, and a feint.

Each button strength changes Akuma's approach angle. LK leaves him at one character length away, MK puts him about halfscreen, and HK sends him fullscreen. Akuma is airbone for at minimum 33f before he can commit to a follow-up, making this a much faster jump than the standard 45f. That said, Akuma can still be anti-aired on reaction, as any DP will cut through his follow-ups.

When Akuma uses Demon Raid, he puts the opponent in an RPS. Either they can hold Drive Parry to defuse the incoming three-way mixup, or Akuma can land and PC Throw them. Each follow-up can leave Akuma plus, making this a fairly skewed situation in his favor. As Akuma can cancel into this special from any special cancelable button, he can blitz his opponents quite quickly. At midscreen, Akuma can use the varied angles of Demon Raid to create fairly ambiguous cross-ups, potentially leading opponents to whiff their anti-air.

OD Demon Raid causes Akuma to track to the opponent's location at the same speed, making it an effective tool for calling out fullscreen zoning. As well, he gains two additional follow-ups: Demon Gou Zankou and Demon Gou Rasen, both of which can call out opponent's attempts to anti-air Demon Raid. The former even gives Akuma a combo on hit, making it very effective.

Demon Low Slash (236K~No Input)

Demon Low Slash

Slide

236K~No Input

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236K~No Input

Demon Low Slash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
53	4	19	-	1000	L	KD +39	+2

236KK~No Input

Demon Low Slash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
53	4	15	-	1000	L	KD +39	+2

Akuma's low follow-up from Demon Raid. Not particularly useful as a mixup option, as it has by far the longest startup.

Best used as a fullscreen tool for getting in by Demon Raiding in front of the opponent and sweeping instead of on top of them. The sweep leaves Akuma plus and knocks down on hit, allowing Akuma to apply further pressure either way.

Demon Guillotine (236K~P)

Demon Guillotine

Overhead

236K~P

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236K~P

Demon Guillotine

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16 (33)	7	9	-	1300	H	KD +38 (+41)	+4(+7)

236KK~P

Demon Guillotine

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16 (31)	6	9	-	1300	H	KD +39	+5(+7)

Akuma's overhead follow-up from Demon Raid. A very valuable and powerful move with multiple functions.

Generally not useful as a mixup tool, but knocks down on hit and does sizeable damage anyways. Very valuable as a pressure tool as it leaves Akuma quite plus and right in front of the opponent. This means the move can be used as a meterless pressure reset anywhere on the screen. In the corner, 236HK~P can dodge over reversal attempts if delayed, while leaving Akuma plus if it lands.

Lastly, Demon Guillotine immediately cuts all of Akuma's forward momentum from Demon Raid, similar to Cammy's Silent Step or Kimberly's Elbow Drop. This can be used to bait DPs and land to punish them.

Demon Blade Kick (236K~K)

Demon Blade Kick

Divekick

236K~K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236K~K

Demon Blade Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13 (30)	11	9	-	700	LH	+1(+10)	-4(+5)

• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

236KK~K

Demon Blade Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13 (31)	10	9	-	700	LH	+1(+10)	-4(+5)

• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Akuma's divekick follow-up out of Demon Raid. Very useful for punishing fireballs, and depending on landing height, can leave Akuma either plus or safe. Like other divekicks, the closer the attack lands to the opponent's feet, the more advantage Akuma will have. The angle of the divekick can be changed depending on button strength- LK sends Akuma nearly straight down, while MK and HK send Akuma down and forward at more obtuse angles.

Generally, Demon Guillotine is better for corner pressure, mostly leaving this as a mobility and anti-fireball tool. It's important to synchronize Akuma's Demon Raid strength with the divekick strength to optimally punish fireballs. Generally, 236MK~MK is best for punishing fireballs if you're at jump-in range, while 236HK~HK is best for fullscreen zoning.

As the frame advantage changes on the divekick and angle selected, it can be tricky to know how to combo. Generally, Punish Counters will leave Akuma between +5 and +9, giving him a guaranteed 5LP follow-up.

Demon Swoop (236K~[2])

Demon Swoop

Feint

236K~[2]

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236K~[2]

Demon Swoop

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
45	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

236KK~[2]

Demon Swoop

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
45	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

An option new to SF6; by simply holding down during Demon Raid, Akuma lands and does not perform a follow-up, recovering faster.

Useful as a tool to bait reactions from opponents trying to interrupt Demon Raid, to quickly land and throw opponents attempting to Drive Parry the Demon Raid follow-ups, or as a mixup by landing and attacking with a quick low such as 2LK.

Demon Gou Zanku (236KK~j.236P)

Demon Gou Zanku

Air Fireball

236KK~j.236P

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236KK~j.236P

Demon Gou Zanku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16+6(21)	-	9(2) land	-	300x3 (900)	LH	KD +63(+74)	varies

• Projectile Speed: 0.075

Demon Gou Rasen (236KK~j.214K)

Demon Gou Rasen

Air Tatsu

236KK~j.214K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236KK~j.214K

Demon Gou Rasen

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16+5	2(2)3(2)3(1)3(1)2	10 land	-	200x4,500 (1300)	-	KD +50	-

• Counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Ashura Senku (6KKK or 4KKK)

Ashura Senku

Teleport

6KKK or 4KKK

---

---

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

6KKK

Ashura Senku (Forward)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
51-52	-	-	Sp*	-	-	-	-

4KKK

Ashura Senku (Backward)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
49-50	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Akuma's classic "teleport" returns, but with no invincibility. Akuma quickly travels forwards or backwards and will pass through opponents during traversal.

Can be used as a situational movement option, such as after a midscreen 214PP~6P to quickly reach the corner. The pass through can sometimes cause an opponent's attack to whiff on the side Akuma was traveling from, possibly creating a punish opportunity.

Oboro Throw (6KKK~LPLK)

Oboro Throw

6KKK~LPLK

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

6KKK~LPLK

Oboro Throw

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
31	3	50	-	2200	T	HKD +20	-

A tricky but slow and short ranged command grab from Ashura Senku.

Can sometimes be effective at calling out opponents using Drive Parry after conditioning with fireball spam. Or as a tricky meaty option from high frame advantage knockdowns such as 623HP or 214HK in the corner, where the animation for Ashura Senku is not as obvious.

Super Arts

Level 1 Super (236236P)

Messatsu Gohado

Level 1 Super Art

236236P

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236236P

Messatsu Gohado

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	-	-	-	400x4,600 (2200)	LH	KD +9	-41

• Strike/Throw Invuln: 1-10(?)f; Armor Break
• 5-hit, Super-priority projectile
• Projectile speed: 0.12
• Drive Guage Depletion: 0.5 bars (hit) / 0.25 bars (block)
• 30% minimum damage scaling

Akuma's classic fireball super returns as his level 1. Very similar to Ryu's Level 1: Shinku Hadoken, trading slightly higher base damage for slower startup. Like other projectile supers, the priority system allows this super to destroy all other non-super projectiles. Can be performed while OD Gou Hadoken is also on-screen, which combined with Akuma's ability to charge his non-super fireball, can create punish opportunities against jumping opponents, or those attempting to force a fireball war. Can combo from OD Gou Hadoken from further ranges, close to fullscreen.

Unlike Gou Hadoken, this super does not have varying speeds with different buttons, and cannot be charged.

Level 1 Super (j.236236K)

Tenma Gozanku

Level 1 Super Art

j.236236K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

j.236236K

Tenma Gozanku

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	-	-	-	400x5 (2000)	LH	-	-

• Projectile Speed: 0.075
• Applies 10% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; applies an extra 5% damage scaling to next attack when comboed into
• 30% minimum damage scaling

Level 2 Super (214214P)

Empyrean’s End

Level 2 Super Art

214214P

"Flames of ruin!"

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214214P

Empyrean’s End

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	-	-	-	2800	LH	HKD +29 (HKD +97 Wallsplat)	-35

• Full Invuln: 1-9f; Armor Break
• Drive Gauge Depletion: 1 bar (hit) / 0.5 bars (block)
• Applies 40% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 4 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)
• 40% minimum damage scaling

Akuma attacks with an explosive flaming palm strike, sending the opponent flying. On whiff/block only performs a single strike, but on hit locks into a cinematic that launches the opponent tumbling backward. If the opponent is launched to the corner, causes a wallsplat leading to a limited juggle.

The extension of choice is 4HK>236K~K,ender. Due to the post-super scaling it is usually not worth spending further resources, unless the extension is sure to kill. See here for more info.

Level 3 Super (236236K)

Sip of Calamity

Level 3 Super Art

236236K

"Weaklings must perish!"

---

Critical Art adds 500 more damage

Critical Art adds 500 more damage

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236236K

Sip of Calamity

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8(2)	-	-	-	4000	LH	HKD +18	-41

• 50% minimum damage scaling; applies 10% immediate damage scaling when canceled from special moves

236236K

Sip of Calamity (CA)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8(2)	-	-	-	4500	LH	HKD +18	-41

• 50% minimum damage scaling; applies 10% immediate damage scaling when canceled from special moves

- 2 frame startup when canceled into from Gou Shoryuken and Adamant Flame

Shun Goku Satsu (LP~LP~6LK~HP)

Shun Goku Satsu

Critical Art (Raging Demon)

LP~LP~6LK~HP

"DIE ONE THOUSAND DEATHS!"

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

LP~LP~6LK~HP

Shun Goku Satsu (CA)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6+0	23	57	-	4700	T	HKD + 18	-

• 50% minimum damage scaling; applies 10% immediate damage scaling when canceled from special moves

• 0f after the super flash, can be comboed into
• Can be hit out of startup after meter is spent. Projectile invincible
• Only available in CA state (sub 30% HP)

Akuma's secret weapon, the iconic Raging Demon. A 0f after the superflash at minimum range, comboable, travelling, high damage command grab. Does a preposterous 4700 damage on raw hit. If it will KO, Akuma will recite a poem during the attack: "Usurp the heavens, embrace the sorrow, become the demon!"

Shun Goku Satsu can only be used when Akuma is in CA state, making it a last resort. It immediately makes him threatening even if he's on the back foot, but the move cannot be used as a reversal thanks to the odd input. As well, opponents can jump the super upon seeing the cinematic animation that signals it, making in unwise to use in the midrange. Instead, canceling into it from a Drive Rush or on hit is key to using it.

The move is also projectile invincible, allowing Akuma to zoot through projectiles and punish their use. Again, this is unwise outside of being a direct callout.

Taunts

Neutral Taunt (5PPPKKK)

Neutral Taunt

5PPPKKK

"Witness the abyss before you."

"Witness the abyss before you."

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

5PPPKKK

Neutral Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
433 (total)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Forward Taunt (6PPPKKK)

Forward Taunt

6PPPKKK

"Are you prepared to tread down this path? If you are afraid... run."

"Are you prepared to tread down this path? If you are afraid... run."

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

6PPPKKK

Forward Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
570(514) (total)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

• Triggers proximity guard on frames 107-570 (prevents opponent from walking back)
• Special dialogue if opponent jumps over Akuma
  • "Hmph... you are a disgrace."

Back Taunt (4PPPKKK)

Back Taunt

4PPPKKK

"You have piqued my interest. Attack if you dare."

"I'm satiated." HIDDEN ARTS UNLOCKED

"You have piqued my interest. Attack if you dare."

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

4PPPKKK

Back Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
765 (total)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

• Inputting 2PPPKKK (Down Taunt) on frames 592-628 (when Akuma turns his head) triggers am extended taunt

4PPPKKK~2PPPKKK

Back~Down Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
1604	-	186	-	-	-	-	-

• 1790f total
• Akuma gains Super Art gauge while eating:
  • 1/2 bar on frame 931 and 1129
  • 1 bar on frame 1353
  • 1 bar on frame 1604 (becomes Shin Akuma)
• Remains in Shin Akuma state even if hit during recovery after frame 1604
• Shin Akuma gains access to a new special move and 2 new Level 2 Super Arts:
  • Double Zanku Hadoken
  • Misogi
  • Kongou-Kokuretsuzan

Down Taunt (2PPPKKK)

Down Taunt

2PPPKKK

"滅 (Metsu!)"

"滅 (Metsu!)"

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

2PPPKKK

Down Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
123 (total)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Hidden Arts

Double Zanku Hadoken (j.214PP)

Double Zanku Hadoken

Hidden Special Move

j.214PP

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

j.214PP

Double Zanku Hadoken

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8(21)	-	9(2) land	-	600x2	LH	varies	varies

• Only accessible as Shin Akuma after Secret Taunt
• Two consecutive 1-hit projectiles that travel downward at ~45° angle; Projectile Speed 0.04 (1st) / 0.055 (2nd)
• Projectiles immediately dissipates if Akuma is hit
• Hitbox is considered both a Projectile and an Airborne attack (loses to both types of invuln)
• Can be performed during Forward Jump on airborne frames 9-33 (not counting 4f pre-jump); Forced Knockdown until landing
• On HIT only, landing recovery after 2f~ can be canceled into anything except walk/jump (guaranteed combo)
• Puts airborne opponents into free juggle state (or maintains existing juggle state)
• Foot hurtbox is Projectile Invuln 1f~land
• Applies 20% damage scaling to next hit when beginning a combo; counts as 2 hits for damage scaling when comboed into (applies to next hit)

Powered up version of Zanku Hadoken (see move entry for a more general overview of how the attack is used).

Akuma's advantage on hit or block varies tremendously depending on how it connects, but he always has advantage unless the opponent Perfect Parries, and a guaranteed combo on hit. On block, a minimum-height Double Zanku can be approximately +5 vs. tall characters or +7 vs. standard characters; in more realistic scenarios, his frame advantage is significantly higher.

Level 2 Super (214214K)

Misogi

Hidden Super Art

214214K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214214K

Misogi

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5(9~10)	7	88(85)	-	2900	LH	KD +25(26)	-58(-57)

• 2-bar Super Art; only accessible as Shin Akuma after Secret Taunt
• Full Invuln: 1-11f; Armor Break
• Cannot be canceled into from OD Specials
• Startup is functionally 9f on grounded opponents (10f vs. standard-height crouchers)
• 3f less recovery on whiff or vs. Perfect Parry; 2f more recovery vs. airborne opponents
• Drive Gauge Depletion: 1 bar (hit) / 0.5 bars (block)
• 40% minimum damage scaling

Shin Akuma teleports above the opponent's location and slams down with an incredibly fast attack. Easily the best anti-projectile move in the game, as well as a strong anti-air and reversal. The opponent crumples forward on hit; this is mostly cosmetic, since Akuma's recovery is far too slow to allow a juggle. He can forward dash to chase down a midscreen Back Rise for oki, though the timing to land a throw against a reversal 4f normal is quite strict.

Jumps are out of the question once Shin Akuma has this Super stocked; an opponent neutral jumping from full-screen can be anti-aired just as easily as if they were right in front of him. If Shin Akuma does hit an opponent out of the air, he gets much less knockdown advantage and will not get oki outside the corner.

Due to the speed and hitbox, this move is usually unavoidable as a chip-out tool against opponents in Burnout unless they have a Super with significant invincibility. Dhalsim's grounded teleport and JP's Amnesia are the only meterless moves that can avoid it. Despite the animation, this is not considered an airborne attack, so moves with anti-air invincibility cannot be used as a counter.

Level 2 Super (22PPP)

Kongou-Kokuretsuzan

Hidden Super Art (KKZ)

22PPP

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

22PPP

Kongou-Kokuretsuzan

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	30	41	-	330x8,360 (3000)	LH	KD +38	-39

• 2-bar Super Art; only accessible as Shin Akuma after Secret Taunt
• Full Invuln: 1-11f; Armor Break
• 9-hit Super projectile that extends up beyond the top of the screen
• Cannot be canceled into from OD Specials
• Puts opponents into limited juggle state
• Drive Gauge Depletion: 1 bar (hit) / 0.5 bars (block)
• 40% minimum damage scaling

Shin Akuma summons an enormous projectile pillar that hits in front, behind, and above him. An incredible reversal, anti-air, and juggle ender. It's technically possible (but impractical) to get a follow-up juggle on a very high opponent.

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