The King of Fighters XIII/Shen

Shen Woo

In a nutshell

Shen the Shanghainese brawler likes to drink and beat people senseless in the streets. Shen is an offensive beast with almost every tool imaginable available to him to deal with whatever is thrown his way. While infamous for his killer Hyperdrive combos, Shen is strong placed anywhere on a team. His low mixup is somewhat lackluster without HD Meter, but Shen can easily make up for it with his command grab and the wall of hitboxes on his normals. Shen's a low execution character who's easy to learn while being a superb team member for advanced players.

Move List

Normal Moves

Name

Command

Damage

Special Properties (glossary)

Standing Light Punch

kof.lp

25

chaincancel cancel

Standing Light Kick

kof.lk

30

Standing Heavy Punch

kof.sp

80

autoguard supercancel

Close Heavy Punch

Close kof.sp

70

cancel

Standing Heavy Kick

kof.sk

70

Close Heavy Kick

Close kof.sk

80

cancel

Crouching Light Punch

d + kof.lp

25

chaincancel cancel

Crouching Light Kick

d + kof.lk

30

low cancel

Crouching Heavy Punch

d + kof.sp

70

1st hitbox: cancel

Crouching Heavy Kick

d + kof.sk

80

low softknockdown cancel

Blowback Attack

kof.sp + kof.sk

75

softknockdown specialcancel

Jumping Light Punch

Air kof.lp

Jump: 45
Hop: 40

high

Jumping Light Kick

Air kof.lk

Jump: 45
Hop: 40

high

Jumping Heavy Punch

Air kof.sp

Jump: 72
Hop: 70

high

Jumping Heavy Kick

Air kof.sk

Jump: 70
Hop: 68

high

Jumping Blowback Attack

Air kof.sp + kof.sk

Jump: 90
Hop: 80

softknockdown

Unique Attacks

Name

Command

Damage

Special Properties (glossary)

Fusenkyaku

f + kof.lk

65

specialcancel

Throw

Name

Command

Damage

Special Properties (glossary)

Kokakugeki

f or b + kof.sp or kof.sk (while close)

33+33+40

throw hardknockdown

Special Moves

Name

Command

Damage

Special Properties (glossary)

Gekiken

qcf + P

kof.lp : 65
kof.sp : 70
ex : 100

drivecancel
ex : armored

Gekiken!

kof.sp Gekiken then hold

Charged lv. 1: 80
Charged lv. 2: 85
Charged lv. 3: 200

drivecancel
Charged lv. 3: crumple

Gekiken (Feint)

Gekiken! charge then k

0

Fukkogeki

qcb + kof.lp

kof.lp : 60
ex : 70

high

Koryugeki

Fukkogeki then qcf + kof.lp

kof.lp : 50
ex : 80

drivecancel

Danken

hcb f + p

120

throw drivecancel
ex : crumple

Danken (Reflect)

qcb + kof.sp

0

projectileabsorb specialcancel

Tenrenken

qcf + k

kof.lk : 50
kof.sk : 70
ex (close range) : 55×2
ex (far range): 50+55

drivecancel

Desperation Moves

Name

Command

Damage

Special Properties (glossary)

Tatsu: Gekiken

qcf qcf + p

p : 220
ex : 320

Counterhit : wallbounce maxcancel startupinv

Bakushin

kof.sp ~ kof.lp ~ kof.lk ~ kof.sp

240

Costs 2 Stocks. 30% Damage increase maxcancel startupinv

Tenshou Bakushingeki

qcf hcb + kof.lp + kof.sp

200+250

Console Changes

• Gekiken (Feint) (qcf+[C] > K) has faster recovery. However, it will not work if the kick button is pressed too soon.
• Gekiken! (qcf+[C]) does about half a bar of guard crush damage. Previously, it would fully guard crush most characters.
• Danken (hcb f+P) has slower startup and still has no invincibility. However, it can be Drive-canceled.
• Danken (Reflect) (qcb+C) builds up meter if successful. It still does not build any Drive meter.
• EX Fukkogeki > Koryugeki (qcb+AC > qcf+A) has slower recovery when blocked. It is completely punishable.

Strategy

Move Analysis

Normal Moves

• Standing Light Punch () - Standard Standing Light Punch for anti-airing and controlling the hop space while being vulnerable to low attacks. Whiffs when performed against crouching characters, if for some reason the opponent blocks it standing Shen is left at a large advantage.

• Standing Light Kick () - A very fast horizontal poke that's great for quickly checking the opponent instead of committing to a slower Heavy attack. Unlike most Standing Light Kicks, this one neither hits low nor is cancelable making it only viable as a mid-hitting poke or as part of a HD combo hitconfirm. A covertly great grounded spacing tool.

• Standing Heavy Punch () - This baby is THE 'Far C' move. Shen attacks a little below shoulder level which makes this move hit crouching opponents, while still being high enough to control the hop space in front of him or serve as an anti-air (especially with the autoguard). The range isn't too amazing on this punch and Shen has some hefty recovery on whiff making it a risk if range is miscalculated. Otherwise a really meaty poke that can lead into big damage.
  • During the startup there's a window of guard frames on Shen's upper body which helps when using this attack to anti-air.
  • On hit a player can cancel Standing Heavy Punch into any of Shen's DMs. Hitconfirming into his DM isn't too hard, though be sure the opponent is hit on the ground.

• Close Heavy Punch (Close ) - An inward body blow aimed around an opponent's lower torso. This move comes out slightly faster than Shen's Close Heavy Kick making it the normal of choice to be canceled into + . Pretty standard as far as Close normals go while not hitting high enough to be used as an anti-air, but nonetheless an important tool for starting Shen's blockstrings/hitconfirms.

• Standing Heavy Kick () - Shen performs a long spinkick similar to Iori's Standing Heavy Kick. Likewise it carries with it a really long reach that hits both standing and crouching opponents. This is Shen's longest poke which controls a large portion of the ground space when active.
  • An opponent could read the Standing Heavy Kick and attempt to hop or jump on it to beat it, or during the startup Shen could be counterhit out, especially when the opponent has the advantage.
  • From the max hittable range of the poke an opponent would have to commit to a sweep or heavy normal to outpoke it, which the Shen player could bait and punish on whiff, or by hopping over the attack. From this max range an opponent could more easily hop over Shen's leg and combo him, so be aware of how the opponent reacts at each range.

• Close Heavy Kick (Close ) - Knee to the chest. Starts up slower and is used less than Close Heavy Punch in close situations, but this move works a little better as an anti-air than the latter should it come out instead of a throw due to the slightly taller hitbox and from Shen's body bending back.

• Crouching Light Punch (+ ) - Similar to Shen's Standing Light Punch but done crouching while Shen opens his mouth. Shen can't get much damage off of canceling his Crouching Light Punch so this normal isn't used much at all as Crouching Light Kick out-ranges it while hitting low.
  • A player can use the cancelability property of this move to open up an opponent. By canceling into a safe special the opponent will begin to respect Crouching Light Punch, remaining blocking afterward. This opens up an opportunity for the Shen player to continue an offense from attacking again during this hesitation.

• Crouching Light Kick (+ ) - Long-reaching low kick that can be chained three times from up close, but isn't cancelable. His low chain series works great as a Hyperdrive mode hitconfirm, but otherwise serves more for making an opponent block low. Works as a tripguard meaty and can be incorporated into Shen's offensive pressure, but opponents wont be too afraid of this move until Shen's sitting on a full HD stock or when the opponent's Guard Gauge is low.
  • From up close, a player can link EX Danken ( + + ) command grab on hit, or Shen's + .

• Crouching Heavy Punch (+ ) - A mighty anti-air standing uppercut, just look at that arm shake! The vertical hitbox on this move is an aerial wall, while having no horizontal reach. As such it makes for one of Shen's best anti-airs against jumps or hops where the opponent will jump into Shen's arm. If whiffed, Shen continues shaking his arm in recovery which gives the opponent a large window to punish for a full combo. Ideally used when on reaction to a hop or jump.
  • While this normal is technically cancelable, this only refers to a very short hitting window that occurs before Shen stands up, from which point Shen can't cancel into anything.

• Crouching Heavy Kick (+ ) - Low-hitting, cancelable sweep kick. Works the same as other sweeps for frametrap applications and for punishing grounded pokes. Since Shen's Crouching Light Kick doesn't always lead to much damage, using Crouching Heavy Kick as a tripguard anti-air against poor air-to-ground approaches may work better as the Shen player would score a soft knockdown.
  • Most commonly canceled into a Gekiken! Feint ( + ~) to make the player safer on block, hit, or whiff and build meter.

• Blowback Attack ( + ) - After a heavy startup time, Shen moves forward into a shoulder tackle. Fairly standard Blowback Attack, but the hitbox range isn't that long. Instead the most interesting aspect is how fast Shen sneaks forward before the hipcheck.
  • Works alright in the corner when fishing for Counterhits or as a bold anti-air that reaches out further than Crouching Heavy Punch.

• Jumping Light Punch (Air ) - Downward punch angled higher than Jumping Heavy Punch making it a poorer air-to-ground while still being a poor air-to-air. Not much usefulness.

• Jumping Light Kick (Air ) - High-angled upward kick with a fast startup, making for a great air-to-air option against opponents above or in front of Shen. Leaves Shen vulnerable to lows if whiffed from a jump.

• Jumping Heavy Punch (Air ) - Shen punches almost directly downward below him. Carries a deep vertical hitbox making for Shen's best air-to-ground approach from a hop. This attack causes a solid deal of hitstun allowing it to come out earlier than Jumping Heavy Kick while still allowing Shen to combo afterward.

• Jumping Heavy Kick (Air ) - Horizontal Rider Kick. Can air-to-air opponents below Shen near the end of his foot or closer, while as a ground-to-air approach works best when Shen's shoe just touches the opponent. In a situation where Shen wouldn't hit with the end of his leg from this move, Jumping Heavy Punch would work better as an aerial approach. Likewise when the punch would whiff, use the kick. The hitstun on this move is low, meaning a player should use this move close to the ground in order to result in the most frame advantage. Additionally, Shen can cross up with the back end of this move.

• Jumping Blowback Attack (Air + ) - Jumping backfist and otherwise giant hitbox. The bulk of this move is by Shen's fist, making it poorer up close where Jumping Heavy Punch would connect much easier and earlier. The player can, however easily make this move hit crouching opponents if activated late on Shen's aerial arc.
  • When used from the same spacing as Jumping Heavy Kick this baby is an outstanding air-to-ground approach and air-to-air controller. Simultaneous air and ground control makes this Shen's best aerial move to throw out if unsure where the opponent will be near the end of the jump. Commands good respect when spaced and timed correctly telling an opponent they can not advance.

Unique Attacks

• Fusenkyaku ( + ) - The big boot. A straight, cancelable kick to an opponent's tummy. Only combos from a Close Heavy normal, but can be canceled into from said normals for free in order to extend his hitconfirm length, while Shen can cancel into a + Feint to make the command normal advantageous on block.
  • Allows for all of Shen's specials and DMs to connect on hit. Slow to start up if used on its own which makes it real risky, and if not feint canceled leaves Shen somewhat vulnerable.
  • Canceling into a feint builds meter and makes Shen safe from retaliation and Blowback Counter Attacks, but canceling into + on block could anti-air an opponent hoping to hop immediately after the + , while giving Shen time to score another hit after the launch.

Throw

• Kokakugeki ( or + or [While Close]) - Triple headbutt throw that places the opponent a hop's range away from Shen. The spacing doesn't allow for a tight crossup, but leaves enough time for Shen to meaty the opponent from a hop attack.
  • After landing Danken ( + ) against an opponent the player can begin to incorporate Kokakugeki into throw attempts. An opponent reading Danken ( + ) could hop and punish the whiffed command grab. If an opponent jumps and Kokakugeki is used a Close or normal would anti-air the airborne opponent. Similarly Danken ( + ) will lose to Alternate Guarding which results in the Shen player being punished from whiffing. Here again a Kokakugeki attempt will be safer as a normal attack will be triggered if the opponent is not in a throwable state. Trading damage for the safety that comes built in to Kokakugeki is a smart practice against opponents who haven't been able to act in a while and therefore their next move is hard to read.

Special Moves

• Gekiken - ( + ) - Shen's dash punch, similar to Makoto's Hayate from Street Fighter. Moves Shen 1/4 th screen's length. Easy to Drive Cancel into specials or DMs, although not really an efficient setup or situation. Combos from + into a soft knockdown.
  • The version is similar in application to Terry's Burn Knuckle from previous KOF games as the hitbox is pretty large and can anti-air, while the punch is safe on block (aka throw it out there if you want to be lazy and control a lot of space).
• Gekiken! - ( + [Hold to Charge]) - This section will refer to the version of Shen's dash punch; After the input the player can continue to hold down to make Shen charge up his punch:
  • There are essentially four levels of charge: instant or not charged, followed by a 'level 1' activated by charging just a little, then 'level 2' which takes one second to be reached, then finally 'level 3' after two seconds.
  • The fully charged punch will automatically be released after two seconds, causing a superflash followed by a dash punch similar to Shen's + DM but with no invulnerability. If blocked, the level 3 punch will deplete half of the opponent's guard gauge, though Shen is punishable if this version is blocked and he's not invulnerable while punching.
  • Works as an strong anti-air when released; even on a trade Shen recovers fast enough to combo + .
  • Moves Shen 2/3 across the screen and can be difficult to punish on block from the uncharged version. This move does not, however, combo from any grounded normals.
  • Gekiken! (Feint) - ([While Charging + Press ) - Any time while charging + the player can press any button to cancel into Shen's neutral stance, identical to how Makoto can also cancel her Hayate.
  • If an opponent blocks Shen's string of j. cl. + , the player can easily confirm the block into a canceled dash punch which will leave Shen with the frame advantage while making it difficult for an opponent to Guard Cancel Roll or Guard Cancel Blowback successfully.
  • Shen gains a sliver of meter for initiating a dash punch, so even if it's canceled he gains meter.
  • Gekiken ( + + ) - Similar in startup to the version with the distance of + , but this version gives Shen a hit of armor to absorb an attack and launches the opponent high on hit, allowing his + + to link on hit anywhere afterward. Not as strong for plowing through anything like his faster and more invulnerable DMs, but less overt with the lack of a super flash.
• Fukkogeki - ( + ) - Double-handed overhead smash. Shen's only grounded overhead which can also form a solid blockstring when done from + . However note that this move is unsafe on block, making it risky to use against a blocking opponent while he use more damaging specials to end a combo. Works well against crumpled opponents though.
  • Fukkogeki - ( + + ) - EX overhead slam that works the same as the normal version and still has the followup swing. It's main use is to get a little more damage with the ender now launching an opponent higher which will allow for certain followups to be linked that the normal version lacks. Shen is left highly punishable if this attack is blocked.
  • Koryugeki - ( + ) - Followup move to + that knocks the opponent backward with an upward swing. Even more unsafe on block than the first hit so it should be saved for on hit or in a juggle combo. Players can Drive Cancel this hit to continue a combo.
• Danken - ( + ) - A slow command grab smack with a standard KOF command grab range (which is fairly short-reaching as opposed to a Street Fighter '360' range) that combos off any of Shen's cancelable normals, the most notable being off of + . The startup it too slow to be used on wakeup as a reversal as Shen will always lost to a meaty attack. The slower speed also makes it more difficult for Shen to tick or land the grab raw since players can press buttons to hit Shen out of the startup. More useful in combos or against a patient player that's more prone to blocking.
  • Gives Shen an alright frame advantage from the soft knockdown and more importantly pushes an opponent back far toward the corner.
  • Danken - ( + + ) - An pimp slap that sends opponents groveling on their knees. This version is a 1-frame command grab so Shen can land it off many more setups. After the backhand, the opponent is crumpled which gives Shen a followup.
  • Due to Shen's low threat being weak without full HD meter and as an instant grab is faster than a Crouching Light Kick, performing an empty hop into this grab will catch blocking opponents and beat the throwtech option select, making it a cool addition to Shen's offensive game.
  • Having a meter stored for EX Danken allows Shen to punish more moves that are only slightly negative on block.
  • Shen can link into this attack from his Crouching Light Kick.
  • The EX grab's throw range is increased compared to the normal version.
• Danken (Reflect) - ( + ) - A projectile deflector (Shen does not actually reflect the projectile back at the opponent) that will make Shen smack aside any fireball unfortunate enough to head into his hand.
  • After nullifying an projectile, the player can freely cancel Shen into any special or DM move. By canceling into a + Feint Shen builds extra meter while returning to neutral even faster.
  • From close ranges, a player could turn a deflect into a damage opportunity with a DM or by releasing the + . So even without meter to steamroll through projectiles Shen has an answer to them.
• Tenrenken - ( + ) - After sliding forward a bit, Shen goes into an uppercut. version is faster and travels a short distance, but launches an opponent lower than the version. version connects from + , but doesn't launch a grounded opponent very high.
  • Once an opponent is airborne, a player should land as many + hits as possible as each hit keeps the opponent in a free-hittable state, making this move the cement holding Shen's HD combos together.
  • While the hitbox is good enough to anti-air, the startup takes a while meaning it can't be done on reaction to a hop or jump even.
• Tenrenken - ( + + ) - Looks similar to the version upper, but hits once while Shen moves forward and then hits a second time with the uppercut which launches an opponent high above Shen. Will combo from + making for a great use for one meter from a combo. Not any better as a risky anti-air or anything; this move is really just for scooping enemies off the ground or from a crumple state to allow for one million Tenrenkens ( + ) to hit afterward afterward.

Desperation Moves

• Tatsu: Gekiken ( + ) - This dash punch will power through most any attack. Shen becomes invulnerable while active, sporting an enormous wall of pain for the opponent. Starts up fast enough to punish things on reaction from 3/4 the screen's distance while dealing hefty damage. Connects well against airborne opponents and works as a juggle ender. Still, the startup is reasonably 'slow' as far as reversals go making for a poor wakeup choice against meaty attacks. Quite unsafe if blocked or if the opponent rolls backward.
  • On Counterhit causes a Wallbounce which can lead into another DM, a reset, or a special move to land.
  • Provides the player with another answer to projectiles, aerial approaches, or other threatening hitboxes.
  • Tatsu: Gekiken ( + + ) - Even faster to start, still an enormous moving hitbox, and even more damaging. Connects from even more juggles at lower heights. Even better for punishing anything on reaction and still 'counterwires' the opponent.
• Bakushin - (~~~) - Shen stops hiding his powerlevel and sends out an energy wave around him. Costs 2 meter to use and is activated by pressing the four buttons in sequential order. The typical uses allow time for a player to buffer the first three inputs behind a special during combos, or during down time when waking up. Has a big vertical hitbox but not as much horizontal reach. Works as a reversal against sloppy hops or jumps but can be baited, safejumped and punished (i.e. it's not as good as Ash's Sans-culotte (~~~)).
  • After activation Shen glows with a healthy GAL-O glow, during which time he deals 30% extra damage. This damage even applies to the initial explosion. Makes for a great corner combo ender and due to the damage boost Shen can finish off an opponent in a few solid pokes afterward due to the damage buff. The DM cannot be used again until the glow fades in about 5 seconds.
• Tenshou Bakushingeki - ( + + ) - Shen shrinks low to the ground and slides forward 3/4 of the screen. While it's fast, the hitbox is low to the ground which makes it harder to land against an aerial opponent than his + + . Most hitbox issues don't pose a problem in Shen's HD combos, so players can easily MAX Cancel or tag the opponent with Shen's Neo Max from a juggle.
  • Sports a long amount of invulnerability, but is a more costly gamble to toss out than the Tatsu: Gekiken when trying to punish the opponent.

Tips and Tricks

• Shen's cr.B links into cr.C. Whilst this is not the easiest link, learning this will let you really scare an opponent with your damage potential from a low.

Combos

0% Drive

0 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx hcb,f+P - (239, 13)
  • Most damaging meterless BnB.
• cr.B (cr.A), hcb,f+P - (161, 6)
  • Good as a low threat but requires close proximity.
• cr.B cr.C f.B xx hcb,f+P - (256, 16)
  • Another low combo, a bit trickier this time.
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A - (302, 30)
  • After the charged punch connects, the opponent is crumpled which limits Shen's combo options more than a guard break would.

1 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, j.C - (383, 32)
  • j.C should be done from a forward hop for the reset.
• hcb,f+AC qcb+A qcf+A - (222, 10)
  • The most damaging meterless followup to a crumple from ex command grab.
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, j.C - (463, 39)
  • As you've already seen. In order to get a proper combo after a crumple, you need to blow a bar of meter or drive.

2 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (488, 25)
• (corner only) (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+D, CABC - (459, 19)
  • Does slightly less damage but will let you get your 30% damage boost on a cornered opponent, leading to lots more potential damage.
• hcb,f+AC, qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D j.C - (383, 19)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (576, 32)

3 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+AC - (558, 25)
• (jump attack) (corner only) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcf+B, CABC - (571, 33)
• hcb,f+AC, qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D qcfqcf+P - (496, 12)
• (corner only) hcb,f+AC, qcf+D, CABC - (466, 6)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+AC - (651, 32)
• (near corner) qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcf+D, qcf+B CABC - (666, 30)

50% Drive

0 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, j.C - (335, 36)
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, cl.C - (380, 44)
  • A couple of basic Drive combo extenders.
• qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, j.C - (229, 23)
  • Overhead combo.
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, j.C - (465, 51)
• (near corner) qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, j.C - (469, 49)
  • As you can see, it's possible to blow Drive to get a juggle from crumple instead of just a bar of meter.

1 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, j.C - (484, 50)
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, j.C - (487, 48)
• hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, j.C - (337, 23)
• (near corner) hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, j.C - (385, 31)
• (corner only) hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, j.C - (389, 29)
• qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (357, 16)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+P - (578, 44)
• (near corner) qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (582, 42)

2 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+P - (567, 43)
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (570, 41)
• hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+P - (498, 24)
• (corner only) hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, qcfqcf+P - (502, 22)
• qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcfqcf+AC - (442, 16)
• (near corner) qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+B CABC - (461, 24)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+AC - (653, 44)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, CABC (must finish close to corner) - (647, 44)
• (near corner) qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, CABC - (651, 42)
  • As with previous CABC combos, they may do slightly less, but since you've already pushed the opponent to the corner, you're practically certified to get some scary pressure going.

3 Bar

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+AC - (622, 43)
• (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, CABC (must finish close to corner) - (617, 43)
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B xx qcf+BD, qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, CABC - (620, 41)
• hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, qcfqcf+AC - (573, 24)
• (near corner) hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, CABC (must finish close to corner) - (567, 24)
• (corner only) hcb,f+AC, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, CABC - (571, 22)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A qcfqcf+AC - (723, 50)
• qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+A, CABC (must finish close to corner) - (718, 50)
• (near corner) qcf+C (Fully Charged), qcf+BD qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A DC qcf+D, qcf+D, CABC - (721, 48)
  • A combination of Shen's best possible combos without going into HD.

100% Drive

All of these combos can also start from a cr.B cr.B st.B hitconfirm into BC as well. You can end any of these HD combos with qcfqcf+P by omitting the final qcf+B in the combo, at the cost of about 50 damage. If you're just looking to kill and want to save the bar, keep it in mind.

• (jump attack) cl.C f.B BC cl.C f.B xx qcb A qcf A [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcb A (whiff) qcf A [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D, qcf D, qcf B, CABC - (800 - Varies Depending on charge time of qcf+C, 33)
  • Fullscreen corner carry combo that deals 80% if ended with CABC which then leaves Shen with a 30% damage increase to finish the round. Just be careful doing qcf+D HDC qcf+C as if done too fast will make Shen HDC into qcf,qcf+P DM.
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B BC cl.C f.B xx qcb A qcf A [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D, qcf D, qcf B, CABC - (820 - Varies Depending on charge time of qcf+C, 33)
  • Corner variant that will do slightly do more damage and is moderately easier to do. This combo works from roughly 1/3 of the way to the corner.
• (near corner) j.C cl.C f.B BC cl.C f.B xx qcf+D (HDC) qcf+C (HDC) qcf+D, qcf+D (HDC) qcf+C (HDC) qcf+D, qcb+A qcf+A (HDC) qcf+D, qcf+A (HDC) qcf+D, qcf+D, qcf,qcf+P - (763) Video
  • An optimized corner combo developed by Japanese player No.17. High damage for little meter, though if ended with CABC deals 80% and powers up Shen, though ending early with qcf+A xx qcf,hcb+AC brings the damage total up to 87%.
• (near corner) (jump attack) cl.C f.B BC cl.C f.B xx qcb A qcf A [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D [HDC] qcf C (Slightly Charged) [HDC] qcf D, qcf D, qcf B, CABC [MAX] qcfhcb+AC - (1000+ - 100%)

Demonstration video for listed Shen HD combos

Basic Strategy

Offense

• Shen has a pretty standard hop arc for rushing down. Use Jumping Heavy Kick or Jumping Blowback Attack for when approaching an opponent from a hop or hyperhop due to the additional horizontal reach, then stick with Jumping Heavy Punch once in an opponent's face.
  • Off of an empty jump Shen can land into an immediate Danken ( + ) to punish a defensive opponent. The Shen player could also try to do an empty hop into a Crouching Light Kick for a combo although the opponent could apply the Throw Option Select to throw Shen out of the low attack.
• Attacking with Close Heavy Punch and canceling into Fusenkyaku ( + ) gives the player enough time to hitconfirm and follow up appropriately, especially when done after a jump-in. Due to Shen's low hitconfirms being spacing-dependent or requiring HD meter, going straight into Close Heavy Punch is a common occurrence.
  • Canceling into a Gekiken! Feint (While Charging + , Press ) off of Fusenkyaku ( + ) is always safe and builds meter while keeping Shen in close proximity to keep up the offense.

Neutral/Defense

• Shen's same offensive tools can be applied toward a midscreen defensive pressure that can be difficult to overcome.
  • Being able to use Tatsu: Gekiken! ( + ) on reaction to a projectile or jump limits the opponent's methods of approaching Shen to the ground or by hopping. In order to punish or take advantage of the invulnerability window, the player should try to remain around 1/2 the screen's length from the opponent so that the punch hits.
  • Charging up Gekiken! ( + [Hold to Charge]) from midscreen poses a threat in itself. An idling or indecisive opponent risks being hit by the fully charged punch which is semi safe on block though it only depletes half the guard gauge, although an opponent could feign ignorance in order to bait the punch and punish by rolling or spacing for it to whiff. The real threat is that the Shen player could release the punch at any given time due to the safe nature of the move so an opponent may be wary of walking or running forward against a charging Shen. If the opponent decides to take to the air releasing the punch will either result in a clean anti-air or a trade which can be followed up with Tatsu: Gekiken! ( + ). Additionally the player could cancel into a Gekiken! Feint ([While Charging + Press ) to gauge the opponent's reaction and quickly build meter.
  • Neutral hopping and performing Jumping Blowback Attack on the descent of the jump arc can air-to-air jumping opponents while also being able to hit oncoming grounded opponents.
• Be ready to anti-air offensive opponents. The main normals for the job are Standing Light Punch against hop pressure, Standing Heavy Punch against opponents approaching from in front of Shen, and Crouching Heavy Punch to deal with high distanced jumps/hops that would hit 'deep' towards Shen's body. Don't forget about either Crouching Kicks to catch the tripguard on poor jump-ins.
  • Standing Heavy Punch controls the horizontal space in front of Shen exceptionally. Grounded approaches will have to respect the range and mid-hitting hitbox which leaves the opponent with the options of trying to whiff punish or counterpoke from the correct distance. Close-ranged hops will naturally be anti-aired by Standing Heavy Punch and with the Autoguard window factored in the player can beat long-reaching horizontal jump-in attacks that can typically be difficult to anti-air.
  • Opponents trying to full jump outside of Standing Heavy Punch range put themselves at risk of Shen's other anti-air options against high-angled jump-ins such as Crouching Heavy Punch, Gekiken! ( + ), or an air-to-air.
• Don't forget about Danken (Reflect) ( + ) against projectiles. This works great when low or trying to conserve on meter and when outside of Tatsu: Gekiken! ( + ) range.

Advanced Strategy

• Jama da! Uurya! Ora ora, ORA!
• Get angry and wreck stuff.