Capcom vs SNK 2/Akuma

Introduction

Akuma, called Gouki in Japan, is one of the most powerful warriors in the Street Fighter universe. He is emotionless, and trains hard to master the dark power known as the Satsui no Hado. In his younger years, he trained together with his brother Gouken under a master named Goutetsu who taught them a nameless fighting style made for killing. They also learned the Shun Goku Satsu, usually called Raging Demon, which is a life-threatening move with notable strength. As Akuma and Gouken learned, they began to dispute over the true nature of their learnings, with Gouken unable to accept the Satsui no Hado and the violent nature of what they learned. Gouken left to create his own dojo with what he learned, while Akuma continued to train under Goutetsu and accepted the emotionless nature of Satsui no Hado into himself. Akuma left to train on an island alone to learn the Shun Goku Satsu, and while there, gave in fully to the Satsui no Hado. He became inhuman, obsessed with fighting to the death. When he returned, he challenged his master to a death match, which he won. His master died happily knowing he had trained such a powerful pupil, and Akuma still wears his masters prayer beads around his neck to this day.

In CvS2, Akuma is a glass cannon rushdown character. Akuma has powerful rushdown and mixup capabilities, especially in Grooves where he has a run and hop. While he possesses the same basic kit as the other shotos, Ken and Ryu, most of his tools are more geared towards high damage combos and great ability to maintain knockdowns. His normal fireball can knock down when close, and his red fireball knocks down at any range. His air fireballs don't stall or change his air momentum, and have very little landing lag allowing him to combo after them. He also has great neutral, with a powerful DP anti-air and useful normals for close range poking. All of these tools give Akuma a very simple gameplan that he can apply in many ways: get a knockdown, maintain your pressure, and loop mixups until they die.

Akuma has one massive issue however, which is what makes him such a glass cannon. His health is the lowest base health value, only beaten by Claw without a mask, and his stun is the absolute lowest in the game. This means that if the opponent escapes his onslaught long enough to put him on the backfoot, it can very quickly spiral into a loss. While he does have two reversals in his DP and his teleport, these can be baited and punished for huge damage. Just like a few wrong guesses gets Akuma the win, a few right guesses from the opponent means Akuma will always lose. His matches will almost always be heavily one-sided because of this, but when Akuma wins he wins convincingly.

Groove Choice

Akuma has one Groove clearly above the rest with N-Groove. N-Akuma has everything he needs, from run and hop to easy access to roll cancel specials, and a way to store his level 3 Raging Demon and hide the input for scarier mixups using the animation for activating Max Mode. Max Mode in general makes him scary, as his damage gets much higher, and the threat of a Raging Demon command grab mixup means the opponent will be scared into getting hit more often. Akuma also benefits from rolls, and guard cancel roll is a very powerful defensive mechanic that can help turn the tides back in Akuma's favor.

K-Groove Akuma is slightly behind N-Groove. K-Akuma maintains the scary mixup and mobility of N-Akuma, and Rage makes for a similar situation to Max Mode where he has the threat of a Demon to let him land more hits. Rage also increases the damage more than Max Mode, making it a bit more powerful. K-Akuma gives up rolls and the defensive guard cancel roll or offensive roll cancel specials however, and K-Groove meter only builds when getting hit or performing a JD, making it harder for K-Akuma to build enough meter without risking his life. C-Akuma and A-Akuma are both right behind K-Akuma, with both making a major sacrifice with no run or hop in exchange for high damage level 2 combos in C-Groove or powerful Custom Combos in A-Groove. Lacking run or hop really hurts C-Akuma and A-Akuma however.

P-Groove is one of the worst Grooves in CvS2, and P-Akuma is one of the worst Grooves for Akuma. While parry does help his gameplan, the lack of any other options hurts a lot more, especially the lack of a run. Akuma does appreciate having hops, but he would much rather have a run, and the lack of any other real benefits and barely ever having the threat of a Demon makes P-Akuma weak. S-Groove is the worst Akuma, as S-Akuma has to actively give up space and aggression in neutral to build any meter. S-Akuma also only gets access to a Demon at low health, which is a massive risk for him, and the infinite level 1 supers don't exactly give him much more than damage increases in combos.

Color List

Normal Moves

Far Normals

5LP

Far Jab
Light Punch
5LP / Far LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	300	3	RF/SP/SU	Mid	High	2	4	6	12	+7	+7	None
A basic far jab, 2 frame startup makes it slightly faster than your average jab and it's plus enough to link into more stuff but since it's crouchable you'll usually stick to 2LP.

5MP

Far Strong
Medium Punch
5MP / Far MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	900	9	SU	Mid	High	5	6	17	28	-1	-1	None
A palm strike. Similar to 5LP, this is usually not used in favor of the crouching version. Has a bit more range than 2MP but it can be crouched which harshly lowers its utility.

5HP

Far Fierce
Far Heavy Punch
5HP / Far HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1300	13	None	Mid	High	8	8	23	39	-5	-5	None
A beefy punch. Another button you won't use often. Notable whiff lag and lack of any possible cancels make it a risky move for basically no reward. Even if it's blocked, Akuma is left -5, meaning you get no pressure afterwards.

5LK

Far Short
Far Light Kick
5LK / Far LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	400	4	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	8	7	19	+2	+2	None
A quick low kick. Not a standing low sadly, but reaches pretty far quite fast and can be cancelled into specials. This makes it a nice button to check your opponent in neutral, as you likely won't be punished for it and if it hits you can cancel into a tatsu or fireball to score a knockdown.

5MK

Far Forward
Far Medium Kick
5MK / Far MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	800	8	None	Mid	High	8	8	12	28	+2	+2	None
An upwards kick that retracts Akuma's lower hurtbox. Hits high but not very far, looks to be a useful anti-air but is more used to evade lows. Mostly, Akuma has better options for anti-air, so you don't use this often.

5HK

Far Roundhouse
Far Heavy Kick
5HK / Far HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1200/1100	12/11	SU	Mid	High	4	12	18	34	-6	-6	None
A high reaching anti-air kick similar to 5MK. Much more useful for this purpose, as it starts faster and is more active. It also has a lot more horizontal reach, making it a better far anti-air. Not really used otherwise however, as Akuma has better grounded options.

Close Normals

clLP

Close Jab
Close Light Punch
cl.LP / Close LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	400	4	RF/SP/SU	Mid	High	2	4	6	12	+7	+7	None
A close elbow. Mostly identical to 5LP with a damage increase, which means it falls victim to the same issues like being crouchable.

clMP

Close Strong
Close Medium Punch
cl.MP / Close MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	700	7	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	10	11	24	+1	+1	None
A quick gut punch. Useful normal for meaties and blockstrings, and a useful combo normal due to the low pushback allowing 214LK to connect easier.

clHP

Close Fierce
Close Heavy Punch
cl.HP / Close HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1100/800	11/8	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	8	24	35	-8	-8	None
Akuma's highest damage cancel, making it great for punishes. Fast startup makes linking it possible but since it's a close normal you usually can't.

clLK

Close Short
Close Light Kick
cl.LK / Close LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	400	4	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	8	7	19	+2	+2	None
Identical to 5LK. Has similar uses, but more for blockstrings or stopping mashing.

clMK

Close Forward
Close Medium Kick
cl.MK / Close MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	800	8	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	8	16	27	+1	+1	None
Akuma knees the opponent in the chest. Generally your preferred medium for damage, though cl.MP does make a slightly better meaty since it has 2 extra active frames.

clHK

Close Roundhouse
Close Heavy Kick
cl.HK / Close HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	800+500	8+5	SU	Mid	High	7	12	18	37	+2	+2	None
Akuma kicks once on the way up before dropping an axe kick. Not an overhead despite appearances, and even if it was it wouldn't be super useful. Does less damage than cl.HP and only cancels to supers, which does make it usable as a one button hitconfirm, but not much else.

Crouching Normals

2LP

Crouch Jab
Crouching Light Punch
2LP / cr.LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	300	3	RF/SP/SU	Mid	Mid	3	4	6	13	+7	+7	None
A standard crouching jab. While it doesn't hit low like 2LK, it makes up for that by having 2 extra plus frames, making it so using 2LP for links is much more rewarding.

2MP

Crouch Strong
Crouching Medium Punch
2MP / cr.MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	800	8	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	7	11	22	+4	+4	None
A solid 2MP for pressure and close range. On counterhit, this can link into itself for a damage increase. Nice for meaties since even if it gets blocked you can safely start pressure.

2HP

Crouch Fierce
Crouching Heavy Punch
2HP / cr.HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1100/800	11/8	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	11	28	42	-13	-13	None
A classic shoto crouch fierce. Solid anti-air if you don't have the reactions to DP, and can be used in place of cl.HP in combos for no damage loss and slightly more forgiving range. Don't whiff this and always cancel it, since it has massive endlag

2LK

Crouch Short
Crouching Light Kick
2LK / cr.LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	200	2	RF/SP/SU	Low	Low	3	4	8	15	+5	+5	None
Akuma's main light for offense, as it hits low and easily confirms into 214LK. Not as plus as 2LP, so you can't really link out of it, but just doing light strings into cancels makes up for it.

2MK

Crouch Forward
Crouching Medium Kick
2MK / cr.MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	700	7	SP/SU	Low	Low	4	6	17	27	-1	-1	None
A simple low poke with good reach. Useful for Akuma in neutral, as he can use it to secure a knockdown without putting himself at much risk. Can also be used at the end of a blockstring to sneak in a low, and even be cancelled into a fireball for some chip.

2HK

Crouch Roundhouse
Crouching Heavy Kick
2HK / cr.HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1200	12	SP/SU	Low	Low	6	6	35	47	-DWN	-15	None
A high risk high reward option for Akuma. Sweep gives Akuma a great knockdown from which he can pressure safely, allowing him to immediately start his deadly mixups on oki. On the downside, this has massive endlag, so whiffing it means you will likely get hit. Use for far away punishes or if you know it'll hit or be blocked so you can cancel into fireball.

Jumping Normals

8LP

Jump Jab
Jumping Light Punch
j.LP / 8LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,,+	500	5	SP/SU	High	High	3	22	0	25	Varies	Varies	None
A highly active, fast jab. Useful as an air interrupt, and can be cancelled into air tatsu or air fireball for some mixup/utility.

8MP

Jump Strong
Jumping Medium Punch
j.MP / 8MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,,+	700	7	SP/SU	High	High	4	10	0	14	Varies	Varies	None
A simple punch. Not much purpose, but is a high damage cancel into air tatsu/fireball, so it does see some use for jump mixups.

8HP

Jump Fierce
Jumping Heavy Punch
j.HP / 8HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,,+	1100	11	SU	High	High	5	8	0	13	Varies	Varies	None
Highest damage jump in. Useful for when you jump a fireball, or for starting stun combos for max damage. Less range than j.HK makes it harder to land, so stick to j.HK in situations you aren't 100% sure this will hit in.

8LK

Jump Short
Jumping Light Kick
j.LK / 8LK

Neutral Jump

Diagonal Jump

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	400	4	SP/SU	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
/+	400	4	SP/SU	High	High	3	22	0	25	Varies	Varies	None
Diagonal j.LK is a quick knee. Useful for overhead mixups but generally very low reward, and sees little use elsewhere. nj.LK has some use as an air-to-air, especially against opponents above you.

8MK

Jump Forward
Jumping Medium Kick
j.MK / 8MK

Neutral Jump

Diagonal Jump

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	700	7	SU	High	High	5	10	0	15	Varies	Varies	None
/+	700	7	SU	High	High	5	12	0	17	Varies	Varies	None
Diagonal j.MK is Akuma's main crossup, and therefore very useful for him as it layers his mixups even more. nj.MK looks exactly like nj.LK, but loses the cancel and a ton of active frames for some more damage.

8HK

Jump Roundhouse
Jumping Heavy Kick
j.HK / 8HK

Neutral Jump

Diagonal Jump

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000,1000	10	SP/SU	High	High	3	1~8	0	11	Varies	Varies	None
/+	1000	10	SU	High	High	6	7	0	13	Varies	Varies	None
Akuma's j.HK is his main jump normal for a mix of range and damage. While it does less damage than j.HP, it's much more likely to hit. nj.HK is your main air-to-air, and if you hit it early on in the active frames it can actually special cancel.

Throws

Seoi Nage

Seoi Nage
Punch Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close /+	1700	0	None	Grab	Grab	3	1	13	17	-DWN	Grab	-
Akuma tosses the opponent over his shoulder. Both of his grabs give mediocre okizeme, so the only difference is the damage and startup. Punch throw is 3 frames of startup but does 300 less damage, making it better for situations where speed is preferable like punishes or tic throws.

Tomoe Nage

Tomoe Nage
Kick Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close /+	2000	0	None	Grab	Grab	5	1	13	19	-DWN	Grab	None
Akuma rolls on his back and kicks the opponent far away. Better for damage but has 2 frames slower startup, so this is more preferrable for mixups.

Command Normals

6MP

Zugai Hasatsu
Overhead
6MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	300+500	3+5	None	High	High	25	2, 8	17	52	-3	-3	None
A slow overhead chop. Akuma is usually played in N-Groove and shorthop acts as a better overhead mixup, but this can make them scared to block low in other grooves. Pretty low reward, but if done meaty there isn't much risk outside of getting hit by a reversal.

j2MK

Tenma Kujin Kyaku
Divekick
j.2MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,+	800	8	None	High	High	7	Till Landing	1 (Landing)	8+	+10	+15	None
A divekick. On paper, this is a very good divekick that recovers very fast. Sadly, it barely stalls Akuma at all, and has very strict height limitations. Mostly you'll use this to mix between crossup j.MK and same side divekick.

Special Moves

Gouhadouken

Gouhadouken
Fireball
236P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	800/700	8/7	None	Mid	High	12	Traveling	45	57	-DWN	-12	None
+	900/800	9/8	None	Mid	High	12	Traveling	46	58	-DWN	-13	None
+	1000/900	10/9	None	Mid	High	12	Traveling	47	59	-DWN	-14	None
Akuma's fireballs. Up close, these do more damage and give a knockdown, making them very scary cancels. Akuma is unsafe but is usually pushed far enough back that you won't be punished. Useful combo enders for when opponents are standing, but Akuma's other two fireballs are better for neutral.

Zanku Hadouken

Zanku Hadouken
Air Fireball
j.236P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
In Air, +	600	6	None	Mid	High	16	Traveling	12	28	+20	+20	None
In Air, +	700	7	None	Mid	High	16	Traveling	12	28	+20	+20	None
In Air, +	800	8	None	Mid	High	16	Traveling	12	28	+20	+20	None
Akuma's powerful air fireballs. The only difference in versions is the damage, so stick to the HP version. Incredibly useful specials in his mixup game, especially when input as a Tiger Knee or 2369. Akuma will jump, and throw a fireball on the soonest possible frame. This is very hard to beat in neutral, and when done on someones wakeup the fireball can be a very ambiguous crossup that Akuma can combo from. These are also strong neutral and zoning tools, as they can't be beaten in the same ways that normal fireballs can. Very useful specials overall.

Shakunetsu Hadouken

Shakunetsu Hadouken
Red Fireballs
63214P

Charging

Release

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	900	9	None	Mid	High	18	Traveling	47	65	-DWN	-14	None
+	500x2	5x2	None	Mid	High	16	Traveling	48	64	-DWN	-12	None
+	400x2+300	4x2+3	None	Mid	High	16	Traveling	49	65	-DWN	-10	None
Akuma's powerful red fireballs. Arguably a bit better than his normal fireballs, as they knockdown from any range and are safer on block. The LP version only hits once, the MP version hits twice, and the HP version hits three times. These are good zoning tools, useful combo enders off of cl.HP, and can be used to mix up P/K groove players parry/JD timings.

Goushoryuken

Goushoryuken
Uppercut, DP
623P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000+400+300	10+4+3	None	Mid	High	2	2, 4, 10	28	46	-DWN	-18	2 (Full), 16 (Lower)
+	1100+400+300	11+4+3	None	Mid	High	2	2, 4, 12	37	57	-DWN	-29	2 (Full), 16 (Lower)
+	1200+400+300	12+4+3	None	Mid	High	2	2, 4, 14	46	68	-DWN	-40	6 (Full), 14 (Lower)
Akuma's shoryuken series. Powerful combo enders and anti-airs, and the HP version is a useful but massively risky reversal. Akuma would usually rather use teleports for reversal purposes however. As anti-airs, the LP version shines most for its speed and fast recovery. As combo enders, LP is the one you use for okizeme and HP is the version you use for damage, though the damage increase is minimal and Akuma prefers the oki anyway.

Tatsumaki Zankukyaku

Tatsumaki Zankukyaku
Tatsu
214K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	500+400x2	5+4x2	None	Mid	High	2	1(7)2(4)2	17	35	-DWN	-9	None
+	500+400x6	5+4x6	None	Mid	High	2	1(7)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2	17	59	-DWN	-33	None
+	500+400x8	5+4x8	None	Mid	High	2	1(7)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2(4)2	17	67	-DWN	-45	None
Akuma's tatsus combine properties of both Ryu and Ken, and upgrade on both. They hit multiple times like Ken, and where Ryu's would knock down, these actually allow for juggles! The LK version is especially useful for this, and is the most useful tatsu in general. 214LK, 623LP is Akuma's signature powerful combo. In neutral, aside from whiffing the LK version, these don't see much use since they can be crouched under and punished.

Air Tatsu

Air Tatsumaki Zankukyaku
Air Tatsu
j.214K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
In Air, +	400	4	None	Mid	High	5	2(4)2(4)2(4)2	Till Landing +6	31+	-DWN	+17	None
Useful air mobility tools, and good for ambiguous crossup shenanigans. These launch on normal hit like grounded tatsus, allowing you to follow up with another special, usually 623LP.

Hyakkishu

Hyakkishu
Demon Flip
623K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	None	None	Into Followups	None	None	0	43	0	43	None	None	None
Akuma's Demon Flip. Cancels into a bunch of useful followups for mixup purposes. Generally, this won't be a real mixup, and the opponent can mash out of it. However, done on oki or against an opponent that's scared to press buttons, this can be very useful.

Hyakki Gozan

Hyakki Gozan
Demon Flip Low
After Hyakkishu, do nothing

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After +,	1000	10	None	Low	Low	4	10/7/5	17	31/28/26	-DWN	-7/-4/-2	None
Akuma slides on the ground, hitting low. Probably the least useful flip followup, as they have to respect the entire Demon Flip and then try to block high. Still, when using Demon Flip on oki, letting this rock isn't too bad. Depending on the version used, the frame data varies. The LK version is the most active but the most unsafe, with the HK version being the opposite.

Hyakki Gosho

Hyakki Gosho
Demon Flip Punch Followup
After Hyakkishu, P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After +,	1100	11	None	High	High	6	10	Till Landing +15	31	-DWN	+4	None
Akuma strikes downwards with a palm. Likely the most useful followup, as it leaves you plus and allows you to continue offense if blocked. Hits overhead as well, which opens your opponent up for the low followup.

Hyakki Godan

Hyakki Godan
Demon Flip Kick Followup
After Hyakkishu, K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After +,	1200	12	None	High	High	4	Till Landing	29	33	-DWN	-10	None
More unsafe overhead ender for Demon Flip. Not much use since the reward of a little extra damage isn't worth the risk of how punishable this is, but it is notably faster so it can beat people mashing more consistently.

Hyakki Gosai

Hyakki Gosai
Demon Flip Punch Throw
After Hyakkishu, 4/6P

File:CVS2 Akuma PThrowFollowup.PNG

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After +, Near Opponent /+	1100	0	None	Grab	Grab	0	1	0	1	-DWN	Grab	None
A fast flipping grab. Useful in A-Groove because it confirms into Custom Combo. Very strange timing to hit, try to aim for the opponents head as you input this.

Hyakki Gotsui

Hyakki Gotsui
Demon Flip Kick Throw
After Hyakkishu, 4/6K

File:CVS2 Akuma KThrowFollowup.PNG

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After +, Near Opponent /+	1400	0	None	Grab	Grab	0	1	0	1	-DWN	Grab	None
A hard knockdown throw. More useful than the Punch Throw followup in most grooves, as it does more damage and sacrifices nothing else. Similarly weird timing however.

Ashura Senku

Ashura Senku
Teleport
623/421 PP/KK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
/+	None	None	None	None	None	20	1~46	11	77	None	None	21~56 (Full)
/+	None	None	None	None	None	20	1~31	11	-	None	None	21~51 (Full)
Akumas teleport series. Doing the input as 623 makes him teleport forward, while doing the input as 421 makes him teleport backward. PP teleport travels far and slow, while KK is short and fast. Very useful reversal and mixup tools, as it can be hard to tell where Akuma will be at the end of the teleport. These will cancel when in the corner, and sideswap with the opponent, allowing Akuma to quickly steal the corner for a surprise crossup mix where the opponent won't expect one.

Zenpou Tenshin

Zenpou Tenshin
Roll
214P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	None	None	None	None	None	7	18	10	35	None	None	Low Profile (Active Frames)
+	None	None	None	None	None	8	24	10	42	None	None	Low Profile (Active Frames)
+	None	None	None	None	None	9	30	10	49	None	None	Low Profile (Active Frames)
A command roll. Somewhat useful as pressure resets, but carry far too much risk to be useful in neutral. As pressure resets, stick to the LP version as it recovers fastest.

Supers

Messatsu Gouhadouken

Messatsu Gohadouken
Fireball Super
6321463214P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2400	0	None	Mid	High	4:4	Traveling	45	53	-DWN	-3	7 (Full)
+	3600	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	4:4	Traveling	45	53	-DWN	+3	12 (Full)
+	5000	0	None	Mid	High	4:4	Traveling	45	53	-DWN	+9	18 (Full)
Fireball supers. The level 1 version is essentially a very expensive fireball, while the level 3 version is a very safe but VERY expensive reversal. Not as good at anti-zoning as you might want them to be, and while they do have uses in combos, they're usually not optimal.

Messatsu Goushoryuken

Messatsu Goushoryuken
Uppercut Super
23623P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2500	0	None	Mid	High	4:4	4,4(17)5(26)26	0	90	-DWN	-28	8 (Full), 18 (Lower)
+	3700	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	4:4	4,4,4(14)3,5,26	37	105	-DWN	-39	14 (Full) 16 (Lower)
+	5500	0	None	Mid	High	4:4	4,4(17)4,4(14)3,5,28	37	128	-DWN	-39	22 (Full), 8 (Lower), 18 (Full)
A shoryureppa-style super. Your main super combo ender, since Akuma can confirm into this relatively easily and the level 1 version does fair damage. Having a good level 1 to spend is important in N-Groove. Outside of supers, it is possible to use these as reversals but it isn't recommended, and they don't make great anti-airs. Stick to using these as combo enders and not much else.

Tenma Gouzanku

Tenma Gouzanku
Air Fireball Super
j.236236P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2000	0	None	Mid	High	4:12	Traveling	Till Landing +12	28+	-DWN	-26	7 (Full)
+	3000	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	4:12	Traveling	Till Landing +12	28+	-DWN	-20	12 (Full)
+	4300	0	None	Mid	High	4:12	Traveling	Till Landing +12	28+	-DWN	-14	19 (Full)
Air fireball supers. Useful for baiting anti-airs, as they beat out pretty much any anti-air the opponent would do, but tend to not be worth the cost in this regard. You can cancel every jump normal Akuma has besides divekick into this for easy damage increases.

Shun Goku Satsu

Shun Goku Satsu
Raging Demon
LP, LP, 6, LK, HP

Pure dopamine shot straight to the brain

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	7000	0	None	Grab	Grab	4:5	43	9	61	-DWN	Grab	22 (Full)
The infamous Raging Demon, and one of the absolute coolest moves. This is a command grab/unblockable, and is one of the highest single damage moves in the game. If Akuma has a level 3 stored, he can whip this out on an opponent nearby and absolutely ruin their health bar. The unique input however can spoil the mixup, since you'll naturally whiff 2 jabs while doing it. Because of this, you have to hide the input. You can do this by whiffing a special in their face, by rolling, by doing it as a reversal or as a bait to punish something, or by quickly hiding it during the animation of a Max Mode activate. This is one of the reasons N-Akuma is so strong, as he can store his Raging Demon to make the most of it as a threat, and hide it behind the fast animation of Max Mode activation.

The Basics

Target Combo: standing opponent jump in FP, c.lp, c.hp, mk hurricane (2 hits), dp juggle

Bread and Butter Combos

(opp standing)

• c.lk(or c.lp) x2, lk hurricane, dp (or lk hurricane again)

(opp crouching) note: all these combos also work on standing opponents too

• c.lk x2, hp fireball
• c.mk, hp fireball
• c.lk, lk hurricane, dp
• (c.lk/c.lp), c.lp, c.hk, lk hurricane, dp (or lk hurricane) Note: The d.LP, d.HK link is only for when you're fishing for counter hits with d.LP anyway. It's just as easy to hit confirm a counter hit crouching jab and link it into sweep xx qcb+LK
• c.lp, c.hp, hp fireball

Note: all of these combos can be done after a crossup fireball setup. If the fireball hits you can do the standing combos because the fireball will cause your opponent to stand.

for all intents and purposes these are all the NON meter b&b combos. there are many variations of these that you can use but its just personal style from here.

Super Combos

• c.lk x2 or 3, qcfx2 + p
• c.lp, c.hp, qcfx2 + p
• c.lk, c.lp, c.mk, qcb x2 + p

and as usual you can add jump ins and modify these combos slightly for different situations.

Getting Close

Akuma sometimes has a hard time getting close to opponents with good pokes. There are a variety of different ways to earn your position, but he doesn't have any of the "One button" strategies like the top tiers have. In other words, there is no magical crouching fierce or standing roundhouse to get the job done. It requires a bit of work, and a bit of luck.

• Crouching MK

Poking wise, his basic nice mid-range poke is crouching mk. This can link to a fireball if it connects. To capitalize on this, throw out the c.mk and immediately do a fireball. If it hits, it will cancel to the fireball. Be warned if they block the c.mk and the fireball comes it, they can roll on reaction from the fireball.

• Crouching HK

Not quite as much range as a MK, but this one knocks down. Use for punishment and whiffs. Much like the buffer into fireball trick above, buffer this move into a lk hurricane kick. The RH -> Hurricane Kick can be followed up by a dragon punch.

• Mid-Screen Red Fireball

Not good if they are expecting it, but good for punishment and whiffs. Scores a knockdown if it hits. Good chip/Guard Crush damage if it is blocked. Don't throw these out predictably unless you want to eat an RC or a Jump in combo.

• Standing RH

Nice distance, good for punishing low jumps and jump ins. Will beat out a handful of low pokes.

• Tiger Knee Fireball

This is one move you MUST learn in order to play Akuma. In A groove and C groove, this is possibly the most important aspect of his footsies game due to his lack of mobility. The concept of "Tiger Kneeing" a move basically means that you do a special move as close to off the ground as possible. It comes from the fact that in SF:Championship Edition, Sagats "Tiger Knee" move was d df f fu + kick. This is the same motion you need to do for his fireball. Input D, DF, F, FU + Punch. Akuma will leap off the ground and throw an air fireball instantly. For best results, use MP or LP fireballs, as the FP fireball is generally too fast.

The goal here is to have the fireball come out, and then akuma flies over his opponent, crossing them up. The fireball hits them in the back as Akuma hits them in the front. Even if they block the fireball, it allows Akuma to move in close for free (Except for Alpha counters, or S groove dodge attacks through the fireball). If it hits, it allows Akuma to follow up with a bnb combo, setting up another knockdown and putting him into prime position above them.

Advanced Strategy

Basic Match Strategy

With Akuma, you really need to get close and deal some damage. Luckily, he is provided with a lot of mixup options to help you get the job done. You need to think Rushdown with Akuma. Rushdown implies the fact that you are constantly keeping the pressure on your opponent, forcing them to make quick decisions and take big damage if they guess wrong. It is basically the opposite of turtling.

1) Step one in a basic match is to score a knockdown. How can he do this? Well, he has a few options

• Red Fireball (3 hits) Knocks down
• c.lk, lk hurricane kick, juggle with dragon punch (lp)
• c.RH (sweep)
• c.mk, fireball (FP) knocks down up close
• dragon punch any jump in

The goal is to score the knock down, then run in close over the opponents body, and set up stage two.

2) Step two, now that you're standing over the opponents body, throw in some mix ups. Again, he has a few options.

• c.lk (as they wake up), lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• lk hurricane kick(over their body) into cross up, c.lk, lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• lk hurricane kick(over their body) for fake cross up, c.lk, lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• low jump mk (cross up), c.lk, lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• Punch throw, Teleport (F D DF + PPP) to their body. You recover before they do
• Raging Demon setup (See Raging Demon setup section
• low jump empty jump (Cross up), c.lk, lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• (corner only) Teleport (F D DF + PPP) into corner. Akuma will glitch, and you will cross them up and come out of the teleport instantly. Follow up with c.lk (as they wake up), lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• (corner only) Teleport (F D DF + PPP) into corner. Akuma will glitch, and you will cross them up and come out of the teleport instantly. Follow up with lk hurricane kick (Cross up) c.lk, lk hurricane kick, dragon punch (lp) juggle
• Block. Used if expecting a wake up uppercut/super, though a late teleport also cures this (usually)

From here, if you succeed, then step 2 loops back around to itself. You should still be over their grounded body. If not, go back to step 1 and score another knockdown.

Dealing with Quick Recover

When you work so hard to set up your opponent after a knockdown, the last thing you want is to have them quick roll your way out of the setup. Luckily, every setup listed gives you ample time to recover before your opponent. The answer to this is simple if you are in a run groove: Simply run up to your opponent after every knockdown. If you see them quick roll, just do c.lk -> Punishment of your choice. If they don't quick roll, then go into your mixups (c.lk, lk hurricane kick, stop -> throw, etc). You should be able to control the flow of the match very effectively with this tactic. Because of this, you should WANT the opponent to quick roll, as it results in free damage for you.

Note on Dragon Punch juggle

Akuma thrives on juggling with his dragon punch. Every version hits 3 times. However, the damage of the 3 hits is greatly different. On the LP uppercut, the damage is 1000 for the first hit, 400 for the second, and 300 for the last. Therefore, when juggling, it is in your best interest to juggle with the FIRST hit. Thus, the later the juggle, the better.

As well, it is best to juggle with the lp version, since it only does 200 damage less than the FP version, but leaves you in a major advantage standing over their grounded body.

C-Groove Combos

Firstly I'm gonna exclude dizzy comboes as they aren't really practical IMO, as well as comboes that start with 'jump straight up qcf+lp, then tigerknee qcf+hp' and the like for the same reason.

Also, although these all start with 'j.hp, c.hp', that's not the only way to land them. That's the best way to land them as you get the most damage out of it, but you won't get a free jump in that often. When they're dizzy though go for it ;). More practically though you can replace the 'j.hp, c.hp' with 'c.lk, c.lk' or 'c.mk' to start any of these.

Here are some of C-Groove Akuma's most damaging combos in a variety of situations.

• Level 2, Anywhere on Screen

j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (last hit, but you still on ground) qcb+lk, dp+hp (2 hits) Damage:7902

• Level 3, Anywhere on Screen

j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (last hit, but you still on ground) hcbx2+lp Damage:8715

• Level 2, Opponent In or Near Corner

j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (2nd last hit) hcb+hp, dp+hp (2 hits) Damage:8086

• Level 3, Opponent In or Near Corner

j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (2nd last hit) hcbx2+lp, dp+hp (2 hits) Damage:9571

• Level 2, Mid-Screen, Pseudo Combo

Most damage with lvl2, does not work in corner, DOES NOT COMBO: j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (2nd last hit) dp+lk, f+hp xx dp+hp (2 hits) Damage:8715

• Level 3, Mid-Screen, Pseudo Combo

Most damage with lvl3, does not work in corner, DOES NOT COMBO: j.hp, c.hp, qcfx2+mp xx (2nd last hit) dp+lk, f+hp xx qcfx2+lp (4hits) Damage:8925

NOTE: Those last two have a hole in the combo between the lvl2 super cancel and the grab off the demon flip. Each of them is actually two comboes. The point of listing this is that 9.99993% of players getting hit with the traditional lvl2 combo will either:

• sit back and do nothing.
• hold on block in case you're too slow on a cancel and miss it.

This means that if you cancel the lvl2 into demon kick and command grab them, they will NOT react in time to you doing so. Hence they will get grabbed and you can continue the combo as listed.

These two do more damage than the traditional lvl2 cancels, but are risky. They are to only be used extremely scarcely as gimmicks in casual, or if you know that you only need 100 more damage to kill off a character. In which case they can be used. Generally though do the first 4, as the more consistent you are with them, the less they will expect the mixup ones.

Custom Combos

• Mid Screen (Hit confirmable)

C.lk, C.lk, lk hurricane kick, lk hurricane kick (juggle), activate, lk hurricane kick (juggle) x N (repeat until they are in the corner), Red Fireball (FP) x N (Time these to keep them juggled in the air), end with HCB HCB + P (Fireball Super)

• Corner (hit confirmable)

C.lk, C.lk, lk hurricane kick, activate, FP (juggle), Red Fireball (FP) x N, end with HCB HCB + P (Fireball Super)

• Mid Screen (Hit Confirmable)

Demon Flip + P Near opponents head (to throw), lk hurricane kick (juggle), activate, lk hurricane kick x N (juggle) until opponent is in corner, Red Fireball (FP) X N, HCB HCB + P (Fireball Super)

• Guard Crush String (Corner)

Activate, Red Fireball (FP) X N, once guard is crushed, follow up with HCB HCB + P (Fireball Super)

• Guard Crush String (Mid Screen)

Activate, Dragon Punch (FP) X N until crushed, follow up with QCF QCF + P (Uppercut super)

Insanely Hard Combos

• choi special (corner only)

c/s.mk, hp red fireball, lp dp (1 hit), hp dp (1 hit).

• Osiris:

J.Hp,land S.Lp,S.Hp into HCBX2(lV.1), QCB.Lk, QCF.Mp(LV.2) and while akuma is coming down QCB.HK and finish with DP.HP

• Air Juggle

j.mp -> j.hk hurricane, land, lk hurricane (juggle), Dragon Punch any strength(Juggle)

• Fireball Juggle (Corner Only) All grooves except A

C.mk, HCB HCB + FP (Level 3 super fireball), juggle afterwards with lk hurricane kick, juggle with Dragon Punch (LP) for one hit

• Double DP Juggle

Anti-Air a move with a Dragon punch that only hits with one hit (i.e. you hit them high). When you land, run forward a little and do another dragon punch, this will allow you to land 2 more hits. Only works in run grooves, though sometimes they are "Deep" enough to not need to run forward a bit.

• Triple DP Juggle

This is more for show than for damage. Get the opponent into the corner, and on their wakeup, do a Raging Demon. If they jump straight up to get away (like most do), do a Dragon Punch (lp) for one hit, follow up with a Dragon Punch (lp) for a second hit, and then finally throw out a Deep Dragon Punch (lp) for the third hit. It does more damage to just do the first Dragon Punch (lp), followed by a Deep 2 hit Dragon Punch (lp).

Raging Demon Setups

A lot of Akumas power comes from the fact that one mistake the opponent makes can lead to big damage from his Raging Demon. Akuma luckily has a lot of way to set up these guessing games, and land his raging demons for huge damage.

• [blocked] crossup MK, land, s.lp, s.fp, whiff lk hurricane, land, demon
• [after BnB], small pause, TK mp FB crossup (whiffs), land, demon.
• [blocked] c.lp, c.lp, dash > demon
• Knockdown your opponent in the corner. From here, DP + PPP teleport into the corner. This will cross them up, and also give Akuma a nice glitch where he instantly comes out of the teleport. From here, pull the Raging Demon (by buffering the command within the teleport). Mix this up with Teleport -> Hurricane Kick -> Dragon Punch so that if/when they try to jump the demon, they get caught with this instead. Because of this, it sets up a 50/50 mind game with the opponent. Also, teleport -> Fireball super works when they jump, expecting a Raging Demon, but instead eat a level 3 fireball super.
• Back to corner, RDP + PPP Telport in place, Demon. Most people don't expect it, but don't get used to using this.
• C.lk, lk hurricane kick (all blocked), demon as you land. Not 100% safe, but with perfect timing, you can catch a lot of punishment attempts.
• While opponent is knocked down, throw out S.mp. This is Akumas 2 hit overhead. From here, cancel into the Raging Demon BEFORE it connects with the opponent. At point blank range, if they are crouching, this is un-escapable.
• [N-Groove Only] Walk up, break stock/pop (HP + HK), into Raging Demon. This is the ultimate in quick Demon inputs. For tips, Pop with your pinky+thumb, start the LP quickly with your index finder, and then practice doing F (joystick hand) -> LK (thumb) -> HP (Ring finger/Pinky).