Street Fighter 6/A.K.I.

Overview

Combos

Strategy

Matchups

Frame Data

Resources

Match Footage

#SF6_A.K.I.

Introduction

A poison-wielding apprentice of F.A.N.G, the former Shadaloo officer. Enchanted by the power of toxins, nothing brings her more joy than testing them on a new target—other than attention from her “master,” that is.

Slithering onto the battlefield with zoning capabilities and powerful okizeme options, A.K.I. is an unconventional and unorthodox character who revolves heavily around her poison mechanic. Some of A.K.I.'s specials poison opponents on hit, which slowly tick away at their life bar. Using this, A.K.I. baits her opponents into making risky play before elegantly maneuvering around them and going for the kill.

A.K.I's most important special is Nightshade Pulse, a slow advancing projectile that causes poison on hit. A.K.I. can send this projectile out to control the screen as she advances behind it or use it as a meaty to maintain advantage. Nightshade is very strong and defines a lot of matchups for A.K.I., as opponents who fail to deal with it will find her slowly closing in on them. However, Nightshade is just one tool in A.K.I.'s tremendously large kit. Serpent Lash acts as a strong midrange poke, while Orchid Spring allows A.K.I. to set up an unblockable poison pool. A.K.I. is also known for having some rather unique approach options. Snake Step and Sinister Slide cause A.K.I. to drop to the floor and go low-profile, allowing her to slide under all sorts of nonsense. Enemy fireballs, high-reaching pokes, and even Drive Impacts - A.K.I. can duck under it all and lash out with any number of follow-ups. Even better, A.K.I. has a command grab out of Snake Step, giving her unique ways to mess with the opponent.

As a defining part of her kit, if A.K.I. hits her opponent with a poison-inducing move while they are already poisoned, they will explode into a "Toxic Blossom" that gives her extended combo opportunities. Thus, A.K.I. can quickly adapt her gameplan from far-reaching pokes into a very scary mixup and okizeme character if she gets the chance. The looping poison setups she can dish out take off a good amount of life, and the consistent safe jumps she can get off of Toxic Blossom combos allow her to continue offense after a combo very safely. Combined with a strong overhead, a few ways to be plus on block, the sheer volume of potential attacks and specials at her disposal, on top of the threat of poison, and A.K.I. can be an absolute menace if she is closed in on the opponent.

In general, A.K.I. has a high number of complex routes for her combos that are dependent on if the opponent is poisoned or not, but the tradeoff is that her huge kit and unique normals allow her pickups off of openings that other characters may struggle to confirm. As well, her defensive options tend to be lackluster, often lacking important invulnerability frames to push through meaties and deep jump-ins. Another important thing is that A.K.I.'s animations are very long, making it difficult for her to play around Drive Impact. She will be constantly looking for it, far more than most other characters, which can result in a lot of mental fatigue. If you can grapple with this fact, and all of the above sounds appealing to you, shed your inhibitions and become one with the queen of toxicity herself.

Pick if you like:	Avoid if you dislike:
Characters that reward lots of situational awareness with proper setup. Consistent, strong, and low-risk okizeme. Whittling your opponents down over time. Shutting down fireballs approaching behind your own.	Weak defensive options, either vulnerable to throws or meaty lights. Deliberately playing around Drive Impact. Situational combos

Classic & Modern Versions Comparison

List of differences with Modern A.K.I.

Missing Normals	Standing Light Kick (5LK) Crouching Medium Punch (2MP)
Missing Command Normals	Chi Wen (6HP)
Shortcut-Only Specials	Cruel Fate (2S) Heavy/OD Only Snake Step (5S) Medium/OD Only
Assist Combos	A[L~L~L]: 2LK ~ 2LP ~ L Serpent Lash On Block: stops after 2LP A[M~M~M~M]: 5MP ~ OD Nightshade Pulse ~ Nightshade Chaser ~ SA2 Burnout: 5MP ~ L Nightshade Pulse ~ Nightshade Chaser On Block: stops at OD/L Nightshade Pulse (no Chaser follow-up) A[H~H~H~H~H]: 5HK ~ OD Serpent Lash ~ 5LK ~ H Toxic Wreath ~ SA3 Burnout: 5HK ~ L Serpent Lash ~ SA3 On Block: stops at OD/L Serpent Lash
Miscellaneous Changes	A.K.I.'s combo routes with Poison are severely diminished without access to 5LK, since she cannot combo other Lights into MP Serpent Lash.

Poison & Toxic Blossom

A.K.I. has several moves that inflict a poison status on the opponent, which is indicated by a purple glow. A poisoned character will take 1 damage per frame (60 damage per second) until the effect wears off. Poison naturally runs out after 7 seconds (for a total of 420 damage), but can also be stopped by inflicting damage on A.K.I. before then. The poison pool placed on the ground with Orchid Spring (214MP) or Tainted Talons (214214P) is unblockable. The poison will be constantly reapplied as long as the opponent is nearby, which can allow the total duration to extend well beyond 7 seconds. Characters cannot die to poison damage, so A.K.I. will always have to land the final blow herself.

Toxic Blossom: Some special moves and Target Combos have a different effect when hitting a poisoned opponent. In addition to dealing extra damage, triggering "Toxic Blossom" gives better knockdown advantage, juggle height, or even crumple states that allow powerful follow-up combos. Toxic Blossom detonates the poison within the opponent's body, ending the poison effect immediately. Much of A.K.I.'s complexity stems from managing the opponent's poison status to achieve optimal combo routes based on whether Toxic Blossom can be triggered. It's important to note that poison will not run out while a character is in hitstun, so you can safely proceed with a Toxic Blossom combo route without additional time management.

A.K.I.
Vitals
Life Points	10000
Ground Movement
Forward Walk Speed	0.0452
Backward Walk Speed	0.032
Forward Dash Speed	19
Backward Dash Speed	23
Forward Dash Distance	1.300
Backward Dash Distance	1.079
Drive Rush Min. Distance (Throw)	0.907
Drive Rush Min. Distance (Block)	2.437
Drive Rush Max Distance	4.049
Jumping
Jump Speed	4+40+3
Jump Apex	2.176
Forward Jump Distance	2.00
Backward Jump Distance	1.60
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 A juggle count of -1 represents a crumple state; this can lead to a grounded or airborne hit depending on timing 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 Even for attacks that don't normally start a juggle, this is relevant for Forced Knockdown and Crumple situations 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 More recently, the official definitions used by Capcom are slightly different than these community-designated terms. When reading official patch notes, the following terms are used instead: Combo Count Initial Value Combo Count Additional Value Combo Count Upper 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.
IASA / Actionable Recovery	Some moves play out an extended recovery animation when no other button/direction is input (for crouching moves, it applies when holding any down direction). These are often referred to as "actionable recovery" frames; in some games, the term IASA (Interruptible As Soon As) refers to the frame that Actionable Recovery begins. Letting the Actionable Recovery frames play out can change the character's position, potentially setting up spacing traps by recovering farther away. For example, Manon 5HP will recover much farther away from the opponent if no input is performed immediately after her recovery; holding back or down-back to block will keep her much closer to the opponent.

Normals

Standing Normals

5LP

Standing Light Punch

5LP

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5LP

Standing Light Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	2	7	Sp SA TC	300	LH	+4	-1

• Does not chain into or from any other lights.
• Has a unique TC chain into itself.

AKI's 5LP is a somewhat unique 5f normal. It doesn't lead to much on its own, but the TC can frame trap and make its -1 frame advantage uniquely threatening.

5MP

Standing Medium Punch

5MP

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5MP

Standing Medium Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
6	5	14(16)	Sp SA	600	LH	+3	-3

5MP is an excellent spacing trap against players who like to mash after her light chains. While it doesn't link into anything on its own, it combos into most of AKI's special moves and is confirmable on Counterhit or Punish Counter. Useful in juggles with Drive Rush due to its startup speed and launch.

5HP

Standing Heavy Punch

5HP

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5HP

Standing Heavy Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
12	3	21	TC	800	LH	+1	-4

• TC Hitconfirm Window: ?f

Aki stabs forwards and covers a large amount of space. This normal also comes with a TC which acts like her Serpent Lash special move. Its great range and relatively safe frame advantage make this a decent poke, but it comes with plenty of whiff recovery and is vulnerable to Drive Impact.

5LK

Standing Light Kick

5LK

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5LK

Standing Light Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
4	3	12	Sp SA	300	LH	+3	-3

5MK

Standing Medium Kick

5MK

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5MK

Standing Medium Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	3	15(17)	-	700	LH	+6	-2

AKI's 5MK is a good poke and a great linking option. It's generally quite safe, but unfortunately has no cancel options whatsoever. Links naturally on hit into 5MP. On Punish Counter or after Drive Rush, it links into itself or 5HK for great damage.

5HK

Standing Heavy Kick

5HK

Everything and the kitchen sink

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5HK

Standing Heavy Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	4	19	Sp SA	800	LH	+4	-3

• Punish Counter: +15

5HK is an amazing anti-air and one of AKI's few special cancelable normals. As an anti-air, it covers a large amount of space in front of and above AKI and lets her safely set up a meaty 214LP. It combos into 2PP~K for links afterwards on normal hit and is one of her few ways to combo into 214HK or 2PP~P on Punish Counter. Has a surprising amount of juggle potential and is used often in AKI's extended juggle routes.

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	+4	-1

AKI's 4-frame option and one of the few light normals that chains into itself with no gap unless delayed. An excellent normal overall.

2MP

Crouching Medium Punch

2MP

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2MP

Crouching Medium Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	3	18	Sp SA	600	LH	+1	-3

AKI's other main special cancelable normal. Comes with a lot of whiff recovery compared to her un-cancelable options, comparable to most other characters' cancelable 2MK buttons but with better advantage on block.

2HP

Crouching Heavy Punch

2HP

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2HP

Xiu She

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	3	28	-	900	L	HKD +27	-8

• Punish Counter: HKD +?

This is AKI's sweep. Acts like most other characters' 2HK normals. Somewhat short range and advances forwards, making it more unsafe than it seems.

2LK

Crouching Light Kick

2LK

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2LK

Crouching Light Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	8	Chn	200	L	+3	-2

AKI's fastest low and a decent option from Drive Rush or as a light chain. Comes with more pushback than her other lights, which can make some confirms and juggles stop working.

2MK

Crouching Medium Kick

2MK

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2MK

Crouching Medium Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	3	16	SA	600	L	+5	+1

While uncancelable, AKI's 2MK has amazing frame data and is particularly strong when used from Drive Rush. Its below average startup and above average reach combined with its low total duration makes this a move to be feared.

2HK

Crouching Heavy Kick

2HK

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2HK

Crouching Heavy Kick

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	6	20	SA	900	LH	0	-3

• Punish Counter: launch +?
• Long super cancel window.

Another anti-air and whiff punish normal, similar to 5HK but done from crouch. Doesn't have as much utility as it lacks the special cancel.

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
5	9	3 land	-	300	H	+2(+9)	-2(+5)

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
7	4	3 land	-	700	H	+9(+11)	+5(+7)

• Puts airborne opponents into limited juggle state

j.HP

Jumping Heavy Punch

j.HP

This button is very good to jump in

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j.HP

Jumping Heavy Punch

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	6	3 land	-	800	H	+5(+15)	+1(+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
5	6	3 land	-	300	H	+4(+10)	0(+6)

• Connects as a crossup.

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	-	600	H	+4(+13)	0(+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
8	8	3 land	-	800	H	+8(+15)	+4(+11)

Command Normals

3MP

Pu Lao

3MP

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3MP

Pu Lao

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
24	3	18	-	600	H	+3	-2

AKI's overhead, slightly slower than average. Becomes plus on block and linkable on hit when used after Drive Rush, and AKI has great ways of safely Drive Rushing in neutral.

6HP

Chi Wen

6HP

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6HP

Chi Wen

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16	3	20(21)	SA	900	LH	+3	-4

• Cancel hitconfirm window:

Big, advancing strike. Super cancelable which makes it slightly safer to DI than otherwise, but still very difficult to cancel on reaction.

6HK

Qiu Niu

6HK

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6HK

Qiu Niu

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	3(5)3	16(24)	-	400x2	LH	+4	+2

AKI's only naturally plus on block normal. Excels at maintaining advantage after Drive Rush and after meaty Nightshade.

j.2HP

Gong Fu

j.2HP

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j.2HP

Gong Fu

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
9	5	3 land	-	800	H	+5(+15)	+1(+11)

• Forward Jump only
• Can only hit cross-up (behind A.K.I.)

Target Combos

5LP~LP

Hun Dun

5LP~LP

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5LP~LP

Hun Dun

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
8	2	14(16)	Sp SA	300(240)	LH	+1	-3

• Slightly advances AKI forwards.

Target Combo from 5LP that acts like most other characters' self chaining jabs. Has a small gap that will catch mashing.

5HP~HP

Hun Dun

5HP~HP

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5HP~HP

Qiong Qi

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	3	24(29)	-	400	LH	KD +34[+54]	-15

• Applies Poison on normal hit.
  • Applies Toxic Blossom if the opponent was Poisoned.

Operates very similarly to her Serpent Lash special moves. Allows for a Drive Rush juggle if Toxic Blossom triggers, otherwise gives AKI a confirmable knockdown from 5HP and time to set up 214LP.

Throws

Forward Throw (LPLK)

Forward Throw

LPLK

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LPLK

Whisper

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	23	-	1200 (2040)	T	KD +19	-

• Punish Counter: +19 HKD

Sets up a throw loop in the corner if AKI walks back into throw range.

Back Throw (4LPLK)

Back Throw

4LPLK

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4LPLK

Gluttony

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
5	3	23	-	1200 (2040)	T	KD +27	-

• Side switches
• Punish Counter: +27 HKD

Doesn't allow a throw loop, but gives AKI time to set up a relatively safe Nightshade.

Drive System

Drive Impact (HPHK)

Drive Impact

HPHK

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HPHK

Zao Chi

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

See Drive Impact

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

• 5HK: 7[3]
• 2MP: 10[6]
• 5MP, 5LP~LP: 12[8]
• Note: A gap ≥ 6f can be thrown, and a gap ≥ 9f can be jumped out of by most characters

Drive Reversal (6HPHK)

Drive Reversal

6HPHK (in blockstun)

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6HPHK

Feng Shi (Block)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
20	3	26(31)	-	500 recoverable	LH	KD +23	-6

See Drive Reversal

• Full Invuln: 1-22f; Armor Break

Drive Parry (MPMK)

Drive Parry

MPMK

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MPMK

Drive Parry

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

See Drive Parry

• Perfect Parry has only 1f recovery, and disables the opponent from canceling their attack
• Perfect Parry vs. projectiles puts you into a fixed 11f recovery

Drive Rush (66)

Drive Rush

66

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             No results

See Drive Rush. Frame data shown in (parentheses) refers to Parry Drive Rush.

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

Special Moves

Nightshade Pulse (214LP)

Nightshade Pulse

Poison Bubble

214LP

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LP

Nightshade Pulse

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
17	-	35	SA3	500	LH	-5	-10

214PP

Nightshade Pulse

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
16	-	28	SA2 SA3	300,400	LH	KD +45	+1

• Applies Poison on hit.
• Nightshade Chaser cancel window:

Nightshade Pulse is a core facet of AKI's gameplan. She can advance behind it safely and use it to encourage an opponent to jump, sniping them with an anti-air MP Serpent Lash. Alternatively, she can set it up after a knockdown and use it as a meaty to cover everything but lvl2/lvl3 supers and most OD reversals. Its only failings are its long total duration and terrible frame advantage at point blank range.

OD Nightshade Pulse solves all of these problems. It's much faster, still allows AKI to advance behind it, but is +1 on block up close and blows up normal fireballs.

Nightshade Chaser (214LP~6P)

Nightshade Chaser

Poison Detonation

214LP~6P

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LP~6P

Nightshade Chaser

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	2	34	SA3	500[800]	LH	-4 [KD +38]	-16(-11)

214LP~6P

Nightshade Chaser (Burst)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	6	29	-	800	LH	KD +42	-4

214PP~6P

Nightshade Chaser

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	5	28	SA2 SA3	600[800]	LH	KD +25 [KD +41~44]	-13(-10)

214PP~6P

Nightshade Chaser (Burst)

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	12	20	SA2 SA3	800x2	LH	KD +43(+52~57)	-2(+4)

Nightshade Pulse comes with a follow-up, Nightshade Chaser. While this does add a knockdown, it uses Poison for it and generally isn't that useful. Unless the opponent is far enough that AKI can get the burst effect, it's also equally if not more unsafe on block than Nightshade Pulse.

Orchid Spring (214MP)

Orchid Spring

Poison Pool

214MP

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214MP

Orchid Spring

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
26	[160]	20	-	-	-	-	-

• Puddle duration: 140f after application
• AKI is in CH state for the duration of the move.

Orchid Spring places a pool of poison in front of AKI which will apply the Poison state if the opponent touches it. No amount of invulnerability will save them either. It's particularly useful on long knockdowns or stuns when AKI can set it up safely and use the auto-poison for extended combo routes.

Toxic Wreath (214HP)

Toxic Wreath

Poison Slash

214HP

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Hitboxes On

214HP

Toxic Wreath

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
13	3(14)9	13	SA3	200,600	LH	KD +40	-4

Toxic Wreath is a surprisingly safe combo and blockstring ender. In the corner, after most combos, it will automatically space a plus on block Nightshade Pulse. It's also useful as a combo extender on launched opponents, as the second hit launches very high vertically.

Serpent Lash (236P)

Serpent Lash

Poison Whip

236P

Poke

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Callout

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Launcher/anti-air

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Anti-zoning tool

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236LP

Serpent Lash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
14	3	20(26)	SA3	500[800]	LH	+1(+3) [KD +44(46)]	-8(-6)

• Clashes with normal, 1 hit projectiles.
• Travels directly forwards.
• Applies Poison on hit.
  • Triggers Toxic Blossom on poisoned opponents.

LP Serpent Lash is the easiest to use as a poke. It also has the most juggle potential out of any strength of Serpent Lash, making it ideal for ending extended juggles into lvl3. If the opponent is poisoned, Toxic Blossom LP Lash will knock down instead of leaving opponents standing.

236MP

Serpent Lash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
17	6	24	SA3	600[700]	LH	KD +44 [Crumple +69]	-12

• Travels at a slight upwards angle.
• Applies Poison on hit.
  • Triggers Toxic Blossom on poisoned opponents.

MP Serpent Lash is somewhat slow and whiffs on crouching opponents, reserving its use to long range jump callouts or catching tall characters like Zangief in midrange. If the opponent is poisoned, Toxic Blossom MP Lash will crumple them (if they're grounded), which is particularly useful for stun combos. Otherwise, it will get a higher launch on airborne opponents.

236HP

Serpent Lash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11	6	32	SA3	700[800]	LH	KD +44 [KD +53]	-20

• Travels straight up.
• Applies Poison on hit.
  • Triggers Toxic Blossom on poisoned opponents.

HP Serpent Lash is the closest thing AKI has to an anti-air DP. It doesn't have any invulnerability, instead relying on low-profile frames to go under jump-ins. It's advantageous enough on normal hit to give AKI a safejump, but she will have to react to the opponent's tech as quickrise makes her cross them up. If the opponent is poisoned, Toxic Blossom HP Lash will launch high enough on grounded hit for a Drive Rush juggle anywhere or a link into 214HP in the corner.

236PP

Serpent Lash

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
21	5	25	[TB: SA2 SA3]	600[800]	LH	+4 [Crumple +71]	-14(-11)

• Clashes with 2 hit OD projectiles. Beats normal projectiles clean.
• Travels directly forwards.
• Applies Poison on hit.
  • Triggers Toxic Blossom on poisoned opponents.

OD Serpent Lash is AKI's answer to projectile zoning, given that she's in range or can catch an extended hurtbox. It's advantageous enough on hit to link into 2LP, but due to the poison it adds she can get a much larger combo than it might initially seem. If the opponent is poisoned, Toxic Blossom OD Lash will crumple grounded opponents and give a floaty knockdown on airborne ones for easy confirms.

Cruel Fate (214K)

Cruel Fate

Leaping Claw

214K

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214LK

Cruel Fate

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
24	2(5)2(4)2(5)2	18 land	SA3	200x4 (800)	LH	+1 (KD +38~45)	-3

214MK

Cruel Fate

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
28	2(5)2(4)2(5)2	18 land	SA3	200x3,300 (900)	LH	+3 (KD +38~45)	-3

214HK

Cruel Fate

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
33	2(5)2(4)2(5)2	18 land	SA3	200x3,400 (1000)	LH	+4 (KD +41~50)	-3

214KK

Cruel Fate

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
28	3(4)2(4)2(5)2	18 land	SA2* SA3*	200,200x4,600 (1600)	LH	HKD +42 (+2~3)	+2

HK Cruel Fate is the only version advantageous enough on hit to link out of, but every version besides the OD version is negative on block (at least outside of Burnout).

OD Cruel Fate is advantageous on block and ground bounces airborne opponents. While situational, it can extend juggles into another move or a super.

Snake Step (236K)

Snake Step

Slide

236K

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Light Version

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Medium/Heavy Version

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OD Version

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236LK

Snake Step

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

• Lowest profile 14f onward

236MK

Snake Step

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

• Lowest profile 16f onward

236HK

Snake Step

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
43(50~54) total	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

• Lowest profile 18f onward

236KK

Snake Step

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
42(48~57)	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

• Strike Invuln: 1-34f if A.K.I. does not pass through / under the opponent
• If A.K.I. passes through / under the opponent, the total move duration will increase to anywhere between 48~57f depending on distance, with invul being extended for the entire duration

Sinister Slide (2PP)

Sinister Slide

Slither

2PP

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Hitboxes On

2PP

Sinister Slide

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11(28)	[185]	20	-	-	-	-	-

• Lowest Profile from 16f onward
• Cancelable by inputting up direction
• Can input followups after 11f

Slither slowly advances AKI forwards and puts her into a low-profile state. While she won't go under anything, she will go under moves like Marisa's Phalanx and Gladius specials, as well as Lily's Condor Spire. It's best used sparingly in neutral as leaving the stance is committal, as are AKI's options out of it.

Venomous Fang (2PP~P)

Venomous Fang

2PP~P

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Hitboxes On

2PP~P

Venomous Fang

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11+19	15	30	-	1100	LH	KD +20(34) [Crumple +67(81)]	-25(-11)

• Applies Poison on hit.
  • Triggers Toxic Blossom if the opponent is poisoned.

High-risk projectile callout and combo ender. Particularly shines when the opponent is poisoned, as it has an absolutely insane amount of knockdown advantage on airborne, poisoned opponents.

Heel Strike (2PP~K)

Heel Strike

2PP~K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

2PP~K

Heel Strike

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11+11	3(9)3	17(20)	SA3 (2nd)	300x2	LH	+4	-3

Combo extender that links into 2LP. Becomes +1 in Burnout and advances AKI forwards.

Entrapment (2PP~LPLK)

Entrapment

2PP~LPLK

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

2PP~LPLK

Entrapment

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
11+23	3	55	-	1852 (2222)	T	HKD +16	-

Command grab. Veeery slow. Only really exists to catch opponents who are playing overly passive or trying to parry/Drive Impact her other stance options.

Super Arts

Level 1 Super (236236K)

Deadly Implication

Level 1 Super Art

236236K

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236236K

Deadly Implication

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	3	68	-	850,950 (1800)	LH	KD +30	-46

• Strike/Throw Invuln: 1-12f
• Good anti-air (cannot hit cross-up)
• On hit, transitions to a cinematic and poisons the opponent

AKI's main reversal. Poisons the opponent on hit and leaves them almost a screen away, which can be good or bad depending on the opponent. Most importantly, she can set up 214LP without a care in the world.

Level 2 Super (214214P)

Tainted Talons

Level 2 Super Art

214214P

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Full Hitbox Data

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Button Strength Determines Distance

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

214214P

Tainted Talons

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
7	53(28)12	54	-	300,200x6,1000 (2500)	LH	KD +30	-19~

• Button strength determines distance
• Poisons the opponent on hit
• Creates a pool that poisons the opponent on hit/block

Full screen punish and setup tool, but remember: this super has no invulnerability whatsoever. Unless the tendrils cancel out the projectile heading towards AKI, she's going to get hit out of the super.

Level 3 Super (236236P)

Claws of Ya Zi

Level 3 Super Art

236236P

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Critical Art adds 500 more damage

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

236236P

Claws of Ya Zi

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	3	58	-	4000	LH	HKD +30	-36

• Full Invuln: 1-12f
• Cannot hit cross-up

236236P

Claws of Ya Zi

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
10	3	58	-	4500	LH	HKD +21	-36

• Full Invuln: 1-12f
• Cannot hit cross-up

Big damage cash out super. Combos from pretty much anything within a half screen's distance of AKI, but can drop if the opponent is too high.

Taunts

Neutral Taunt (5PPPKKK)

Neutral Taunt

5PPPKKK

"The master's prized poison... ahh, a perfect, beautiful, most brilliantly crafted poison! Now you'll get a taste."

5PPPKKK

Neutral Taunt

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

• Builds 1 bar of Super gauge

Forward Taunt (6PPPKKK)

Forward Taunt

6PPPKKK

"Time for some experimentation... I bet poison would work wonders on you."

6PPPKKK

Forward Taunt

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

Back Taunt (4PPPKKK)

Back Taunt

4PPPKKK

"Isn't he wonderful?"

"Isn't he wonderful?"

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

4PPPKKK

Back Taunt

Startup	Active	Recovery	Cancel	Damage	Guard	On Hit	On Block
175	32	258(264)	-	600	LH	KD -197	-239

• Bubbles have a large projectile hitbox behind A.K.I.
• Popping the bubble by colliding with it makes A.K.I. angry.

Overview

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