Soulcalibur VI/Setsuka/Strategy

Combat Lessons

Fighting Style

A style of battoujyutsu said to be passed down from the gods to the Kokonoe warrior clan, who have practiced it for generations. It traces its roots back to ancient assassination techniques; one surprise slice with a hidden blade cuts faster than the eye can see. With fine-tuned control of the body, a master of this style can perform near-instantaneous sword attacks that are so fast, they can be equated to a projectile attack, surpassing even long-ranged weapons at a distance.

The many techniques of Tsushima-Ryu are the result of intensive study. While using them is a heavy spiritual burden, in exchange, the user gains power and speed far beyond that of the average swordsman.

Those who reach the deepest understanding of the "Three Visions"—spiritual mysteries left by the Kokonoe clan founder, Atsukage Kokonoe—can wield even the bloodlust of battle as a weapon, burying opponents instantly with just a few slashes.

With power over both body and mind, the Tsushima-Ryu sword master has total command of the battlefield—indubitably.

Style Lesson: Beginner

Use Charge Attacks to your Advantage

This style specializes in unleashing powerful vertical attacks with the speedy precision of battoujyutsu and using large steps to quickly approach the opponent from mid range. This makes it possible to go on the offensive from further away, despite the short reach of the weapon. First, try learning how to use main attacks that also propel you forward.

Rising Crescent (33_66_99B) is a middle attack with good reach and speed. After landing it, you can follow up with Shade Buster (6A+B). Even if you're guarded, you'll be fairly safe from counterattacks. The attack's only weakness is that it is easily evadable with an 8-way run, so catch opponents moving to the side with Willow Splitter (33_66_99A).

Rising Crescent
33_66_99B/236B

(6)B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	18	-8	LNC	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[13-18]
(3)_(9)B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	20	-8	LNC	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[13-18]

Shade Buster
6A+B/FC 3aB/2143aB

6A+B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	30	-22	KND	KND	9%
Tech Crouch[4-13]
FC 3aB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	35	-22	KND	KND	9%
Tech Crouch[0-13]

Willow Splitter
33_66_99A/236A

(3)_(6)_(9)A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	20	-6	8	8	4%

Fighting at Close Range

After closing the distance at mid range using a charge attack, you will then have to break through the opponent's guard. Slide in close to a guarding opponent, then use the low attack Sakura Air Combo (1AA during hit A), Half Moon Shadow (1B), or a throw to break through.

Sakura Air Combo
1AA (on hit) A

1AAA - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	8,12,14	-12	-6	-6	3%
Normal Hit Combo. 3rd hit comes out only if 2nd hit connects.

Half Moon Shadow
1B

1B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	24	-12	2	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[18-RC]

Style Lesson: Adept

Shrouded Sky

One of the more advanced arts of battoujyutsu involves focusing one's energy to unleash sword slashes at even greater speeds. Using commands like 4B+K puts you in the Shrouded Sky stance, which makes it possible to unleash lightning-fast attacks invisible to the naked eye. This stance is special in that, rather than attacking directly after taking the stance, it is better to build up concentration to increase your power and range. While there is the risk of giving your opponent more opportunities to attack, it is very effective against an opponent who likes to guard.

Shrouded Sky
4B+K

4B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
SKY

SKY ~ Supernal Winds
SKY A

SKY stage I A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	24	-8	6	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage II A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
10	34	-6	KND	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage III A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
8	46	8	KND	KND	1%
Tech Crouch[12+]

SKY ~ Infernal Winds
SKY 2A

SKY stage I 2A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	22	-16	4	4	3%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage II 2A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	30	-12	KND	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage III 2A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
8	34	-8	KND	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]

SKY ~ Terrestrial Winds
SKY B

SKY stage I B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	24	-12	KND	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage II B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	34	-8	LNC	LNC	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]
SKY stage III B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
8	28	-4	LNC	LNC	1%
Tech Crouch[12+]

Wings of Heaven

Wings of Heaven is a special stance in which you can delay your landing by opening the umbrella in midair, then attacking your opponent unaware. You can switch into the stance by landing Heavenly Maiden (33_66_99K). Switching into the stance when Wintry Reflection is complete makes guard breaking with middle and low attacks easier.

Heavenly Maiden ~ WoH
33_66_99K/236K

(3)_(6)_(9)K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	16,10	-4	12	12	3%
Normal Hit Combo. Tech Jump[12-62] into WoH on hit

Three Visions

Since ancient times, Japanese sword masters have pondered over what strategies would be most effective in cutting down the opponent. In Tsushima-Ryu, the spirit of these philosophies is reflected in the deepest mysteries of the style: the Three Visions. When hitting the opponent under the following three conditions, you can power up certain attacks.

• Wintry Reflection

Slice at the opponent before they can go on the offensive. For example, you can hit an opponent who is guarding or trying to evade with an 8-way run. After successfully doing this six times, Wintry Reflection will be complete, and Wisteria Cutter (during Wings of Heaven A) and Lunar Arc (during Wings of Heaven B) become stronger. This opens up more effective options for breaking the opponent's guard.

WoH ~ Wisteria Cutter
WoH A

WoH A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	26	-8	6	12	4%
Tech Jump[0-17]. Tech Crouch[20-RC]

WoH ~ Lunar Arc
WoH B

WoH B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	24	-12	KND	STN	9%
Tech Jump[0-18]. Tech Crouch[18-RC]. +9 damage with Wintery Reflection

• Moonlit Reflection

Lure the opponent into attacking, then aim for an opening. This includes hitting an opponent that missed an attack, or landing a counterattack after guarding. After successfully doing this four times, Moonlit Reflection will be complete, and the reach and power of Silver Shadow (44B+K) will increase. With excellent range and startup speed, this technique makes for a powerful counterattack.

Silver Shadow
44B+K/2364B+K

(4)B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	28	-10	2	STN	2%
With Moon Reflection, +4 damage and KND on NH

• Vernal Reflection

Slice at the opponent just as they are beginning an attack; in other words, land a counterhit. After successfully doing this five times, Vernal Reflection will be complete, which strengthens Shade Buster (6A+B), etc. With more powerful techniques that can easily land attack counters, the opponent will have no choice but to back off.

Style Lesson: Master

Aim for Fast Attacks and Exact Timing

Just as Shade Buster has two commands (6A+B and While crouching 3aB), many techniques in this fighting style have easier and more difficult versions of commands. For simply using the attack, the easy command is enough; however, using easy commands consumes the soul gauge. On the other hand, successfully performing difficult commands quickly or with exact timing will fill the soul gauge. As it tends to be difficult to fill the soul gauge in this style, trying out difficult commands after getting used to battle will work to your advantage.

Mastering Counter Hits

Rising Crescent (33_66_99B) can be followed up with Shade Buster (6A+B) upon both normal hit and counter hit. However, if you're aiming for greater combo damage, it would be better to follow up with Winter Funeral (4A+B) after a normal hit and Shade Thrust (3B+KB) after a counter hit. Using different attacks in normal and counter hit situations will help bring out this style's true strength.

Rising Crescent
33_66_99B/236B

(6)B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	18	-8	LNC	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[13-18]
(3)_(9)B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	20	-8	LNC	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[13-18]

Winter Funeral
4A+B

4A+B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	40	-22	KND	KND	4%
Tech Crouch[10-51]

Shade Thrust
3B+KB

3B+KB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,12	-14	KND	STN	4%
Normal Hit Combo

= 236 and 214

Twilight Haze (236) and Dawn Haze (214) are very unique actions in this style. Entering a command during 236 will result in an 8-way run move, and entering a command during 214 will result in a crouching move. This occurs even when using these inputs directly after using another move. For example, quickly inputting "2143aB" after landing a combo starter lets you use "While crouching 3aB" without having to return to crouching position. Successfully hitting or forcing a guard with a command entered after 236 or 214 will increase your soul gauge, so don't be afraid to try them out.

Critical Edge

Demon's Lament

Properties

A critical edge that can easily be worked into a combo. Landing this attack will advance each of the Three Visions closer to completion.

Demon's Lament
A+B+K

A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	84	-16	KND	KND	10%

Tips

Because this attack advances Wintry Reflection, Moonlit Reflection, and Vernal Reflection at the same time, landing it in the beginning of a match can lead to an advantage later on. Try using it as a follow-up after a combo starter like Rising Crescent (33_66_99B).

Soul Charge

Acquire Powerful Guard-Breaking Abilities

Filling the soul gauge is slower in this style, but in exchange, the effects gained while soul charged are very powerful. The low attack Divine Throne Air Combo (1AA during hit AAA) and the middle attack Hallowed Grounds (6BB) become available, making it much easier to break the opponent's guard.

Divine Throne Air Combo
SC 1AA on hit AAA

SC 1AAAAA - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	8,12,14,8,22	-20	-10	-10	3%
Normal Hit Combo. 3rd hit + not comes out oB

Hallowed Grounds
SC 6BB

SC 6BB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	22,36	4	8	8	12%
Normal Hit Combo

Strengthen Combos

Entering soul charge also unlocks Ravenous Viper (while crouching 3BBB), Sakura Assault (22_88aBA), and Celestial Gleam (22_88A+BAA), which can all be incorporated into combos to deal massive damage. Try combining them in combos with 214 and 236.

Ravenous Viper
SC FC 3BBB/2143BBB

SC FC 3BBB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,16,26	-2	STN	STN	9%
Tech Crouch[0-33]

Celestial Gleam
SC 22_88A+BAA/236(2_8)A+BAA

SC (2)_(8)A+BAA - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	18,24,8,8,22	-4	KND	KND	14%
Normal Hit Combo

Using Shrouded Sky While Soul Charged

The powerful middle attack Serpent Slayer becomes available. Additionally, Ethereal Slayer (Zan no Muzan) (during Shrouded Sky K), which only hits opponents who have begun an attack, becomes available and can be comboed into Supernal Winds (during Shrouded Sky A) upon hit.

SKY ~ Serpent Slayer
SC SKY A+B

SC SKY A+B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	65	-8	KND	KND	2%

SKY ~ Ethereal Slayer (Zan no Muzan)
SC SKY K

SC SKY K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
5	1	-	-	34	-
Tech Crouch Interrupts opponent attacks

SKY ~ Supernal Winds
SKY A

SKY stage I A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	24	-8	6	KND	2%
Tech Crouch[12+]

Rushing Waters

A soul attack that shifts the user into a soul charged state. Using it in a combo gives you access to more powerful combos available while soul charged. This attack can also trigger a lethal hit if all of the Three Visions are complete, making it especially viable later in a match.

Rushing Waters
236A+B+K

236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	36	-8	4	14	9%
when all 3 visions are completed

Reversal Edge

Following Up with A

A horizontal attack that faces you away from the opponent and can be used in combos. However, if it is evaded with 6, this technique will leave your back open to an attack.

Following Up with B

An attack that automatically follows up with another if it hits. It is a good air combo starter and has the potential to deal a lot of damage.

Following Up with K

This attack does not deal much damage, but inputting [K] can shift you to Shrouded Sky, giving you the upper hand even when guarded.