Capcom vs SNK 2/Kyo

Introduction

Overview

Strategy

Combos

Matchups

Health (at Ratio 2)
14400	Above Average
Stun
70	Average
Dash Length
19 Frames	Very Long
Dash Type
Hop	Corpse Hop=Yes, Proj. Hop=No
Run Speed
8.2	Average
Roll Distance
140 pixels	Far
Roll Duration
29f	Long
Wakeup Speed compared to Ryu
0f	Average

Story

Kyo Kusanagi, the face of the famous King of Fighters series and the main protagonist of it's first saga, the Orochi Saga. Kyo is the heir to the Kusanagi clan, one of 3 legendary clans in possession of the three Sacred Treasures. The Kusanagi clan weilds powerful fire, and Kyo uses it very well. Kyo is a master of the Kusanagi flame, taught by his father Saisyu. Outside of his martial art skill and legendary family name, Kyo is a highschool dropout who enters the King of Fighters tournaments mostly to stop the evil guys behind them or for the fun of fighting when there are no evil guys. He has a girlfriend he loves named Yuki. In the first saga of KOF, he teamed up with his best friends Benimaru and Daimon to form Team Japan. In KOF 97', Kyo and the other Sacred Treasures Chizuru and Iori are forced to confront Team Orochi, who eventually resummon Orochi. Kyo and Iori seal Orochi back into the Earth, hopefully destroying it forever.

Gameplay

Kyo is the epitome of a rushdown character. His ability to mix and punish the opponent is almost unmatched, with massive damage output off any starter. He has a solid low confirm, a few great overheads, one of the best normal throws, and two very ambiguous crossups. Mix that with his signature rekka special Aragami, which can be followed up in multiple ways or done to leave Kyo safe at the end of a blockstring, and Kyo gets a vortex of guesses that can close out a round quick. He also has stellar defense, with great normals for mashing and a very scary DP, and plenty of good anti-airs.

This isn't without sacrifice though. Kyo struggles very hard in neutral, lacking any kind of projectile or even a consistent rewarding poke. Kyo has to take a risk to get in, whether by jumping or running or rolling, as he gets beaten in neutral by almost everyone. While he does have decent reach with normals like 5HK and 3HK, these have various weaknesses such as being crouchable or having a lot of endlag. Kyo can very rarely convert a poke into knockdown either, forcing him to rely on his up-close game to secure rounds.

If you like a character who can get in the opponents face and spin the wheel of mix until they die, you'll love Kyo. Especially if you're willing to put up with his underwhelming neutral.

Groove Selection

Best - K: Kyo can be run well with almost any groove, but shines mostly in K groove. While rolls do help him, JD and rage turn the already high damage Kyo into a punish machine, dishing out damage from almost any starter. Rage also makes his already scary oki mixup even scarier, as it only takes a few good hits for Kyo to win, and he can easily combo into level 3 Orochinagi in the corner for massive damage.

Useful - C/N/A/P: The other grooves are all varying in usefulness but generally are good. C-Kyo gets access to damaging and flashy level 2 combos and can more easily end combos in his autocombo super, alongside airblock and Alpha Counters that aid his defense. N-Kyo is sort of a lesser K-Kyo, with roll giving him a good defensive tool and RC specials for neutral use. You lose out on a lot of meter potential however, as Kyo's level 1 supers are very weak. A-Kyo gets access to the powerful Custom Combo mechanic, and in classic Kyo style his CC is highly damaging and puts your opponent in the corner where you want them. P-Kyo is shockingly good, as his meterless punishes are devastating and his level 3 punishes even more so. One good parry from P-Kyo puts your opponent deep in the corner.

Worst - S: Despite his usefulness in other grooves, S-Kyo has very little going for him. Kyo has decent but underwhelming and combo-oriented supers, so having infinite level 1s means nothing to him. S-Kyo also has to actively give up space to build meter, which harms his heavily aggro gameplan.

Kyo is a close range brawler with stellar mixup and some of the highest damage in the game. His pressure and ability to open up opponents make him terrifying up close, and his combo potential is much higher than average. He has to struggle through neutral to get there first, however. Kyo is best in K-Groove.
Pros	Cons
Vortex: Incredible mixups up close, with overheads and lows and an amazing normal throw that all can lead into another knockdown and another mixup High Damage: One of the highest average damage characters, his meterless damage output is incredibly rewarding Hard Knockdowns: Easy access to hard knockdowns from his throw, j.2HP, and 623HK Brawling Normals: Great up close normals for brawling and catching bad movement Anti-Air: Stellar anti-air options and an amazing DP	Poor Neutral:Lacks a projectile or any good poke, and is often played in K-Groove where he has no rolls, meaning Kyo has to commit a lot harder to win Weak Level Ones: Level 1 supers are combo unfriendly, limiting his use in Grooves without easy access to level 3s Low Range: Lack of many long range buttons means he struggles to contest some of the most powerful buttons in the game Weak to Zoning: Committal gameplan leads to a huge weakness to zoning and patient opponents who don't get opened up easily

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	3	5	7	15	+5	+5	None
A quick light jab. Crouchable but has decent range and is very fast.

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	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	6	22	32	-5	-5	None
5MP is a strong button for whiff punishing as it combos into Kyo's 236MP and reaches quite far for a Kyo normal. Sees less use than his 2MP however, which is essentially the same button but cannot be crouched.

5HP

Far Fierce
Heavy Punch
5HP / Far HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	6	17	31	+1	+1	None
Kyo sticks out his fist in front of him. Crouchable again, and not cancellable like 5MP. While it is fairly damaging it sees basically no use except as an occassional anti-air.

5LK

Far Short
Light Kick
5LK / Far LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	500	5	SU	Mid	High	5	4	14	23	-1	-1	None
A quick little kick. Useful to prod opponents with, and as a safer standing poke. Only cancels into supers, however, and only 236236P will combo from it.

5MK

Far Forward
Medium Kick
5MK / Far MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	900	9	None	Mid	High	8	5	19	32	-2	-2	None
Kyo kicks up into the air. One of Kyo's many useful anti-airs, notably for when opponents are farther away.

5HK

Far Roundhouse
Heavy Kick
5HK / Far HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Far	1300	13	SU	Mid	High	7	7	24	38	-5	-5	Low
One of Kyo's best moves in neutral. 5HK reaches far and starts up fast, and Kyo's foot hurtbox is gone. His lower hurtbox in general retracts far back, meaning this cleanly beats a lot of popular low pokes. One of your farthest reaching normals in general, poke around in neutral with this.

Close Normals

clLP

Close Jab
Close Light Punch
cl.LP / cl5LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	400	4	RF/SP/SU	Mid	High	2	6	6	14	+5	+5	None
A very fast standing jab. Good get-off-me button, and would be useful for links but it can be crouched under.

clMP

Close Strong
Close Medium Punch
cl.MP / cl5MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	800	8	SP/SU	Mid	High	3	12	11	26	0	0	None
A medium normal with plenty of active frames. Your go-to for meaties, as it can hit meaty enough to link into other normals and combos into any of his specials.

clHP

Close Fierce
Close Heavy Punch
cl.HP / cl5HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	6	17	31	+1	+1	None
Identical to the far version, which makes it basically useless up close.

clLK

Close Short
Light Kick
cl.LK / cl5LK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	500	5	SP/SU	Mid	Mid	4	4	11	19	+3	+3	None
A low hitting kick that does not actually hit low. Not a bad button but is usually outshined by his other lights up close.

clMK

Close Forward
Close Medium Kick
cl.MK / cl5MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1000	10	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	5	16	25	+1	+1	None
Despite having the same animation, MK does have a close version! It does 100 more damage and gains the ability to cancel. This is niche, as 5MK is mostly an anti-air and very niche otherwise.

clHK

Close Roundhouse
Close Heavy Kick
cl.HK / cl5HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Close	1200	12	SP/SU	Mid	High	4	4	21	29	-1	-1	None
Kyo's main close normal for combos. Mainly, you'll cancel this into 236MK or 236HK and juggle from there. Used after any jump-in or to start punishes on negative moves that recover close, like DPs.

Crouching Normals

2LP

Crouching 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	7	14	+6	+6	None
A standard and good 2LP. Fast, mashable, and links into Kyo's strong medium normals. Usually outshined by 2LK, as they have the exact same data but 2LK is a low.

2MP

Crouching 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	9	20	+6	+6	None
One of your best normals, and perhaps your best one. Kyo's 2MP is a key normal for poking, linking, pressure, and punishing. As it's 4 frames, it'll link from a majority of things (including itself!) and is a very consistent punish after parry/JD. It reaches farther than you might expect as well, and even at max range it will combo into 236MP for a knockdown. It can be fairly hard to contest as well, as it recovers very quick and is easy to whiff. This also makes it an effective meter builder. A good do-it-all normal held back almost only by average range.

2HP

Crouching Fierce
Crouching Heavy Punch
2HP / cr.HP

Starting Hitbox

Anti-Air Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	1200, 1100	12, 11	SP/SU, SU	Mid	High	5	6	29	40	-11	-11	None
Another good anti-air in Kyo's moveset. It reaches quite high, and the hurtbox on the arm is very small, meaning it's good at beating people above you. Usually you want to use 623P on opponents at this range, but this is good in situations where you can't react in time to do the full input.

2LK

Crouching 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	7	14	+6	+6	None
Your main crouching light, and main light in general. Fast, very plus, and a low. Links into 2MP even after doing two, allowing Kyo to do long low confirms. On it's own, it combos into some faster specials and confirms into his supers.

2MK

Crouching Forward
Crouching Medium Kick
2MK / cr.MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	900	9	SU	Low	Low	7	9	16	32	-5	-5	None
A far reaching low poke. Not special cancellable and only combos into supers at close range, but not bad to toss in at the end of a blockstring for a surprise low. Even then it's outshined by 2HK. Occassionally useful but you usually have a better option, and Kyo isn't gonna win from pokes usually anyway

2HK

Crouching Roundhouse
Crouching Heavy Kick / Sweep
2HK / cr.HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	1300	13	None	Low	Low	6	6	22	34	-DWN	-2	None
Kyo's sweep. Fairly standard but a bit committal since it can't be cancelled. Still can be nice to get a far knockdown or whiff punish into oki, but watch whiffing this.

Jumping Normals

8LP

Jumping Jab
Jumping Light Punch
j.LP / 8LP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	600	6	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
A fast jump normal. Has a lot of active frames, and can be useful in some ways to intercept air utilities like Bison headstomp, but has very little use otherwise.

8MP

Jumping Strong
Jumping Medium Punch
j.MP / 8MP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	900	9	None	High	High	4	10	0	14	Varies	Varies	None
A weaker but faster j.HP. Not much purpose.

8HP

Jumping Fierce
Jumping Heavy Punch
j.HP / 8HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	1100	11	None	High	High	6	10	0	16	Varies	Varies	None
One of Kyo's heavy air normals. Does good damage, but is generally outshined by jHK both in neutral and diagonal jumps.

8LK

Jumping 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
+	600	6	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo sticks out his knee. Similar to jLP with high active frames and fast startup, but similarly niche, especially since it's a neutral jump normal.
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,+	500	5	None	High	High	4	22	0	26	Varies	Varies	None
A knee with lots of active frames. Also has a clean crossup hitbox, which is great to set up hop crossups after knockdowns. Surprisingly hard to contest because of how active it is.

8MK

Jumping Forward
Jumping Medium Kick
j.MK / 8MK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
, , +	900	9	None	High	High	5	7	0	12	Varies	Varies	None
A decent air-to-air as it's one of his farthest reaching air normals.

8HK

Jumping Roundhouse
Jumping Heavy Kick
j.HK / 8HK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1100	11	None	High	High	6	10	0	16	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo kicks outwards. Kyo's njHK is arguably his best air-to-air, but it is a bit slow.
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
,+	1200	12	None	High	High	6	6	0	12	Varies	Varies	None
Kyo's main all purpose jump in. Long reach, highest damage, and decent frame data. Not much to explain, just a good air normal.

Command Normals

6HP

Blowback
Shoulder Ram
6HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1300	13	SP/SU	Mid	High	14	13	20	47	-DWN	-3	None
Kyo rams his opponent with his shoulder. Knocks them far away on hit, and can be special cancelled. Midscreen not much use as it sends too far for meaningful oki, but it's a useful meaty in the corner due to its high active frame count. Always cancel into 236LP/MP on hit to keep yourself safe. Has some use in a few combo routes.

3HK

88 Shiki
Low Kicks
3HK

First Kick

Second Kick

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	400+800	4+8	None	Mid, Low	Low	11	4(8)4	20	47	0	0	None
A double kick that aims low and reaches far. An important footsies normal for Kyo, as it's fast and safe. It can be good to toss these out when in range to keep opponents from trying to approach you, and keep the pace of the match in Kyo's favor. Be careful not to whiff though as it has a decent bit of endlag.

6MK

Ge Shiki: Goufu You
Overhead Kick
6MK

The one missing hitbox in a sea of hitbox data...

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000	10	None	High	High	32	3	22	55	-5	-5	None
A long, committal, reactable overhead. Not the best overhead, as it's negative on hit and a full 32 frame startup means it's more than reactable. Still, Kyo has many lows from many ranges. If an opponent is scared to stand up vs Kyo pressure, this can be slipped in.

j2HP

Ge Shiki: Naraku Otoshi
Dunk, Axe Hands
j2HP

Dunk On Em

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
In Air +	1400	14	None	High	High	8	6	0	14	-DWN	Varies	None
Kyo dunks on the opponent with a two-fisted downward punch. Very very scary attack, especially when combined with low jumps. Most aerials in CvS2 do not give a knockdown on their own, and need to be linked into grounded attacks or specials. This move, however, gives an immediate and potent hard knockdown. This makes it a very scary overhead option, especially in low jump where it can be done early on giving the opponent very little time to react. After some knockdowns, Kyo can even have this setup to crossup or fake crossup, making it a key part of his vortex. This normal is especially potent vs tall characters, namely the feared top tier Sagat, as they cannot crouch under it as easily.

Throws

4/6HP

Hachi Tetsu
Punch Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Near Opponent /+	1700	0	None	Grab	Grab	3	1	13	17	-DWN	Grab	None
Kyo shoulders the opponent and tosses them away. Not a bad throw, but almost completely outshined by his amazing kick throw. It is however the faster throw, and one of Kyo's fastest attacks in general, making it a nice punish against certain things.

4/6HK

Issetsu Seio Nage
Kick Throw
Near Opponent, 4/6HK

He needs it

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
Near Opponent /+	1900	0	None	Grab	Grab	5	1	13	19	-DWN	Grab	None
A beast of a normal throw. Higher than average throw range makes it so Kyo can threaten tic throws and walk up throws more than most characters, and the knockdown this gives is amazing. Some of Kyo's best knockdown oki will come from his kick throw. It helps that it also does a chunk of damage, making it a tool worth fearing. It goes without saying, but a character like Kyo who already has good mixup really appreciates having a scary throw as well.

Special Moves

Aragami

Kyo's Rekka series can be intimidating at first, but the tree is fairly simple! Here is a quick rundown.
Aragami > Konokizu > Nanase/Yanosabi
Aragami > Yanosabi > Nanase/Migiri Ugachi
There are different reasons to use either of these two trees and the two possible enders for each, but memorizing the order is simple.

114 Shiki: Aragami
Rekka Starter
236LP/MP

Bodega!!

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	500	2	Into Rekka Followups	Mid	High	15	3	11 (cancel), 29 (raw)	47	-5	-5	None
Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	600	2	Into Rekka Followups	Mid	High	18	4	14 (cancel), 34 (raw)	56	-10	-10	None
The first hit of Kyo's rekka series. Important tools for combos and pressure, but not as good for neutral as they are in the classic KOF games. They are notably unsafe, especially the MP version, and while pushback usually makes you fairly safe from punishment you still can't threaten much after an empty Aragami. The real strength lies in making your opponent scared of what you do after. The followups make for potent frametraps, one of which being an overhead as well, meaning opponents will often standblock. This is when you can catch them with surprise lows, which Kyo has plenty of. Mix up your options after this move to keep your opponent on their toes and score knockdowns.

Konokizu

128 Shiki: Konokizu
Rekka Bridge
After Aragami, 236P

Combo Tool and Risky Frametrap

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Aragami, +	600	2	Into / Finishers	Mid	High	8	3	10 (cancel), 26 (raw)	37	-2	-11	None
The combo bridge off of Aragami. Mostly you'll use this to finish combos from Aragami hitting, as the other bridge does not combo. It can also be used as a risky frametrap, and a tool to catch people jumping over Aragami. Very unsafe and not much pushback, so if this is blocked you will get punished.

Yanosabi

127 Shiki: Yanosabi
Rekka Overhead/Overhead Finisher
After Aragami, 63214P/After Konokizu, P

Surprise Overhead

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Aragami, +/After Konokizu,	900	4	Into / Finishers	High	High	16	4	2 (cancel), 22 (raw)	42	-DWN	-7	None
Overhead followup to Aragami. Only barely reactable, but predictable if used too much. A smart opponent will standblock Aragami always and react to whether or not you did the overhead, rather than react to you doing the overhead itself. You should still represent this tool against opponents crouchblocking, as it does give a decent knockdown on hit and is a part of why blocking Aragami is scary. As a finisher, this is used in a few juggles to knockdown, but is rare. Moreso it's used as another surprise overhead at the end of an Aragami bridge.

Nanase

127 Shiki: Nanase
Kick Ender
After Konokizu/Yanosabi, K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Konokizu/Yanosabi	700	2	None	Mid	High	12	8	27	47	-DWN	-20	None
The kick ender for the Aragami chain. Combos from the 236P followup and gives a good knockdown with lots of corner carry. This is your preferred ender after long hitconfirms, as it's easy to combo into. Make sure that it hits however, as if this is blocked you're left open for your opponents favorite combo.

Migiri Ugachi

Ge Shiki Migiri Ugachi: 127 Shiki Yano Sabi
OTG Ender
After Yanosabi Bridge, P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Yanosabi Bridge	1300	5	None	Mid	Mid	15	4	36	55	-DWN	-21	None
Ender specifically for the Overhead bridge. Hits OTG (Off The Ground) so it can be used after the overhead bridge knockdown to add more damage. After some corner combos, you can whiff the first parts of the rekka (236P > 63214P > P) and this will hit for extra damage. Even more unsafe than the Kick ender, so watch for this being blocked.

Dokugami

115 Shiki: Dokugami
Heavy Rekka Starter
236HP

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	700	3	Into Followup	Mid	High	20	3	5 (cancel), 32 (raw)	55	-11	-11	4 (autoguard)
A heavier version of Kyo's Aragami rekka. Unlike Aragami, this only has one tree to follow through. Dokugami is mostly useful for combos, as while it does have a few autoguard frames they're minor, and you're left unsafe on hit and block. The followups can whiff if this is done from farther out. While this would be a useful combo tool, it only combos from heavies, and Kyo has better options from heavies. Dokugami sees very little use because where it does work, Kyo has a better option.

Tsumiyomi

401 Shiki: Tsumiyomi
Heavy Rekka Bridge
After Dokugami, 63214P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Dokugami +	700	2	Into Finisher	Mid	High	6	3	4 (cancel), 20 (raw)	29	+1	-8	None
Bridge after Dokugami. Basically only used for combos, as it leaves you unsafe on block.

Batsuyomi

401 Shiki: Batsuyomi
Heavy Rekka Ender
After Tsumiyomi, 6P

First Hitbox

Last Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
After Tsumiyomi +	500+300	2+1	None	Mid	High	6	14	41	61	-DWN	-36	None
Heavy rekka ender. Only to be used as a combo ender after heavy rekkas, as it has no purpose in Kyo's gameplan otherwise. Just like his other rekka enders, if this gets blocked, be prepared to see yourself in a combo video later.

Oniyaki

100 Shiki: Oniyaki
DP
623P

Startup Invuln

First Active Frames

Anti-Air Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1000, 800	10, 8	None	Mid	High	4	8	38	50	-DWN	-31	4 (Full), 4 (Lower)
+	1700, 800	17, 8	None	Mid	High	4	8	49	61	-DWN	-42	4 (Full), 4 (Lower)
+	1100+800	11+8	None	Mid	High	4	9	60	73	-DWN	-50	8 (Full), 5 (Lower)
Kyo's powerful Oniyaki DP series. Very high damage reversal and anti-air specials, but majorly risky. The HP version in particular is an occasional combo ender and reversal tool, while the LP version is best for anti-air/footsies.

RED Kicks

R.E.D. Kick
Overhead Kicks
421K

Rising Hitbox

Falling Hitbox

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1300, 1100	13, 11	None	High	High	24	14	15	53	-DWN	-3	None
+	1400, 1100	14, 11	None	High	High	31	12	14	57	-DWN	-2	None
+	1500, 1200	15, 12	None	High	High	38	10	13	61	-DWN	-1	None
Overhead hitting flip kicks. While these are more than reactable as an overhead mixup, your opponent still doesn't wanna block these, as Kyo is safe and can still run offense. Instead, opponents have to anti-air this like a jump. This can catch opponents who are waiting to block moves like Aragami by surprise, and even if they do react to block, your turn isn't necessarily over. These are still risky however, as you are wide open for high damage anti-airs. Can be used as a neutral "skip" but this carries more risk than a surprise overhead cancel as the opponent will be watching to anti-air you.

Kai

75 Shiki: Kai
Upkicks, Launcher
236K

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	12	11	5 (cancel), 32 (raw)	55	-DWN	-17	None
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	18	12	5 (cancel), 35 (raw)	65	-DWN	-20	None
+	400	4	Followup	Mid	High	22	13	5 (cancel), 38 (raw)	73	-DWN	-23	None
The first hit of Kyo's two part launcher series. On it's own, very unsafe and easily punished. Always do the followup K move, as in combos its what gives him juggles and on block it can be safer.

Kai Followup

75 Shiki: Kai Followup
236KK

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
	500	5	None	Mid	High	5	6	16	27	-DWN	Varies	None
	600	6	None	Mid	High	5	6	19	30	-DWN	Varies	None
	700	7	None	Mid	High	5	6	22	33	-DWN	Varies	None
Launcher followup to Kai. Followups can only be used with the version you started with (i.e. HK followup can only be used after 236HK).

Oboroguruma

101 Shiki: Oboro Guruma
Spinning Kicks
623K

First Kick

Second Kick

Final Kick

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	1400	14	None	Mid	High	8	8	31	47	-DWN	Varies	None
+	500+1100	5+11	None	Mid	High	8	6(17)6	31	68	-DWN	Varies	None
+	300+500+1200	3+5+12	None	Mid	High	8	6(17)6(12)2	38	89	-DWN	Varies	None
Kyo rises up into the air and kicks once for LK, twice for MK, and three times for HK. Powerful tools for combos, as the LK and MK versions allow for some followups after. The HK version is a fearsome combo ender, as it gives ridiculous corner carry and a great untechable knockdown. Generally, you'll only use these during combos and only after 236KK.

Kototsuki You

212 Shiki: Kototsuki You
Running Grab
63214K

Elbow

Grab

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	200+1500	0	None	Mid	-6	5, 4 (hit)	32 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	49 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
+	200+1600	0	None	Mid	High	5, 4 (hit)	64 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	81 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
+	200+1700	0	None	Mid	High	5, 4 (hit)	48 (run), 4 (hit)	12 (run), 20 (hit)	65 (run), 33 (hit)	-DWN	-6	None
Kyo runs forward and elbows the opponent. On hit, he grabs them and blows them up. The LK version will run forward shortly, while the MK and HK versions will run fullscreen. Outside of whiffing the LK version as a gimmicky approach, there is almost never a reason to use these.

Supers

Final Showdown

Final Showdown
Beatdown Super
236236P

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2800	0	None	Mid	High	5:8	56	35	104	-DWN	-17	9 (Full)
+	4400	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	5:8	56	30	99	-DWN	-12	15 (Full)
+	5800	0	None	Mid	High	5:8	56	30	99	-DWN	-12	23 (Full)
Kyo summons a huge pillar of fire, and lunges at the opponent with a hook like his Aragami. Level 1 ends with one punch, level 2 adds another punch, and level 3 adds a high damage Oniyaki ender. Easier to combo into than Orochinagi, but does do less damage. Will combo off of lights and quick buffers, but requires a bit of close range. Gains a lot more utility in C-Groove where it can cancel into 236HKK, leading to an Orochinagi for big damage. Despite the ridiculously tall hitbox, air opponents will not get hit by this fully, making it useless as an anti-air.

Orochinagi

Ura 108 Shiki: Orochinagi
Flame Super
2141236P

Charging

The Classic

Version	Damage	Stun	Cancel	Guard	Parry	Startup	Active	Recovery	Total	Adv Hit	Adv Block	Invul
+	2500	0	None	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-20	9 (full)
+	3700	0	SP/SU	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-17	15 (Full)
+	1000+4700	0	None	Mid	High	5:1~15	1~53	53	73	-DWN	-14	23 (Full)
Kyo's signature super where he charges up his fire and then throws out a cloud of flame. Can be held, but unlike in KOF this does not increase it's damage and the max hold version is still blockable. With the level 3 version, Kyo will be covered in an active flame hitbox that can be used to make juggles consistent. Holding it is just for mindgames and to ensure max damage in juggles. These are high damage, and what you usually want to end combos in, but they can be a bit situational to land in comparison to Final Showdown. Almost always you'll land these after a Kai in the corner. The level 1 and 2 versions are difficult to combo into, so you especially want to land the level 3 version. To land all hits of the level 3, you have to get a hit in the corner into 236HKK. Buffer the super to immediately do it as you land, and hold so they can bounce off of Kyo's body once. Then, release the super as they fall.

The Basics

Bread and Butter Combos

Kyo has high combo freedom generally, and you should experiment to see what's possible and what isn't (or read further past this page). This isn't every Kyo combo possible, but it should be enough to get you learning how his combos work. All damage values were recorded using C-Groove Kyo vs a full health C-Groove Ryu. All combos are written in Numpad Notation, refer to this visual aide if you need help reading it.

General Combo Tips
In place of 623HK, you can usually do 623HP for an easier juggle at a small damage/stun cost in the corner.
Kyo normally won't use his level 1 supers in combos, as they aren't very strong and the stun is usually more worth it.
236LKK (Light Kai and Followup) has very limited combo potential, only comboing into level 2/3 Orochinagi.

Basic Meterless Combos

Combo	Position	Damage	Stun	Difficulty	Notes
2LK > 2LK, 2MP > 236MP > 236P > K	Anywhere	3223	18	Medium	Kyo's main combo from a 2LK starter. Powerful and long hitconfirm that has a few places to end safely.
(j.HK) > 2MP > 236MP > 236P > K	Anywhere	4095	26	Easy	Not Kyo's best jump-in but fairly reliable when the range for a cl.HK isn't guaranteed.
2LK, 2MP > 236MKK, 623HK	Anywhere	4072	40	Medium	A shorter hitconfirm that ends in a launcher into 623HK. While rekka ender isn't bad at all, Kyo's 623HK is an amazing knockdown and gives tons of corner carry.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236HKK, 623HK	Anywhere	5647	55	Easy	One of the best combos to learn. cl.HK is your main punishment normal, so learn this one. Basically guarantees corner from most parts of the screen, does massive damage, and gives an amazing knockdown.
2MP, 2MP > 236LP > 236P > K	Anywhere	3675	22	Medium	A double 2MP combo into rekkas. 2MP is one of your main meaties, and this can be a nice way to enhance the damage from one. Especially good on counterhit
2LK > 2LK > 2LK > 623HK	Anywhere	2677	26	Easy	An easier 2LK combo if you can't do the link. Unless you seriously struggle with 2LK, 2MP, don't use this one, and practice doing 2LK, 2MP.
2LK > 2LK > 236LKK	Anywhere	1365	13	Easy	A combo into 236LKK. The light version of Kai has very limited juggles afterwards, but this is a useful confirm into level 2/3 Orochinagi.
2MP, 2LK > 623HK	Anywhere	3150	30	Medium	Reverse link into 623HK. Better knockdown but harder to do and worse damage.
hop.HK > 623HK	Anywhere	3200	32	Easy	A simple combo from a hop into 623HK. In hop grooves this is very useful.

Non-Groove Specific Super Combos

Combo	Position	Damage	Stun	Difficulty	Notes
2LK > 2LK > 236236P	Anywhere	3360/5040/6510	4	Medium	A low combo into super. Can be a bit hard to buffer as you can easily misinput into 236LK, but is a worthwhile way to spend meter once you have it down as 2LK is a move you'll hit often and Orochinagi level 1 is not very juggle friendly.
2LK > 2LK > 236LKK, 2141236HP	Anywhere	3675/6090	0	Easy	Orochinagi juggles from LK Kai. Level 1 Orochinagi can't be juggled into after any version of Kai, limiting it's use in combos to mainly the level 3 version. You won't always want to use this as other enders will give better corner carry where level 3 Orochinagi is stronger.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236MKK, 2141236HP	Anywhere	5775	34	Easy	High damage jump in into Orochinagi. Generally you won't use this, saving the meter for higher damage combos in the corner is usually more worth it and midscreen ending in 623HK for stun, corner carry, and knockdown is more valuable. Still, if you get a midscreen jump in and need to kill this might do it.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236HKK, Charge 2141236HP, Release	Corner	8820	35	Easy	Flamebody juggle into Orochinagi. Massive corner damage from a solid punish. In the corner, the fire surrounding Kyo will juggle for a single hit after Kai. Let it juggle once, and as they fall in front of Kyo, release it. If done right it will hit 3 times.
2LK > 2LK > 236LKK, Charge 2141236HP, Release	Corner	6510	13	Easy	Flamebody juggle from a light starter. Expensive but worthwhile if it will kill, and very easy to do.
2LK > 2LK, 2MP > 236LKK, Charge 2141236HP, Release	Corner	7245	21	Medium	Corner 2LK 2MP link into 236LKK. Damaging super ender from Kyo's main combo. Worth learning over the above combo for the added damage. If you only do one 2LK into 2MP, do 236MKK as that combo does the exact same damage as this.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236HKK, 623MK, Charge 2141236HP, Release	Corner	10451	51	Medium	Massive damage combo off a jump-in. Especially strong in grooves like K or P, as this can be done from outside the corner so long as you reach the corner by the end of 623MK.
5HK > 2141236P	Anywhere	3990/5250/6090	13	Easy	A heavy poke into super, and one of the only ways to combo into level 1 Orochinagi. Seems hard at first, but doing this as 214HK then 41236P makes it a pretty consistent cancel

C-Groove Specific Super Combos

Combo	Position	Damage	Stun	Difficulty	Notes
2LK > 2LK > 236236MP > 236MKK, 623HK	Anywhere	6940	34	Medium	2 bar BNB off of 2LK. Kyo has stronger level 2 combos but this gives massive corner carry, good stun, and is very consistent. In the corner, you can do 236HKK instead for some extra damage. Generally this is the best you get midscreen with
2LK > 2LK > 236LKK, 2141235MP > (delay) 236HKK, 623HK	Corner	6458	44	Medium	Worse than the above combo, but it's mostly so you know you can get a level 2 Orochinagi off of 236LKK.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236LKK, 2141236MP > 236HKK, 623HK	Corner	8453	63	Medium	High damage jump-in combo. Level 2 Orochinagi is hard to use in juggles similar to level 1, so this can only be done off of 236LKK.
Any combo into a level 2 > 2141236LP	Anywhere	7245/6510	0	Easy	After 236236MP or 2141236MP, you can add a 2141236LP for added damage. Damage values are listed as if done raw, with 236236MP first and 2141236MP second. Generally C-Kyo won't end with these, as the stun from the other finishers will be more worthwhile and being able to build back to a level 2 quickly is strong.
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236HKK, 236236MP (1) > 236HKK, 623HK	Corner	7718	66	Easy	Silly looking 3 bar combo. Not as high damage as the two bar version, but does a ton of stun. If you hit them at all shortly before landing this they may be stunned. Even without any meter Kyo can get high damage, so this is very worthwhile in those situations.

Custom Combos

Kyo has ways to combo into Custom Combo. The CC confirms are listed in this table, and his actual CCs are listed in the next.

A-Groove Custom Combo Starters

Combo	Position	Damage	Stun	Difficulty	Notes
(j.HK) cl.HK > 236MKK, 623LP, Activate...	Anywhere	4100...	41	Easy	Jump in/Heavy confirm into CC.
2LK > 2LK > 236LKK, Activate...	Corner	1300...	13	Easy	Corner low confirm into CC.
Meaty cr.MP, Activate, cr.LK...	Anywhere	704...	8	Hard	Activation link. Not entirely useful but if you can do it it's a confirm Kyo can get fairly easily.
Anti-Air 623LP, Activate...	Anywhere	800...	8	Easy	Anti-Air CC Confirm. Useful to make Kyo's powerful anti-air dp even scarier.
2HK, Activate...	Anywhere	1300...	13	Above Average	Sweep CC confirm. Tight and requires close range, making it very niche and rare.

These are Kyo's CCs. In this table, "xN" means however many work. If you can do it 4 times, 5 times, 6 times, however many depends usually on the character. For visuals and more CC data, check out this Google Presentation by Gunter. You can internalize these and use them but CCs are incredibly flexible and learning the theory behind them will benefit you much more in the long run.

A-Groove Custom Combos

Combo	Position	Damage	Stun	Difficulty	Notes
Activate, (623MP > 3HK whiff)xN > 2HP > 2141236P	Anywhere	8084	0	Above Average	Kyo's main CC. Does good damage and is very versatile, working from grounded activations, anti-air activations, and all his listed starters.
Activate, 2LK > (2HPxN > 236HP)xN > 3HKxN > 2HP > 236236P	Anywhere	6884	0	Medium	Easier grounded CC. After the 2HP > 236HP loop reaches max scaling, start doing 3HK repeatedly until you have to super.
Anti-Air Activate, 623MKxN, Reach corner, 2MP, j.LPxN, 2141236P	Anywhere	5220	0	Medium	One of the first anti-air CCs found. Generally stick to the BNB CC but this is a bit easier.

Advanced Strategy

Kyo has possibly the most useful kick throw in the entire game.

The opponent is left right next to you, is unable to tech roll or slow getup, and the 52 pixel range of Kyo's kick throw even lets him do it after the pushback from a d.LK.

Wake-Up Pressure/Knockdown Mixups

Kyo has some of the nastiest mix-up in the game. The whole point of Kyo is correct meter management coupled with use of low shorts to get your opponent afraid of getting super'd or CC'd. You use his mix-up strategies to make your opponent defensive and afraid so that you can throw them when necessary or confuse them, opening up situations where you can combo into Serpent Wave or Final Showdown.

Tools Kyo has for mix-ups:

LP Aragami (safe on block, not jd)

Low short or wait and then low short (link to c.mp and then cancel to Aragami/Kai)

Counterhit c.mp

Whiff to Throw or just Walk-up throw

Counterhit s.rh to super (difficult)

Meaty S.Strong xx LP Aragami

LP Aragami => Yasabi (overhead that is unsafe on block and can be slightly delayed for confusion)

Low jump to low shorts (50/50 mix-up)

Low jump crossup shorts (hop over the grounded opponent and work in shorts)

D+FP command normal mix-up (Small Jump D+FP, Whiffed SJ D+FP to throw, Crossup SJ D+FP *tall characters only*)

Jump into corner to avoid DP (situational and only on cornered opponents)

Wakeup Super

Against players with a nasty DP such as Ken, Sagat or Iori, it's important to not start out reckless. You should try to recognize if your opponent is prone to throw out wake-up dp's. Free jump-ins combined with waiting/blocking should be used when necessary to bait out whiffed dp's that open up huge punishment combos (c.lk x 2, c.mp xx aragami, etc.). Once your opponent is afraid to wake-up dp, begin to throw out more low shorts and to fish for counterhits with c.mp. Do not be afraid to walk up and kick throw, tick throw, or whiff to kick throw.

Groove Specific Strategy

C-Groove

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In C-Groove

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Against C-Groove

A-Groove

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In A-Groove CC setups (random activates)
blocked close s.HK, CC
blocked c.HK, CC
blocked meaty rdp+LK, CC
blocked meaty c.MK, CC
blocked 2nd hit of qcf+LK,K, CC
combo into qcf+MK,K, close s.HK xx rdp+LK (whiffs), CC
CC, RC rekka
CC, f+MK overhead, continue
hit with qcf+HP, hcb+P, wait, CC
the other obvious random activates, like empty jump, walk forward, etc

Customs
CC, (c.LK), close s.HK x 2, far s.HK, df+HK (1-hit), [far s.HK x 2, df+HK (1-hit)] x N to corner, df+HK xx qcfx2+P
- you can also switch up to mashed c.LK, df+HK (2-hit) at the end, but i find it smarter to keep it simple.

CC, [dp+MP, df+HK whiff]x8 (or to 8 hits), c.HP, c.HP, qcb,hcf+P
- this is your combo for many things, like anti-air CC, comboing after all sorts of juggles, or traded dp+LP/MP
- start with dp+HP (1-hit), df+HK whiff if you need the range, like after a traded dp

j.HK, close s.HK xx qcf+MK,K, dp+MK, CC, [dp+MP, df+HK whiff] x 2, dp+MP, s.LK whiff, [j.LP x 4] x N until no meter, close s.HK/c.HP xx qcf+HK,K, dp+HK (opponent dizzy), j.HK, close s.HK xx qcf+MK,K, dp+HK
- this should dizzy all characters 70 stun and lower if you land the qcf+HK,K correctly, without a jumpin it should dizzy 60 stun chars
- the final hits after the dizzy won't do good damage because the CC scaling will still be in effect, this is only useful for flash
- it's smarter to end this combo with a super, then try to land another combo afterwards to get some real dizzy damage

Special Custom enders
- combo to 8 hits, juggle with hcb+HK, qcf+LP, hcb+P, P (all 3 hits), continue with mashed ground custom into qcfx2+P super or qcf+MK,K, dp+HK for dizzy
- combo to 8 hits, juggle with c.HP x 2 (think rolento super at the end of CC), qcf+LP, hcb+P, P (first 2 whiff), continue with mashed ground custom into qcfx2+P super or qcf+MK,K, dp+HK for dizzy
- the execution of the connected rekka chains is pretty hard in CC mode, with kara cancels and shit, sometimes you do one rekka, juggle with a jab, then do another jab when you try for the hcb+P, it's hard, i would stick to setting up whiffed chains if you're gonna really practice this
- ground custom, end with qcf+MK,K, dp+HK for dizzy

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Against A-Groove

P-Groove

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In P-Groove

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Against P-Groove

S-Groove

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In S-Groove

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Against S-Groove

N-Groove

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In N-Groove

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Against N-Groove

K-Groove

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In K-Groove

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Against K-Groove

Matchups

vs. Blanka

Make it one of your goals to get in and land a kick throw. Once you do, you put your self in a highly advantageous mixup situation. Remember that since Blanka is a charge character, it becomes extremely confusing for him on how to keep his charge if you play tricky and keep switching sides with him. After the kick throw...

-low jump forward, crossup j.LK

This is safe against RC electricity, and you actually have frame advantage when you land.

From there...

-wait, kick throw again

-wait, d.LK combo to counter Blanka trying to throw you

Although it's not necessary in this instance, you can take a complete guess and try to dp+HP after the crossup low jump LK also

After the kick throw...

-low jump forward, land, kick throw again This grabs Blanka right out of his wakeup RC electricity startup.

-low jump foward, land, meaty d.MP, d.MP xx combo

The d.MP hit perfectly meaty when you do it like this.

Whenever Blanka sticks out a d.HP, you can sweep his limb from far away if he whiffed. You can even try to do far s.HK xx super if you like.

Kyo far s.HK is a guaranteed counter to Blanka's d.MK.

One of Kyo's most often used moves is his df+HK. Blanka knows this and will be jumping up and down with his vertical j.HK to counter you. Use your Kyo dp+HP to take him out of the air whenever you're in range.

The counter to Blanka trying to do super jump MK to cross you up is to use your Kyo close s.MK anti-air.

Colors

Discussion

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