Loadout Overview
The Default (132):
If you are a beginner just looking for the best loadout to pick up and learn, this is the one. Dire sting ensures you will be able to convert from most hits, and riposte offers you some semblance of a defensive option. Sting is crucial in matchups where Crow relies on his jabs as a defensive tool: punishing jab unsafe moves (e.g. Vlad’s bolshoi bash) or walling out approaches from fast walk speed characters. Being able to convert from your jabs is invaluable to Crow.
The Neutral (112):
Core puncture gives Crow something he is desperate for: a rewarding, low commitment button to hit in mid range. Puncture is the only special 2 that is even remotely useful in neutral. Unfortunately Crow has to sacrifice a lot to pick this loadout. Without sting, Crow has no way to reliably convert his jabs, and you don’t make up the damage with explosiveness like cleaver can. This loadout is for a certain kind of player that can extract the maximum value out of a strong neutral tool, to make up for what they lose.
The Damage (122):
Soul cleaver sacrifices all utility and reliability in favour of damage. If you land a big hit and have bar, cleaver will frequently win you the round off the back of huge damage and dizzy. I think this loadout is best selected in matchups where neutral is a forgone conclusion, and you just want to kill the opponent if you get a chance to hit them.
Do note: This loadout requires the most specific knowledge to play, spend some time learning and practising combo routes on different characters if you are going to try it.
