Soulcalibur VI/Hwang/Strategy

Combat Lessons

Fighting Style

This style is known for its strong sword strikes and nimble kicks, as well as its reliance on Taoist magic. By making prudent use of long-reaching blade attacks and fast footwork, you can control the battle from various distances while using magic passed down through the Six Heavenly Arts when the situation warrants it. Lifeforce techniques channel the chi of the Zi Wei Emperor of the North Star, funneling it through mystical talismans that can overwhelm opponents, as well as imbue you with otherworldly power. These techniques comes at a great cost, however, as they drain you of your life; the burden of the just is a heavy one to bear. To vanquish evil in this world, one must be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice...

Style Lesson: Beginner

Dominate at Mid Range

This style has access to a variety of long-reaching horizontal attacks, allowing you to keep the opponent at bay. Flash Flurry (6AA) and Burial Slice (1A) are effective at stopping an opponent's 8-way run even from a distance, and Radiant Slash (33_66_99A) is great for driving off the opponent as well as putting on the pressure. Holding A shifts you to the Yin-Yang Talisman stance, from which A or B will reduce the opponent's guard stamina from mid range. The key to utilizing all of these attacks effectively is to stay just outside of your opponent's attack range. Once you've landed Flash Flurry (6AA), 4 will shift you to the Wuxing Talisman stance, from which B or K will break the opponent's guard.

Flash Flurry

6AA - Attack Level: hwa-8
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,16	-8	2	2	3%
Normal Hit Combo

~ Wuxing Talisman

6AA4 - Attack Level: hwa-9
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,16	-4	6	6	3%
Normal Hit Combo. into WT. LF technique

WT ~ Wood Art: Thunderclap

WT B - Attack Level: hwa-169
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	36	0	18	18	15%

WT ~ Earth Art: Rendering Quake

WT K - Attack Level: hwa-171
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	22	-14	6	6	0%

Burial Slice

1A - Attack Level: hwa-13
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
32	34	-12	4	4	4%
Tech Crouch[6-51]

Radiant Slash

(3)_(6)_(9)A - Attack Level: hwa-118
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	22	-8	2	2	4%
Tech Crouch[8-22]

~ Yin-yang Talisman

(3)_(6)_(9)(A) - Attack Level: hwa-119
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	22	4	13	13	4%
into YYT. LF technique

YYT ~ Light Art: Shattered Mirror

YYT A - Attack Level: hwa-162
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	32	-8	KND	KND	4%

YYT ~ Dark Art: Severed Spirit

YYT B - Attack Level: hwa-163
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	36	0	KND	KND	15%

Use Your Feet at Close Range

What sets this style apart from the others is its numerous and diverse kick-based attacks. Whether it's the quick-to-start-up Power Destroyer (KK), Ripping Fang (3K), Twin Taions (k6), the guard-breaking inner Water Kick (1K), or Crushing Heel (4K), you'll have no shortage of effective close-range options at your disposal.

Power Destroyer

KK - Attack Level: hwa-60
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12	-6	0	0	3%
Normal Hit Combo

Ripping Fang

3K - Attack Level: hwa-68
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	14	-4	4	4	2%

Twin Talons

k6 - Attack Level: hwa-63
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	16,10	-12	2	14	4%
Normal Hit Combo

Inner Water Kick

1K - Attack Level: hwa-70
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	16	-14	-2	-2	1%

Crushing Heel

4K - Attack Level: hwa-73
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	22	-8	KND	KND	9%

Aim for Big Damage with Counter Hits

All three attacks of Parting the Storm (4AAB) will connect if the 1st attack lands as a counter hit, but you'll need to input 4AA and then watch closely for the timing. Pressing B as soon as you confirm a counter hit against the opponent's 8-way run or attack start-up is key. Heavenly Razor (6BAB) works similarly, and if you input 6BA and the 1 st attack doesn't land as a counter hit, you can cancel the 2nd attack with G and instead go for a throw. The hit effect will turn purple if you land a counter hit, making it easier to visually confirm. The combo can be delayed as well, so if you delay the 3rd attack, you can catch your opponent by surprise.

Parting the Storm

4AAB - Attack Level: hwa-16
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	10,8,26	-22	-2	-2	6%
Counter Hit Combo.

Heavenly Razor

6BAB - Attack Level: hwa-35
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	12,16,18	-16	KND	STN	9%
Counter Hit Combo

~ Cancel

6BaG - Attack Level: hwa-36
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	12	-	-	-	2%
cancel

Style Lesson: Adept

Annihilate Opponents with Lifeforce Techniques

The essence of this style is its sword and kick techniques. but its most potent set of tools is its extremely powerful sacrificial moves known as lifeforce techniques. These techniques drain your lifeforce to afford you great strength. Any attacks that make use of talismans or other means consume this lifeforce and allow you to attack opponents at long range when you normally can't, deal chip damage to guarding opponents. or perform other special techniques. Your lifeforce is displayed as a number below your health gauge. It can range anywhere from -9 to 9, and recovers at the beginning of each battle. You can perform lifeforce techniques even when your lifeforce is low. but if you use them with reckless abandon. you'll find yourself with lower health in the next battle.

Main Lifeforce Techniques

You can use the long-reaching Radiant Slash (33_66_99[A]) or Piercing Light (6[A+B])) to approach the opponent, then strike with Dark Art: Severed Spirit (during Yin-Yang Talisman B).

Piercing Light ~ Yin-yang Talisman

+ 6(A)+(B) - Attack Level: hwa-95
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	26	4	16	16	9%
into YYT. LF technique

There are a variety of lifeforce techniques that allow you to attack from a distance as well. Against opponents who excel at long range, input B+K2, to shift to the Flames of Justice stance and input B, or input B+K8 to shift to the Divine Wings stance and use A as you approach. You can punish an opponent who has missed a feint attack with Shadow Snare (236B). Once you're in close and are in the Wuxlng Talisman stance (4B+K), the middle attack Wood Art: Thunderclap (during Wuxing Talisman B) and the low attack Earth Art: Rendering Quake (during Wuxing Talisman K) are effective offensive options. Another option that doesn't rely on the stance is Shadow Break (4KB), a powerful lifeforce technique.

Blazing Edge ~ Flames of Justice

BT B+K2 - Attack Level: hwa-115
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	16,16	-	-	-	9%
into FJ

FJ ~ Heat Of Purity

FJ B - Attack Level: hwa-177
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
24	46	-12	KND	KND	15%
Deals chip damage

Blazing Edge ~ Divine Wings

BT B+K8 - Attack Level: hwa-116
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	16,16	-	-	-	9%
into DW

DW ~ Gust Slice

DW A - Attack Level: hwa-179
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	26	-8	12	12	4%
Tech Jump[0-10]. Tech Crouch[15-RC]

Shadow Snare

236B - Attack Level: hwa-46
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	28	-6	6	6	20%
Tech Jump[10-50]. Tech Crouch[50-RC]. LF technique. Reduces opponents guard stamina on hit by 15%. 2nd Attack comes out only on connectting with opponent

Wuxing Talisman

4B+K - Attack Level: hwa-109
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into WT. LF technique

Shadow Break

4KB - Attack Level: hwa-74
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	22,31	-12	STN	STN	14%
Normal Hit Combo. LF technique. Reduces opponents guard stamina on hit by 15%

Remaining Lifeforce and the Next Battle

Though lifeforce techniques drain your lifeforce, they can be used repeatedly without immediate adverse effects. When used with reckless abandon, however, they will eventually catch up with you—if your remaining lifeforce is at 0 or lower when transitioning to the next battle, you'll start with lower health and, depending on how low your lifeforce is, lower soul gauge. Given that lower lifeforce puts you at greater risk, it's most beneficial to avoid relying on these techniques early in the match. Moving on to the next battle with your lifeforce at 1 or higher will reward you with a boost to your soul gauge. It's up to you to decide whether you want to rely on high-risk, high-reward lifeforce techniques to quickly defeat your opponent, or maintain your lifeforce and play the long game.

Style Lesson: Master

Envelope Yourself in Auras to Bolster Your Offense

Not all lifeforce techniques are attacks; some give you special properties in battle. There are four types of auras, each of which provide different tactical advantages.

1. Resolve State (activate with A+K2, etc.) envelopes you in a green aura and restores your lifeforce when your health is low. Additionally, this aura allows you to perform lethal hits when your health is critically low.
2. Might State (activate with A+K8, etc.) envelopes you in a blue aura and restores your lifeforce when your guard stamina is low. Additionally, this aura allows you to perform defensive lethal hits against your opponent's attacks.
3. Devastation State (activate with A+K6, etc.) envelopes you in a red aura and restores your lifeforce when your opponent is soul charged. Additionally. this aura allows you to perform lethal hits to combat your opponent's powered-up state.
4. Iron Will State (while soul charged. activate with A+K4, etc.) envelopes you in a gold aura and is only available while soul charged. When in this state, any attacks that hit the opponent will be treated as attack counters, allowing you to quickly dominate the battle with powerful combos that start with counter hits. However, unlike with other auras, the effect of Iron Will State only applies to the first attack—once that attack connects, you'll lose the aura, meaning you'll need to choose when you use it carefully.

Divine Invocation ~ Resolve

A+K2 - Attack Level: hwa-112
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into RS

Divine Invocation ~ Might

A+K8 - Attack Level: hwa-113
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into MS

Divine Invocation ~ Devastation

A+K6 - Attack Level: hwa-111
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into DS

SC ~ Divine Invocation ~ Iron Will

SC A+K4 - Attack Level: hwa-235
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into WS. Cancels SC

Get Comfortable with Resolve State First

Once you're used to this style, try playing around with the Resolve State aura. You'll gain lifeforce if the opponent's attacks bring you down to low health, so make sure to use lifeforce techniques to turn the tide in your favor. Mantra of the Spirits (6B+K) is a good move to use, as it has fast start-up and restores your health upon hit. Additionally, lethal hits from Rising Claw (7_8_9 B) are particularly threatening to opponents who go for a low attack. Your aura will carry over into the next battle, so it's best to use Resolve State early on and reap the benefits of health recovery. Once you've mastered this aura, try others to best suit the situation in battle.

Mantra Of Spirits

6B+K - Attack Level: hwa-102
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique

DS 6B+K - Attack Level: hwa-103
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique. Increases soul gauge and reduces opponents soul charge time

RS 6B+K - Attack Level: hwa-104
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique. Restores health

MS 6B+K - Attack Level: hwa-105
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique. Restores guard stamina

WS 6B+K - Attack Level: hwa-106
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique. . Increase LF

6B+K2 - Attack Level: hwa-107
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-	-	-	9%
into FJ

6B+K8 - Attack Level: hwa-108
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-	-	-	9%
into DW

Rising Claw

7B - Attack Level: hwa-54
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	24	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51].

8B - Attack Level: hwa-55
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	26	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51].

9B - Attack Level: hwa-56
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	28	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51].

Critical Edge

Hwang's Purifying Blade

Properties

A long-reaching critical edge with fast start-up. It deals massive damage when incorporated into air combos. Landing this attack against an opponent with low health will not only slightly increase the attack's damage, it will also increase your life force.

Hwang's Purifying Blade

A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-205
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	75	-16	KND	KND	10%

Tips

Try using the attack after launching the opponent into the air with moves like Forced Flame Divide (3B) This move is also an effective follow-up for the 1st and 2nd attacks of Triple Circular Heaven Kick (33_66_99KK) after they land, provided you have enough lifeforce. When comboing it as 33_66_99KKA+B+K, input the move quickly to cancel into it.

Forced Flame Divide

3B - Attack Level: hwa-39
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	26	-14	LNC	LNC	9%
Tech Crouch[8-20]

(3)_(6)_(9)KK - Attack Level: hwa-131
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	12,11	-12	-2	-2	4%
Normal Hit Combo

Soul Charge

Main Soul Charge Attacks

Close-range moves like Oblivion Blade (AAB) and Razor Petals (KKK). as well as Mountain Splitter (1KKKK) are powerful options. Other easy-to-use techniques include Celestial Flash (33_66_99BB), which helps approach the opponent, and Celestial Charge (4BBB), which has long reach. Additionally, you can shift directly to Flames of Justice and Divine Wings with 2B+K or 8B+K, making it easier to attack from a safe distance without draining lifeforce. Celestial Gale (during Divine Wings A) is great for approaching the opponent, as it doesn't leave you open.

Oblivion Blade

SC AAB - Attack Level: hwa-221
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12,23	2	6	6	8%

Razor Petals

SC KKK - Attack Level: hwa-224
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12,14,21	-8	KND	KND	6%
Counter Hit Combo

Mountain Splitter

SC 1KKKK - Attack Level: hwa-225
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	16,5,4,14	-14	0	0	8%
Normal Hit Combo. Tech Jump[10-26]

Celestial Flash

SC (3)_(6)_(9)BB - Attack Level: hwa-227
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	16,28	-4	LNC	LNC	9%
Normal Hit Combo. Tech Crouch[0-16]. Tech Jump[19-41]

Celestial Charge

SC 4BBB - Attack Level: hwa-223
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	15,16,23	-14	STN	STN	14%
Normal Hit Combo

Flames of Justice

SC 2B+K - Attack Level: hwa-231
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into FJ

Divine Wings

SC 8B+K - Attack Level: hwa-233
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into DW

DW ~ Celestial Gate

SC DW A - Attack Level: hwa-234
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	31	0	KND	KND	4%

Use Iron Will State Effectively

The iron Will State aura can only be used while soul charged, but it treats all of the attacks you land as counter hits. Take advantage of this by dealing massive damage with moves like Parting the Storm (4AAB) and Heavenly Razor (6BAB).

Mantra of Divinity

A soul attack in which you take a large step forward and pierce the opponent. Its properties change based on the aura you have active.

Mantra of Divinity

236A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-207
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%

DS 236A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-208
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Increases soul gauge and reduces opponents soul charge time

RS 236A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-209
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Restores health

MS 236A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-210
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Restores guard stamina

WS 236A+B+K - Attack Level: hwa-211
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Increase LF

Reversal Edge

Following Up with A

Knocks the opponent back a great distance. making it effective at wall combos and knocking the opponent out of the ring. [A] will allow you to shift to moves that activate auras, so use this attack to power yourself up early on in the match.

Following Up with B

Though it doesn't have high damage. this follow-up can lead to a guard crush. Shifting to Wuxing Talisman with B4 can also lead into some very strong combos.

Following Up with K

A lifeforce technique that drains lifeforce. It is the most powerful option among the three follow—ups (A, B, and K), and can be used to combo upon hit. Additionally, it will allow you to move first if the opponent guards, but you'll still need to closely monitor your life force.