Loadout Overview
s3.1 vs s3.2
s3.1 was originally Vlad's only special 3. It gives Vlad an easy low confirm, a meterless knockdown or a route to super. The move is unsafe, but has enough pushback to make it difficult for a lot of characters without great jabs to punish it.
The issue with s3.1 is that it's kind of pointless, it is possible (albeit harder) to convert your lows without clobbering rush. And its far less useful in neutral than the other option.
s3.1 is an easy to use special that is strictly worse than s3.2
s3.2 is a projectile invulnerable, wallbounce, powerhit. It's also safer than clobbering rush, only Dauntless and Crow can frequently punish it.
With that being said s3.2 is a contender for the best special in the game, improving your damage oki and neutral. There is no reason to not take this move.
s1.1 vs s1.2
The choice between Vlad special dramatically alters the playstyle of the character. There is no bad choice, and it isn't particularly matchup dependent. Play the one you like the style of.
s1.1 is Vlad's more traditional fireball. The speed cannot be controlled with direction, but there is an air version that travels much faster and with a downwards trajectory.
Having a projectile on screen helps Vlad with his approaches, characters attempting to meet you in the air with a pre-emptive jump can be sniped with an air fireball.
The move isn't just strong in neutral, it also gives Vlad access to very high damage out put thanks to sput loops.
s1.2 enables a differenty playstyle, centered around vortex: looping knockdowns and killing off one hit. The mixup Vlad has after TC s1.2 is the scariest mixup in the game.
Unblockable on slow rise, unreactable left/right/high/low/throw on quick rise, and if he hits you, he does it again.
The downside being: you have to work harder to get in without a fireball. Calling s1.2 in neutral is not very useful, it takes a long time to come out, and doesn't occupy the screen for long.
If you like winning off one touch from round start, this might be your move.
