SSX 3
SSX 3

Character Specific Strategies

Master SSX 3 characters like Elise Riggs by leveraging their unique stats and special abilities for competitive event success and gold medals.

·Multi-source verified (39/39)

Character Specific Strategies

While every rider in SSX 3 can conquer the mountain, mastering their unique strengths and weaknesses can give you the edge in competitive events and help you unlock those elusive gold medals. This section dives deep into specific strategies for some of the most popular characters, focusing on how to leverage their stats and special abilities.

Elise Riggs: The Speed Demon

Elise excels in speed and racing events, making her a top choice for players who prioritize raw velocity. Her high speed stat allows her to pull ahead quickly, but her lower trick stat means you'll need to be more deliberate with your airtime.

  • Optimal Gear: Focus on boards and bindings that further enhance speed and stability. The Velocity X-Board and Mach 7 Bindings are excellent choices, found in the Peak 1 Shop after completing the first set of events.
  • Race Strategy:
    • Early Lead: Utilize Elise's speed from the start. On courses like Happiness or Metro-City, aim to hit every boost pad and take the most direct lines.
    • Cornering: Despite her speed, Elise can be a bit less agile. Master the art of the "pre-wind" turn – initiating your turn slightly before the actual corner – to maintain momentum.
    • Boost Management: While tempting to constantly boost, save your full boost meter for long straightaways or to pull away from opponents in the final stretch.
  • Freestyle Considerations: If you must use Elise for freestyle, prioritize simpler, high-scoring grabs like the Method or Indy, chaining them with quick spins. Focus on landing perfectly to maintain your multiplier.

Mac Fraser: The Air King

Mac is a freestyle powerhouse, boasting incredible air and trick stats. If you love big air and chaining together complex combos, Mac is your guy. However, his speed can be a slight disadvantage in pure race events.

  • Optimal Gear: Equip boards and boots that maximize trick potential and air control. The Aero-Trick Board and Gravity Boots, available from the Peak 2 Shop after earning enough cash, are ideal for maximizing his aerial prowess.
  • Freestyle Strategy:
    • Big Air Opportunities: Seek out every major jump and natural ramp on courses like Peak 3's Launch Pad or Untracked. Mac can easily clear massive gaps and pull off multiple Uber tricks.
    • Uber Trick Chaining: Mac's high trick stat makes it easier to land Uber tricks. Practice chaining The Worm into a Super Stomp for massive points. Remember to tweak your grabs for extra style points.
    • Rail Grinding: Mac is also proficient on rails. Incorporate long grinds into your combos, transitioning from a jump into a grind, then into another jump. The Grind Master Bindings (found in the Peak 1 Shop) can further enhance his rail stability.
  • Race Considerations: When racing with Mac, focus on using his trick ability to build boost quickly. Hit small jumps for quick grabs and spins to fill your meter, then use that boost to compensate for his lower base speed.

Kaori Nishidake: The Balanced Performer

Kaori offers a fantastic balance of speed, trick, and stability, making her a versatile choice for any event type. She might not excel in one specific area as much as Elise or Mac, but her all-around competence makes her a reliable pick.

  • Optimal Gear: Kaori benefits from gear that slightly boosts her weaker stats or enhances her overall balance. The All-Mountain Board and Adaptive Bindings (available early on in the Peak 1 Shop) are great for her, providing a solid boost across the board.
  • Race Strategy:
    • Consistent Performance: Kaori is excellent at maintaining a steady pace. Focus on clean lines, hitting most boost pads, and avoiding major collisions.
    • Opportunistic Tricks: Use her decent trick stat to build boost on smaller jumps without sacrificing too much speed. A quick Nose Grab or Tail Grab on a small kicker can keep your boost meter topped off.
  • Freestyle Strategy:
    • Mid-Tier Combos: Kaori can comfortably pull off 2-3 Uber tricks in a single jump. Focus on reliable combos like a Rocket Air followed by a Stalefish.
    • Precision Landings: Her stability makes perfect landings easier, which is crucial for maintaining your combo multiplier.
    • Rail and Pipe: Kaori is very capable in the half-pipe and on rails. Practice linking tricks in the pipe with rail grinds for extended combos.

Psymon Stark: The Aggressive Powerhouse

Psymon is a character built for aggression and raw power. He has high stability and a decent trick stat, but his speed can be a bit sluggish. He excels at knocking opponents out of the way and performing powerful, impactful tricks.

  • Optimal Gear: Look for boards and bindings that enhance his already impressive stability and give a slight bump to speed. The Bulldozer Board and Impact Bindings (found in the Peak 2 Shop) are perfect for his playstyle.
  • Race Strategy:
    • Body Checking: Psymon's high stability makes him excellent at body checking opponents. Don't be afraid to ram into other riders to clear your path, especially on narrow sections of tracks like Conduit.
    • Short Boost Bursts: Due to his lower top speed, use boost in short, controlled bursts to navigate tricky sections or pull ahead after a body check.
    • Power Slides: Psymon's stability makes power slides more forgiving. Use them to maintain control around tight corners without losing too much speed.
  • Freestyle Strategy:
    • Impact Tricks: Psymon's tricks often have a powerful, exaggerated feel. Focus on tricks that involve a lot of rotation and powerful grabs. The Super Stomp is particularly fitting for his style.
    • Landing Advantage: His high stability means you can be slightly less precise with landings and still recover, making him forgiving for players learning more complex trick lines.