Location: Metro City (Chapter 2)
Overview:
Zangief is a powerful grappler with slow but devastating attacks. His primary threat comes from his command grabs, which deal immense damage if you get too close.
Strategy:
- Maintain Distance: Zangief thrives at close range. Use your character's pokes and projectiles (if available) to keep him at mid-range.
- Punish Whiffs: His normal attacks are slow and have long recovery. If he whiffs a Heavy Punch or Kick, punish him with a quick combo.
- Avoid Command Grabs: If he gets close, be prepared to jump or backdash to avoid his Spinning Piledriver (360-degree motion + Punch) or Screw Pile Driver (360-degree motion + Kick). These are unblockable.
- Drive Impact Counter: Zangief has armored moves like Siberian Express. Use Drive Impact to break through his armor and get a free hit.
- Anti-Air: If he tries to jump in, use your character's best anti-air to knock him out of the sky.
Weaknesses:
Slow movement speed, large hitbox, vulnerable to zoning and long-range pokes.
Rewards:
- Zenny
- XP
- Zangief's Style XP