Special Moves & EX Specials

Master the iconic Special Moves and devastating EX Specials that define Street Fighter 6 combat. This section breaks down how to execute these powerful techniques, understand their properties, and utilize their enhanced EX versions for increased damage and strategic advantage.

Special Moves are the sature techniques that give each Street Fighter character their unique identity and offensive capabilities. EX Specials are even more potent versions, consuming Drive Gauge resources to deliver amplified effects. Mastering both is fundamental to effective play.

Executing Special Moves

Special Moves are typically performed by inputting a directional command followed by a button press. The complexity of the input often correlates with the move's power and utility.

Quarter-Circle Inputs: (e.g., Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Punch) - Common for projectiles like Hadoken.
Dragon Punch Inputs: (e.g., Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Punch) - Used for uppercut-style anti-airs like Shoryuken.
Half-Circle Inputs: (e.g., Back, Down-Back, Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Punch) - Less common but used for specific moves.
Charge Inputs: (e.g., Hold Back for 2 seconds, then Forward + Punch) - Used for moves like Guile's Sonic Boom.

Understanding Special Move Properties

Each Special Move has unique properties:

Damage: The amount of health a move inflicts.
Startup Frames: How quickly the move becomes active.
Active Frames: The duration the move can hit.
Recovery Frames: The time it takes for the character to recover after the move.
On Block: Whether the move is safe, punishable, or advantageous when blocked by the opponent.
On Hit: Whether the move causes a stagger, knockback, or allows for a combo.
Projectile Invincibility: Whether the move can pass through or negate enemy projectiles.
Armor: Whether the move can absorb a certain number of hits before being interrupted.

EX Specials: Amplifying Your Power

EX Specials are enhanced versions of regular Special Moves. To perform an EX Special, you typically input the same command but press two attack buttons simultaneously (e.g., two Punch buttons or two Kick buttons).

Drive Gauge Cost: Using an EX Special consumes a portion of your Drive Gauge.
Enhanced Properties: EX Specials generally offer one or more of the following improvements:
- Increased damage.
- Faster startup or recovery.
- New properties, such as projectile invincibility, armor, or increased hitstun, allowing for combo extensions.
- Unique effects, like larger hitboxes or altered trajectories.

Strategic Use of EX Specials

Combo Extensions: EX Specials are often crucial for extending combos, allowing you to deal more damage from a single opening.
Punishing: A well-timed EX Special can be the perfect punish for an opponent's mistake, especially if it has faster startup or greater range.
Pressure and Mix-ups: Certain EX Specials can be used to apply pressure or create mix-up opportunities that regular specials cannot.
Defensive Options: Some EX Specials offer invincibility or armor, making them valuable tools for escaping pressure or winning trades.

Mastering the nuances of Special Moves and strategically employing EX Specials is vital for unlocking your character's full potential and achieving victory in Street Fighter 6.