SF6: Read This Before You Buy Street Fighter 6!

Street Fighter 6 launches on June 2nd, and the Open Beta has already provided deep insights into the new Character Creation, the Battle Hub, and the World Tour mode. While you can look forward to SF legends like Chun-Li, Ken, and Juri, you’ll learn the essentials about SF6 with its powerful game modes in this article.

Many fans were somewhat disappointed with Street Fighter 5. The game came unfinished on the market, a story mode was completely missing initially, and the ‘fight money’ gambling caused high frustration among the players, ultimately reflected in the sales figures.

Street Fighter 6 characters

With Street Fighter 6, Capcom wants to do a much better job of picking up its fanbase by combining the acclaimed content of previous titles with contemporary features. First, let’s talk about the roster. In the Open Beta, eight characters were available: Ryu, Chun-Li, Luke, Jamie, Guile, Juri, Kimberly, and Ken. The full release will come with a Street Fighter 6 roster of 18 characters, including well-known fighters from predecessors.

Chun-Li was the first female fighter in the SF series and is known as the ‘Martial Arts Master.’ The Chinese fighter is an experienced Interpol officer who relentlessly seeks revenge after M. Bison has killed her father. If you are interested in this character, watch this official Chun-Li guide video below.

Ken already entered the series with the first installment and is known as ‘Framed Champion.’ The former US National Fighting Awardee and ex-VP of the Master’s Foundation always strives to become stronger but practices humility to protect his family life. This Ken character guide will give you a decent impression.

Juri first appeared in Super Street Fighter IV and is known as the ‘Sadistic Thrill-Seeker.’ She is a brutal South Korean taekwondo fighter who greatly enjoys eliminating her opponents. Maybe a bit too much. Do you want to learn how to play Juri best? This will help:

The Character Creator in SF6

Apart from the many fixed characters, part six now offers a character creation mode, which you need for ‘World Tour.’ Here you can run wild with many different parameters changing height & proportions, skin color, muscle definition, and much more. These individual settings allow for fabulous or weird character creations. It’s up to you.

The Battle Hub might be the ultimate online fighting platform

Once you’re done creating your fighter, discover the new prominent feature in SF6: the Battle Hub. This interactive online feature allows you to hang out, communicate with other players, or fight against them. Depending on which Battle Cabinet you choose, you can have exciting duels or even go wild in ‘Extreme Battles’ with extraordinary settings and rules. The Battle Hub also has a Game Center where you can play classic Capcom arcade titles on corresponding desks. But the games are only available at certain times.

If you want to add that extra touch to your character after creation, go and check out the Hub Goods Shop. There is a lot to do in the Battle Hub. Besides the many fights, you can also take a break and relax while presenting your favorite emotes or even party in front of a DJ.

The World Tour mode in Street Fighter 6

Solos also got covered with a new mode called ‘World Tour’ in SF6. This is a new RPG-style environment with an open world, where you can explore the many areas of Metro City and the other regions worldwide with your fighters and level up your pace.

As you proceed, you learn different moves, have side quests to complete, and even participate in mini-games, such as making pizza. On your way, you’ll fight against other characters, gang members, or even random angry people on the street.

Choose between Modern or Classic Controls

For all the fights, you need the proper movement sets. Whether you are a newcomer or a Street Fighter veteran: both sides are covered. The game offers you two ‘Control Options’ in battle, ‘Modern’ and ‘Classic Controls.’

With Modern Controls, you can access special attacks via simple button combinations. It is perfect for beginners to get into the movements quickly without learning the old classic rules in training mode. You can concentrate on fighting without worrying about executing every input flawlessly.

If you’re familiar with the Street Fighter controls, go for the Classic Controls. Here you get the good old SF layout with six buttons. Three strengths for punches and kicks each. Classic controls require the most practice, but in the end, they also unleash the full potential in fights. For example, you can shoot Ryu’s ki blasts at four speeds instead of just two in Modern Controls.

Then, there are the so-called ‘Dynamic Controls.’ This function allows for AI-driven fighting. While you keep pressing buttons, the game will take care of everything else. Also, this type of control is not available online. Ultimately, we recommend going straight to Classic or Modern to learn the game’s mechanics. When you want to go deeper into the matter, we recommend you watch this video:

The Drive system will boost your combat maneuvers

Capcom has also enriched fighting moves with a new core feature: the Drive system. This newly developed combat mechanic includes a green drive bar that recharges over time, inviting you as a player to use various moves repeatedly, such as ‘Drive Impact’ or ‘Drive Rush,’ in addition to the Super Art gauge.

Fighting Ground game mode and SF6 demo

Of course, the old classic game modes from Street Fighter V, like the popular Arcade Mode, are also included in the sixth installment. They are all found in the new ‘Fighting Ground’ section of SF6.

Unfortunately, the Open Beta is no longer playable. But there is still a way to test the game before release and get familiar with it. But you can try the demo! Here you can play the first part of the story in World Tour with your custom character, get to know the ‘Fighting Ground,’ and play Luke and Ryu. The two stages, ‘Genbu Temple’ and ‘Training Room,’ are available. But be aware; your progression will not be saved in the demo.

Street Fighter VI will release on June 2nd, 2023, for PS4/PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You can pre-purchase for PC via Steam, or get it via Kinguin (affiliate link) for a discount.

Pre-enter the arena in other great titles

Check out the Best Fighting Games for PC for a quick overview of the hottest titles. You will also find thrilling action and merciless duels in our ranking of Best Roguelike Games or Best Metroidvania Games. In addition, the world is eagerly looking at SF6’s competitor, Tekken 8.

Which mode are you most looking forward to in SF6? How do you like the new character creator? Let us know in the comments below.

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