Super Street Fighter IV

Super Street Fighter IV is the sequel to the fourth series of a game in Capcom's main Street Fighter series. It introduces 10 brand new characters to the universe, as well as a new "2.5D" gameplay style, where characters and environments are rendered in full 3D, but gameplay is performed as if in a 2D game.

Most of this page is just copied over from vanilla SFIV, so feel free to update everything.

Characters

• Abel
• Adon
• Akuma
• Balrog
• Blanka
• Cammy
• Chun-Li
• Cody
• C. Viper
• Dan
• Deejay
• Dhalsim
• Dudley
• E.Honda
• El Fuerte
• Fei Long
• Gen
• Gouken
• Guile
• Guy
• Hakan
• Ibuki
• Juri
• Ken
• Makoto
• M. Bison
• Rose
• Rufus
• Ryu
• Sagat
• Sakura
• Seth
• T.hawk
• Vega
• Zangief

Terminology

• EX - EX special move
• FADC - Focus Attack, Dash Cancel

Mechanics

Dashing

Dashing is performed by tapping the stick forward twice or backward twice. Backward dash has limited invincibility frames, even if backdashing in the corner. Forward dash speed, backward dash speed, and the invincibility/airborne frames for backdashing vary by character:

Character	Toward Dash	Distance	Backdash	Distance	Invincible	Grounded	Airborne
Abel	16	1.4	25	0.8	1~8	19~25	9~18
Akuma	18	1.0	25	0.9	1~8	9,19~25	10~18
Blanka	21	1.5	26	1.2	1~8	20~26	9~19
Boxer	18	1.3	24	1.2	1~8	18~24	9~17
Cammy	18	1.4	22	0.9	1~6	18~22	7~17
Chun	15	1.1	22	1.3	1~8	19~22	9~18
Claw	20	1.3	22	1.2	1~8	9,20~22	10~19
Dan	21	1.5	26	1.3	1~8	9~26
Dhalsim	32	1.8	29	1.5	1~8	9,19~29	10~18
Dictator	17	1.2	25	1.0	1~8	18~24	9~17
Fei	17	1.1	26	0.7	1~8	9,22~26	10~21
Fuerte	16	1.1	19	0.8	1~7	13~19	8~12
Gen	19	1.5	27	1.4	1~8	9,24~27	10~23
Gouken	16	1.1	25	0.8	1~8	9,16~25	10~15
Guile	19	1.3	26	1.0	1~8	20~26	9~19
Honda	19	0.8	27	0.9	1~8	9,19~27	10~18
Ken	18	1.1	27	0.8	1~8	9~27
Rose	21	1.7	22	1.2	1~8	19~22	9~18
Rufus	20	1.2	27	1.0	1~8	9,26~27	10~25
Ryu	18	1.1	27	0.8	1~8	9,19~27	10~18
Sagat	18	1.1	29	1.0	1~8	24~29	9~23
Sakura	18	1.0	26	1.0	1~8	9,19~26	10~18
Seth	18	1.3	25	1.3	1~8	9,16~25	10~15
Viper	19	1.3	27	1.2	1~8	18~27	9~17
Zangief	26	0.9	26	0.8	1~8	17~26	9~16

Because Level 1 Focus Attacks have the same stun regardless of hit, guard, or character, dash duration also determines how much disadvantage you have after Dash Canceling a Focus Attack.

When dashing out of focus (forward or back), one frame is subtracted from the startup of the dash.

For instance, with Chun-Li:

• normal forward dash: 15 frames
• block (and hit) stun on lvl 1 FA: 15 frames
• forward dash out of a focus attack: 14 frames

15 - 14 = +1

Therefore, Chun is at +1 frame advantage after dash-cancelling a blocked level 1 focus. For the same reason Abel and Fuerte neutral, Dictator -1, everyone else increasing disadvantage (which can all be simply calculated using the numbers in the table above).

Taking the same Chun Li example with lvl 2 Focus:

• normal forward dash: 15 frames
• block stun on lvl 2 FA: 21 frames
• forward dash out of a focus attack: 14 frames

21 - 14 = +7

Therefore, Chun is at +7 frame advantage after dash-cancelling a blocked level 2 focus. Abel and Fuerte +6, Dictator +5, etc.

Note that you cannot dash-cancel out of the first four frames of a focus attack, so when calculating in regard to a FADC off a normal or special move, you must subtract these frames from the advantage.

For example, off Ryu's Shoryuken:

• normal forward dash: 18 frames
• shoryuken blockstun: 20 frames
• forward dash out of a focus attack: 17 frames
• uncancellable duration: 4 frames

20 - 17 - 4 = -1

So Ryu is at a 1 frame disadvantage after a Shoryuken FADC.

Here is the block advantage/disadvantage for all characters level1/level2 Focus Attacks if they dash in after it. This is from the japanese strategy guide.

Character	Level 1	Level 2
Abel	+0	+6
Akuma	-2	+4
Balrog	-2	+4
Blanka	-5	+1
Cammy	-2	+4
Chun	+1	+7
C.Viper	-3	+3
Dan	-3	+3
Dhalsim	-16	-10
Feilong	-1	+5
Fuerte	+0	+6
Gen	-3	+3
Gouken	+0	+6
Guile	-3	+3
Honda	-3	+3
Ken	-2	+4
M.Bison	-1	+5
Rose	-5	+1
Rufus	-4	+2
Ryu	-2	+4
Sagat	-2	+4
Sakura	-2	+4
Seth	-2	+4
Vega	-4	+2
Zangief	-10	-4

Reversals

Reversals are special moves done with "reversal" timing, meaning they are performed on the first frame possible after leaving a non-neutral state.

Reversals are marked in Street Fighter 4 with "Reversal" message that pops up on the performing character's side of the screen.

Most physically hitting, non-fireball special attacks gain Armor-Break effect (e.g. Reversal Tiger Uppercut, Shoryuken, Buffalo Headbutt).

Quick Recovery

Press down on the stick, or any two buttons, in order to get up faster when knocked down.

Quick Recovery is not possible after being downed by a throw, sweep, super, or ultra. Other exceptions possible.

Vitality/Stun

Note - All data taken from Console release (Training mode)

Character	Vitality	Stun
Abel	1100	1050
Akuma	850	850
Blanka	1050	950
Boxer	1100	1000
Cammy	950	950
Chun	900	1050
Claw	1000	900
Dan	1000	1000
Dhalsim	900	900
Dictator	1000	950
Fei	1000	1050
Fuerte	900	1000
Gen	900	900
Gouken	1000	1000
Guile	1000	900
Honda	1100	1100
Ken	1000	1000
Rose	950	1000
Rufus	1150	950
Ryu	1000	1000
Sagat	1100	1100
Sakura	950	1000
Seth	750	750
Viper	900	950
Zangief	1200	1200

Jump Frame Data

This is from the japanese strategy guide

Character	Total	Startup	Airborne
Abel	40	4	36
Akuma	40	4	36
Balrog	40	4	36
Blanka	38	4	34
Cammy	40	4	36
Chun	45	4	41
C.Viper	40	4	36
C.Viper	48/55	4	44/51
Dan	40	4	36
Dhalsim	59	3	56
Feilong	40	4	36
Fuerte	43	4	39
Gen(mantis)	36	4	32
Gen(crane)	37	4	33
Gouken	40	4	36
Guile	40	4	36
Honda	41	4	37
Ken	40	4	36
M.Bison	44	4	40
Rose	43	4	39
Rufus	43	4	39
Ryu	40	4	36
Sagat	40	4	36
Sakura	40	4	36
Seth	40	4	36
Vega	39	4	35
Zangief	43	6	37

Counter Hit

When a move hits another character's move during its startup animation that counts as a counter hit and the "counter hit" notification will be displayed on the screen. Counter hits also give you more frame advantage and damage, but this only applies to one hit (not move) - so multi-hitting moves will show a slight damage increase, but give no frame advantage unless only one of its hits connects.

Lights normal attacks give +1 extra frame advantage
Medium and Heavy normal attacks give +3 extra frame advantage
Special attacks give +3 extra frame advantage

All counter hit attacks do an extra 25% damage.

Throws

Throws are performed by tilting the stick forward or neutral or backward, then pressing LP + LK. Normal throws hit on the third and fourth frame, making them some of the fastest normal moves in the game. Throws will connect against a guarding opponent, or during the startup of an opponent's attack. Throws will not connect against an airborne or knocked down opponent, against an opponent who is still in guard or hit stun following an attack or if they hit at the same time as an opponent's attack. Some characters have command throws that involve different joystick motions and have different properties.

Normal throws can be escaped by pressing LP + LK within 10 frames of the opponent starting to throw (within 7 frames of the throw hitting). Command throws cannot be escaped, but jumping can avoid them, as can properly timed or invincible attacks. Joystick motions during a throw escape don't matter, so you can for instance hold down/back on the stick and press LP + LK. This will result in an escape if the opponent tried to throw, and a crouching attack if they did something else.

Normal Attacks

"Normal" attacks are specifically those moves that aren't "special moves".

Normal attacks cost no gauge to perform.

Normal attacks are generally just a button, or a single direction in combination with a button.

Grounded Normal Attacks

Any normal attack performed on the ground.

E.g. Light Punch(Jab), Hard Punch (Fierce)

Most characters have one or more unique normal attacks performed by a direction + a button. Often an overhead, examples are El Fuerte F+MK and Sagat F+HP

Jumping Normal Attacks

Any normal attack performed in the air.

All characters have some jumping attacks that can only be performed jumping directionally, and others that can only be performed jumping straight up (neutral jump).

Linked Attacks

Link attacks, are attacks that combo in succession without any form of cancelling. Link combos are possible when frame advantage from a leading move matches or exceeds that of the move to be linked.

A common example of a link combo is Ryu c.LP, c.HP. Ryu must wait for his c.LP to finish completely before activating c.HP. C.HP must also be performed quickly enough after c.LP finishes such that c.HP makes contact with Ryu's opponent before the frame advantage Ryu receives from his c.LP's high hitstun wears off.

Linked attacks, unlike rapid-fire chained attacks, can be special or super cancelled as normal.

Rapid Fire Attacks/Chains

Rapid Fire Attacks are attacks cancel repeatedly into each other. rapid fire Chains are possible from multiple rapid fire attacks. For example, c.LP xx c.LP xx c.LP is a common 3 hit rapid fire chain combo with Ryu, as well as any cahracter whose c.LP is a rapid fire attack.

It is important to note, that rapid fire chained attacks in Street Fighter 4 LOSE the ability be special or super cancelled. Hence, with Balrog, c.LP xx c.LP xx Headbutt is impossible, as the 2nd c.LP was rapid fire cancelled and therefore not special cancellable. However, c.LP, c.LP xx Headbutt, works everytime if Balrog WAITS for the initial c.LP to finish rather than cancelling it.

In SF4 (and all other games to this point?), all rapid-fire attacks are LP and LK grounded normal attacks.

Chain Combo/Target Combo

A Target or Chain combo, is a non-rapid-fire series of normal* attacks that specifically cancel from one to the next.

In a chain combo, an attack is performed by cancelling from a prior attack into a subsequent attack that would otherwise be impossible until the first attack had been performed to completion.

A common example of a target is Ken's close MP xx FP.

Chain combos do not necessarily have to "combo" on the combo meter. An example is El Fuerte's MK->MK target combo.

Target and Chain combo are interchangeable terms.

• In general terms, a target combo does not include a special move. It is not impossible, but no such target combo exists in SF4 as of this writing. A special note is Chun Li's finisher to her MK->MK->d,u+MK combo. That one is hard to classify because d,u+MK is unperformable outside of this chain sequence. It is however, considered a normal chain.

Special Moves

EX Specials

Completing a Special motion by pressing two punch or kick buttons instead of one changes the properties of the move. This uses up one stock (25%) of your super meter.

All special moves that do not require a 3 button input, have an ex version.

EX Focus, and EX Tanden Drive are the only EX moves in the game that require two EX stocks.

Buffer

In reversal situations, after a dash or jumping attack, and after certain moves if they connect (e.g. Ryu's F+HP) there is a short window during which special moves can be buffered. The length of this window is specific to each animation, but is usually 4-5 frames.

Lenient input

When pressing two different buttons on consecutive frames, the first button is regarded as being hit once per frame. This mechanic is intended to make it easier to perform simultaneous button presses. As an example, LP,LK on consecutive frames is treated as LP,LP+LK, causing the initial jab to be immediately 'kara-cancelled' into a throw.

In addition to the above, many special commands do not require precise directional inputs. The below list includes the various motions in the game with the lenient parts enclosed within brackets. Anything alongside a lenient direction will be accepted in its place, for example (F) means that any of F, UF or DF will work.

• QCF - D,DF,F
• QCB - D,DB,B
• DP - (F,D,F)
• DPB (B,D,B) -- Note: pressing forwards after the input cancels it.
• HCB - (F,D),B -- Except for Fei Long's Tenshin, which is F,(D),B
• HCUF - DB,(D,F),UF
• 360 - F,D,B,(U) -- Or any rotational variant, with Up always being lenient. e.g. (U),B,D,F.
• 720 - F,D,B,(U),F,D,B -- As above.
• QCFx2 - D,(F),D,F
• QCBx2 - D,(B),D,B

Charge moves:

• Horizontal - (B...) F
• Horizontal Low - (B...) DF
• Vertical - (D...) U
• Horizontal Super - (B... F,B),F -- Except Balrog, which is (B... F,B,F)
• Vertical Super - DB... (F),DB,(U)

Practical Examples

• Shoryuken can be inputted as DF,D,DF, allowing it to be performed while crouching. F,DF,F also works. Similarly, QCFx2 can be performed with D,DF,D,F.
• Half circle back motions (except Fei Long's Tenshin) can be started with down-forward.
• 360 can be inputted as F,D,B,UB or B,D,F,UF, making it easier to perform without jumping.

Focus Attack/Saving Attack(JP)

Focus Attack,(FA), saving attack in Japan, is a ground-based normal attack with special properties that is new to Street Fighter IV. Charging a Focus Attack grants "Hyper Armor" which allows a hit to be absorbed and countered with no penalties. It can also be "Dash Cancelled", cancelled into a Forward or Backward Dash, to extend combos or escape to safety. Most importantly, successful Focus Attacks can leave the opponent in a "crumple" state, granting the opportunity for a free combo follow-up!

A Focus Attack can be charged to 3 different levels, explained in detail below.

While charging a Focus Attack, it can be dash cancelled at nearly any point before a Full charged (Level 3) FA is released, or upon contact. A dash cancel, as the name implies cancels the Focus Attack itself, or the subsequent recovery after execution, respectively.

Hyper Armor is activated immediately upon pressing MP+MK, and lasts until those buttons are released (exception - Level 3 Focus see below) grants a character the ability to absorb one hit without placing him into any stun reel.

Dashing or releasing a level 1 or level 2 Focus Attack immediately forfeits Hyper Armor.

Note Focus Attack is known as Saving Attack (SA) in certain regions. The terms Focus Attack (FA)/ Saving Attack (SA), FADC/SADC, etc, are interchangeable. Also note because of this, SA does NOT refer to Super Art in the context of Street Fighter 4.

Basic Operation

A Focus Attack can be performed at one of three levels. Higher level focus attacks are more damaging, and give better advantage on hit/block(if blockable).

Press MP + MK from a neutral state to perform a Level 1 Focus Attack.

Hold MP + MK for a brief duration ( ~ half a second) and release the buttons unleash level 2 Focus.

Hold MP + MK for a long duration (~ 1 second ) to perform a Level 3 Focus Attack. Note no button release - it releases automatically.

While charging a Focus, tap FF or BB to dash forward or backward respectively, canceling the Focus Attack altogether.

Level 1

Level 1 Focus Attack is unleashed after charging a Focus Attack for 1-17 Frames, and releasing.

Level 1 Focus Attack crumples ONLY on counter hit, and is blockable.

Hyper Armor lasts only until buttons are released.

Since Level 1 Focus crumples only on counter-hit, and there is only one hit of armor abosorption available, attempts at level 1 Focus through low-recovery attacks often results in no crumple or a quick 2nd hit after armor has been destroyed.

Level 2

Charging a Focus 18-50 frames, and releasing the buttons performs a level 3 Focus Attack.

Visual cues of achieving a level 2 charge are a brief white flash effect on the character, and a circular "shockwave" effect on ground around his/her feet.

Level 2 Focus Attack crumples on any succesful hit, and is blockable.

Level 3

Charging a Focus Attack for 51 frames without dash-cancelling, releasing, or armor deterioration will result in the automatic performance of a Level 3 Focus Attack.

A level 3 Focus Attack can be confirmed by an "ink splatter" effect appearing on-screen.

A Level 3 Focus always crumples the opponent, and is unblockable.

Note, a Level 3 Focus is the only Focus Attack that retains Hyper Armor after the start-up of the Focus Attack.

More specifically, this means the only Focus Attack that actually has armor during the execution of the Attack portion of the move is level 3. Hence, it is only possible to to absorb a move AFTER the Focus ATTACK portion is a level 3.

Crumpled state

An opponent is placed into a special "crumpled" state after a successful Counter Hit Level 1 Focus Only, or after any Level 2 or Level 3 Focus that hits clean. Similar to a very short-term dizzy, in this state, the opponent is helplessly dazed as he falls to ground.

There are two distinct stages of vulnerability before the crumpled opponent is fully downed. A short initial stage, which leaves the opponent open to virtually any full combo follow-up, and a longer secondary stage in which case generally only a single follow-up is possible.

During the first stage, the crumpled opponent takes hits as if standing. Most, if not all normal ground combos can be performed with no alteration. Normal throws, special throws and throw-type attacks (Spinning Pile Driver, Raging Demon) also work.

It is ONLY possible to follow-up in first stage after a Dash Canceled Focus Attack induces crumple.

The second stage of the crumple lasts from when the crumpled party is almost to his knees until full knocked down. Only one attack is possible once the opponent reaches this state. After one attack, the opponent is either downed or flies a short range backwards in a mini-airborne state where no guaranteed follow-ups are possible. While a single, multiple-hit special move will generally connect for all hits, e.g. Ken's Fierce Shoryuken, multiple hit normal attacks generally whiff in this state, e.g. Seth's c.HP. Exceptions are likely in this regard however.

Thus, it is recommended to dash after seeing a Focus Attack connect successfully. Your window of opportunity to combo shrinks dramatically if you do not dash forward... not only because of timing but because of distance.

Because of low damage scaling, or lack of other combo options, an Ultra combo (when available) is many cases a suitable follow-up for a successful crumple because it is a simple, highly confirmable method for guaranteed damage. However it's important to weigh options in these situations - in many cases a full charged super will do more damage than a low-damage (Low Revenge Meter) Ultra, or perhaps even a simple EX combo may be more worthwhile.

EX Focus / Focus Cancel

At the cost of 50% super meter, an EX Focus can be performed in the middle of any special/super cancelable normal/special attack. Because of necessary cancel into an EX Focus, EX Focus is commonly referred to as "Focus Cancelling".

EX Focus can be confirmed by a the quick yellow flash (identical to other EX Special Attacks), and the cost of 2 EX stocks.

EX Focus is performed identically to a regular focus, MP+MK, at the point of contact of the move to be canceled.

EX Focus can be charged identically as any normal Focus.

EX Focus can be performed after any(?) special/super cancellable move, upon hit or block.

EX Focus can be dash cancelled just as a Normal Focus with NO EXTRA METER COST.

Hyper Armor

Some EX Special Attacks grant "Hyper Armor" to a character. Hyper Armor can absorb one non "armor-breaking" hit. For example during Zangief's EX Running Bear Grab, Zangief will absorb a Fierce Punch, totally bypass hitstun, and continue to grab Sagat if in range. Not all EX Specials grant Hyper Armor.

While charging a Focus Attack, a character gains "Focus Armor".

With the exception of El Fuerte's H. Dashes, Hyper Armor absorbs one single non-Armor Breaking hit.

El Fuerte's Habanero Dash has Hyper Armor that sustains 2 non-Armor Breaking hits.

Hyper Armor is full-body, meaning it absorbs 1 single hit of any non Armor-breaking High/Low/Mid attacks, no exceptions. It can be thrown however, at any point.

After any single hit,Hyper Armor is destroyed, so the formerly Armored individual is open to follow-up attacks. As such, multiple rapid attacks effective against Armor.

Similarly since Hyper Armor absorbs only one hit, it is not useful during multi-hitting special attacks. For example, Ken performed his 3-hit Fierce Shoryuken as Ryu charged Focus, Ryu would absorb the first hit, but quickly take the next two hits and eat extra damage in the process.

Since Hyper Armor offers no protection against throws, it is vulnerable to all special, super, and ultra considered "grabs" (E.G., Zangief super/ultra, El Fuerte ultra).

Damage received through Armor absorption can be considered "real" damage with the caveat that it regenerates over time. However, getting or thrown while damage regenerates forfeits all energy that has yet to be remained, while also taking full damage for the hit. Note taking chip damage does not forfeit energy regeneration, but chip damage is detracted energy that is to be regained.

The damage recovers naturally over time after a brief start-up period, however, the whole process halts while a character is in block stun.

Since damage incurred through armor absorption considered actual damage, it also builds Revenge Meter. Therefore, absorbing hits then recovering damage is a viable secondary measure to building an Ultra attack. For instance, utilizing Focus Armor to absorb a projectile and backdash to safety is a common tactic to build Revenge meter.

Any attack landed a formerly Armored individual who has not yet entered neutral state (verify), will land as a Counter Hit.

It's unknown as to how exactly stun accumulates/regains with Hyper Armor.

Armor Break

Certain special attacks in the game have an natural "Armor-Breaking" property. Armor-Breaking attacks bypass absorption effect of an Armored opponent and hit directly. For example, Blanka's Horizontal Rolling Attack is a 1 Hit Attack, but it cannot be Absorbed. Any attempt will result in an Armor Break, and the Armored individual will get hit.

In addition to natural armor-breaks, most non-throw/non-fireball special attacks are granted armor-break when performed as reversal only. For instance, reversal Ryu's Fierce Shoryuken or either of Zangief's lariat armor-break ONLY when performed as reversal.

Armor breaking is confirmed by a glass-shattering effect on-screen, as if a window was broken over the formerly Armored individual.

All characters have at least one natural Armor Breaking attack, with the exception of Zangief, who has none. For most characters, this is a move where the character is doing a spin or flip as the attack lands.

Successful Armor Breaks land as Counter Hit.

Super Combo

Super moves usually require doing the motion for a special move twice, e.g. QCF, QCF + P. This uses up four stocks (100%) of your super meter.

Super meter is filled by doing special moves (whiffed or connected), or by connecting (hit or block) with a normal move.

Whiffed normal moves do not fill super meter.

Character Frame Data shows how many points a move adds to the super meter. There are 1,000 points in a full meter.

Ultra Combo

As your character receives damage, his or her Revenge gauge will rise. Once it gets beyond the white line on the circular gauge, you are able to perform your character’s Ultra Combo (usually performed by performing the super motion using all three punches or kicks).

Even after your Ultra meter rises past the white line, it will still charge. This affects how much damage an Ultra Combo does. If your Ultra is at max, and you land it, it does 150% the damage it would have done had the Ultra been charged halfway.

Most Ultra Combos have Armor Breaking property, at least on the first hit.

External links

• General forum on Shoryuken
• Guide on EventHubs.com
• Wikipedia article

Super Street Fighter IV