Soulcalibur VI/Hwang/Strategy

Combat Lessons

Fighting Style

This style is known for its strong sword strikes and nimble kicks, as well as its reliance on Taoist magic. By making prudent use of long-reaching blade attacks and fast footwork, you can control the battle from various distances while using magic passed down through the Six Heavenly Arts when the situation warrants it. Lifeforce techniques channel the chi of the Zi Wei Emperor of the North Star, funneling it through mystical talismans that can overwhelm opponents, as well as imbue you with otherworldly power. These techniques comes at a great cost, however, as they drain you of your life; the burden of the just is a heavy one to bear. To vanquish evil in this world, one must be prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice...

Style Lesson: Beginner

Dominate at Mid Range

This style has access to a variety of long-reaching horizontal attacks, allowing you to keep the opponent at bay. Flash Flurry (6AA) and Burial Slice (1A) are effective at stopping an opponent's 8-way run even from a distance, and Radiant Slash (33_66_99A) is great for driving off the opponent as well as putting on the pressure. Holding A shifts you to the Yin-Yang Talisman stance, from which A or B will reduce the opponent's guard stamina from mid range. The key to utilizing all of these attacks effectively is to stay just outside of your opponent's attack range. Once you've landed Flash Flurry (6AA), 4 will shift you to the Wuxing Talisman stance, from which B or K will break the opponent's guard.

Flash Flurry/ ~ WT
6AA/6AA4

6AA - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,16	-8	2	2	3%
Normal Hit Combo
6AA4 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	12,16	-4	6	6	3%
Normal Hit Combo. into WT. LF technique

WT ~ Wood Art: Thunderclap
WT B

WT B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	36	0	18	18	15%

WT ~ Earth Art: Rendering Quake
WT K

WT K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	22	-14	6	6	0%
when lifeforce is -9 (once per match)

Burial Slice
1A

1A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
32	34	-12	4	4	4%
Tech Crouch[6-51]

Radiant Slash/ ~ YYT
33_66_99A/33_66_99[A]

(3)_(6)_(9)A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	22	-8	2	2	4%
Tech Crouch[8-22]
(3)_(6)_(9)(A) - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	22	4	13	13	4%
into YYT. LF technique

YYT ~ Light Art: Shattered Mirror
YYT A

YYT A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	32	-8	KND	KND	4%

YYT ~ Dark Art: Severed Spirit
YYT B

YYT B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	36	0	KND	KND	15%

Use Your Feet at Close Range

What sets this style apart from the others is its numerous and diverse kick-based attacks. Whether it's the quick-to-start-up Power Destroyer (KK), Ripping Fang (3K), Twin Taions (k6), the guard-breaking inner Water Kick (1K), or Crushing Heel (4K), you'll have no shortage of effective close-range options at your disposal.

Power Destroyer
KK

KK - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12	-6	0	0	3%
Normal Hit Combo

Ripping Fang
3K

3K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	14	-4	4	4	2%

Twin Talons
k6

k6 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	16,10	-12	2	14	4%
Normal Hit Combo

Inner Water Kick
1K

1K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	16	-14	-2	-2	1%

Crushing Heel
4K

4K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	22	-8	KND	KND	9%

Aim for Big Damage with Counter Hits

All three attacks of Parting the Storm (4AAB) will connect if the 1st attack lands as a counter hit, but you'll need to input 4AA and then watch closely for the timing. Pressing B as soon as you confirm a counter hit against the opponent's 8-way run or attack start-up is key. Heavenly Razor (6BAB) works similarly, and if you input 6BA and the 1 st attack doesn't land as a counter hit, you can cancel the 2nd attack with G and instead go for a throw. The hit effect will turn purple if you land a counter hit, making it easier to visually confirm. The combo can be delayed as well, so if you delay the 3rd attack, you can catch your opponent by surprise.

Parting the Storm
4AAB

4AAB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	10,8,26	-22	-2	-2	6%
Counter Hit Combo. when lifeforce is -6 or lower (once per match)

Heavenly Razor/ ~ Cancel
6BAB/6BaG

6BAB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	12,16,18	-16	KND	STN	9%
Counter Hit Combo
6BaG - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	12	-	-	-	2%
cancel

Style Lesson: Adept

Annihilate Opponents with Lifeforce Techniques

The essence of this style is its sword and kick techniques. but its most potent set of tools is its extremely powerful sacrificial moves known as lifeforce techniques. These techniques drain your lifeforce to afford you great strength. Any attacks that make use of talismans or other means consume this lifeforce and allow you to attack opponents at long range when you normally can't, deal chip damage to guarding opponents. or perform other special techniques. Your lifeforce is displayed as a number below your health gauge. It can range anywhere from -9 to 9, and recovers at the beginning of each battle. You can perform lifeforce techniques even when your lifeforce is low. but if you use them with reckless abandon. you'll find yourself with lower health in the next battle.

Main Lifeforce Techniques

You can use the long-reaching Radiant Slash (33_66_99[A]) or Piercing Light (6[A+B]) to approach the opponent, then strike with Dark Art: Severed Spirit (during Yin-Yang Talisman B).

Radiant Slash ~ YYT
33_66_99[A]

(3)_(6)_(9)(A) - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	22	4	13	13	4%
into YYT. LF technique

Piercing Light ~ YYT
6[A+B]

+ 6(A)+(B) - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	26	4	16	16	9%
into YYT. LF technique

There are a variety of lifeforce techniques that allow you to attack from a distance as well. Against opponents who excel at long range, input B+K2, to shift to the Flames of Justice stance and input B, or input B+K8 to shift to the Divine Wings stance and use A as you approach. You can punish an opponent who has missed a feint attack with Shadow Snare (236B).

Blazing Edge ~ FJ
B+K2

BT B+K2 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	16,16	-	-	-	9%
into FJ

FJ ~ Heat Of Purity
FJ B

FJ B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
24	46	-12	KND	KND	15%
Deals chip damage

Blazing Edge ~ DW
B+K8

BT B+K8 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	16,16	-	-	-	9%
into DW

DW ~ Gust Slice
DW A

DW A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	26	-8	12	12	4%
Tech Jump[0-10]. Tech Crouch[15-RC]

Shadow Snare
236B

236B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
22	28	-6	6	6	20%
Tech Jump[10-50]. Tech Crouch[50-RC]. LF technique. Reduces opponents guard stamina on hit by 15%. 2nd Attack comes out only on connectting with opponent

Once you're in close and are in the Wuxlng Talisman stance (4B+K), the middle attack Wood Art: Thunderclap (during Wuxing Talisman B) and the low attack Earth Art: Rendering Quake (during Wuxing Talisman K) are effective offensive options. Another option that doesn't rely on the stance is Shadow Break (4KB), a powerful lifeforce technique.

Wuxing Talisman
4B+K

4B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into WT. LF technique

WT ~ Wood Art: Thunderclap
WT B

WT B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	36	0	18	18	15%

WT ~ Earth Art: Rendering Quake
WT K

WT K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	22	-14	6	6	0%
when lifeforce is -9 (once per match)

Shadow Break
4KB

4KB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	22,31	-12	STN	STN	14%
Normal Hit Combo. LF technique. Reduces opponents guard stamina on hit by 15%

Remaining Lifeforce and the Next Battle

Though lifeforce techniques drain your lifeforce, they can be used repeatedly without immediate adverse effects. When used with reckless abandon, however, they will eventually catch up with you—if your remaining lifeforce is at 0 or lower when transitioning to the next battle, you'll start with lower health and, depending on how low your lifeforce is, lower soul gauge. Given that lower lifeforce puts you at greater risk, it's most beneficial to avoid relying on these techniques early in the match. Moving on to the next battle with your lifeforce at 1 or higher will reward you with a boost to your soul gauge. It's up to you to decide whether you want to rely on high-risk, high-reward lifeforce techniques to quickly defeat your opponent, or maintain your lifeforce and play the long game.

Style Lesson: Master

Envelope Yourself in Auras to Bolster Your Offense

Not all lifeforce techniques are attacks; some give you special properties in battle. There are four types of auras, each of which provide different tactical advantages.

Resolve State (activate with A+K2, etc.) envelopes you in a green aura and restores your lifeforce when your health is low. Additionally, this aura allows you to perform lethal hits when your health is critically low.
Might State (activate with A+K8, etc.) envelopes you in a blue aura and restores your lifeforce when your guard stamina is low. Additionally, this aura allows you to perform defensive lethal hits against your opponent's attacks.
Devastation State (activate with A+K6, etc.) envelopes you in a red aura and restores your lifeforce when your opponent is soul charged. Additionally. this aura allows you to perform lethal hits to combat your opponent's powered-up state.
Iron Will State (while soul charged. activate with A+K4, etc.) envelopes you in a gold aura and is only available while soul charged. When in this state, any attacks that hit the opponent will be treated as attack counters, allowing you to quickly dominate the battle with powerful combos that start with counter hits. However, unlike with other auras, the effect of Iron Will State only applies to the first attack—once that attack connects, you'll lose the aura, meaning you'll need to choose when you use it carefully.

Divine Invocation ~ RS
A+K2

A+K2 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into RS

Divine Invocation ~ MS
A+K8

A+K8 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into MS

Divine Invocation ~ DS
A+K6

A+K6 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into DS

Divine Invocation ~ WS
SC A+K4

SC A+K4 - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
LF technique. into WS. Cancels SC

Get Comfortable with Resolve State First

Once you're used to this style, try playing around with the Resolve State aura. You'll gain lifeforce if the opponent's attacks bring you down to low health, so make sure to use lifeforce techniques to turn the tide in your favor. Mantra of the Spirits (6B+K) is a good move to use, as it has fast start-up and restores your health upon hit. Additionally, lethal hits from Rising Claw (7_8_9 B) are particularly threatening to opponents who go for a low attack. Your aura will carry over into the next battle, so it's best to use Resolve State early on and reap the benefits of health recovery. Once you've mastered this aura, try others to best suit the situation in battle.

RS ~ Mantra Of Spirits
RS 6B+K

RS 6B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	16	-12	0	8	9%
LF technique. Restores health

Rising Claw
7_8_9B

7B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	24	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51].
8B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	26	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51].
9B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
30	28	-6	STN	STN	9%
Tech Jump[9-29]. Tech Crouch[32-51]. when health is low and in Resolve State

Critical Edge

Hwang's Purifying Blade

Properties

A long-reaching critical edge with fast start-up. It deals massive damage when incorporated into air combos. Landing this attack against an opponent with low health will not only slightly increase the attack's damage, it will also increase your life force.

Hwang's Purifying Blade
A+B+K

A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	75	-16	KND	KND	10%

Tips

Try using the attack after launching the opponent into the air with moves like Forced Flame Divide (3B) This move is also an effective follow-up for the 1st and 2nd attacks of Triple Circular Heaven Kick (33_66_99KK) after they land, provided you have enough lifeforce. When comboing it as 33_66_99KKA+B+K, input the move quickly to cancel into it.

Forced Flame Divide
3B

3B - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	26	-14	LNC	LNC	9%
Tech Crouch[8-20]

Triple Circular Heaven Kick
33_66_99KK

(3)_(6)_(9)KK - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
20	12,11	-12	-2	-2	4%
Normal Hit Combo

Soul Charge

Main Soul Charge Attacks

Close-range moves like Oblivion Blade (AAB) and Razor Petals (KKK), as well as Mountain Splitter (1KKKK) are powerful options.

Oblivion Blade
SC AAB

SC AAB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12,23	2	6	6	8%

Razor Petals
SC KKK

SC KKK - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
12	10,12,14,21	-8	KND	KND	6%
Counter Hit Combo

Mountain Splitter
SC 1KKKK

SC 1KKKK - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
18	16,5,4,14	-14	0	0	8%
Normal Hit Combo. Tech Jump[10-26]

Other easy-to-use techniques include Celestial Flash (33_66_99BB), which helps approach the opponent, and Celestial Charge (4BBB), which has long reach.

Celestial Flash
SC 3_66_99BB

SC (3)_(6)_(9)BB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	16,28	-4	LNC	LNC	9%
Normal Hit Combo. Tech Crouch[0-16]. Tech Jump[19-41]

Celestial Charge
SC 4BBB

SC 4BBB - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
14	15,16,23	-14	STN	STN	14%
Normal Hit Combo

Additionally, you can shift directly to Flames of Justice and Divine Wings with 2B+K or 8B+K, making it easier to attack from a safe distance without draining lifeforce. Celestial Gale (during Divine Wings A) is great for approaching the opponent, as it doesn't leave you open.

Flames of Justice
2B+K

SC 2B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into FJ

Divine Wings
8B+K

SC 8B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
-	-	-	-	-	-
into DW

DW ~ Celestial Gate
DW A

SC DW A - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	31	0	KND	KND	4%

Use Iron Will State Effectively

The iron Will State aura can only be used while soul charged, but it treats all of the attacks you land as counter hits. Take advantage of this by dealing massive damage with moves like Parting the Storm (4AAB) and Heavenly Razor (6BAB).

Mantra of Divinity

A soul attack in which you take a large step forward and pierce the opponent. Its properties change based on the aura you have active.

Mantra of Divinity
236A+B+K

236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
DS 236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Increases soul gauge and reduces opponents soul charge time
RS 236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Restores health
MS 236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Restores guard stamina
WS 236A+B+K - Attack Level:
Impact	Damage	Block	Hit	Counter	Guard Burst
16	35	-2	8	8	9%
LF technique. Increase LF

Reversal Edge

Following Up with A

Knocks the opponent back a great distance. making it effective at wall combos and knocking the opponent out of the ring. [A] will allow you to shift to moves that activate auras, so use this attack to power yourself up early on in the match.

Following Up with B

Though it doesn't have high damage. this follow-up can lead to a guard crush. Shifting to Wuxing Talisman with B4 can also lead into some very strong combos.

Following Up with K

A lifeforce technique that drains lifeforce. It is the most powerful option among the three follow—ups (A, B, and K), and can be used to combo upon hit. Additionally, it will allow you to move first if the opponent guards, but you'll still need to closely monitor your life force.