Click "Expand" for information about combo notation in SF6:
SF6 Combo Notation Guide
Notation
Meaning
>
Cancel the previous move to the following move. e.g. Normal into Special (2MK > 236P) or Special into Super (623P > 236236K)
~
Chain/Cancel the previous move into a followup. e.g. Luke's target combo (LP~MP~HP) or Rising Uppercut into Slam Dunk (623PP~PP)
,
Link the previous move to the following move. e.g. 5MP, 2MP (requires manual timing)
An example with Ken that uses all three "connecting" symbols: 2LP, 5MP~HP > 623P > 236236P 2LP links into 5MP; 5MP chains into HP Target Combo; HP cancels into Shoryuken which cancels into Lv.3 Super
j.X
Jumping action; for Neutral Jump, use 8j.X e.g. Kimberly j.2MP (Elbow Drop) or Ryu j.214K (Aerial Tatsumaki Senpukyaku)
P or K
Any Punch or Any Kick (when button strength does not matter) PP or KK represents any two punches/kicks.
X/Y
Do either X move or Y move. e.g. end a combo with 214K/623P
[X]
Hold the button input e.g. Luke 214[LP] = charged LP Flash Knuckle
dl.X
Briefly delay the action e.g. Ken 236HK~dl.6LK (Jinrai Loop starter)
AA
Anti-air; hit the opponent while they're mid-air. May cause a different juggle state compared to a grounded opponent.
Y xN {Y} xN
Repeat 'Y' input 'N' number of times. A sequence of multiple inputs will be bundled into "{}". e.g. 5LP x3 (5LP, 5LP, 5LP) or {2HP > Drive Rush} x3
Y > DR
Button Y cancelled into Drive Rush (3-bar version) e.g. 5HP > DR
DR~Y
Drive Rush into Button Y (cancel the dash frames early into a followup attack) This can be done from the 1-bar or 3-bar versions of Drive Rush e.g. 236HP Launch, DR~5LP
An example for Ryu using both Drive Rush notations: 2MK > DR~5HP (cancel 2MK into Drive Rush, then immediately use 5HP during dash animation)
BASIC COMBOS
Normal Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
2LK ~ 2LP ~ 5LP > 214LK/623HP
Anywhere
1270/1690
0
0
Very Easy
Your basic light confirm.
2LK ~ 2LP ~ 2LP > 214MK
Anywhere
1340
0
0
Very Easy
5LP does not combo into MK Tatsu from cancel, but 2LP has slightly greater hitstun and allows this particular combo. Useful if looking for corner carry and oki from MK Tatsu.
2LK ~ 2LP ~ 5LP > 214KK, 623HP
Corner
2250
0
Very Easy
An OD extension from the same basic Light confirm vs a cornered opponent. OD Tatsu also allows extensions with a linked Parry Drive Rush (see Drive Rush Combos below).
Counter Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
CH 2LP/5LP, 5LK > 236LK
Anywhere
1430
0
0
Easy
Counter-hit 2LP/5LP links into 5LK, which combos into LK Donkey Kick: the knockback from this allows Ryu to stock a Denjin Charge (at -17, this can be punished by certain moves, e.g. Cammy's Super 3). LK Donkey Kick is punishable on block (-11), so must be confirmed from the counter-hit link into 5LK.
CH 2LP/5LP, 2MP/5MP > 236MK/(236KK, 623HP)
Anywhere/Midscreen
1780/2380
0/
0
Easy
Counter-hit 2LP/5LP links into 2MP: also 5MP, but 2MP is slightly longer and leads into similarly damaging combos. MK and OD Donkey Kick are just two examples of what can be canceled from 2MP. A useful counter-hit to fish for in close-range scrambles. The knockback from MK Donkey Kick allows for another Denjin Charge setup (at -12, this setup is ALSO punishable by Cammy's Super 3, but only just).
CH 2LP/5LP, 2MP > Denjin 214P, 214MK/236MK/623HP
Anywhere/Corner
2170/2310/2520
0
0
Easy
A demonstration of how Denjin Charged Hashogeki can be incorporated into combos starting from Light normals: with a counter-hit 2LP/5LP, it is possible to route into DC Hasho via a linked Medium Punch. All of Ryu's specials can be combo'd after the launch without the aid of Parry Drive Rush, but the three here (MK Tatsu, MK Donkey Kick and corner-only HP Shoryuken) represent the most useful and damaging options.
Punish Counter
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
PC 5LP, 2MK > 236MK/623HP/(236KK, 623HP)
Anywhere/Midscreen
1690/1930/2290
0/
0
Medium
Punish Counter allows 2LP/5LP to link into the 8-frame startup 2MK. This is most useful as a punish vs moves that leave the opponent at or slightly farther than close-range at variable frame disadvantage, making heavier punishes unreliable. Two examples of this are Juri's divekick special Shiku-Sen and Blanka's non-OD Aerial Rolling Attack: both of these can be spaced to be safe, but are at most spacings -4 or worse on block, making a punish from 5LP (which has greater range than 2LP) very practical.
PC 5LK > 214MK/(236KK, 623HP)/(Denjin214PP, dash, 2HP > 623HP)
Anywhere
1170/2060/2880
0/
0
Medium/Hard
Punish Counter allows 5LK to combo into Medium and OD versions of Ryu's specials. This is most useful as a punish vs moves that leave the opponent farther than 2LP/5LP distance from Ryu at -5 or more frame disadvantage. Two examples of this are Jamie's non-OD Swagger Step (which can be safe if spaced but is usually -5 or -6) and Chun-Li's OD Hazanshu (which is almost always punishable with 5LK). If the meterless damage isn't impressive enough, the two listed extensions show how Drive and Denjin Charge can beef it up.
Normal Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
2MK > 214MK/236MK/(236KK, 623HP)
Anywhere
1220/1380/1980
0/
0
Very Easy/Easy
Though 2MK combos to almost all versions of your specials on normal hit, focus mainly on these two. MK Donkey Kick is punishable but less so than any version of Tatsu and leaves you open to pop a Denjin charge. MK Tatsu has great corner carry. Note that any instance of MK Tatsu from here on out can be swapped with HK Tatsu for slightly more damage and a side swap, and OD Donkey Kick can buff up the damage significantly.
5MP, 2MP > 214MK/236MK/623HP
Anywhere
1920/2080/2320
0
0
Very Easy
This is a consistent combo that works when you aren't right next to the opponent. 5MP has enough frame advantage on hit to link a 2MP afterwards.
5MP, 4HP > 236HK/623HP
Anywhere
2440/2520
0
0
Very Easy
You have to be point blank for the 4HP to link after the 5MP. This is best achieved after a cross-up J.MK, as the cross-up hit will pull the opponent towards Ryu as he lands. 4HP is your ONLY normal that meterlessly combos into HK Donkey Kick.
5MP > 4HP > 236HK > 623LP
Corner
3210
0
0
Easy
This is your highest damage meterless combo without a jump-in PERIOD.
Counter Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
CH 5MP, 2MK > 214MK/236MK/(236KK, 623HP)
Anywhere
1940/2100/2700
0/
0
Easy
This combo may be familiar if you read the Normal Hit section above, as it simply demonstrates that 5MP, allows a link to 2MK, on counter-hit and all possible follow-ups thereon. This can be useful after a short Light blockstring vs an opponent in Burnout: rather than going in for a throw, hit them with a spaced 5MP, to intercept their mash and be prepared to link into 2MK, for a combo once the counter-hit is confirmed.
CH 5MP, 2HK, dash, meaty 5HP
Anywhere
1620
0
0
Easy
Definitely not the most damage that can be taken from a counter-hit 5MP, but a demonstration of how much frame advantage this gives (+9 on hit) and a hint of how combos ending in 2HK can grant some oki, with a +2 on block meaty 5HP in this instance. See Advanced/Niche Combos below for more meaty setups and possible combos.
Punish Counter
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
PC 5MP, 5HP > 236MK
Anywhere
2400
0
0
Easy
TBD
Normal Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
5HK, 2MK > 214MK/236MK/623HP
Anywhere
2120/2280/2520
0
0
Easy
A meterless link from Ryu's 5HK: this is unlikely to be landed in neutral due to 5HK whiffing on crouching characters, but is guaranteed following a Drive Impact crumple (see Drive Impact and Stun Combos).
6HK > 214KK
Anywhere
2300
0
Hard
This is a viable one-hit confirm, similar to Ryu's 5HP, with the difference that 6HK can only be canceled into OD Aerial Tatsu.
6HP, 2MP > 214MK/623HP
Anywhere
1910/2260
0
0
Very Easy
Solar Plexus Strike (6HP) allows a link into 2MP. HP Shoryuken is your highest damage meterless combo ender from this link. MK Tatsu gives you corner carry and oki.
6HP, 2MP, 5LK > 214MK/236LK
Anywhere
2030/2090
0
0
Easy
LK Donkey Kick gives you space to pop Denjin. This MK Tatsu ender does provide oki, but this oki is worsened midscreen as you can only forward dash and Jab if they Back-Rise.
(6HP, 5MP)/(5MP, 4HP) > 236KK, 4HK > 623HP
Midscreen
2600/2980
0
0/3
Hard
You can only squeeze in the 4HK if you end your starter really close to them. You CANNOT cancel the 4HK into Super Art 1. If you wanna spend super, you have to cancel into Super Art 3.
Counter Hit
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
CH 6HP, 4HP > 236HK, (623LP)
Anywhere/Corner
2510/3170
0
0
Easy
If the opponent is counter-hit by Solar Plexus Strike (6HP), the frame advantage on-hit increases to +8, allowing either 2MK or 4HP to link afterwards: naturally, the latter requires a very close connect and the former is more reliable. In the corner, a successful link into 4HP > 236HK allows a juggle with (623LP) for big damage.
Punish Counter
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
PC 236HK, PDR, 2HP > 214MP, 623HP
Corner
3610
0
Medium
A preview of the combos containing Parry Drive Rush links (see Drive Rush Combos): on Punish Counter, HK Donkey Kick puts the opponent in a long rolling animation that can combo'd after with specials, Super Arts and Parry Drive Rush-enhanced normals. A simpler example is PC 236HK, 623HP' (2960 damage total).
PC 5HK, dash, 2HP > 623HP/(236KK, 623HP)
Anywhere/Midscreen
3000/3360
0/
0
Easy
An ideal punish starter for a whiffed/blocked DP or a whiffed throw following a shimmy. PC 5HK puts the opponent in a crumple state, similar to PC Drive Impact or Ryu's Denjin Charged OD Hashogeki. The forward dash is not necessary for this combo (and is in fact not wanted for the potential DRC follow-ups, see Drive Rush Combos below, or HP Shoryuken > Super Art 3 cancel routes) but it puts Ryu closer to the opponent for the 2HP connect, and for the purposes of OD Donkey Kick it allows the opponent to fall into a juggleable state during their crumple animation, increasing the height of the opponent's bounce thus making follow-up juggles more reliable.
PC 5HK, 4HP > 236HK, 623LP
Corner
3690
0
0
Medium
Best corner punish you can do without spending resources. 5HK, 4HP link is finicky but consistent.
SUPER ART COMBO ROUTES
Ryu's Super Art 1, Shinkuu Hadoken can be canceled into from: any special/Super-cancelable normal. Although it is mostly limited to comboing from normal hits or juggles, its fast startup affords many opportunities to juggle into it either at midscreen or in the corner.
SA1 Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
236PP, 236236P
Corner
2400
1
Medium
A corner-only juggle from OD Hadoken. Two ideal starters to fish for this combo with are 5LK and 5HP, if you're willing to spend the meter. The juggle also works at a slight distance from the corner, but the opponent has to connect to the corner wall from the OD Hadoken knockback for the Super Art 1 to reliably connect afterwards
214KK, 236236P
Corner
3000
1
Easy
Another corner-only juggle into Super Art 1, this time from OD Tatsu. This is relatively easy to combo into, as OD Tatsu is comboable from Ryu's Light normals. Otherwise, this might be seen more often as the ender of a corner jump-in combo.
( 214HP OR Denjin 214P OR Counter-Hit 214LP/214MP ), 236236P
Anywhere
Variable
Variable
Variable
Variable
Ryu has numerous juggle routes following a Hashogeki launch, and Super Art 1 can fit very neatly at the end of them, occasionally as the only move he has that will reach. Many of these involve different numbers of Parry Drive Rushes and are too numerous to list here. See Advanced/Niche Combos below for more info on Hashogeki juggle routes.
PC 236HK > 236236P
Anywhere
3560
0
1
Easy
Easy punish against moves that are at least -30 (DPs, supers) that works anywhere on the screen and costs no drive meter.
Ryu's Super Art 2, Shin/Denjin Hashogeki can be canceled into from: any special/Super-cancelable normal; any applicable OD special move. This limits the number of possible special move cancels to OD Donkey Kick and OD Hashogeki.
SA2 Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
Any Medium/Heavy Starter > 214PP > 214214P
Anywhere
2900-3800
2
Medium
Your basic route into Super Art 2. You can charge it to level 2 if you release as soon as it hits the second level of charge.
Starter > 236KK > 214214P
Midscreen
2940-3840
2
Medium
Another route into the level 2 charge that does a hair more damage.
A notable route in that Super Art 2 is used in the middle and not at the end. The crumple from Denjin Charged OD Hashogeki allows the Super to be charged up to Level 2, after which they can be juggled with a Parry Drive Rush-enhanced 2HP. The Parry Drive Rush link can be omitted by just performing HP Shoryuken after the Super Art 2, making the combo easier at the cost of about 200 damage. The two starters used to measure damage were 2MK and 5HP.
Ryu's Super Art 3, Shin Shoryuken can be canceled into from: any special/Super-cancelable normal; any applicable non-OD or OD special move. Many of the aforementioned combos, particularly those ending in HP Shoryuken or HK Donkey Kick, can be extended by simply canceling the ender into SA3 for massive damage and some Drive Gauge recovery. The number of possible combos are too numerous to list here, but several key ones should cover the basic concept of using Ryu's Super Art 3
SA3 Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
Any Medium/Heavy Starter > 236KK, HP Shoryuken > 236236K
Midscreen
3980 - 4580
3
Medium
A key point of Ryu's Super Art 3 cancels are that the opponent cannot be juggled too high at the point of the cancel or else the Super will whiff entirely as the opponent stays stubbornly above Ryu. In this case, if Ryu performs the HP Shoryukentoo early after the OD Donkey Kick, then the Super will whiff beneath the juggled opponent. The HP Shoryuken must be performed as late as possible before the opponent hits the ground so that the Super Art 3 cancel is guaranteed to connect. The two starters used to measure damage were 2MK and 5HP.
A simple DRC route into Super Art 3, using HK Donkey Kick as the cancel point. HK Donkey Kick is not always the most reliable cancel, depending on how it hits the opponent: if the opponent is already juggled at midscreen or is hit near the tip of the move rather than close to Ryu's body, there is a chance they may fall out and Super Art 3 will whiff. Upon grounded connects such as this however, it can be relied upon to connect. The two starters used to test damage were 2MK and 5HP.
This is only possible on a jump-in, Shoryuken punish or stun. You can omit the j.HP and start with 5HP > DRC for 5909. If you are midscreen you simply cut out the HK Donkey Kick and LP Shoryuken and put in a HP Shoryuken to Super Art 3.
DRIVE RUSH COMBOS
Parry Drive Rush Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
PDR, 6MP, 5MP > 214MK/236MK/623HP
Anywhere
1920/2080/2320
0
Medium
This is a core part of your Drive Rush high-low strike mixup, 2MK being the other. On block, the Parry Drive Rush-enhanced 6MP is +1, so Ryu is not only safe but can continue to pressure.
PDR, 2MK, 5LK > 236LK/214MK
Anywhere
1440/1370
0
Medium
The other half of the Drive Rush high-low strike mixup. Unlike the overhead, the Parry Drive Rush-enhanced 2MK is -2 on block, which is safe but still allows the opponent to take their turn.
Starter > 214KK, PDR, 5MP/2MP > 214MP, 623HP
Corner
2528-3550
0
Medium
Your basic OD+DR extension for extra damage in the corner. Can also be ended in supers after the OD Tatsu instead of doing the more complex DRC version. 2MP will reach a bit farther in this context letting 214KK be used slightly farther out.
Drive Rush Cancel Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
Any Medium/Heavy Starter > DRC, 5HP, 4HP > 236HK/623HP
Anywhere
2179 - 2850
x3
0
Medium
The 'old reliable' in Ryu's arsenal of DRC combos. The cancel from 4HP to HP Shoryuken can be finicky but becomes easier after some practice. In the corner, HK Donkey Kick can juggle into LP Shoryuken, making it the superior choice in that part of the screen. The starters used to measure damage were 2MK and 5HP.
Very simple drive meter dump into level 3 that works anywhere on the screen. Useful as part of a deep punish combo for a blocked DP after PC 5HK or PC Drive Impact round ender. This route represents the highest possible damage at midscreen from either starter and is the bread-and-butter meter dump combo for Ryu.
An unusually flashy Punish Counter combo that utilises almost all of Ryu's Heavy command normals. It looks very Killer Instinct in motion and might impress your friends, at the expense of just over 100 points of damage compared to the old-brown-shoes 5HP > DRC, 5HK loop
PC (DI OR 5HK), 5HP > DRC, 5HK, 5HP > DRC, 5HP, 4HP > 236HK, 623LP > 236236K
Corner
5659/6425
x6
3
Medium
A punish combo that works will with spacing traps and is an easier way to punish DPs or follow up a Counter DI that works without Denjin. Midscreen the 236HK, 623LP can be replaced with 623 HP for 162/241 less damage (depending on the starter).
Highly optimized Level 3 + Drive dump 236HK combo that requires Denjin Charge. The 4HP needs to be delayed enough to reach the highest possible juggle and still be cancelable, or 623HP will miss. Can replace the 236MK juggle with 236HK > 236236K for a much easier combo at 282 less damage.
DRIVE IMPACT AND STUN COMBOS
Drive Impact Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
PC Drive Impact, 5HK, 2MK > 623HP
Anywhere
2870
0
0
Easy
The highest damage meterless combo available following a PC Drive Impact or Counter DI. Linking the 2MK > 623HP after 5HK can be made easier by using the 323 DP shortcut input. The Heavy Shoryuken ender can also be canceled into Super Art 3/Critical Art if the full 3 bars of Super Gauge are stocked up.
PC Drive Impact, 6HP, 2MP > 623HP
Anywhere
2860
0
0
Easy
An alternative route for the combo above, they are both meterless, begin with a Heavy starter, and end with HP Shoryuken. The only differences are: this combo does 10 points of damage less than the other by itself; it allows cancels into Denjin Hashogeki from 2MP, which can make its damage potentially explosive.
PC Drive Impact, dash, 2HP > 214MP, 623HP
Corner
3000
0
0
Easy
A corner-only meterless Drive Impact combo that utilises MP Hashogeki to juggle the opponent and extend the combo. The HP Shoryuken ender hits low enough that it can be combo into a Super Art 3 cancel.
PC Drive ImpactI, 6HP, 2MP > Denjin 214P, 214MP, 623LP
Corner
3340
0
0
Medium
The aforementioned Solar Plexus Strike (6HP) link comes into its own here, producing some incredible meterless damage in the corner in tandem with a Denjin Charge. The LP Shoryuken ender is a tight link, the timing of which requires some practice, but can also be canceled into Super Art 3 for a huge damage burst.
Parry Drive Rush can be utilised to extend the juggle from Denjin Charged Hashogeki. The best damage available here without spending any extra meter, Drive or Super, is 5HP > HP Shoryuken (which juggles the opponent too high for an SA3 cancel anyway), but cheeky alternatives such as 5HP > LP Hashogeki, 2HK exist and do similar damage, for more of which see Advanced/Niche Combos below (note that the 2HK does not give a Hard Knockdown, as the opponent is already in a juggle state).
PC Drive Impact, 5HK, 2MK > Denjin214PP, 5HP > 623HP
Anywhere
3590
0
Easy
With a Denjin Charge stocked and just two bars of Drive, Ryu can exact some truly punishing damage. It is difficult to stack extra damage on top of this without canceling the HP Shoryuken ender into Super Art 3.
This combo begins similarly to the one above it, but utilises the opponent's crumple animation by hitting them as they enter an airborne and juggleable state. This delay is achieved by the use of a forward dash before the 2HP, followed by a corner juggle with MP Hashogeki into HP Shoryken. This can also be canceled into Super Art 3.
Wall Splat Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
Wall Splat, 5HP > 214MP, 623HP
Corner
2176
0
0
Easy
Most damage for nothing off a Wall Splat. Except for...
Wall Splat, 5HP > Denjin 214P, j.MP (2nd hit) > ( 214K/214KK, Super 1 or 3 )
Corner
2232/3288/4568
0/
1/3
Medium
Without spending Drive on the OD Aerial Tatsumaki, which by itself brings the damage up to 2568, this might be considered a waste of Denjin Charge. If Denjin Charge is currently held and you wish to keep it, 5HP > HK Donkey Kick does 1680 damage and gives Ryu a safe jump as a consolation prize. Otherwise the full combo does present an opportunity to combo into Ryu's Super Art 1 or even Super Art 3 for a big damage boost
Stun Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
Denjin Charge (DC), j.HP, 4HP > 236HK, 623LP
Corner
2730
0
0
Medium
Meterless Stun combo, useful if too close to Burnout or even in Burnout following the Drive Impact. Notice that this combo starts with a Denjin Charge but does not use it: that's because the combo that follows is still the highest damage that can be dealt from a stun without spending any meter. This does mean that Ryu gets a free Denjin stock from a Stun, even if he has no meter to spend. The damage can be buffed to 2861 by sneaking a 4HP > DRC, 5HP after the jump-in before linking back into the 4HP, but this is probably not worth it for three bars unless the enemy really is that close to death.
Probably the easiest metered Stun combo Ryu has and by far the best value for Drive, this provides maximal return for the investment made. Although Ryu's optimal Stun combos can possibly guarantee a kill if the opponent is at or near half-health, this combo is ideal for when the opponent has most of their life bar remaining or even a significant life lead: the economical use of Drive will keep Ryu in a strong position after the combo is over.
An extended Stun combo that has the benefit of a: not automatically putting Ryu into Burnout, assuming he has more than 5 bars of Drive, and b: allowing a choice of Super Art enders in case Super Art 3 is not available.
A meter dump combo using the 5HP > DRC, 5HK loop and Super Art 3. This is an "all-in" combo that uses the entre Drive Gauge, so be sure that it will kill the opponent or that you have enough of a life advantage to survive the Burnout you'll be in afterwards.
The max damage route if you just want to spend Level 2 or if you are tired of watching the cutscene. You can spend Level 1 at the end if you are worried that it won't kill.
Though it doesn't do quite as much as the level 3 punish, this route packs quite the punch for a level 2 route. Use this as a more meter effecient way to close out rounds with the choice of spending bar on Shinku Hadoken at the end. Please do note that if you do have full drive at the start of this combo, the long recovery of Shin Hashogeki will allow Ryu to build back a slight amount of Drive avoiding burnout entirely. It also works as a hitconfirmable frametrap.
ADVANCED/NICHE COMBOS
Meaty Combos w/FramekillsUnique combos from oki setups
Ryu gets relatively scant oki compared to other characters (most notably, his offence-oriented counterpart Ken), but many of his knockdowns allow for meaty setups that can open up new combos. The following is a list of common and sometimes rare knockdown situations with descriptions of potential meaty-only combos and secondary uses for said situation (e.g. safejabs, meaty throws).
Meaty Combo Routes
Combo
Position
Hit Adv.
CH Adv.
Block Adv.
Notes
2HK, dash, meaty 5HP
Anywhere
+7
+9
+2
A setup that is guaranteed after every regular sweep.
If you are willing to risk the use of sweep outside of a whiff punish situation (for which, see below), this is a go-to meaty setup that leaves Ryu able to pressure on block as well as combo on hit. The recovery of 5HP gives more than enough time to confirm if the opponent was counter-hit, which allows a 5HP, 2HP link for big damage; otherwise, 5HP, 2MP is guaranteed on both regular and counter-hit, in case the opponent is liable to simply jump on wakeup.
2HK, PDR, 6MP
Anywhere
+7
+9
+2
A Parry Drive Rush meaty overhead setup after a regular sweep.
At the expense of 1 , a meaty Parry Drive Rush-enhanced 6MP that will connect on the second hit of the overhead. The input for this is auto-timed: simply do every part of this setup as soon as the input buffer allows. If trying to mix in a low, such as 2MK, that will have to be manually-timed from this setup. As an opponent is more likely to reversal if they think you're going to go said high-low mixup, simply hold down-back and Ryu will enter block just before the opponent wakes up, allowing a block/delay tech to catch the opponent's reversals or throw attempts out of wakeup. NOTE: meaty Solar Plexus Strike (5HP) is also possible here and is +5 on block, allowing frametraps with Mediums, but is not that rewarding relative to the overhead/low/bait mixup
PC 2HK, (whiff 214LP, meaty 5HP) OR (whiff 5HP, meaty 214LP)
Anywhere
+6
+8/Launch
+1
A setup for after a Punish Counter sweep.
If you score a whiff punish with a sweep, you need a different framekill for a similar meaty 5HP setup, with the aid of a whiffed LP Hashogeki. Unfortunately, this hits 1 frame less deep into the 5HP active frames, giving Ryu less advantage on block and disallowing the 5HP, 2HP link, but the 5HP, 2MP link is still guaranteed on hit or counter hit.
The cheeky part is that if the framekill and meaty are reversed, this allows a meaty LP Hashogeki. Aside from being plus on block and comboable on hit (this time with 5LK > LK Donkey Kick), this will also launch on counter-hit, allowing some more elaborate juggle combos with the aid of Parry Drive Rush or a simple juggle into MK Tatsu or MK Donkey Kick.
PC 2HK, whiff 6HK, meaty 5MP
Anywhere
+10
+12
+2
An alternative setup for after a PC sweep.
This setup takes advantage of the innate frame advantage of 5MP on hit to allow a link to to the 10-frame startup 5HP on regular hit or counter-hit. As it hits on the final active frame of 5MP, which is normally slightly negative on block, this is +2 on block and makes for a great frame trap into CH 5LP, 5LK.
(214LK, whiff 2MP) OR (623HP, whiff 2LK), meaty 5HP
Corner
+7
+9
+2
A corner-only setup after any combo that ends in LK Tatsu or HP Shoryuken.
As LK Tatsu and HP Shoryuken can both be comboed into from the same Light confirms, it may be more rewarding in the short-term to learn the framekill timing after the latter, more damaging combo ender. This setup does give access to the same meaty 5HP timing as after a regular sweep.
214MK, whiff 5LK, meaty Throw/5LP
Corner
+17 (throw adv.)/+6
+17 (throw adv.)/+8
+17 (throw adv.)/+1
A corner-only setup for meaty throw/safejab.
A very useful setup as it leads into either: a. Ryu's corner throwloop, or b. a safejab that will beat any 9+ frame startup reversal. The latter includes Lily's Super Art 2 Thunderbird at the fastest, and slower reversals such as Manon, AKI and Jamie's respective Super Art 1's and Ed's OD Psycho Uppercut (JP's 8-frame startup Super Art 1 will beat it, as an example of what it will not work against). If the opponent otherwise deigns to get hit by the safejab (which may well happen due to attempting to evade the threat of a throwloop), then 2MP will always combo after the safejab on regular or counter-hit.
SA1 OR Denjin SA1, dash, meaty 5MP
Corner
+9/+10
+11/+12
+1/+2
A corner-only setup following a Super Art 1 connect
This demonstrates a curious phenomenon with Ryu's Super Art 1: if Ryu has Denjin Charge, Shinkuu Hadoken is buffed to Denjin Hadoken, which does more damage and consumes Ryu's Denjin Charge; this buffed version of Super Art 1 gives Ryu a single extra frame of advantage post-knockdown, which can either interfere with or improve meaty setups. Note that the frame advantage here is measured from a grounded connect, juggles will increase the respective frame advantage post-knockdown and may lead to the 5MP failing to hit, such as after 214KK, Denjin Charged Super Art 1.
Trade Combos w/SetupsCapitalising off favourable trades
If the opponent is given a gap in offence of 4 frames, enough time for the 1st active frame of their fastest normal to come out, it is possible to force them into a trade situation at relatively low risk. The following setups demonstrate some of the ways Ryu can force favourable trades that allow him to combo for big damage.
All setups are tested to work against both a 4-frame normal with the lowest hitstun in the game and one with the highest. Respectively, these are as of March 2024 Dee Jay's 5LP (13 frames natural hitstun) and Manon's 5LP (17 frames, tied with Honda and JP's 2LPs).
Trade Combo Routes
Trade Setup
Position
Adv. (max/min)
Link into...
Notes
5LP > CH 214LP !TRADE!
Anywhere
Launch
PDR, 5HP, etc.
A built-in frametrap from Ryu's LP Hashogeki. At -3 on block, this is not abuseable, but then again it isn't punishable either. The trade is only possible because of the shorter hitstun on Ryu's 5LP compared to his 2LP, the latter being a more true frametrap. The bonus of this trade is that it allows more damaging links following the launch, as CH LP Hashogeki is usually limited to juggles with specials, Super Art 1 or PDR into a Medium Punch due to its long recovery.
The differences in hitstun caused by the opposing character's traded 4-frame normal do not make much difference here, as PDR, 5HP is a reliable link and is always the best and most versatile metered option, comboing into either HP Shoryuken or HK Donkey Kick. For extra damage in the corner, PDR, 5HP > MP Hashogeki, HP Shoryuken provides excellent damage for one Drive bar, and can cancel into Super Art 3.
Forward throw, PDR, CH 5HP !TRADE!
Anywhere
+17/+13
5HP, 2MK, 2HK, (vs. Dee Jay) 6HK
Potentially one of the strongest trade setups in the right matchups. The link from PDR CH 5HP to 5HP after the trade does 1760 damage by itself, and can be canceled into anything from a meterless ender (e.g. MK Donkey Kick) all the way up to a Drive Rush Cancel meter dump. Vs Dee Jay, whose only 4-frame normal has low hitstun, Ryu can even reliably link 6HK > OD Tatsumaki.
The tricksiest part of this setup is that the Parry Drive Rush can be feinted with 5LP to bait slow reversals: at -7, this will lose to wakeup normals, wakeup grabs and will still be hit by most characters' true reversals, but will call out any reversal from AKI (OD Serpent Slide can be grabbed after the feint), Ed, JP, Kimberly and Marisa (note, it will just about be tagged by Honda's SA1, Dhalsim's SA2 and will be caught by Gief's, Lily's and Manon's SA3).
Something +1/+2/+3 on block, CH 623LP/623MP/623HP (use the respective version for the block advantage) !TRADE!
Anywhere
Launch of varying quality
Followup Combo HIGHLY dependent on position and version of Shoryuken used
It isn't the most useful trade but it is outstandingly hilarious. Due to Shoryuken not going airborne until it's later frames, this trade will keep Ryu grounded and allow for a followup combo. The numbers here are adjusted to be against a reversal jab. Light Shoryuken's trade doesn't lead to much besides a Medium Tatsu or Shinku Hadoken midscreen or a 623HP in the corner. On the other hand, Heavy Shoryuken and Medium Shoryken both let you jump for a full j.MP late hit Air Tatsu to Heavy Shoryuken in the corner (with the obvious cancel to Shin Shoryuken). Flex your reads and make friends laugh (or cry).
|}
Hashogeki Juggle RoutesMidscreen and Corner
Sitting at the flashier end of Ryu's kit in SF6, Ryu can launch the opponent via his new move Hashogeki. There are several ways in which this move can launch the opponent.
HP Hashogeki
Denjin-Charged non-OD Hashogeki
Counter-Hit Light
Counter-Hit Medium Hashogeki
Of these juggle types, #3 and #4 are the most limiting and require the tightest links, while #1 and #2 allow for looser timing. As for comboing into them, #2 is the easiest, as Ryu can combo into the Denjin-Charged Hashogeki from his Medium Punches; #1 is the second-easiest, as Ryu can combo into it from PC or PDR-enhanced 4HP and 2HP (the most reliable time to land these Punish Counters is after a Perfect Parry); #3 is a Counter-Hit from the safe-on-block LP Hashogeki while #4 is a Counter-Hit from the punishableMP Hashogeki, making them harder to achieve and more risky to go for.
The following is a list of possible follow-ups sorted according to the type of launch. NOTE: all damage values for Launch Types #3/#4 use LP Hashogeki, launches from MP Hashogeki will do more damage than is listed.
LAUNCH TYPE: #1, #2 -
A set of bread-and-butter juggles that work off either the HP Hashogeki launch or the generic Denjin-Charge launcher. Due to the forward momentum of the launcher, these are reliable regardless of initial spacing. The ender of this combo could be replaced with 5HP > MK Donkey Kick > Super Art 3 for a decent 4268 damage total.
LAUNCH TYPE: #3, #4 -
Counter Hit LP/MP Hashogeki give a weaker launch, forcing the use of faster buttons during the juggle at the expense of damage. Due to the fact that Hashogeki should ideally be spaced as far as possible to mitigate the worst effects of the frame disadvantage, it is also not reliable to simply link MK Tatsu or MK Donkey Kick, as they may whiff following the launch. This forces Ryu to use some resources to make the most of this launch type.
LAUNCH TYPE: #3, #4 -
An application of similar routing for the Counter-Hit LP/MP Hashogeki launch
HP Hasho, 214LP, 623LP ( > 236236K )
Corner
2380/4780
0
3
Medium
LAUNCH TYPE: #1 -
A strong meterless combo by itself, this is also an excellent route into Super.
DC Hasho, 214MP, 623LP ( > 236236K )
Corner
2480/4880
0
3
Medium
LAUNCH TYPE: #2 -
The extra frame from the Denjin Launch allows for slightly more damage with Medium Hasho. Unlike the previous route this is your optimal meterless option when raw and routed into, though you are spending Denjin.
LAUNCH TYPE: #1, #2 -
A notable boost in Damage for 1 Drive bar, the most economical HP/Denjin launcher route Ryu has in the corner with or without Super. Note that this combo does not have to begin in the corner, the opponent can be carried into it by the first half of the combo.
LAUNCH TYPE: #3, #4 -
The manual delay following the DRC allows the 5HP to successfully juggle the airborne opponent, as they may otherwise be bounced too high. Incidentally, the same DRC, delay 5HP link can be incorporated into the preceding combo, where it does roughly the same as this one (10 extra damage, to be precise).
j.MP Air-To-Air Juggle RoutesMaking the most of air-to-airs
Ryu's j.MP puts the opponent into a juggle state on hit and can also be canceled into Aerial Tatsu/OD Aerial Tatsu. There are a wide spread of possible options for Ryu to juggle afterwards, but they are often dependent on the timing with which the j.MP connects along Ryu's own jump arc. This section will help to map out the opportunities for extra damage that exist within this interaction.
j.MP Air-To-Air Juggles
Combo
Position
Damage
Drive Gauge
Super Gauge
Difficulty
Notes
Video
rising j.MP, 2nd Hit > 214K/214KK (corner only, 623HP/236236P/236236K)
Anywhere/Corner
1740/2340/(2720/3500/4800)
0/
0/1/3
Easy/Medium
By far the easiest juggle to perform reliably in a match, as it can be scored from a reaction anti-air j.MP. By itself, this does decent anti-air damage, but buffing the ender with OD Aerial Tatsu or extending it in the corner with Super Art 1 provides excellent value for meter.
mid-jumpj.MP, 623HP/236236K
Anywhere
2240/4700
0
0/3
Medium
A less practical juggle to perform in match as it requires Ryu to be at the peak of his jump height in proximity to the opponent. If you are in this situation, leave the j.MP uncanceled and land, before performing a HP Shoryuken. Depending on the height of the opponent's juggle, they may hit the ground during HP Shoryu's 7-frame startup, so the 5-frame startup LP Shoryuken is possibly a safer meterless option for less damage, or even SA3 with a similarly fast-startup for big damage.
The juggles that you are least likely to see because of how far into Ryu's jump arc he has to be before they are possible, these are the "last moment" j.MP air-to-air juggles. The above combos are limited by the midscreen position, the examples below show the extended options in the corner.
