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Combat

Screen Breakdown

1 Fighter icon and name
2 Health gauge
Decreases when you get hit. If it runs out, you lose.
3 Skill gauge
Consumed when using skills or Quick Dodge. Replenishes over time.
4 Wins (VS mode only)
One will light up when you win a round. Light up all of them to win the match.
5 Remaining time (VS mode only)
The amount of time remaining in the round. If time runs out, whoever has more HP remaining wins.
6 Support character icon
7 Support gauge
Consumed when switching fighters or calling in your support to assist you. Replenishes over time.
8 Combo counter
The number of hits in your current combo (consecutive successful attacks).
9 Combo timer
Displayed at the start of a combo and decreases over time. Your combo will end when the gauge reaches zero. The gauge can be one of three colors: red, yellow, or green (in order of increasing length).
10 Special gauge
Dealing damage, receiving damage, or parrying attacks will cause this gauge to increase. When it fills, you will gain one special bar.
11 Special bar count
Consume a special bar to Boost, Surge, or use an Ultimate Art. You can stock up to three bars.

Basic Actions

Move
Move in the direction you tilt the left stick.
Jump
Jump up (or in the direction you're moving). You can attack and sidestep while airborne.
Sidestep
Quickly jump in the direction you tilt the left stick. You can also sidestep while airborne.
Chase Dash
Dash to opponent. You can cancel this with other actions like attack, jump, sidestep, or guard.
Guard
Block attacks for as long as the button is held (with some exceptions). Guard strength weakens as attacks are blocked. If it runs out, your guard will break, leaving you vulnerable.
Shove
Push your opponent back while blocking attacks. You will recover more quickly after blocking an attack compared to a regular guard.
Parry
Guard for a split second. If you successfully block an attack during this time, not only will the opponent be staggered (barring certain attacks) but your special gauge will fill as well.
Quick Recover
When you get knocked into the air, this lets you get back on your feet before hitting the ground.
Rolling Recovery
When knocked down, recover in the direction of the left stick. You are invulnerable while rolling.
Quick Dodge
Interrupt a light attack with a sidestep, jump, or chase dash (some fighters can quick dodge during certain skills as well). Consumes 20% of the skill gauge.
Chase Dash

Hitting an opponent with this will stagger them briefly. Use this chance to get your attack in.

Guard

As your guard strength weakens, the color will change from blue, to yellow, to red. Guard strength recovers over time.

Shove

Push your opponent back and prevent them from landing a combo on you. After a shove, you can immediately counterattack or sidestep away.

Parry

Only blocks attacks in the moment you're surrounded by light, but if you succeed you'll have a chance to strike back.
* Long-range attacks by characters added in the free update cannot be parried.

Skill Gauge Recovery

When you've knocked your opponent down or used a support skill, that's a great time to use this technique. End this stance by taking an action like moving or guarding.

Basic Attacks

  • Light Attack

    Press repeatedly to attack up to 4 times on the ground (5 if Boosting), or 2 in the air. The 4th on the ground/1st in the air change if the left stick is tilted.

  • Heavy Attack

    Pack a punch without flinching, even if you're hit during it. Hold the button before releasing to increase the chance of breaking the opponent's guard.

  • Throw

    Throw the opponent, dealing damage. Throws cannot be guarded.

Special Attacks

  • Skill

    Consume 20% of the skill gauge to unleash a powerful attack. Each fighter has three different skills at their disposal (see Controls).

  • Ultimate Art

    Consume a special bar to unleash your ultimate move. If you hit with two or more special bars stocked, all bars will be spent to increase its power.

  • Boost

    Consume a special bar to briefly gain movement speed, attack power, and a 5th hit in your light attack combo. Also, the skill and support gauges will be maxed.

  • Surge

    Consume a special bar while Boosting to gain even more speed and attack power. The skill and support gauges will be maxed, and skills have no cost.

Support Fighters

Generally, in combat you will control a pair of fighters as a single team. The character you aren't actively controlling is called your support fighter, staying back until summoned. Spend the support gauge to call them in for an assist or switch places with them.

Support Skill
  • Support gauge consumption: 50%

    Your support fighter appears and uses a skill (does not consume skill gauge). Two different skills can be used based on whether or not you tilt the left stick.

Emergency Escape
  • Support gauge consumption: 100%

    When you get hit, do this to have your support fighter swoop in and carry you away from your opponent.

Switch
  • Support gauge consumption: 50%

    Switch places with your support fighter. Health and all other gauges are shared between the two fighters.

*Screenshots are from the PlayStation®4 version.