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General Tactics
Getting started with Zato (learning resources)
- Zato Overview for Beginners: http://www.dustloop.com/forums/index.php?/forums/topic/10366-zato-megathread-new-to-zato-read-this-first/
- Zato Introduction by EVO 2015 Champion Ogawa: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1so68ac
Info from Zato = 1 General discord
- Zato Beginner Guide curated by prk`: https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR5CixKwDBbg4HkKv6feIICe55Ufzs3eoHOftV3ge4xcL1V8_cPmPOMVr10TTo5LbdRsmeJ2fXJbhmq/pub
Blockstrings
Zato's blockstrings differ greatly depending on whether or not Eddie is summoned. Zato's objective with his blockstrings is to force the opponent to respect delayed hits and staggered attacks in order to create spaces in which to summon Eddie. Once the frametraps and stagger game is established, the opponent will begin to block preemptively. Zato can then use this passivity to summon Eddie and prepare his offense. Once Eddie is on the screen, Zato's blockstring options become very powerful and multifaceted. Included in that section are some standard strings, but the options are nearly limitless with how fluid Zato and Eddie attacking together can become.
Solo Zato Blockstrings
Solo Zato's main goal on blockstrings is to enforce frametraps into 22S or 22H and get his opponent to respect him. If the frametrap connects with the opponent, the reward is very high, as they will be knocked down when the drill hits them. Eventually, they will block preemptively in anticipation of drill, which will create space to summon Eddie on block. Summoning Eddie on block is always a risk, as the opponent can press a button in the gap and kill Eddie. However, the threat of pushing a button into drill during these gaps often makes opponents afraid to do so. This system of making the opponent guess between drill or summon is central to Zato's gameplan.
Zato and Eddie Blockstrings
While the possibilities for Zato and Eddie blockstrings are nearly limitless, there are some standard systems that are widely used and very effective.
Flight/Mawaru/Fuzzy:
Sandwich:
2K -P-:
Drill with Eddie:
Okizeme
Tips and Tricks
How to Zato guide by novriltataki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTO6k6BiZU8
Fighting Zato
- KILL Eddie: Always find an opportunity to kill Eddie, such as destroying puddles or if Zato is not properly protecting Eddie. Killing Eddie halts Zato's momentum and makes him far less threatening as his slow normals make it hard for Zato to contest other characters' buttons.