GGACR/Axl Low

From Dustloop Wiki

Overview

Overview

Axl is a dork, and you'll love him all the more for it. Based off of Guns N' Roses' own Axl Rose, Axl is a British goofball who has easily the highest range in the game. While some might believe him to be a zoner based on his effective range, he really isn't- think of him more like a mid-range pressure character.

Axl's signature feature are his "sickle normals". Many of Axl's buttons have truly absurd range due to utilizing his sickle chain weapon, with standouts like 5P, 2H, and 2S being among some of the best space control tools in the game. These normals hit twice and have great hitboxes and speed relative to their range, making them very easy to use. Axl's gameplan revolves around using these normals and their multi-hit properties to control space on the ground. As well, many of his space control tools pull double duty as anti-airs. His high damage and corner carry on anti-air combos can make it difficult to approach him.

Up close, Axl has a large offensive toolkit to work with, boasting two crossup attacks, two counters, a frame-one autoguard move, and high damage potential. Axl can run a very strong close-range pressure game thanks to his multihit normals, while keeping himself safe with his signature Rensen GekiGGAC Axl Rensen.pngGuardMidStartup12Recovery39Advantage-15. Rensen Geki is the lifeblood of Axl, being useful for pressure, combos, and even counterzoning by eating other projectiles. While his mixups are mostly limited to surprise overheads with 6H or throws, he has pretty great reward for both options and can run still an effective mixup game based around frametraps.

Axl's largest weakness is his close-range defense. While he has a myriad of reversals to work with, his fastest button (5K) is only six frames. He is thus very vulnerable to throws and frametraps, and may have to hold offensive pressure for a long time before he can escape. As well, though Axl's chains are great at holding space effectively, they are very committal moves. Don't be careless with tossing them out if you value your life.

Overall, Axl is a great character to pickup at all levels of play. His strong zoning, long pressure strings and powerful anti-airs make him great in the hands of a beginner figuring out +R or an expert who prizes screen control and a consistent gameplan.
GGACR Axl Low Nameplate.png
GGACR Axl Low Portrait.png
Damage Received Mod
×1.06
Guts Rating
1/5
Gravity Mod
×1
Stun Resistance
60
Prejump
4F
Backdash
16F (1~8F Strike Invuln)
Wakeup Timing
25F (Face Up)/ 21F (Face Down)
Number of Jumps:
2
Number of Air Dashes:
1
Fastest Attack
5K (6F)
623S (4F)
Reversals
2363214H (15F)

 Axl Low is a mid-range offense specialist and anti-air'er supreme.

Pros
Cons
  • Big Normals That Vacuum: Several of Axl's normals have him draw the opponent in with his sickles and hit multiple times. This allows him to mount pressure from a distance very easily.
  • Long-Ranged Pressure: Axl has great long-range grounded pressure tools, along with other tools to make the opponent impatient and jump, which is exactly what Axl wants.
  • Incredible Anti-Airs: Axl's anti-airs are large, active, and have good reward making the air above him very dangerous for many characters.
  • High Reward: Axl has very high reward when he lands a hit thanks to his great corner carry and damage, even off of a throw. His strong screen presence at both fullscreen and close up make him threatening at all ranges.
  • Powerful Tech Traps: Axl's ability to bait and punish air-techs can be very rewarding and lead to big damage.
  • Counter Zoning: Axl can counter most forms of zoning thanks to Rensen and his long, active buttons.
  • Committal Neutral: Axl's long range buttons have very long recoveries and total frames. As a result every button press locks him into his decision for a very long time, and as a result a mistake can leave him open for a long time.
  • Mediocre Mix: Axl's tools for opening up opponents tend to be very reactable, so at a high level his mixups rely on catching the opponent off guard with lots of conditioning.
  • No Jab: Axl doesn't have a fast, safe thing to whiff like most characters (his fastest normal is his 6 frame 5K), and this also makes him very vulnerable to tick throws.
  • Meter Hungry: Axl is strong and versatile with meter, but significantly more limited in ability to convert hits, maintain offensive momentum, or even play neutral safely without it.

Unique Mechanics

Held Buttons

Held Buttons
Axl can hold down the attack button on his chain-sickle normals to skip the second hit of any of his multi-hitting normals. Used only for niche instances where you want to push the opponent out, or you're fishing for counter hits on the first part of the normal and don't want the second hit to ruin your confirm.

Starter Guide

Need help getting started? Go to this page for information targeted at new players. It covers easy combos, key moves, and what to do after you knock the opponent down.
StartupThe time before an attack is active. Written startup values include the first active frame, so the startup on a frame chart will display one less square than the written value. Frames
Active The active frames of an attack refers to the amount of time an attack can hit the opponent. Frames
InactiveFrames in the middle of multi-hit attacks which cannot hit the opponent, but are after the move has become active at least once. Frames
Recovery The recovery of an attack refers to the amount of time an attacker must wait before they may perform another action, even blocking. Frames
Special RecoveryThe recovery of an attack refers to the amount of time an attacker must wait before they may perform another action.Recovery frames which happen under abnormal conditions, such as after landing. Frames
ProjectileIndicates an entity that exists separately from the character has become active. Usually something like a Fireball A projectile which usually travels slowly across the screen in a horizontal path above the ground.. Active
CancelA window in which to cancel a move. Can be varied in usage. Window

Normal Moves

Note: Startup value in [ ] indicates Startup of the weapon's tip.

5P

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
5P 24, 16 Mid 9 [13] 5(2)6 10 -1
5[P] 24 Mid 9 5 18 -11
Total: 31
Total: 31

An anti-air for catching jump startup and low air approaches.

  • Situationally useful for punishing projectile startup.
  • The extended hurtbox and high aim makes it a fairly weak poke for grounded neutral, and it should be used sparingly against grounded opponents who aren't extra tall.
  • Gatlings into 6K and 2S, and the two hits make it easy to hitconfirm, so this is one of Axl's core starters for air combos.

Gatling Options: 6K, 2S

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
5P N/A 6×2 5×2 2
5[P] N/A 6 5 2

5P:

  • 2nd hit pulls in opponent on hit

5[P]:

  • Axl is in CH state during move

5K

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
16 Mid 6 3 8 +1
Total: 16

Axl's jab. It's pretty slow, and also you do it with the K button.

  • Decent safe pressure starting tool and poke.
  • One of the better normals to use in stagger pressure and tick throws.
  • Gatlings into 5P, which helps a lot with air pickups when the opponent is close to the ground.
  • Moves Axl's low hurtbox backward, allowing it to avoid low pokes when properly spaced.
  • This is your fastest normal, but it's too slow to escape perfect tick throws, which makes Axl particularly vulnerable to them.

Gatling Options: 5P, 2P, 6P, 3P, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 5D, 2D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 6 7 2

c.S

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
28 Mid 8 6 10 +1
Total: 23

A good move for throw option selects and combo filler. +1 on block, making it especially good to option select with throw. Can be used to get the confirm after FRC Rensen or Axl Bomber in the corner.

Gatling Options: 5P, 2P, 6P, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 14 6 4

f.S

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
33 Mid 9 5 19 -10
Total: 32
  • Good footsie and approach stopper.
  • Good round start move, only directly contestable in a few matchups.
  • Staggers on counterhit. This can allow some tricky situations with Rashou Sen, but also makes the hitconfirm into Rensen Geki more guaranteed.
  • Can be low profiled under.

f.S can be gatling'd into from 2P. This gives you more options out of 2P, or could withdraw 2P's hurtbox early for safety if 2P connects.

If this move is done at typical spacing, cancelling it into a Rensen Geki will combo against a crouching opponent, but not against a standing opponent (unless counterhit).

Gatling Options: 5H, 5D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 10 7 3
  • Staggers opponent on ground CH (max 35F)
  • In CH state for first 3 recovery frames

5H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
42 Mid 16 4 17 -2
Total: 36

5H is mostly combo or blockstring filler, but has some useful properties.

  • Bounces on counterhit, making it rewarding in frametraps.
  • Has some hurtbox shenanigans that often work like upper body invul, so it will occasionally trade favorably (especially on counterhit).
  • At -2 on block, its one of Axl's safest ways to end a blockstring without an FRC.
  • Raises guardbar by 20 points.

5H's main selling points are its damage, guardbar, and stun. Many of Axl's special moves have a lot of startup, and canceling from 5H is often the best way to make them harder to contest.

Gatling Options: 6H, 5D, 2D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 20 6 5
  • Groundbounces on CH (untechable for 34F)

5D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
20 High 28 6 15 -4 17~27F Foot
Total: 48

Axl's dust doesn't lead to much damage, but has decent corner carry and can catch them not paying attention because, like all 5D's, it hits high. Its main strength is that it has huge range for a dust. Its weakness is that its tied with S Raei Sageki for Axl's slowest move (28F startup).

  • 5D also has some lower-body invuln near the active frames, and can be used to call out lows pre-emptively.
  • While 6H is usually preferred as an overhead due to faster startup and better nominal frame advantage, 5D is safer in many circumstances because it pushes the opponent further away and doesn't put Axl right in jab range in its startup.
  • Axl can do a fake impossible dust combo (8jD-8jD-TK Bomber) from nearly any range, which can be converted into a bomber loop from pretty far from the corner. With the Axl Bomber FRC, it can also lead to a normal air combo midscreen.

Fun Axl Fact: This move has so much range, it can make it hard to actually get the launch combo if it connects from too far away. You can sometimes fix this by using j.6P to pull them closer to Axl at the beginning when the screen flashes.

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 11 20 4

6P

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
32 Mid 9 2 17 -5 1~10F Upper Body
Total: 27

Might seem unnecessary at first glance, but has a few uses.

  • The hurtbox extends higher than 2S and the hitbox is tiny, so it's pretty bad as an anti-air, especially since Axl is a walking surface-to-air missile and any of his long range chain attacks will serve you better.
  • Launches on counter hit and has the upper body invul, so it can occasionally work as a high-reward counterpoke, but 3[P] is much more effective for that and less likely to get you killed.
  • Mostly serves as blockstring filler, adding some extra guardbar when you have the space to gatling it from c.S or 5K, and it's Jump-Cancelable, so it can add some tricks to your pressure.

Gatling Options: 3P, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 5D, 2D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 90% 10 7 3
  • Blows back opponent on aerial hit
  • Floats and blows back opponent on CH

3P

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
3P 24, 11 Low, Mid 11 4(2)3 7 +2
3[P] 24 Low 11 4 12 -4
Total: 26
Total: 26
  • A relatively fast, disjointed, and low-commitment option.
  • His only chain move without any hurtbox on the chain. Only Axl's body can be hit during this move.
  • Slow at neutral, but a great pressure starter if it connects.

When used to start a blockstring at neutral, 3P offers simple high/low/crossup(S Raei Sageki)/Rahou Sen mixup, or frame trap/throw if you choose.

Gatling Options: f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D


Don't trip.

  • Confirm, or at least a knockdown, on counter

One of the few instances where holding the button is often worth it. On counterhit, the first hit will pop the opponent into the air and the second hit will screw up your intended confirm, so if you can predict you're going to stuff something, you can give yourself more time to confirm by holding the button, and go into 2S or 5H, instead of unintentionally letting the opponent air-tech away. The 3[P] counterhit can also be used to fish for a knockdown at neutral.

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
3P N/A 5, 6 7×2 2
3[P] N/A 5 7 2

3P:

  • In CH state for first 3 recovery frames

3[P]:

  • Launches and knocks down opponent on ground CH
  • In crouching state during move
  • In CH state for first 8 recovery frames

6K

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
6K 28, 22 Mid 13 [17] 5(2)8 19 -9
6[K] 28 Mid 13 5 29 -17
Total: 46
Total: 46

Long range chain, hits between the angles of 5P and 2S. This move serves two main purposes:

  • The first is to use this as necessary combo filler after anti-airing with 5P when they are too far away to go right into 2S.
  • The second is doing it after a faked Rashou Sen to catch them trying to jump from fear of a real one. Just be sure they actually jumped or you could be in trouble for whiffing this move!

Its also a long range anti-air that can catch people trying to jump, but it has a lot of cooldown, so its only recommended for this as a last resort when other anti-airs will miss. (5P is a better for catching jumps).

  • You can get a combo directly from an anti-air 6K, but only with TK FB Bomber, j.K, or j.6P.
  • Can chain back and forth with 2S to force an aerial opponent to spend a ton of meter FDing or catch them trying to tech.
  • All of Axl's long range chains have a hurtbox and this is no exception. Don't stick a fork in the electrical socket.

Gatling Options: 2S, 6H

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
6K N/A 14, 10 4, 5 4, 3
6[K] N/A 14 4 4

6K:

  • In CH state for first 3 recovery frames

6[K]:

  • Blows back opponent on aerial CH (untechable for 64F)
  • In CH state for first 13 recovery frames

6H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
46 High/Air 23 9 9 after landing +1
Total: 40

A leaping overhead with long startup and active frames.

  • Safest to do after 5H, but c.S and 3P are also good choices.
  • Airborne between frames 11 and 31, so it can beat most low-hitting attacks if you read them correctly.
  • If 6H lands as an anti-air, it can usually confirm into a combo.
  • Hitting 6H late as meaty on wake-up gives you a big frame advantage, but can be reacted to with invuln reversals.
  • Decent untech time, used for higher-damage air combo extensions.
  • A great move to RC for pressure/combo extension.
  • Moves Axl closer to the opponent (can help get you to preferred range for a matchup/situation).
  • Can whiff entirely by jumping over some crouching characters if done too close. Will occasionally hit them as a cross-up (especially against Faust), but it's not very reliable.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 90% 15 6 5
  • Axl is airborne 11~31F, not in CH state during 1~10F
  • Hits crouching opponents on 27F (tested on Sol)
  • In crouching state during recovery when gatling'd from crouching normal

2P

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
2P 22, 18 Low, Mid 12 [16] 5(2)8 10 -4
2[P] 22 Low 12 5 20 -13
Total: 36
Total: 36

Like 5P, but lower.

  • Extends faster than 2H, but generally a weaker low poke option.
  • Great for extending pressure with f.S and 6H gatlings, and is special-cancellable to boot.
  • Really bad hurtbox, so not very useful for neutral (Many 2Ps, 6Ps, and anything low profile will beat it clean from almost max range).
  • Vacuum effect can make a Raei Sageki very ambiguous (but unsafe).

Gatling Options: f.S, 6H

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
2P N/A 5, 6 4×2 2
2[P] N/A 5 4 2

2P:

  • 2nd hit pulls opponent in on hit or block

2[P]:

  • Axl is in CH state during move

2K

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
9 Low 7 5 6 -1 3~15F Low Profile
Total: 17

They call him Axl Low for a reason.

  • Axl's fastest low.
  • Decent for tick throws, especially with sliding momentum.
  • Incredibly low-profile, will duck many projectiles and falling air normals.

Gatling Options: c.S, f.S, 2S, 2H, 5D, 2D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 70% 3 8 1

2S

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
2S 28, 22 Mid 8 [17] 9,6 12 -2
2[S] 28 Mid 8 15 12 -13
Total: 34

The god anti-air.

  • Huge upward range and decent horizontal coverage, plus a crouching hurtbox. This is what Axl has instead of a 6P.
  • Jump-cancellable and pulls the opponent downward, so very important for converting into air combos.
  • More untechable than 6K, allowing followups like j.H or j.D.
  • Does not cover the range directly above Axl. Never use in situations where the opponent is falling straight onto Axl, such as when his back is to the corner and they are coming down along the same edge of the screen (At this spacing, your best anti-air option is probably airthrow or tenhouseki, but 5H also works if you have enough time to get it out).

Gatling Options: 6K

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
2S N/A 10, 6 5, 8 3, 2
2[S] N/A 10 5 3

2S:

  • 2nd hit pulls opponent in on hit
  • In CH state for first 4 recovery frames

2[S]:

  • Untechable for 20F if it hits from 10F Active frames and onwards
  • In CH state for first 4 recovery frames

2H

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
2H 30, 20 Low 11 [17] 8,6 16 -5
2[H] 30 Low 11 14 16 -13
Total: 40

Big scary low hooks.

  • Huge range low that pulls in a decent amount.
  • Not special-cancellable, but gatlings into both 6H and 5D, as well as 2D, meaning that your opponent is in a (kinda slow) mixup situation after blocking it.
  • Great for pulling the opponent close enough to launch for a combo.
  • FRC point can save you from a whiff punish or sometimes extend pressure.
  • Staggers on hit, so can sometimes combo into throw if the opponent isn't fast enough.
  • Decently disjointed at the tip, so it clashes with several DPs if spaced well.

Gatling Options: 6H, 5D, 2D

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
2H 11~12F 11×2 4, 6 4
2[H] 11~12F 11 4 4

2H:

  • 2nd hit pulls opponent in on hit or block
  • First hit staggers for max 45F on normal hit and second one for max 35F on normal hit

2[H]:

  • Axl is in CH state during move

2D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
30 Low 9 10 12 -8
Total: 30

Sweep the leg.

  • Axl's sweep has more range than most.
  • Good low mixup late in your strings.
  • One of the easiest confirms into rensen in most situations.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8 7 3

j.P

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
10 High/Air 7 4 9
Total: 19

Axl's only actual jab.

  • Useful for air tick throws and blockstrings.
  • Occasionally helps with spacing in air combos.
  • Can gatling from j.S to preserve counterhits and avoid projectiles and guard counters trying to hit the j.S hurtbox.
  • Often used falling as a relatively safe jump-in that can lead to j.K for a second overhead.

At least we get a mashable jab in the air! Its a good air-to-air, and works for bringing them to the ground if you get them to block it. Jumping up and air-to-airing with this move can be a useful way to catch people trying to jump in when they expect 2P or try a weird angle that Axl's anti-airs have trouble covering.

j.P gatlings into all of Axl's other air normals, so you have lots of options to confirm into a combo. If you anti-air or jump in with mash j.P near the ground, you can gatling into j.H → landing cancel, then continue the combo on the fly (5K, 2S, and 5P work well for the pickup).

You can also set up a bomber loop in the corner with jump in>late air dash>j.P>j.D>H Axl Bomber. Mix this up with j.H safe jump and empty jump 2K so they'll never see it coming.

Gatling Options: j.P, j.6P, j.K, j.S, j.H, j.D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 3 8 1

j.6P

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
j.6P 17, 11 High/Air 7 [12] 6(2)3 14
j.6[P] 17 High/Air 7 6 19
Total: 31
Total: 31

5P, but in the air.

  • Very fast and not a lot of pushback, often essential for midscreen FB Axl Bomber extensions.
  • Great rising air normal for anti-airing where 6K won't reach.
  • Gatlings from j.S to add another long-range overhead to a blocked approach.
  • Generally a pretty good air-to-air poke.
Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
j.6P N/A 8×2 4, 10 3
j.6[P] N/A 6 4 3

j.6P:

  • 2nd hit pulls opponent in on hit or block

j.6[P]:

j.K

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
18 High/Air 8 8 12
Total: 27

Useful air-to-air with good range and speed.

  • Surprisingly long reach, great air-to-air tool.
  • Untechable forever and ever on air counterhit, often long enough to land and pick up a combo.
  • One of your fastest rising normals, and crucial for picking up air combos from weird spacing.
  • Good for option selecting with airthrow.
  • It can confirm into j.D>FB Axl Bomber on hit for a combo, or gatling into mash j.P on block to bring them to the floor for ground pressure.
  • Can also work as a last resort jump in when the spacing or timing are wrong for j.H or j.S.

Gatling Options: j.P, j.6P, j.S, j.D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8 7 3
  • Blows back opponent on air hit

j.S

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
j.S 23, 16 High/Air, All 11 [15] 5(2)9 9
j.[S] 23 High/Air 11 5 20
Total: 35
Total: 35

Sky hooks.

  • Long-range downward overhead.
  • Great for disrupting attempts to zone.
  • Situational combo extender in the air.
  • Can reverse-gatling into j.P to be safer from guard counters and projectiles on block.
  • The highest-range safe jump normal in the game.

Gatling Options: j.P, j.6P, j.H

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
j.S N/A 8, 10 4, 8 3
j.[S] N/A 8 4 3

j.S:

  • 2nd hit pulls in opponent on hit or block

j.[S]:

  • Axl is in CH state during move

j.H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
38 High/Air 10 12 9
Total: 30

Ignorant air button.

  • Hits in a circle all around Axl's body.
  • Great for adding blockstun to air strings.
  • IAD j.H is useful as a burst-safe extender after a launch.
  • Adds a lot of the damage in Axl's air combos.
  • The best and often the only option to catch low-profile moves while falling.

Gatling Options: j.D

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8 7 3

j.D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
44 High/Air 10 6 18+5 after landing
Total: 38

The drop kick.

  • Decent-range overhead.
  • Launches and is very untechable, use it to convert air-to-ground hits.
  • Primary combo filler for bomber loops, as it's the highest-damage air normal that combos into regular Axl Bomber.
  • Can possibly make their burst whiff, if done from low altitude and at max range.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8 7 3
  • Blows back opponent on hit

Universal Mechanics

Ground Throw

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
50 45 pixels
  • Puts the opponent opposite the direction you threw them (forward throw puts them behind Axl, back throw puts them in front).
  • Best move to option select with is c.S.
  • link into 5P, 6K, or microdash > 5K to confirm into a combo.
  • Throw > Rensen Geki or Throw > FB Kyokusa Geki are burst safe kills.

Be mindful of the corner when going for a throw. Don't miss a bomber loop because you threw them out of the corner. By the same token, don't get killed doing a non-os'd throw because you wanted the bomber loop too badly.

  • 2K, 5K, c.S, and 3P are good moves for tick throwing.
  • Some heavy or small hitbox characters, such as Johnny, Ky and Robo-Ky, require microdash > 5K to get the confirm.
  • Its tempting to reversal throw as Axl, due to his lack of other reversal options, but don't get comfortable with it. Its extremely easy to bait.
  • Use this option select (works in AC and +R with all characters) if you wakeup reversal throw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ad9z2BJwdDg
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A Forced 50% 6
  • Sends opponent on opposite side of throw direction

Air Throw

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
60 88 pixels

An average, but useful airthrow. Grants an oki.

  • If you know you can't end a bomber loop in knockdown, watch for your chance to tech trap them with an airthrow and put them back in the corner.
  • Best move to option select with is j.K, but j.H works too.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A Forced 50% 6
  • Sends opponent on opposite side of throw direction

Dead Angle Attack

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
25 All 17 4 8 +2 1~20F All
21~24F Throw
25~28F Upper Body
Total: 28

Easy to low profile.

Axl can combo off his Dead Angle Attack with DAA > 5P > whatever. The damage is very small, but the moves after the Dead Angle can kill the opponent if they are almost out of life.

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 50% 10 7 3

Special Moves

Benten Gari

623S or 623H

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
623S 46 Mid 4 4 31 -18 1~4F Above Feet
1~6F Throw
623H 36, 24 Mid 9 4(4)1(2)1 33 -18 1~8F Lower Body
9~10F Front Leg
1~10F Throw
Total: 38
Total: 53

A fast, throw-invulnerable attack about as big as Axl's body.

  • Comes out in 4F, making it Axl's fastest attack.
    • While not a real invincible DP, this is your go-to, fast, throw-invulnerable move that can potentially get the opponent off of you.
    • Because the FRC point is so early, gatling into S Benten FRC is a way to quickly put Axl back to neutral for safety.
  • Upper-body invuln comparable to some of the better 6Ps in the game.
    • Invuln is only above the knees, so S Benten may trade or lose to some low profile moves.
    • Its risky due to not being a real DP, but the partial invul allows S Benten RC/FRC to used as a frame trap.
  • Good as a combo starter due to it launching and having an FRC point on frames 6-8 (after the hit).
    • S Benten RC/FRC is a viable way to continue the combo if you don't have Rensen charged up.
  • Sometimes trades with overheads, and can allow a meterless air conversion in this situation.

Due to hitstop, this move's FRC has a hit and a whiff timing. It costs more meter, but you can opt to go for the whiff timing to make sure you either RC or FRC either way.


H Version is a lower body invulnerable anti-air with a followup.

  • Also throw invuln, so can sometimes be used to beat a low strike/throw mixup.
  • Situational anti-air, but pretty slow to start up. The extension on the second hit covers a range somewhere in-between 6K and 2S.
  • The chain part of this move's hurtbox doesn't go all the way up, so it may beat some things that Axl's other anti-airs lose to.
  • The Axl Bomber followup is untechable for a long time, so this is a good meterless ender for air combos you want to knock the opponent down (This is good for when you don't want to spend meter on a prorated combo from throw or Tenhou Seki, or just want to keep your pressure in exchange for doing a bit less damage).
  • H Benten RC can continue the combo if you don't have Rensen charged up, and raise the opponent's guardbar 40 points, while continuing your pressure if they block.
  • You can opt to do H Benten at the end of a surface-to-air combo with Axl's long range buttons to get a burst safe kill.
Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
623S 6~8F 90% 14 19 4
623H N/A 20×2 6×2 5

623S: 623H:

  • Max 2 hits
  • Frame Adv -26 when opponent blocks only first hit
  • In CH state 1~25F
  • Can cancel into Followup Axl Bomber 31~33F

Followup Axl Bomber

623H > 623H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
30 Mid 14 4 45+10 after landing
Total: 72

Follow-up version of Axl Bomber. Untechable for a long time, so this is a good way to end a combo in knockdown.

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 6 5
  • Axl is airborne 4F onwards
  • Axl is in CH state until landing
  • Can cancel into Kokuu Geki on hit or block 14~25F

Kokuu Geki

j.63214S or 623H~623H > 63214S

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
40 Mid 7 19 Until Landing+12

Versatile giant air projectile with a number of applications. Has an FRC point on frames 32-34.

  • Stops Axl's air momentum completely, useful for air-to-air spacing.
  • Air unblockable without FD, so it's a good harassment tool against aerial opponents.
  • The FRC allows Axl to continue pressure or combos from the air, and can confirm into a normal air combo on a close hit or on counterhit from most ranges.
  • Starts behind Axl in 7 frames, which makes it potentially strong as a crossup in okizeme or pressure - although this is hampered by 12 frames of landing recovery.

Further followup from Axl Bomber continuation.

  • Still has the FRC point, so can be used to be safer on a blocked H Benten.
  • Situational combo extender, but you usually want to take the knockdown.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
32~34F 20 10 5
  • Has minimum height requirement
  • In CH state 1~43F

Rensen Geki

[4]6S

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
20×3 Mid 12 1×12 39 -15
Total: 62

Fast projectile that hits near the ground. One of Axl's most important tools. FRC point on frames 15-16.

  • Axl's farthest reaching attack.
  • Hard knockdown most of the time, good for ending ground strings.
  • Considered a projectile, and will stuff many other projectiles.
  • Rensen can hit three times, which also means it absorbs up to three hits from another projectile, making it difficult to negate.
  • Useful long range bullying tool if used carefully. The threat of Rensen can get people to jump, giving you a chance to anti-air them.
  • Can catch people trying to hit the hurtboxes on long range chain normals.
  • Good chip and OTG damage.
  • Can be followed up with Kyokusa Geki or Sensa Geki from f41~62, so you have significant wiggle room to make it ambiguous.
  • Works as a long range oki if you simply want to reset to long range neutral after a knockdown.
  • The FRC point allows Axl to continue pressure from massive frame advantage and launch from most ground hits.

Extremely important to making Axl threatening at long range and dealing with opponents who attack the hurtbox on long range chains. The FRC is a cornerstone of Axl's pressure and confirms, so it is absolutely essential that you master it.

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
15~16F 6×3 8×3 5
  • Axl is in CH state 1~40F
  • Can cancel into Kyokusa Geki or Sensa Geki on 41F
  • Must charge back for at least 30F to perform Rensen Geki
  • Max 3 hits
  • Projectile, disappears if Axl gets hit

Kyokusa Geki

[4]6S > 8 or 9

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
35 Mid 1 12 40 -18
Total: 52

Anti-Air followup to Rensen Geki.

  • Catch people jumping over Rensen.
  • Has a lot of untech, enough to get very strong meterless confirms in the corner.
  • Covers a wide arc encompassing most of Axl's normal anti-air range.
  • Adds one more projectile hit after the three hits from Rensen, and can still be performed even if Rensen was completely negated.
  • Considered a projectile. Does not have a hurtbox other than Axl's body.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 20 6 5
  • Projectile, disappears if Axl gets hit
  • No CH state during move

Sensa Geki

[4]6S > 2 or 3

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
26×5 Low 7 {2(5)}×4,2 17 -5
Total: 53

Low followup to Rensen Geki.

  • Occasionally catches people low, but not much of a mixup because there's no overhead threat.
  • Does a lot of chip damage and guard bar.
  • Great for tacking on damage and ensuring knockdown in the corner.
  • Pulls the opponent slightly toward Axl, which can take them out of the corner and allows crossups on oki.
  • Safer on block than Rensen, but still dangerous because the opponent can faultless to push themselves out early.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8×5 7×5 3

Rashou Sen

[4]6H

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
[4]6H 1, 80 Unblockable 27 28 34
[4]6H > P Total 12
Total: 88

Full screen unblockable.

  • Not actually a throw, and so will catch jump startup and other throw-invul actions.
  • Unblockable, but SB-able in the air (Leading to weird janky interactions).
  • Not a lot of damage, but an essential tool for forcing people to jump.
  • Much of the startup is low-profile.
  • The projectile cannot be negated by other projectiles, and will simply pass through them until touching the opponent.
  • Hitting the opponent puts Axl in an invincible throw animation, making this a great tool for getting through projectiles and traps.

Can be feinted with P button.

People get afraid of Rashousen. If they jump and you feint, they're often in your optimal anti-air range.

Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
[4]6H N/A 6×2 5
[4]6H > P N/A

[4]6H:

  • Axl is in CH state 1~79F
  • 2nd hit has Dizzy modifier x0
  • Must charge back for at least 30F to perform Rashou Sen
  • Can cancel to Rashou Sen Feint 25~27F
  • Rashou Sen cannot be performed when the opponent is knocked down or in sliding state

[4]6H > P:

  • Fastest possible Feint is 36F

Tenhou Seki

214P or 214K

Version Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
214P 60 Total 31 4~17F Catch High
214K 60 Total 31 4~17F Catch Low

P is High/Mid counter. K is Low counter (Not mids).

  • Traps any high/mid attacks, but not projectiles. Also works on crossups.
  • Due to Tenhou Seki's fast startup, you can counter a lot of slower moves on reaction.
  • Taking a hit during the active frames of Tenhouseki causes an invulnerable throw animation that crosses the screen and hits the opponent no matter what. Useful for dealing with crowded screens if you can bait a hit.
  • Allows a full air combo, but it's scaled to 65%.
  • Since the activation is essentially a guaranteed throw, it doesn't matter how many hits the opponent's attack has or if it's invincible. Great for catching reversals.
  • Works on Johnny's Mist Finer, even during Bacchus Sigh.
Version FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
214P N/A Forced 65% 12, 6 5
214K N/A Forced 65% 12, 6 5

214P:

  • Cannot counter projectiles

214K:

  • Cannot counter projectiles
  • In crouching state 4~17F

Hachisubako

623P

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
40 Mid 20 3 22 -11 1~13F High Guardpoint
Total: 44

An autoguard attack that works as a way to punish those who think they've encroached upon Axl at a moment of weakness.

  • Autoguards highs and mids from frame 1.
  • Makes Axl move during hitstop when struck during the autoguard frames.
  • Probably Axl's best reversal option.
  • This is not a counter: It hits even if not activated, which lets Axl just gorilla through some matchups.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 90% 10 12 3
  • Will move during hitstop
  • Axl is in CH state 16~22F
  • Can cancel into Shiranami no Homura 17~23F

S Raiei Sageki

63214S

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
45 High/Air 28 4 13+6 after landing -4
Total: 50

Bandit Bringer, but more angular.

  • Jumps forward then hits below Axl.
  • Can hit as a crossup or in front, depending on range.
  • Doesn't stop momentum, so use it while running for more distance and ambiguity, or to land further past the opponent.
  • Slides the opponent far away from Axl. This sliding state is long enough to pick up a full combo in the corner, but midscreen, it sends the opponent too far to hit with anything but max range rensen (too far to FRC and convert) without the FRC point.

FRC point on frames 26-28, which is very versatile. It happens right at the start of the active frames, which helps make timing consistent, and Axl will be in the air on a successful FRC. If you jump install the move (Either in a string before it's performed or by adding an upward direction to the end of the motion from neutral), you can double jump or airdash afterward. This has a few major applications:

  • Mixup: Raei Sageki is already an ambiguous crossup, but the FRC adds another layer. With it, you can hit a different overhead (or two) while falling, or land and do a low or throw. If it's JI'd, you can also mess with timing with another jump, or airdash for another crossup layer with Kokuu Geki.
  • Movement: Raei Sageki moves forward very quickly, and maintains your running momentum. You can use it a lot like Johnny's Killer Joker Transport FRC.
  • Combo: With the last-frame FRC (or an RC), the attack will still hit, but Axl will be free to act in the air. This allows a midscreen conversion for considerable damage using airdash–j.H if you JI.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
26~28F 90% 15 6 5
  • Axl is airborne 4F onwards

H Raiei Sageki

63214H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
20×3 High/Air See notes Until landing 43 Recovery: 1~15F All
Recovery: 16~23F Low Profile

Axl jumps up to the max height of the screen, then hits all the way down until he lands. You can hold H to stay in the sky longer, and you can hold left or right to move around through the entire move. Useful for messing with the opponent's spacing, covering more distance, or making it cross-up ambiguously.

  • Maintains running momentum, so it can travel almost the whole stage if done while running.
  • RCing this move puts Axl on the ground almost immediately no matter how high you hit. This allows for a fairly easy conversion, and can put the opponent at frame disadvantage above you if they block it in the air.
  • The leap upward is very fast, and will dodge a lot of attacks and then punish them.
  • Axl's best way of catching opponents who can fly over his grounded AA kit, like Bridget.
  • Axl is still considered to have traversed the horizontal space he covers, so this move can harmlessly trigger proximity-based traps like Testament's trees.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 8×3 7×3 3
  • Axl is airborne 7F onwards
  • Holding H delays startup (max delayed Startup: 106F)
  • Fastest startup to hit standing opponent is 50F (tested on Sol)
  • Max 3 hits

Axl Bomber

j.623H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
60 All 17 Until Landing 18 after landing 0

Axl's primary corner combo tool. Groundbounces his opponent while putting Axl back on the ground. Has a lot of hitstun. Has an FRC point for frames 1-4 of the move's landing recovery.

  • Stops Axl's momentum, hovers for a bit, then shoots downward, so it can screw with anti-airs and can be a gimmicky movement option.
  • Does a ton of blockstun, so it can do a lot to maintain your pressure if you can get it out. Great way to continue a blockstring from the air.
  • FRC point is pretty lenient and happens right as Axl lands. This enables conversions from midscreen, continuing pressure, and just being safer when you whiff.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
1~4F after landing Forced 90% 20 20 5

Force Breaks

Shiranami no Homura

623P > 421D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
18×2, 50 Mid×2, All 7+0 9,9(13)4 37 -49 1~6F Strike
Total: 78

25% Tension Cost Super.

  • Can happen extremely quickly out of Hachisubako, including while the opponent is in hitpause from connecting with the autoguard frames.
  • Launches the opponent, so it's the easiest and cheapest way to convert from Hachisubako (Which is otherwise nearly impossible).
  • Kinda risky if they can make it whiff, and the combo from it is scaled a bit, so pretty situational overall.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 10×3 10×2, 6 3×2, 4
  • Will move during hitstop
  • In CH state for first 7 recovery frames

FB Axl Bomber

j.623D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
60 All 9 4 24 1~5F All
6~20F Throw
Total: 36

Upward aerial Axl Bomber, more like the H Benten followup than the current one (just like before AC).

  • Throw-invulnerable, so it can beat airthrow attempts.
  • Allows Axl to act afterward, preserving all jump options. FB Bomber can sometimes be used as an additional diagonal forward jump, or to mess with anti-air spacing and timing.
  • Major combo extender and corner carry tool. Will connect off of a ton of different things and following up from it is pretty easy.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 20 9 5
  • Axl is in CH state during move

FB Kyokusa Geki

[4]6D

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
52 Mid 8 12 30 -8
Total: 49

Crazy spacing tool, puts a projectile hitbox at near max Rensen range in 8 frames.

  • Covers a huge anti-air arc (along close to tip range of 2P, 5P, 6K, and 2S, but little of the space closer to Axl) very quickly.
  • Only comboable on counterhit, but a counterhit allows a full unscaled air conversion.
  • Normal hit is just barely techable before you can hit with anything, but usually puts the opponent in the perfect nightmare range for tech traps .
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 80% 20 6 5
  • Disappears if Axl is hit
  • Axl is in CH state 1~29F

Overdrives

Byakue Renshou

2363214H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
50×2, 20×5 Mid 14+1 4,4(19)13 41 -14 1~16F All
17~18F Throw
Total: 95

Sometimes you just need a real DP.

  • Axl's only true fully-invulnerable reversal.
  • Two parts: First a giant multi-hit Benten, then a big flaming Rensen.
  • Pretty slow, and can be punished if they block or dodge the first part.
  • The first part hits slightly behind Axl on its last active frames and does double chip damage.
  • The second part is often safe on block.
FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 20×2, 10×5 6×7 5
  • Axl is in CH state during move
  • Spinning part: chip damage x2
  • Straight line part: projectile, disappears if Axl gets hit

Instant Kill

Rensen Ougi: Midare Gami

During IK Mode: 236236H

Damage Guard Startup Active Recovery On-Block Invuln
Fatal All 13+15 37 3 -6 13~18F Strike
Total: 67

Like most IKs, super slow, risky, and not gonna see much play at a high level.

Active for a long time, and has a huge coverage along the ground, so if you're already in IK mode, you can punish DPs and bursts and stuff pretty pre-emptively.

FRC Window Proration Guard Bar+ Guard Bar- Level
N/A 20 5
  • IK Mode activation: 90F

Colors

To select your color, press the corresponding button while in the designated "color set". Color sets can be toggled through by hitting the Respect button.

  1. Only selectable on the Arcade and PC-Rollback versions of the game.
  2. Available on home ports, and are selected by pressing the Rec. Enemy button on the Slash or Reload color sets, respectively. Gold characters are powered up versions, Shadow characters have infinite tension. Both are banned from tournament play.


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