GGST/Giovanna/Strategy: Difference between revisions

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==General Strategies==
==General Strategies==
===Gameplan===
===Gameplan===
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GGST Giovanna cS.png | '''{{clr|3|c.S}}'''
GGST Giovanna cS.png | '''{{clr|3|c.S}}'''
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{clr|3|c.S}} is one of her most '''reliable pressure tools''': it's '''+3 on block''', has '''low pushback''', and it '''beats low profiles'''. With it, you're often able to scare opponents into blocking, and if they continue doing so without Faultless Defense, it can quite easily '''loop into itself'''. The possibilities for pressure with this button are vast... when you're actually in range for it, that is. Its largest weakness is being a '''proximity-based''' close slash that requires you to take the risk of actually going close in order to use it. You can make up for this with smartly timed dashes, but that will always create larger pressure gaps that allow for more time to fight back. That's why smart use of this button requires solid '''conditioning''' and '''counterplay''', encouraging you to observe your opponent and respond to how they seem to want to get out of pressure accordingly.
{{clr|3|c.S}} is one of her most '''reliable pressure tools''': it's '''+3 on block''', has '''low pushback''', and it '''beats low profiles'''. With it, you're often able to scare opponents into blocking, and if they continue doing so without Faultless Defense, it can even '''loop into itself'''. If they get fed up and try to hit a button, it's likely you'll land a rewarding counter-hit. Its largest weakness is being a '''proximity-based''' close slash that requires you to take the risk of actually going close in order to use it. You can make up for this with smartly timed dashes, but that will always create larger pressure gaps that allow for more time to fight back. That's why smart use of this button requires solid '''conditioning''' and '''counterplay''', encouraging you to observe your opponent and respond to how they seem to want to get out of pressure accordingly.


<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px" mode="nolines">
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px" mode="nolines">
GGST Giovanna cS.png | Start with {{clr|3|c.S}}, then...
GGST Giovanna cS.png | Start your pressure with {{clr|3|c.S}}, then...
</gallery>
</gallery>
<gallery widths="280px" heights="180px" mode="nolines">
<gallery widths="280px" heights="180px" mode="nolines">
GGST Giovanna Ground Throw.png | ...walk up for a ''throw''</br>to catch someone trying to '''block'''.
GGST Giovanna Ground Throw.png | ...walk up for a ''throw''</br>to catch someone trying to '''block'''.
GGST Giovanna 2S1.png | ...gatling into {{clr|3|2S}}</br>to catch someone trying to '''block high'''</br>or '''jump your throw'''.
GGST Giovanna 2S1.png | ...gatling into {{clr|3|2S}}</br>to catch someone trying to '''block high''',</br> '''jump your throw''', or '''mash out'''.
GGST Giovanna 5D.png | ...gatling into {{clr|5|5D}}</br>as a situational mixup </br>to catch someone '''blocking low'''.
GGST Giovanna 5D.png | ...gatling into {{clr|5|5D}}</br>as a situational '''overhead''' </br>to catch someone '''blocking low'''.
GGST Giovanna Sol Poente 2.png | ...cancel into {{clr|3|214S}}</br>as a situational '''cross-up''', or</br>to catch someone trying to '''throw'''.
GGST Giovanna Sol Poente 2.png | ...cancel into {{clr|3|214S}}</br>as a safer '''overhead''' and '''cross-up''', or</br>to catch someone trying to '''tech throw'''.
GGST Giovanna cS.png | ...walk up for another {{clr|3|c.S}}</br>to continue to '''loop your pressure'''.
GGST Giovanna cS.png | ...dash up for another {{clr|3|c.S}}</br>to continue to '''loop your pressure'''.
</gallery>
</gallery>
====Resisting Pushback====
As the main weakness of your {{clr|3|c.S}} pressure is its substantial '''distance requirement''', the '''pushback you receive''' after they block it is your biggest enemy in being able to pressure freely. Get pushed too far, and your pressure will be given a '''deadline''' of sorts, losing access to your safest, most plus tool and instead having to use buttons that can only really safely go into a basic gatling string. [[GGST/Giovanna#Trovão|Trovão]] can be a decent way to '''reset your pressure''' once you're pushed too far, but it isn't too hard to react to if used carelessly.
Luckily, Giovanna has a trick for this exact thing. By '''using dash momentum even at point-blank''', she is able to continue moving forward to the point where she can significantly '''resist pushback'''. This can greatly aid the effectiveness of your {{clr|3|c.S}} pressure, increasing your ability to loop it into itself and overall maintaining your frame advantage to do whatever you'd like. This is especially important against defenders who rely on Faultless Defense, as it causes pushback to increase along with the need to resist it.
[[File:Giovanna_Dash_Momentum_Resisting_Pushback.mp4|500px|frameless|caption]]
<div>The difference in {{clr|3|c.S}} pushback on block between no dash momentum, cancelling a dash early, and cancelling it slightly later.</br>
Even while as close to the opponent as possible and in the corner, the momentum still serves to fight against the pushback of {{clr|3|c.S}}.</div>


====Meterless Setups====
====Meterless Setups====
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Giovanna can get a fuzzy guard mixup off of any of her jump-cancelable normals in the corner if she has 50 tension available. After jumping, an immediate 66.BRC j.S will force the opponent to stand block or get hit by a highly damaging BRC combo. This part is easily reactable so most players will not get hit here. The fuzzy itself is the rising j.H after landing from j.S. This can be linked into a falling j.H to continue a combo thanks to the BRC slowdown. The low option (2K after j.S) can be linked into c.S because of the BRC slowdown as well.
Giovanna can get a fuzzy guard mixup off of any of her jump-cancelable normals in the corner if she has 50 tension available. After jumping, an immediate 66.BRC j.S will force the opponent to stand block or get hit by a highly damaging BRC combo. This part is easily reactable so most players will not get hit here. The fuzzy itself is the rising j.H after landing from j.S. This can be linked into a falling j.H to continue a combo thanks to the BRC slowdown. The low option (2K after j.S) can be linked into c.S because of the BRC slowdown as well.


===Counter-hits===
===Okizeme===
For most characters, a counter-hit is simply a nice thing to land to get a bit more damage. For Giovanna, however, it's considerably more integral to her gameplay to land them, and she has several tools to do so.
 
<gallery widths="380px" heights="380px" mode="nolines">
====[[Safe_Jump|Safejumps]]====
GGST_Sol_Nascente_on_Axl_5K.png | '''{{clr|3|623S}} low profiles''' many of the fastest jabs,</br>allowing you counter-hit attempts to interrupt your pressure.
Giovanna has a variety of safejump setups that are done by landing with a properly timed {{clr|4|j.H}} on the opponent's wakeup. However, they vary in their viability based on how fast an opponent's reversal is.
</gallery>
 
'''If a reversal is 7 frames or shorter, most safejumps will lose'''. These will be referred to as "fast reversals" for convenience. Knowing which ones you can use in each scenario is simply a matter of matchup knowledge.
 
If you have the chance to do either of your jump cancelable normals ({{clr|3|c.S}} or {{clr|2|5K}}) as an [[GGST/Attack_Attributes#Off_The_Ground|OTG]], you can then jump cancel them and [[Instant_Air_Dash|IAD]] > {{clr|4|j.H}} for a rather simple setup.
 
Each OTG move and their respective setups each have their tradeoffs:
*'''{{clr|2|5K}}''' is faster, longer range, '''beats fast reversals''', but its narrow and raised hitbox demands you hit the OTG very early upon them falling on the ground, limiting its use after a long combo.
*'''{{clr|3|c.S}}''' is much more forgiving with the timing and is usable in more scenarios, but it will '''lose to fast reversals'''.
Making sure you use {{clr|2|214K}} as high as possible to end your juggle combo is a good way to ensure the {{clr|2|5K}} safejump's success.  


<gallery widths="380px" heights="380px" mode="nolines">
There are also some ways to do the safejump without an OTG:
GGST Giovanna Sepultura hitbox.png | '''{{clr|2|214K}}''' is able to predictively counter-hit their low-profiles,</br>such as when they try to {{clr|1|6P}} your plus special moves.
*After a ground throw, you may simply hold up-forward and do {{clr|4|j.H}} late in your ascent and it will give you a properly timed safejump. '''Loses to fast reversals'''.
</gallery>
**Doing a neutral/back jump into an IAD {{clr|4|j.H}} or {{clr|2|j.K}} may work to '''beat fast reversals''' after a ground throw, but it demands more precision.


===Okizeme===


====Safejumps====
[[File:Giovanna_5K_C.S_Safejump_Comparison.mp4|500px|frameless|caption]]
Giovanna can set up [[Safe_Jump|safejumps]] quite easily by landing with a late j.H. If she has the chance to do a c.S or 5K as an [[GGST/Attack_Attributes#Off_The_Ground|OTG]], she can then jump cancel and [[Instant_Air_Dash|IAD]] j.H for a very simple and reliable safejump setup. This can be set up quite easily midscreen at the cost of some damage: a simple combo like '''c.S > 2H > 214K > dash > c.S''' will give enough height after 214K to dash up and c.S for the safejump. 5K as OTG is faster and longer range, but it may sometimes whiff due to the narrow and raised hitbox.</br>
<div>An example of Giovanna's common OTG safejump setup against {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Sol Badguy|input=623S|label='''S Volcanic Viper'''}} ({{clr|3|623S}}).</br>The {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=c.S|label='''{{clr|3|c.S}}'''}} variant loses, whereas {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=5K|label='''{{clr|2|5K}}'''}}'s recovers in time to block.</div>
Examples:</br>
https://twitter.com/subpanda101/status/1406237780125097992 </br>
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZU39CSTGBc </br>
There are also ways to do the safejump without an OTG. After a ground throw, you may simply hold up-forward and do j.H late in your ascent and it will give you a properly timed safejump.


====2D====
====2D====
If you wish to safely meaty the opponent, beat reversals, hit low to catch jumpers, and stay at a distance either for matchup or mixup reasons, 2D is a solid option. Because it has such a disjointed and active hitbox, you are often completely uncontestable using it from a distance if you have time to get it out, thus beating many reversals in the game. For more info on which reversals 2D will be able to safely beat, check out [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Reversals_you_can_2D|this table]] in the matchups section. Keep in mind that 2D is active for 10 frames, so [[Meaty#Meaty_Attack_Timeline|optimal timing]] will require you to hit with it on the last couple frames. A properly timed 2D can be up to +6 on block. Off of a throw, Giovanna can help time her meaty 2D by doing '''Throw > whiff 5P > 2D'''.
If you wish to safely meaty the opponent, beat reversals, hit low to catch jumpers, and stay at a distance either for matchup or mixup reasons, 2D is a solid option. Because it has such a disjointed and active hitbox, you are often completely uncontestable using it from a distance if you have time to get it out, thus beating many reversals in the game. For more info on which reversals 2D will be able to safely beat, check out [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Reversal_Chart|this table]] in the matchups section. Keep in mind that 2D is active for 10 frames, so [[Meaty#Meaty_Attack_Timeline|optimal timing]] will require you to hit with it on the last couple frames. A properly timed 2D can be up to +6 on block. Off of a throw, Giovanna can help time her meaty 2D by doing '''Throw > whiff 5P > 2D'''.


====c.S====
====c.S====
After longer combos ending in a hard knockdown or after a throw, Gio has enough time to dash in and get a meaty c.S. This can turn into a mixup with a slightly delayed throw, dash cancel, backdash to beat reversals/throw techs, Sol Poente, and more. It's usually easier for her to bait throws with a backdash instead of trying to get a frame-perfect meaty or shimmy, but it's also generally less reward and leads to less pressure. If you're able to land meaty c.S, the pressure is highly in your favour, but be wary of trying to land multiple c.S together as the window is very tight and you can easily get grabbed out of it.
After longer combos ending in a hard knockdown or after a throw, Gio has enough time to dash in and get a meaty c.S. This can turn into a mixup with a slightly delayed throw, dash cancel, backdash to beat reversals/throw techs, Sol Poente, and more. It's usually easier for her to bait throws with a backdash instead of trying to get a frame-perfect meaty or shimmy, but it's also generally less reward and leads to less pressure. If you're able to land meaty c.S, the pressure is highly in your favour, but be wary of trying to land multiple c.S together as the window is very tight and you can easily get grabbed out of it.


==Defense==
==Counter-hits==
Giovanna does not have a meterless reversal, so she's forced to rely on 632146H. She does, however, have a 4-frame 5P that allows her to mash out of tick throws. It may not lead to much reward but discouraging tick throws helps her establish respect.
For most characters, a counter-hit is a nice thing to get some good damage. For Giovanna, however, it's considerably more integral to her gameplay to land them, and she has several tools to do so, both offensively and defensively.
<gallery widths="380px" heights="380px" mode="nolines">
GGST_Sol_Nascente_on_Axl_5K.png | '''{{clr|3|623S}} low profiles''' many of the fastest jabs,</br>allowing you counter-hit attempts to interrupt your pressure.
</gallery>


Gio also has a great suite of anti-airs. She of course has the universal 6P, but her 2H also has some horizontal reach and her c.S reaches deceptively high and can be useful in a pinch. Outside of just normals, Giovanna has one of the best special move anti-airs in the game with 623S. It gives huge reward on counter-hit, but that is not the main draw. Even though 623S is -15 on the ground, it leaves Gio at advantage when her opponent airblocks it. She can run her strike/throw game from there and make her opponent regret trying to jump at her with relative ease.
<gallery widths="380px" heights="380px" mode="nolines">
GGST Giovanna Sepultura hitbox.png | '''{{clr|2|214K}}''' is able to predictively counter-hit their low-profiles,</br>such as when they try to {{clr|1|6P}} your plus special moves.
</gallery>


==Tips and Tricks==
==Tips and Tricks==
===5H Counterhit [[Option Select]]===
===Counterhit [[Option Select|Option Selects]]===
====5H====
https://twitter.com/FrinkyWinkZz/status/1404966974531190788?s=19
https://twitter.com/FrinkyWinkZz/status/1404966974531190788?s=19


Simply said, you use {{clr|4|5H}} then do {{clr|2|214K1236K}}. If {{clr|4|5H}} gets blocked, it'll do {{clr|2|214K}}, the safer option. If {{clr|4|5H}} counter-hits, however, {{clr|2|236K}} will come out due to the slowdown extending the input buffer time and allowing you to override the previous input, leading into your usual ch '''5H > 236K''' combo.
Simply said, you use {{clr|4|5H}} then do {{clr|2|214K1236K}}. If {{clr|4|5H}} gets blocked, it'll do {{clr|2|214K}}, the safer option. If {{clr|4|5H}} counter-hits, however, {{clr|2|236K}} will come out due to the slowdown extending the input buffer time and allowing you to override the previous input, leading into your usual ch '''5H > 236K''' combo.


===c.S Counterhit [[Option Select]]===
====c.S====
https://twitter.com/Snare56447417/status/1414719133652963328
https://twitter.com/Snare56447417/status/1414719133652963328


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==Fighting Giovanna==
==Fighting Giovanna==
* She keeps using the Spiral Arrow move (236K), how do I get around it?
===Overview===
This move may look scary, but the hurtbox is quite a bit larger than the hitbox (and it's quite slow). Most 6P normals and reactive pokes will stop her dead in her tracks. If you ''really'' read one, you can even neutral jump and get a full jump-in combo. Even though the projectile invulnerability only tanks one hit of a fireball, it still allows her to phase through slower fireballs such as H Stun Edge and H Graviert Wurde if she times it correctly. Because slower fireballs are much more likely to be reacted to, faster ones will typically beat her out as she cannot react to them in neutral and would simply have to use prediction to pre-emptively beat them out, allowing you to react to her prediction and 6P.  
Because Giovanna has tools to play both offense and defense in the right scenarios, understanding how to face her on a general level can often require knowledge of that specific Giovanna's playstyle. That being said, though, there's still plenty of general mistakes to look out for to avoid being dominated by basic strategies when facing this character.
 
===Remembering to FD===
<div>Without Fautless Defense, Giovanna's {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=c.S|label='''{{clr|3|c.S}}'''}} can create what feels like endless pressure that forces you into '''dangerous guessing situations''' from any hit. Fortunately, it only takes a '''single use of FD''' to make her pressure much easier to escape from. As highlighted in the "[[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Beating_Dash_Pressure|Beating Dash Pressure]]" section, the more distance Giovanna has to travel to make her normals connect, the more time you'll have to interrupt her. The differences may seem hard to capitalize on at first due to the continued speed of her dash, but try your best to be aware of your openings and time your fast buttons preemptively to '''catch her in the act of getting back in'''. </div>


* She keeps hitting me with the flip kick (214S), what can I do to stop it?
===Taking Your Turn With Lows===
Flip kick can be beaten by moves with upper body invincibility, such as any kind of 6P or DP. The timing is slightly different than 236K, but it's perfectly consistent if Giovanna lacks meter to RC the move. You may also try to react with a neutral jump into an airgrab or air-to-air if you're really going for an optimal punish.
<div>It's important against Giovanna to be wary of her highly rewarding, '''frame 1 low profile''' tool, {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=623S|label='''Sol Nascente'''}} ({{clr|3|623S}}). Its sheer speed and forgiving counter-hit juggle time allow Giovanna to consistently '''win trades''' and '''beat many common {{keyword|abare}} pokes'''. Even though her safest and most common blockstring ender, {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=214K|label='''Sepultura'''}} ({{clr|2|214K}}) is -4 on block, there is always the potential for this unconventional low profile trap to beat pokes that don't hit low enough. This can cause players to act overly defensive against Giovanna's pressure, uncertain of when to actually  press buttons during it.</div>


*When am I allowed to take back my turn?
<div>In turn, it's why '''lows are so important''' against Giovanna. Beating her low profile means you're able to reliably '''take back your turn''' when she ends her blockstrings with {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=214K|label='''{{clr|2|214K}}'''}}. If Giovanna has no meter, there's especially no reason not to hit a low unless you are one of the two characters with a ~4 frame normal ({{Character Label|GGST|Sol_Badguy|label=Sol}} {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Sol Badguy|input=5K|label={{clr|3|5K}}}} & {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Sol Badguy|input=5P|label={{clr|1|5P}}}}, {{Character Label|GGST|Chipp_Zanuff|label=Chipp}} {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Chipp Zanuff|input=5P|label={{clr|1|5P}}}}) able to land a punish.</div>
Giovanna's offense is mostly based around blockstrings and frametraps, making her offense scary on the outset. However, most of her special move enders either leave a wide gap or are slightly minus. 6P works pre-emptively against both 236K and 214S. 214K is -4 on block, as well, which basically ends her turn unless the Giovanna player is willing to spend resources to keep the pressure up. As well, strategic use of Faultless Defense, Burst and YRC can end Giovanna pressure, though haphazard use of these defensive mechanics can get you killed, so be cautious.
 
 
[[File:Countering Giovanna 214K.webm|500px|frameless|caption]]
<div>Two mid-hitting attacks, and then a low against Giovanna's {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=214K|label='''{{clr|2|214K}}'''}} > {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=623S|label='''{{clr|3|623S}}'''}} trap.
</br>Despite {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Ramlethal Valentine|input=5P|label='''{{clr|1|5P}}'''}} being faster, {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Ramlethal Valentine|input=2K|label='''{{clr|2|2K}}'''}} connects due to it beating the low profile.</div>
 
===Beating Dash Pressure===
<div>Giovanna's combined '''speed''' and '''range''' thanks to her long pokes and fast dash make her ability to '''instantly lock you down''' very threatening. However, none of her options come without a price, and she often has to '''trade speed for range''' and vice versa.</div>
 
<div>For example, her {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=5K|label='''{{clr|2|5K}}'''}} won't reach you at roundstart, but it will if she does a dash right before it, increasing the time it takes by roughly a couple frames. If the dash is cancelled as early as possible, its distance is lowered, making it a "microdash" that you are still often able to get out of range of with proper timing. If she wants to do an even bigger dash to ensure you don't go out of range, she must '''sacrifice even more speed''' for it, making her '''easier to interrupt''', and so on.</div>
 
 
[[File:Beating_Giovanna_Microdash_5K_Opener.mp4|500px|frameless|caption]]
<div>Some examples of how to beat the threatening opener of '''microdash''' {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=5K|label='''{{clr|2|5K}}'''}}.
</br>Low profiles such as {{clr|1|6P}} will generally win, as well as the lower risk option of walking back.</div>


==Matchups==
==Matchups==
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===={{Character Label|GGST|Anji Mito|label=Anji Mito}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Anji Mito|label=Anji Mito}}====
A matchup that demands awareness thanks to his [[GGST/Anji_Mito#Suigetsu_No_Hakobi|autoguard]]. You also cannot outrange his [[GGST/Anji_Mito#Kachoufuugetsu_Kai|counter super]] with 2D nor can you safejump it, so performing oki on him while he has meter is inherently a risk unless you use 214S to cross him up, causing the counter to whiff. In neutral, however, your fast buttons will serve you well in being difficult for him to punish after he autoguards them. To counter autoguard both in neutral and on roundstart, it's also a good idea to simply run up and dash while blocking. This lets you defend against any buttons he might try to use, and if he tries to autoguard, you'll quickly be in range to punish it with a throw. Irritate him with pokes, pressure, and try to beat his counters and overall pressure with patient throws and reactions.
A matchup that demands awareness thanks to his [[GGST/Anji_Mito#Suigetsu_No_Hakobi|autoguard]] and large buttons. You also cannot outrange his [[GGST/Anji_Mito#Kachoufuugetsu_Kai|counter super]] with 2D nor can you safejump it, so performing oki on him while he has meter is inherently a risk unless you cross him up and force the counter to whiff. In neutral, try to rely more on your low recovery pokes that he can't punish off of autoguard, such as 5K or 2D. Another good way to counter autoguard both in neutral and on roundstart is to [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Dashing|dash block]]. This lets you defend against any buttons he might try to use, and if he tries to autoguard as an opener, you'll quickly be in range to punish it with a throw.
 
[[GGST/Anji_Mito#Fuujin|Fuujin]] is a very formidable pressure tool that can completely invalidate trying to Faultless Defense out of pressure, so use your meter wisely and try your best to react to the followups.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Axl Low|label=Axl Low}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Axl Low|label=Axl Low}}====
Axl's fantastic air control buttons may often force you to play grounded, as Gio's air game is not very difficult for Axl to deal with. Due to this, the matchup may seem difficult for Gio at first, but with proper mastery of her step dash, Gio can challenge Axl's zoning fairly well. Remember to always [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Step_Dash_Blocking|block while dashing]] so that you don't get stuffed by any [[GGST/Axl_Low#Sickle_Flash|Rensens]] or 2Hes he throws out. Stay patient in your approach, and you will eventually outpace his ability to keep you out. When you're in, try your best to keep that advantage with knockdowns and corner pressure. The hulking hitboxes of his c.S and f.S remain a large threat to your ability to dodge around his normals at mid-range, but remember that 623S will easily low profile buttons like 5K and 5P. He is the only character whose fastest normal is 6 frames, 1 more frame than most. This means that if you perfectly time your c.S loops to give them a 5 frame gap, he must spend meter on a reversal to beat the frametrap (if you are out of grab range).
Axl's fantastic air control buttons may often force you to play grounded, as Gio's air game is not very difficult for Axl to deal with. Due to this, the matchup may seem difficult for Gio at first, but with proper mastery of her step dash, Gio can challenge Axl's zoning quite well. Remember to always [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Step_Dash_Blocking|block while dashing]] so that you don't get stuffed by any [[GGST/Axl_Low#Sickle_Flash|Rensens]] or 2Hes he throws out. Stay patient in your approach, and you will eventually outpace his ability to keep you out. When you're in, try your best to keep that advantage with knockdowns and corner pressure. The hulking hitboxes of his c.S and f.S are a large threat to your ability to dodge around his normals at closer mid-range, but remember that 623S will easily low profile and punish his fastest abare button, 5K. In fact, he is the only character whose fastest normal is 6 frames, 1 more frame than most. This makes it so that if you perfectly time your c.S loops to give an exact 5 frame gap out of throw range, he would have no choice but to spend meter to beat the frametrap.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Chipp Zanuff|label=Chipp Zanuff}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Chipp Zanuff|label=Chipp Zanuff}}====
Similar to {{Character Label|GGST|Sol Badguy|label=Sol}}, Chipp has many fast normals and a DP to interrupt your pressure in ways other characters can't. His neutral is also formidable, as many of his best buttons are difficult for Gio to avoid. Try your best to stay patient and minimize the gaps in your pressure, while also knowing when to retaliate with your big counter-hit buttons before his mixups hit. Both his grounded  [[GGST/Chipp_Zanuff#Alpha_Blade_Horizontal|Alpha Blades]] as well as his [[GGST/Chipp_Zanuff#Genrou_Zan|command grab]] are great to contest with your {{clr|3|S}} specials: {{clr|3|623S}} will interrupt them all and give you a huge counter-hit, whereas {{clr|3|214S}} is a lower risk option that can still net a good combo (on Alpha Blades only) and may even go above any lows Chipp tries to throw out to try and beat your {{clr|3|623S}}. Because you'll generally lose less from a trade than Chipp does due to the nature of his low health, it's even better than usual to take risks and force interactions.
Similar to {{Character Label|GGST|Sol Badguy|label=Sol}}, Chipp has many fast normals and a DP to interrupt your pressure in ways most other characters can't. His neutral is also formidable, as many of his best buttons are difficult for Gio to evade around. Try your best to stay patient and minimize the openings in your pressure, while also knowing when to retaliate with your big counter-hit buttons before his mixups hit. Both his grounded  [[GGST/Chipp_Zanuff#Alpha_Blade_Horizontal|Alpha Blades]] as well as his [[GGST/Chipp_Zanuff#Genrou_Zan|command grab]] are great to contest with your {{clr|3|S}} specials: {{clr|3|623S}} will interrupt them all and give you a huge counter-hit, whereas {{clr|3|214S}} can net a good low-risk sideswitch combo (on Alpha Blades only) and may even go above any lows Chipp tries to throw out to try and beat your {{clr|3|623S}}. Because you'll generally lose less from a trade than Chipp does due to the nature of his low health, it's even better than usual to take risks and force interactions.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Faust|label=Faust}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Faust|label=Faust}}====
Similar to Nago and Axl, Faust has many long range pokes that can give Gio a hard time. You'll need to respect his 2H, 6H, and general item shenanigans, but you can easily 6P [[GGST/Faust#Thrust|Thrust]]. His poor reversal means you can pressure him quite nicely when you actually get the lead, but be wary of his ability to hold 1 in order to low profile both your 236K and 214S. This is especially a threat if the Faust is simply holding downback to block and you attempt to cross them up with 214S, as the crossup will cause him to be holding down forward and unintentionally low profile the move.
Similar to Nago and Axl, Faust has many long range pokes that can give Gio a hard time. You'll need to respect his 2H, 6H, and general item shenanigans, but you can easily 6P [[GGST/Faust#Thrust|Thrust]]. His poor reversal means you can pressure him quite nicely when you actually get the lead, but be wary of his ability to hold 1 in order to low profile your 236K, 214S, and mid pokes. This is especially a threat if the Faust is simply holding downback to block and you attempt to cross them up with 214S, as the crossup will cause him to be holding down forward and unintentionally(?) low profile the move.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Goldlewis Dickinson|label=Goldlewis Dickinson}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Goldlewis Dickinson|label=Goldlewis Dickinson}}====
Goldlewis loves to play at mid-range and pressure you with Behemoth Typhoon hits on block, so staying right out of his effective range and then using a dash-in 5H to whiff punish is very effective against players who like to throw out Typhoons carelessly. Because his pressure is so good at pushing you back to mid-range and resetting itself, Instant Blocking is very valuable for disrupting it. You want to try and stay close enough so that you can use 5P/5K abare or even throw to interrupt Typhoons, but beware his many ways to vary the timings of his pressure and effortlessly frame trap certain options.
Goldlewis loves to play at mid-range and pressure you with Behemoth Typhoon hits on block, so staying right out of his effective range and then using a dash-in 5H to whiff punish is very effective against players who like to throw out Typhoons carelessly. Because his pressure is so good at pushing you back to mid-range and resetting itself, Instant Block and Faultless Defense are both very valuable for disrupting it. You may want to try and stay close enough so that you can use 5P/5K abare or even throw to interrupt Typhoons, or you may choose to simply FD out of it all.
 
===={{Character Label|GGST|Happy Chaos|label=Happy Chaos}}====
Try to stay grounded, and dash block plenty in order to bait him into wasting his resources. Once they're down and he can't shoot, similar to playing around {{Character Label|GGST|Zato-1|label=Zato-1}}'s Eddie gauge, there's your chance to go in.


===={{Character Label|GGST|I-No|label=I-No}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|I-No|label=I-No}}====
It's probably a good idea to save meter for YRC so that you can avoid her mixup game as much as possible. Fortunately, you can often play around I-No's neutral pretty well without meter purely by throwing out lows in expectation of [[GGST/I-No#Stroke_the_Big_Tree|Stroke the Big Tree]], 236King through her note, and anti-airing her air approaches. Your 623S is notably good in this matchup, letting you occupy a large amount of the air space I-No wants to approach you from, though it can now be low profiled by Stroke the Big Tree. If you block a wakeup Ultimate Fortissimo, you can punish it with a 2H combo starter after the first hit.
It's probably a good idea to save meter for YRC so that you can avoid her mixup game as much as possible, but beware of her being able to block while [[GGST/I-No#Antidepressant_Scale|her note]] hits. Fortunately, you can often play around I-No's neutral pretty well without meter purely by throwing out 214K in expectation of [[GGST/I-No#Stroke_the_Big_Tree|Stroke the Big Tree]], 236King through note, and anti-airing her air approaches. Your 623S is notably good in this matchup, letting you occupy a large amount of the air space I-No wants to approach you from, though it can now be low profiled and either trades or loses with Stroke the Big Tree. If you block a wakeup Ultimate Fortissimo, you can punish it with a tricky 2H combo starter right after the first hit.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Jack-O'|label=Jack-O'}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Jack-O'|label=Jack-O'}}====
Your meter will be a toss-up between YRC, which is vital for stopping Jack-O's pressure; and Faultless Defense, that will help you resist her hefty chip damage if necessary. Since she likes to cancel all her normals into specials, YRCing after you block a normal is typically your best bet. If she sets up minions behind you, you can jump and do a quick j.K in order to hit behind you, and even cancel that into a double jump or airdash to turn your jump into an approach.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Ky Kiske|label=Ky Kiske}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Ky Kiske|label=Ky Kiske}}====
Not only can you 6P through Ky's 236S fireball, but even his 623S reversal will clash with your 6P due to its hitbox starting rather high up. Instant Blocking allows you to punish many of Ky's strings with '''5K > 214K'''. Be wary of his formidable low pokes that can stuff your dashes and jumps, and try to use as many opportunities as you can to safely dash in to close distance. Although his DP is easy to deal with, [[GGST/Ky_Kiske#Ride_The_Lightning|Ride the Lightning]] has a very large hitbox that cannot be outranged with 2D, so be wary when he has meter.
6P is particularly handy in this matchup, as it will actually clash with or beat [[GGST/Ky_Kiske#Vapor_Thrust|his DP]] given the right timing, and it isn't too hard for Gio to include in her pressure or oki thanks to her great special cancel options. Instant Blocking allows you to punish both [[GGST/Ky_Kiske#Dire_Eclat|Dire Eclat]] and [[GGST/Ky_Kiske#Stun_Dipper|Stun Dipper]] with '''5K > 214K''', further disincentivizing him being on the offense. Once he's afraid to push buttons, go to town with throws and any other mixups. Be wary of his formidable low pokes that can stuff your dashes and prejump, and try to use as many opportunities as you can to safely dash in to close distance. Although his DP is trivial to deal with, [[GGST/Ky_Kiske#Ride_The_Lightning|Ride the Lightning]] has a very large hitbox that cannot be outranged with 2D, so exercise awareness and use any of your [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejumps]] when he has meter.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Leo Whitefang|label=Leo Whitefang}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Leo Whitefang|label=Leo Whitefang}}====
[[GGST/Leo_Whitefang#Gravierte_W.C3.BCrde|His fireball]] is far too fast in the S version to 236K on reaction, but it's a fairly reasonable option against the H version. [[GGST/Leo_Whitefang#Eisensturm|His DP]] is fast and naturally beats cross-ups, encouraging you to use a decent [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejump]] for oki and also to keep your mixups unpredictable.


===={{Character Label|GGST|May|label=May}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|May|label=May}}====
623S can often get solid counter-hits on May's jumping normals that she usually gets away with uncontested. She also has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to being above her, as her 2H is very slow, forcing her to rely on 6P to beat your 214S and general air mixup. You can also throw out quick abare buttons like 5K in neutral to try and stuff an attempt at S dolphin or on reaction to HS dolphin.
623S can often get solid counter-hits on May's jumping normals that she usually gets away with uncontested. She also has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to being above her, as her 2H is very slow, forcing her to rely on 6P to beat your 214S and general air mixup. You can also throw out quick [[keyword|abare]] buttons like 5K in neutral to try and stuff an attempt at S dolphin or on reaction to HS dolphin. Her more disjointed buttons may be hard to contest, so try to play patient and punish her mistakes.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Millia Rage|label=Millia Rage}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Millia Rage|label=Millia Rage}}====
While 623S will often net you huge reward against Millias who aren't expecting it, a competent Millia will know how to utilize her plethora of air options in order to misdirect your attempts to anti-air. Beware of her 214P and 2D as they're quite good at stuffing your dash-ins. Besides that, though, neutral can be in your favour if you manage to beat her approaches with your generally superior poke tools, and her being a 6 frame jab character with no meterless reversal makes your frame traps all the more simple and threatening to do.  
While 623S will often net you huge reward against Millias who aren't expecting it, a competent Millia will know how to utilize her plethora of air options in order to misdirect your attempts to anti-air. Beware of her lows being fairly good at stuffing your dash-ins. Besides that, though, neutral can be in your favour if you manage to beat her approaches with your generally superior poke tools.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Nagoriyuki|label=Nagoriyuki}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Nagoriyuki|label=Nagoriyuki}}====
With Nago's amazing poke buttons, it can be very tricky to approach one who uses his tools effectively. His 2S and 5H are great at stuffing your dash-ins, and his 2H can completely destroy your jump-ins. Avoid blowing meter on Fautless Defense as he can often just use [[GGST/Nagoriyuki#Fukyo|Fukyo]] to negate the pushback, and instead save it for something that allows you to force your turn like RC or j.236236H. Against Nagos who find your approaches easy to predict, neutral is still an uphill battle, so it's probably a good idea to try and [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Avoiding_Wallbreak|avoid wallbreak]] as much as you can. When being pressured, exercise patience and try to react to the command grab. Remember that he cannot pressure you with special moves forever, and a reckless Nago will inevitably activate Blood Rage trying to do so and essentially lose the round on his own. When Blood Rage is active and you aren't able to punish the animation, always be on the defensive, as you won't lose anything doing so whereas he will lose a very large chunk of his health.
With Nago's amazing poke buttons, it can be very tricky to approach one who uses his tools effectively. His 2S and 5H are great at stuffing your dash-ins, and his 2H can completely destroy your jump-ins. Avoid blowing meter on Fautless Defense as he can often just use [[GGST/Nagoriyuki#Fukyo|Fukyo]] to negate the pushback and instead save it for something that allows you to force your turn like RC or j.236236H. Against Nagos who find your approaches easy to predict, neutral is still an uphill battle, so it's probably a good idea to try and [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Avoiding_Wallbreak|avoid wallbreak]] as much as you can. When being pressured, exercise patience and try to react to his main mixup: the [[GGST/Nagoriyuki#Bloodsucking Universe|command grab]]. Remember that he cannot pressure you with special moves forever, and a reckless Nago will inevitably activate Blood Rage trying to do so and essentially lose the round on his own. When Blood Rage is active and you aren't able to punish the animation, always be on the defensive, as you won't lose anything doing so while he is losing a very large chunk of his health.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Potemkin|label=Potemkin}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Potemkin|label=Potemkin}}====
While his long range buttons, air control, and close range reward can cause Gio some difficulty, remember the strengths you have in being able to outspeed many of his attempts at getting a knockdown in neutral. A difficult thing is that since Gio usually wants to get close to pressure with c.S, your standard c.S strike/throw mixups will make you very susceptible to [[GGST/Potemkin#Potemkin_Buster|Potemkin Buster]], possibly demanding some more thinking and meter conservation on some creative long range pressure. Other than that, the multi-hits of your f.S and 2S force Potemkin to be careful when he decides to use his armored moves. Avoiding Slide Head by backdashing or using an airborne special (623S, 214S) is also a pretty good way to stop him from approaching you without having to jump and be susceptible to his threatening anti-air tools—though, Heat Knuckle can still catch you during 623S sometimes.
<div>While his long range buttons, air control, and close range reward can cause Gio some difficulty, remember the strengths you have in being able to outspeed many of his buttons in neutral. Your standard c.S strike/throw mixups require you to be in close range and thus make you very susceptible to [[GGST/Potemkin#Potemkin_Buster|Potemkin Buster]], demanding more mid-range play and possibly thinking on some creative long range pressure. Other than that, the multi-hits of your f.S and 2S force Potemkin to be careful when he decides to use his armored moves. Avoiding [[GGST/Potemkin#Slide_Head|Slide Head]] by backdashing or using an airborne special ({{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=623S|label={{clr|3|623S}}}}, {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Giovanna|input=214S|label={{clr|3|214S}}}}) is also a pretty good way to beat his full-screen game without having to jump and be susceptible to his threatening anti-air tools (though, [[GGST/Potemkin#Heat_Knuckle|Heat Knuckle]] can still catch you even during {{clr|3|623S}} sometimes).</div>


===={{Character Label|GGST|Ramlethal Valentine|label=Ramlethal}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Ramlethal Valentine|label=Ramlethal}}====
Much like {{Character Label|GGST|Nagoriyuki|label=Nagoriyuki}}, Ram is very formidable at mid-range. This makes her very good at stuffing both your pokes and your attempts at approaching. Since being in neutral against her is so threatening, you should probably opt for [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Avoiding_Wallbreak|not breaking the wall]] whenever you get a combo and simply go for corner pressure for as long as you can.  
Much like {{Character Label|GGST|Nagoriyuki|label=Nagoriyuki}}, Ram is very formidable at the longer mid-ranges. This makes her very good at stuffing both your pokes and your attempts at approaching. Since being in neutral against her is so threatening, you should probably opt for [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Avoiding_Wallbreak|not breaking the wall]] whenever you get a combo and simply go for corner pressure for as long as you can.  


The immense range and speed of nearly all her sword-related moves will rarely let you get out a 2D in neutral, generally urging you to go for fast pokes and low profiles. Her f.S, 5H, and 236H can all be beaten by 6P, and might urge her to start throwing out 2S to beat 6P. You can then abuse the short range of her 2S to land a whiff punish in response. Ram f.S is a very rare case of a button that can't be low profiled by 623S, but can be by 6P. 5H can also be low profiled by 623S to get a juicy counterhit, but the threat of f.S makes it far more risky (if she has both swords, that is). Her j.H is quite good at beating Gio's anti-airs even post-nerf, so trying to react to her double jumps with an air-to-air j.S that can then be confirmed into airdash j.D can be a very unexpected and rewarding way to deal with such a typically incontestable button. Since her anti-air options are pretty limited in range, a back jump is generally a low risk idea in neutral and as a round opener. Her reversal cannot be outranged with 2D and comes out very quickly, so be wary of it. To do oki while she has meter, you may use a [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejump setup]], but the speed of her reversal demands you be precise with the timing.
The immense range and speed of nearly all her sword-related moves will rarely let you get out a 2D in neutral, generally urging you to go for fast pokes and low profiles. Her f.S, 5H, and 236H can all be beaten by 6P, and might urge her to start throwing out 2S to beat it. You can then abuse the short range of her 2S to land a whiff punish in response. Ram f.S is a very rare case of a button that can't be low profiled by 623S but can be by 6P. 5H can also be low profiled by 623S to get a juicy counterhit, but the threat of f.S makes it far more risky (if she has both swords, that is). Her j.H is quite good at beating Gio's anti-airs even post-nerf, so trying to react to her double jumps with an air-to-air that can then be confirmed into airdash j.D can be a very unexpected and rewarding way to deal with such a typically uncontested button. Since her anti-air options are pretty limited in range, a back jump is generally a low risk idea in neutral and as a round opener. Her [[GGST/Ramlethal_Valentine#Mortobato|reversal]] cannot be outranged with 2D and comes out fast enough to beat your non-5K [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejump setups]], so be wary of it.  


Corner pressure is where Ram excels the most. Fortunately, Giovanna's dash is actually fast enough for you to block the first hit of the [[GGST/Ramlethal_Valentine#Bajoneto|Bajoneto]] sword throw and then dash forward to avoid the explosion, although Ram may be able to catch you with 5K if she's still in range for it. Her air control is also far stronger while in the corner thanks to S sword throw and j.P spam to keep you locked down until you land again. All in all, her corner pressure is very scary, and saving your meter for YRCing out of it can serve you quite well.
Corner pressure is where Ram excels the most. Fortunately, Giovanna's dash is actually fast enough for you to block the first hit of the [[GGST/Ramlethal_Valentine#Bajoneto|Bajoneto]] sword throw and then dash forward to avoid the explosion, although Ram may be able to stop you and continue pressure with a quick normal if she's still in range for it. Her air control is also far stronger while in the corner thanks to S sword throw and j.P spam to keep you locked down until you land again. All in all, her corner pressure is scary, and saving your meter for YRCing out of it can serve you quite well.


===={{Character Label|GGST|Sol Badguy|label=Sol Badguy}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Sol Badguy|label=Sol Badguy}}====
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===={{Character Label|GGST|Zato-1|label=Zato-1}}====
===={{Character Label|GGST|Zato-1|label=Zato-1}}====
You can use 6P to hit Eddie's frog form during neutral, and your 2K/5P pokes to hit Eddie during pressure. The back hitbox of 214S can actually have a very situational use for hitting Eddie behind you, a spot where most Zatos wouldn't expect him to get hit. As it is with facing Zato in general, try to play around Eddie's timer by putting on the pressure when Eddie is down. Your strong dash-throw game also allows you to beat [[GGST/Zato-1#.22Oppose.22|Oppose]] in neutral better than most characters.
<div> It's important to try and ensure Zato doesn't get his pressure off, as Gio has fairly limited ways to escape it. If you expect anything other than {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Zato-1 |input=236H|label=[[GGST/Zato-1#.22Oppose.22|"Oppose"]]}} at roundstart, you can attempt to throw out a microdash 5K or f.S to outspeed his sluggish buttons or pressure his block. Otherwise, you can patiently dash block and then react to Oppose by grabbing Zato out of the animation. You can use 6P to hit Eddie's frog form during neutral, and your 5P is fast enough to land a hit on Eddie during pressure. The back hitboxes of 214S and j.K can have a situational use for hitting Eddie behind you, an important spot where most Zatos don't expect him to get hit. As it is with facing Zato in general, try to play around Eddie's timer by putting on the pressure when Eddie is down and respecting moves like {{MiniMoveCard|game=GGST|chara=Zato-1 |input=236K|label=[[GGST/Zato-1#%22That's%20a%20lot!%22|"That's a lot!"]]}} that occupy a lot of the space Gio likes to be in.</div>


===Reversals you can 2D===
===Reversal Chart===
Below is a list of invincible reversals and whether or not you are able to use a correctly spaced and timed meaty {{clr|5|2D}} to outrange them and punish.</br>
Below is a list of invincible reversals and parameters detailing the following:
'''Yes''' means {{clr|5|2D}} successfully outranges the reversal and you are able to punish it accordingly (unless stated otherwise with *). This assumes that you are at at ideal range away from the reversal, as moves with 7 frame startup or less will beat out your 2D if you are too close, even with optimal [[Meaty#Meaty_Attack_Timeline|meaty timing]].</br>
* Whether or not you are able to use a correctly spaced and timed meaty {{clr|5|2D}} to outrange their reversal and punish, typically determined by the move's range and speed.
'''Clash''' means {{clr|5|2D}}'s hitbox may clash with the reversal ''if'' the meaty isn't optimally timed, still outranging the move but allowing it to be cancelled into something safe. Repeat clashes would likely make someone catch on and learn how to cancel from it, but it's generally not too bad as you can also cancel into FD to be safe, and as each clash builds 10% Tension.</br>
**'''Yes''' means {{clr|5|2D}} successfully outranges the reversal and you are able to punish it accordingly (unless stated otherwise with *). This assumes that you are at at ideal range away from the reversal, as moves with 7 frame startup or less will beat out your 2D if you are too close, even with optimal [[Meaty#Meaty_Attack_Timeline|meaty timing]].
'''No''' means {{clr|5|2D}} has to be out of the opponent's body distance to outrange the reversal, or simply cannot outrange it. You may still be able to time a meaty 2D safely (unless it is marked with **), but improper timing will see you getting hit.</br>
**'''Clash''' means {{clr|5|2D}}'s hitbox may clash with the reversal ''if'' the meaty isn't optimally timed, still outranging the move but allowing it to be cancelled into something safe. Repeat clashes would likely make someone catch on and learn how to cancel from it, but it's generally not too bad as you can also cancel into FD to be safe, and as each clash builds 10% Tension.
If a move both cannot be outranged and outspeeds 2D's recovery (No**), 2D absolutely cannot beat it. You're much better off using a [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejump]], or simply blocking.</br>
**'''No''' means {{clr|5|2D}} has to be out of the opponent's body distance to outrange the reversal, or simply cannot outrange it. You may still be able to time a meaty 2D safely (unless it is marked with **), but improper timing will see you getting hit. If a move both cannot be outranged and outspeeds 2D's recovery (No**), 2D absolutely cannot beat it. You're much better off using a [[GGST/Giovanna/Strategy#Safejumps|safejump]], or simply blocking.
* Which safejumps will work against the reversal, typically determined by its speed.
**'''All''' means the reversal is slow enough to be safejumped by any conventional setup.
**'''Fast''' means you need a fast setup that recovers earlier to properly safejump the reversal, such as with {{clr|2|5K}} OTG.
**'''None''' means it cannot be safejumped.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+
|+
|-
|-
! Character !! Reversal !! Outrange?
! Character !! Reversal !! {{clr|5|2D}} Outrange? !! Safejumps
|-
|-
| '''Anji Mito''' ||Kachoufuugetsu Kai||No**
| '''Anji Mito''' ||Kachoufuugetsu Kai||No**||None
|-
|-
| '''Axl Low''' ||Sickle Storm||No
| '''Axl Low''' ||Sickle Storm||No||All
|-
|-
| '''Chipp Zanuff'''||Beta Blade||Clash
| '''Chipp Zanuff'''||Beta Blade||Clash||Fast
|-
|-
| '''Faust''' ||Bone-crushing Excitement||No
| '''Faust''' ||Bone-crushing Excitement||No||All
|-
|-
| '''Giovanna''' ||Ventania||No
| '''Giovanna''' ||Ventania||No||Fast
|-
|-
| rowspan=3 | '''Goldlewis'''||Down With The System||Clash
| rowspan=3 | '''Goldlewis'''||Down With The System||Clash||All
|-
|-
||Down With The System (720)||Yes
||Down With The System (720)||Yes||All
|-
|-
||Down With The System (1080)||Yes
||Down With The System (1080)||Yes||All
|-
|-
| '''I-No'''||Ultimate Fortissimo||Clash*
| '''I-No'''||Ultimate Fortissimo||Clash*||Fast
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''Ky Kiske'''||Vapor Thrust||Yes
| rowspan=2 | '''Ky Kiske'''||Vapor Thrust||Yes||All
|-
|-
||Ride the Lightning||No**  
||Ride the Lightning||No**||Fast
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''Leo Whitefang'''  ||Eisensturm||Clash
| rowspan=2 | '''Leo Whitefang'''  ||Eisensturm||Clash||Fast
|-
|-
||Leidenschaft des Dirigenten||No
||Leidenschaft des Dirigenten||No||All
|-
|-
| '''May'''  ||The Wonderful and Dynamic Goshogawara||Clash
| '''May'''  ||The Wonderful and Dynamic Goshogawara||Clash||All
|-
|-
| '''Millia Rage'''  ||Winger||Yes
| '''Millia Rage'''  ||Winger||Yes||Fast
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''Nagoriyuki'''  ||Wasureyuki||No**
| rowspan=2 | '''Nagoriyuki'''  ||Wasureyuki||No**||All
|-
|-
||Zansetsu||No
||Zansetsu||No||All
|-
|-
| '''Potemkin'''  ||Giganter Kai||Yes*
| '''Potemkin'''  ||Giganter Kai||Yes*||All
|-
|-
| '''Ramlethal'''  ||Mortobato||No**
| '''Ramlethal'''  ||Mortobato||No**||Fast
|-
|-
| rowspan=2 | '''Sol Badguy'''  ||Volcanic Viper||Clash
| rowspan=2 | '''Sol Badguy'''  ||Volcanic Viper||Clash||Fast
|-
|-
||Tyrant Rave||Yes
||Tyrant Rave||Yes||Fast
|} * Cannot punish. </br> ** Comes out in ~7 frames, meaning it can punish 2D's recovery regardless of meaty timing. Basically, don't 2D this if you can help it.
|} * Cannot punish. </br> ** Comes out in ~7 frames, meaning it can punish 2D's recovery regardless of meaty timing. Basically, don't 2D this if you can help it.


==External Resources==
==External Resources==
'''Safejump''' Guide: https://youtu.be/E8I0N7ZZoyE
'''5K - 2D''' Pressure: https://youtu.be/shNMo6io7HA
'''5K - 6P''' Pressure: https://youtu.be/j__8-qtL_As
'''c.S - c.S''' Pressure: https://youtu.be/1SrIZVpd9G0
'''c.S - 5D''' Pressure: https://youtu.be/NDgvDkd2H9c


==Navigation==
==Navigation==
{{#lst:{{BASEPAGENAME}}/Data|Links}}
{{#lst:{{BASEPAGENAME}}/Data|Links}}
{{Navbar-GGST}}
{{#lst:GGST/Navigation}}

Revision as of 01:00, 2 January 2022



General Strategies

Gameplan

Giovanna's gameplan, while seeming rather straightforward at first, is arguably quite hard to classify in Guilty Gear. She's labelled as a rushdown character, but she doesn't simply loop gapless high/low oki mixups with lockdown projectiles the same way  Millia or  I-No do, and she isn't the kind of character where you have to constantly keep the opponent locked down else you die, like  Chipp. Instead, she offers a more neutral & defense oriented approach to rushdown, where the threat of her strong counterhits, whiff punishes, and strike/throw mixups are what define her pressure. In that sense, you can draw similarities to  May or  Sol, just with more of a focus on ground speed and evasion rather than pure space control or pressure. The understated yet unique properties of her moves and lack of proper space control causes her gameplan to very strongly vary by matchup compared to most characters—but thankfully, her wide array of tools and strengths allow her to make up for almost any situation with proper foresight and knowledge.

But to elaborate on Giovanna's general design strengths, there's three things that immediately stand out: her amazing step dash, her formidable S buttons, and her nuanced special moves.

Dashing

(It's heavily recommended that you get used to the dash macro, as it will make your life playing Gio much, much easier.)

Much like  I-No, Giovanna's dash is what defines her playstyle. But while one is made for ambiguous high/low hover mix-ups, the other is made for fast and reliable grounded approaches. There's no doubting the strength of her dash: it's fast, travels far, and can be instantly cancelled into any other action. Furthermore, any cancelled action retains momentum from the dash, the distance of which depends on how early you cancel it. Canceling early gives less distance for faster startup, and cancelling later gives more distance for the cost of some extra startup. Combining this with her best ranged pokes extends her effective range, combo routes, and overall neutral game drastically.

If you cancel the dash into a block, however...

Step Dash Blocking

When you dash as Gio and then immediately hold back, you will actually be blocking while still dashing forward. This is because her step dash is both cancelable and has no skidding animation when you stop inputting the dash like characters with a run do, causing her to continue moving while simultaneously blocking. This is even doable with Faultless Defense if you press and hold the buttons before you dash, so as to not trigger an FD Brake. Dash macro helps out a lot here especially, as you won't have to hit forward and instead just alternate between going neutral, dash, then back.

Furthermore, if you input FD after you dash to properly do an FD Brake, it retains some dash momentum, but still stops the dash. Since your step dash normally has a fixed distance to travel as opposed to a run, FD Braking allows you to have more control over the distance of your dash without having to throw out a move. While it somewhat resembles a wavedash if done repeatedly, it isn't faster than dashing normally. Instead, think of it as a micro-dash of sorts: useful when you want to close just a bit of distance to get to the right spacing at the right time.

Proper use of these blocking techniques turns safe approach from something Gio struggles with into something she excels at. It's especially important against characters with very fast and long moves that are able to stuff your dash-in attempts, such as  Axl or  Nago. It's great to use on roundstart so as to react to what the opponent might do without getting counter-hit, and it even allows you to safely close distance during gaps in pressure that are as small as a few frames. The possibilities are virtually endless with such a versatile step dash.

Offense

Put simply, Giovanna's offense is focused on combining her moves with her movement. Her grounded moves in particular go hand-in-hand with her dash's momentum, allowing her to pressure, punish, and mixup in a multitude of unique ways.

Pokes

Though Gio's pressure shines at close range, she isn't the kind of character that strictly specializes in one distance. She has a formidable mid-range poke game, mainly focused around counterhits , whiff punishes, and the topic of this section: pokes. To compensate for her normals not having much range on their own, Giovanna often has to rely on her dash and its transferred momentum to go in and out of striking range in order to poke. The two most reliable moves for it are...

While these two moves may look very similar in appearance, taking a look at the hitboxes reveals some key differences:

Most notably, 5H is not only longer range, but it's disjointed while active, only losing the disjoint during recovery. This means it can beat certain moves at max range that 5K would get counterhit by. It also gives a solid counterhit combo that can be option selected using this technique. The combined speed and range of this normal makes it a very valuable tool when trying to put pressure and whiff punish from a distance, something Gio can't accomplish too well with the rest of her moveset. It also gives solid counter-hit reward, making it all the more useful in frame traps, and poking as a whole.

This doesn't mean 5K is outclassed by any means, however—it comes out in 6 frames, 4 faster than 5H, and has less recovery by a whopping 9 frames. It also has the massive potential advantage of being both jump cancelable and dash cancelable, allowing you to approach for mixups, bait bursts, and much more.

5K is often better for abare and getting in, whereas 5H fishes for counter-hits while maintaining your distance (unless you cancel it into 236K). These two moves often compliment each other quite well, as 5K into 5H is a 12~ frame gap on their block that can still often beat their abare due to 5H's active disjoint. Both of these moves can still be beaten out and punished on whiff recovery due to the nature of them being forward, hurtbox-extending kicks that lose to 6P and other low profile moves. But there is one more core poking tool that Giovanna has to fill those weaknesses, and that is...

An extremely valuable tool for Giovanna in the right scenarios, 2D allows her to safely cover an area with its very significant disjointed hitbox. Even though it takes a while to start up, the range and recovery surpass quite a few mid range moves in the game. The fact that it hits low can also catch some opponents off guard, as they may not expect to be blocking a low from that range and will instead be trying to adjust their spacing or jump away. This move can be very hard to contest at the right ranges and in the right matchups, but its slow startup causes it to be very risky to throw out against zoners who tend to throw out moves that will outrange it in neutral. It can also be used for reversal safe okizeme, expanded on in this section.

An honorable mention goes to Sepultura—being the multi-purpose tool that it is also lends its use as a poke to pressure jumpers and beat out anyone trying to low profile your other options. Sol Nascente also serves as a risky poke thats usefulness is often matchup-dependent, but in the right scenarios is able to beat out many high/air options with its frame 1 low profile and large vertical hitbox. More on these moves in a later section.

Pressure

Now, let's assume you have landed a hit with a poke and successfully gained an advantage, probably by comboing into Sepultura for a hard knockdown. Understanding how to pressure the opponent in order to press your advantage is a key to solid Giovanna play. Once again, her dash is key, with a well-placed dash being able to turn much of her mid-screen pressure into up-close offense. And there isn't any better move to reward you for going into close range than...

c.S is one of her most reliable pressure tools: it's +3 on block, has low pushback, and it beats low profiles. With it, you're often able to scare opponents into blocking, and if they continue doing so without Faultless Defense, it can even loop into itself. If they get fed up and try to hit a button, it's likely you'll land a rewarding counter-hit. Its largest weakness is being a proximity-based close slash that requires you to take the risk of actually going close in order to use it. You can make up for this with smartly timed dashes, but that will always create larger pressure gaps that allow for more time to fight back. That's why smart use of this button requires solid conditioning and counterplay, encouraging you to observe your opponent and respond to how they seem to want to get out of pressure accordingly.

Resisting Pushback

As the main weakness of your c.S pressure is its substantial distance requirement, the pushback you receive after they block it is your biggest enemy in being able to pressure freely. Get pushed too far, and your pressure will be given a deadline of sorts, losing access to your safest, most plus tool and instead having to use buttons that can only really safely go into a basic gatling string. Trovão can be a decent way to reset your pressure once you're pushed too far, but it isn't too hard to react to if used carelessly.

Luckily, Giovanna has a trick for this exact thing. By using dash momentum even at point-blank, she is able to continue moving forward to the point where she can significantly resist pushback. This can greatly aid the effectiveness of your c.S pressure, increasing your ability to loop it into itself and overall maintaining your frame advantage to do whatever you'd like. This is especially important against defenders who rely on Faultless Defense, as it causes pushback to increase along with the need to resist it.

The difference in c.S pushback on block between no dash momentum, cancelling a dash early, and cancelling it slightly later.
Even while as close to the opponent as possible and in the corner, the momentum still serves to fight against the pushback of c.S.

Meterless Setups

Basic Frame Traps
  • c.S/236K/214S > 5K
  • 5P > 6P (don't go for this)
  • 5K > 214K
  • 5K/2K > 2D
  • 5K > dash Throw (tick throw, beats normals slower than 5 frame startup)

Outside her built-in frametraps, Giovanna's offense revolves around making frametraps with delays. c.S is naturally plus, but that only really matters when going for a throw or a dash c.S pressure reset. Establishing fear of c.S usually means a delayed gatling. f.S and 2S can gatling into 5H, giving her another opportunity to reset pressure (albeit with more risk as their frame advantage is worse). 5H doesn't naturally have any gatlings, but a slight delay 214K can have the same effect while still leaving Giovanna safe.

Metered Setups

Midscreen BRC

Instead of using a jump cancel, Giovanna can instead use her dash cancelable normals (5K and preferably c.S) to gain access to BRCs. A dash cancelled c.S BRC has enough plus frames to blockstring into 5D while staying plus, and be able to also let her link from 2K to complement said 5D. Video example: https://twitter.com/raynexpress/status/1415526550087294978?s=21

Corner BRC

Giovanna can get a fuzzy guard mixup off of any of her jump-cancelable normals in the corner if she has 50 tension available. After jumping, an immediate 66.BRC j.S will force the opponent to stand block or get hit by a highly damaging BRC combo. This part is easily reactable so most players will not get hit here. The fuzzy itself is the rising j.H after landing from j.S. This can be linked into a falling j.H to continue a combo thanks to the BRC slowdown. The low option (2K after j.S) can be linked into c.S because of the BRC slowdown as well.

Okizeme

Safejumps

Giovanna has a variety of safejump setups that are done by landing with a properly timed j.H on the opponent's wakeup. However, they vary in their viability based on how fast an opponent's reversal is.

If a reversal is 7 frames or shorter, most safejumps will lose. These will be referred to as "fast reversals" for convenience. Knowing which ones you can use in each scenario is simply a matter of matchup knowledge.

If you have the chance to do either of your jump cancelable normals (c.S or 5K) as an OTG, you can then jump cancel them and IAD > j.H for a rather simple setup.

Each OTG move and their respective setups each have their tradeoffs:

  • 5K is faster, longer range, beats fast reversals, but its narrow and raised hitbox demands you hit the OTG very early upon them falling on the ground, limiting its use after a long combo.
  • c.S is much more forgiving with the timing and is usable in more scenarios, but it will lose to fast reversals.

Making sure you use 214K as high as possible to end your juggle combo is a good way to ensure the 5K safejump's success.

There are also some ways to do the safejump without an OTG:

  • After a ground throw, you may simply hold up-forward and do j.H late in your ascent and it will give you a properly timed safejump. Loses to fast reversals.
    • Doing a neutral/back jump into an IAD j.H or j.K may work to beat fast reversals after a ground throw, but it demands more precision.


caption

An example of Giovanna's common OTG safejump setup against S Volcanic ViperGGST Sol Badguy 623X.pngGuardAllStartup9Recovery18+10 LandingAdvantage-28 (623S).
The c.SGGST Giovanna cS.pngGuardAllStartup7Recovery10Advantage+3 variant loses, whereas 5KGGST Giovanna 5K.pngGuardAllStartup6Recovery12Advantage-2's recovers in time to block.

2D

If you wish to safely meaty the opponent, beat reversals, hit low to catch jumpers, and stay at a distance either for matchup or mixup reasons, 2D is a solid option. Because it has such a disjointed and active hitbox, you are often completely uncontestable using it from a distance if you have time to get it out, thus beating many reversals in the game. For more info on which reversals 2D will be able to safely beat, check out this table in the matchups section. Keep in mind that 2D is active for 10 frames, so optimal timing will require you to hit with it on the last couple frames. A properly timed 2D can be up to +6 on block. Off of a throw, Giovanna can help time her meaty 2D by doing Throw > whiff 5P > 2D.

c.S

After longer combos ending in a hard knockdown or after a throw, Gio has enough time to dash in and get a meaty c.S. This can turn into a mixup with a slightly delayed throw, dash cancel, backdash to beat reversals/throw techs, Sol Poente, and more. It's usually easier for her to bait throws with a backdash instead of trying to get a frame-perfect meaty or shimmy, but it's also generally less reward and leads to less pressure. If you're able to land meaty c.S, the pressure is highly in your favour, but be wary of trying to land multiple c.S together as the window is very tight and you can easily get grabbed out of it.

Counter-hits

For most characters, a counter-hit is a nice thing to get some good damage. For Giovanna, however, it's considerably more integral to her gameplay to land them, and she has several tools to do so, both offensively and defensively.

Tips and Tricks

Counterhit Option Selects

5H

https://twitter.com/FrinkyWinkZz/status/1404966974531190788?s=19

Simply said, you use 5H then do 214K1236K. If 5H gets blocked, it'll do 214K, the safer option. If 5H counter-hits, however, 236K will come out due to the slowdown extending the input buffer time and allowing you to override the previous input, leading into your usual ch 5H > 236K combo.

c.S

https://twitter.com/Snare56447417/status/1414719133652963328

This OS is similar to the one above, as it uses the counterhit slowdown to your advantage. Pressing c.S and tapping what button you want next (preferably standing normals like f.S, 2S, or 5H) then inputting 5[D] will give you the normal of your choice on hit/block and a fully charged 5D on counter hit, giving a highly damaging launch starter.

Avoiding Wallbreak

Because Giovanna struggles in neutral against certain long/mid-range characters, there are scenarios where you may not want to break the wall in order to avoid returning to neutral. There are two key ways to do this, the first being shortening your combo so that it doesn't touch the wall. This is a fairly simple method: simply try to end combos with 214K or 5K dash cancel before the wall is reached, and you will be able to get an advantageous to continue corner pressure without breaking the wall. This can also net you more damage and meter gain as a whole, as one more confirm in the corner may lead to a wallbreak that may ultimately end the round, especially if you built enough meter to super. This method will always lead to a wallsplat eventually, but the point is to make the most of your corner pressure while you can and then cash out when there's no avoiding it, ideally when it closes out the round. Generally, this is quite practical and pays off in many matchups, unless you are in absolute need of a fast Positive Bonus and don't care about returning to neutral too much.

The second method is to perform corner pressure exclusively with normals that keep the opponent grounded. Each normal is hard coded to either keep the opponent on the ground or to launch them into the air. To do this technique, simply avoid connecting buttons that cause the opponent to be airborne on the same hit that the wallsplat occurs, and then afterward do not hit them. If they are in an air state while on the wall like usual, they will be able to tech out using the very advantageous wall tech positions... but if they are kept on the ground, they will slouch over, unable to tech, as if it were an even longer hard knockdown. This may be a little trickier to do than it sounds. 214K will always cause an airborne wallsplat, even if it doesn't seem like it. When comboing from a hit from c.S, you may delay the gatling so that it connects after their brief airborne period, and it will keep them grounded for the remaining hits of the combo. c.S > delayed 2S > 5H would be a common string to do this, for example. While this technique limits your options quite substantially especially if you don't have meter, it allows you to keep the opponent cornered forever, in theory.

An extra method is to use RRC to un-stick them from the wall, but this uses so much meter for so little damage that you'd probably rather just super, since it gives a knockdown anyway.

Fighting Giovanna

Overview

Because Giovanna has tools to play both offense and defense in the right scenarios, understanding how to face her on a general level can often require knowledge of that specific Giovanna's playstyle. That being said, though, there's still plenty of general mistakes to look out for to avoid being dominated by basic strategies when facing this character.

Remembering to FD

Without Fautless Defense, Giovanna's c.SGGST Giovanna cS.pngGuardAllStartup7Recovery10Advantage+3 can create what feels like endless pressure that forces you into dangerous guessing situations from any hit. Fortunately, it only takes a single use of FD to make her pressure much easier to escape from. As highlighted in the "Beating Dash Pressure" section, the more distance Giovanna has to travel to make her normals connect, the more time you'll have to interrupt her. The differences may seem hard to capitalize on at first due to the continued speed of her dash, but try your best to be aware of your openings and time your fast buttons preemptively to catch her in the act of getting back in.

Taking Your Turn With Lows

It's important against Giovanna to be wary of her highly rewarding, frame 1 low profile tool, Sol NascenteGGST Giovanna Sol Nascente.pngGuardAllStartup7Recovery21Advantage-15 (623S). Its sheer speed and forgiving counter-hit juggle time allow Giovanna to consistently win trades and beat many common abare An attack during the opponent's pressure, intended to interrupt it. pokes. Even though her safest and most common blockstring ender, SepulturaGGST Giovanna Sepultura.pngGuardAllStartup13Recovery20Advantage-4 (214K) is -4 on block, there is always the potential for this unconventional low profile trap to beat pokes that don't hit low enough. This can cause players to act overly defensive against Giovanna's pressure, uncertain of when to actually press buttons during it.
In turn, it's why lows are so important against Giovanna. Beating her low profile means you're able to reliably take back your turn when she ends her blockstrings with 214KGGST Giovanna Sepultura.pngGuardAllStartup13Recovery20Advantage-4. If Giovanna has no meter, there's especially no reason not to hit a low unless you are one of the two characters with a ~4 frame normal ( Sol 5KGGST Sol Badguy 5K.pngGuardAllStartup3Recovery25Advantage-16 & 5PGGST Sol Badguy 5P.pngGuardAllStartup4Recovery9Advantage-2,  Chipp 5PGGST Chipp Zanuff 5P.pngGuardAllStartup3Recovery10Advantage-2) able to land a punish.


caption

Two mid-hitting attacks, and then a low against Giovanna's 214KGGST Giovanna Sepultura.pngGuardAllStartup13Recovery20Advantage-4 > 623SGGST Giovanna Sol Nascente.pngGuardAllStartup7Recovery21Advantage-15 trap.
Despite 5PGGST Ramlethal Valentine 5P.pngGuardAllStartup5Recovery8Advantage-2 being faster, 2KGGST Ramlethal Valentine 2K.pngGuardLowStartup6Recovery9Advantage-2 connects due to it beating the low profile.

Beating Dash Pressure

Giovanna's combined speed and range thanks to her long pokes and fast dash make her ability to instantly lock you down very threatening. However, none of her options come without a price, and she often has to trade speed for range and vice versa.
For example, her 5KGGST Giovanna 5K.pngGuardAllStartup6Recovery12Advantage-2 won't reach you at roundstart, but it will if she does a dash right before it, increasing the time it takes by roughly a couple frames. If the dash is cancelled as early as possible, its distance is lowered, making it a "microdash" that you are still often able to get out of range of with proper timing. If she wants to do an even bigger dash to ensure you don't go out of range, she must sacrifice even more speed for it, making her easier to interrupt, and so on.


Some examples of how to beat the threatening opener of microdash 5KGGST Giovanna 5K.pngGuardAllStartup6Recovery12Advantage-2.
Low profiles such as 6P will generally win, as well as the lower risk option of walking back.

Matchups

Characters

 Anji Mito

A matchup that demands awareness thanks to his autoguard and large buttons. You also cannot outrange his counter super with 2D nor can you safejump it, so performing oki on him while he has meter is inherently a risk unless you cross him up and force the counter to whiff. In neutral, try to rely more on your low recovery pokes that he can't punish off of autoguard, such as 5K or 2D. Another good way to counter autoguard both in neutral and on roundstart is to dash block. This lets you defend against any buttons he might try to use, and if he tries to autoguard as an opener, you'll quickly be in range to punish it with a throw.

Fuujin is a very formidable pressure tool that can completely invalidate trying to Faultless Defense out of pressure, so use your meter wisely and try your best to react to the followups.

 Axl Low

Axl's fantastic air control buttons may often force you to play grounded, as Gio's air game is not very difficult for Axl to deal with. Due to this, the matchup may seem difficult for Gio at first, but with proper mastery of her step dash, Gio can challenge Axl's zoning quite well. Remember to always block while dashing so that you don't get stuffed by any Rensens or 2Hes he throws out. Stay patient in your approach, and you will eventually outpace his ability to keep you out. When you're in, try your best to keep that advantage with knockdowns and corner pressure. The hulking hitboxes of his c.S and f.S are a large threat to your ability to dodge around his normals at closer mid-range, but remember that 623S will easily low profile and punish his fastest abare button, 5K. In fact, he is the only character whose fastest normal is 6 frames, 1 more frame than most. This makes it so that if you perfectly time your c.S loops to give an exact 5 frame gap out of throw range, he would have no choice but to spend meter to beat the frametrap.

 Chipp Zanuff

Similar to  Sol, Chipp has many fast normals and a DP to interrupt your pressure in ways most other characters can't. His neutral is also formidable, as many of his best buttons are difficult for Gio to evade around. Try your best to stay patient and minimize the openings in your pressure, while also knowing when to retaliate with your big counter-hit buttons before his mixups hit. Both his grounded Alpha Blades as well as his command grab are great to contest with your S specials: 623S will interrupt them all and give you a huge counter-hit, whereas 214S can net a good low-risk sideswitch combo (on Alpha Blades only) and may even go above any lows Chipp tries to throw out to try and beat your 623S. Because you'll generally lose less from a trade than Chipp does due to the nature of his low health, it's even better than usual to take risks and force interactions.

 Faust

Similar to Nago and Axl, Faust has many long range pokes that can give Gio a hard time. You'll need to respect his 2H, 6H, and general item shenanigans, but you can easily 6P Thrust. His poor reversal means you can pressure him quite nicely when you actually get the lead, but be wary of his ability to hold 1 in order to low profile your 236K, 214S, and mid pokes. This is especially a threat if the Faust is simply holding downback to block and you attempt to cross them up with 214S, as the crossup will cause him to be holding down forward and unintentionally(?) low profile the move.

 Goldlewis Dickinson

Goldlewis loves to play at mid-range and pressure you with Behemoth Typhoon hits on block, so staying right out of his effective range and then using a dash-in 5H to whiff punish is very effective against players who like to throw out Typhoons carelessly. Because his pressure is so good at pushing you back to mid-range and resetting itself, Instant Block and Faultless Defense are both very valuable for disrupting it. You may want to try and stay close enough so that you can use 5P/5K abare or even throw to interrupt Typhoons, or you may choose to simply FD out of it all.

 Happy Chaos

Try to stay grounded, and dash block plenty in order to bait him into wasting his resources. Once they're down and he can't shoot, similar to playing around  Zato-1's Eddie gauge, there's your chance to go in.

 I-No

It's probably a good idea to save meter for YRC so that you can avoid her mixup game as much as possible, but beware of her being able to block while her note hits. Fortunately, you can often play around I-No's neutral pretty well without meter purely by throwing out 214K in expectation of Stroke the Big Tree, 236King through note, and anti-airing her air approaches. Your 623S is notably good in this matchup, letting you occupy a large amount of the air space I-No wants to approach you from, though it can now be low profiled and either trades or loses with Stroke the Big Tree. If you block a wakeup Ultimate Fortissimo, you can punish it with a tricky 2H combo starter right after the first hit.

 Jack-O'

Your meter will be a toss-up between YRC, which is vital for stopping Jack-O's pressure; and Faultless Defense, that will help you resist her hefty chip damage if necessary. Since she likes to cancel all her normals into specials, YRCing after you block a normal is typically your best bet. If she sets up minions behind you, you can jump and do a quick j.K in order to hit behind you, and even cancel that into a double jump or airdash to turn your jump into an approach.

 Ky Kiske

6P is particularly handy in this matchup, as it will actually clash with or beat his DP given the right timing, and it isn't too hard for Gio to include in her pressure or oki thanks to her great special cancel options. Instant Blocking allows you to punish both Dire Eclat and Stun Dipper with 5K > 214K, further disincentivizing him being on the offense. Once he's afraid to push buttons, go to town with throws and any other mixups. Be wary of his formidable low pokes that can stuff your dashes and prejump, and try to use as many opportunities as you can to safely dash in to close distance. Although his DP is trivial to deal with, Ride the Lightning has a very large hitbox that cannot be outranged with 2D, so exercise awareness and use any of your safejumps when he has meter.

 Leo Whitefang

His fireball is far too fast in the S version to 236K on reaction, but it's a fairly reasonable option against the H version. His DP is fast and naturally beats cross-ups, encouraging you to use a decent safejump for oki and also to keep your mixups unpredictable.

 May

623S can often get solid counter-hits on May's jumping normals that she usually gets away with uncontested. She also has a bit of a blind spot when it comes to being above her, as her 2H is very slow, forcing her to rely on 6P to beat your 214S and general air mixup. You can also throw out quick abare buttons like 5K in neutral to try and stuff an attempt at S dolphin or on reaction to HS dolphin. Her more disjointed buttons may be hard to contest, so try to play patient and punish her mistakes.

 Millia Rage

While 623S will often net you huge reward against Millias who aren't expecting it, a competent Millia will know how to utilize her plethora of air options in order to misdirect your attempts to anti-air. Beware of her lows being fairly good at stuffing your dash-ins. Besides that, though, neutral can be in your favour if you manage to beat her approaches with your generally superior poke tools.

 Nagoriyuki

With Nago's amazing poke buttons, it can be very tricky to approach one who uses his tools effectively. His 2S and 5H are great at stuffing your dash-ins, and his 2H can completely destroy your jump-ins. Avoid blowing meter on Fautless Defense as he can often just use Fukyo to negate the pushback and instead save it for something that allows you to force your turn like RC or j.236236H. Against Nagos who find your approaches easy to predict, neutral is still an uphill battle, so it's probably a good idea to try and avoid wallbreak as much as you can. When being pressured, exercise patience and try to react to his main mixup: the command grab. Remember that he cannot pressure you with special moves forever, and a reckless Nago will inevitably activate Blood Rage trying to do so and essentially lose the round on his own. When Blood Rage is active and you aren't able to punish the animation, always be on the defensive, as you won't lose anything doing so while he is losing a very large chunk of his health.

 Potemkin

While his long range buttons, air control, and close range reward can cause Gio some difficulty, remember the strengths you have in being able to outspeed many of his buttons in neutral. Your standard c.S strike/throw mixups require you to be in close range and thus make you very susceptible to Potemkin Buster, demanding more mid-range play and possibly thinking on some creative long range pressure. Other than that, the multi-hits of your f.S and 2S force Potemkin to be careful when he decides to use his armored moves. Avoiding Slide Head by backdashing or using an airborne special (623SGGST Giovanna Sol Nascente.pngGuardAllStartup7Recovery21Advantage-15, 214SGGST Giovanna 214S 1.pngGuardAll, HighStartup{4} 27Recovery21Advantage-5) is also a pretty good way to beat his full-screen game without having to jump and be susceptible to his threatening anti-air tools (though, Heat Knuckle can still catch you even during 623S sometimes).

 Ramlethal

Much like  Nagoriyuki, Ram is very formidable at the longer mid-ranges. This makes her very good at stuffing both your pokes and your attempts at approaching. Since being in neutral against her is so threatening, you should probably opt for not breaking the wall whenever you get a combo and simply go for corner pressure for as long as you can.

The immense range and speed of nearly all her sword-related moves will rarely let you get out a 2D in neutral, generally urging you to go for fast pokes and low profiles. Her f.S, 5H, and 236H can all be beaten by 6P, and might urge her to start throwing out 2S to beat it. You can then abuse the short range of her 2S to land a whiff punish in response. Ram f.S is a very rare case of a button that can't be low profiled by 623S but can be by 6P. 5H can also be low profiled by 623S to get a juicy counterhit, but the threat of f.S makes it far more risky (if she has both swords, that is). Her j.H is quite good at beating Gio's anti-airs even post-nerf, so trying to react to her double jumps with an air-to-air that can then be confirmed into airdash j.D can be a very unexpected and rewarding way to deal with such a typically uncontested button. Since her anti-air options are pretty limited in range, a back jump is generally a low risk idea in neutral and as a round opener. Her reversal cannot be outranged with 2D and comes out fast enough to beat your non-5K safejump setups, so be wary of it.

Corner pressure is where Ram excels the most. Fortunately, Giovanna's dash is actually fast enough for you to block the first hit of the Bajoneto sword throw and then dash forward to avoid the explosion, although Ram may be able to stop you and continue pressure with a quick normal if she's still in range for it. Her air control is also far stronger while in the corner thanks to S sword throw and j.P spam to keep you locked down until you land again. All in all, her corner pressure is scary, and saving your meter for YRCing out of it can serve you quite well.

 Sol Badguy

Sol has fast, pressure-interrupting buttons that can make it very tough to do things with Gio that typically work well in other matchups. Overall, playing your cards carefully and at the right moments is key. Play it cool and condition him to throw out buttons on your pressure, then try to bait and punish said buttons. Fortunately his reversals are trivial to outrange, but when it comes to neutral, his buttons can be a massive threat. You can 6P most of his pressure if you're at the right distance, now including 6S thanks to the nerf. Your fast normals also come in handy here, as 5P, 5K, and 623S are all solid for abare against Sol's pressure. After hitting him with the 214K blockstring ender, an instant 623S will beat his attempts to 5K.

 Zato-1

It's important to try and ensure Zato doesn't get his pressure off, as Gio has fairly limited ways to escape it. If you expect anything other than "Oppose"GGST Zato-1 Oppose Armor.pngGuardAllStartup74 {78}Recovery(Summon Vanishes) [36 Zato]Advantage- at roundstart, you can attempt to throw out a microdash 5K or f.S to outspeed his sluggish buttons or pressure his block. Otherwise, you can patiently dash block and then react to Oppose by grabbing Zato out of the animation. You can use 6P to hit Eddie's frog form during neutral, and your 5P is fast enough to land a hit on Eddie during pressure. The back hitboxes of 214S and j.K can have a situational use for hitting Eddie behind you, an important spot where most Zatos don't expect him to get hit. As it is with facing Zato in general, try to play around Eddie's timer by putting on the pressure when Eddie is down and respecting moves like "That's a lot!"GGST Zato-1 That's a lot.pngGuardAllStartup27→42→57→72 [31→46→61→76]RecoveryTotal 74Advantage+55 that occupy a lot of the space Gio likes to be in.

Reversal Chart

Below is a list of invincible reversals and parameters detailing the following:

  • Whether or not you are able to use a correctly spaced and timed meaty 2D to outrange their reversal and punish, typically determined by the move's range and speed.
    • Yes means 2D successfully outranges the reversal and you are able to punish it accordingly (unless stated otherwise with *). This assumes that you are at at ideal range away from the reversal, as moves with 7 frame startup or less will beat out your 2D if you are too close, even with optimal meaty timing.
    • Clash means 2D's hitbox may clash with the reversal if the meaty isn't optimally timed, still outranging the move but allowing it to be cancelled into something safe. Repeat clashes would likely make someone catch on and learn how to cancel from it, but it's generally not too bad as you can also cancel into FD to be safe, and as each clash builds 10% Tension.
    • No means 2D has to be out of the opponent's body distance to outrange the reversal, or simply cannot outrange it. You may still be able to time a meaty 2D safely (unless it is marked with **), but improper timing will see you getting hit. If a move both cannot be outranged and outspeeds 2D's recovery (No**), 2D absolutely cannot beat it. You're much better off using a safejump, or simply blocking.
  • Which safejumps will work against the reversal, typically determined by its speed.
    • All means the reversal is slow enough to be safejumped by any conventional setup.
    • Fast means you need a fast setup that recovers earlier to properly safejump the reversal, such as with 5K OTG.
    • None means it cannot be safejumped.
Character Reversal 2D Outrange? Safejumps
Anji Mito Kachoufuugetsu Kai No** None
Axl Low Sickle Storm No All
Chipp Zanuff Beta Blade Clash Fast
Faust Bone-crushing Excitement No All
Giovanna Ventania No Fast
Goldlewis Down With The System Clash All
Down With The System (720) Yes All
Down With The System (1080) Yes All
I-No Ultimate Fortissimo Clash* Fast
Ky Kiske Vapor Thrust Yes All
Ride the Lightning No** Fast
Leo Whitefang Eisensturm Clash Fast
Leidenschaft des Dirigenten No All
May The Wonderful and Dynamic Goshogawara Clash All
Millia Rage Winger Yes Fast
Nagoriyuki Wasureyuki No** All
Zansetsu No All
Potemkin Giganter Kai Yes* All
Ramlethal Mortobato No** Fast
Sol Badguy Volcanic Viper Clash Fast
Tyrant Rave Yes Fast

* Cannot punish.
** Comes out in ~7 frames, meaning it can punish 2D's recovery regardless of meaty timing. Basically, don't 2D this if you can help it.

External Resources

Safejump Guide: https://youtu.be/E8I0N7ZZoyE


5K - 2D Pressure: https://youtu.be/shNMo6io7HA


5K - 6P Pressure: https://youtu.be/j__8-qtL_As


c.S - c.S Pressure: https://youtu.be/1SrIZVpd9G0


c.S - 5D Pressure: https://youtu.be/NDgvDkd2H9c

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