GGST/Nagoriyuki/Strategy: Difference between revisions

From Dustloop Wiki
(updated some details for patch 1.09)
(→‎Blood Gauge Management: Fixing f.SSS blood drain number mistake)
Line 56: Line 56:
<br>
<br>
====<big>Blood Gauge Management</big>====
====<big>Blood Gauge Management</big>====
'''Zarameyuki''' ({{clr|3|236S}}), '''Kamuriyuki''' ({{clr|4|214H}}) and '''Shizuriyuki''' ({{clr|4|623H}}), all fill the Blood Gauge by 90 blood points. '''Fukyo''' ({{clr|2|236K}}/{{clr|2|214K}}), fills it up by a mere 43.2 blood points, less than half of the other specials. This means that Fukyo is quite a resource efficient option, making it better than the other special moves when you can’t afford to increase the gauge any further. '''Bloodsucking Universe''' ({{clr|1|623P}}) reduces the Blood Gauge by 280.8 blood points if it connects and costs nothing to use. It’s very useful as part of a strike/throw mix-up when the Blood Gauge inches close to its limit. The final hit of {{clr|3|f.SSS}} reduces the gauge by a whopping 129.6 blood points on hit, making it an excellent option for depleting the gauge. The final attack can be RC'd on hit to extend the combo and further reduce the gauge.
'''Zarameyuki''' ({{clr|3|236S}}), '''Kamuriyuki''' ({{clr|4|214H}}) and '''Shizuriyuki''' ({{clr|4|623H}}), all fill the Blood Gauge by 90 blood points. '''Fukyo''' ({{clr|2|236K}}/{{clr|2|214K}}), fills it up by a mere 43.2 blood points, less than half of the other specials. This means that Fukyo is quite a resource efficient option, making it better than the other special moves when you can’t afford to increase the gauge any further. '''Bloodsucking Universe''' ({{clr|1|623P}}) reduces the Blood Gauge by 280.8 blood points if it connects and costs nothing to use. It’s very useful as part of a strike/throw mix-up when the Blood Gauge inches close to its limit. The final hit of {{clr|3|f.SSS}} reduces the gauge by a whopping 115.2 blood points on hit, making it an excellent option for depleting the gauge. The final attack can be RC'd on hit to extend the combo and further reduce the gauge.
   
   
Blood Gauge increase and depletion is gradual, and the effects of multiple moves stack if additional moves are used before the effects of previous moves are finished. For example, using {{clr|4|214H}} into {{clr|4|623H}} in quick succession will fill the gauge by 180 points, even if the latter is used before the effect of the former is finished. This applies for gauge increases, gauge depletion and a mix of the two, which can be used to your advantage. For example, say that Nagoriyuki is currently at 270 blood. At this amount, using {{clr|2|236K}} will force him into Blood Rage. However, by landing a {{clr|4|5H}} and canceling into {{clr|2|236K}}, the 57.6 blood point depletion of {{clr|4|5H}} will ensure that {{clr|2|236K}} won’t push the gauge to its limit. Effective management requires you to keep the effects of previous moves in mind when going for the next move.  
Blood Gauge increase and depletion is gradual, and the effects of multiple moves stack if additional moves are used before the effects of previous moves are finished. For example, using {{clr|4|214H}} into {{clr|4|623H}} in quick succession will fill the gauge by 180 points, even if the latter is used before the effect of the former is finished. This applies for gauge increases, gauge depletion and a mix of the two, which can be used to your advantage. For example, say that Nagoriyuki is currently at 270 blood. At this amount, using {{clr|2|236K}} will force him into Blood Rage. However, by landing a {{clr|4|5H}} and canceling into {{clr|2|236K}}, the 57.6 blood point depletion of {{clr|4|5H}} will ensure that {{clr|2|236K}} won’t push the gauge to its limit. Effective management requires you to keep the effects of previous moves in mind when going for the next move.  

Revision as of 22:49, 27 August 2021



General Strategies

Blood Gauge

The Blood Gauge shown here is slightly more than half full.

The Blood Gauge is a unique mechanic exclusive to Nagoriyuki. The gauge will start to fill when he uses special moves. He can cancel special moves into each other, which will stack their effects. Filling the gauge increases the speed, range and power of his H normals. The gauge depletes if he lands S normals, H normals, Bloodsucking Universe (623P) or Wasureyuki (632146S). It also depletes passively over time.

Blood Gauge is divided into three "blood bars", consisting of 100 "blood points" each. Every blood bar filled up increases the speed, range and power of 5H, 2H and 6H. However, filling all three bars fully forces Nagoriyuki into Blood Rage, a state so punishing that defeat becomes near certain. It’s important to keep the Blood Gauge below 300 points to avoid the Blood Rage state.

The following two tables show all moves that affect the Blood Gauge. The first table shows all moves that increase the Blood Gauge, whereas the second table shows which moves deplete the Blood Gauge. The “On Block” and “On Hit” columns show by how much the Blood Gauge is reduced by connecting moves on block and on hit, respectively. Filling or depleting the Blood Gauge is always gradual, occurring over several seconds. The “Duration” column shows how much time it takes for the move’s gauge increase or gauge depletion to finish.

Move Increase Duration
Fukyo 43.2 3 seconds
Zarameyuki 90 3 seconds
Kamuriyuki 90 3 seconds
Shizuriyuki 90 3 seconds
Move On Block On Hit Duration
f.SSS 0, 0, 64.8 7.2, 7.2, 129.6 6 seconds
2S 0 7.2 6 seconds
5H 7.2 57.6 6 seconds
2H 7.2 57.6 6 seconds
6H 7.2 57.6 6 seconds
j.S 0 7.2 6 seconds
j.H 7.2 57.6 6 seconds
Bloodsucking Universe N/A 280.8 3 seconds
Wasureyuki 0 194.4 6 seconds


Blood Gauge Management

Zarameyuki (236S), Kamuriyuki (214H) and Shizuriyuki (623H), all fill the Blood Gauge by 90 blood points. Fukyo (236K/214K), fills it up by a mere 43.2 blood points, less than half of the other specials. This means that Fukyo is quite a resource efficient option, making it better than the other special moves when you can’t afford to increase the gauge any further. Bloodsucking Universe (623P) reduces the Blood Gauge by 280.8 blood points if it connects and costs nothing to use. It’s very useful as part of a strike/throw mix-up when the Blood Gauge inches close to its limit. The final hit of f.SSS reduces the gauge by a whopping 115.2 blood points on hit, making it an excellent option for depleting the gauge. The final attack can be RC'd on hit to extend the combo and further reduce the gauge.

Blood Gauge increase and depletion is gradual, and the effects of multiple moves stack if additional moves are used before the effects of previous moves are finished. For example, using 214H into 623H in quick succession will fill the gauge by 180 points, even if the latter is used before the effect of the former is finished. This applies for gauge increases, gauge depletion and a mix of the two, which can be used to your advantage. For example, say that Nagoriyuki is currently at 270 blood. At this amount, using 236K will force him into Blood Rage. However, by landing a 5H and canceling into 236K, the 57.6 blood point depletion of 5H will ensure that 236K won’t push the gauge to its limit. Effective management requires you to keep the effects of previous moves in mind when going for the next move.

The only exception to the stacking rule is 623P. If it successfully hits, the Blood Gauge's progression is completely halted, no matter how fast it was previously increasing or depleting. It’s useful for preventing Blood Rage at the last second, which can save your life in clutch situations. Given its dramatic decrease on your Blood Gauge, you can use Nagoriyuki's other specials more freely after it lands. In addition, the drain effect will last its full 3 second duration even if 623P lands when the Blood Gauge is empty. For instance, if you land 623P while having a low Blood Gauge and follow up with 236K to pressure the opponent's wake up, the Blood Gauge cost of 236K will be negated by the residual drain effect.

Each blood bar reduces the startup of Nagoriyuki's H normals and increase their range, allowing for better neutral pokes and better conversions/strings. With two blood bars, 2S > 5H becomes a combo. With one blood bar, 5K > 6H becomes a combo against both standing and crouching opponents, with 0 blood bars it’s only a combo against crouching opponents.

Blood Rage

Increasing the Blood Gauge by one or two bars in order to take advantage of enhanced H normals is a crucial aspect of Nagoriyuki's gameplan. However, filling it completely (300 blood points total) is very dangerous because doing so forces Nagoriyuki into Max Blood Rage, a mode with several immense drawbacks.

  • Loss of specials: Blood Rage takes away access to Nagoriyuki's specials, which are crucial for his ability to approach and mix up enemies. Without access to them you are forced to walk, jump, or high jump in order to close the distance. Without specials he has very little to open up a patient player with.
  • HP depletion: Blood Rage rapidly drains 50% of Nagoriyuki's maximum health over its duration, meaning every moment spent in Blood Rage has a hefty health cost. The health depletion cannot KO Nagoriyuki, but the health depletion persists even if Nagoriyuki is being comboed. As a result, getting caught in a combo during Blood Rage can spell a swift end.
  • Transformation animation: Entering Blood Rage forces a lengthy, non-damaging attack, allowing any character to set up whatever punish they want on whiff. On block the animation is less unsafe at -7, but leaves him at a disadvantage.

In addition, Nagoriyuki has no good way to exit Blood Rage. The player can either let Blood Rage end naturally at the cost of 50% of their maximum health, or spend 50% Tension on Zansetsu to end it early. The latter option is a -66 mid, so using it in neutral means every character in the game can easily play reactively and punish it. The only advantages of Max Blood Rage is that his S and H attacks receive further buffs to range and damage and that he gets access to his Zansetsu overdrive. The drawbacks of the mode massively outweigh the advantages, however, so it should be avoided.

If you do end up entering Blood Rage, you have two options for stalling it out. The first is to retreat and play defensively until the duration finishes. The second is to fish for 5H/2H > Zansetsu to finish your foe off. Zansetsu reaches full screen, so if you have good enough reactions you can punish impatient opponents from almost anywhere. People who know the match up will most likely commit to blocking as your health bar drains, as the risk/reward ratio is more favourable for them that way. The best you can do is to land 5H to deal a bit of chip damage, or to try mixing them up with j.H, which becomes an instant overhead due to the increased range. Neither of these options are particularly strong, they are simply ways to make the best of a bad situation.

Nagoriyuki players must constantly keep note of how filled the Blood Gauge is and manage it carefully to avoid entering Blood Rage. It is integral to understand how to maximize the benefits while mitigating the drawbacks of Blood Gauge in order to play Nagoriyuki effectively.

Round Start Options

2S

  • Beats run ins and walking back

2H

  • Beats jump ins

5K

  • Beats slower buttons that extend their hurtboxes and hit from round start distance (Sol f.S, Ram f.S).
  • Will not hit on round start itself if they don't press

6P

  • Beats a lot of things due to it's upper body invuln

6k

  • Beats some round start low pokes

f.S

  • Beats round start backdash

5H

  • Disjoint makes it useful for fishing for counterhits

Tension Usage

f.SSS RRC

  • Excellent for corner carry and for continuing pressure on block

c.S > 6H > 632146S

  • Basic midscreen super combo

Wallsplat Super

  • Works from any wallsplat, even ones where you'd otherwise be stuck with c.S or 5K

6D/623P RRC

  • Really solid damage off a throw, gets 50% in the corner

Neutral

Mid Range / Footsies

Nagoriuki is excellent in the mid range due to possessing outstanding mid-ranged space control tools. One such move is 2S, which has a good combination of speed and range. It's likely to score a counter hit or interrupt a grounded approach when used in footsies range. It also has rather fast whiff recovery, which means that throwing out a second 2S after one missed is quite effective for interrupting overly aggressive opponents. If your opponent jumps while 2S is out, interrupt their aerial approach with an anti-air instead, if you have time. In addition, the hitbox of 2S hits low enough to be able to counter low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. moves, such as  I-No's Stroke the Big Tree or  Sol's Night Raid Vortex. Another great tool is f.S, which complements 2S quite well. It has incredible range and has a higher hitbox than 2S, allowing it to contest aerial opponents. It’s also quite easy to hit confirm due to its in-built follow-ups. It’s on the slower side, which means it might have to be used preemptively, but it’s well worth it.

A counter strategy against mid-ranged pokes is to position oneself to make them whiff before approaching or contesting them with 6P. For 2S, this isn’t too much of a problem due to its fast whiff recovery and due to its hitbox hitting low enough to interrupt 6P. On the other hand, f.S is quite vulnerable due to having a whopping 28 frames of recovery. If your opponent attempts this, vary your timing, positioning and move choices more to throw them off. Stay sharp!

At 0 blood bars, Nagoriyuki’s H normals are underwhelming. His S buttons are strong, but at low blood, Nagoriyuki’s powerful strike/throw mix-ups are more rewarding than playing keep out. Therefore, your goal at 0 blood bars is to find a way to close space. Fukyo (236K/214K) is a teleport that has invulnerability above Nagoriyuki’s chest. The ability to mix up Fukyo forward and Fukyo back, in combination with it’s fast speed, makes it difficult for the opponent to react to it. Combining it with normals like 2S or 5K makes for a strong approach option. If you manage to land a stray hit with S or K buttons, you can convert into combos and initiate pressure from there. On block, utilize their various gatings and special cancel options to initiate pressure.

Kamuriyuki (214H) is another powerful approach option. It has massive range, good speed for its range and yields high reward on both normal hit and counter hit. It also has some airborne frames, allowing it to jump over certain attacks. In addition, the move is either neutral on block or even plus when done from a distance, giving Nagoriyuki good offensive options, such as frame traps. Like a swiss army knife, 214H is able to deal with a wide variety of situations. It’s one of the strongest special moves in the game, use it a lot. Nagoriyuki is also armed with a powerful projectile attack in Zarameyuki (236S). It shoots a clone that leaves Nagoriyuki plus on block, and it cancels out single-hit projectiles, should it clash with them. Unlike  Chipp's Gamma Blade, Nagoriyuki’s clone is fully invincible. Cancel 236S into 236K to advance towards your opponent. The frame advantage of 236S allows you to initiate a strike/throw mix-up if it's blocked. Keep your Blood Gauge in mind though, as 236S into 236K fills the gauge up by a significant amount.

Mix up all of these tools to make your approach as unpredictable as possible.

At two blood bars, the dynamic shifts completely. Nagoriyuki won’t be able to go for the same mix-ups due to the risk of entering Blood Rage. Instead, the goal is to utilize his enhanced H normals to decimate unsuccessful approach attempts. 5H has outstanding range and good speed at two bars. It covers ground space well, but requires you to be wary of jump-ins and certain low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. moves. 2H at two blood bars covers the air while also catching most characters running forward, but whiffs against crouching opponents. Both 5H and 2H leads to knockdowns on normal hit and powerful combos on counter hit, the easiest of which is to simply cancel into 236K and go for 6H OTG. Don't forget about mixing in the occasional 2S for checking people slightly closer, or as a safer way to check ground space. 2S > 5H is a combo at two blood bars, which helps Nagoriyuki build momentum. Try to restrict your special move usage to only Fukyo at this level. Landing an H normal completely nullifies the Blood Gauge build up of a single Fukyo. Therefore, feel free to cancel H normals into Fukyo in order to maintain optimal distance and keep up the pressure. H normals also slightly reduce the cost of Fukyo on block. If your opponent sits still when you teleport after landing a move on block, feel free to mix them up with Bloodsucking Universe (623P). You can also go for 623P if you score a knockdown.

At one blood bar, Nagoriyuki can play either the mix-up strategy or space control strategy, though it will be to a lesser extent. Nagoriyuki can use the same strategy of closing space and mixing up the opponent that is effective at 0 blood bars, but you will have to be more mindful of the cost of your special moves. Two special moves can easily bring you to two bars or trigger Blood Rage. Alternatively, you can use Fukyo or 236S to safely reach two bars from a distance and then use Nagoriyuki’s massive H normals.

Close Range / Brawling

At close range, Nagoriyuki can employ powerful strike/throw mix-ups by combining his normals, specials and command throw in clever ways. However, the limitations of the Blood Gauge means that you can only afford to go for long pressure strings when the gauge is low.

One of Nagoriyuki’s best pressure starters is c.S. It’s fast, plus on block and highly rewarding on both normal hit and counter hit. It also has a long vertical hitbox, which means it can catch opponents trying to jump. It’s very versatile during blockstrings, as it can gatling into S, H, D and command normals. Utilize its +3 frame advantage to go for resets or threaten with frame traps. When the opponent respects you, mix them up with a throw. 5P is Nagoriyuki’s fastest strike, which can come in handy if you need a move faster than c.S. It doesn’t have the best range, horizontally or vertically, but it’s a necessary tool because of speed alone. Its damage output is also good due to it comboing into 6P > 214H > 6H OTG.

While useful, the aforementioned moves are lacking in range. That's where 5K comes in handy, its range is quite impressive considering its relatively fast startup speed. It has threatening gatling options and special cancels ad is even neutral on block, which means that it can be staggered to make your offense more unpredictable. 2K is Nagoriyuki’s fastest low, and his best low option in close range by extension. It has shorter range than 5K, but is just as fast. It’s similar to 5K in application due to its identical gatling options.

There are many normals that 5K and 2K can be followed up with, such as 6K, 2D and 5D. 6K is a low stomp with decent range. It pulls Nagoriyuki’s lower hurtbox back during its startup, so it can also be used in anticipation of a low poke. It moves Nagoriyuki forward, which is helpful for getting in range for a throw. 2D is a decent sweep. It’s a bit slow, but leads to good oki on hit and powerful combos on counter hit. If you're feeling bold, 5D is a risky but very rewarding mix-up option. It is reactable, but if you condition your opponent to fear other moves 5D can catch them by surprise. Against opponents that play passively, stagger Nagoriyuki’s fast moves to condition them to block and mix in throws when they don’t expect it.

For special cancel options, Kamuriyuki (214H) is a great move for extending blockstrings. It’s neutral on block, allowing pressure resets if your opponent respects it. Shizuriyuki (623H) is also good, it can be used after 214H (or anything, really) to dissuade opponents from attacking. Fukyo forward (236K) will allow you to reset into any move from any move if you’ve conditioned your opponent to respect it. If they attack against it, use Fukyo back (214K) and punish their whiff. Of course, using special moves will fill your Blood Gauge, so remember to party responsibly.

If the gauge approaches two bars, use (214K) from any move to disengage and transition to mid-ranged strategies. Alternatively, mix in Bloodsucking Universe (623P) to deplete the blood gauge and continue your offense.

Long Range / Closing Space

Nagoriyuki has many powerful space control tools, but none of them reach full screen. Therefore, your goal at longer ranges is to find a way to close enough space to use mid-ranged or close-ranged tools. Mid range is preferred if your Blood Gauge is high. Try to get in close if the gauge is low.

Nagoriyuki’s lacks a run, air dash and double jump. As a result, his forward movement is rather limited. Using Fukyo forward (236K) is a necessity to compensate for this weakness, as a single 236K will bring Nagoriyuki into the mid range. Just keep the Blood Gauge in mind. If you have low blood and wish to get up close, 236K leaves Nagoriyuki half-way there, allowing you to utilize the gap closing tactics discussed in the mid range section.

With high blood gauge, the opponent will be in range of 5H after Nagoiryuki uses 236K, allowing you to start your space control game. Another great option from 236K is 2S, use it if you think your opponent might try dashing up at the same time as you or go for a low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. move. However, if you use 236K into strikes too often, an alert opponent can interrupt your attack with a counter poke. You’ll have to mix up 236K into strikes with 236K into block to avoid becoming predictable.

Characters with projectile attacks can use them to interrupt 236K, which can make it difficult for Nagoriyuki to close space. You will need clever utilization of all of Nagoriyuki’s options to close space in situations like these. Super jumping is very important for Nagoriyuki, as it is his only suitable replacement for double jumping or air dashing over projectiles. It has slower startup than regular jumping though, so you might have to use it a bit more preemptively.

As surprising as it might be, 6P is actually useful against projectiles. The upper-body invulnerability of 6P allows Nagoriyuki to go through some projectiles without taking damage. You can practice this against  Ky's Stun Edge. Just be wary of projectiles with hitboxes that hit low to the ground, such as  Sol's Gun Flame. In addition, projectiles that are slow and have many active frames, such as  Ky's Charged Stun Edge, can hit Nagoriyuki when his upper body becomes vulnerable again. Zarameyuki (236S) shoots a clone that leaves Nagoriyuki plus on block, and it cancels out single-hit projectiles. If you have blood to spend, you can use 236S into 236K in order to nullify a projectile and close space. Keep in mind that 236S doesn’t quite reach full screen, so you will need to get used to its range.

Air-To-Air

Nagoriyuki primarily plays a grounded play style due to his poor aerial movement options and underwhelming aerial attacks. However, there are still situations where using aerials is necessary, so understanding Nagoriyuki’s aerial options is important.

j.P - Nagoriyuki's fastest aerial attack, alongside j.K. Nagoriyuki’s lack of aerial special moves means that you won’t get any powerful conversions from this. It does have good speed and short recovery though. An mediocre option overall, but that’s the best Nagoriyuki gets.

j.K - Has more range than j.P and has the same startup speed, but also suffers from a lack of high reward. It also has more recovery on whiff. Another mediocre option.

j.S - This move has much better horizontal range than the previous two options. It is fairly slow, but is still Nagoriyuki's best air-to-air option when you need good range. Don't expect high reward, though.

j.D - Has massive range and is disjointed, but the hitbox is narrow and angled upwards. Can be useful against characters that approach from high angles, such as  Millia and  Chipp. It isn’t exactly easy to connect, though.

Jump-In

Nagoriyuki primarily plays a grounded play style and his offense is strike/throw oriented. His lack of an air dash means that jump-in options are going to be on the slower side, so they aren’t particularly rewarding or threatening. However, there are still situations where using aerials is necessary, so understanding Nagoriyuki’s aerial options is important.

j.K - Has a low hitbox, making it a decent jump-in option. It can also cross-up if done from the right distance.

j.H - A decent jump-in option due to having a good hitbox below Nagoriyuki. Keep in mind that its horizontal range is very poor. At 0 blood bars, this move is too slow and short ranged to be worth using. Try to go for it with at least one blood bar, but even then, it’s not particularly threatening.

Defense

Defensive System Mechanics

Faultless Defense (FD), Psych Burst and Yellow Roman Cancel (YRC) are cornerstones of defense in Guilty Gear, as they are quite handy for breaking out of pressure. They all cost a resource though, so think about how you use them. Nagoriyuki struggles to challenge pressure due to his mediocre abare options, lack of low profile moves and lack of meterless reversals. Therefore, mastering defensive system mechanics is especially important for Nagoriyuki.

Faultless Defense


Powerful defensive option, but drains Tension as you use it!
Hold any two buttons except D (or the FD Button if one was set) while blocking to perform Faultless Defense (FD). As long as the direction and buttons are held down (and the Tension Gauge isn't empty), you will continue to perform Faultless Defense.

A unique type of guard that gradually depletes Tension when used. Faultless Defense augments your block by giving it several special properties. Firstly, it increases pushback on block, making it useful to make space between you and the opponent. By using Faultless Defense early in the opponent's blockstring, the opponent will be pushed back enough that later attacks will miss, allowing you to punish the opponent's whiffed attack or disengage. When in use, Faultless Defense also prevents the R.I.S.C Level from increasing and nullifies chip damage. This is essential for survival in situations where chip damage runs the risk of finishing you off.

Keep in mind that you don't have to hold two buttons for a long time in order to use Faultless Defense effectively. It's also possible to press the buttons briefly - slightly longer than a tap - just before the opponent's hit connects. By doing this, you can let go of Faultless Defense in between the hits of an opponent's blockstring, allowing you to save some Tension. This requires some precision though, so it will require practice.


Yellow Roman Cancel


Turn the tables with this powerful defensive option!
Press any three attack buttons (except D) simultaneously while in blockstun to perform a Yellow Roman Cancel (YRC). Costs 50% Tension.

Yellow Roman Cancels can be used when blocking at the cost of 50% Tension, for the purpose of stopping an attacking opponent and resetting the momentum of the match. Yellow Roman Cancels can not be performed when your character is in a Guard Crush state. Upon activation, your character creates a shockwave that forces the opponent into a Guard Crush state, granting your character massive frame advantage. Yellow Roman Cancel is a useful tool for challenging an opponent’s pressure, especially for characters that are lacking in character-specific tools.

However, Yellow Roman Cancel is -16 on block and leaves your character in Counter Hit state during its recovery frames. Sharp opponents can block it on prediction and punish it heavily. Make sure to vary when you go for a Yellow Roman Cancel to avoid becoming predictable. In addition, the hefty 50% Tension cost must always be taken into consideration. Said Tension could be used for Overdrives or extending combos or blockstrings with other types of Roman Cancels. Practice utilizing all of your defensive options so as to not end up over relying on Yellow Roman Cancel and burning Tension too quickly.


Psych Burst


Press D + any other attack button to perform a Psych Burst. Costs a full Burst Gauge.

A powerful defensive option that can be used in a variety of situations at the cost of a full Burst Gauge. Upon activation, your character releases an invincible shockwave that knocks opponents away. If the opponent is in a completely invulnerable state, the shockwave can still hit the opponent's collision box instead of their hurtbox and ignore any type of shield or armor, which results in some invulnerable skills, such as Overdrives, still being hit during their invincibility frames. Bursts can be used at almost any point in the match, including when you’re in blockstun or hitstun. This allows Bursts to function as both a combo breaker and as a way to challenge the opponent’s pressure. The Burst Gauge refills very slowly over time, so it can be a good idea to use it early in a match to break out of a powerful combo, such as a Counter Hit combo. This will allow you to spend the rest of the round recharging it, making it more likely to have another opportunity to use it again later in the match.

While Bursts are very powerful, they are far from infallible. The activation shockwave is not instant, so sharp players can predict incoming Bursts and punish them heavily. A common method of doing so is canceling attacks with jump cancels or Roman Cancels, then blocking the Burst and punishing the recovery. Because of the risk associated with it, you should vary the timing of when you go for Burst to avoid becoming predictable. Lastly, keep in mind that Burst cannot be performed while your character is stuck to the wall, being thrown, or being hit by an Overdrive.


Counter Pokes

6P - A decent counter poke due to its upper body invulnerability. It’s on the slower side for a 6P, but useful nonetheless. Use it to challenge an opponent's attack in mid or close range. Many S attacks extends the character's hurtbox further out than the animation implies, due to the weapon itself having a hurtbox. This is especially prevalent on moves like  Faust’s f.S. If you experiment with 6P, you might be surprised at how many attacks can be beaten with it.

2S - Overall a great button because of its speed, range and cancel options. It functions well as a counter poke because of the aforementioned reasons and because it has slight low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. properties.

2D - A low sweep with minor low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. properties. It leads into strong okizeme on normal hit or powerful combos on counter hit. Can be useful against opponents that preemptively use short buttons.

5H - A strong counter poke due to its massive range and disjoint. Keep in mind that at 0 blood bars, the speed and range isn’t good enough for it to be effective, so use it with at least one blood bar. It’s quite rewarding on counter hit. Good usage of 5H can make it difficult for the opponent to approach you. Use it from ranges where Nagoriyuki’s other counter pokes won’t reach.

Anti-Airs

Anti-airs, as the name suggests, are moves that are useful against aerial opponents. They are typically either fast, high-reaching, protected by invulnerability of some kind, or a combination of these traits. Nagoriyuki has five effective anti-airs: 6P, 5P, 2H, Shizuriyuki (623H) and Air Throw.

6P - A safe and reliable option due to its upper body invulnerability. It’s on the slower side for a 6P, but useful nonetheless. Combos into Kamuriyuki (214H). A useful option if your reaction speed is fast enough to use it in time

5P - Lacks the upper body invulnerability of 6P, but it’s much faster, making it essential in situations where you don’t have enough time to use 6P. It can also catch opponents trying to jump during close range brawling.

2H - A riskier option than the P buttons due to being slow and lacking invulnerability of any kind. On the flipside, it yields enormous reward on counter hit and has incredible range when boosted with one or two blood bars. Use it preemptively to interrupt aerial approaches from longer distances, such as IAD approaches.

Shizuriyuki - Functions as an anti-air due to its upper body invulnerability. It's more rewarding than the P buttons and has a much larger hitbox, making it useful when you need the extra range. It has the same startup speed as 6P, but it requires a motion input, making it slower in practice. A bit tricky to use, but can come in useful if you get the hang of it.

Air Throw - A useful anti-air for all characters, especially against opponents that like to jump into block. Combos into 6H OTG, making it quite rewarding. If your opponent has a habit of jumping out during your pressure, use air throw to punish them.

Abare

Abare means to attack during an opponents frame advantage with the intention of interrupting their pressure. Naturally, fast moves work best for this task.

5P - At 5F, this is Nagoriyuki's fastest move and best abare option by extension. It combos into 6P > Kamuriyuki (214H) for a meterless knockdown, something that not every character can get from their P buttons.

2P - Slightly slower at 6F, but has the advantage of hitting lower to the ground, making it more effective against opponents that crouch or use low profile When a character's hurtbox is entirely beneath an opponent's attack. This can be caused by crouching, certain moves, and being short. moves.

Nagoriyuki’s invincible reversal, Wasureyuki can also be used for abare due to its invulnerability.

Reversals

Invincible reversals are moves used to steal your turn back by force. They can be used during holes in an opponent's blockstrings or during your wake-up to punish sloppy oki. Nagoriyuki only has one invincible reversal: Wasureyuki (632146S).

Wasureyuki - An Overdrive with frame 1 invulnerability against both strikes and throws. It is punishable on block, but can be Roman Canceled for safety. This would end up costing 100% Tension though. If all else fails, it can be used as an expensive cover-all option to take your turn back by force. If it hits at tip range, the first hit won’t link into the cinematic, reducing the move’s damage potential. In addition, the opponent can sometimes fall out of the attack if the angle is a bit off.

Pressure

Nagoriyuki’s pressure is one of his most unique traits, due to his ability to cancel specials into other specials. This requires you to rethink the way you typically pressure opponents, and requires the opponent to rethink how they defend. Clever use of his pressure tools will allow you to obliterate opponents thanks to Nagoriyuki's tremendous damage output. Mastering Nagoriyuki's unique pressure is essential to achieve victory.

Strike / Throw Mix-Up

Nagoriyuki lacks unique overheads and has poor jump-in and cross-up options. Instead, Nagoriyuki specializes in strike/throw mix-ups, utilizing powerful normals and throws. After initiating any blockstring, you have the options of either continuing the string with strikes or mixing in a throw. Your opponent has three main options: continuing to block, jumping or attacking. Choosing to finish the string with strikes will interrupt jumps or attacks, but gives up your turn against blocking opponents. Throwing will open them up if they block, but loses to jumping and attacking.

Bloodsucking Universe (623P) is Nagoriyuki's command throw. Landing it, or at least threatening with it, is important to condition the opponent to jump or mash, which allows you to open them up with frame traps. Utilize Nagoriyuki’s various gatling options and special cancels to frame trap opponents that fear 623P. Kamuriyuki (214H) and Shizuriyuki (623H) are especially useful for frame traps if no gatling options are available. Note that there is a 5f throw invulnerability window after blockstun, meaning that many tick throw setups require a minor delay between the attack and the command grab or else the grab will whiff.

There are several ways to initiate strike/throw mix-ups. Connecting f.S or 2S on hit or block is one of the simplest ways of doing it. You can also meaty your opponent’s wake up with either c.S, 6H or 623P. If you connect a move and knock them down, meaty them again. They will be forced to block at some point, which allows you to transition to Nagoriyuki’s various blockstrings to frame trap them.

Fukyo Mix-Ups & Pressure Resets

When pressuring with blockstrings, varying your offense is key to opening up your opponent. Fukyo forward (236K) is one of Nagoriyuki’s main pressure tools, as it allows Nagoriyuki to mix in throws. For example, landing a spaced 2S on block leads to a strike/throw mix-up by frame trapping with 5H or canceling with 236K into a throw. Throws are vital for opening the opponent up, but the timing of throws must be varied, lest a skilled opponent catches on to your timing and employs counterplay. Against the previous example, skilled opponents can simply block your strings and either jump, button mash or counter throw the moment they see the 236K. The solution to this problem is using Fukyo mix-ups and pressure resets, which can make Nagoriyuki’s offense more unpredictable.

The mix-up consists of mixing Fukyo forward with Fukyo back (214K). Using 214K can bait a whiff from opponents that mash or counter throw the moment they see 236K, allowing you to whiff punish them. If they jump against 236K, try to mix in c.S. This will not only catch poorly timed jumps, but also reset pressure, extending the blockstring and increasing the amount of opportunities you have for mixing in throws. For a riskier option, you can 236K into an air throw.

The more ambiguous your mix-up becomes, the greater the chance that your opponent will make a mistake. Resetting pressure also increases the mental burden on your opponent due to the R.I.S.C gauge increasing and the ever looming threat of throws. They have to try to escape eventually, which provides you with opportunities to punish if you have the right read. Due to Nagoryuki’s specials being special cancelable, you always have the option of going for another strike, no matter which move you connected on block, so long as you have blood to spend.

Sample Blockstrings

The following are Nagoriyuki's best blockstrings due to their versatility and ease of use. If you're a beginner, start with these and practice other sequences later.

  • (c.S) > f.SS > 214H / 623P

Using f.SS into 214H leaves a natural 1f gap frame trap. If you initiate the string up close, start with c.S and manually delay f.S to frame trap. 214H should be your first option for finishing the string in order to test the opponent’s patience. If your opponent respects 214H, mix it up with 623P.

  • c.S > (dl) 6H > 214K / (dl) 214H
    c.S > (dl) 6H > 236K > 623P

This string is a true blockstring if done as fast as possible. Preferably, delay 6H to create a frame trap. 6H > 214K is +2 on block, allowing you to either continue pressure if 6H is blocked or whiff punish a missed button. 6H > (dl) 214H is a powerful frame trap. If your opponent respects the 214K/214H reset, mix it up with 236K into 623P.

  • 2S > 5H > (dl) 214H

A blockstring that starts from Nagoriyuki’s best low. After blocking 2S at close range, the opponent can interrupt 5H with fast buttons if you have 0 blood bars. In this scenario, skip 5H and go straight into 214H.

  • 5K / c.S > 6K > 623P / 214H

This string is a good command grab set up. 6K needs to be done relatively close to the opponent in order for Nagoriyuki to be in range for the throw. Use 214H instead of 623P for a natural 1f gap frame trap, which is tight enough to catch counter throws.

  • 236K > 5P / 5K / c.S > 623P

This blockstring makes use of the forward momentum from 236K to be in range for the command grab after the initial attack. All of these normals can gatling into tight frame traps to discourage jumping and mashing.

  • 236S > 236K > 623P / c.S

236S is +5 on block and can be canceled into 236K to close the gap and initiate pressure. Due to being a projectile, 236S will not cause pushback on FD, allowing you to get a tick throw off it. Useful if the opponent starts using FD on your other blockstrings. Use c.S as a strike mix-up for 623P.

Kamuriyuki Pressure Resets

Kamuriyuki (214H) is a powerful move due to its long range, high reward and versatility in blockstrings. The move is 0 on block, which gives Nagoriyuki many options to continue pressure. All blockstrings that lead into 214H can be continued with special cancels to reset pressure, if you have blood to spend.

  • 214H > (dl) 623H

This string is a true blockstring if done as fast as possible. Preferably, delay 623H to create a frame trap. If your opponent challenges you after blocking 214H, use 623H to counter hit them. When they becomes conditioned to block, mix up 623H with 623P.

  • 214H > 214K Reset

This option spends less blood than the previous one. If your opponent likes to counter throw after blocking 214H, this will allow you to punish them hard. If they respect 214H, you get a decent pressure reset.

Corner Pressure

Okizeme

Safe Jumps

A safe pressure option that beats invincible reversals. Typically requires setups since the timing for the jump is strict and you have no tell to base that timing on. Not the most common option for Nagoriyuki since much of his oki comes from 6H OTG soft knockdowns.

Setups

  • c.S > f.SSS, j9, j.H
    • Only works near corner
    • Beats all reversals except for  Leo's S Reversal
      • although having the same startup as  Sol and  Chipp's reversals, Leo's weight class makes him land sooner giving you less frame advantage on the knock down
  • [4D or 6D], j9, j.H

c.S

A great meaty option for many reasons. Fast 7F startup, 6 active frames, great reward on counter hit, plus on block, the most gatling options out of any normal. The downsides are you have to be close enough to not get f.S and it only narrowly outranges reversal throws. It's many active frames should give you a relatively generous window to meaty a reversal throw attempt however, so that is only a minor drawback. c.S is a great option after a close OTG 6H > 236K.

6H

Another great meaty option for many of the same reasons as c.S. Has the same number of active frames, even greater reward on counter hit, and can be made plus on block when canceled into Fukyo (214K). Additionally, the disjointed hitbox allows it to clash with many invincible reversals, pass through bursts and potentially avoid YRC at range. On block 6H > 214K is +2 allowing you to continue to pressure respectful opponents. When compared with c.S has less pressure options on block, less reward on normal hit, and slower startup but still a great option in its own right. To take full advantage of the disjointed hitbox, meaty with 6H at its maximum range.

2K

A quick low to beat opponents walking back on their wakeup. Gatlings into 2D to loop back into more oki. Walking back against Nagoriyuki's oki is a low risk option to avoid the strike/throw mixup but it only works when waking up at the very tip of Bloodsucking Universe's range. 2K beats this otherwise safe option so mix in the option in this situation.

When timed right, meaty 2K > 5P will link while also being safe to 10f reversals and slower. OTG 6H > 236K will set this up for the link but only meaty enough to recover in time for 11f reversals which notably still includes  Ky's S Vapor Thrust and  Axl's Overdrive. On block, this setup will leave Nagoriyuki +2 on block instead of the usual -1.

Being a low, this option also beats the FD/throw tech option select.

Bloodsucking Universe (623P)

The throw in strike/throw. It is important to be aware of the 5 frames of throw invincibility on wake up in Strive. Due to this, throws can never truly be "meaty" and can only land on frame 6 after wakeup at the earliest so time it accordingly. Nagoriyuki has throw invincibility himself during this move so it naturally beats reversal throws. Since meterless reversals are only strike invuln in Strive, throws have a narrow window to beat meterless reversals after the wakeup throw invincibility and before they become active.

Notably good against Anji since it beats his couter Overdrive and he has no 5F normal to stop the grab during his wake up throw invuln.

Fukyo (214K)

Very safe option but virtually gives up pressure. Can be strategically used to safely test how your opponent will react to your oki. Notably can punish opponents trying to keep their invincible reversals safe by canceling into RRC on block since invincible reversals cannot be PRC'd when they whiff.

Zarameyuki (236S) > Fukyo(236K)

Hits meaty off 6H OTG or delayed after 623P. Can tick throw or continue pressure on block, confirm on hit, or hold block during the flash on reversal super and punish. Can also hold 4 to block reversal dps but harder to confirm off of.

Fighting Nagoriyuki

Nagoriyuki must play around his Blood Gauge, which means players fighting against Nagoriyuki also must pay attention to the blood gauge in order to know what options Nagoriyuki has available at that moment. In general, Nagoriyuki will have more dangerous frame trap options at low blood but a better neutral game at high blood. When the blood gauge is higher Nagoriyuki's command grab becomes more rewarding as it will give him oki as well as the blood to open up more of his frame trap options once again. As a defender, avoiding the grab with jump or backdash will become the lower risk option as Nagoriyuki will have very few options of extending combos especially without tension. Knowing when Nagoriyuki has overextended on special moves and has made blood rage imminent will also help with defense as Nagoriyuki's only option to stop the Blood Rage activation from happening is landing his command grab and any combo he starts will be cut short from the activation animation.

Defending and Punishing Blood Rage

Blood Rage is a fail state for the Nagoriyuki player, but it's up to you to maximize the punishment it brings. Don't get surprised by the activation. Make sure you're watching the Blood Gauge so you can set yourself up to punish.

If possible avoid blocking the activation. It's only -7 on block and can push you outside of c.S range. As long as your back is not up against a wall you should have time to avoid the activation with a backdash after the screen freeze. For optimizing damage off of a whiffed activation, front-load your damage to avoid guts scaling later on and be sure to use a combo that will last the full duration of the Blood Rage health drain (about 3.5 seconds). If you've missed the punish on the activation and the Nagoriyuki tries to exit Blood Rage early with his Blood Rage Overdrive, block it and you will have a full second to dash up (or Fukyo, or Hammerfall) from fullscreen and punish.

When defending against Blood Rage just block and use Faultless Defense. FD will be your best friend during Blood Rage. Nagoriyuki gets huge chip damage in Blood Rage so you want to prevent that whenever possible. Nagoriyuki does not have access to his command dash or command grab in Blood Rage so his ability to open up your guard is very limited. The only exception is that his j.H becomes an instant overhead. Look out for that threat when Nagoriyuki is close enough and has tension to convert off of it. Nagoriyuki's Blood Rage Overdrive has very slow startup. If he catches you committing to an attack or backdash (which you shouldn't be doing, you should just be blocking) you should be able to PRC it and block the Overdrive in most cases.

Intercepting Command Dash

Nagoriyuki's forward command dash can be used to force in some extra pressure or sneak in a command grab but doing so off of anything but 236S (the clone projectile) is risky and can often be punished with a c.S starter. If you block one of his HS normals and he follows up by canceling into a forward command dash he will be at -7 frame disadvantage, which is punishable depending on the spacing.

Forward vs Backward Both directions of Nagoriyuki's command dash have identical startup animations so they can be confusing to react to. Backwards command dash has less recovery than the forward version so you are likely to get whiff punished if you blindly intercept the forward dash before determining which version it actually is. On the other hand, if you wait long enough so that Nagoriyuki reappears after his dash you will likely not have enough time to interrupt his next attack.

Since Nagoriyuki's backwards command dash has less recovery, he'll stay invisible for a much shorter duration during the back command dash compared to the forward version. You can use that fact to react to the forward command dash sooner than normal. Instead of waiting to see where he'll reappear it can be better to get familiar with the timing of just his backdash and react to whether or not he has reappeared on time. If he hasn't reappeared on time further back, you will know it's a forward dash just a little bit earlier than if you were to wait and react to him appearing in front of you.

Avoiding vs Intercepting Intercepting is a high risk/high reward response to the command dash situation. A lower risk answer though is to just avoid the possible grab with a jump in response to either command dash. It's nearly impossible for the Nagoriyuki player to catch your jump startup. At best you can get a jumping counter hit punish against his command grab and at worst you'll have to air block and let Nagoriyuki reset pressure.


Blocking 214H (The Spinning Slash)

input name guard startup active recovery onBlock notes
214H Kamuriyuki Low 14 5 17 -3 Increases Blood Gauge over 3s (+90/300) Airborne 5~12F Can cancel into Specials Frames 14~25, except Bloodsucking Universe and another Kamuriyuki When cancelled into a Special, imparts forward momentum into the cancelled Special Cannot cancel into specials Frames 26~35 12.5 Chip Damage on block
GGST Nagoriyuki Kamuriyuki1.png

At first Nagoriyuki's 214H may seem like it should be punishable on block with its quick startup and impressive range, but that's not the case. It's actually 0 on block. It's better than even for Nagoriyuki though because he can spend more of his Blood Gauge to cancel the recovery into another special move as well. Nagoriyuki's fastest normal is 5F, so if you're playing a 6F character you do not have many options to take your turn here. Regardless it's important to know which options are available to Nagoriyuki with his Blood Gauge.

The Special Cancel Frame Trap Nagoriyuki can cancel 214H into 623H (DP) or 236S (clone) for a total of 1.8 bars of Blood Gauge. While very expensive on blood, they lead to huge reward on hit even without spending additional blood if in the corner. This is your main incentive to continue blocking and let Nagoriyuki reset his pressure. Always keep the Blood Gauge in mind though as this will become less threatening at high blood due to its cost, allowing you to contest the situation at lower risk.

Respecting Back Dash Cancel Nagoriyuki can cancel 214H into his backwards command dash leaving him +2 on block and in range for his 16F f.S and in the corner, his 12F 2S. Less rewarding than the frametrap, but cheaper at 1.4 bars of Blood Gauge and safer to reversals so you will see it a lot against more cautious players. If you get caught pressing a button to contest Nagoriyuki's 5P option Nagoriyuki will easily whiff punish. The combos Nagoriyuki can do at this range are all mildly blood or tension expensive though and he already used 1.4 bars of Blood Gauge for 214H and 214K, so keep in mind the option will be less threatening when Nagoriyuki has high blood and low tension.

Avoiding Command Grab If you show you're willing to continue blocking, Nagoriyuki will try to open you up with his command grab. A delayed backdash or jump can beat both the tight 623H (DP) frame trap and command grab, but both will lose to the 236S (clone) frame trap. Although the clone frame trap is much more reactable. At very high blood levels the command grab becomes much more rewarding for Nagoriyuki and the frame traps become more of a non-option due to Blood Rage so jumping, backdashing, or jabbing become better options.

Beating 5P as a 6F character While 5P is Nagoriyuki's fastest normal it can be punished with a low-profile move such as  Millia's 2K or any 6P. However this can be risky if Nagoriyuki has blood to spare on a special cancel frame trap or back dash cancel. 6P will lose to some of Nagoriyuki's slower options such as his 2K or command grab, but in turn that will open you up to contest the situation with your own 6F jab.

Meaty 214H Since 214H is an advancing move with multiple active frames it's likely to hit meaty at farther ranges. This changes the on block situation from 0 up to +4. There's no real threat of a mixup at this range however, so you just need to respect Nagoriyuki's pokes off the frame advantage.

All around it's a lot more complicated RPS situation than the 0 on block would imply, but know your options and keep in mind how the Blood Gauge changes the risk/reward and you should be able to keep up.

Blocking f.SS (Advancing Slashes)

No results

f.S
f.SS

(WIP)