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Ky can use specific attacks ({{clr|5|5D}}, {{clr|5|j.D}}, {{clr|5|236D}}) to summon small floating circles called Grinders that last for 3 - 4 seconds. | Ky can use specific attacks ({{clr|5|5D}}, {{clr|5|j.D}}, {{clr|5|236D}}) to summon small floating circles called Grinders that last for 3 - 4 seconds. | ||
Shoot a projectile through a Grinder and it will power up into a fortified state. Fortified projectiles give Ky more options in neutral, pressure, and combos: Stun Edge becomes a full screen sword-beam for zoning, Charged Stun Edge becomes a large, long-lasting sword projectile for okizeme, and Sacred Edge becomes a massive full screen blade that | Shoot a projectile through a Grinder and it will power up into a fortified state. Fortified projectiles give Ky more options in neutral, pressure, and combos: Stun Edge becomes a full screen sword-beam for zoning, Charged Stun Edge becomes a large, long-lasting sword projectile for okizeme, and Sacred Edge becomes a massive full screen blade that wallsplats the opponent for combos. | ||
Fortified projectiles still count towards Ky's projectile limit of 1 Stun Edge on the screen. Locking down the ground with fortified Charged Stun Edge means you won't be able to use any other kind of Stun Edge until it goes away. | Fortified projectiles still count towards Ky's projectile limit of 1 Stun Edge on the screen. Locking down the ground with fortified Charged Stun Edge means you won't be able to use any other kind of Stun Edge until it goes away. | ||
'''Note: prior to the "fortified" terminology, players often | '''Note: prior to the "fortified" terminology, players often referred to this mechanic as Durandal Call, or DC. If you're reading a combo document and see phrases like "DC SE" or "DC CSE," they're referring to fortified projectiles like Stun Edge and Charged Stun Edge.''' | ||
[[File:GGXRD_Ky_DurandalCall.png|center|thumb|250px|Powered up projectiles]] | [[File:GGXRD_Ky_DurandalCall.png|center|thumb|250px|Powered up projectiles]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 02:42, 17 April 2021
Ky can use specific attacks (5D, j.D, 236D) to summon small floating circles called Grinders that last for 3 - 4 seconds.
Shoot a projectile through a Grinder and it will power up into a fortified state. Fortified projectiles give Ky more options in neutral, pressure, and combos: Stun Edge becomes a full screen sword-beam for zoning, Charged Stun Edge becomes a large, long-lasting sword projectile for okizeme, and Sacred Edge becomes a massive full screen blade that wallsplats the opponent for combos.
Fortified projectiles still count towards Ky's projectile limit of 1 Stun Edge on the screen. Locking down the ground with fortified Charged Stun Edge means you won't be able to use any other kind of Stun Edge until it goes away.
Note: prior to the "fortified" terminology, players often referred to this mechanic as Durandal Call, or DC. If you're reading a combo document and see phrases like "DC SE" or "DC CSE," they're referring to fortified projectiles like Stun Edge and Charged Stun Edge.
Normal Moves
Ground Normals
5P
- Used for pressure, tick throws, setting up frame traps, Burst-safe combos, and as a situational anti-air.
- Gatling Options: 5P, 2P, 6P, 5K, 2K, 6K, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
While useful, 5P is generally a "backup plan". Ky has stronger tools in most situations. This move can be used as a quick all purpose attack that sets up pressure for throws and frame traps, and is safe from Bursts due to it's fast recovery. It hits a bit high up, making it a nice backup anti-air when 6P would fail (when the opponent is too close or when your inputs are crossed up.)
5K
Royalty Privilege Normal
- Used for mixup, okizeme, setting up frame traps, and for tick throws.
- Hits low.
- Proration: 80%
- Gatling Options: 6P, 6K, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
5K is a low with shorter range than 2K, but better proration (80% vs 70%), making it a better choice for a low mixup if you're close enough. Its very long active time also makes it a reliable meaty on the opponent's wakeup.
c.S
- Used for frame traps, punishing, pressure, option selecting with forward throw, and as a situational anti-air.
- On Counter Hit, combos into 6H.
- Gatling Options: 6P, 6K, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
An essential move in pressure due to it's high attack level, jump cancelability, use as a frame trap, high reward on counter hit, and ability to throw option select. It's safe to end pressure with normally, but it's common to jump cancel it into TK Stun Edge or to simply escape a situation. By late canceling other attacks into c.S in pressure, you can create a frame trap to catch opponents pressing buttons. On Counter Hit, it will combo into 6H, leading to high damage combos. It's fast startup and high damage makes it a good punish tool, too. It hits a bit higher up than implied by the animation, and works as an anti-air occasionally. By pressing 6H+S to execute a throw, you'll get this attack if the opponent jumped or backdashed. This is much faster than 5H or 6H, and if an opponent successfully jumps your throw attempt but didn't hold Faultless Defense, they may be caught.
f.S
It is perpetual, it keeps the country clean
- Used for spacing and pressure.
- On crouching hit or Counter Hit, combos into 3H.
- Can be avoided with low profile attacks.
- Gatling Options: 6K, 2S, 3H, 5D, 2D
One of Ky's cornerstone moves. It is his farthest reaching ground normal and standard spacing/harassment tool. Use f.S to threaten the opponent and prevent them from advancing or escaping. On crouching or Counter Hit, it can be canceled into 3H for a combo at most ranges, but 3H won't connect at max range. If your confirms and sense of spacing are strong, you can cancel into Stun Dipper on hit for a knockdown.
Ky's hurtbox is extended very far forward during the swing, so opponents can punish this if used recklessly. Some characters can get under f.S with low profile or airborne moves: mix it up with 5H, 2S, and Stun Edge if they start to find ways around f.S. This move is a perfect candidate for YRC OS (With at least 25 Tension, input a Roman Cancel the moment the attack becomes active) to remove most of it's risk at the cost of Tension.
5H
- Used for spacing, frame traps, situational anti-air, and punishing.
- Staggers on Counter Hit (Max duration 51F).
- Gatling Options: 6K, 5D, 2D
5H can be thought of as a shorter range, but safer version of f.S. It's a medium reach poke that is safe on block, and when used in tandem with Ky's other spacing tools it can be very strong. 5H hits a bit higher up than f.S, and can be used as an anti-air + spacing tool in some situations. On Counter Hit, it staggers the opponent, making it a great choice to frame trap with in pressure. This move is a key part of ending pressure because of it's long cancel window and advantage on block. You can choose to end with 5H, or late cancel into 2D to trip opponents expecting to escape. On hit you can use the late cancel window to space Stun Dipper correctly and secure both hits for a knockdown.
6P
THE PEOPLE'S ELBOW!!!!!
- Used as an anti-air, pressure tool, frame trap, and counter attack.
- Upper body invul during the start of the attack (1-6f), invul above the knee near the end (7-13F).
- Proration 90%
- Gatling Options: 6K, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
6P is an extremely solid anti-air and your go-to attack for dealing with airborne opponents. As a grounded attack, it's disjointed hitbox makes it good for countering mid range pokes. It can be used to bait certain Dead Angles in pressure.
6K
Pressure reset and frame trap
- Used to reset pressure, and frame trap.
- Ky steps forward before attacking.
Because this attack is +4 on block and moves Ky forward, it allows Ky to start a new blockstring afterwards. The downside is its slow startup will lose to jumping/backdashing/mashing, so the opponent must be conditioned to block before this can be effectively used. Using YRC during the startup of this move is a tricky way to move closer to the opponent for a throw. Keep in mind that 6K is +4 on block, and Ky's fastest normals have 5f of startup. This means that even when not instant blocked, the opponent has a 1f gap to input a reversal to beat your attempt to re-establish pressure.
6H
Be Plus Or Be Dead
- Used for resetting pressure, for frame traps, and as a situational okizeme and neutral tool.
- Forces opponent into crouching state on ground hit
- First hit is special cancellable
Ky's new 6H has high frame advantage and includes a large step he takes before swinging his blade. 6H can be used to reset pressure against passive opponents, forcing your way back in and trapping them in another bad situation, or to get the opponent to use their tension in order to force you off of them. It's a great tool for cranking the RISC gauge and building meter. Unlike Ky's old 6H, it's not good for safe okizeme against characters with fast reversals because of the increased recovery.
3H
Golf, a gentleman's game
- Used in pressure, frame traps, punishes, and to launch for combos.
- Ky slides forward before slashing.
- Combos from f.S on crouching and counter hit.
Often used to extend pressure after f.S, and confirm crouching and counter hits into a launcher for high damage. On block, it's usually canceled into Stun Edge, and Split Ciel to remain safe, while on hit it's canceled into Greed Sever for a combo. Like 6K, using YRC to cancel the startup of this move is a tricky way to close in for a throw. While 3H does connect from f.S, it won't reach from a f.S that hits at the tip.
5D
Creates a grinder
- Used as an overhead attack.
- Cancels to Homing Jump or Dash on hit only.
- Summons a Grinder.
- Clashes with projectiles.
- Safe on block at most distances
- Is a mid attack on YRC.
- Proration: 80%
Ky can summon Grinders faster with Split Ciel (236D) so it's not recommended for much other than the occasional unexpected overhead. While 5D can destroy the opponent's projectiles (and leave Ky with a Grinder afterwards), its slow startup makes it difficult to use for that purpose. It is among the slower Dust overheads in the game. This overhead is much safer on block than Ky's Greed Sever. Also useful for expensive YRC fuzzy guard mixups when above 75 Tension.
2P
- Used for pressure, setting up frame traps and tick throws, and Burst-safe confirms.
- Proration: 80%
- Gatling Options: 5P, 2P, 6P, 5K, 2K, 6K, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
An essential move in Ky's pressure since it's fast, +2 on block, and easy to confirm into a combo. From here you can choose to do many things, such as frame trap to c.S or 5H, gatling into another normal, or go for a throw. Due to its quick recovery, it can create Burst-safe points in combos.
2K
- Used for neutral, pressure, and setting up frame traps and tick throws.
- Proration: 70%
- Gatling Options: 6P, 6K, c.S, f.S, 2S, 5H, 2H, 6H, 5D, 2D
2K has good range and fast startup. Although it is a low, 5K is preferred over 2K as a mixup tool since 2K prorates damage by 70%, and 5K by 80%. In pressure, 2K is neutral on block, which makes it strong for tick throws and frame traps.
2S
- Used for spacing, low mixup, and gatling into from f.S for safety
- Gatling Options: 6K, 5H, 2H, 5D, 2D
2S is a long range low, used to supplement Ky's other spacing attacks. It can be used to stop advancing opponents who are trying to either low profile your other attacks, or attempting to rush in from the ground or air. It can be thought of as a version of f.S that exchanges range and damage with the safety of crouching to duck under aerial attacks. With good sense of spacing and fast reactions you can cancel 2S hits near the tip into Stun Dipper for a knockdown. It's often canceled from f.S on hit or block, and used in pressure to add a low to blockstrings.
2H
There is no true escape
- Used for anti-air, situationally as a spacing tool, and as a frame trap.
- Pulls in opponent on air hit.
- Launches and pulls in opponent on Counter Hit.
- Proration: 90%
- Gatling Options: 5D, 2D
An amazing swiss army knife of a move. 2H's potential as a preemptive anti-air attack is high since it covers a massive amount of space, hitting much farther and higher than 6P. It's also surprisingly functional as a ground poke, so running forward and throwing it out is like putting up a wall in neutral that covers the air and ground. It hits twice, which is great for dealing with moves with armor like Potemkin's Hammerfall, it launches on Counter Hit which opens up high damage potential, and it is also jump cancelable both on hit and block which makes it hilariously safe as long as you actually hit the opponent. The startup can sometimes be a bit too slow to anti-air on reaction with, but overall it's very fast for how large it is. The recovery isn't insignificant, but it's relatively safe for what it is.
2D
Active for a year and a half
- Used for leading combos into knockdown, poking, and as a low mixup.
2D is a fast, long range sweep that is active for an unusually long amount of time. It's often used as a poke or canceled from a poke in neutral, to keep opponents from jumping in pressure, and sometimes on defense as a fast and long range counterattack. It can also be used to catch reversal backdashes on oki.
Air Normals
j.P
The Demon j.P
- Used for countering opponents in the air, controlling air space, tick throws, and Burst-safe confirms.
- Gatling Options: j.P, j,K, j.S, j.H, j.D
While Ky's other jumping normals are generally better, j.P is his fastest and least risky airborne attack. j.P is a great way to interrupt opponents approaching you from above when airborne. It's not guaranteed to beat out an opponent's airthrow attempts, since it hits more high up and horizontally than low and vertically.
j.K
Air f.S
- Used for long-range air-to-air encounters, and catching opponents jumping away.
- Gatling Options: j.P, j.S, j.H, j.D
j.K is very fast and hits very far, making it a great for air-to-air encounters. It's almost just as fast as j.P, and hits much further and a bit higher up, making this a great choice to catch opponents attempting to escape pressure by jumping, or to challenge an opponent from the air that's far away.
j.S
- Used for okizeme, air combos, as an air-to-ground attack, and in fuzzy guard setups.
- Gatling Options: j.P, j.H, j.D
Ky's standard jump in attack. It's often used for safejumps over a knocked down opponent for okizeme. j.S is important in Ky's air combos and fuzzy guard mixups because it's jump cancelable.
j.H
Whack-A-Mole
- Used for okizeme, air combos, as an air-to-ground or air-to-air attack, countering anti-airs, and controlling air space.
- Gatling Options: j.D
j.H hits very far, as well as slightly below Ky, it's a gigantic swipe that is used to space opponents at the tip, or to cover escapes by using it while backdashing. It can even beat anti-air attacks when positioned properly at max range! Off a falling CH there's enough hitstun to pick up a combo. j.H is also used in okizeme, as a safejump right before landing. Its startup frames are also useful when doing empty jump mixups, where you would fake it hitting overhead.
j.D
It's time to STOP
- Used for zoning, space control, okizeme, crossups, and to summon grinders.
- Disappears if Ky is hit
- Remains even if Ky blocks
- Clashes with projectiles
- Creates a Grinder
- Has landing recovery unless you YRC or double jump after j.D
- Can only j.D once per jump
J.D is a passive "trap" tool with considerable startup that suspends Ky in the air briefly, so it's best to use it from a distance or while the opponent is downed. It leaves an electric cross hanging in the air for a short amount of time that will hit the opponent if it's touched while active. This is useful for zoning, as well as setting up okizeme. It's possible to cross up an opponent's block by airdashing over them the moment they wake up into j.D.
j.D also functions as an anti-zoning tool, since j.D also creates a Grinder, allowing you to immediately use Air Stun Edge afterwards for a fortified Stun Edge. It launches on counter hit, so if you're in range then run up and pick a combo up. If done close enough to the ground, ground Stun Edges can pass through the air grinder set by J.D.
Universal Mechanics
Ground Throw
- Proration: Forced 65%
This is the cornerstone of Ky's mixup. It can be RCd in the corner for high damage, or midscreen to carry the opponent to the corner.
Air Throw
No-fly zone
- Standard Throw, 65% Forced Proration
- RC to add a bit of extra damage midscreen, or VT loop in the corner.
Basic air throw. There isn't enough time use Charged Stun Edge oki safely from this knockdown.
Dead Angle Attack
VETOED
- 1-14f full invul, 15-32f throw invul
A standard Dead Angle Attack, using Ky's 6P animation. It has moderate startup and recovery, and hit pretty consistently. While always an option, Ky has access to other defensive tools in Vapor Thrust or Ride The Lightning, so consider your options as always.
Blitz Attack
Ky's Blitz Attack is the same as the rest of the cast's, and he has little use for it in combos.
Special Moves
Stun Edge
236S
COCONUT
Fortified Coconut with 20% more vitamins and minerals
- Used for spacing, zoning, ending blockstrings, and resetting pressure with YRC
- Can be avoided with low profile moves
Stun Edge (SE) is an important part of Ky's neutral game, and is very powerful with YRC. It can be used to supplement Ky's neutral at any time, but keep in mind the low reward on hit for how risky it is to throw within airdash range. Consider using it without meter more at a range where the opponent cannot punish you with an airdash. SE is not a pure zoning tool, as it is destroyed by multi-hit projectiles, and characters that can quickly create projectiles for zoning.
SE truly shines when YRC'd: Ky can put out a fast moving hitbox very quickly, immediately react to what the opponent is doing, and then pick his options accordingly. On hit it can be confirmed into a combo and knockdown, on block you can start a blockstring, and the SE will even delete moves like Gunflame or Venom's balls and allow you to punish the recovery. Do try not to spend all your meter on this, though - it isn't infallible!
- Used for zoning, anti-zoning, and resetting pressure.
- Passes through other projectiles
- Knocks down opponent on CH
- Can be avoided with low profile moves
An extremely useful tool. Shooting an SE through a grinder turns it into a full screen sword beam. Fortified SE passes through other projectiles, and on counter hit it knocks down. This makes it invaluable as a zoning/anti-zoning tool, since SE on its own is rather weak against many other projectiles. With one well placed shot, Ky can break a zoning situation using fortified SE. In pressure where a grinder has been placed between the opponent and Ky, fortified SE can reset pressure since it's +8 on block.
Charged Stun Edge
236H
Large Coconut
Large Stationary Coconut
- Used for okizeme, zoning, and occasionally as a pressure reset.
- Can be avoided with low profile moves
Charged Stun Edge (CSE) is a powered up version of Ky's Stun Edge. It is larger and slower than the normal variant, and hits three times instead of one. It's mainly used for safe, easy okizeme after a knockdown due to it's considerable startup and recovery, yet large amount of frame advantage (+14). In neutral it has it's uses, especially to attempt to cover an approach. Once it's out, you can instant airdash over it and use j.H to lock the opponent down or follow behind it on the ground and react to jump out attempts. It's use as a pressure reset is limited and risky, but can catch opponents playing passively and give you another mixup attempt. With YRC, it becomes much easier to use in neutral, and less risky as a pressure reset.
- Used for okizeme, and occasionally as a zoning tool.
- Clashes with projectiles
- Can be avoided with low profile moves.
Fortified Charged Stun Edge is also known as DC CSE. Firing a CSE through a Grinder will cause it to transform into a stationary rotating blade that functions similarly to CSE. It hits 6 times, and is much more plus on block than CSE (+18). Using this attack for okizeme gives you plenty of time to jump in and go for a high/low mixup that covers a lot of the opponent's defensive options. It can also be used in neutral, especially by YRCing CSE, then running in front of it and placing a Grinder. Standing inside of a fortified CSE is a good way to deal with projectiles, and approach the opponent.
Air Stun Edge
j.236S/H
Air Stun Edge
Fortified is a beam
- Used for punishing anti-air attempts, stopping momentum in mid-air, pressure, resetting pressure, setting up frame traps and as a zoning tool.
- S shoots at a more shallow angle than HS.
- Ky is crouching during landing recovery.
S Air SE is a multipurpose projectile that can be used in many ways. In neutral it can be used to catch approaching opponents, and to punish anti-air attempts once they've got under you. This is always a risk, but is extremely safe with YRC, since you won't have to deal with landing recovery, and can assess the situation to confirm into a combo if it hit, go for a mixup if it was blocked, or disengage with an airdash if it was avoided. When Tiger Knee'd (2369S/HS, also referred to as TK), it is advantageous on block, which makes it another way to reset pressure, especially after a jump cancelable normal such as 2H or c.S. Using an aerial projectile as a pressure reset is unconventional, and many opponents may try to challenge with an attack, leading to an easy frame trap. This is extra effective in the corner!
- Used for zoning.
- HS shoots at a less shallow angle than S.
- Ky is crouching during landing recovery
Compared to S Air SE, H Air SE is far less multi-use, and is generally TK'd from far away to cover a good portion of the screen and harass the opponent, or to call out an enemy's jump out attempt in pressure where you'd normally use S Air SE. What it does, it does well.
- Used for punishing anti-air attempts, stopping momentum in mid-air, pressure, resetting pressure, setting up frame traps and as a zoning tool.
- Passes through projectiles.
- Knocks down on Counter Hit.
For the most part, Fortified S Air SE functions exactly the same as the normal version, only at an angle. You may find yourself using fortified Air SE after using j.D as an okizeme tool, or after jump canceling a normal during pressure and using j.D. Fortified Air SE stuns the opponent for a long time on counter hit, giving you time to run in and perform a quick combo. You can even confirm into 3H if you're quick enough.
- Used for zoning, and anti-zoning.
- Passes through projectiles.
- Knocks down on Counter Hit.
Though Fortified H Air SE used in the same way as the normal version, it's far more potent as a zoning/anti-zoning tool. You can setup a grinder for this move by using j.D in neutral far from the opponent. It's angle makes it very hard for opponents to deal with.
Vapor Thrust
623S/H (air OK)
- 623S
- Used as a reversal on defense, as a risky wakeup reversal, as a high risk high reward anti-air, and as an invincible attack.
- 1-8F full invul, airborne on frame 9.
- Can be low profiled.
- Cannot be YRC'd or PRC'd.
Vapor Thrust (VT) is Ky's invulnerable reversal attack. The S version (SVT) is extremely rewarding on Counter Hit and starts up/recovers slightly faster than the HS version, but it has much less invulnerability time. It's usually used as a high risk high reward anti-air, or in specific situations on defense to take advantage of the long untechable time on Counter Hit to pick up a combo.
- 623H
- Used as a reversal on defense and wakeup, as a risky anti-air, in combos, and as an invincible attack.
- 1-10 full invul, 11-15F strike invul, airborne on frame 11.
- Can be low profiled
- Cannot be YRC'd or PRC'd.
While better than SVT, as far as wakeup reversals go, HVT is risky; it loses to some low profile attacks and easily loses to safe jumps, so you need to be sure the opponent isn't doing one of those before attempting this. It also starts up slowly in comparison to other reversals, and has a lack of forward momentum and range. Despite this, HVT is a good tool for dealing with pressure since it still has a good amount of invul. It also hits on both sides of Ky, making it one of the rare reversals that can be useful for dealing with crossups (as long as your input isn't crossed up). Ky is not left in Counter Hit or crouching state during the recovery either, so it loses a bit associated risk when the opponent has no tension to punish hard. As long as the opponent doesn't low profile it, you can use HVT RC to escape oki and pick up a combo if it hit, though you might want to save the tension for FD or Dead Angle if you don't want to play risky. Outside of defense, it can be used to anti air some moves that otherwise counter Ky's 6P and 2H, though its startup leaves a bit to be desired and if they see it coming in time they may be able to YRC and punish you for your trouble. It's integral in Ky's combos, including Vapor Thrust loops, Split Ciel loops, and Dash VT combos. On medium and heavy weight characters it will score knockdowns pretty easily, but light characters tend to float too high and can recover before hitting the ground.
j.623S/H
- Used as a risky anti-air, to interrupt momentum, and as an invincible attack
- Frames 1-8 are strike invulnerable.
- Cannot be YRC'd or PRC'd.
Because air VT lacks a low hitting hitbox (much like the grounded version), it's rare to see it used in the air like Sol would use his Volcanic Viper. 99% of the time you use this move it will be to end air combos. It can be a wild card option in a pinch though.
Stun Dipper
236K
F I V E F R A M E S
- Used to low profile attacks, counterattack on defense, confirm knockdowns from pokes, as a surprise low attack at the end of pressure, and to cover lots of space quickly.
- Frames 1-4 upper body invincibility; Frames 5-18 invincible above the knee
- First hit is a low, second hit is a mid.
- Second hit will not combo after the first if spaced too close.
- Second hit always combos on Counter Hit.
Stun Dipper (SD) is one of Ky's defining attacks. Its upper body invulnerability, ridiculously fast startup, and long travel distance make it useful in a wide variety of situations. SD can be used to counter an opponent by sliding under their attacks that don't cover the ground, and to confirm knockdowns from combos and pokes spaced at the tip of f.S, 2S, and 5H. It's also commonly used to counter pressure during even small gaps left by the opponent. Though it is an invaluable tool it's also very punishable on block. This is made worse because it's also really finicky to get both the slide and the followup slash to combo unless you were spaced correctly or got a Counter Hit. Because of this it's risky to throw out unless you read the opponent correctly or can confirm your spacing quickly. Ky's neutral game becomes many times better once he has 50 tension because he can mitigate all the negative consequences of SD and threaten his opponent constantly with it. If it hits, you can save the meter or go RC it for damage. If it's blocked or dodged, RC or PRC will keep you safe and put you in an advantageous position.
Greed Sever
214K
Low crushUNBLOCKABLE
- Used as a combo tool, to control space against active opponents, to counter hit low attacks, and as an overhead mixup.
- Do note that while the startup is 19F, it does not hit crouching opponents until later (24F on crouchers as of Rev 2.1).
- Airborne and invulnerable at the feet from frame 4.
As an overhead, Greed Sever (GS) is a bit telegraphed despite it's speed. It's unsafe on block at most ranges, so it's primarily used in combos and as an advanced offensive option. While faster than most dusts, it has a unique animation and loud audio cue that makes it easier to react to. Though it's somewhat lacking as a pure mixup tool, GS begins to shine when used to catch defensive mashing, backdashes, low attacks in neutral, and active and aggressive neutral play. Using Greed Sever when pushed away from an opponent is strong since it will catch air dashing, jumping, and some attacks. If it connects with an opponents block at the tip near the end of the animation it's safe on block. It's typically reserved until 50 Tension is saved up to RC it just in case it's blocked. Leaves Ky in a crouching state on recovery.
Split Ciel
236D
Summons a grinder
- Used to summon grinders, in combos, and to end blockstrings.
- Lower body invulnerable in the middle of the startup (5-12F)
In neutral, Split Ciel (SC) is used to summon Grinders as quickly and safely as possible. Whiffing a special move may seem bad (and it can be in some matchups), but the threat of a grinder allows Ky to play a more passive neutral game, and compels the opponent to move around to avoid being caught by fortified SE. On hit it will stagger the opponent which can create some gimmicky mixup and pressure reset opportunities if they're not good at mashing out of stagger.
SC is also Ky's signature VT loop combo ender: it's the reason he can setup fortified CSE oki and go for free IAD/empty jump mixups. Ending blockstrings with SC is an option, because it's only -1 on block and leaves Ky with a Grinder to work with. Be careful using it to end pressure when too far from your opponent, since it has a decent amount of whiff recovery and can be punished if they're looking for it.
Has some VERY niche utility as a counterpoke, such as against Venom 2S at round start.
Overdrives
Ride The Lightning
632146H (air OK) (632146D air OK)
Thunder and sparks, in the heart of the dark
- Used to end midscreen air combos in a knockdown, as a wakeup reversal, as a reversal in pressure, to confirm from j.S fuzzy guard (f-shiki), and to end rounds with Burst Overdrive
- Fully invincible from 1-25F (air version 1-17F). Projectile invincible during all active frames.
Ride The Lightning (RTL) is Ky's signature super, which sends him bolting across the screen surrounded by lightning. It has a lot of invul and can deal a good deal of damage, especially in Hellfire state. Its horizontal movement allows it to beat options that would otherwise counter Vapor Thrust but in the end it's still the same speed as HVT. It is unsafe on block and has Counter Hit recovery, so it's risky. That said, it can be strangely difficult to punish due to the way each hit of RTL pushes the opponent away. This can be mitigated by IBing the last hit, but depending on Ky's position the timing changes, so it can be difficult. Ending your common midscreen air combos with RTL is a good way to add damage and score knockdowns where you usually can't.
Sacred Edge
236236P
The lightning strikes, cracking the night
- Used in combos
- Fortified version wall sticks opponent in the corner.
- Frames 4-6 strike invulnerable.
Sacred Edge is Ky's bread and butter for dealing damage anywhere on the screen. Because Overdrives don't put a player into Tension cooldown, you can regain quite a bit of the Tension spent just by successfully completing your combo. Fortified Sacred Edge wallsticks the opponent in the corner, which creates new combo opportunities. Though Sacred Edge is a projectile, it is mostly used in combos - in other cases, Stun Edge and Charged Stun Edge accomplish nearly the exact same thing and don't cost 50 Tension.
Instant Kill
Rising Force
in IK mode: 236236H
They are modest to greed, generous to the truth of the world, when the heart is peaceful the seven seas cry!
- Uses animation from 3H
Ky recites an incantation, a part of a poem based on his ideals as king, to summon a giant Grinder, jumping through it and piercing his enemy in a flash of lightning. Rising Force is a fast Instant Kill, and has it's uses in specific IK setups when Conclusion Conditions are met.