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Street Fighter IV Strategy Guide - All Moves, Combos, Tips, and Secrets for SFIV

• By McKinley Noble
• February 19, 2009 13:53 PM PST
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If you've been outside the dojo for a while, GamePro's got your back with our Street Fighter IV Fighter's Guide!

UPDATE: Win fabulous Street Fighter IV prizes in Wikia's Fight Night contest! Click here for details, and get in the competition!

Click HERE for 553 HD screens of Street Fighter IV in action!

Street Fighter IV is finally here, only a few months after the release of the ultimate edition of Street Fighter II, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Some things are different, others are the same, but even the best fighters might need a refresher after all this time. Also, if you really want to step up your Street Fighter IV experience, be sure to check out Mad Catz's Street Fighter IV Arcade Sticks, which earned GamePro review scores of 5 out of 5 stars (Regular) and 4.5 out of 5 stars (Tournament Edition).

GamePro's here with a breakdown of each fighter, telling you the best tricks to get the upper hand with your favorite characters. From Ryu to Chun Li to the mysterious Seth, the gang's all here, so whether you're just getting down the basics or looking for just the right place to throw that jump-in, counter attack Super Move, make this fighter's guide your first stop for some Street Fighter IV training!

The Basics of Combat

Blocking

Never underestimate the power of a well-timed block. In Street Fighter IV, there's plenty of ways for people to rack up damage, but most attacks can be nullified with a patient "turtle" defense. Since there's no "Block Meter" in SFIV, make sure to pay close attention to high strikes, low attacks, and the dangerous throw maneuver.

ProTip: Blocking Super & Ultra Moves

Even the best fighter may panic when the screen flashes and an opponent closes in for the kill, but blocking is usually the best way to whether the damage. If you're not in the middle of an attack, hit the block motion as soon you see the on-screen cue to defend yourself. Don't forget, alternating between high and low blocks is crucial to avoid cross-ups!

Throws

Throws aren't just the best way to break up a blocker's defense, it's also a good tactic for interrupting a Focus Attack or simply changing positions in a fight. Depending on which way you're holding your joystick (or directional pad), each fighter's throw will either plant them at your feet, or hurl them across the screen. Mix it up to keep defensive players on edge!

ProTip: Turn Missed Throws Into Combos

Canceling out a throw is as simple as hitting the throw command at the same time as your opponent. If you're on the canceling end, the motion will make your enemy step back, giving you time to either retreat or close the distance with a dashing strike. If you're on the receiving end of one too many throws, a well-timed EX attack is often the best reversal when your fighter's getting up.

Combos

When you get a good combo going, there's almost no way to block follow up attacks. One good way to gauge the potential of your multi-hit success is if your first attack connects. Unless an opponent gets nervous, a block on your first strike means that the rest of the combo isn't going anywhere. For better results, wait until your opponent misses an attack or gives you an opening. Using combos recklessly will just stick you in the middle of an animation, asking for a counter.

ProTip: With Combos, Chain Hit & Start Small

Starting off with a special move can often be the worst way to try getting those crucial 5-hit combos. GamePro's own Travis Moses and Sid Shuman will often hammer away at their victims with Jab Punches and Short Kicks rather than attempting special moves all the time. If you can time it right, chain hit a clean standalone Jab, Strong, Short, or Straight to effectively open up your opponent to extra damage.

Focus Attacks

Street Fighter IV's new Focus Attacks are the replacement for the Parry System, and they're just as effective at stopping damage. Hitting the Strong Punch and Straight Kick will brace your fighter in an attack stance, powering through a single strike. Even better, holding down the buttons will charge up a Focus Attack, unleashing a stunning blow on contact.

As strong as they are, beware of overusing the Focus Attacks! They're extremely susceptible to being counter by EX Attacks and combo strikes. If you're not confident that your Focus Attack is going to connect, dash backward or forward to cancel the animation and avoid danger.

ProTip: Hit 'Em While They're Down

One (mostly) successful way to score a cheap Focus Attack is to start charging the strike as your opponent's getting up. If you time it correctly, you'll stun them for solid damage and set them up for another grounding. Be wary of opponents who know how to recover from a fall, since this tactic can also get you countered in the face.

EX Attacks

When you're looking for a counter attack or a Focus killer, the EX Attack is your new best friend. Carrying over from the Street Fighter III School of Hard Knocks, you can now power-up any special move by hitting two buttons where one is the standard. This is especially effective for super charging fireballs, adding more hits to uppercuts, and powering your way through corner traps and projectile attacks -- just make sure to watch your EX meter, since EX Attacks drain a fourth of the meter!

ProTip: Chaining EX Attacks

Super Moves aren't the only way to effectively use your EX meter. If you can connect with one EX Attack, immediately start the motion for a follow up EX Attack to keep juggling your opponent. Do it right, and you can easily rack up high combos while draining health bars!

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