Raphael String Defense Guide

NATSU

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WR -

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WR ~ Possession -

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~ Posession -


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~ Posession -

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WR -

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BT -

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~ Wind Roll -

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* ~ Distorted Breeze -

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FC -

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~ Possession -

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** ~ Possession -

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* ~ Possession -

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* ~ Wind Roll -

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** ~ Distorted Breeze -

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PO -

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WRO -

WRO -

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NIGHTMARE

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Your best option is to duck immediately after blocking the first hit - if he uses this string, punish with FC 3B or 236B.

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Nightmare should never be able to get as far as the B input, but if he does, he's just committed to a slower, linear, non-tracking move. Punish with whatever you feel like.

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Nightmare should never be able to even get as far as the B input, but if he does, he's just committed to a slow, linear, non-tracking move. Punish with whatever you feel like.

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Your best option is to duck immediately after blocking the first hit - if he only does two hits, punish with with 6BB or 6AB depending on the distance.

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Your best option is to duck immediately after blocking the first hit - if he uses this string, 9A, 9B, 9K, or 44K will evade the final hit.

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~ Night Side Stance -

FC A will kill every option from NSS.

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Just Guard makes the second hit 66B punishable.

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The second hit trades with i20 moves (236B), so anything faster will interrupt. Any Tech Jump moves will evade the second hit, and anything faster than i20 will interrupt cleanly.

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~ Grim Stride -

6AB kills the stance entrance entirely on block; any move faster than 6AB will also do the job.

~ Grim Stride -

Wait for the "ball of lightning" effect to show that he's committed to the latest timing, and immediately jump it with 9A, 9B, or 9K.

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A Quick Step to Raphael's left guarantees a Right Side Throw attempt. You can also evade the second hit with B+K.

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~ Night Side Stance -

A+BA kills the entire stance off of this entrance.

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~ Night Side Stance -

6BB kills the entire stance off of this entrance.

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WR ~ Night Side Stance -

2A or your Critical Edge will kill the entire stance off of this entrance.

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4A will evade the second hit. A Critical Edge used here will clash with the second hit and leave Nightmare at -15. Just Guard makes the second hit 66B punishable.

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~ Night Side Stance -

Just Guarding the entrance into NSS makes the entire stance 66B punishable. Alternatively, guarding the entrance into NSS makes the entire stance punishable via 3A or faster.

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4B the second hit to punish the string for the most damage. A safer route is to enter FC manually, and then punish with FC 3B or 236B.

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Duck the second hit manually, and then Quick Step to either side for a guaranteed Back Throw.

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** ~ Grim Stride -

3A kills the entire stance off this entrance.

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* -

Just Guard makes the second hit 33KB punishable. Alternatively, the move is 3B punishable on block.

* ~ Grim Stride -

3B is your most damaging way to punish this stance transition, as it covers all of the moves in Grim Stride for good damage without activating GS A impact.

The best way to cover both options safely is to attempt to Just Guard the second hit of 22AA, and then 2A if he goes 22AA6. If you're quick, you can confirm the Just Guard and punish with 66B, or confirm the stance entrance and stuff it with 2A.

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* -

Even though it appears to have a large hitbox, the move can be sidestepped to either side. If you step to your left, you can punish this move with 44A+B.

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* ~ Grim Stride -

3A kills the entire stance off this entrance.

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** ~ Night Side Stance -

A slightly delayed FC A will kill the entire stance off this entrance.

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** ~ Grim Stride -

3A kills the entire stance off this entrance.

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GS ~ Grim Stride -

3A kills the entire stance off this entrance.

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GS -

4B is the best way to avoid and punish the second hit.

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NSS ~ Night Side Stance -

Your Critical Edge kills everything off of this entrance.

If he stays in NSS, 6BB will punish everything.

If he transitions to GS, 236B will punish everything.
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PATROKLOS

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Just Guard makes the second hit 6BB punishable.

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Just Guard makes the second hit 6BB punishable.

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- - Delayable (All hits)

4B is the only move that consistently beats all hits of the move regardless of timing. If stepped using Quick Step, step to your right - the second hit has a large hitbox and hits to Patroklos' right. When properly stepped, he will be either sideturned or backturned to you. B+K can evade any hit of the strings, and can easily evade the second, but will be hit by third during the auto-evade if Patroklos does not delay the last hit. Note that the last two hits jail if he does not delay them - the best time to act is between the first and second hit.

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He is committed to the string once he starts it. The second hit can be tech crouched under by 4B perfectly, and if you duck the second hit and stand for the third, you can B+K the last hit.

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/ - - Delayable

These two strings are virtually similar in terms of appearance and effect. Any of your Tech Crouching moves will beat it cleanly regardless of the delay.

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WR -

Your only option is to either Guard Impact or Just Guard. Just Guarding guarantees 236B, though you need to be quick with your punishment.

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** -

Quick Step to your left is the best option against the string, though Just Guard and Guard Impact are also options - Just Guard in particular will get you a 33k(BE) punish. Because of the slide input, he has to commit to both hits when using this, so if you don't see him flash, he's only doing , and you know when he's doing the Brave Edge version because of the very early flash.

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* - - Delayable

4B and 1K will both duck the second hit. It's best to duck and wait and see if he completes the string, as there's no real way to cover both options consistently.

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Normally, this move is only used in combos. However, it has a lot of whiffing issues near walls or on misaligned opponents, so there is merit in including it. The second hit will always whiff if the first hit is blocked and you do nothing for a second. After watching the second hit whiff, running up and punishing with 33k(BE) is guaranteed, as are any of your long range punishing options if you're so inclined.

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JS -

The second hit can be avoided numerous ways. Quick Stepping to either side works and allows a wide variety of punishes - though you need to delay your throw attempts, as he has Tech Crouch frames when he lands. Just Guarding it allows a 33k(BE) punish, while using a Guard Impact will inflict 36 damage if you let him land on the ground.

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JS -

This is a particularly odd move to try and avoid. To avoid the second hit, Quick Step to your right. You need to time this perfectly, and the camera seems to randomly switch sides, which can mess up your punishment completely. The safest punish after a successful Quick Step is to Back Throw, since A+G*B+G doesn't require a directional input.

The Brave Edge flash also makes it extremely easy to see, and therefore very easy to evade with B+K.

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PYRRHA

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AS -

AS -

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PYRRHA Ω

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Just Guard makes the move 3B punishable.

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* - *

Raphael's Critical Edge will punish and interrupt both options. 4A will clash with the second hit of 4AA or whiff over the second hit of 4AB, with neither of you gaining any advantage. Otherwise, 4AA can be Tech Crouched by 4B and Guard Impacted with 4A+B, and 4AB can either be Quick Stepped or auto-evaded with B+K.

* - *

4(A)A behaves similarly to 4AA, except your own 4A will not clash with it. You cannot avoid or interrupt 4AB whatsoever - you can only Just Guard or Guard Impact it.

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4A+B will auto-Guard Impact the second hit, and Just Guard will make the move 33k(BE) punishable.

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Just Guard makes the move 6BB punishable.

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Just Guard makes the move 6BB punishable.

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Just Guard makes the move 236B punishable, and the second hit is steppable to your right.

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*FC -

Just Guard makes the move 66B punishable, and the second hit is steppable to your right.

*FC -

Just Guard makes the move 66B punishable, and the second hit is steppable to either side.

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Just Guard makes the move 66B punishable, and the second hit is steppable to your right.

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* - - Delayable

Just Guard will allow you a 236B punish. 4A+B will also work, though only if she delays it for a specific amount of time.

* -

The visual effect of her weapon catching on fire indicates that she is committed to the Unblockable version; this visual effect is accompanied by a unique sound effect. Recognizing this gives you quite a few options. 44B will backstep it, though the timing is a bit precise. The move is also steppable to your left even though it's a horizontal.

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You must manually duck the second hit, but then can both punish the second hit and interrupt the third hit with FC 3B. The last hit can be auto-evaded with B+K.

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RAPHAEL

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~ Preparation -

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~ Preparation -

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~ Preparation -

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~ Preparation -

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Prep -

SIEGFRIED

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~ Side Hold -

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WR -

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WR ~ Side Hold -

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BT -

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~ Side Hold -

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- Chief Hold

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* ~ Side Hold -

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* ~ Side Hold -

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* ~ Side Hold -

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* ~ Chief Hold -

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SCH -

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SCH -

SCH -

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SSH

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SSH ~ Reverse Side Hold

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SSH -

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SSH ~ Chief Hold -

TIRA

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JS -

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GS -

GS -

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JS -

JS ~ Gestopft Madness -

JS ~ Gestopft Madness -

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JS -

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GS -

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GS : -

GS :: -

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WR ~ Updraft -

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/ BT -

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JS BT -

JS BT -

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JS ** -

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JS ** -

JS ** -

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JS -

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GS -

GS -

GS -

GS - :

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VIOLA

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ORB ~ Orb is Set -

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SET ~ Holding Orb -

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~ Orb is Set -

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ORB ~ Orb is Set -

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ORB ~ Orb is Set -

SET ~ Holding Orb -

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ORB -

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ORB ** ~ Orb is Set -

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ORB ** ~ Orb is Set -

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SET -

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SET -

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~ Orb is Set -

~ Orb is Set -

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SET ~ Orb is Set -

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~ Orb is Set -

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ORB ~ Orb is Set -

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ORB * -

SET * -

SET * ~ Holding Orb -

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ORB * ~ Orb is Set -

SET * ~ Holding Orb -

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ORB ** -

SET ** -

SET ** -

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SET * -

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ORB * ~ Orb is Set -

SET * ~ Holding Orb -

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ORB ** -

ORB ** -

SET ** -

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ORB * -

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VOLDO

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WR -

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BS -

BS -

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WR -

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BS ** -

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BS ** -

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BS -

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BS 8WR -

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MC -

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MC -

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CR -

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CR -

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DR -

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DR -

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DR -

XIBA

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Xiba's AA is slow enough to either manually duck or 4B in between on reaction, and you should train yourself to do so - Xiba typically falls in such a way that 4B ~ Prep BBB ~ A+BA is always guaranteed for a 78 damage interrupt.

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The first and second hits jail, so your counterattack will be between the second and third hits. 3A will leave him back turned and at a distance to you. 2A, 2K, and 4K will leave him back turned and close enough to you for a back throw attempt. 4A will leave him sideturned at a distance to you. If you want to Just Guard the third hit, Raphael usually ends up back turned after the Just Guard and can punish with BT B+K.

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The first three hits follow the same rules as the non-Brave Edge version. The final hit is uninterruptable, but you can Just Guard it for a 6BB punish. Note that the timing for the Brave Edge flash can be delayed.

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4B or a manual crouch will evade the second hit. B+K is also an option here, but you leave yourself open to the stance entrance.

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4B punishes the stance entrance.

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6BB or your Critical Edge will interrupt the second hit. You can also buffer 88B or 33KB once you see the beginning of his hop - the second hit is very telegraphed and the stance cancel cannot save him from verticals or kicks.

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6BB or your Critical Edge will punish the stance entrance. You can also buffer 88B or 33KB once you see the beginning of his hop - the second hit is very telegraphed and the stance cancel cannot save him from verticals or kicks.

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- - Delayable

2A and 2K will leave him backturned and close enough to you for a back throw attempt If he delays the string, 2B+K will hit him out of it. If you want to Just Guard the third hit, Raphael usually ends up back turned after the Just Guard and can punish with BT B+K.

- - Delayable (Second Hit)

The first two hits follow the same rules as the non-Brave Edge version. The final hit is uninterruptable, but you can Just Guard it for a 6BB punish. Note that the timing for the Brave Edge flash can be delayed.

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You need to manually duck and then 4B from FC to get the most damage from your interrupt. The third hit can only come out if he connects with the move.

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Your only option is to Just Guard, which gives you a 6BB punish.

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If you Just Guard the third hit, you can simultaneously interrupt and punish with 3B. Between the third and fourth hit, 3A will push him out at a distance to you; 2A and 2K will leave him side-turned and close to you; A+BA will interrupt the last hit for very good damage. If you want to Just Guard the fourth hit, Raphael usually ends up back turned after the Just Guard and can punish with BT B+K.

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The first four hits follow the same rules as the non-Brave Edge version. The final hit is uninterruptable, but you can Just Guard it for a 6BB punish. Note that the timing for the Brave Edge flash can be delayed.

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FC -

Your Critical Edge will interrupt this string, as will any 8WR move if you Quick Step first. B+K will evade the last hit, but Xiba recovers in time to block the automatic counterattack - for opponents that remember to duck the second hit, that could end up badly for you.

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There is a large enough gap between the first and second hit to begin Just Guarding the entire move - this is fairly difficult to do for little reward.

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BT -

If you Just Guard the last hit, you get a guaranteed Left Side Throw attempt.

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* -

Just Guard makes the move 33KB punishable, and also gives you a guaranteed Left Side Throw attempt. You can also jump over him between the first and second hits and get a guaranteed Back Throw.

* -

Just Guarding the final hit will give you a free Back Throw if you grab as soon as possible post-Just Guard.

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* -

Just Guard makes the second hit 66B punishable.

There is no way to cover both the completed string and the stance cancel in one move.

* -

Any of your usual interrupts will beat out all of his stance options if buffered early enough.

There is no way to cover both the completed string and the stance cancel in one move.

* - - (Kilik and Edgemaster Only)

You can 44B out of the range of the second hit. You can also jump over the second hit and punish with BT B+K. If you jump over the third hit, or he completes the string after you jump over the second hit, you get a guaranteed Back Throw.

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** -

9A, 9B, or 9K will Tech Jump over the second hit. Just Guarding the second hit guarantees an FC 3B punish.

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** -

When evading this move with Quick Step, always move to your right. Just Guarding the second hit opens up quite a few options: you can interrupt and punish with 3A or your Critical Edge; you can evade the third hit with B+K; you can step to either side for a Back Throw if he finishes the string.

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After blocking the first hit, casually step to the side until both of you are facing each other again. He turns around as part of the move's recovery animation, so wait for him to turn around and you'll get a free Back Throw.

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After blocking the first hit, casually step to the side until both of you are facing each other again. He turns around as part of the move's recovery animation, so wait for him to turn around and you'll get a free Back Throw.

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* -

Just Guarding the third hit guarantees a Back Throw. If Raphael happens to be crouching and at extremely close range, and Xiba connects with the first two hits, Xiba will whiff the third hit, also guaranteeing a Back Throw.

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** -

Just Guard makes the move 3B punishable.

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REM -

Your Critical Edge will punish the first hit and interrupt the second hit. 4A or a Quick Step will also evade the second hit.

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YOSHIMITSU

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- - Delayable

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FC -

FC :::: -

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~ Manji Dragonfly -

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* ~ Manji Dragonfly -

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* ~ Manji Dragonfly -

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** ~ Manji Dragonfly -

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** ~ Manji Dragonfly -

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Z.W.E.I.

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~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

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** ~ EIN -

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~ EIN -

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