Bean
[08] Mercenary
Unlike in the previous games Maxi is a real threat this time around, and if you don't know what he can do, he will destroy you. This thread will teach you how to deal with him if you're playing Pyrrha O. If you're unfamiliar with his stances, Belial made an excellent thread where he described his stance game, you can find it here: http://8wayrun.com/threads/mitsurugi-vs-maxi-stance-guide.11205/
AA RC
On block: Punish with CE if you have the meter. If you don't have meter you can go for a NS B (DNS B), but watch out for his GI. 6K is also a good move to use since it will beat everything he can do. The only downside is that if he does nothing and just press G, you don't get much damage.
On hit: A+B will GI RC A for massive damage. RC B and K can be interrupted with NS B. Beware, if Maxi steps forward he switches stance to RO and and then to BL.
6A RO
On block: Punish with AA. You can also try NS A, it can be blocked, and will clash with RO A (unless you delay it slightly), but will hit him if he does anything else.
On hit: RO A can be ducked, but it's very hard to punish him if he does the K followup. It's possible to interrupt the K with NS B, but you have to be very fast. I don't recommend ducking very often though, since you do not want to get hit by RO B. Both RO B and K can be stepped to your left (use a single tap). A+B also works against RO B. If you step RO K, you end up behind Maxi and get a free backthrow. And remember, If he steps forward he goes to BL.
3A LI
On block: 66A beats everything except the GI. NS A and CE only lose to LI B (and its variations). Backstep evades LI A, B and K.
On hit: LI A has to be blocked (very unsafe). LI B can be stepped left and LI K can be ducked. If Maxi steps back, he goes to BL.
4A BL
On block: Same as AA on block, use CE/NS B (DNS B)/6K. The only difference is that he can evade your 6K with BL A if you block 4A at tip range.
On hit: GI works against BL A, B and K (same timing). BL B can be stepped left. BL A often whiffs, punish with DNS B.
FC 3A_AA_AAA RO
On block: CE/NS A/NS B (he can't GI it)
On hit: NS A will beat RO A and K. 2A will be RO A and B. You can step RO B and K left (won't work if he only does FC 3A). Maxi steps forward = going to BL
BB LO
On block: Use CE if you have meter, it's the only move that beats every option he has. AA will lose to LO K, and NS B can be GIed and will trade hits with LO B. LO B can be stepped left, and you have enough time to block LO A after the step. Backstep can also be a good thing to try.
On hit: A+B will GI LO B. 2A will interrupt LO A and K (if it hits you get a left sidethrow mixup). You can also do NS B, it will interrupt LO A and trade hits with LO K, giving you a free DNS B. Maxi steps back = going to LI and then BL
6B4G LI
On block: LI A can not be interrupted. Step LI A, B and K left.
On hit: LI A has to be blocked. Step LI B and K left. Maxi steps back = going to BL
1B RO
On block: 2A will beat RO A and B. NS A will beat RO A and K. NS B will interrupt RO B and K (can also step left). Keep in mind that he can also do nothing and press G to block your attacks.
On hit: Same as for 6A RO: RO A can be ducked, but it's very hard to punish him if he does the K followup. It's possible to interrupt the K with NS B, but you have to be very fast. I don't recommend ducking very often though, since you do not want to get hit by RO B. Both RO B and K can be stepped to your left (use a single tap). A+B also works against RO B. If you step RO K, you end up behind Maxi and get a free backthrow. And remember, If he steps forward he goes to BL.
4B LO
On block: LO B can not be interrupted (A+B works though). You can step it left if you're fast, and you also have time to block LO A after the step. LO K will hit you, but it's not much damage and -4 on hit.
On hit: LO B is guaranteed, not much you can do. Maxi steps back = going to LI and then BL
WR K_KK
If you block WR K, do AA. It will punish it and also interrupt the followup if he does it.
A+BG RC
On block: Same as AA, use CE/NS B/6K. The only difference is that NS B can not be GIed if you're fast.
On hit: CE interrupts everything. 2A interrupts RC A and K, but can be TJed by RC B. NS B trade hits with RC A (free DNS B), and interrupts everything else. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
6A+B_6A+B BE LI
This move tracks very well to your left, you have to step it right. It also has very short range and can be backstepped easily. If you block the BE version, you have to block LI A, but can step LI B and K left.
2A+B
This move is slow but has an annoying animation, making it a bit difficult to block on reaction. Make sure to punish it hard when you block it. If you get hit by it and don't tech, Maxi gets a free FC K/B. However, if you tech back and he whiffs you can punish him with DNS B/CE.
WR B+K BL
On block: NS A interrupts BL B, K and sometimes A. But he can press G and block your attacks.
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
22_88A LI
On block: LI A can not be interrupted. Step LI B and K left. You can also try a JG, with the right timing (can be a bit difficult) it works for LI A and K, and you have enough time to block LI B.
On hit: You have to block LI A. Step LI B left and duck LI K. Maxi steps back = going to BL
11_77A BL
On block: DNS B
On hit: NS B (make sure to punish him for using this move)
66B LI
On block: 66A will only lose to the GI. 4AB will CH LI A, B, K and B+K (auto-GI), but lose to LI B]. Maxi steps back = going to BL
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
33_99B BL
On block: He can not block AA, but BL A will evade and hit you. Use NS A in that case
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
22_88B RC
On block: CE/DNS B
On hit: NS B (DNS B) interrupts everything, but watch out for the GI. Backstep can also be a good choice. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
22_88[B RC
On block: Backstep any followup. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
On hit: You get stunned.
44B RO
On block: 2A beats RO A. NS A beats RO A and K. Step RO B and K left. Keep in mind that he can block your attacks. Backstep is also a good choice. MAxi steps forward = going to BL.
On hit: You get stunned.
RC AB_B BE LI
JG the second hit and do DNS B (both verions). Can also step the second hit right (have to do a single tap for the BE version).
RC B LO
If you block it, you can punish with CE/NS B (can be GIed). 6K will trade hits with LO B and beat everything else. Backstep is also a good choice.
RC K_KK
Do NS B if you block RC K. It will punish it, and interrupt the followup unless you blocked it at tip range (trade hits in that case).
RO A BL/RO AK
This move is annoying since you have to guess if he stops at RO A or does RO AK. If he does RO A BL you can interrupt everything with AA (he can block it though). Use A+B against RO A[K]
RO B RC
Just go for NS B/DNS B (can be GIed) or 6K on block.
RO KA_KK/22_88KA_KK
An easy way to deal with this mixup is to use a GI. RO KA can be punished with NS B and RO KK can be stepped left.
LI B LI
66A will only lose to the GI. 4AB will CH LI A, B, K and B+K (auto-GI), but lose to LI B]. Maxi steps back = going to BL
LI B] LI
If you block it Maxi gets a free LI A. Either use JG DNS B/A+B or step it.
LO B RC_BK
Another annoying mixup... but not for Pyrrha O. As soon as you block LO B, just do NS A. If Maxi goes for the full string, it will TC the kick and hit him in the side, giving you a free NS B:4 (possible to get the JF due to the sidehit). If Maxi stops at LO B RC and tries to block, NS A will punish him. The only thing he can do is RC KK, which is a very risky move, and you can punish him hard if you anticipate it.
BL mixups
A well placed GI kills any mixup from BL since you can GI all moves with the same timing. You can also punish all moves from BL with DNS B on block. Make sure to take your free damage every time you get a chance.
66K/LO BK
These moves have lost their adv. on block in SCV, so don't freeze when you block them. Instead he now has 44K, which forces crouch and gives adv. on block (easy to step though).
B+G
Be careful, 2KB will catch all rolls and hit otg after this throw. His 66B+K will catch back and left rolls for good damage. You can roll right to make it whiff and then punish him with NS B/DNS B.
AA RC
On block: Punish with CE if you have the meter. If you don't have meter you can go for a NS B (DNS B), but watch out for his GI. 6K is also a good move to use since it will beat everything he can do. The only downside is that if he does nothing and just press G, you don't get much damage.
On hit: A+B will GI RC A for massive damage. RC B and K can be interrupted with NS B. Beware, if Maxi steps forward he switches stance to RO and and then to BL.
6A RO
On block: Punish with AA. You can also try NS A, it can be blocked, and will clash with RO A (unless you delay it slightly), but will hit him if he does anything else.
On hit: RO A can be ducked, but it's very hard to punish him if he does the K followup. It's possible to interrupt the K with NS B, but you have to be very fast. I don't recommend ducking very often though, since you do not want to get hit by RO B. Both RO B and K can be stepped to your left (use a single tap). A+B also works against RO B. If you step RO K, you end up behind Maxi and get a free backthrow. And remember, If he steps forward he goes to BL.
3A LI
On block: 66A beats everything except the GI. NS A and CE only lose to LI B (and its variations). Backstep evades LI A, B and K.
On hit: LI A has to be blocked (very unsafe). LI B can be stepped left and LI K can be ducked. If Maxi steps back, he goes to BL.
4A BL
On block: Same as AA on block, use CE/NS B (DNS B)/6K. The only difference is that he can evade your 6K with BL A if you block 4A at tip range.
On hit: GI works against BL A, B and K (same timing). BL B can be stepped left. BL A often whiffs, punish with DNS B.
FC 3A_AA_AAA RO
On block: CE/NS A/NS B (he can't GI it)
On hit: NS A will beat RO A and K. 2A will be RO A and B. You can step RO B and K left (won't work if he only does FC 3A). Maxi steps forward = going to BL
BB LO
On block: Use CE if you have meter, it's the only move that beats every option he has. AA will lose to LO K, and NS B can be GIed and will trade hits with LO B. LO B can be stepped left, and you have enough time to block LO A after the step. Backstep can also be a good thing to try.
On hit: A+B will GI LO B. 2A will interrupt LO A and K (if it hits you get a left sidethrow mixup). You can also do NS B, it will interrupt LO A and trade hits with LO K, giving you a free DNS B. Maxi steps back = going to LI and then BL
6B4G LI
On block: LI A can not be interrupted. Step LI A, B and K left.
On hit: LI A has to be blocked. Step LI B and K left. Maxi steps back = going to BL
1B RO
On block: 2A will beat RO A and B. NS A will beat RO A and K. NS B will interrupt RO B and K (can also step left). Keep in mind that he can also do nothing and press G to block your attacks.
On hit: Same as for 6A RO: RO A can be ducked, but it's very hard to punish him if he does the K followup. It's possible to interrupt the K with NS B, but you have to be very fast. I don't recommend ducking very often though, since you do not want to get hit by RO B. Both RO B and K can be stepped to your left (use a single tap). A+B also works against RO B. If you step RO K, you end up behind Maxi and get a free backthrow. And remember, If he steps forward he goes to BL.
4B LO
On block: LO B can not be interrupted (A+B works though). You can step it left if you're fast, and you also have time to block LO A after the step. LO K will hit you, but it's not much damage and -4 on hit.
On hit: LO B is guaranteed, not much you can do. Maxi steps back = going to LI and then BL
WR K_KK
If you block WR K, do AA. It will punish it and also interrupt the followup if he does it.
A+BG RC
On block: Same as AA, use CE/NS B/6K. The only difference is that NS B can not be GIed if you're fast.
On hit: CE interrupts everything. 2A interrupts RC A and K, but can be TJed by RC B. NS B trade hits with RC A (free DNS B), and interrupts everything else. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
6A+B_6A+B BE LI
This move tracks very well to your left, you have to step it right. It also has very short range and can be backstepped easily. If you block the BE version, you have to block LI A, but can step LI B and K left.
2A+B
This move is slow but has an annoying animation, making it a bit difficult to block on reaction. Make sure to punish it hard when you block it. If you get hit by it and don't tech, Maxi gets a free FC K/B. However, if you tech back and he whiffs you can punish him with DNS B/CE.
WR B+K BL
On block: NS A interrupts BL B, K and sometimes A. But he can press G and block your attacks.
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
22_88A LI
On block: LI A can not be interrupted. Step LI B and K left. You can also try a JG, with the right timing (can be a bit difficult) it works for LI A and K, and you have enough time to block LI B.
On hit: You have to block LI A. Step LI B left and duck LI K. Maxi steps back = going to BL
11_77A BL
On block: DNS B
On hit: NS B (make sure to punish him for using this move)
66B LI
On block: 66A will only lose to the GI. 4AB will CH LI A, B, K and B+K (auto-GI), but lose to LI B]. Maxi steps back = going to BL
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
33_99B BL
On block: He can not block AA, but BL A will evade and hit you. Use NS A in that case
On hit: You get launched, nothing you can do.
22_88B RC
On block: CE/DNS B
On hit: NS B (DNS B) interrupts everything, but watch out for the GI. Backstep can also be a good choice. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
22_88[B RC
On block: Backstep any followup. Maxi steps forward = going to RO and the BL
On hit: You get stunned.
44B RO
On block: 2A beats RO A. NS A beats RO A and K. Step RO B and K left. Keep in mind that he can block your attacks. Backstep is also a good choice. MAxi steps forward = going to BL.
On hit: You get stunned.
RC AB_B BE LI
JG the second hit and do DNS B (both verions). Can also step the second hit right (have to do a single tap for the BE version).
RC B LO
If you block it, you can punish with CE/NS B (can be GIed). 6K will trade hits with LO B and beat everything else. Backstep is also a good choice.
RC K_KK
Do NS B if you block RC K. It will punish it, and interrupt the followup unless you blocked it at tip range (trade hits in that case).
RO A BL/RO AK
This move is annoying since you have to guess if he stops at RO A or does RO AK. If he does RO A BL you can interrupt everything with AA (he can block it though). Use A+B against RO A[K]
RO B RC
Just go for NS B/DNS B (can be GIed) or 6K on block.
RO KA_KK/22_88KA_KK
An easy way to deal with this mixup is to use a GI. RO KA can be punished with NS B and RO KK can be stepped left.
LI B LI
66A will only lose to the GI. 4AB will CH LI A, B, K and B+K (auto-GI), but lose to LI B]. Maxi steps back = going to BL
LI B] LI
If you block it Maxi gets a free LI A. Either use JG DNS B/A+B or step it.
LO B RC_BK
Another annoying mixup... but not for Pyrrha O. As soon as you block LO B, just do NS A. If Maxi goes for the full string, it will TC the kick and hit him in the side, giving you a free NS B:4 (possible to get the JF due to the sidehit). If Maxi stops at LO B RC and tries to block, NS A will punish him. The only thing he can do is RC KK, which is a very risky move, and you can punish him hard if you anticipate it.
BL mixups
A well placed GI kills any mixup from BL since you can GI all moves with the same timing. You can also punish all moves from BL with DNS B on block. Make sure to take your free damage every time you get a chance.
66K/LO BK
These moves have lost their adv. on block in SCV, so don't freeze when you block them. Instead he now has 44K, which forces crouch and gives adv. on block (easy to step though).
B+G
Be careful, 2KB will catch all rolls and hit otg after this throw. His 66B+K will catch back and left rolls for good damage. You can roll right to make it whiff and then punish him with NS B/DNS B.
