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Street Fighter 6has a lot of different characters for players to choose from. Each of these characters comes with their own pros and cons and placements where they will perform optimally. Some characters are more versatile and others double down in doing what they do
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Ryu is one of the more versatile options and not a badchoice for beginnerstrying to learn the ropes. Although, they have shortcomings keeping them from competing withthe best of the best.
Ryu’s Strengths In Combat
Each character has that sweet spot where they really shine. Luke is great at closing the gap and keeping their opponent pressured in the corner. Ken likes to push his opponents back, so they stay out of their most effective range. Ryu on the other hand has a veryversatile kit at his disposal. He can handle any opponent thrown at him thanks to this versatility.Push away close-range fighterslike Lukeandclose in on longer-range fighters like Dahlsim,and you will never find yourself at a disadvantage (range-wise). This will give you a lot of options to pick from no matter his opponent.
When one approach is not working, players are able tochange things up. Ryu has afairly decent mid-range thanks to his specials and projectilesto keep enemies better suited for close combat at bay and out of their most effective zone. This also makes him a great option forlearning all the game’s mechanics. Ryu is also great atjuggling, meaning opponents need to be aware of Ryu’s recovery times lest they fall into a very painful combo.
Ryu’s Weaknesses In Combat
Ryu may be able to play the mid-range game, but it is not a strong suit of his.Other players will be able to have enough range from Ryu to keep out of his most deadly combos, making this fighting style a double-edged sword unless you practice on closing the gap in fights. The other con of Ryu lies with hisDenjin Charge. If you are not using your Denjin Charge, then you not using Ryu to his full potential, and that willcost you matches. You will need tomanage this charge-up techniqueof his if you plan to deal efficient damage.Using his charge carelessly can create an opening for your opponent to punish you. This can take a while to get used to.
Ryu’s Best Moves & Strategy
These moves will let you control where opponents are by using slower or faster blasts of them. When charged up by his Denjin Charge, the Hadoken and Hashogeki will speed up, making opponents need to change how they fight against you or fall into a dangerous combo at your hands.
Dealing With Close Range Opponents
One of Ryu’s best tools for dealing with a really up-and-close opponent like Luke would be touse his back throw;this will put somedistancebetween the two fighters. Ryu can thenmaintain this distance with well-placed special moves.
Dealing With Long Range Opponents
You will encounter several enemies that will prefer keeping their opponents at a distance and will be less effective when right next to their opponents. Dhalsim is a great example of such an opponent, with lots of long-range attacks and teleports.Ryu can change the speed of his projectiles and use this to put pressure on his opponent. This gives him the opportunity to rush the enemy and get in closer.
Being In The Corner
Using theback throw against a close opponentwill have you switch places, putting them in the corner, but for moremid-range enemies that keep pushing you awayor try to keep you in the corner, your best bet is theTatsumaki Senpu-kyaku. Not only will it push you forward, but it will alsoopen up an opportunity for an aerial juggle. Ryu is no slouch to juggling.
Ryu’s Difficulty Curve
Ryu may be in the top 10 for beginners to pick up, but he is not recommended to be your first choice. His versatility gives him amedium difficulty curve,since players don’t have just one way to play him. Furthermore, mastering his Denjin charge-ups makes missed opportunities an easy way to lose the fight compared to fighters that do not have such a mechanic. You are better off learning the ropes withanother character, then once you have a good grasp of the game, Ryu will help you improve before you tackle a hard to master character like JP or Zangief.
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