GGXRD-R2/Axl Low/Strategy: Difference between revisions

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==General Tactics==
==General Tactics==
Axl plays somewhat differently from a majority of the Guilty Gear cast. His normals give him coverage of a lot of spaces, but compared to characters that have, for example, a jab to throw out, he has to commit pretty hard to any option he chooses. Using Axl properly requires thorough matchup knowledge, and involves identifying the situations that opponents cannot handle well and forcing those situations upon them. The first step is to understand Axl's own advantages.
Axl usually wants to stay at the mid-range, outside the range of most characters' pokes. From here, you can poke at the opponent without leaving himself too open, making most attempts to approach him from the ground very slow. If you can frustrate your opponent enough to get them to jump, you can anti air them and do a significant chunk of damage with little effort. Against characters who try to play outside of Axl's range, you can move forward and poke at them to make them stop what they are doing, or at the very least try something different. Your goal with Axl in most matchups is to control the ground and bait the opponent into jumping, and then anti-air them once they do.


Axl's pressure takes place at mid-range. By mid-range, I mean outside of the range of most characters' fast pokes, such as 5Ps and 5Ks. At this range, Axl has a lot more ability to play safe, going for options like f.S, 5K, 2K, and 3P allow him to bully the opponent without much opportunity to punish him, and so while you don't have the ability to open opponents up quite as easily as some others, you can keep them in frame traps for a long time, and for many characters the only recourse is to try something risky. With Sickle Flash YRC, Axl can keep opponents in blockstun for a long time, and his mixup tools are unusual and force opponents to make big choices (jump over an unblockable, switch blocks or jump to beat a crossup, etc.).
On defense, most of Axl's options are risky or situational, making universal mechanics integral to escaping bad situations alive. With that said, taking big risks are sometimes necessary to survive, as too much RISC gained from blocking, combined with Axl's low effective health, can make the next hit the opponent lands potentially round-ending.


Axl can also excel at approaching. From far away, a lot of characters will try to either set up or run in. Axl gets to stop both with fast, screen-crossing pokes that force most characters to either throw something out that will whiff if you do nothing, or get punished for running or trying to set up projectiles or whatnot. A full-screen knockdown can still often net Axl a safe jump overhead that puts him in the middle range he wants to play neutral/pressure from. A Sickle Flash YRC can simply force the opponent to concede offensive momentum in most situations where they can't immediately hit you.
==Blockstrings==
 
Axl's pressure game revolves heavily around the traditional frame traps. Almost every blockstring Axl does has gaps (especially if the opponent is IBing), though you can space yourself to discourage/beat mashing. Also of note is Rensen YRC, a strong pressure tool and probably one of the most common ways you will use meter. Familiarize yourself with Axl's [[GGXRD-R2/Axl Low/Frame Data#Gatling Table|gatling table]].
Lastly, Axl is good at reactively stopping approaches from just outside his optimal range. Sickle Flash and Heaven Can Wait are difficult for long-range characters to get around, and his dominant anti-air game with tools like 5P, 6K, 2S, 2K net him a lot of control over opponents trying to jump, and sickle flash, 2H, and f.S form a strong base of tools to react to ground approaches with. While whiffing an attack can be dangerous for Axl, having breathing room means you have time to react to whatever the opponent is trying.


So the basic gameplan is: Identify the matchup. Are they going to have a hard time approaching you? Stay back and stop them. Can they beat your f.S at midrange? Bully them from there and keep them in blockstun. Are they going to try to stay back and set up? Punish them from further away than they can deal with, then keep offensive momentum with oki. There's a bag of tricks to learn on top of this basic strategy, but your number one job is to identify which of Axl's three strongest games you want to be playing, and play it.
Rensen is a common blockstring ender at midscreen, and at max range it only puts you at -4. Opting for the up followup on block will put you at -13, but also increases the distance your opponent is pushed back. At closer ranges where Rensen is more minus, you can do for the down followup to catch people trying to close the gap or mash, though be warned that it's possible to get whiff punished. If you begin to notice that your opponent waiting to block Rensen before they make their next move, it becomes viable to end strings without Rensen in order to throw them off.


When Axl is under pressure, he can rely on FD to push opponents into the midrange he wants them to be in, but as far as fast options to get people off of you go... you're kind of out of luck if you want to be safe. If you can get a window big enough to jab, your counter is a good option if you know they'll throw an attack and which way it will hit. If you know you don't have the frames, you can DP or super, but they're pretty risky, so make sure you're right! And then Axl does have the option to throw if you can get a good IB in, so throw OS with 6P or c.S is probably your go-to breakout. Occasionally you can get away with throwing a 2K to low-profile or a 6H or 5K to low-crush, but I would consider those to be very matchup-dependent and hard reads in most cases.
Up close, the gaps present in Axl's strings become a little more dangerous, since a timely mash can put Axl on the defensive, and his slower buttons cannot always take advantage of the frame advantage he can put himself at. {{clr|1|3P}} is one of the better buttons here, having a disjointed hitbox and being +2 on block. You can go into {{clr|4|6H}} or Raiei as pressure resets, with both being +1 and having huge reward on CH, although predictable usage of them can be fatal. It's also possible to threaten a throw from here, although you need to be careful that your opponent as been conditioned to not mash. In general, while Axl has tools for close range pressure, it's important to not stick around for too long at this range, due to his slow buttons not always being able to take advantage of the frame advantage he has. Know when it's time to back off.


==Blockstrings==
Axl's pressure game revolves heavily around the traditional frame trap / throw mixup. Many of Axl's gatlings have gaps in them (especially with Instant Blocking), but spacing them in a way that prevents mashing is easy since his normals have relatively good startups for their long range. Rensen YRC is one of the best pressure tools in the whole game, so saving tension for it is extremely recommendable. Also, if you never threaten your opponent with a throw, people (who can react to 6H, Dust, Raiei and Rashousen) will hold down-back for the rest of their lives. Once you have conditioned the opponent with frametraps (eg. f.S, 2D, or 5H > late cancel Rensen; 3P > 5H; 5K > 2P; 2K > 2H etc), going for stagger pressure (eg. 3P or c.S into microdash 5K) and tick throws becomes much easier.<br/>
In general, you can finish a string with Rensen on both hit and block, but on block it's -13 and your pressure is over, so on block finishing with 5H (-2) or 5D (-4) isn't a bad idea, not to mention riskier options like 6H (+1) or Raiei, (+1). After a blocked Rensen, you can do a Rensen-up in midscreen to further push the opponent back, but good players can easily IB it (and the Rensen itself) for free tension and bigger frame advantage (-17). Doing a Rensen on block in corner is not recommended since it leaves you much closer to the opponent (because the projectile pushback doesn't work on yourself) which makes it easy to punish. Even Rensen-down (which isn't a projectile) is easy to punish by most characters after pushing it away with FD.
General tips:
General tips:
*Mind the distance by reducing mid-string parts (eg. 5K > 2D when further away); c.S turning into f.S or whiffing 5H or 2D really hurts.
*Always remember to hold back to charge Rensen
*Always hold back for the Rensen charge; beware of accidental inputs (eg. Raiei when doing dash 2K > c.S) and not charging in time after 3P.
*Sometimes your opponent can be pushed too far out for certain blockstrings to work, which can cause normals to whiff; shorter strings when the opponent is at a distance is recommended to prevent this
*Go for a tick throw after 2K (shortest full recovery), 5K, 3P, or c.S; using FD break (eg. 66, [4]KS~H) is recommendable, especially in point-blank distance (ie. after 2K).
*{{clr|5|2D}}, {{clr|4|5H}}, and {{clr|3|f.S}} have long cancel windows, allowing you to be a little tricky with your strings. Delaying for too long can let your opponent mash or jump out, however.
*2D and f.S have long cancel windows, c.S has a short one; vary the timing of follow-ups to be unpredictable.
*Axl's Dust cancels from almost anything, has great range, and recovers quickly (only -4) which makes it decent despite the slow startup.
*Options after 2H are very limited (two overheads, 6H and 5D, or anything after a -4 or worse frame advantage) and most opponents know it, so you have to be very unpredictable to get results with it.


====(5K or 2K) > c.S > (f.S or 6P) > 5H > 2D====
==Tips and Tricks==
This is Axl's basic blockstring. Truly gapless version: '''5K > (c.S > (6P)) > 2D'''.<br/>
*Weak against FD and IB'ing the hit before 5H.
*c.S and 5H gatling into 6H for a relatively safe overhead.
*Mixup with Rashousen or Raiei at any point, though both are easy to notice and lose to mashing at close range.
*Frametraps into 5H: 5K > 5H, 6P > 5H, f.S > 5H, c.S > late cancel 5H


====5K > (c.S or 6P) > 3P > (5H) > 2D====
===TK Axl Bomber===
The 3P branch. 5K, c.S and 6P gatling into it, and as a mid-string low it can surprise some people.
TK Bomber, an '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Axl_Bomber|Axl Bomber]]''' done at the lowest possible height from a jump cancelable normal (with motions such as {{clr|4|6923H}}, {{clr|4|9623H}}, {{clr|4|69874123H}}, or {{clr|4|6321473H}}) is an important combo tool that extends your damage, corner carry and tension gain to new levels. The motion can be practiced easily with a {{clr|3|c.S}} on a standing training dummy, though the timing depends on the "launcher's" hitstop and hitstun (eg. {{clr|1|6P}} has a short & unforgiving timing, while {{clr|3|2S}} has a medium & lenient timing). <br/>  
*6P whiffs on some crouchers and pushes back a lot, so c.S is a much better choice.
The most obvious use is '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low/Combos#Combo_Theory|Bomber loops]]''' in the corner for big damage and huge tension gain, but even in midscreen doing a TK Bomber can lead to good things after {{clr|3|2S}}:
*The gatlings out of 3P have various roles: 5H is a frametrap, 6H an overhead, 2H a slower low and 2D an ender into Rensen (whiffs on CH 3P).
*'''Knockdown from the Bomber''', which may require delaying if the opponent is high in the air.  
*3P > f.S gatling is an easy hitconfirm for counterhit 3P into 2S combos (as opposed to the harder 3P, 5K link), on block you can cancel into 5H and specials.
*'''{{clr|1|5P}} > Rensen''' for more damage and a knockdown on medium characters; opponent needs to be higher in the air for {{clr|1|5P}} not to whiff.
 
*'''{{clr|1|5P}} > {{clr|2|6K}} (JC) {{clr|1|j.6P}} > {{clr|2|j.6K}} > Bomber''' for more damage and breathing room.
====5K > (c.S) > 2P > (f.S)====
*'''{{clr|1|5P}} > {{clr|2|6K}} > {{clr|3|2S}} (HJC) {{clr|4|j.H}} > {{clr|5|j.D}} > Bomber''' for even more damage; opponent needs to be close enough for {{clr|2|6K}} > {{clr|3|2S}} and can tech after the final Bomber.  
A long distance string that works great against FD.
*'''{{clr|2|5K}} > {{clr|3|2S}} > TK Bomber into relaunch''' (ie. Bomber loops) if the first TK Bomber carries the opponent (and you) near enough the corner.  
*2P cancels into specials and 6H gatling for unexpected mixups.
Dropped TK Bomber input that comes out as {{clr|4|j.H}} can be salvaged with different methods:
*2P > f.S gatling doesn't work if you are too close the opponent (unlike 3P > f.S which works at any range).
*'''{{clr|4|j.H}} into buffered {{clr|5|j.D}} > Axl Bomber''': decent damage, but leaves you in a risky recovery since it allows the opponent to tech right above you.  
*5K > 2P is an exotic frametrap; continue by canceling into f.S, Rensen, and Kairagi for hitconfirms, or other specials for mixups.
*'''{{clr|4|j.H}} into buffered {{clr|5|j.D}}''': wallsticks the opponent for a longer time (ie. safer recovery), but still leaves you with the tech mindgame.  
 
*'''{{clr|4|j.H}} into double jump airthrow OS''': can catch tech mash attempts, but is vulnerable to late techs.
== Okizeme ==
While Rensen-up and j.H > j.D Bomber do slightly more damage as easy combo finishers, they allow the opponent to tech so you should aim to end combos with regular Rensen (or Rensen-down in corner) and TK Bombers to score a knockdown and follow it with proper pressure on wake-up. While Axl's okizeme isn't particularly oppressive, being able to put the pressure on matters a lot in the long run, especially in matchups where you are in disadvantage at neutral, but also in average matchups since tight pressure builds your own tension, raises your opponent's Risc gauge, and most importantly forces the opponent to make decisions at disadvantageous situation instead of letting them do whatever they want in neutral. <br/>
You have to always remember the opposing character's wake-up timings (both face-up (Rensen, TK Bomber) and face-down (2D)) and reversal options to stay safe. Usually you can do a safejump even from long ranges with IAD j.S to avoid invulnerable reversals, but some knockdowns won't give you enough time against certain reversals (eg. Rensen knockdown against 5F Volcanic Viper) so pay attention. On characters without good meterless reversal options (eg. May, Millia, Zato, Venom) meaty ground normals like 2K, 3P, and 6H are great, though you must still avoid getting too close for a reversal throw or being too predictable since correct Blitz deflects any meaty attack, a backstep will whiff your normals (which gives an easy opportunity for counterattack if you aren't prepared with some sort of OS), IB makes big holes for abare in your strings, and all characters have fully invulnerable Burst Overdrives. <br/>
*Finishing with a Rensen-down pulls the opponent towards you a little so a Raiei will cross-up in corner and your usual diagonal jump-in might whiff, so pay attention.
*The timing of knockdown after Rensen can also vary depending on which height the opponent is picked up (eg. plain Rensen knockdown vs. 2D > Rensen-down knockdown) and whether all hits connect or not (in worst case, later hits of Rensen-down are OTG and let the opponent recover, which is usually caused by being too far and/or a character's thin hurtbox slipping through), so look for the moment of knockdown (when opponent bounces off the ground) and adjust the safejump accordingly by jumping earlier, later, or not at all depending on the remaining time.
 
===Meaty jump-in===
*'''j.P''' - Can lead into a second overhead depending on timing. Also a good tick throw.
*'''j.K''' - Basic jump normal with lots of active frames. Not as damaging as j.H, but has more cancel options (including j.P, j.D and jump cancel).
*'''j.S''' - Can whiff against low-profile moves if timed/spaced incorrectly. Meaty second hit leads into Raiei cross-ups in corner and point blank pressure, but can be Blitzed on reaction.
*'''j.H''' - Another basic jump normal with lots of active frames. Bigger damage and reaches lower than j.K, but cancelable only into j.D (which isn't really a negative on actual safejumps).
*'''j.D''' - The riskiest aerial option due to j.D's landing recovery but leads to big damage even on regular hit by launching the opponent in air and wallsticking in corner.
 
===Meaty ground moves===
*'''2K''' - Goes into tick throw, frametraps and low-profiles some reversal moves like Ky's Vapor Thrust and Jam's Kenroukaku. Can be done extra meaty for a better frame advantage (up to +3).
*'''c.S''' - If you can get close enough without getting thrown, c.S has loads of different gatling options to confuse your opponent. Can be done extra meaty for better frame advantage (up to +6).
*'''3P''' - A better damaging low option with good gatling options, +2 on block. Makes most DPs whiff when spaced and timed correctly. Beware of clashing (ie. doing the meaty too late), low Blitz, and first frame airborne moves like Sol's Riot Stamp.
*'''6H''' - Aside from being an overhead with huge counterhit launch, hitting it meaty on block gives you a big frame advantage (up to +9). Opponent can easily Blitz, IB or backdash on reaction the more meaty it is.
*'''Rensen''' - Close to zero risk (excluding long-range invuln supers) but aside pushback and small chip damage, the returns on block are close to zero too (especially with the big frame disadvantage).
*'''Rensen YRC''' - Good option if you want to pay 25% meter (and suffer from tension gain slowdown for several seconds) for a 100% safe pressure starter (or a combo starter if the opponent tried something stupid).
*'''Raiei''' - Meaty Raiei must be blocked in correct direction (or Blitzed, which makes any crossup attempts pointless), but the start-up is still easy to react to and there isn't much return unless it somehow counter hits.
*'''Rashousen''' - Technically isn't a meaty because of wake-up throw invuln frames, but it's active enough to catch people who react extremely slowly.
*'''Rashousen YRC''' - You can pick up opponents who jumped with 6K, but if they know to hold FD during it (where you can go for an airthrow as the hardest read), you're much better off using the meter for Rensen YRC.
 
===Jump-in mixups===
*'''Safejump''' - Timing the jump so that the opponent wakes up few frames before you land, making your meaty jump normal either hit a blocking opponent, or whiff on an invulnerable reversal's startup, respectively allowing you to either continue pressure with a ground blockstring, or land and recover instantly before the reversal becomes active and block it by holding back while inputting your ground string (the hitstop from jump normal or the lack of it on whiff makes the timing different). Loses to reversal high Blitz, so remember to mix up with an empty jump low, a late airdash, or (as the hardest Blitz read) a delayed counterhit for a big launch (eg. land 6P/6H/3P, late airdash j.D).
*'''Empty jump low''' - Beats the fuzzy high guard / throw option select outside throw range when timed correctly because Axl's 2K low-profiles most throw OS normals. Blocked easily by regular fuzzy high/low guard, loses to invuln reversals. 2D can also be used for better damage (ie. no 70% proration of 2K), but the low-profile is much weaker, the startup is slightly slower, and on block your cancel options are limited to special moves.
*'''Late airdash''' - j.P, j.H, or j.K into j.D launches the opponent for damaging combos by beating the fuzzy high/low guard, but loses to invuln reversals and throw OSes. j.H has the best active frames to catch even Pot's backdash, but it's the slowest option. j.P is hard to connect on some crouching hurtboxes and whiffs on most backdashes, but it's the fastest option.  
**'''Late airbackdash into j.S''' is a valid option; when timed correctly, it links into 2D or Kairagi for decent damage. Generally slightly less risky than late forward airdashes, but some characters throw OSes hit it really hard (eg. Raven and Elph 5H)
*'''Whiffed normal''' - Whiffed j.S, j.K, or j.H can be used for making the opponent expect a regular safejump, but it looks suspicious (especially after the first time) when the normal starts very early in the air.
 
===Instant Overheads===
*'''j.2S''' - The only true instant overhead when it comes to having an actually short startup. Does very little damage by itself, and is hard to combo with RRC unless you're prepared with efficient setups.
*'''Backdash YRC''' - YRC'ing a backdash gives you enough airtime for a j.K overhead, but the backdash momentum puts you at a range where the combo on hit does unimpressive damage and on block your pressure will be weak.
*'''TK Bomber YRC''' - When Axl Bomber is YRC'd with earliest possible timing (ie. plinking with 623H~S~K etc) it completely halts your air momentum, so when done at low altitude any jump normal can be used as an overhead.
**j.D is the most obvious choice since it gives you big damage in both midscreen and corner, but is the riskiest option on block because of landing recovery.
**The height after the YRC depends on your raw TK Bomber execution speed; doing it too slow puts you at height where j.D doesn't hit crouchers.
**The overheads are also possible from TK Bomber RRC (eg. during blockstrings), but the execution timing is very different and obviously costs double the tension.


==Tips and Tricks==
===Rensen YRC===
===Rensen YRC===
'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Sickle_Flash|Rensen]]''' is a projectile, which means you can YRC during its startup and unleash the "Rensen Beam". The projectile travels almost instantly and the YRC flash gives you time to read the situation and move accordingly: run up and start pressure if the opponent blocked; pick up with 5K, 5P or IAD (depending on the range) for a combo if the opponent didn't block; or antiair with 6K and such if the opponent jumped. <br/>
'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Sickle_Flash|Rensen]]''' is a projectile, which means you can YRC during its startup and unleash the "Rensen Beam". <br/>
When executing a Rensen YRC in blockstrings, you must time the YRC after the opponent has left blockstun and before the projectile hits them which means the easiest way to do it is canceling Rensen from normals with low attack levels and/or long cancel times, the best choices being f.S, 2D, and 2P. Delaying the Rensen too much may leave enough time for the opponent to jump away with FD, so try to leave as small gap as possible to hit them during the jump startup frames. <br/>
The projectile travels almost instantly while the YRC flash gives you time to analyze the situation and act accordingly: <br/>
Even though it's arguably the best YRC special in the game, Rensen YRC isn't the solution to everything. Using it obviously costs 25% tension and also slows down your tension gain for a while, so throwing it out randomly in the hopes a hit (instead of actually paying attention to the neutral game) is a waste of resources. Also, even if the opponent blocks it, if you can't open their guard up with the following pressure, you're back to the starting point.
*Hitconfirm with dash {{clr|2|5K}}, {{clr|1|5P}} or IAD (depending on the range) into a combo if the opponent got hit.
*Run up and go for a mixup (overhead, throw, frametrap) or pressure if the opponent blocked
*Antiair with {{clr|3|2S}}, {{clr|2|6K}} or other moves if the opponent jumped and prepare for the following hitconfirm (against possible air FD).
*React to an invulnerable reversal (when Rensen whiffs while opponent is still on ground level) by blocking and punish their recovery. <br/>
When executing a Rensen YRC in blockstrings, you must time the YRC after the opponent has left blockstun and before the projectile hits them which means the easiest way to do it is canceling Rensen from normals with low attack levels and/or long cancel times, the best choices being {{clr|3|f.S}}, {{clr|5|2D}}, and {{clr|1|2P}}. Delaying the Rensen too much may leave enough time for the opponent to jump away with FD, so try to leave as small gap as possible to hit them during the jump startup frames. <br/>
Even though it is a really strong move, Rensen YRC isn't the perfect solution for all situations: Rensen still has its startup which can be hit by quick midrange moves (eg. characters with good {{clr|3|f.S}}, {{clr|3|2S}} or {{clr|4|5H}}). Using it means spending 25% tension and suffering tension gain rate slowdown for a while, so throwing it out randomly in the hopes landing a hit, instead of actually paying attention to the neutral game and answering to opponent's actions with a meterless option, is a waste of resources. Also, if the opponent blocks it and you can't open their guard up with the following pressure, you're back to the starting point.


===TK Axl Bomber===
==={{clr|2|2K}} Low-profiling===
TK Bomber, an '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Axl_Bomber|Axl Bomber]]''' done at the lowest possible height from a jump cancelable normal (with motions such as 6923H, 9623H, 69874123H, or 6321473H) is an important combo tool that extends your damage, corner carry and tension gain to new levels. The motion can be practiced easily with a c.S on a standing training dummy, though the timing depends on the "launcher's" hitstop and hitstun (eg. 6P has a short & unforgiving timing, while 2S has a medium & lenient timing). <br/>
While '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#2K|{{clr|2|2K}}]]''' isn't Axl's best low option in blockstrings because of the damage proration (70%) and limited gatling options ({{clr|3|c.S}}/{{clr|3|f.S}}, {{clr|5|2D}}), it has a hurtbox that goes very low very quickly, allowing you to prone under various things. The most obvious use is dodging projectiles like Ky's Stun Edge, but it also works well against taller normals in footsies or for beating throw OSes as an empty jump low outisde throw range. <br>
The most obvious use is '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low/Combos#Combo_Theory|Bomber loops]]''' in the corner for big damage and huge tension gain, but even in midscreen doing a TK Bomber can lead to good things after 2S:  
You can even use {{clr|2|2K}} to make some character-defining moves completely whiff: if you see a Sol coming in with a Bandit Bringer, you can respond with {{clr|2|2K}}, making the BB whiff and allowing you to throw OS on their recovery. It works well against some characters' jump normals too, but once the opponent takes notice of it, they can respond by hitting deeper (which in turn gives you more frames to use regular antiair options like {{clr|3|2S}}, {{clr|1|6P}} and air throw).
*'''Knockdown from the Bomber''', which may require delaying if the opponent is high in the air.
*'''5P > Rensen''' for more damage and a knockdown on medium characters; opponent needs to be higher in the air for 5P not to whiff.
*'''5P > 6K (JC) j.6P > j.6K > Bomber''' for more damage and breathing room.
*'''5P > 6K > 2S (HJC) j.H > j.D > Bomber''' for even more damage; opponent needs to be close enough for 6K > 2S and can tech after the final Bomber.  
*'''5K > 2S > TK Bomber into relaunch''' (ie. Bomber loops) if the first TK Bomber carries the opponent (and you) near enough the corner.
Dropped TK Bomber input (which turn out usually as jH) can be salvaged with different methods:
*'''j.H into buffered j.D > Axl Bomber''': decent damage, but leaves you in a risky recovery since it allows the opponent to tech right above you.
*'''j.H into buffered j.D''': wallsticks the opponent for a longer time (ie. safer recovery), but still leaves you with the tech mindgames.
*'''j.H into double jump airthrow OS''': can catch tech mash attempts, but is vulnerable to late (neutral) techs.


===2K Low-profiling===
===Run Rensen===
While '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#2K|2K]]''' isn't Axl's best low option in blockstrings because of the damage prorate and limited gatling options, it has a hurtbox that goes very low very quickly, allowing you to prone under various things. The most obvious use is dodging projectiles like Ky's Stun Edge, but it also works well against taller normals in footsies or for beating throw OSes as an empty jump low outisde throw range. <br>
Similar to Sol's "Runflame" (using running momentum with Gunflame), it is possible to input a dash while doing Rensen. Run Rensen (also sometimes called "Runsen") is done by inputting a run (66) while releasing your charge instead of just forward (6). While there currently no use for it in combos, it is a great tool to extend the range of your Rensen and surprise your opponent during situations where both players are throwing projectiles from long distance. Coupled with Rensen YRC, you can get pressure or hitconfirm from a further range than from a normal Rensen.
You can even use 2K to make some character-defining moves completely whiff: if you see a Sol coming in with a Bandit Bringer, you can respond with 2K, making the BB whiff and allowing you to throw OS on their recovery. It works well against some characters' jump normals too, but once the opponent takes notice of it, they can respond by hitting deeper (which in turn gives you more frames to use regular antiair options like 2S, 6P and air throw).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVmRRbDsT04 Video Example]


==Fighting Axl==
==Fighting Axl==
===Neutral===
===Neutral===
Axl has basically three "modes" for acting in neutral:
Axl has basically three "modes" for acting in neutral:
*'''Close in''' (run, Raiei (YRC), 6H, IAD j.S)  
*'''Close in''' (run, Raiei (YRC), {{clr|4|6H}}, IAD {{clr|3|j.S}})  
*'''Antiair''' (pre-emptive 5P & 6K, stand-by for 2S, 6P, airthrow)
*'''Antiair''' (pre-emptive {{clr|1|5P}} & {{clr|2|6K}}, stand-by for {{clr|3|2S}}, {{clr|1|6P}}, airthrow)
*'''Ground pressure''' (Rensen (YRC), 2P, f.S, 3P)  
*'''Ground pressure''' (Rensen (YRC), {{clr|1|2P}}, {{clr|3|f.S}}, {{clr|1|3P}})  
Although Axl has one choice that covers them all, '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low/Strategy#Tips_and_Tricks|Rensen YRC]]''', without meter Axl has to dedicate himself to one of these options which means you can counter it with a correct read/reaction:  
Although Axl has one choice that covers them all, '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low/Strategy#Tips_and_Tricks|Rensen YRC]]''', without meter Axl has to dedicate himself to one of these options which means you can counter it with a correct read/reaction:  
*'''Stand by''' and '''repel''' his approaches correctly; ground approaches with your long-range pokes, and air approaches with well-timed 6Ps (j.S has a hurtbox going along its hitbox so it loses to real antiairs when timed correctly).  
*'''Stand by''' and '''repel''' his approaches correctly; ground approaches with your long-range pokes, and air approaches with well-timed {{clr|1|6P}}s ({{clr|3|j.S}} has a hurtbox going along its hitbox so it loses to real antiairs when timed correctly).  
*'''Run''' to go under his 5P/6K for a punish (doesn't work for tall run animation characters) or to get closer with '''FD dash breaks''' while he's stand-bying or after Rensen's frame disadvantage on block.  
*'''Run''' to go under his {{clr|1|5P}}/{{clr|2|6K}} for a punish (doesn't work for tall run animation characters) or to get closer with '''FD dash breaks''' while he's stand-bying or after Rensen's frame disadvantage on block.  
*'''Jump''' and '''IAD''' over his ground options for high risk, high return; '''IAD YRC''' is a strong option that beats Rensen-up and the antiair stand-by (though loses to Rensen YRC, pre-emptive 6K and 4F high parry-counter on reaction).  
*'''Jump''' and '''IAD''' over his ground options for high risk, high return; '''IAD YRC''' is a strong option that beats Rensen-up and the antiair stand-by (though loses to Rensen YRC, pre-emptive {{clr|2|6K}} and 4F high parry-counter on reaction).  
The balance of use between these three modes are based on the risks and rewards: the long range ground moves do very little damage since they rarely combo without meter (notable exception being 2H which combos to Rensen for knockdown even on normal hit) while even basic antiair combos do loads of damage. With a theoretical probabilities of 50% 2P/Rensen, and 50% 5P/6K, you would win easily against Axl by running under 5P/6K everytime there's a chance for it, but in reality the numbers for Axl players would probably look more like 25% for ground pressure with 2P & Rensen, 65% stand-by for antiair (with much less pre-emptive 5P/6K), and 10% for closing in. Good Axl players will obviously adjust the ratio in real time according to opponent's character (which defines the basic risks and rewards) and playing habits (which gives confidence for slow premptive moves like 6K and 2H), which means you must to do the same thing in order to win the war in neutral.
The balance of use between these three modes are based on the risks and rewards: the long range ground moves do very little damage since they rarely combo without meter (notable exception being {{clr|4|2H}} which combos to Rensen for knockdown even on normal hit) while even basic antiair combos do loads of damage. With a theoretical probabilities of 50% {{clr|1|2P}}/Rensen, and 50% {{clr|1|5P}}/{{clr|2|6K}}, you would win easily against Axl by running under {{clr|1|5P}}/{{clr|2|6K}} everytime there's a chance for it, but in reality the numbers for Axl players would probably look more like 25% for ground pressure with {{clr|1|2P}} & Rensen, 65% stand-by for antiair (with much less pre-emptive {{clr|1|5P}}/{{clr|2|6K}}), and 10% for closing in. Good Axl players will obviously adjust the ratio in real time according to opponent's character (which defines the basic risks and rewards) and playing habits (which gives confidence for slow premptive moves like {{clr|2|6K}} and {{clr|4|2H}}), which means you must to do the same thing in order to win the war in neutral.


===Pressure===
===Pressure===
Once you have been forced to block Axl's moves, the mindgame shifts into "what to do after X": Rensen, Raiei and 6H are all pretty much safe on regular block (of course depending on the range and opposing character), which means Axl can keep up the guessing game.  
Once you have been forced to block Axl's moves, the mindgame shifts into "what to do after X": Rensen, Raiei and {{clr|4|6H}} are all pretty much safe on regular block (of course depending on the range and opposing character), which means Axl can keep up the guessing game.  
*After '''Rensen''' things don't change much from neutral aside the frame advantage against him (regular -15, up follow-up -13, former being less when it hits on later active frames (ie. further away) and latter being easy to IB for -17 regardless of range) which isn't that meaningful in the post-Rensen range, but it nevertheless gives you a better return for your correct guess (eg. IAD after blocked Rensen into 2P or run after blocked Rensen into 5P).  
*After '''Rensen''' things don't change much from neutral aside the frame advantage against him (regular -15, up follow-up -13, former being less when it hits on later active frames (ie. further away) and latter being easy to IB for -17 regardless of range) which isn't that meaningful in the post-Rensen range, but it nevertheless gives you a better return for your correct guess (eg. IAD after blocked Rensen into {{clr|1|2P}} or run after blocked Rensen into {{clr|1|5P}}).  
*After a blocked '''Raiei''' or '''6H''', Axl is close to you with +1 advantage: his 7 frame 2K has early low-profile frames which makes it able to beat many mashing options (aside from fast 5Ks and 2Ks that hit low) and even against the ones that do beat it, he can always take a big risk with Benten (full invuln 1-11F) or 4F guard-point counter (needs to guess high-mid or low correctly). If Axl blocks or backdashes because he fears retaliation with a better normals, DP, or command throw, you can turn the tides by running in.
*After a blocked '''Raiei''' or '''{{clr|4|6H}}''', Axl is close to you with +1 advantage: his 7 frame {{clr|2|2K}} has early low-profile frames which makes it able to beat many mashing options (aside from fast {{clr|2|5K}}s and {{clr|2|2K}}s that hit low) and even against the ones that do beat it, he can always take a big risk with Benten (full invuln 1-11F) or 4F guard-point counter (needs to guess high-mid or low correctly). If Axl blocks or backdashes because he fears retaliation with a better normals, DP, or command throw, you can turn the tides by running in.
*Axl's only quick moves with frame advantages are '''c.S''' (+1) and '''3P''' (+2), latter being a really good pressure tool because of the great range and good follow-ups (from various frametrap gatlings to dash 5K pressure reset). Without IB'ing the 3P and acting quickly, Axl can quite freely test your patience with short strings while building his own meter and cranking your RISC gauge up, which makes the next hit with 6H or Raiei really dangerous.
*Axl's only quick moves with frame advantages are '''{{clr|3|c.S}}''' (+1) and '''{{clr|1|3P}}''' (+2), latter being a really good pressure tool because of the great range and good follow-ups (from various frametrap gatlings to dash {{clr|2|5K}} pressure reset). Without IB'ing the {{clr|1|3P}} and acting quickly, Axl can quite freely test your patience with short strings while building his own meter and cranking your RISC gauge up, which makes the next hit with {{clr|4|6H}} or Raiei really dangerous.
*While '''5K''' and '''2K''' are both quite slow on full recovery (21 and 18 frames, advantages -3 and -1), as stagger pressure they have better range than most 5P/2Ps, better startup than most f.Ses (even with the frame disadvantage), and have hurtboxes that are strong against the opposite type of normals (5K with decent low-crush and 2K with great low-profile), so you have to choose the abare normal and timing really carefully, especially without IB.
*While '''{{clr|2|5K}}''' and '''{{clr|2|2K}}''' are both quite slow on full recovery (21 and 18 frames, advantages -3 and -1), as stagger pressure they have better range than most {{clr|1|5P}}/{{clr|1|2P}}s, better startup than most {{clr|3|f.S}}es (even with the frame disadvantage), and have hurtboxes that are strong against the opposite type of normals ({{clr|2|5K}} with decent low-crush and {{clr|2|2K}} with great low-profile), so you have to choose the abare normal and timing really carefully, especially without IB.


===Mixup===
===Mixup===
Line 133: Line 78:
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Spindle_Spinner|Rashousen command throw]]''' - Jump (and hold FD in case of YRC/PRC feint) on reaction and airdash forwards for a punish on the huge recovery.
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Spindle_Spinner|Rashousen command throw]]''' - Jump (and hold FD in case of YRC/PRC feint) on reaction and airdash forwards for a punish on the huge recovery.
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Thunder_Shadow_Chain|Raiei overhead/crossup]]''' - IB or airthrow as a reaction to Axl disappearing.
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Thunder_Shadow_Chain|Raiei overhead/crossup]]''' - IB or airthrow as a reaction to Axl disappearing.
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#6H|6H overhead]]''' - Try to instant block (air IB often giving a quaranteed punish) or 6P on reaction, though latter is very risky after c.S or 5H (as opposed to 2H) because of the smaller gap and huge 6H counterhit.
*'''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#6H|{{clr|4|6H}} overhead]]''' - Try to instant block (air IB often giving a quaranteed punish) or {{clr|1|6P}} on reaction, though latter is very risky after {{clr|3|c.S}} or {{clr|4|5H}} (as opposed to {{clr|4|2H}}) because of the smaller gap and huge {{clr|4|6H}} counterhit.
When these moves lose their effectiveness, Axl has to start doing legit frametrap/throw mixups. While his slow run and slow normals (most of which are negative on full recovery) are much more suited for frametraps that push him back to the neutral guessing game on block, Axl gets a big return for his throw since he can combo for 100+ damage and a knockdown in midscreen (and even more in the corner) on practically all characters. This means blocking is much less riskier than mashing or jumping out, but be prepared to abare if Axl shows too much disrespect with pressure resets and throws.
When these moves lose their effectiveness, Axl has to start doing legit frametrap/throw mixups. While his slow run and slow normals (most of which are negative on full recovery) are much more suited for frametraps that push him back to the neutral guessing game on block, Axl gets a big return for his throw since he can combo for 100+ damage and a knockdown in midscreen (and even more in the corner) on practically all characters. This means blocking is much less riskier than mashing or jumping out, but be prepared to abare if Axl shows too much disrespect with pressure resets and throws.


===Burst points===
===Burst points===
*'''Safe points''' (without 50% for RRC):
*'''Safe points''' (without 50% for RRC):
**'''Rensen''' - Rensen extends Axl's hurtbox forward a lot, so whenever he does it in a regular ground combo (eg. 5K > c.S > 2D > Rensen) a Burst hits him easily, though beware of Axl stopping at 2D and/or being too far for Burst to reach.  
**'''Rensen''' - Rensen extends Axl's hurtbox forward a lot, so whenever he does it in a regular ground combo (eg. {{clr|2|5K}} > {{clr|3|c.S}} > {{clr|5|2D}} > Rensen) a Burst hits him easily, though beware of Axl stopping at {{clr|5|2D}} and/or being too far for Burst to reach.  
**'''Axl Bomber''' - While it's easy to burst a Bomber on reaction, this special is usually the final hit of the combo which means you take close to full damage (only preventing the knockdown).
**'''Axl Bomber''' - While it's easy to burst a Bomber on reaction, this special is usually the final hit of the combo which means you take close to full damage (only preventing the knockdown).
***'''Bomber Loops''' in the corner is one exception that should be stopped before Axl does huge damage and gains loads of tension; beware of Axl baiting the burst with 2S or c.S (eg. going into j.K (JC) jH instead of another TK Bomber).   
***'''Bomber Loops''' in the corner is one exception that should be stopped before Axl does huge damage and gains loads of tension; beware of Axl baiting the burst after {{clr|3|2S}} or {{clr|3|c.S}} (eg. going for a regular air combo that starts with a throw OS normal).   
*'''Unsafe points'''
*'''Unsafe points'''
**'''2S and 6K''' - The hurtboxes of both normals take time to reach the opponent (and do not extend as far as the hitboxes) while the vacuum hits cancel immediately into other moves, which means a burst can whiff very easily.  
**'''{{clr|3|2S}} and {{clr|2|6K}}''' - The hurtboxes of both normals take time to reach the opponent (and do not extend as far as the hitboxes) while the vacuum hits cancel immediately into other moves, which means a burst can whiff very easily.  
**'''Rensen-up RRC''' - This RRC gives Axl loads of untech time to wait for the RRC proration to end, which means bursting during this period is extremely dangerous; Axl can even safely bait it by doing a run FD break.  
**'''Rensen-up RRC''' - This RRC gives Axl loads of untech time to wait for the RRC proration to end, which means bursting during this period is extremely dangerous; Axl can even safely bait it by doing a run FD break.  
**'''Rensen-down''' - In corner, the chain spin lifts the opponent up decently and Burst lifts you even higher in the air, so bursting outside pointblank range can easily whiff.  
**'''Rensen-down''' - In corner, the chain spin lifts the opponent up decently and Burst lifts you even higher in the air, so bursting outside pointblank range can easily whiff.  
**'''Counterhit 6H''' - The untech time lasts until knockdown; panic bursting immediately is dangerous because Axl can block for a while and still confirm a BnB combo with 5P, 6K, or dash 5K.
**'''Counterhit {{clr|4|6H}}''' - The untech time lasts until knockdown; panic bursting immediately is dangerous because Axl can block for a while and still confirm a BnB combo with {{clr|1|5P}}, {{clr|2|6K}}, or dash {{clr|2|5K}}.
**'''Counterhit Raiei''' - Like 6H, on counterhit the untech time lasts until knockdown, so panic bursts are not recommended, especially on CH Raiei RRC which gives about as much untech time as Rensen RRC.  
**'''Counterhit Raiei''' - Like {{clr|4|6H}}, on counterhit the untech time lasts until knockdown, so panic bursts are not recommended, especially on CH Raiei RRC which gives about as much untech time as Rensen RRC.  
***Good players will wait for the CH confirm (to not waste meter on RRC) and lower level players often autopilot into RRC when avaible, so even normal hit Raiei can be a dangerous place to burst.
***Good players will wait for the CH confirm (to not waste meter on RRC) and lower level players often autopilot into RRC when avaible, so even normal hit Raiei can be a dangerous place to burst.


===Miscellaneous===
===Miscellaneous===
*'''Artemis Hunter''' (aka Benten), Axl's '''DP''', is easily safe jumped since it has a 9F startup and is freely punished on block (-27, usually enough for run c.S punishes). The horizontal range is also quite weak, so it can be baited with well spaced projectile oki. On regular hit (and counterhit that isn't on ground level) you can tech in the air. The damage (46) isn't great either, so overall it's not the best reversal out there.  
*'''Artemis Hunter''' (aka Benten), Axl's '''DP''', is easily safe jumped since it has a 9F startup and is freely punished on block (-27, usually enough for run {{clr|3|c.S}} punishes). The horizontal range is also quite weak, so it can be baited with well spaced projectile oki. On regular hit (and counterhit that isn't on ground level) you can tech in the air. The damage (46) isn't great either, so overall it's not the best reversal out there.  
*'''Sparrowhawk Stance''': See '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Sparrowhawk_Stance|the Special Move entry description]]''' for the logic behind the mindgames.
*'''Sparrowhawk Stance''': See '''[[GGXRD-R2/Axl_Low#Sparrowhawk_Stance|the Special Move entry description]]''' for the logic behind the mindgames.
*'''Rensen's down follow-up''', normally -5 on block, can be pushed away with FD to make it whiff and therefore easier to punish.
*'''Rensen's down follow-up''', normally -5 on block, can be pushed away with FD to make it whiff and therefore easier to punish.
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[[Category: Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2]]
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[[Category:Axl Low]]

Revision as of 05:59, 13 March 2022

 Axl Low

General Tactics

Axl usually wants to stay at the mid-range, outside the range of most characters' pokes. From here, you can poke at the opponent without leaving himself too open, making most attempts to approach him from the ground very slow. If you can frustrate your opponent enough to get them to jump, you can anti air them and do a significant chunk of damage with little effort. Against characters who try to play outside of Axl's range, you can move forward and poke at them to make them stop what they are doing, or at the very least try something different. Your goal with Axl in most matchups is to control the ground and bait the opponent into jumping, and then anti-air them once they do.

On defense, most of Axl's options are risky or situational, making universal mechanics integral to escaping bad situations alive. With that said, taking big risks are sometimes necessary to survive, as too much RISC gained from blocking, combined with Axl's low effective health, can make the next hit the opponent lands potentially round-ending.

Blockstrings

Axl's pressure game revolves heavily around the traditional frame traps. Almost every blockstring Axl does has gaps (especially if the opponent is IBing), though you can space yourself to discourage/beat mashing. Also of note is Rensen YRC, a strong pressure tool and probably one of the most common ways you will use meter. Familiarize yourself with Axl's gatling table.

Rensen is a common blockstring ender at midscreen, and at max range it only puts you at -4. Opting for the up followup on block will put you at -13, but also increases the distance your opponent is pushed back. At closer ranges where Rensen is more minus, you can do for the down followup to catch people trying to close the gap or mash, though be warned that it's possible to get whiff punished. If you begin to notice that your opponent waiting to block Rensen before they make their next move, it becomes viable to end strings without Rensen in order to throw them off.

Up close, the gaps present in Axl's strings become a little more dangerous, since a timely mash can put Axl on the defensive, and his slower buttons cannot always take advantage of the frame advantage he can put himself at. 3P is one of the better buttons here, having a disjointed hitbox and being +2 on block. You can go into 6H or Raiei as pressure resets, with both being +1 and having huge reward on CH, although predictable usage of them can be fatal. It's also possible to threaten a throw from here, although you need to be careful that your opponent as been conditioned to not mash. In general, while Axl has tools for close range pressure, it's important to not stick around for too long at this range, due to his slow buttons not always being able to take advantage of the frame advantage he has. Know when it's time to back off.

General tips:

  • Always remember to hold back to charge Rensen
  • Sometimes your opponent can be pushed too far out for certain blockstrings to work, which can cause normals to whiff; shorter strings when the opponent is at a distance is recommended to prevent this
  • 2D, 5H, and f.S have long cancel windows, allowing you to be a little tricky with your strings. Delaying for too long can let your opponent mash or jump out, however.

Tips and Tricks

TK Axl Bomber

TK Bomber, an Axl Bomber done at the lowest possible height from a jump cancelable normal (with motions such as 6923H, 9623H, 69874123H, or 6321473H) is an important combo tool that extends your damage, corner carry and tension gain to new levels. The motion can be practiced easily with a c.S on a standing training dummy, though the timing depends on the "launcher's" hitstop and hitstun (eg. 6P has a short & unforgiving timing, while 2S has a medium & lenient timing).
The most obvious use is Bomber loops in the corner for big damage and huge tension gain, but even in midscreen doing a TK Bomber can lead to good things after 2S:

  • Knockdown from the Bomber, which may require delaying if the opponent is high in the air.
  • 5P > Rensen for more damage and a knockdown on medium characters; opponent needs to be higher in the air for 5P not to whiff.
  • 5P > 6K (JC) j.6P > j.6K > Bomber for more damage and breathing room.
  • 5P > 6K > 2S (HJC) j.H > j.D > Bomber for even more damage; opponent needs to be close enough for 6K > 2S and can tech after the final Bomber.
  • 5K > 2S > TK Bomber into relaunch (ie. Bomber loops) if the first TK Bomber carries the opponent (and you) near enough the corner.

Dropped TK Bomber input that comes out as j.H can be salvaged with different methods:

  • j.H into buffered j.D > Axl Bomber: decent damage, but leaves you in a risky recovery since it allows the opponent to tech right above you.
  • j.H into buffered j.D: wallsticks the opponent for a longer time (ie. safer recovery), but still leaves you with the tech mindgame.
  • j.H into double jump airthrow OS: can catch tech mash attempts, but is vulnerable to late techs.

Rensen YRC

Rensen is a projectile, which means you can YRC during its startup and unleash the "Rensen Beam".
The projectile travels almost instantly while the YRC flash gives you time to analyze the situation and act accordingly:

  • Hitconfirm with dash 5K, 5P or IAD (depending on the range) into a combo if the opponent got hit.
  • Run up and go for a mixup (overhead, throw, frametrap) or pressure if the opponent blocked
  • Antiair with 2S, 6K or other moves if the opponent jumped and prepare for the following hitconfirm (against possible air FD).
  • React to an invulnerable reversal (when Rensen whiffs while opponent is still on ground level) by blocking and punish their recovery.

When executing a Rensen YRC in blockstrings, you must time the YRC after the opponent has left blockstun and before the projectile hits them which means the easiest way to do it is canceling Rensen from normals with low attack levels and/or long cancel times, the best choices being f.S, 2D, and 2P. Delaying the Rensen too much may leave enough time for the opponent to jump away with FD, so try to leave as small gap as possible to hit them during the jump startup frames.
Even though it is a really strong move, Rensen YRC isn't the perfect solution for all situations: Rensen still has its startup which can be hit by quick midrange moves (eg. characters with good f.S, 2S or 5H). Using it means spending 25% tension and suffering tension gain rate slowdown for a while, so throwing it out randomly in the hopes landing a hit, instead of actually paying attention to the neutral game and answering to opponent's actions with a meterless option, is a waste of resources. Also, if the opponent blocks it and you can't open their guard up with the following pressure, you're back to the starting point.

2K Low-profiling

While 2K isn't Axl's best low option in blockstrings because of the damage proration (70%) and limited gatling options (c.S/f.S, 2D), it has a hurtbox that goes very low very quickly, allowing you to prone under various things. The most obvious use is dodging projectiles like Ky's Stun Edge, but it also works well against taller normals in footsies or for beating throw OSes as an empty jump low outisde throw range.
You can even use 2K to make some character-defining moves completely whiff: if you see a Sol coming in with a Bandit Bringer, you can respond with 2K, making the BB whiff and allowing you to throw OS on their recovery. It works well against some characters' jump normals too, but once the opponent takes notice of it, they can respond by hitting deeper (which in turn gives you more frames to use regular antiair options like 2S, 6P and air throw).

Run Rensen

Similar to Sol's "Runflame" (using running momentum with Gunflame), it is possible to input a dash while doing Rensen. Run Rensen (also sometimes called "Runsen") is done by inputting a run (66) while releasing your charge instead of just forward (6). While there currently no use for it in combos, it is a great tool to extend the range of your Rensen and surprise your opponent during situations where both players are throwing projectiles from long distance. Coupled with Rensen YRC, you can get pressure or hitconfirm from a further range than from a normal Rensen. Video Example

Fighting Axl

Neutral

Axl has basically three "modes" for acting in neutral:

  • Close in (run, Raiei (YRC), 6H, IAD j.S)
  • Antiair (pre-emptive 5P & 6K, stand-by for 2S, 6P, airthrow)
  • Ground pressure (Rensen (YRC), 2P, f.S, 3P)

Although Axl has one choice that covers them all, Rensen YRC, without meter Axl has to dedicate himself to one of these options which means you can counter it with a correct read/reaction:

  • Stand by and repel his approaches correctly; ground approaches with your long-range pokes, and air approaches with well-timed 6Ps (j.S has a hurtbox going along its hitbox so it loses to real antiairs when timed correctly).
  • Run to go under his 5P/6K for a punish (doesn't work for tall run animation characters) or to get closer with FD dash breaks while he's stand-bying or after Rensen's frame disadvantage on block.
  • Jump and IAD over his ground options for high risk, high return; IAD YRC is a strong option that beats Rensen-up and the antiair stand-by (though loses to Rensen YRC, pre-emptive 6K and 4F high parry-counter on reaction).

The balance of use between these three modes are based on the risks and rewards: the long range ground moves do very little damage since they rarely combo without meter (notable exception being 2H which combos to Rensen for knockdown even on normal hit) while even basic antiair combos do loads of damage. With a theoretical probabilities of 50% 2P/Rensen, and 50% 5P/6K, you would win easily against Axl by running under 5P/6K everytime there's a chance for it, but in reality the numbers for Axl players would probably look more like 25% for ground pressure with 2P & Rensen, 65% stand-by for antiair (with much less pre-emptive 5P/6K), and 10% for closing in. Good Axl players will obviously adjust the ratio in real time according to opponent's character (which defines the basic risks and rewards) and playing habits (which gives confidence for slow premptive moves like 6K and 2H), which means you must to do the same thing in order to win the war in neutral.

Pressure

Once you have been forced to block Axl's moves, the mindgame shifts into "what to do after X": Rensen, Raiei and 6H are all pretty much safe on regular block (of course depending on the range and opposing character), which means Axl can keep up the guessing game.

  • After Rensen things don't change much from neutral aside the frame advantage against him (regular -15, up follow-up -13, former being less when it hits on later active frames (ie. further away) and latter being easy to IB for -17 regardless of range) which isn't that meaningful in the post-Rensen range, but it nevertheless gives you a better return for your correct guess (eg. IAD after blocked Rensen into 2P or run after blocked Rensen into 5P).
  • After a blocked Raiei or 6H, Axl is close to you with +1 advantage: his 7 frame 2K has early low-profile frames which makes it able to beat many mashing options (aside from fast 5Ks and 2Ks that hit low) and even against the ones that do beat it, he can always take a big risk with Benten (full invuln 1-11F) or 4F guard-point counter (needs to guess high-mid or low correctly). If Axl blocks or backdashes because he fears retaliation with a better normals, DP, or command throw, you can turn the tides by running in.
  • Axl's only quick moves with frame advantages are c.S (+1) and 3P (+2), latter being a really good pressure tool because of the great range and good follow-ups (from various frametrap gatlings to dash 5K pressure reset). Without IB'ing the 3P and acting quickly, Axl can quite freely test your patience with short strings while building his own meter and cranking your RISC gauge up, which makes the next hit with 6H or Raiei really dangerous.
  • While 5K and 2K are both quite slow on full recovery (21 and 18 frames, advantages -3 and -1), as stagger pressure they have better range than most 5P/2Ps, better startup than most f.Ses (even with the frame disadvantage), and have hurtboxes that are strong against the opposite type of normals (5K with decent low-crush and 2K with great low-profile), so you have to choose the abare normal and timing really carefully, especially without IB.

Mixup

Axl's unorthodox mixup tools are really slow, so learning how to deal with them on reaction is important for the matchup.

  • Rashousen command throw - Jump (and hold FD in case of YRC/PRC feint) on reaction and airdash forwards for a punish on the huge recovery.
  • Raiei overhead/crossup - IB or airthrow as a reaction to Axl disappearing.
  • 6H overhead - Try to instant block (air IB often giving a quaranteed punish) or 6P on reaction, though latter is very risky after c.S or 5H (as opposed to 2H) because of the smaller gap and huge 6H counterhit.

When these moves lose their effectiveness, Axl has to start doing legit frametrap/throw mixups. While his slow run and slow normals (most of which are negative on full recovery) are much more suited for frametraps that push him back to the neutral guessing game on block, Axl gets a big return for his throw since he can combo for 100+ damage and a knockdown in midscreen (and even more in the corner) on practically all characters. This means blocking is much less riskier than mashing or jumping out, but be prepared to abare if Axl shows too much disrespect with pressure resets and throws.

Burst points

  • Safe points (without 50% for RRC):
    • Rensen - Rensen extends Axl's hurtbox forward a lot, so whenever he does it in a regular ground combo (eg. 5K > c.S > 2D > Rensen) a Burst hits him easily, though beware of Axl stopping at 2D and/or being too far for Burst to reach.
    • Axl Bomber - While it's easy to burst a Bomber on reaction, this special is usually the final hit of the combo which means you take close to full damage (only preventing the knockdown).
      • Bomber Loops in the corner is one exception that should be stopped before Axl does huge damage and gains loads of tension; beware of Axl baiting the burst after 2S or c.S (eg. going for a regular air combo that starts with a throw OS normal).
  • Unsafe points
    • 2S and 6K - The hurtboxes of both normals take time to reach the opponent (and do not extend as far as the hitboxes) while the vacuum hits cancel immediately into other moves, which means a burst can whiff very easily.
    • Rensen-up RRC - This RRC gives Axl loads of untech time to wait for the RRC proration to end, which means bursting during this period is extremely dangerous; Axl can even safely bait it by doing a run FD break.
    • Rensen-down - In corner, the chain spin lifts the opponent up decently and Burst lifts you even higher in the air, so bursting outside pointblank range can easily whiff.
    • Counterhit 6H - The untech time lasts until knockdown; panic bursting immediately is dangerous because Axl can block for a while and still confirm a BnB combo with 5P, 6K, or dash 5K.
    • Counterhit Raiei - Like 6H, on counterhit the untech time lasts until knockdown, so panic bursts are not recommended, especially on CH Raiei RRC which gives about as much untech time as Rensen RRC.
      • Good players will wait for the CH confirm (to not waste meter on RRC) and lower level players often autopilot into RRC when avaible, so even normal hit Raiei can be a dangerous place to burst.

Miscellaneous

  • Artemis Hunter (aka Benten), Axl's DP, is easily safe jumped since it has a 9F startup and is freely punished on block (-27, usually enough for run c.S punishes). The horizontal range is also quite weak, so it can be baited with well spaced projectile oki. On regular hit (and counterhit that isn't on ground level) you can tech in the air. The damage (46) isn't great either, so overall it's not the best reversal out there.
  • Sparrowhawk Stance: See the Special Move entry description for the logic behind the mindgames.
  • Rensen's down follow-up, normally -5 on block, can be pushed away with FD to make it whiff and therefore easier to punish.

Navigation

 Axl Low

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