Street Fighter 6: How To Block Attacks [PC & Console]

In order to defend yourself against the powerful attacks of your opponents, it is important to learn how to block in Street Fighter 6. Furthermore, it is also important to learn how to counter and parry if you follow more of a defensive play style than an offensive. Blocking can be quite tricky because it depends on timing, so it is important to practice it as much as possible. 

How To Block In Street Fighter 6?

In order to perform a perfect block in SF6, you will have to hold the button away from the direction your opponent is facing and attacking. Usually, it will be back or down.

Learning how to block on a PC or console is quite easy in SF6; however, you would have to get your timing just right. Furthermore, depending upon the trajectory of incoming attacks, you will have to input accordingly to get the perfect block.

• In case you are using a controller, hold the left analog stick in that direction opposite to the attacks of your enemy. 
• Keep in mind that it only works against attacks that are focused on the upper body, including high kicks and high punches. 
• Therefore, against attacks focused on your lower body, it is important to learn other kinds of blocks as well. 
• The standing block will only defend you against jump and regular attacks.

  

• You can perform a crouching block as well by using the down-back button. 
• This will defend you against any lower-body attacks, including low kicks and punches. 

Blocking Drive Impacts 

If you are trying to block Drive Impacts, you will have to put in a lot more effort as they are quite powerful. Unlike regular attacks, they cannot be blocked easily.

Moreover, whenever your opponent is using a drive impact, they can break through your blocks easily and eat up quite a lot of your health. 

• In order to deal with them, it is important to perform a Drive Parry that works essentially the same as the How To Block In SF6 strategy. 
• You will be able to perform a Drive parry by pressing the RB button on Xbox or the R1 button on PlayStation. 
• However, if you are not using modern controls, then you can use the triangle and circle option on PlayStation or the Y and B option on Xbox. 
• Just like the regular blocking mechanism, after a drive parry, you will get an opportunity to use a counter move and catch your opponent off guard. 
• Therefore, you will be able to deal with a powerful attack and defeat them quickly. 
• You will also be able to jump completely over the drive impact in case you’re not able to perform a perfect parry against it. 

Blocking Overheads And Cross-Ups 

Some attacks are considered the most difficult to counter and block in Street Fighter 6. These attacks include overheads and cross-ups.

The overhead attacks are made against players who are using the block mechanic a lot in matches and have a defensive playstyle.

• These players will usually block any normal attack you perform, including high kicks and low punches. However, you will be able to block these attacks as well by performing a standing block.
• It is important to note that overheads vary from fighter to fighter.
• Not all characters have access to overheads performed on the ground. However, all aerial attacks have overheads. 
• Also, it is important to not use the attacks much and to incorporate other strategies as well. 
• The cross-ups are also a great way to open up opponents who are constantly blocking your attacks. 
• It is a very strategic move that is performed mid-air, and it targets the back of your opponent.Timing is very crucial when performing a cross-up.

  

• However, if you want to block a cross-up, you will have to focus on the attacks, and as soon as they jump over, you make sure to move out of the way. 
• It is also important to change your direction. Otherwise, your enemy will get an opening. Make sure not to abuse this strategy and only to use it in case you have deficient health. 

Tips For Blocking In Street Fighter 6 

In case you want to perfect your blocking, it is important to follow strategies like using escape throws and making sure not to drain your drive gauge completely. I have listed some tips below that can improve your blocking and help you master it in no time. 

Avoiding The Burnout Stage 

While you are blocking your enemy attacks, it is important to keep an eye out for the drive gauge. This tiny bar can affect your gameplay a lot if not paid attention to.

With each incoming attack you block from your enemy, a part of your gauge will decrease. 

• As soon as it is finished completely, your character will enter a temporary phase called the burnout stage. 
• When it happens, your character will be exhausted completely and won’t be able to perform their attacks as efficiently. 
• Therefore, while you can make use of your blocks every so often, it is important not to let the drive gauge deplete; otherwise, you won’t be able to survive for long. 
• Furthermore, your enemies will get a massive advantage over you and can finish you off with just a few hits. 

Using Escape Throws 

You can also utilize escape throws if you want to block or dodge any incoming throws.

In order to use a throw escape, you will have to press X and A on Xbox or Square and X on PlayStation, depending upon the console you are using. 

• Keep in mind that the attack has to be done right after your opponent uses a throw on you.  
• Timing matters a lot here, and you will have to land the attack just right to perform a perfect escape. 
• Furthermore, it is important to keep an eye out for any grab moves. 
• As soon as you feel like your opponent is about to perform a grab move, make sure to hit the relevant buttons to use a throw escape. 
• While you can perform a counter in this case if you want to block any throws, it is definitely the best option. 

Using Auto And Proximity Guard 

If you want to defend yourself against cross and overheads effectively, it is important to make use of the Auto Guard and Proximity Guard.

Auto guard happens when your character enters a true block string phase. However, keep in mind that it is extremely rare to achieve it. Additionally, it is important not to abuse it in any case. 

• Whenever you enter the auto guard mode, you will be blocking overhead attacks as well as mid-air attacks and constantly blocking any incoming attacks. 
• However, against low attacks, you will still have to use the down-back button input. 
• Moreover, against any overhead attacks, you will have to avoid Crouch block; otherwise, your opponent will get a window of opportunity to attack you. 
• On the other hand, the proximity guard is achievable if you hold down the back button as soon as your opponent is ready to attack you.

  

• Doing so will allow you to trigger the block animation before your enemy can land an attack on you. 
• However, it is important to note that in Street Fighter 6, this mechanism has been revamped completely. 
• Therefore, you will not be able to perform the proximity guard outside the range of the attack, and it depends highly on your opponent’s position. 

My Take On Blocking

Defense is one of the core tenets of not only Street Fighter 6 but fighting games in general. Having the foresight to go on the defensive can be a game-changer in the face of a losing match. As someone who had a rough climb through the ranks, let me tell you that in SF6, knowing when to let up the pressure to block can save you a crushing defeat.

I also highly recommend going into the practice mode to test frame disadvantage and frame advantage on block-on attacks that you have a harder time punishing. Just polishing up your defense can be enough to make you better than most players who play Street Fighter 6.

With this, I conclude my How To Block In Street Fighter 6 guide for PC and console. While you are at it, don’t forget to check out the guide on frame data in Street Fighter 6 and all character recipes.

You can also read extensive guides on fighters like  Dhalsim, Chun Li, and JP. Don’t forget to read our guide on crossplay and Street Fighter 6 voice actors. 

Up Next:

• Street Fighter 6: All Editions
• Street Fighter 6: Plot & Story
• Street Fighter 6: Is It Available On Game Pass?