Are you new to the world of Blazblue? Have you been playing casually, but now want to become more competitive? Maybe you’ve been playing for a long time, but haven’t felt like you’ve made any progress? I know how it can feel like you just don’t know how to start getting better(always losing, but can’t figure out why).
I am writing this guide today for anyone that wants to be the best they can be and understand why. I can’t speak for anyone except myself, so this is how I approach learning a new fighting game.
#1
Ok, first thing I do is read and learn ALL of the system mechanics. They can be found here:System Guide
To be the best you can be, you have to know what is possible in the game. The understanding of the system mechanics will give you the ability to see why anything in the game is done. This information also gives you the edge against those who are too lazy to read and study(lol). Think of it like the rules of a boxing match. Without understanding those rules it becomes more difficult to win.
#2
Now after I understand what options the system mechanics give me, I can now find a character that fits my play-style. You see, learning the mechanics makes this decision a lot easier because you can see what the characters are capable of in the system.
For now I would stick with just one character. In Blazblue most players only have one character they play with. This game allows this because it’s system mechanics give every character the ability to win. The only thing is there are various degrees of difficulty for learning each character. Personally, I wouldn’t start by playing a character just because they’re easy to learn. You should play a character that fits what you want to do within the game system. You should most importantly enjoy the character you’re learning. There’s nothing worse than trying to learn something you don’t like.
Use this to help find what you’re looking for:System Data
Here’s also IMO a list of how much effort it takes to learn each character(from easiest to hardest):
Ragna
Tager
Tsubaki
Bang
Jin
Valkenhayn
Noel
Makoto
Hakumen
Litchi
Platinum
Lambda
Hazama
Taokaka
Rachel
Aracune
Mu
Carl
After I’ve selected my character, I start learning what that character is fully capable of. Here’s where to find that information:
http://www.dustloop.com/wiki/index.php?title=Frame_Data_(BBCSE)
You can also use this to find a character to learn as well.
Now what I do is I put myself in this frame of mind like I’m tying to understand what my character/s purpose is. So what I do is pretend I’m learning my own personal martial art style. I start by learning the normals and command normals. I experiment with them to test range, speed, can they combo, Ect. I learn what EVERY move does and try to make it so they become as natural as a reflex. You do this for every move in your character’s arsenal(working your way up to more complex things). Learn all of the move’s properties so you can figure out when they should be used(if they should even be used at all). Remember, learn all of them so they become more like reflexes. It takes time so don’t rush it either.
#3
Start by learning how to block and using the system mechanics in play. You can go into the training mode and put the AI on the highest level. This is to get you comfortable with the game. I’ve noticed people putting too much effort into doing combos and moves. Like I’ve also heard complaints of “fingers hurting” and things like that. This should never be the case. When playing you want to be as relaxed and as calm as possible. These games are NOT pressure sensitive. So don’t kill your fingers/arms to do actions.Take a more accurate and smoother(calmer) approach to doing what needs to be done. Conviction and a lack of wasted effort are key.
#4
Start looking for unconventional ways to use what your character has. The properties for moves are definite, but that doesn’t stop you from using them in ways(safe ways by the way) that they are not normally used. This also applies to not getting yourself caught in playing in patterns. The worse thing you can do is be predictable. Never become a one-trick pony(or even a three-trick pony). Look for ways to keep your opponent guessing while staying as safe as possible(which isn’t always possible though. Sometimes you HAVE to take risk).
#5
Start learning basic 1-3 hit combos and gradually work your way up. Take your time. Also try to learn your own combos. Look for situations that might happen in a match and use that information to build new combos. Stay far away from impractical combos. Damage isn’t the most important thing; Keeping your opponent in your style of playing is.
#6
Use anything and everything to your advantage. If it’s in the game and it’s not banned, it’s fair game. Just because a strategy is hard to get around doesn’t mean it’s a cheap tactic. People constantly throwing certain moves is definitely spamming, but it is not cheap. Your opponent’s job is to win. Period. There is no such thing as honor. You’re supposed to try to win by all means necessary(with the exception of knocking the controls out of the other guy/girl’s hand). For those still having problems understanding this, think of it like this: Cause and Effect. X happens and it creates Y. X can equal a vast amount of things like:
- The inability to capitalize on your opponent’s mistakes.
- Not being aware of your opponent trying to condition you into a specific frame of thinking.
- The inability to execute moves properly/effectively.
- A lack of understanding what is possible at any given time or situation(for both players).
*The ability to read tendencies in what your opponent is doing.
#7
Learn the properties of characters you don’t use. Do they have invincibility on moves you need to watch out for? How effective are their moves at different ranges? Can they be punished for having certain moves blocked/miss? Do moves they use on you keep you blocking longer than normal(frame traps)? It is extremely important to understand what every character is capable of to have the best shot at winning. It’s like picking a fight with a stranger. You’re going in blind with a lack of information.
#8
Once you get a good understanding of the system mechanics, your character and characters you don’t use you can start developing mind games. Each character you go against will require a different set of mind games(for the most-part). This is because every character’s play-style is so different from the others. What I look for are the strengths and weaknesses of each character and try to take advantage of each point. This is best done by getting your opponent to play your way. Limiting their options and putting in their mind what works/ doesn’t work is key. You see, when you limit a player’s options they become more predictable. Remember this.
#9
Learn from your mistakes. Whenever possible record your matches and study what you are doing wrong/right. Also look at the behaviors of your opponent and figure out what they are doing and why.
#10
Play against people better than you from the start. This keeps you from learning bad habits. You may lose a lot, but you are also(if you’re paying attention) going to learn more a lot faster.
#11
get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet. Lots of fruits, vegetables and anything with antioxidants. Stay away from too much sugar, salt and grease. This helps you focus better and also live longer(bonus).
This is not a race so take your time and let everything build up naturally.
If you have any questions feel free to ask.
