Beginner Basics

Dead or Alive 6 uses a three-button layout: Punch (P), Kick (K), and Throw (T). The fourth button, Hold (H), is your defensive counter. Combine these with directional inputs to perform strikes, throws, holds, and special moves. Directional Notation (Numpad): 7 8 9 ← ↖ ↑ ↗ 4 5 6 ← ← N → 1 2 3 ← ↙ ↓ ↘ Key Commands: • P (Punch): Fast strikes, interrupts, and combo starters • K (Kick): Longer range, higher damage, slower recovery • T (Throw): Beats holds, high damage, can be broken • H (Hold): Defensive counter — beats strikes when timed correctly • S (Special): Used for Break Blow and Break Hold • 66 (Forward Dash): Close distance quickly • 33/99 (Side Step): Evade linear attacks

DOA6's core combat revolves around a rock-paper-scissors system: Strikes (P/K) > Throws > Holds > Strikes • Strikes beat Throws: Strikes interrupt throw startup • Throws beat Holds: Throws catch opponents in hold recovery • Holds beat Strikes: Well-timed holds counter and punish strikes This creates constant mind games — every offensive choice has a defensive answer. The key is reading your opponent's patterns and varying your offense to stay unpredictable.

The Break Gauge (blue meter below health bar) powers your most important tools: Break Blow (6S): • Cost: Full gauge (100%) • A powerful, armored attack with cinematic animation • Invincible startup, beats almost everything • Can be used in combos for massive damage • Puts opponent in a "Break Blow" state for follow-ups Break Hold (4S): • Cost: Half gauge (50%) • A defensive burst that interrupts opponent's offense • Universal "get off me" tool when under pressure • Can be baited and punished — use carefully The gauge fills from: • Dealing damage • Taking damage • Successful holds • Over time (slowly)

Fatal Rush (SSSS): • A 4-hit auto-combo available to all characters • Easy execution: just press S repeatedly • The 4th hit causes a Fatal Stun (opponent crumples) • During Fatal Stun, you can launch with 8S for a Break Blow follow-up Fatal Stun: • Special stagger state triggered by: - 4th hit of Fatal Rush - Break Blow (grounded) - Certain character-specific moves • Opponent can't hold out of Fatal Stun • Guaranteed follow-up window for big damage Strategy note: While Fatal Rush is easy damage, it's predictable. Good players will hold or side-step after seeing the first S. Use it as a mix-up, not your main offense.

• BNB (Bread and Butter): A character's most reliable combo • BT (Back Turned): Facing away from opponent • CH (Counter Hit): Hitting opponent during their attack startup • Crush: Moves that evade certain attack types (high crush, low crush) • Frame Data: Startup, active, and recovery frames; determines advantage • i# (Impact): Startup frames (e.g., i12 = 12 frame startup) • Juggle: Aerial combo after launch — opponent can't act • Launcher: A move that sends the opponent airborne for a juggle • NH (Normal Hit): Hitting a neutral (non-attacking) opponent • Oki (Okizeme): Offense against a rising/grounded opponent • SDS (Sit-Down Stun): Stun that forces opponent to the ground • Tracking: Moves that catch side-steps • Unsafe: Moves that leave you at frame disadvantage on block • Whiff: Missing an attack completely — usually punishable