Master the Wild Thunder: Unleash Blanka's Moves, Combos, and Pro Tips in Street Fighter 6

Blanka, despite not being one of the top choices in Street Fighter 6's main roster, possesses a fast moveset and an array of surprising combos that have allowed him to hold his own in the competition. Many professional players in the Street Fighter 6 community view Blanka as a versatile mid-range fighter who excels in both grounded and aerial combat. However, it is important to note that Blanka is a fighter who can be easily punished and his true potential is unleashed only when the player can effectively avoid making mistakes. To assist fans in becoming proficient with Blanka, this guide provides a comprehensive strategy, a compilation of combos, and an assortment of expert tips that will aid in mastering the character.

Strategies for Blanka

Blanka's gameplay as a charge character relies on a strategic combination of poking and dashing in order to confuse opponents and improve the effectiveness of his Special Moves. The key objective is to minimize missed attacks and potential counterattacks while also creating opportunities to charge. Blanka's strategy should prioritize fluid movement and unexpected tactics, while taking advantage of deceptive combo attacks.

A useful technique to employ is the utilization of hops to create Cross-Up setups. Blanka's Surprise Hop is a distinctive dash that propels him to the rear of his opponent. By employing this move, players can establish advantageous Cross-Up situations and punish opponents for missed attacks.

Utilize standing and crouching medium punches as Blanka's safe check and poke moves. Carefully throw them for hit-confirms before executing combos.

After a combo, bridge the gap by using the Amazon River Run (slide) as a combination finisher. Create distance by opting for the Rolling Attack, and frame-trap your opponent by concluding with the Electric Thunder (shock).

Choose the Blanka-Chan Doll effect based on positioning. The doll offers three distinct attacks depending on how it is charged: rolling, bouncing, and leaping. Utilize the roll to disrupt opponent's stances, employ the bounce as an anti-air option, and make use of the leap to push back an opponent cornered in a tight spot.

Maintain unpredictability by employing the Coward Crouch and Backstep Rolling Attack as feints. These maneuvers deceive the enemy into rushing their attacks and committing errors.

Blanka’s Move List

Blanka's moveset consists of a total of 24 commands, which can be categorized into different types. These include ten Unique Attacks, eight Special Moves, three Super Arts, and the remaining moves being Throws. Below is a comprehensive list of Blanka's moveset, including the inputs for each move.

Best Combos for Blanka

Blanka's most effective sequence involves initiating with a push, then following up with a throw. When executing a hit-confirm, it is crucial for Blanka to utilize a pushback Unique Attack to repel the opponent, pursue them with either a hop, dash, or Drive Rush, and ultimately conclude the sequence with either a rolling attack or a command grab.

Given that Blanka's standing and crouching mediums seamlessly connect to his Specials, it is highly recommended to prioritize ground-to-air combinations that culminate in the Vertical Rolling Attack, leading into either Super Art Level 1 or 3.

Beginner: Mediums into Specials Combo

A foolproof combination for Blanka involves executing a jumping medium kick, followed by a crouching medium kick that leads into a Special Move. It is highly recommended to use the Vertical Rolling Attack as the Special Move because the final normal attack in this sequence is a low attack. This means that the move will automatically charge and be ready to use without requiring the player to hold any buttons.

Intermediate: Standing Heavies and Lights into the Electric Thunder Combo

After a series of crouching pokes, players have the opportunity to unleash a powerful combination of attacks while standing. To initiate this sequence, they must successfully land a heavy kick followed by a light punch. This should be swiftly followed by a Drive Rush, where they execute a standing light punch, heavy punch, and another light punch. The combination culminates with a quarter-circle-back punch-punch, known as the Overdrive Electric Thunder.

Advanced: Heavy Attacks into Level 3 Super Art Combo

For a devastating 6,000-damage combo, players should unleash a barrage of heavy punches and kicks on their opponent following a successful punish counter. The combo starts by landing a counter-hit with a standing heavy kick, swiftly followed by a standing light punch that transitions into a Drive Rush. To conclude the combo, execute a standing light punch, heavy kick, and another light punch, all leading into a double quarter-circle forward kick.

Pros and Cons of Playing as Blanka

Blanka, despite being classified as a C-tier character, possesses formidable skills as a close-to-mid-range fighter. His exceptional mobility, ability to surprise opponents, and aggressive style are his key strengths. However, it is important to note that Blanka is susceptible to making mistakes and can be easily punished, especially by opponents who can anticipate his moves and possess basic knowledge of the matchup.

Pros

Above-average movement speed.

Unique dashes and surprise hops.

Seamless checks into attacks.

Hard-to-counter buff.

Mid-range versatility.

Practical projectile.

Cons

Whiff vulnerability.

Interruptible combos.

Inconsistent pokes.

Long recoveries.

Tips for Winning with Blanka

To excel with Blanka, players must master the art of timing and swiftness. Since several of Blanka's standard attacks expose him to potential counterattacks, it becomes crucial to analyze the frame advantages/disadvantages and employ strategic footwork to reduce susceptibility.

For those aspiring to make Blanka their main character, here are four additional advanced tips:

Hop After Each Combo

To optimize Blanka's combo finishers, it is advised for players to incorporate hops to link chained attacks. Utilizing a leaping maneuver, a dash, or a Drive Rush can effectively bridge the gaps and create opportunities for Okizeme. However, caution must be exercised as opponents may anticipate this strategy and employ backward recoveries to plan counterattacks.

Feint with the Coward Crouch

Similar to Chun-Li, Blanka possesses a distinctive crouching posture that grants him the ability to execute two consecutive attacks. However, players can also exploit this stance as a decoy, enticing their opponents to take to the air. Once the opponent is airborne, Blanka can unleash his unexpected Wild Lift, a devastating launching assault.

Connect Blanka-Chan Doll with Super Art Level 1

Blanka's initial Super Art, known as The Shout of Earth, unleashes a powerful electric smash that grants him a unique ability to charge his projectiles. By activating the Blanka-Chan Doll during this move, it surprises opponents as it swiftly jumps towards them. Capitalize on this opportunity by combining these two attacks and hop towards the bewildered enemy, opening up chances for a throw.

Do a backward taunt with Blanka to get extra explosive dolls.

Use Super Art Level 2 to Cause a Burnout

The Lightning Beast enhances the power of all attacks and grants Blanka the ability to perform Rolling Cannon from any rolling-type moves. This enhancement allows players to exert pressure on defensive opponents, depleting their Drive Gauge even while they are blocking.

How to Counter Blanka

Blanka's short effective range makes him vulnerable to whiff punishment, making Ryu, Ken, and Manon his best counters. These fighters are able to exploit his weaknesses. However, it is also possible to counter Blanka, a speed archetype, with long-range fighters like Dhalsim, who can effectively maintain distance.

To effectively combat Blanka, it is crucial to anticipate his actions and thwart his tactics. Blanka's sluggish initiation and rebound time force him into a precarious game strategy. Consequently, his adversary should exploit this vulnerability and concentrate on capitalizing on his missed opportunities.

Street Fighter 6 can be accessed on various platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.