Jamie is a newcomer to Street Fighter 6 and brings a fresh twist with his unique resource meter known as The Drink Level. This clever fighter gains a boost every time he takes a sip from his flask, which contains a Ki-inducing drink. This not only enhances his strength but also improves his technique.
However, playing as Jamie can be a challenge for many players, given his archetype. One of the reasons for this is that some of his moves have different effects depending on the buff he has. This guide aims to assist Street Fighter 6 fans in understanding Jamie's unpredictable moveset, mastering his combos, and ultimately achieving victory like a seasoned professional.
Jamie’s Drink Level Explained
The Drink Level is a personal asset for Jamie, enhancing the power and range of his Special and Unique Moves, while also granting him new abilities. By consuming his Ki-unleashing potion, Jamie's moveset is amplified and expanded. Additionally, he has the option to activate his Super Art Level 2, temporarily maximizing his Drink Level.
Strategies for Jamie
As a cunning mid-range fighter, Jamie's main focus lies in seizing and gaining control over his opponents. His optimal strategy involves trapping the opponent in a corner, skillfully manipulating their counterattacks, and overwhelming them with a combination of powerful high and low attacks.
Use a combination of swigs and combos to enhance your fighting abilities. Instead of constantly using The Devil Inside, opt for Freeflow Kick or Full Moon Kick to boost Jamie's Drink Level. These two combos enable him to subtly acquire the necessary enhancements while actively participating in physical combat.
Utilize Cancelable Moves to your advantage. Create effective combos by incorporating pokes. Jamie's crouching medium punch and heavy punch are reliable cancelable attacks that seamlessly connect with his Specials and Super Arts.
Capitalize on Feints. During Drink Level 4, Jamie employs a cunning tactic known as Ransui Haze feint. This maneuver grants him the option to either retreat without launching an attack or execute a sudden counterattack by pressing a button midway through the move's active frames. By altering the effects of his actions, Jamie can bewilder his opponents and keep them guessing about his next move.
Jamie’s Move List
Common moves excluded, Jamie’s moveset has 23 commands. Of these, eight are activated by his Drink Gauge, leaving him with only 15 basic moves to start with.
Jamie’s Move | Description | Type |
Tensei Kick | 6KK | Unique Attacks |
Phantom Sway | 6HK,HK,P | Unique Attacks |
Falling Star Kick | 6MK | Unique Attacks |
Hermit's Elbow | 4HK | Unique Attacks |
Senei Kick | 6HK | Unique Attacks |
Bitter Strikes | LP,LK,MP | Unique Attacks |
Full Moon Kick | 6MK,MK,P | Unique Attacks |
Intoxicated Assault | 4HP,HP,HK | Unique Attacks |
Ransui Haze | 6HK,4HK,P | Unique Attacks |
The Devil Inside | 22P | Special Move |
Freeflow Strikes | 236P,6P,6P | Special Move |
Freeflow Kicks | 236P,6K,6K | Special Move |
Swagger Step | 214P | Special Move |
Arrow Kick | 623K | Special Move |
Luminous Dive Kick | 214K | Special Move |
Bakkai | 236K | Special Move |
Tenshin | 63214K | Special Move |
Swagger Hermit Punch | 214P,6P | Special Move |
Breakin' | 236236K | Super Art Level 1 |
The Devil's Song | 214214P | Super Art Level 2 |
Getsuga Saiho | 236236P | Super Art Level 3 |
Back Shaver | 5 or 6LP,LK | Throw |
Wheel Punch | 4LP,LK | Throw |
Jamie has a repertoire of eight exclusive moves that are specially designed for use with drinks. These moves include the Luminous Dive Kick (DL1), Bitter Strikes (DL1), Bakkai (DL2), Full Moon Kick (DL2), Tenshin (DL3), Intoxicated Assault (DL3), Swagger Hermit Punch (DL4), and Ransui Haze (DL4).
Best Combos for Jamie
Considering the reliability of his Drink Gauge, Jamie must adhere to the order of charge, push, and follow-up for his combos. In order to maximize damage, he will need to consume a drink, disrupt the enemy's stance, and execute a series of chained attacks.
Beginner: Freeflow Kick Combo
Classic Controls | Modern Controls |
Crouching light punch + crouching light punch + quarter-circle forward light punch + forward kick + forward kick | Down light + down light + neutral Special, Special, Special |
A highly effective strategy against aggressive opponents who constantly crowd Jamie and prevent him from drinking is to execute a combination of two crouching light punches followed by Freeflow Kicks. This combo allows Jamie to safely retaliate without taking any risks. However, it is important to note that this move can be punished by the opponent and also puts Jamie at a disadvantage in terms of frame advantage when blocked.
Intermediate: Freeflow Strike Combo
Classic Controls | Modern Controls |
Light punch + light kick + medium punch + quarter-circle forward medium punch + forward punch + forward punch | Light + light + medium + neutral Special, Special, Special |
Light punch, light kick, and medium punch can be seamlessly combined to execute the perfect pushback technique known as Freeflow Strikes. This powerful maneuver allows players to forcefully propel their opponent away, granting Jamie ample time and advantageous positioning to strike back with a swift and calculated blow.
Advanced: Swagger Hermit & Getsuga Saiho Combo
Classic Controls | Modern Controls |
Quarter-circle back punch + forward punch + double quarter-circle forward punch (Getsuga Saiho) | - |
Executing the Swagger Hermit Punch into Getsuga Saiho combo can present a considerable challenge due to its specific requirements. Firstly, Jamie must have attained Drink Level 4. Additionally, instead of being pushed back, the Swagger Hermit Punch must result in a wall-slam. However, once all the necessary conditions are met, this powerful combination can inflict significant damage with minimal exertion.
Tips for Winning with Jamie
Before engaging in heavy combat, players must prioritize obtaining Jamie's Drink Levels to avoid potential punishments. It is advisable for them to first poke and assess the enemy, actively searching for opportunities to exploit and drink.
Use Super Art 2 as a Comeback Move
Jamie's second Super Art, The Devil's Song, is a Drink Level booster that grants him 4 swigs. This powerful move should be employed when the opponent tries to hinder Jamie's drinking or interrupts it with projectiles. Nevertheless, it's important to bear in mind that The Devil's Song only provides a temporary effect and causes 5% less damage compared to the actual swig buffs.
Dodge Projectiles with Luminous Dive Kick
While Jamie lacks an explicit anti-fireball ability, his Luminous Dive Kick serves as a dependable response to projectiles. The only caveat is that it can only be executed at Drink Level 1 and leaves Jamie vulnerable to punishment if blocked.
Drink to Refill the Drive Gauge
On Drink Level 4, every swig refills Jamie’s Drive Gauge faster. This allows for more Overdrive moves while reducing the cost of Drive Rush cancels.
Pros and Cons of Playing as Jamie
Although Jamie may not be ranked highly in the tier list of Street Fighter 6, he possesses remarkable skills as a mid-range trickster, capable of inflicting unpredictable damage through challenging chained attacks. While he may not surpass the top characters, Jamie can definitely hold his ground in battle. However, his gameplay introduces certain noteworthy challenges, such as vulnerability to long-range attackers and limited damage output unless the Drink Levels are sufficient.
Pros
Heavy damage when buffed.
Reliable pokes and checks.
Cons
Susceptible to long-range moves.
Too weak without the Drink buffs.
How to Counter Jamie
Players can employ different strategies to counter Jamie's drinking habit in the game. One approach is to utilize long-range characters like JP and Dhalsim, who can launch projectiles at him from a distance. Alternatively, players can opt for close combat and employ grappling techniques with characters like Manon to disrupt his drinking moments. Street Fighter 6 is currently accessible on various platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.