Unleashing the Ultimate Game-Changer: How Street Fighter 6's Drive Rush Update will Revolutionize the Franchise

Highlights

Capcom has rolled out a substantial Street Fighter 6 update prior to EVO 2023, welcoming back Rashid and implementing several character modifications.

This update focuses on refining Drive Rush, a mechanic that empowers players to swiftly dash forward from a drive parry, thereby creating fresh possibilities for combos.

Arcade stick players will benefit from the addition of a more convenient method for performing Drive Rush cancels, leveling the playing field against D-pad and Hitbox users. This could potentially result in a more aggressive playstyle in tournaments. With a significant update to the game released on July 24, 2023, it seems like Capcom intends to shake up the Street Fighter 6 meta before the Evolution Championship Series 2023 (EVO) in August. Along with the return of Rashid, known as the Turbulent Wind, the update also includes minor changes, adjustments, and bug fixes for nearly all the characters. In addition to introducing a new character, the latest version of Street Fighter 6 has the potential to bring about changes to the Drive Rush cancel mechanic.

The Drive Rush Update is a Boon for Street Fighter 6’s Arcade Stick Players

Every SF game from the third sequel onwards introduces a distinctive mechanic. Street Fighter 3 introduced parries, Street Fighter 4 had focus attacks, and Street Fighter 5 featured the V-system with its extensive range of moves and mechanics. Building upon these predecessors, Street Fighter 6 incorporates the Drive System, which combines core elements from previous games and introduces fresh mechanics that truly set this edition apart. A notable addition is the Drive Rush, allowing players to dash forward from a drive parry. Additionally, players can execute a Drive Rush by performing a dash input after a cancelable move, granting extra frames at the cost of three bars, thereby opening up new combo routes.

The ability to cancel Drive Rush is crucial in Street Fighter 6, enabling players to swiftly capitalize on pokes and punish missed moves. Moreover, it presents an opportunity to extend combos, inflicting immense damage or potentially delivering a fatal blow to the opponent. However, players using arcade sticks have traditionally faced a disadvantage with this mechanic. Executing a dash input upon successfully landing a move requires considerable effort, as arcade stick levers have a longer distance to travel in order to register the command compared to D-pads and Hitbox buttons. Consequently, Drive Rush cancels may feel inconsistent for stick users in comparison to other types of controllers.

How the New Drive Rush Cancel Option Could Affect Street Fighter 6's Gameplay

To enhance gameplay, the latest update introduces a new feature allowing players to execute a Drive Rush cancel by performing a parry input (medium punch + medium kick) immediately after a normal attack. This option offers a more reliable technique, particularly for arcade stick players, as it is easier to consistently execute compared to the dash input. By incorporating this update, arcade stick players can better compete with D-pad and Hitbox users on an equal footing. It is important to note that this alternative method does not render the dash input obsolete; players who are already accustomed to the dash input can continue to use it.

Upon learning about the updated mechanic, concerns arose among some players regarding the potential for charge characters like Guile in Street Fighter 6 to become overpowered. These fighters rely on maintaining their charge by holding back or down-back to unleash powerful projectiles and melee attacks. The introduction of dashing raised worries about the depletion of this resource. However, the alternative method does not necessarily restrict players from holding the back input. Consequently, speculation emerged that Guile and Deejay might retain their charge while performing a Drive Rush cancel. Fortunately, Capcom Japan's account reassured the player base by clarifying that fighters can only execute a Drive Rush when their directional inputs are in either neutral or forward positions.

The alternative Drive Rush cancel in Street Fighter 6 is considered a "quality of life" update by Capcom, intended to enhance players' gaming experience. However, some players find it advantageous compared to the original method. The alternative is simpler to execute, requiring only a press of two buttons once, whereas the original requires players to quickly press one button twice. As a result, fans can anticipate an increase in players utilizing this method for more aggressive hit confirmations during tournaments like the upcoming EVO 2023, as well as in their own ranked matches.

Street Fighter 6 is currently available for PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.