Chris Harris
Well-Known Member
Haybusa in DoA5
This character has had a complete change from his previous versions. He has been slowed down considerably, his crushes aren’t insane, and the Izuna drop damage is lessened (not too much). This is more of a small guideline to help understand the type of character he is to help newer players at least have an idea of what they are getting into and even those that are trying him but having trouble figuring out how they should move forward.Hayabusa is not a rush down monster. He doesn’t have quick moves that stun you and force a mix up. Now instead he has to play more of a mid range poke game. He has a slow mid, slow low, and average jab. He is not going to be running at his opponents just doing whatever he wants especially if they utilize sidestep. Let’s see what pokes we have that can help out here. . .
- Staple mid attack to counter poke with. On CH the stun is so great they can’t struggle the launchers and are forced to hold if you commit. It’s basically a stun that when it hits they either have to hold or let you launch them or extend the stun further. - Another good mid attack to counter poke with. However this attack can sometimes crush and it will catch crushes as well. - You are definitely not at advantage but if you space it correctly throws can’t reach you. You also have the parry from Ninpo so if you sniff an attack coming you can press free (or even wait to see) and end up behind them. This string is also good for catching someone trying to sidestep the punch. / - Both of these are excellent step killers. They both give a jab in case the defender tries to struggle the hit. However if people start attempting blind holds you can start throwing, extending the stun, or going for launchers. - The ender for this attack leaves you at very strong advantage (+9). The advantage is so much you can force a simple mid/throw mix up. However it does push back (as it is a guard break) so be careful when you try to throw because sometimes you have to take a half step forward. This entire string tracks. - While this move is linear it deserves a spot. Once you hit people enough with / they will sit there and accept this approach. Have good advantage (+6) so can force a solid mix up from here. - This is one of you main tools to approach your opponent. It tracks and is small advantage (+2) so the opponent has options. You can choose to back off and see how they react or you can force a mix up. - At some point when the opponent realizes they can’t side step they will either attempt to hold it or just stand there. While doesn’t give a ton of advantage (+1) it gives you a few options because you cause some push back. You can use this in place of his other gap closers because the range he comes in at is pretty deceptive. This move also has a high follow up/low follow up. I would suggest using the low (not relying on it) just to give the opponent a reason to sit still to at least wait and see what you are doing.These are the moves you should be calling on through most of the match if not a few others. The main thing to remember about Hayabusa is in this game he isn’t so much Hayabusa against another character. He is more of a Hayabusa against the person you are playing so getting a read on how people want to react to your stance transitions and pokes is crucial.
The use of
is one of the things you have to do. Even if they counter it because it is literally your only move to get in with in a safe manner. In DoA you can only play the poke game for so long and because Hayabusa doesn’t really have safe pokes you have to eventually press in and poke some damage in. Don’t believe in the myth of people always holding every single attack you try because you are fooling yourself. If the kick is countered just run in and see how they react because when you counter an attack it means you are standing around waiting for it which means you get to use your other attacks to close the distance.This is just my opinion on the character and some beginner tactics that will evolve over time. Feel free to add to it or ask questions.
