Street Fighter 6 boasts of an impressive character lineup, and there’s something for every kind of player. Among the formidable roster, one name stands out as the epitome of strength and raw power: Zangief, the iconic Russian wrestler known as the “Red Cyclone.”
In this character guide, we explore Zangief’s bone-crushing moves and grappling maneuvers. This guide will arm you with the information necessary to understand Zangief’s playstyle and dominate your opponents, whether you are an experienced Street Fighter veteran or a beginner.
Unleashing the power of Zangief the grappler
Zangief is a heavyweight character with a slow walk speed but excellent defensive capabilities and punishing attacks. His large health pool allows him to absorb hits while dishing out significant damage with his command grabs and powerful strikes. While lacking in mobility, Zangief makes up for it with his ability to control the match’s pace, forcing opponents to guess between his attacks and throws.
To effectively utilize Zangief’s arsenal, you need to familiarize yourself with his key moves.
Special Moves
- Double Lariat: Zangief’s signature move, it functions as both an anti-air and combo ender. It offers invincibility frames and can be a valuable tool in various situations.
- Screw Piledriver: Zangief’s command grab and a devastating damage dealer. The Light Punch (LP) version provides the best range, while the Medium Punch (MP) and Heavy Punch (HP) versions deal more damage but require close proximity.
- Borscht Dynamite: This command air throw allows Zangief to counter jump attacks or end combos with a quick grab.
- Russian Suplex: A command grab featuring two suplexes. This move from a distance triggers the Siberian Express, an automatic command grab powerbomb when you’re up close to your opponent.
- Tundra Storm: This one counters grounded kicks, making it effective against opponents who rely heavily on kicking attacks.
Super Arts
- Aerial Russian Slam: An anti-air super move that can also serve as a combo ender when your opponent is in a juggle state.
- Cyclone Lariat: By holding the punch button, you can modify the effect of this move, which includes a vacuum effect to draw opponents closer.
- Bolshoi Storm Buster: Zangief’s devastating command grab super move. It deals massive damage but requires close proximity to connect successfully.
Unique Attacks
Zangief possesses several unique attacks that can be incorporated into his gameplay. These include:
- Hellstab: This move can be canceled into special moves, allowing for combo potential.
- Knee Strike: By performing an empty Knee Strike and buffering it into a command grab, you can surprise opponents within range. Combining Knee Strike with an LP Screw Piledriver is an effective tactic that catches opponents off-guard.
- Headbutt: Although it no longer absorbs fireballs, this move grants frame advantage if blocked and can be canceled into special moves.
- Cyclone Wheel Kick: An overhead attack that is unsafe if blocked but can catch opponents off-guard if used sparingly.
- Stamina Dropkick: This move’s airborne properties allow Zangief to bypass low sweeps from many characters, making it a useful tool against certain opponents.
- Flying Body Press: This splash attack crosses up opponents, providing mix-up opportunities after a knockdown.
- Flying Headbutt: This move can be canceled into an air special move, such as a Borscht Dynamite, allowing further offensive options.
- Machine Gun Chops: This target combo only combos if it’s a counter-hit. While effective, opponents can interrupt it if it’s not a counter-hit, so use it strategically as a “block string.”
- Power Stomps: This target combo’s final hit can be canceled into special moves, increasing Zangief’s combo potential.
Playing as Zangief
Zangief excels as a character for players who enjoy big-bodied fighters with hard-hitting moves, high health, and a variety of command grabs. Zangief’s strength lies in close-quarters combat and his ability to dominate opponents through his powerful grabs and punishing strikes.
While Zangief may lack mobility, his defensive options and punishing moves make him a formidable force. Avoid choosing Zangief if you prefer characters with normal or fast movement speeds or if you prefer engaging in fights from a distance.
