Street Fighter 6 – Drive System, and Modern and Classic Controls Detailed

Street Fighter 6 is introducing a number of new features to the series like World Tour, Battle Hub and real-time commentary for matches. On top of that, as per newly revealed details, its battle system is also completely overhauled over its predecessor, centering around the Drive Gauge. Available at the start of rounds, spending it causes the player to burn-out and suffer debuffs, though it can also replenish quickly as a result.

Techniques include Drive Impact, which consumes one Drive Gauge stock and is essentially a strong attack that absorbs an incoming strike. If performed on an opponent in the corner, it results in a wall splat (even if blocked). Drive Parry costs half of a stock and along with repelling an attack, it also replenishes the Drive Gauge. Perfect Parries can be performed by parrying right before an attack lands.

Overdrive consumes two Drive Gauge stock, and converts a special move into an Overdrive Art (akin to EX Special Moves from previous games) when pressing two buttons of the same type. Drive Rush is a dash forward from either a Drive Parry or while performing a normal attack that can be cancelled. The former costs one Drive Gauge stock while the latter consumes three Stocks. Finally, there’s Drive Reversal which costs two stocks and performs a counterattack after blocking an attack.

Another big change is the implementation of a Modern control scheme. Players can use these to execute special moves and combos along with Super Arts without having to memorize button combinations. Classic controls are still present for those who prefer it with the button layout being freely customizable.

Street Fighter 6 is out in 2023 for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC. Check out the latest gameplay trailer here.