Hey guys! Ready to unleash some serious pain in Skullgirls 2nd Encore? This guide is your one-stop shop for mastering combos and dominating the competition. We'll break down the fundamentals, explore character-specific combos, and give you the tools you need to create your own devastating strings. So, grab your fight stick (or controller), and let's get started!

Understanding the Basics of Skullgirls Combos

Before we dive into specific character combos, it's crucial to understand the core mechanics that make them possible in Skullgirls 2nd Encore. The game's combo system is built upon a few key concepts, including hitstun, pushblock, and undizzy. Mastering these concepts is essential for both executing and defending against combos.

• Hitstun: Hitstun is the brief period after a character is hit where they are unable to act. The amount of hitstun varies depending on the attack used, and longer hitstun allows for more follow-up attacks in a combo. Understanding which moves cause the most hitstun is vital for extending your combos.
• Pushblock: Pushblocking is a defensive mechanic that allows players to create distance between themselves and their opponent while blocking. By pressing a button while blocking, you can push your opponent away, potentially disrupting their offense and creating an opportunity for a counterattack. However, pushblocking costs meter, so it's important to use it wisely.
• Undizzy: Undizzy is a mechanic designed to prevent infinite combos. As a character takes damage in a combo, their undizzy value increases. Once the undizzy value reaches a certain threshold, the character will automatically break out of the combo. Understanding how undizzy works is crucial for optimizing your combos and maximizing damage before the opponent can escape. In Skullgirls 2nd Encore, the undizzy system encourages creative and efficient combo routes rather than relying on repetitive, easily exploitable strings. Players who can adapt their combos to account for undizzy will be much more successful in the long run. Experiment with different combo variations and pay attention to how quickly the undizzy meter fills up. By mastering the undizzy system, you can become a more unpredictable and dangerous opponent.

Furthermore, Skullgirls 2nd Encore uses an Air Recovery system. After being launched into the air, a player can choose to recover and regain control. However, performing an air recovery comes with a cost. The character will be in a vulnerable state after the recovery.

General Combo Structure and Tips

Most combos in Skullgirls 2nd Encore follow a similar structure. Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when learning and creating your own combos:

• Start with a Launcher: Launchers are attacks that send the opponent into the air, allowing you to continue the combo in the air. Common launchers include crouching heavy punch (2HP) and certain special moves.
• Utilize Air Combos: Air combos are a crucial part of Skullgirls 2nd Encore. Learn to effectively chain together air attacks to maximize damage and extend your combos. Experiment with different air routes to find what works best for each character.
• End with a Hard Knockdown: A hard knockdown is an attack that forces the opponent to the ground in a vulnerable state, giving you an opportunity to set up your next offensive move. Common hard knockdowns include sweeps (2LK) and certain special moves.
• Practice Makes Perfect: The key to mastering combos is practice. Spend time in training mode, experimenting with different attack sequences and learning the timing for each move. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master even the most complex combos.

In addition to these general tips, it's important to understand the concept of team synergy. In Skullgirls 2nd Encore, you can choose to play with a team of up to three characters. Each character has their own strengths and weaknesses, and by carefully selecting your team, you can create powerful synergies that enhance your combos and overall gameplay. Consider how each character's moveset complements the others, and experiment with different team compositions to find what works best for your playstyle. Optimizing your team synergy can give you a significant advantage in battle.

Character-Specific Combo Examples

Now, let's take a look at some character-specific combo examples to give you a better idea of how to put these concepts into practice. Remember that these are just examples, and there are many other possible combos for each character. Feel free to experiment and create your own unique combos.

Filia

Filia is a rushdown character with excellent mobility and combo potential. Here's a basic Filia combo:

2LP > 2LK > c.MP > s.HP > j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP > Hairball (236P)

This combo starts with a low attack (2LP > 2LK) to catch the opponent off guard, followed by a crouching medium punch (c.MP) and a standing heavy punch (s.HP) to launch them into the air. The air combo (j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP) deals significant damage, and the combo ends with Hairball (236P) for a hard knockdown.

Cerebella

Cerebella is a grappler with powerful command grabs and high damage output. Here's a basic Cerebella combo:

2LP > 2LK > c.MP > s.HP > j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP > Diamond Drop (623P)

This combo is similar to Filia's, but it ends with Diamond Drop (623P), a powerful command grab that deals massive damage. Cerebella excels at punishing opponents who make mistakes, and her command grabs are a great way to capitalize on those opportunities. To maximize Cerebella's combo potential, it's essential to master her various command grabs and learn how to seamlessly integrate them into your combos. Experiment with different setups and timings to find what works best for you. Cerebella is a character that rewards aggressive play and precise execution.

Peacock

Peacock is a zoning character with long-range attacks and tricky teleports. Here's a basic Peacock combo:

2LP > 2LK > s.MP > s.HP > Teleport (214P) > j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP > Argus Agony (236P)

This combo utilizes Peacock's teleport (214P) to reposition her in the air, allowing her to continue the combo. The combo ends with Argus Agony (236P), a projectile attack that covers a large area.

Peacock's zoning capabilities allow her to control the pace of the match and keep her opponents at bay. Master her zoning techniques to frustrate your opponents and create openings for your combos. Peacock is a unique and challenging character, but with practice, you can become a master of zoning and control the battlefield.

Ms. Fortune

Ms. Fortune is a fast-paced character with tricky movement options and versatile combos. She can detach her head for unique offensive and defensive strategies. Here's a basic Ms. Fortune combo:

2LP > 2LK > c.MP > s.HP > j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP > Headless Run (236K)

This combo ends with Headless Run (236K) after detaching her head, which allows her to maintain offensive pressure.

Painwheel

Painwheel is a character with a unique playstyle, relying on her powerful flight and divekick attacks. Mastering her aerial movement is key to success. Here's a basic Painwheel combo:

2LP > 2LK > c.MP > s.HP > j.LP > j.LK > j.MP > j.HP > Buer Thresher (236K)

This combo ends with Buer Thresher (236K), a divekick attack that allows her to maintain offensive pressure and set up mix-ups.

Advanced Combo Techniques

Once you've mastered the basics, you can start exploring more advanced combo techniques to further enhance your gameplay. These techniques require precise timing and execution, but they can significantly increase your damage output and create more unpredictable offensive patterns.

• Happy Birthday: Skullgirls 2nd Encore allows for combos on both assists at the same time if they are close enough. These combos are very situational and require great timing, but when they are pulled off, they provide devastating damage.
• Reset: Resets are advanced techniques that involve intentionally dropping a combo in order to create a new offensive opportunity. Resets can be used to bait out defensive options, confuse your opponent, and extend your combos. However, resets are risky, as they give your opponent a chance to escape and turn the tables on you. Mastering resets requires a deep understanding of the game's mechanics and a keen sense of timing.
• Advanced Cancels: Advanced cancels involve canceling the recovery frames of certain moves into other moves, allowing you to create more fluid and damaging combos. These cancels often require precise timing and execution, but they can significantly increase your combo potential. Experiment with different cancel techniques to find what works best for each character.

Training Mode Tips

Training mode is your best friend when it comes to learning and practicing combos. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your training sessions:

• Record and Playback: Use the record and playback feature to practice against specific defensive options or to perfect your execution of difficult combos. Record yourself performing a combo, and then play it back repeatedly, focusing on the timing and execution of each move.
• Display Input: Turn on the input display to see exactly what buttons you're pressing and when. This can help you identify any mistakes you're making and improve your execution.
• Practice Against Different Opponents: Don't just practice against the training dummy. Experiment with different characters and defensive options to prepare yourself for a variety of situations.

Conclusion

Mastering combos is essential for success in Skullgirls 2nd Encore. By understanding the basics, practicing regularly, and exploring advanced techniques, you can unleash your full potential and dominate the competition. So, get out there, experiment with different characters and combos, and have fun! Good luck, and happy fighting! Remember to always stay adaptable and keep learning! The world of Skullgirls 2nd Encore is ever-evolving, and there's always something new to discover. By staying curious and open to new ideas, you can continue to improve your skills and become a true master of the game.