OVERVIEW

SMOKE

Type: Rushdown

Health: 700

OFFENSE

DEFENSE

DAMAGE

MOBILITY

RANGE

ZONING

1

2

3

4

5

More Details

MOVE LIST

COMBOS

Midscreen

All of Smoke's combos are usually done by hit-confirming attacks into Vicious Vapors (BF3), cancelling out of it by inputting B+EX, then launching the opponent with 3,2. There are a variety of ways to end Smoke's combos, but in general, combos are ended with a jump attack (U+F+1,1,2).

Enhanced Smoke-Port (DB4+EX) can be used to increase combo damage and switch positions with the opponent.

Corner

In the corner, Smoke's combos are usually ended with either F+1,2,1+3 into Shadow Blade (DB1) or 1,1,1,4. Although corner combos can be ended with a jump attack, it'll result in Smoke being placed in the corner instead so it's ill-advised.

STRATEGY

Smoke is a versatile character best played at mid-to-close range. His toolkit is built around maintaining pressure and using his unique ability to turn himself invisible in order to enforce mix-ups while keeping opponents guessing on what his next attack will be.

Pressure

F+1,2 - This is a high into mid attack and is a strong pressure tool at close-range. It's +2 on block, meaning if the opponent blocks it, Smoke still maintains slight advantage. Use this to keep up pressure and set up for additional moves or mix-ups. It can also be hit-confirmed into a combo.

F+4 - This move is great for starting pressure as it's an advancing high attack. If blocked, it leaves Smoke at +8, allowing for follow-up attacks such as THROW, 1,1 and B+3. Additionally, because it consists of multiple attacks, it will break armor. This can be very strong while the opponent's knocked down as it'll break their armor when using a Getup Attack.

Other Attacks

B+2 - Use this overhead attack when you anticipate an opponent blocking low. It's also effective for countering low pokes as Smoke will go directly over the opponent's poke and punish them if done at the right moment. Due to its range, it's also a great move to throw out from a distance. Usually it's best to use Vicious Vapors (BF3) after it, then cancelling out of it for a combo.

F+3 - Utilize this low attack to catch opponents off-guard while blocking high. It's one of Smoke's main tools to use for countering pokes. From F+3, Smoke can either complete the string by using F+3,2, or cancel it into Vicious Vapors, both of which can lead into a combo. Smoke's F+3,2 can be tricky to block since it is a low into overhead attack, so opponents must quickly switch their block type upon seeing the move.

Invisibility

Smoke's ability to turn himself invisible adds an extra layer of unpredictability to his offense. This is done by using Enhanced Smoke-Port (DB4+EX) and canceling out of it with F or using Enhanced Smoke Bomb (DB2+EX). Activate Smoke's invisibility to conceal your attacks while making it more difficult for opponents to anticipate your next move. The best ways to set up invisibility is to use it at the end of a combo or after specific Kameo moves. Enhanced Smoke Bomb can also be done after any attack on block and can be hard to counter if the opponent isn't prepared.

Mix-Ups

Invisibility opens up opportunities for various mix-ups. While invisible, opponents will have a difficult time blocking Smoke's overhead and low attacks. For instance, Smoke's B+2 can normally be blocked on reaction due to its somewhat slow start-up, but it becomes nearly impossible to react to while Smoke is invisible. Use a mixture of B+2 and F+3 to keep opponents guessing. Other moves such as F+3,2 and THROW can also be used while invisible.

Anti-Airs

In order to stop aerial attacks, use attacks such as 1 and D+2. At farther ranges, throwing out Shadow Blade (DB1) can be useful for hitting airborne opponents. This move is especially strong against opponents who tend to jump back and use aerial projectiles.

Closing Distance

Use Vicious Vapors and (Air) Smoke-Port Cancel (DB4,F) to close the distance quickly while avoiding projectiles. Vicious Vapors will go directly through projectiles and can be canceled with B while remaining relatively safe. On the other hand, (Air) Smoke-Port Cancel must be used in the air and will immediately teleport Smoke behind the opponent, but will leave Smoke more susceptible to punishes.

Vicious Vapors Cancel

Using Vicious Vapors and canceling out of it with B+EX is essential to Smoke's offensive. By successfully canceling out of Vicious Vapors, Smoke will be able to safely hit-confirm attacks such as B+2 and F+3 while also maintaining a slight bit of offense. Most cancels leave Smoke at a disadvantage, however some opponents may hesitate to attack out of fear of being hit by the Vicious Vapors. If opponents tend to block after the cancels, you'll be free to continue Smoke's offensive. Conversely, if opponents attack after Smoke's cancels, it's best to block or try to interrupt their attack. You can also simply not cancel the Vicious Vapors to counter opponents trying to interrupt a cancel, but it'll be highly punishable if blocked.

Enhanced Vicious Vapors Cancel is much more effective as the cancels are advantageous on block and can lead to additional combo routes. It can be useful to mix in enhanced cancels with normal cancels as the animation can make it hard to distinguish between the two moves and it'll stop opponents trying to interrupt a normal cancel.

Vicious Vapors Cancel Frame Data

The following lists the block advantage for Smoke's Vicious Vapors (BF3) when canceling out of it after his Basic Attacks.

KAMEOS

GAMEPLAY