Fan-favorite Akuma is finally available in Street Fighter 6, bringing his Satsui no Hado to the latest installment. We’ll run down everything you need to know about Akuma and how he might shake up Street Fighter 6.
Akuma is an iconic figure, first appearing as a secret character in 1994’s Super Street Fighter II Turbo. He embodies the dark, destructive power of the Satsui no Hado, a violent energy that grants immense strength at the cost of one’s humanity. Akuma’s relentless pursuit of martial arts perfection and his willingness to embrace the darkness make him a formidable foe.
In the overarching Street Fighter narrative, Akuma is mostly an antagonist on a quest for ultimate power. He constantly seeks worthy opponents, particularly targeting Ryu, whom he believes has the potential to embrace the Satsui no Hado. His role as a secret character has become a series staple, often unlocked through challenging conditions.
Akuma’s Playstyle in Street Fighter 6
Akuma’s playstyle is essentially a glass cannon. He boasts devastating offensive capabilities, including powerful special moves like the Raging Demon and high-damage combos. However, his defensive capabilities offset this, with lower health compared to other fighters.
This makes Akuma a high-risk, high-reward character, appealing to players who favor aggressive play. Ideally, maximizing his offensive potential while minimizing defensive vulnerabilities.
In Street Fighter 6, Akuma’s archetype could impact the game’s meta. The new mechanics and systems, such as the Drive Gauge, could enhance his offensive toolkit. This offers more opportunities for mix-ups and pressure, however it also means even more precision.
In most Street Fighter titles, this balance has made Akuma a top-tier character. He should prove to be an interesting character for both players and opponents in the evolving meta of Street Fighter 6.
Street Fighter 6 is currently available on PS4, PS5, XBox Series X|S and PC.
