Street Fighter 6 has brought the heat with its diverse roster, each character packing their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Whether you’re chasing high-level play or just want to know who to pick up to flex on your friends, this tier list will help break down who’s currently dominating the scene and who might need a little extra love from Capcom in future patches.
S-Tier (Top of the Top)
These characters are the cream of the crop. They dominate in terms of overall utility, strong offensive tools, and defensive options. If you’re playing to win, these are the go-to picks.
Ken
Ken has been a consistent powerhouse in SF6. His fast normals, solid fireball game, and powerful combo potential make him a top-tier pick. He excels in rushdown, with a Drive Rush that helps him close the gap quickly and maintain pressure. Plus, his Shoryuken is still one of the best anti-airs in the game. Not to mention, Ken’s combo routes are flexible, making him effective in almost any situation.
Juri
Juri’s versatility and mix-up potential put her firmly in S-tier. Her ability to control space with her Fuha stocks while simultaneously being able to rush down her opponents makes her a threat at any range. Combined with her quick normals and oppressive pressure, she’s a nightmare in the hands of a skilled player.
Luke
The golden boy of SF6, Luke is a great all-rounder. He has solid normals, excellent combo potential, and his fireball game is strong. His V-Trigger and V-Skill options give him flexibility in different matchups. Plus, his damage output is nothing to scoff at. Luke excels in both offense and defense, making him a strong choice for players of all styles.
A-Tier (Strong Contenders)
These characters are still incredibly strong, but they have a few more weaknesses compared to those in S-tier. You’ll find them competing at high levels, but they require a bit more finesse to get the most out of them.
Ryu
Ryu is as solid as ever. His fundamentals are strong, with an excellent fireball game and reliable anti-airs. While he doesn’t have the same explosive potential as some of the S-tier characters, his solid toolkit and ease of use make him a consistent pick. He’s a great character for those who like to play a patient and methodical game.
Cammy
Cammy’s speed and mobility make her a standout in SF6. With quick normals, strong mix-ups, and an incredible Dive Kick, she can overwhelm opponents quickly. Her only downside is that she’s a bit more fragile than some of the other characters, with low health and stun resistance. Still, in the right hands, she’s deadly.
Chun-Li
Chun-Li’s range and footsies are still top-tier. Her normals are quick and cover a lot of space, allowing her to control the neutral game. While she doesn’t have as many crazy combo options as some of the higher-tier characters, her ability to poke and whiff punish is unmatched. Her aerial options also give her an advantage in many matchups.
B-Tier (Solid Picks)
These characters are still strong but have more noticeable weaknesses or require more effort to perform well. They’re viable in the right hands, but they may struggle in certain matchups or situations.
Guile
Guile’s defensive playstyle is still solid, but he struggles a bit more in SF6 due to the game’s focus on aggressive play and rushdown. His zoning is still top-notch, and his Sonic Boom and Flash Kick make him a strong defensive wall. However, he can get overwhelmed by faster characters if his defenses are breached.
Zangief
Zangief’s grappling game is terrifying, but he struggles to get in against characters with strong zoning or fast normals. Once he’s in, though, it’s game over for his opponents. His command grabs deal massive damage and can turn the tide of a match in an instant. However, getting in can be a challenge, especially against mobile characters like Juri or Cammy.
Blanka
Blanka’s wild playstyle can catch opponents off guard, but he lacks some of the more reliable tools of higher-tier characters. His unpredictable movement and mix-ups make him a fun character to play, but he’s not as consistent in high-level competition. Still, in the right hands, he’s a dangerous and tricky opponent.
C-Tier (Needs Work)
These characters can still win matches, but they have more pronounced weaknesses or require a lot of effort to succeed. They can be fun to play, but expect a steeper learning curve.
Dhalsim
Dhalsim’s zoning is still effective, but he struggles against rushdown characters who can get in his face. His normals are long-range, but they’re slow, and once he’s cornered, it’s tough to get out. He shines in matchups where he can keep his distance, but against faster characters, he can feel like an uphill battle.
Honda
Honda’s headbutts and sumo slaps are still strong, but his playstyle can feel a bit one-dimensional. He struggles against characters who can out-zone him or punish his slower moves. He works best against players unfamiliar with his unique style, but at higher levels, his weaknesses become more apparent.
D-Tier (Bottom of the Barrel)
These characters are the most challenging to play effectively. They tend to have glaring weaknesses or just don’t fit well into the current meta. While they can still win, it’s an uphill battle.
Dee Jay
Dee Jay’s moveset has potential, but he struggles to compete with the faster, more aggressive characters in SF6. His zoning and mix-ups are decent, but his damage output isn’t quite there, and he lacks the tools to consistently deal with higher-tier characters.
Jamie
Jamie is a character that’s more difficult to use effectively. While he has some flashy moves, his overall toolkit feels lacking compared to other characters. He requires a lot of work to get the most out of him, and even then, he struggles in certain matchups. He’s more of a fun pick than a competitive one.
Final Thoughts
Street Fighter 6’s roster is diverse, and while the meta is still evolving, certain characters have clearly risen to the top. S-tier characters like Ken and Juri shine with their versatile toolkits, while others like Dhalsim and Honda require a bit more work to succeed. But remember, tier lists are just a guide. At the end of the day, the best character is the one you’re most comfortable with!
