Street Fighter 6: Frame Data [Extensive Guide]

Frame Data is a critical aspect of every fighting game that helps players to claim victories. While there are many ways to evaluate the gameplay to understand the game better and have an edge on your enemies, the recently included Frame Data technique in Street Fighter 6 is particularly peculiar.

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Key Takeaways

• A new feature in Street Fighter 6 allows players to understand moves frame-by-frame, offering competitive players a deeper insight into gameplay mechanics.
• To access Frame Data, players must go to a Training session and activate the Frame Meter in the Screen Display Settings.
• Three Types of Frames included Startup, Active, and Recovery Frames. 
• The On-hit phase provides an advantage to the attacker, while the On-block phase gives an advantage to the defender, as the attacker is disadvantaged after a blocked move.
• By understanding and utilizing Frame Data, players can better strategize their moves and counterattacks, enhancing their chances of winning fights.

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How To Turn On Frame Data

1. Head to the Practice Menu and select the Training session.
2. Once in Training Mode, pick your fighter and arena.
3. Hit the Esc key (or return button on the console) to bring up Settings.
4. In Screen Display Settings, quickly scroll to the Frame Meter and switch it on.

Frame Data

Frame data breaks down each move to understand its mechanics. 

Three Main Frames

Startup Frame: The green box on the Frame Meter. This shows the start of an attack. It dramatically helps but is risky, as in early experience, I was exposed to counterattacks from opponents. 

Active Frame: Seen as a red box, it indicates when your move is dealing damage. A punch has a shorter red box compared to a full combo. I used these frames to interrupt enemies and dish out the hurt.

Recovery Frame:  The blue box signifies your character’s cooldown period post-attack. It is a vulnerable time, so I aimed to make every move count. Landing strong moves buys some safety, as your opponent will also recover.

Three Sub Divisions

1. Invincibility Period: Gray-white striped boxes denote moments when I am untouchable. In my case, Launching Ryu’s Dragon Punch granted me a few of these frames.
2. Strike Invincible Period: Red-white striped boxes reveal when only projectiles can halt my move. It is a cue to be on the lookout for those projectiles.
3. Projectile Invincibility Period: Yellow-white stripes mean your character is safe from projectile attacks but open to strikes.

Two Additional Phases

1. On-Hit Phase: If you spot a yellow bar, your opponents are in Hit Stun. This phase allows you to unleash fast attacks, especially when playing as Cammy. 
2. On-Block Phase: As Cammy, a blocked Standing Heavy punch leaves your character lagging for three frames. It’s a precarious situation that can turn the tables. But blocking a move on the defensive side gives me a chance to strike back.

Should You Focus On Frame Data?

The art of reading Frame Data is an integral part of mastering Street Fighter 6. At first, I had to learn about it, too. But the better you understand, the more chances you have to turn the tide of battle and claim victories in fights.

That is why, if you are going towards a competitive style gameplay, you should definitely incorporate frame date to your playthrough. 

Read Next:

• Classic Controls Street Fighter 6.
• Street Fighter 6 Overdrive Art.
• Street Fighter 6 Trophy Guide.