The release of Luke brings an end to Capcom’s digital updates and character releases for Street Fighter V, but the company will continue to support the title in the future. The next update following Luke will be the Battle Balance update and Capcom Pro Tour 2022 bundle in March 2022.
Get the latest details below, via Capcom.
Luke
We kicked off the Street Fighter VFall Update with a preview of Luke’s story. Street Fighter V‘s newest character experiences a dramatic childhood event involving his father that inspires him to become a fighter and join the military.
During Luke’s military service, he runs into a familiar face. We won’t spoil too much more here, so be sure to play Luke’s Character Story to learn more!
Luke Keeps on the Offense
Luke’s fighting style is geared around forward moving attacks that keep the pressure on. All three of his normal punches propel Luke forward, allowing him to quickly close distances. Luke also has two target combos: “Triple Impact” (LP -> MP -> HP) and “Snapback Combo,” (MP x4).
—Luke’s target combos are great for dealing solid damage.
Luke has an arsenal of special moves to close in safely and create offensive opportunities. His go-to zoning tool is a mid-to-long range projectile called “Sand Blaster” that shoots energy from his hands. “Rising Rocket,” Luke’s trusty anti-air attack, launches him upwards to strike opponents.
—Use “Sand Blaster” to zone out your opponents.
—Luke’s anti-air, “Rising Rocket,” checks opponents who frequently jump.
Luke also has a forward-moving command dash called “Avenger.” This maneuver can be used in combos and allows him cover more ground. “Avenger” has two follow ups. Pressing a punch button following “Avenger” executes “No Chaser,” a shoulder charge that can be used in combos.
—“No Chaser” executes a forward charge at his opponents.
Meanwhile, pressing a kick button after executing “Avenger” will have Luke use “Impaler,” a mid-range overhead kick that can catch crouching opponents.
—“Impaler” hits overhead and is great for surprising opponents.
“Flash Knuckle” is Luke’s go-to combo starter and extender. Each punch leads to a different forward-moving attack. LP moves slightly forward, MP moves a bit further, and HP will go nearly half-screen.
—Each “Flash Knuckle” executes a different punch and goes a set distance forward.
Holding a punch button when using “Flash Knuckle” gives it different properties, depending on the button pressed. Charge them up and experiment with each one to find which best fits your combo style.
A New Kind of V-System
Luke’s V-System has some unique aspects compared to the rest of the Street Fighter V cast, especially with his V-Triggers. For his V-Skills, Luke can either play a more in-your-face style or make some hard reads and predict opponent’s throws and command grabs.
Luke’s V-Skill I, “Hard Shot,” powers up his “Flash Knuckle” move, allowing him to use the charged version of the attack without holding the button down. Charging a “Hard Shot” enhanced “Flash Knuckle” can lead to even more devastating damage and more combo options.
—Use “Hard Shot” and flex on your opponents…
—and unleash a more powerful “Flash Knuckle!”
V-Skill II, “Suppressor,” has Luke take a back step before executing a close-range body blow. With proper timing, this move can excel against throws and command grabs. Utilize it to keep pressure on your opponents or when you notice them throwing a lot.
—Counter throws and command grabs with “Suppressor.”
When it comes to V-Triggers, Luke’s are quite special. Both V-Triggers cause his V-Gauge to become a timer that continuously fills in a neutral state. Additionally, in a first for Street Fighter V V-Triggers, Luke can gain V-Timer by doing damage. Conversely, he loses V-Timer when taking damage or using his V-Trigger-specific moves. This also forces opponents to approach and prevent Luke from maintaining a filled V-Timer. V-Trigger I, “Fully Armed,” gives Luke access to two new moves, which we revealed during the Street Fighter V Summer Update 2021. Pressing HP+HK after activation throws out three long range projectiles similar to “Sand Blaster” called “Rock Smasher.”
—“Rock Smasher” lets Luke throw out 3 long range projectiles.
If you press HP+HK after an EX “Sand Blaster” while “Fully Armed” is active, the screen will slow down and Luke will throw out a flurry of impactful projectiles in quick succession called “Thermobaric Thrash.” This move adds tons of damage, but is also resource heavy. So make sure you have EX-meter for that EX “Sand Blaster!”
—“Thermobaric Thrash” dishes out heavy damage but can only be used after EX “Sand Blaster.”
Luke’s V-Trigger II, “Vanguard,” lets him cancel Flash Knuckle” into another of a different strength. This opens up previously unavailable combo paths, allowing Luke to double up on “Flash Knuckles” in his combos. This V-Trigger synergizes well with V-Skill I, “Hard Shot,” allowing Luke to chain together powered up “Flash Knuckles!”
—“Vanguard” can string together “Flash Knuckles” for more damage and extended combos!
Luke is fully armed and ready to enter the ring on November 29th with additional costumes. Get yourself ready by picking up the Season 5 Character or Premium Pass!
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition is available now for PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam.
Watch the full Luke showcase video below. View a new set of screenshots at the gallery.
