Street Fighter 6: Classic vs Modern Controls

Want to know how Street Fighter 6 classic and modern controls work? Much like its predecessors, the next Street Fighter game brings multiple control setups to the table, catering to all levels of experience. You can read our Street Fighter 6 review to see how the game fared, but which control scheme is the right one for you?

Classic Controls

Street Fighter 6 has two options: Classic and Modern. With Capcom seemingly placing an emphasis on bringing new players into the series, Modern controls could serve as a great starting point. However, if players have been playing Street Fighter since day one, they will likely be more familiar and comfortable with Classic controls. Each type of control has its strengths and weaknesses, so which controls should players pick? And what advantages do each set offer?

With Classic and Modern controls, there are advantages to both setups, making the choice down to personal preference. That being said, Modern controls feel a bit more geared towards newer players, with instant special moves greatly aiding certain characters with long input requirements.

Classic controls offer a wider range of moves and more options. They come into play once players learn a character's fundamentals, so they may initially feel a bit overwhelming, with players needing to memorize every command first. However, once players do master the commands, they have a wider range of tools at their disposal. There are also more ways to break combos, enabling more depth depending on the player's proficiency.

Newcomers to the series may find that Modern controls benefit them in a more practical sense. Some characters just need specific moves, like Zangief's Flying Power Screw or Chun-Li's Kikosho, which are inputs that span multiple buttons and multiple directions, making it quite the commitment already. By removing the need to input commands, players not only cut out that commitment, but also certain characters may be more effective simply due to the need for those specific moves. Just note that while newer players may have an advantage in the initial learning process, Classic controls provide a wider range of tools once the player masters a character's fundamentals.

Ultimately, players can try both out, as there are certain characters who may benefit more from each setup. For example, Lily has her super combo, Target Combo II, and Target Combo III for certain attacks, whereas Zangief has his Spinning Clothesline and Flying Power Screw. Some characters just need those complex moves, so if players think they may fall into that category, they may want to try out the controls for their character in the roster screen to see which they prefer. Check out our entire list of Street Fighter 6 unlockable characters as you try out both setups.

So that is Street Fighter 6 Classic vs Modern controls in a nutshell. While there are benefits to both setups, it's ultimately up to players to decide. Classic controls will be the preferred option for those seeking to dip their toe into the competitive scene, while newer players can still find enjoyment with Modern controls and may even gain an advantage in the early days before facing off against veterans.