SoulCalibur V Character Tips: Ivy

SoulCalibur V is the latest release in the popular fighting series.  It came out in early 2012.  The game can be bit difficult for newcomers since it is a 3D fighting game.  This means that along with moving forward and backward, you can move side to side, strafing your opponent, which allows for a lot of new strategies and things to consider.  For instance, vertical attacks can now be dodged by strafing.  This strafing is called the 8 way run.

So you want to play SoulCalibur V.  However, you don’t know how.  All you know how to do is mash buttons, which never ends up working out well against anyone who has even a basic knowledge of a character.  The following is going to teach you how to effectively play with Ivy, an extremely powerful fighter who can perform well at any range.

(Note:  The control schemes are going to assume that you are playing on the Xbox 360.  If you are playing on something else you will need to simply adjust the “X”, “Y”, “B”, or “A” button to match the controller you’re using.)

(Note: To denote directional stick movement, I’m going to use arrows, except for diagonal inputs, which I will use a slash for. /=down and back, \=down and forward.  Two arrows will mean to tap it twice or hold it (as in, running attacks). ? is away from the opponent, and ? is towards the opponent.)

Ivy is a difficult character to use, though that learning curve has been severely lowered in this latest edition of the game.  Ivy’s main strength is that she can attack at any range and has a lot of versatility.

At close range, Ivy’s grabs are a good option.  Using her brave edge grab does good damage quickly, as well as leaving them at Ivy’s feet for a follow up attack with /X , /X+Y , or B? if they don’t get up quick enough.  Ivy has the strongest grab in the game with her command throws but they have an incredibly difficult button sequence, which makes them tough to be able to use at all, much less master.  Another good move is ?X+Y.  This fire move should be used against short range characters as Ivy takes a step back when using it, allowing her to dodge enemy attacks.  The move does decent damage, can’t be blocked, ducked, or strafed, making it hard to stop.  ?? or ?? Y(hold it) Y,Y,Y is a good move as well, as it’s safe on block and most of the time the enemy will attack after that first hit, only to be hit for some damage on the three hits afterward.  This move leaves the enemy at Ivy’s feet, allowing for follow up attacks.  This move is also very effective as a strafing technique.  /X+Y is a bit slow, but it hits low, does good damage and stuns the enemy, guaranteeing a hit with B? or another low hitting attack.  B+Y is a powerful move that sets the opponent up for ?Y?.  This move is pretty tough to use but once you get the hang of it does good damage. However, be careful when using this move.  It is safe on block but Ivy is very vulnerable if strafed.

At mid range, //X (hold it) is a good move.  It hits low with incredible range for a bit of damage and allows for follow up attacks while the enemy is on the ground.  Ivy has a lot of moves that extend her sword over a long range, you should experiment with these, find the ones you like and use them.  One good move is ??Y,Y,Y.  If this move hits, it will do quite a bit of damage and set the enemy up for ?Y?.  This move is vulnerable to strafing.

At long range Ivy has plenty of options, though some of them are more useful for simply making the opponent want to get closer.  Ivy’s fire move ?/?X+Y is very powerful and has massive range.  It’s also pretty fast.  Ivy spins along the ground before jumping up and throwing her whip out.  This move can be ducked, but while using it, Ivy ducks high moves.  It’s damage output is incredible and this move cannot be strafed.  Use it to get closer to the opponent if you wish to, or just if you’re at long range.  It has enough range to where, even if you miss you should be safe.

When using Ivy, use a lot of X moves.  She has a lot of long range, mid attacks that block strafe, do decent damage, and usually put the opponent in a disadvantageous position.  The two fire moves I mentioned are very good moves, and should be used often if you see an opening.  Her critical edge is a very powerful grab, which should be used if the opponent is guarding a lot.  Keep the opponent guessing which range you’re going to attack from.  Attack as much as you can and use her low moves as often as possible, as they will set you up with good opportunities.  For example, ?X+Y is a good attack to use when the enemy is standing back up after being knocked down.

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