Manon is a Power-Type mid-range fighter with a Judo-inspired moveset. She’s one of theseven new charactersadded toStreet Fighter 6’s roaster, bringing the total number of mid-rangers to 12. But what makes Manon stand out is her Medal Level system, which gives her a permanent buff after each special throw.
While this system enhances her gameplay and adds surprise to her combos, it may confuse noviceStreet Fighter 6players trying to master Manon. This guide, therefore, provides players with a comprehensive move list, effective combos, and insights into her fighting style to help them understand the nuances of Manon’s archetype.
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Manon’s Medal Levels, Explained
The Medal Level isan ongoing grapple buff. Whenever Manon successfully executes a Command Grab that brings down her opponent, she earns one Medal point. With a maximum of five points, her Medal ability increases her grapple damage to an impressive 2960 per throw, surpassing even powerful grapplers like Zangief.
Medal Levels don’t reset between the rounds and last until the end of the match. However, it’s worth noting that only specific throws, which require distinct inputs, contribute to the buff. OnlyRenversé and Manège Doréwill earn players Medal points.
Manon Strategies
As a judoka, Manon must break through the enemy’s guard to grapple. She employs a range of checking moves with her lights and mediums to poke, lure, and position herself for a throw. However, her reliance on close-range combat puts her at risk of taking punishment.
Another key strategy for Manon is buffing her throws. She will need to level up her Medal, the icon shown under her Vitality Bar, to amplify her grapples.
Prioritize Command Grabs in the First Round
Manon needs Command Grabs to max out her Medal. One way to achieve this is by using herSpecial Move, Manège Doré, to secure at leastfive knockdowns in the first round. Doing so ensures that the Medal effect carries over to the second round, increasing her grapple damage by up to 30%.
A Command Grab is a grappling move executed via a special input, not the one performed with the Throw button.
Mix Highs and Lows When Checking
Two primary principles of Judo, Kata and Randori, must be employed in Manon’s playstyle and strategy. Kata refers to her non-Special, light, medium, and heavy combos; meanwhile, Randori corresponds to her spontaneous and unpredictable combos. To balance Kata and Randori while playing Manon, mix up high kicks and punches with low counterparts. Keep the opponent guessing and do feints whenever possible.
Manon’s Down Special is a fake spin that players can use as their main feint.
Keep the Fight Mid-Range
Thanks to her long legs, Manon has a fair reach in the mid-range. She can create the illusion of safe distance for the opponent, and lunge when they don’t expect it. That is why she must frequently check the opponent to keep them in the desired space.
Manon’s Move List
With only 16 Uncommon Moves, Manon has one of the least extensive movesets inStreet Fighter 6. She has six Unique Attacks, five Special Moves,three Special Arts, and two Throws. Her permanent Medal Level buff compensates for her narrow move list.
Palm heel
Reverse sweep
Punch-kick combo
Two-hitter high-kick
Two-hitter body jab
Spinning wheel kick
Thrusting kick
Spinning back-kick
Sliding kick
Spinning kick combo
Ballet dance combo
Leg trip
Outside leg trip
Throw
Best Combos for Manon
The ideal order for Manon’s combos ischeck, break, throw. Checking involves using her lights and mediums to identify an opening, breaking entails starting a combo with a knockback kick. Throwing is when she utilizes a grappling technique to finish off the opponent.
Classic Controls
Modern Controls
Heavy Kick, Heavy Punch + Back Heavy Punch + QCF Neutral Punch
DI + Back Heavy + Down Special
While Manon is better off holding onto her Drive Gauge, she needs it to get Throws, especially against defensive opponents. With this beginner combo, she performs aDrive Impact that breaks blocks, then sends the enemy flying with a heavy punch and knocks them down for a Medal point.
Medium Punch + Double-Tap Forward + Back Heavy Punch + QCF Neutral Punch + Double QCF Neutral Punch
Medium + Double-Tap Forward + Back Heavy + Down Special + Down Special Heavy
This intermediate combo has the perfect order: it starts with a check move, then breaks armors, and concludes with a sequence of grapple techniques. The only downside is thatits first half is punishable, requiring careful leg and punch checks in advance.
Medium Punch + QCB Neutral Kick + Medium Punch + QCF Neutral Kick
Medium Punch + Overdrive Back Special + Medium + Forward Special
The Dégagé into Rond-Point is a long-range combination mostly for gaining back ring generalship. It has a powerful pushback effect that can easily corner the opponent, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up combos or finisher Special Arts. The only catch is that it requires precise timing and is challenging to master.
Tips for Winning with Manon
Because Manon’s move list is inspired by Judo, she mustfight with the Seiryoku Zenyo principle in mind. This principle seeks to maximize efficiency by balancing energy consumption. For Manon, this corresponds to being mindful of her Drive Gauge and Medal Level while fighting.
Here are some other advanced tips:
How to Counter Manon
Considering Manon’s mid-range reach and Power-Type archetype,tricky long-range fighters like JP and Dhalsimare the best counters. They can keep Manon at bay, interrupt her combos with projectiles, and finish her off with little to no physical combat.
Experienced players will also be able to counter Manon with close-range speed archetypes like Juri’s. But that counterstrategy requires a quick reaction time and excellent reading or anticipation.
Street Fighter 6is available now on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
