Capcom has released the final update of the year for Street Fighter 6, introducing sweeping changes to the game’s combat system. The update is already available on all platforms and reworks core mechanics like parrying, control schemes, and character balance.

Changes to Perfect Parry

Perfect Parry now requires precise block direction to trigger the screen freeze effect. For low attacks, players must hold down-back; for high or overhead attacks — back. This reduces accidental parries and increases their value as a skill-based tool.

These changes were made in response to situations where parries triggered accidentally — for example, during Drive Rush or when performing delayed strings. Parrying projectiles remains unchanged to preserve balance for zoning characters.

Throw Techs Are Now More Rewarding

Previously, throw teching was a high-risk, low-reward option. Now, successfully teching a throw grants players additional Drive Gauge and Super Art meter. This makes throw escapes a legitimate tool for close-range defense.

Wake-Up Attacks Are More Flexible

The hitbox during the initial frames of wake-up attacks has been reduced. However, recovery is now allowed after a normal hit or counter-hit. This gives each character more strategic options when rising from knockdown. At the same time, fast side-switching — except during punish counter situations — has been removed.

Improvements to Modern Controls

Two key changes have been made for players using the Modern Control scheme:

• While jumping, pressing the Assist button now activates different attack types. Without Assist, players get air-to-air moves; with Assist, they get anti-ground air attacks.
• A new Assist Combo has been added, starting with ↓+Auto+Light Attack. This allows for grounded mixups and pressure, similar to classic control schemes.

Other Technical Changes

Capcom also addressed several bugs and inconsistencies, including:

• Asymmetrical behavior when jumping in the corner
• Incorrect throw direction detection
• Buffered inputs being randomly dropped during parries
• Drive Gauge regeneration now begins on frame 11 after moving forward

Hit and Throw Balance Adjustments

The behavior of crouching heavy attacks has been adjusted — reducing the hitbox in early frames and syncing the recovery animation between normal hits and counter-hits. Timing issues with normal and command throws have also been fixed.

The June update to Street Fighter 6 reduces randomness, deepens both offense and defense, and enhances the utility of the Modern Control scheme. Parrying now demands precision, while throw techs and wake-up attacks become true tools for strategic play.