How to play Zangief in Street Fighter 6
Looking to learn how to use Zangief in Street Fighter 6? We've got you covered in our breakdown of his backstory, combos, and how you can get a handle on him.
With Street Fighter 6 finally in the hands of excited players around the world, it is important to know whom you are going to be playing as and against if you’re going to get ahead.
A veteran villain of the series, Zangief returns after his brief foray into acting in Wreck-it-Ralph and is as large and in charge as ever. We’re going to be going through everything you need to know to get started playing as Zangief in the game, including his backstory, combos, and the best ways for you to get a handle on him.
How do you play Zangief?
In Street Fighter 6, despite being a slower character, Zangief is incredibly powerful, particularly with his throws. When up close to his opponents, he can deal some serious damage, but closing the gap can be difficult.
Despite this, he has a longer reach than most, so when at a mid-range, even his chip damage is significant.
His signature throw, the Screw Piledriver, is devastating for breaking his opponent’s guard and can be difficult to recover from.
Who is Zangief in Street Fighter 6?
In Street Fighter 6, Zangief is a veteran wrestler dedicated to enhancing the strength of his students, as much as himself. Nicknamed the Red Cyclone, he made his first appearance in Street Fighter 2.
Zangief hails from Russia where, during the Cold War, his goal was to display Russia’s superior fighting abilities compared to other nations.
Despite being more of an antagonistic force, Zangief has gone on to become one of the most recognizable faces in gaming, appearing in several other fighting games like Tekken x Street Fighter and as a Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
At a colossal 7’0, he towers over the majority of characters, including the new series poster boy, Luke.
Zangief's combo moves
A hulking wrestling master in Street Fighter 6, Zangief specializes in throws and can usually break his opponent’s guards, blocks and Drive Parries with ease.
Here, we’ll be breaking down some of the more complicated combos Zangief has to offer, including his Special Moves, Super Arts and Unique Attacks.
For this guide, we’re using the inputs from the classic control scheme.
|
Move Name (Special Moves) |
Combo Input |
|
Double Lariat |
Punch, Punch |
|
Screw Piledriver |
Stick clockwise + Punch (when near) |
|
Borscht Dynamite |
Stick clockwise + Punch (when jumping and near) |
|
Russian Supplex |
Forward, Down/Forward, Down, Down/Back, Back, + Kick (when close) |
|
Siberian Express |
Forward, Down/Forward, Down, Down/Back, Back, + Kick (when far) |
|
Tundra Storm |
Down, Down + Heavy Kick |
|
Move Name (Super Arts) |
Combo Input |
|
Aerial Russian Slam |
Down, Down/Forward, Forward, Down, Down/Forward, Forward + Kick |
|
Cyclone Lariat |
Down, Down/Forward, Forward, Down, Down/Forward, Forward + Kick |
|
Bolshoi Storm Buster |
Stick Clockwise, Stick Clockwise + Punch (when near) |
|
Move Name (Unique Attacks) |
Combo Input |
|
Hellstab |
Down/Forward + Medium Punch |
|
Knee Hammer |
Forward + Medium Kick |
|
Headbutt |
Forward + Heavy Punch |
|
Cyclone Wheel Kick |
Forward + Heavy Kick |
|
Smetana Dropkick |
Down/Forward + Heavy Kick |
|
Flying Body Press |
Down + Heavy Punch (during jump) |
|
Flying Headbutt |
Up + Heavy Punch (during jump) |
|
Machine Gun Chops |
Medium Punch, Medium Punch. Medium Punch |
|
Power Stomps |
Down, Down + Medium Kick, Medium Kick, Medium Kick |
If you’re looking for more character guides, why not check out our guide on how to play as Ken as well? For more on Street Fighter 6, keep checking back with GGRecon!
About The Author
Jack Roberts
Jack is a Guides Writer at GGRecon. With a BA (Hons) & MA in English and Creative Writing, he was also the Gaming Editor for The Indiependent. When not pondering which game has the best cup of coffee (and drinking far too much of it himself), he can often be found playing Dead by Daylight, Street Fighter or making yet another build in Bloodborne.
