Use the corresponding starter(s) from the 'Starters' section of this page.
>
Cancel the previous move into the following move. If preceded by a move in brackets, must cancel the start of the preceding move (AKA a 'Kara Cancel').
,
Link the previous move into the following move.
(X)
A move in brackets must whiff (not hit). Can also mean the move must be Kara Canceled.
~
Cancel the previous special into the following special.
cl.
Close to opponent.
f.
Far from opponent.
j.
Jumping move.
AA
Anti-air. Hit the opponent while they're mid-air.
[X]
Hold input briefly.
X/Y
Do either X move or Y move in a combo (Both final damage & stun values will be shown).
X * N {X} * N
Repeat 'X' input 'N' amount of times. Multiple inputs will be bundled into "{}".
Starters
Keep in mind: The combos in the "Combos" section have been tested using the first starter in each category (the combos in Bold).
The other starters in each table should also work in each case, but may not.
Light Starters
Combo
Damage
Notes
2B > 2A > 2B
51
Standard low light confirm. By inputting the normals as 1B or 1A, you get to keep charge while also avoiding accidentally canceling into 214B if you want to cancel into 4B.
cl.B > 4B, 2A
99
Ash's strongest confirm from a light low. Doesn't work from the max range of cl.B.
2B > 2B
29
Despite the lower damage of 2B normals universally, it can still be worthwhile to mash this in scrambles due to the short range of 2A.
Heavy Starters
Combo
Damage
Notes
2C
70
Standard heavy starter. Reliable even at range and can work from jump-ins.
cl.C/far C
70
cl.C is faster but less reliable due to proximity. Far C functionally is the same but is slower so doesn't always work after jump ins or in some punishes.
cl.D
80
Hits low, but doesn't allow Ash to keep charge due to overlap with 4D.
cl.A > cl.C
91
Light link into cl.C. Optimal. Barely gives enough time for Ash to get a full 4 charge.
Other Starters
Combo
Damage
Notes
CD
75
CD > [4]6A, 2C
186
Only works one backdash away from the corner. Used after stun for optimal damage.
(Note: 'Other Starters' won't be referenced in the 'Combos' section.)
Combos
General Notes
236236B/D can be Advanced/Climax Cancelled early, but make sure to cancel after all three kicks to get the most out of the super.
Rush Auto Combo
Combo
Damage
notes
cl.A > A > A > B
135
Rush combo ending in a special move
cl.A > A > A > C
237
Rush combo ending in a super
cl.A > A > A > D
363
Rush combo ending in a Max super
cl.A > A > A > A
455
Rush combo ending in a Climax super
Meterless
Combo
Damage
Stun
Meter Gain
Location
notes
Light Starter > [2]8B
116
140
20%
Anywhere
Meterless light confirm. Can drop if the lights are chained too late or the special cancel is too late. Has good oki after.
Light Starter > [4]6B
102
140
15%
Anywhere
More consistent light confirm. Can still drop if cancelled to late, but range is usually not an issue. Oki is worse than [2]8B ender.
cl.B > 2A > 4B, [2]8B
163
180
30%
Anywhere
Optimal light confirm. The 4b, [2]8B is a link. Notice how only 2 light normals are listed. The combo will drop if any more are used due to pushback.
Heavy Starter > [4]6D, [2]8D
248
270
40%
Anywhere
CD > [4]6A
130
140
15%
Anywhere
Safe CD string that happens to combo.
CD > [4]6C
143
140
15%
Anywhere
Works as well but tends to be less useful on block.
Heavy Starter > [4]6D, 4D, [2]8D
286
310
45%
Corner
Corner combo. You have just enough time to charge after the 4D to get the [2]8D to combo. Press 8D as Ash touches the ground from the 4D. You can also go for a soft knockdown with 2D. This will apply to most of Ash's corner combos.
CD, [4]6D, 4D, [2]8D
266
340
45%
Corner
Uncancelled CD confirm. Notice how the combo is the same as the previous combo. These will not be noted in the future, as the optimal combo after CD will always be the same as the [4]6D starter combo.
CD > [4]6A, [4]6D, 4D, [2]8D
309
380
55%
Near Corner
If [4]6A juggles you can use this combo.
CD > [4]6A, [4]6B
178
220
25%
Near Corner
If the [4]6A hits standing you can get a small conversion.
CD > [4]6A (whiff), [2]8B
140
180
25%
Corner
When CD > [4]6A is done directly in the corner, the [4]6A will whiff and this will be all you can get.
EX
Combo
Damage
Stun
Meter Gain
Location
notes
Light Starter > [4]6BD, [2]8D
232
180
30%
Anywhere
Very consistent combo.
Heavy Starter > 214AC, [4]6D, [2]8D
303
270
40%
Anywhere
Punish route that doesn't require charge beforehand.
Light Starter > [4]6BD, 4D, [2]8D
264
220
30%
Corner
Heavy Starter > 214AC, [4]6A, [4]6D, 4D, [2]8D
385
350
55%
Corner
Meter positive combo. Also can work off of stray 214BDs. [4]6A doesn't work at certain spacings, omit if necessary.
Heavy Starter > [4]6D, 4D, 4D, [4]6BD, [4]6C, 4D, [2]8D
481
470
70%
Corner
Strong and meter positive.
1 Bar
Combo
Damage
Stun
Meter Gain
Location
notes
Light Starter > [4]6BD, [2]8BD
269
60
10%
Anywhere
The lack of stun or meter build makes this a non-ideal combo. This is still stronger than a super cancel, but save your meter.
Heavy Starter > [4]6D, [2]8D > 236236P, [4]6D, [2]8D
449
400
65%
Non-Corner
This combo doesn't work in the corner, you'll have to fit a 4D before the [2]8D. A shortcut for the [2]8D > 236236P cancel is to input the [2]8D as [2]368D, then input 236C for the super.
j.D, cl.C > [4]6D, [2]8D > 236236P, [4]6D, [2]8D
493
470
30%
Non-Corner
Must fit 4D before the first [2]8D to work in corner.
Heavy Starter > 214AC, [4]6D, (delay) [4]6BD, (delay) [2]8D
389
270
40%
Anywhere
Delay the [4]6BD to when the opponent is just about to reach the ground.
236CD, [4]6D, [2]8D
262
200
80%
Anywhere
Shatter Strike combo. Usually you will just combo into [4]6D and do the appropriate combo, even as an anti air SS. Delay the [2]8D to get all the hits if this hits as an anti-air.
4B > [2]8B starter. This is where the value of learning the 4B, [2]8B link comes; it allows for stronger corner combos. You can also do this by regularly cancelling into [2]8B from your light normals.
Light Starter > [4]6BD, 4D, 4D, [4]6BD, [2]8B
292
220
30%
Corner
Weak combo in case you go into [4]6BD. Ending with a cl.D is technically stronger, but ending with [2]8B builds more meter which would likely be more useful.
Basic Sans combo. You can cancel the 46D into whiffed 4/6D to make the combo a little easier, but that's up to preference. Often weaker but has more corner carry than the combo below.
Alternate midscreen Sans combo. Can sometimes do more or less damage, usually more, than the previous combo due to scaling. The 46B has to be delayed. You may need to repeat the initial 28D loop in order for the combo to work properly. In fact, if you'd like you can just do the 28D sequence looped 4 times if you prefer for slightly less damage. This can transition better to corner combos but overall will require more execution.
Simple corner combo. You may need to delay the initial 28D to hit low enough for the combo to work. Sometimes this combo will start with 46B instead, depending on the starter before the initial Sans-Culotte. This will be the most commonly used corner Sans combo, but the other two combos have their uses in stun and meter build.
Universal corner combo. The [4]6C loops near the end have a tendency to drop if your cancels during the loop were delayed or if you accidentally walk forward or back while using the [4]6Cs. However these loops are often critical to Ash's stun combos, both due to the stun build and the meter gain. You can run after the last [4]6C to fit a 4D in before the [2]8D. This will add 10 dmg and 40 stun.
Universal corner-carry combo. Though the stun can be higher, the damage is good, and it works from just past round start distance, enabling Ash's corner-to-corner ToDs.
Optimal corner combo. Unlike the previous combo, this combo can transition more easily from a midscreen combo. However, this combo is very tight, and thus doesn't work on a variety of charactersShun'ei, Heidern, Dolores, Kyo, Iori, Ash, Kukri, Krohnen, Yashiro, Shermie, K', Maxima, Antonov, KoD, Terry, Robert, Vanessa, Luong, Rock, Gato, Geese, Yamazaki, Rugal. If you committed to this combo on one of those characters, after the 46C, do [4]6D, 4D, [2]8D (429 dmg/300 stun).
Remember you can add a run up 4D before the [2]8D ender for a 10 more damage. You could also use this28D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D, (46D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2, 46D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4B, [4]6C, 4D, [2]8D loop instead for 474 damage, but less stun and meter gain.
1000/1250 Max Guage combo. cl.C can be used if spacing is an issue, since it has a larger activation range than cl.D. Ash gets a lot out of Quick Max combos since his sobat command normals cannot be special cancelled.
You can input the [2]8D by buffering 2A~2B during the recovery of the [4]6BD, then press 8D~C~D. If you have a CD macro, you can do 2A~2B~CD macro x2. If you find it easier, 6D can be used instead of [2]8D. If you use this(6D > 46D)*5 loop instead, you'll do 490 damage and 310 stun.
You can input 2A during the recovery of 6D, then input 8B~C~D to get the Sans-Culotte cancel. You'll notice the Sans-Culotte loop starts differently here, with a 46B instead of a 28D. This is possible with the height from 6D, [2]8B. However this doesn't work on a fewYuri, Meitenkun, Chris characters. If you find 6D > [2]8B too difficult, just use a [2]8D and go into Sans or just omit the [2]8B and cancel the 6D into Sans.
Massive corner carry. Can easily transition to corner combo enders. Repeating the 28D loop makes the combo more consistent after an Advanced Cancel. The later you Advanced Cancel into A~B~C~D, the more consistent the standard midscreen loop is.
Guaranteed corner carry if you go for 3 loops of the 46B loop. If you are even just a few steps out of the opposite corner, you'll end up in the corner by going for the easier(28D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2, (46B > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2 loop.
With many of Ash's extended combos, you will gain enough meter to turn the combo into one of higher meter cost even if you started with exactly the right amount of meter. Ash has a lot of flexibility this way.
1500 Max Gauge combo. Technically stronger than the 1250 gauge combo, but since this uses up your [4]6BD juggle with less reward than it would in the corner, and this carries to corner so far, it might be worth using the 1250 combo instead.
Guaranteed corner carry. If you do the easier(28D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2, (46B > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2 loop you won't reach the corner if your back is completely to the corner, but you usually will so the combo will play out the same.
Guaranteed corner carry. If you're close enough to the corner you can do this(28D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2, (46B > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2 loop instead for 725/782 dmg, assuming you transition to the appropriate ender.
Guaranteed corner carry. If you end up completely in the corner by the time your loop is over, you'll have to add a 4D before the [2]8D. Use Loop(28D > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D)*2, 46B > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4D, 46B > 4/6D > 46D > (whiff) 4B loop if you're closer to the corner, add a [4]6C, 4D, then end the combo same as before for 713 damage.
Stun combo. The run up 4D is required in order to get a stun from full stun, but realistically you won't need that. If you're lazy you can use the meter you built in a [4]6BD to extend the combo and get the extra stun.
Full screen stun combo that easily leads to a kill.
Combo Theory
Ash's combo game has an incredible amount of flexibility. Not all of his possible combos are listed above; not even close, so this section will be geared in helping you build your own. This will primarily discuss corner combo options as that is where Ash's combos vary the most.
Combos generally start with some sort of launcher that he can connect into further juggles. These launchers include:
[4]6D (From heavy normals, CD, and Shatter Strike, requires charge)
214AC (From heavy normals, requires 0.5 meter, no charge)
Once the opponent has been launched, you want to prioritize connecting two moves: [4]6C and [4]6D. These are Ash's most damaging specials and allow him to continue the combo. Think of burning meter as Ash almost as a way to get as many of these moves as possible. You also have his sobat normals, 4D and 6D, as filler to increase your damage. Let's examine each of his moves to see what we can get.
[4]6D
Once this connects, whether on the ground at the start of a combo, or in the air during a combo, Ash can always link a 4D, [2]8D, with the perfect range to get the cancellable portion of the move to connect, as well as connect all three hits of the flash kick if you decide to end your combo there. 4D, 6D, [2]8B is also possible here, but not only is that juggle generally harder, it actually ends up doing the same damage as 4D, [2]8D.
214AC
This is the only launcher that cannot be used mid combo; it only works on the ground. Because of that, think of starting combos with this as free, as you don't need to save it for later on in the combo.
[4]6BD
This launcher can only be used once per combo. It is also one of Ash's most reliable combo options from lights. This means if you start a light combo with this, you must remember you cannot use it again in the combo. If you do, you get a very limited juggle state that can only juggle into [2]8B. To use it in a juggle combo, connect two 4Ds, then go into [4]6BD. If you land this as a juggle, Ash can always connect a [4]6C after.
236236A/C
You can start combos with this by cancelling it from [4]6B or [2]8B/D (slightly away from corner). Only after [2]8B/D can you get a [4]6D after, otherwise you must go straight into sobat normals. Using this mid combo is finicky, as it requires precise spacing for the opponent to fall into the projectile late so Ash can recover in time to land a [4]6D. Thankfully a 4D, [2]8D or 4D, 6D, [2]8B sets up this spacing perfectly. This super adds more damage to your combo the earlier you use it, so prioritize it early in your combos. The AC version launches higher, allowing Ash to get a [4]6D, [4]6C after when used in juggles.
Quick Max
4D and 6D cause juggle states on air hit and are command normals, meaning they can be Quick Max cancelled. Since Quick Max cancelling adds a fair amount of scaling, being able to use them after your big hits, such as 236236P, allows for high damage combos. After juggling a sobat and then Quick Max Cancelling, input [4]6D immediately, and then continue the combo as you would (likely into 236236B/D > Sans-Culotte).
Damage Scaling
As stated above, using 236236P as early as possible has it contribute the most damage to your combo. On the other hand, Sans-Culotte loops deal so many hits that they contribute more damage overall the later in your combo they are fit in. Similarly, Quick Max cancelling contributes a fair amount of damage scaling, so using that as late as possible will also help your damage. With that in mind, this is your priority in how early you want to fit your extenders:
236236P
[4]6BD
Quick Max
Sans-Culotte
[4]6C Theory
It is possible to space Ash in a way that causes the projectile of [4]6C to hit later than normal. This gives Ash more time to combo, so much so that he can loop up to three [4]6Cs in one launch. Generally, this spacing is acquired from specific Sans-Culotte combos. It is also possible to walk slightly forward before [4]6C by holding the 6 input and delaying the C input slightly. Finally, you can also whiff cancel 2D to get slight forward movement. [4]6C generates a high amount of stun and thus, you will frequently see these kinds of combos in advanced stun combos. The timing tends to be very tight however. Pressing C too late can cause Ash to walk forward, messing with the spacing. They're difficult, but can be worth exploring if you're looking to get even more out of your confirms.
