If you’re picking up Sol Badguy in Guilty Gear Strive, you’re probably here because you want to land combos that feel good and actually work in real matches. His basic combo isn’t just a flashy sequence it’s the foundation for controlling space, building meter, and punishing mistakes. Start here before worrying about advanced setups or corner carries.

What’s Sol’s starter combo and why does it matter?

Sol’s most common basic combo starts with 5P (standing light punch), followed by 5K (standing kick), then 6P (overhead slash), and ends with Bandit Bringer (his special move). That’s: 5P > 5K > 6P > 236S. It works midscreen, doesn’t require tension, and teaches timing, spacing, and confirming hits all essentials for new players.

You’ll use this combo after blocking an opponent’s unsafe move, landing a counter hit, or catching someone waking up too slow. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s reliable. Once you can do this consistently, you’ve got a tool that wins rounds without needing perfect execution.

How do I actually perform it step by step?

Start standing close enough that your 5P connects if you’re too far, the rest won’t link. After 5P, press 5K immediately. Don’t wait. Then tap forward and press P for 6P. The motion is simple: just push the stick forward as you press punch. Finish with quarter-circle forward + S (236S) for Bandit Bringer.

A common mistake? Rushing the inputs. If you mash, you’ll drop the combo. Practice slowly at first. Use training mode and turn on input display to see where you’re messing up. You don’t need speed you need rhythm.

Why does my combo keep dropping?

Most drops happen between 5K and 6P. You might be pressing 6P too early or too late. Try delaying 6P slightly there’s a small window where it still links. Also, make sure you’re not jumping or crouching accidentally. Stay grounded.

Another issue: using 236S too soon after 6P. Let the slash animation finish its hit before starting the special move. If you’re still struggling, check out the breakdown on Sol’s basic combo structure it shows frame data and spacing visuals.

What should I practice next?

Once the basic combo feels natural, try replacing Bandit Bringer with Volcanic Viper (214S) for more damage or better positioning. Or add a dash after 5K and use c.S (crouching heavy) before 6P for extra hitstun. These tweaks are covered in fundamental strategies for Sol.

Don’t skip practicing against moving opponents. Bots that block randomly or jump unpredictably will expose timing gaps you didn’t know you had. Real improvement comes from adapting, not repeating.

Any tips for making it stick under pressure?

Muscle memory beats panic. Drill the combo until your fingers do it without thinking. That way, even if you’re nervous in a ranked match, your hands remember what to do. Also, learn when NOT to go for the full combo sometimes ending early to block or reset pressure is smarter.

New players often force combos in bad situations. If you’re not sure the 5P will connect, don’t start it. Wait for a safer opening. For mindset and beginner-friendly adjustments, the guide on combos for new Sol users walks through common mental blocks.

Where can I find visual references?

YouTube has tons of combo videos, but look for ones labeled “beginner” or “confirm tutorial.” Avoid flashy montages they won’t help you build fundamentals. For font styles used in some combo notation guides, check out Roboto Mono it’s clean and easy to read for frame data sheets.

  • Practice the combo slowly until every hit connects
  • Use training mode input display to spot timing errors
  • Try replacing Bandit Bringer with Volcanic Viper for variation
  • Only start the combo when you’re confident the first hit will land
  • Move on to dash cancels or Roman Cancels once the basic version feels automatic