If you just picked up Sol Badguy in Guilty Gear Strive, you’re probably wondering how to string together attacks without dropping your combo halfway through. That’s normal. Sol isn’t the easiest character to start with, but his combos are forgiving once you learn the rhythm. This isn’t about flashy 10-hit strings it’s about landing reliable damage after a simple hit confirms.

What even is a “basic combo” for Sol?

A basic combo for Sol means starting with one move that connects, then following up with moves that naturally link or cancel into each other. Most beginner combos begin with 5K (a low kick) or c.S (crouching slash), then chain into 5H (heavy attack), and end with a special like Bandit Revolver or Volcanic Viper. You don’t need meter to make these work just timing and practice.

For example, a common starter combo looks like this: 5K > c.S > 5H > Bandit Revolver. It’s short, does solid damage, and teaches you how Sol’s normals flow into specials. If you want to see how each button press connects visually, check out this breakdown of basic techniques that shows frame-by-frame transitions.

Why should I bother learning combos early?

Because blocking is strong in Strive. If you swing randomly and get blocked, you’ll eat a counter hit or get pushed out. Combos let you punish mistakes like when your opponent whiffs a move or gets caught jumping in carelessly. Even a small 3-hit string does way more damage than single pokes.

New players often think they need to memorize long combos right away. Don’t. Start with 3-4 moves max. Focus on making them consistent. Once those feel natural, you can add an extra hit or swap in an Overdrive later.

What mistakes do beginners make with Sol combos?

  • Rushing inputs Sol’s moves have deliberate timing. Mashing buttons breaks the chain.
  • Using 6H too early His standing heavy doesn’t combo from light attacks unless you’re close or using Roman Cancel.
  • Ending combos too soon Even if you land 5K > c.S, always try to add at least one more hit. Damage adds up.
  • Ignoring spacing Some links only work at certain distances. Practice in training mode at different ranges.

How do I practice without feeling overwhelmed?

Go into Training Mode. Set the dummy to “Random Guard: Off.” Start by practicing 5K > c.S over and over until it feels smooth. Then add 5H. Then try ending with Bandit Revolver (S version). Once that’s solid, try replacing Bandit Revolver with Volcanic Viper for more corner carry.

You can also watch how others structure their openers by reviewing this step-by-step walkthrough. It includes slow-motion clips and input notation so you can follow along without guessing.

When should I use which combo starter?

Not every combo starts the same way. Here’s when to use what:

  • 5K Best for starting grounded combos. Hits low, safe on block if spaced right.
  • c.S Your main combo linker. Use after 5K or as a counter hit starter.
  • j.K or j.S Use these to start air combos after a jump-in or anti-air.
  • 2D (sweep) Knocks down, but doesn’t combo unless RC’d. Save it for pressure or punishes.

Sol’s toolkit is built around confirming hits into bigger damage. That’s why understanding which moves chain naturally matters more than memorizing long sequences.

What’s next after I learn the basics?

Once you can consistently land 5K > c.S > 5H > Bandit Revolver, try these small upgrades:

  • Add Faultless Defense cancels to extend pressure after blocked starters.
  • Learn how to Roman Cancel the last hit to reset or go for mix-ups.
  • Practice converting anti-airs into full combos using j.S > j.H > airdash > j.K > land > continue ground string.

And if you want your HUD or combo notation to look clean while practicing, try installing the Sol GGXrd UI Font for better readability during sessions.

Quick checklist before your next match:

  • Can I do 5K > c.S > 5H without dropping it?
  • Do I know which special to end with based on position?
  • Am I practicing in Training Mode for 5 minutes before going online?
  • Am I okay with dropping combos? (You will. Everyone does. Just reset and try again.)