Setsuka

Soul Calibur IV Guide - Setsuka

Setsuka

Age: 24
Birthplace: Unknown (Raised in Japan)
Height: 5'6”
Weight: 115 lbs.
Birth Date: Unknown
Blood Type: A
Weapon: Lai Sword hidden in an umbrella
Weapon Name: Ugetsu Kageuchi
Discipline: Shinden Tsushima-ryu Battoujyutsu
Family: No family. Master who raised her/Deceased

Unlocked: Purchase for 4000 Gold on the fighter select screen.

Heishiro Mitsurugi, the unbested warrior and valued mercenary, is the target of Setsuka's quest for vengeance. When others hear of her quest, they advise against it, stating that none could ever match the strength and skill of Mitsurugi. Setsuka must surpass her master's skill to best his killer, and therefore trains endlessly. Due to the ronin's widespread reputation, Setsuka easily picks up the trail of her master's killer, and is ready to follow him to Ostrheinsburg if she must.

Setsuka is a decidedly difficult character to use and not recommended for the beginner. Her lack of options at long-range make her a strictly close-ranged fighter, where her speed and combos can make up for what she lacks. Many of her most powerful moves require precise timing (Just Frame) to pull off, so Setsuka is substantially less effective when used online without a flawless connection. Furthermore, her difficult combos will require a lot of time to master, making her a character best used by experienced players looking for a challenge.

Combo Clip

The video below shows the following combinations. The directional notation system is used to describe each move.

Combo 1: 1B, B (Just)~66B, A
Combo 2: CH 22_88A~B K, B (Just)
Combo 3: CH 4A, 3B, 44B K
Mirror Blade: A B (Final Stage)

Strategy

Please read through 'The Basics' and 'Fighting Terms' for an explanation of the 'directional notation' and the fighting terms used to explain strategy.

At long or mid ranges, focus on moving into close-range while avoiding your foe's attacks.  Make heavy use of 8-Way Run to avoid your enemy's initial strikes and punish missed attacks with Blind Heaven (66B K) or use the opportunity to move into close-range with Ring of Heaven (A K, A). Rising Crescent (hold 3_1, B) launches on a normal hit—allowing for a combo with Winter Funeral (bA)—but stuns on a counter-hit; if it connects on a counter-hit, follow with a guaranteed 236aB. Setuska's Unblockable move Blazing Moon (44A B) merits mention, as it offers surprising range and can catch those unfamiliar with the fighting style off-guard.

While running aB is a mid to high hitting attack that can be used to trick opponents who are expecting a grab. The second strike comes out quick, so players unfamiliar with Setsuka not know to block the second part. Take advantage of knockbacks to close the gap between you and your foe.

Setsuka's speedy attacks and maneuvers make her an exceptionally effective character when used at close-range. Dawn Haze (236) quickly puts Setsuka into a crouching animation where she can then immediately use one of her Crouching or While Rising attacks. Cresent Blade (while rising B) and Rising Moon (while crouching 3A B) are both mid-hitting strikes that stun on a normal or counter-hit, and can both be speedily executed when preceded by Dawn Haze. Use her Twilight Haze stance (236) to quickly pull off any of her double forward moves such as Sakura Twister (66B, A) or Shade Roundhouse (66K), which can Repel incoming attacks.

Setsuka Stomp (4K) is a relatively quick high-hitting kick that stuns on a normal or counter-hit; if it connects, follow with Rising Crescent (33_11B) into Winter Funeral (bA) to deal some decent damage. Mirror Blade (A B) is an interesting move; it can repel mid-hitting attacks and its automatic follow up move becomes progressively more effective each time it is used successfully. Use Mirror Blade enough and you will be able to pull off a brutal 3-hit combo with each Repel.

Half Moon Shadow (2A B) is a low attack that stuns on a normal or counter-hit. This move puts Setsuka into a crouching animation, so follow with Crescent Blade (while rising B) for a guaranteed hit. Backspin Snow Sweeper (11_77K) is a low-hitting kick that ducks under high attacks and some horizontals. Though Setsuka lacks effective low moves, take full advantage of her speed and quick strings to overpower your opponent.