Guilty Gear Strive Controls and Notation
Numpad Notation
Fighting game directions use a numpad layout relative to your character facing right: 6 forward, 4 back, 2 down, 8 up, 1/3/7/9 diagonals, 5 neutral. Special move inputs read like 236P — quarter-circle forward plus Punch. This notation is universal across wiki guides and community resources.
Charge inputs (hold back then forward) and full-circle motions appear on grappler characters. Strive allows negative edge and input leniency on many specials — still practice clean motions in Training Mode with input display enabled.
Attack Buttons
P (Punch), K (Kick), S (Slash), H (Heavy Slash), D (Dust). Gatling rules define which normals chain — typically P→K→S→H on most characters, with command normals and specials breaking patterns. Dust launches standing opponents or sweeps when crouching.
Taunt and Respect have dedicated bindings. Roman Cancel uses three buttons except Dust. Faultless Defense uses two buttons while blocking. Counter Blitz triggers during counter-hit slowdown with Burst gauge available.
Movement and Macros
Dash (double tap 66), backdash (44), high jump (tap 8 during jump), air dash (66 or 44 in air), Instant Air Dash (jump then immediate air dash). Many players bind Dash to a macro for consistency.
Platform defaults differ — check in-game settings for PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC. Steam Deck and fightstick users should map RC and FD accessibly. Use our input notation tool for interactive examples.