Ryu
The player's primary martial artist and the central fighter in the single-player game.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Joystick | Move, crouch, or jump The joystick direction determines movement and jumping. |
|---|---|
Punch | Perform a punch Punch strength depends on the cabinet's input hardware or button. |
Kick | Perform a kick Kick strength depends on the cabinet's input hardware or button. |
Combos and sequences
Quarter-circle forwardPunch | Hadoken Ryu and Ken perform the fireball special move when the motion is registered correctly. |
|---|---|
ForwardDownDown-forwardPunch | Shoryuken Ryu and Ken perform the rising uppercut special move. |
Quarter-circle forwardKick | Tatsumaki Senpukyaku Ryu and Ken perform the spinning kick special move. |
Control notes
Arcade revisions used different physical control systems, including pressure-sensitive buttons and later conventional buttons.
Button strength and special-move responsiveness can differ between cabinets.
How it plays
How does Street Fighter play?
The game uses a side-view arena with two fighters facing each other. The objective is to defeat an opponent in a best-of-three match by reducing their life bar before time expires.
Players move, jump, block, and attack with punches and kicks of different strengths. Ryu progresses through a world tour of national opponents, then faces the final bosses. A two-player mode allows another player to challenge the current fighter.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Street Fighter?
Learn the reach and recovery of each normal attack before relying on special moves. Blocking and jumping attacks are safer than repeatedly approaching with low attacks.
Use Hadoken to control distance, then punish a missed attack with a forward jump or Shoryuken. Against Sagat, stay mobile and avoid trading directly with his long-reaching strikes. In two-player matches, observe the opponent's habits and vary attack timing.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Ken
Ryu's rival and the second playable fighter in two-player competition.
Sagat
The final boss and Muay Thai champion.
Adon
A Muay Thai fighter who serves as an early major opponent.
Gen
A Chinese martial artist and assassin.
Birdie
A large British brawler who fights with a chain.
Eagle
A British bodyguard who uses a pair of escrima sticks.
Joe
An American kickboxer.
Lee
A Chinese kung-fu fighter.
Mike
An American boxer.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Special moves require precise directional inputs followed by an attack button.
- 2
The original arcade controls vary by cabinet design; use the button corresponding to the desired punch or kick strength.
- 3
Do not assume every cabinet has identical button hardware or timing.
Community discussion
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