How Terry Bogard's Arrival in Street Fighter 6 Could Shift the Meta

Street Fighter 6 recently wrapped up its first DLC season by introducing the formidable Akuma, followed by a swift announcement of what's to come next. Season 2 kicked off with the surprising return of M. Bison, but what truly shook the community was the reveal of two iconic guest characters—Terry Bogard and Mai Shiranui. With Terry's arrival imminent, Street Fighter 6 players should prepare for a significant shift in the game's competitive landscape.

Terry Bogard marks a first for Street Fighter 6's crossover characters, as previous guest fighters typically hailed from universes already under Capcom’s umbrella. Originating from Fatal Fury and a staple in King of Fighters, Terry is a legendary figure in the fighting game world, rivaling the likes of Ryu. Known for his formidable power in his home series, Terry's upcoming guest appearance in Street Fighter 6 is likely to make an even greater impact.

Following the Guest Character Power Trend

There’s a well-known trend in fighting games where DLC characters are designed to be more powerful than the standard roster, and this has already been evident with Street Fighter 6’s Year 2 additions. However, guest characters from other franchises often take this trend to the next level, becoming some of the most powerful fighters in the game.

A prime example of this trend is Akuma's appearance in Tekken 7. Akuma, notorious for being overpowered in Street Fighter history, proved to be a force to be reckoned with in Tekken 7 as well. One key factor that elevated his power was his ability to jump—something the rest of Tekken's cast couldn't do. This allowed Akuma to maintain his traditional playstyle, making him one of the strongest characters in the game.

From recent gameplay reveals, it appears that Street Fighter 6 is adopting a similar approach with Terry Bogard, ensuring he remains true to his roots while potentially dominating the competition.

Staying True to Terry's SNK Origins

Terry Bogard’s moveset in Street Fighter 6 closely mirrors his abilities from his original SNK games. While this might be expected, it already gives him a significant edge by providing a wider range of moves than most other characters. Terry’s explosive damage potential is sure to make him a formidable opponent, but his most powerful tools come from integrating mechanics directly from Fatal Fury.

One standout feature is Terry's Passing Sway target combo, which allows him to dodge an attack by moving into the background of the stage and then counterattack from behind. This move is a direct nod to Fatal Fury's lane system and is likely to frustrate opponents. Additionally, Terry can use the Drive Gauge to enhance his Super Arts, unlocking extra powerful moves without the need for additional meter. This ability to maximize damage while conserving resources makes him a serious threat.

Terry Bogard: A Perfect Fit for Street Fighter 6

Although Terry Bogard won't be officially released until September 26, developers have been upfront about his design. A gameplay reveal trailer at Gamescom gave fans a glimpse of what to expect, and it’s clear that Terry's inclusion will have a significant impact on Street Fighter 6.

While it's not uncommon for guest characters to dominate a game's roster, Terry's addition to Street Fighter 6 feels like a perfect match. His unique combination of the game's Drive System and mechanics from his home series could make him a top contender in the meta. Players should be on the lookout, as Terry Bogard may very well become the new powerhouse in Street Fighter 6.