Hwoarang Premier Guide

Overview

• Hwoarang is known for his extensive movelist and complex stances.
• He is challenging to master due to his lack of defensive tools and weak matchups.
• His main strength lies in his frame data, which often grants him advantage or slight disadvantage.
• The core of Hwoarang’s strategy is to pressure opponents with continuous strings and mix-ups.
• Hwoarang excels in delivering consistent combo damage both in open play and near walls.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Extensive mix-up options.
• Strong throw game and powercrush moves.
• Versatile rage art and high combo damage.
• Strong wall pressure and okizeme.
• Improved punishment tools.

Weaknesses:

• High-risk character with unsafe moves.
• Difficult execution in combos.
• Limited defensive options and weak tracking.
• Susceptible to reversals and parries.

Stances

• Left Foot Forward (LFF): Default stance focused on neutral game and transitions.
• Left Flamingo Stance (LFS): Continues pressure and offers evasive options.
• Right Flamingo Stance (RFS): Enforces 50/50 situations.
• Right Foot Forward (RFF): Balances pressure and neutral control.

Key Moves

• JFSR (Just Frame Sky Rocket): Essential mid launcher safe on block.
• Backlash: Power crush move ideal for neutral play.
• D+3,4: Powerful offensive tool transitioning to Right Flamingo Stance.
• DF+2: Safe 15-frame launcher.
• DB+3/RFF DB+3: Effective low crush options.
• Flamingo Jabs (LFS+1 & RFS+2): Key moves in Flamingo Stances.

Situational Moves

• LFS 3,4 / 3,3 / 3,2 / 3,F: Essential strings in Left Flamingo Stance.
• SS+4 / LFS D+4 / RFS D+3: Important low kicks for setting up offense.
• iWR+3: Airborne move with great frames on block.

Combos

• Hwoarang’s combos are versatile with many tools for launching and wall carry.
• Launchers: Includes safe launchers like DF+2 and B+3.
• Wall Combos: Multiple options depending on wall height and position.

Punishment

• Hwoarang’s punishment game is improved with tools like DF3+4 and WS+2,3.

Anti-Strategies

1. High Crush: Use moves that crush highs to counter Hwoarang’s frequent high attacks.
2. Low Parry: Parry low attacks to disrupt Hwoarang's mix-ups.
3. Parries/Reversals: Exploit Hwoarang’s vulnerability to parries and reversals.
4. Backdash & Sidestep: Move away from or sidestep Hwoarang’s strings.
5. Pressure: Apply constant pressure to prevent Hwoarang from setting up.
6. Patience: Wait for openings in Hwoarang’s strings to counterattack.

Conclusion

• Hwoarang is a complex character with a strong offensive toolkit but requires high skill to manage his weaknesses efficiently.
• Mastery of his stances and mix-ups is crucial for success.
• Players must be adaptive and precise due to his lack of defensive tools.

Legend

• LFS: Left Flamingo Stance
• RFS: Right Flamingo Stance
• LFF: Left Foot Forward
• RFF: Right Foot Forward
• JFSR: Just Frame Sky Rocket