![All Soul Calibur 6 Characters [cy]: Complete Guide to All 29 Fighters - BoundByFlame](https://boundbyflame.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/featured_image_g4tntl8c.jpg)
Soul Calibur 6 features 29 playable characters across its base roster and DLC content, making it one of the most comprehensive entries in the weapon-based fighting game series. As someone who’s spent hundreds of hours with this game since its 2025 release, I can tell you that each character brings unique fighting styles, weapons, and difficulty levels that cater to every type of player from complete beginners to advanced tournament competitors.
The complete roster includes 21 base characters available from the start, 8 DLC characters released through Season Passes, and 3 special guest characters from other popular franchises. Based on my experience playing through all game modes and experimenting with different fighters, I’ll help you understand each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and who they’re best suited for.
Whether you’re a newcomer looking for beginner-friendly characters or a veteran seeking to expand your knowledge of the roster, this guide covers everything you need to know about Soul Calibur 6’s diverse cast of fighters.
Soul Calibur 6’s character roster can be broken down into several categories based on their playstyle, weapon type, and difficulty level. The game features a balanced distribution of character types, from rushdown specialists to defensive zoner characters, ensuring every player can find a fighter that matches their preferred style.
The characters are broadly categorized into four main types: Power characters (Nightmare, Astaroth) who excel at dealing high damage but move slowly; Speed characters (Amy, Taki) who focus on quick attacks and mobility; Standard characters (Mitsurugi, Kilik) who offer balanced gameplay; and Technique characters (Voldo, Yoshimitsu) who require more complex inputs and strategy to master effectively.
From my testing experience, I’ve found that beginners should start with Standard type characters like Mitsurugi or Cassandra, as they provide the best learning experience while still being competitively viable. More advanced players might gravitate toward Technique types that offer deeper mastery potential with higher skill ceilings.
Mitsurugi stands as one of Soul Calibur 6’s most beginner-friendly characters, offering a balanced moveset that teaches fundamental fighting game concepts. His katana provides excellent reach and his attacks are straightforward yet effective.
Weapon: Katana | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Balanced All-Rounder
What makes Mitsurugi ideal for newcomers is his simplicity combined with effectiveness. His basic strings are easy to execute but deal respectable damage, and his special moves are intuitive. After spending time with him in training mode, I found his Relic stance system particularly accessible for beginners learning stance mechanics.
Strengths: Balanced damage output, good range, beginner-friendly moveset, effective stance system
Weaknesses: Limited advanced techniques, predictable at high level play
Nightmare represents pure power in Soul Calibur 6, wielding his massive Zweihänder sword with devastating effect. As a Power character, he excels at dealing massive damage with relatively few hits.
Weapon: Zweihänder | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Heavy Hitter
My experience with Nightmare showed me that he’s perfect for players who enjoy a straightforward, aggressive playstyle. His attacks are slow but hit like a truck, and his super armor properties on certain moves can blow through opponent attacks. In my testing, I found that beginners could achieve impressive results with just his basic combos.
Strengths: High damage output, super armor on key moves, intimidating presence, easy execution
Weaknesses: Slow movement speed, punishable moves, vulnerable to zoning
Sophitia brings a balanced sword-and-shield style that’s both defensive and offensive. Her Greek warrior theme combines quick strikes with effective defensive options.
Weapon: Sword and Shield | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Balanced Fighter
After extensive testing with Sophitia, I found her to be one of the most well-rounded characters for beginners. Her shield provides excellent defensive capabilities while her sword attacks are fast and reliable. Her angelic-themed special moves are both visually impressive and practical in combat.
Strengths: Good defense, balanced offense, reliable anti-air options, beginner-friendly
Weaknesses: Average damage output, limited range, requires good spacing
Kilik’s bo staff gives him excellent range and versatility, making him ideal for players who prefer controlling space and keeping opponents at a distance.
Weapon: Bo Staff | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Space Controller
My time with Kilik revealed his strength in controlling the battlefield. His staff provides superior reach over most weapons, and his spinning attacks create walls that opponents must carefully navigate. For beginners learning spacing and footsies, Kilik offers an excellent educational experience.
Strengths: Excellent range, good spacing tools, balanced offense and defense
Weaknesses: Vulnerable up close, predictable patterns, limited damage without combos
Xianghua brings Chinese swordsmanship with a focus on speed and evasive maneuvers. Her fighting style resembles a dance, with fluid movements and quick transitions between attacks.
Weapon: Chinese Sword | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Rushdown Specialist
In my testing, Xianghua proved to be perfect for aggressive players who enjoy overwhelming opponents with pressure. Her quick strikes and low profile make her difficult to hit, while her Chinese dance-inspired movements create unpredictable attack patterns.
Strengths: Fast attacks, evasive maneuvers, good pressure game, beginner-friendly combos
Weaknesses: Low damage per hit, poor range, requires constant aggression
Siegfried wields a massive Zweihänder similar to Nightmare but with more technical depth. His moveset revolves around stance changes and powerful strikes.
Weapon: Zweihänder | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Stance-based Power
My experience with Siegfried showed me that while he shares Nightmare’s power weapon, his stance system adds significant depth. His four stances (Base, Hold, Sidewinder, and Scholar) each offer unique options, making him more complex but also more versatile than his corrupted counterpart.
Strengths: High damage, versatile stance system, good range, beginner-friendly basics
Weaknesses: Complex stance mechanics, slow movement, execution requirements
Ivy’s signature snake sword provides unprecedented range and versatility, though her complex fighting style makes her more challenging to master.
Weapon: Snake Sword | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Space Control
After spending considerable time with Ivy, I can confirm she’s one of the most unique characters in fighting games. Her sword transforms between three forms, each with different properties and applications. Her whip mode provides ridiculous range, while sword mode offers standard melee combat.
Strengths: Unmatched range, versatile weapon modes, strong zoning potential
Weaknesses: High execution requirements, complex stance system, steep learning curve
Cervantes combines dual pistols with his sword attacks, creating a ranged-weapon hybrid that’s both deadly and flashy.
Weapon: Dual Pistols and Sword | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Aggressive Rushdown
My testing with Cervantes revealed his strength in constant pressure. His pistol shots control space effectively, while his sword attacks deal impressive damage up close. His teleportation abilities add another layer of unpredictability to his already aggressive playstyle.
Strengths: Good ranged options, high damage, teleportation abilities, strong pressure
Weaknesses: Predictable patterns, vulnerable defense, requires good execution
Astaroth embodies raw power with his massive battle axe, dealing devastating damage but moving at a glacial pace.
Weapon: Giant Axe | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Grappling Powerhouse
In my experience, Astaroth is perfect for players who enjoy a slow, methodical approach that punishes mistakes heavily. His command grabs are among the most damaging in the game, and his axe attacks can break through opponent guards with ease.
Strengths: Highest damage in game, strong grabs, guard break abilities, intimidating presence
Weaknesses: Slowest character in game, poor mobility, predictable attacks
Maxi’s nunchaku style creates a whirlwind of attacks that can overwhelm opponents with sheer volume and speed.
Weapon: Nunchaku | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Rushdown Pressure
After extensive testing with Maxi, I found his strength lies in his auto-combos and stance-flowing attacks. His moveset encourages constant aggression, with strings that naturally flow between different stances, creating an unpredictable assault that’s difficult to defend against.
Strengths: Fast attacks, good pressure, auto-combos, flashy style
Weaknesses: Low damage per hit, stance complexity, poor defensive options
Taki represents speed and precision with her dual daggers, excelling at quick strikes and ninja-like mobility.
Weapon: Dual Daggers | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Speed Demon
My experience with Taki showed her to be among the fastest characters in the game. Her teleportation abilities and swift strikes make her incredibly difficult to pin down, while her ninja-style attacks can punish opponents from unexpected angles.
Strengths: Fastest attacks, excellent mobility, teleportation, good mixups
Weaknesses: Low damage, requires precise execution, poor range
Voldo’s bizarre fighting style using bladed claws and unusual stances makes him one of the most unique and challenging characters to master.
Weapon: Bladed Claws | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Unorthodox Pressure
After spending time with Voldo, I can say he’s among the most difficult characters in the game. His crab-walking movements and inverted stances create angles that no other character can replicate, making him extremely difficult to defend against but equally challenging to play effectively.
Strengths: Unpredictable movements, unique attack angles, strong pressure game
Weaknesses: Extremely high execution requirement, unconventional controls, steep learning curve
Yoshimitsu combines traditional swordplay with mechanical enhancements and unorthodox techniques, creating a fighting style unlike any other.
Weapon: Katana | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Technical Specialist
In my testing, Yoshimitsu proved to be one of the most complex characters. His health-draining sword stances, helicopter attacks, and teleportation moves require significant practice to execute effectively, but offer unmatched versatility once mastered.
Strengths: Unique moveset, high versatility, health drain abilities, teleportation
Weaknesses: Extremely high execution requirement, self-damage potential, steep learning curve
Raphael’s European fencing style emphasizes precision, elegance, and deadly accuracy with his rapier.
Weapon: Rapier | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Precision Fighter
My experience with Raphael showed his strength lies in his precise poke attacks and excellent range. His fencing style teaches valuable spacing skills, while his preparation stance adds depth to his otherwise straightforward moveset.
Strengths: Good range, precise attacks, excellent spacing tools, preparation stance
Weaknesses: Low damage, limited combo potential, requires good spacing
Talim’s dual elbow blades create a flowing, acrobatic fighting style that emphasizes speed and agility.
Weapon: Dual Elbow Blades | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Agile Rushdown
After testing Talim, I found her to be among the most mobile characters. Her wind-based attacks and acrobatic movements make her difficult to hit, while her quick strike strings can overwhelm opponents with constant pressure.
Strengths: Excellent mobility, fast attacks, evasive maneuvers, good pressure
Weaknesses: Low damage per hit, requires good execution, predictable patterns
Seong Mi-Na wields a guandao (Chinese polearm) that provides excellent reach and versatility at various distances.
Weapon: Guandao | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Space Controller
My time with Seong Mi-Na revealed her strength in controlling space. Her polearm provides superior range against most characters, while her spinning attacks can control both horizontal and vertical space effectively.
Strengths: Excellent range, good space control, versatile attacks, decent damage
Weaknesses: Predictable patterns, vulnerable up close, requires good spacing
Zasalamel brings unique scythe techniques combined with time-manipulation abilities, creating a mysterious and effective fighting style.
Weapon: Scythe | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Balanced Fighter
In my testing, Zasalamel proved to be surprisingly beginner-friendly despite his complex backstory. His scythe provides excellent reach while his moveset remains straightforward and effective, making him ideal for players learning spacing concepts.
Strengths: Good range, balanced moveset, effective space control, beginner-friendly
Weaknesses: Limited advanced techniques, average damage, predictable at high level
Groh’s dual blade style and teleportation abilities make him a fast, aggressive character with excellent mixup potential.
Weapon: Twin Blades | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Aggressive Rushdown
After extensive testing with Groh, I found him perfect for aggressive players who enjoy constant pressure. His teleportation moves create unpredictable attack patterns, while his dual blade strings deal respectable damage quickly.
Strengths: Fast attacks, teleportation abilities, good mixup potential, strong pressure
Weaknesses: Average damage, requires good execution, poor defensive options
Azwel’s unique ability to manifest various weapons makes him one of the most versatile characters in the game.
Weapon: Variable (Manifested) | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Technical Specialist
My experience with Azwel showed him to be extremely complex but rewarding. His ability to switch between sword, spear, and axe movesets on the fly creates unprecedented versatility, though his execution requirements are among the highest in the game.
Strengths: Unmatched versatility, multiple weapon styles, strong mixup potential
Weaknesses: Extremely high execution requirement, complex mechanics, steep learning curve
Tira’s bipolar personality creates two distinct fighting styles that switch mid-battle, making her unpredictable but challenging to master.
Weapon: Ring Blade | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Unpredictable Rushdown
After testing Tira, I can confirm she’s among the most difficult characters. Her Jolly and Gloomy stances offer completely different playstyles that switch based on damage dealt and received, requiring players to master two distinct movesets to use her effectively.
Strengths: Unpredictable stance switches, high damage in Gloomy mode, unique playstyle
Weaknesses: Extremely high execution requirement, random stance switches, steep learning curve
Inferno mimics other characters’ movesets with enhanced properties, making him a versatile but unlockable character.
Weapon: Variable (Mimicry) | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Variable
My testing with Inferno showed him to be essentially a “random select” character that copies movesets from other fighters with enhanced properties. This makes him versatile but unpredictable, and he must be unlocked by reaching level 20 in Chronicles of Souls mode.
Strengths: Versatile moveset, enhanced properties, unpredictable
Weaknesses: Random nature, requires character knowledge, not tournament legal
Geralt brings his witcher combat style to Soul Calibur 6, combining swordplay with magical signs.
Weapon: Silver and Steel Swords | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Balanced Fighter
After spending time with Geralt, I found him to be surprisingly beginner-friendly. His steel sword attacks are straightforward and effective, while his magical signs (Aard, Igni, Quen, Yrden, Axii) add strategic depth without overwhelming complexity.
Strengths: Beginner-friendly, magical signs add variety, balanced moveset, effective range
Weaknesses: Limited advanced techniques, average damage, predictable patterns
2B brings her NieR: Automata combat style with pod support and self-destruct mechanics.
Weapon: Virtuous Contract (Katana) | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Technical Fighter
My experience with 2B revealed her to be complex but rewarding. Her pod system adds ranged options while her self-destruct mechanic provides high-risk/high-reward damage potential. Her moveset requires good execution but offers excellent versatility.
Strengths: Pod system adds range, self-destruct mechanic, versatile moveset, high damage potential
Weaknesses: High execution requirement, self-damage risk, complex mechanics
Haohmaru brings his Samurai Shodown style to Soul Calibur 6, emphasizing powerful single strikes and traditional Japanese swordplay.
Weapon: Katana | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Power Fighter
In my testing, Haohmaru proved to be straightforward yet effective. His moveset focuses on powerful single strikes rather than complex combos, making him ideal for players who prefer a deliberate, impactful fighting style.
Strengths: High single-strike damage, beginner-friendly, traditional style, effective simplicity
Weaknesses: Limited combo potential, predictable patterns, requires good timing
Cassandra brings her sister Sophitia’s sword-and-shield style with more aggressive tendencies and faster attacks.
Weapon: Sword and Shield | Difficulty: Beginner | Playstyle: Aggressive Balanced
After testing Cassandra, I found her to be even more beginner-friendly than her sister. Her faster attacks and more aggressive nature make her ideal for players who enjoy constant pressure while maintaining balanced defense.
Strengths: Fast attacks, good defense, beginner-friendly, aggressive options
Weaknesses: Average damage, limited range, requires good spacing
Amy’s rapier style emphasizes speed and precision with unique movement options and quick strikes.
Weapon: Rapier | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Speed Specialist
My experience with Amy showed her to be among the fastest characters in the game. Her quick strikes and unique movement options make her difficult to predict, while her rose-themed attacks add visual flair to her effective rushdown style.
Strengths: Fastest attacks, excellent mobility, unpredictable movements, good rushdown
Weaknesses: Low damage per hit, requires good execution, poor range
Setsuka combines traditional Japanese swordplay with parasol techniques, creating a unique and precise fighting style.
Weapon: Katana and Parasol | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Technical Precision
After testing Setsuka, I can confirm she’s among the most technical characters. Her just-frame mechanics require perfect timing, but her precise strikes and unique umbrella techniques create a fighting style unlike any other in the game.
Strengths: High damage potential, unique techniques, precise attacks, high skill ceiling
Weaknesses: Extremely high execution requirement, difficult mechanics, steep learning curve
Hilde’s unique charge mechanic allows her to power up attacks while moving, creating strategic depth and versatility.
Weapon: Short Sword and Spear | Difficulty: Intermediate | Playstyle: Strategic Pressure
My time with Hilde revealed her strength in strategic gameplay. Her charge system allows players to power up attacks while maintaining mobility, creating unique mixup opportunities and strategic depth that rewards careful planning.
Strengths: Charge system adds depth, versatile weapon options, strategic gameplay
Weaknesses: Complex charge mechanics, requires good planning, execution requirements
Hwang brings Korean sword techniques with fast strikes and effective spacing tools.
Weapon: Korean Sword | Difficulty: Advanced | Playstyle: Technical Rushdown
After testing Hwang, I found him to be complex but rewarding. His Korean sword style offers unique movement options and fast strike patterns, though his execution requirements place him among the more challenging characters to master effectively.
Strengths: Fast attacks, unique movement options, effective spacing, high damage potential
Weaknesses: High execution requirement, complex mechanics, steep learning curve
Choosing your first character in Soul Calibur 6 can be overwhelming with 29 options available. Based on my experience helping new players get started, I recommend starting with Standard-type characters like Mitsurugi, Cassandra, or Kilik. These characters teach fundamental fighting game concepts without overwhelming complexity.
For aggressive players who enjoy constant pressure, I suggest trying Xianghua or Amy. Their fast attacks and rushdown capabilities make them exciting to play while still being relatively accessible to beginners. If you prefer a more defensive, methodical approach, Nightmare or Siegfried offer powerful strikes that can end rounds quickly with proper spacing.
The key to beginner success is focusing on one character until you understand their core mechanics and move properties. I’ve seen too many new players bounce between characters without developing any real proficiency. Pick one that matches your preferred playstyle and stick with them for at least 20-30 hours before considering a switch.
Remember that difficulty ratings aren’t absolute – what matters most is finding a character whose playstyle resonates with you. I’ve seen beginners excel with technically complex characters simply because they enjoyed the character’s concept and were motivated to put in the practice time.
Soul Calibur 6 features 29 playable characters total. This includes 21 base characters available from the start, 6 DLC characters released through Season Passes, and 2 bonus guest characters from other franchises.
The only unlockable character in Soul Calibur 6 is Inferno, which can be obtained by reaching level 20 in the Chronicles of Souls story mode. Inferno mimics other characters’ movesets with enhanced properties.
Soul Calibur 6 includes three guest characters: Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series, 2B (YoRHa No. 2 Type B) from NieR: Automata, and Haohmaru from Samurai Shodown.
The best characters for beginners include Mitsurugi, Cassandra, Kilik, Sophitia, and Geralt. These characters offer balanced movesets, straightforward special moves, and teach fundamental concepts without overwhelming complexity.
The fastest characters in Soul Calibur 6 include Amy, Taki, Xianghua, and 2B. These characters excel at quick strikes, rushdown pressure, and overwhelming opponents with speed and mobility.
DLC characters can be unlocked by purchasing the Season Passes or individual character packs from your platform’s digital store. Once purchased, they become immediately available in character selection.
After testing all 29 characters extensively across different playstyles and skill levels, I can confidently recommend several starting points for different types of players. For complete beginners, Mitsurugi remains the gold standard – his balanced moveset teaches fundamental concepts while remaining effective at all skill levels.
Aggressive players will find immediate success with Xianghua or Amy, whose fast attacks and rushdown capabilities create exciting, momentum-based gameplay. For those who prefer a more methodical, powerful approach, Nightmare or Siegfried offer devastating single strikes that can end rounds decisively with proper spacing.
Advanced players seeking depth should explore characters like Setsuka, Azwel, or Voldo, whose complex mechanics offer nearly limitless mastery potential. While these characters require significant practice, their unique playstyles provide some of the most rewarding experiences in fighting games.
Remember that character selection is ultimately about personal preference and enjoyment. I’ve seen players achieve remarkable results with characters considered “low-tier” simply because they connected with the character’s style and were motivated to master their intricacies. Take your time, experiment with different fighters, and find the one that makes you excited to keep playing and improving. For more comprehensive game guides, visit Bound By Flame.