The Raging Demon, Akuma heads to Street Fighter 6 this month

One of the biggest parts of Street Fighter 6’s post-launch content is almost here, with this month’s release of Akuma.

Older, meaner

Akuma is aging like a fine wine for sure, as the (mostly) villainous character makes his presence known in Capcom’s current fight-fest. Of course, the inclusion of the man known as the Raging Demon was something of a foregone conclusion, as he has been around from Street Fighter’s start. Nevertheless, it’s pretty slick to see this new version of him.

And while he looks more or less the same as always, including that sketchy beard, he’s starting to show his age. Gone is the shocking red hair, as it’s replaced by an elder-looking gray. But even with the years starting to stack up, don’t assume that this beast is any less of a challenge.

Akuma’s arrival will impact all three of SF6’s modes. Fighting Ground, World Tour, and Battle Hub all play host to the legendary fighter, who comes complete with a throwback outfit for those who prefer his classic look. That plays off of his appearance in Super Street Fighter II: Turbo.

As for his arsenal, here’s a peek at his assortment of new and old moves and Super Arts:

• Gou Hadoken: Akuma’s infamous fireball is back and can be charged up to blast a “red fireball” that gives him more options on hit or block.
• Ashura Senku: Like his previous iterations, Akuma uses Ashura Senku to glide on the battlefield cloaked in shadows.
• Adamant Flame: One of Akuma’s new moves, where he performs a forward thrust engulfed in flames. This move is useful in combos and for exploiting vulnerable opponents due to its long reach.
• Messatsu Gohado: Akuma’s Level 1 Super Art where he fires a highly concentrated ball of Satsui no Hado.
• Empyrean’s End: Akuma’s Level 2 Super Art where he turns the Satsui no Hado into a powerful flame and ignites it within the opponent.
• Sip of Calamity: Akuma’s first Level 3 Super Art where he throws opponents on the ground face-first and follows up with a single devastating blow.
• Shun Goku Satsu or “Raging Demon”: This second Level 3 Super Art can only be performed when his Vitality is low enough for a Critical Art and can be used to end combos. This time, he allows you to see what happens during the one second worth of nightmares.

Capcom press release

Also included…

Of course, and as usual, Akuma isn’t the only piece to this DLC puzzle. Packed in along with the fresh character is an update that includes new outfits for a selection of fighters, balance updates, and a new stage.

• Fight with style when Outfit 3 hits the clothing rack for all Year 1 Characters, including Rashid, A.K.I., Ed, and Akuma. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive these including their colors 1-10 on May 22.
• The moves they are a-changin’ as the highly anticipated battle balance updates for all characters hit the streets. We’ll have more details to share about this in the upcoming weeks.
• Check out the new digs with the newest stage in Street Fighter 6, Enma’s Hollow, where Akuma resides to continue his hellbent training. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive this stage on May 22.

Capcom press release

Akuma and his accompanying content is out this month for all versions of Street Fighter 6. Also a part of the Year 1 Character Pass and the Year 1 Ultimate Pass, as well as being included with the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions of the game itself, Akuma unlocks on May 22nd.