If you're jumping into Street Fighter 6 for the first time, you're probably staring at the character select screen, wondering who the heck you should pick. I get it. Right now, there are 28 characters, and it's understandably confusing to figure out which fighter will help you learn the game instead of just getting destroyed online.
Not all characters are created equal when it comes to Street Fighter 6. Some fighters have complicated charge inputs, resource management, or require you to memorize different combo routes. Luckily, there are other characters designed to teach you the fundamentals while still being competitive.
So, should you pick the ever-reliable Ryu? Maybe. But Street Fighter 6 has now other options that might fit your playstyle better. Let's break down the best beginner characters in Street Fighter 6 and help you find your main.
Modern vs Classic Controls
Before we dive into the list of beginner-friendly characters, you need to know that Street Fighter 6 gives you two ways to play, and your choice actually matters when picking a character. Your choices here are either Classic or Modern. Note that there's one other option: Dynamic, but for the purposes of this guide, let's focus on the two main ones.
Modern Controls simplify inputs dramatically. Special moves, supers, and even anti-airs are mapped to single-button presses, and combos are way easier to execute. The tradeoff is that you lose access to some normal attacks, but if you're just a beginner in the game, you shouldn't worry about these just yet. Classic Controls are what made Street Fighter what it is today. Every special move uses motion inputs like quarter circle + forward + punch for a Hadouken. You have full control and access to every motion and every kind of attack. Going classic is the traditional way to play Street Fighter, but it has a steeper learning curve.
Best Characters for Modern Controls
If you're using Modern Controls, I can argue that almost any character becomes easier to play. However, there are some characters who are created for this very purpose, and so I've listed the best ones for beginners to get their hands on.
Luke
Luke isn't just the poster boy for SF6, he's basically the character designed to teach you how to play the game. His Sandblast fireball comes out instantly, you can practice charging using Flash Knuckles, and his Super Art is just a button press. What makes Luke perfect for beginners is that he's a simple but effective character to use. This character is very fun and intuitive play because his skillset can be used against complex characters. Moreover, unlike some beginner characters in other games, Luke is legitimately one of the best characters in SF6, so you won't need to switch once you get good.
Marisa
Marisa's already simple on classic, but modern makes her even more accessible. This gladiator is capable of ending matches with a Perfect K.O., and with modern controls, landing those combos becomes too easy.
JP
If there is a single ranged character in SF6 that is great for beginners, it's JP. This character will win you matches without ever getting close to your opponent. I know. It might seem like a very boring and cowardly way of winning games, but I'd argue that if you want to learn more about zoning, then you might as well do that while winning too. JP with modern controls turns you into an untouchable fortress of projectiles. Playing this character is a good learning experience in reflexively choosing the right projectile in different situations.
Best Characters for Classic Controls
If you have the patience to learn the traditional way or if you're getting bored with playing characters on Modern controls, then these characters will teach you proper Street Fighter fundamentals without overwhelming you with too much complexity.
Ryu
What can I say? Ryu is the quintessential Street Fighter character. He's been the go-to beginner character since your grandpa was a kid, and the tradition continues in Street Fighter 6. Ryu has everything you need to know about Street Fighter. Ryu has Hadouken for zoning, Shoryuken for anti-airs, and Tatsumaki for corner carry. It's the complete package in its simplest form. His combos are straightforward, and the skills you learn with Ryu transfer to other characters.
Ken
If Ryu is your typical, silent, disciplined, but deadly type, then Ken is your fiery and very spirited classmate. If you like the idea of learning the fundamentals but want to play faster and be more focused on offense, Ken is your guy. His combos are slightly more complex than Ryu's but are more satisfying to pull off. Ken's version in Street Fighter 6 is arguably the best he's ever been, so you're also learning with a top-tier character.
Guile
Guile is the perfect character if you want to play defensively and learn about spacing. His charge inputs might seem weird at first, but once you get the hang of his sonic booms, you're on your way to becoming a zoning master. His basic playstyle is simple enough to follow: throw Sonic Booms and Flash Kick anyone who jumps. Rinse and repeat.
Street Fighter 6 is the most accessible entry in the entire series, and it gives you options for how you want to learn the game.
Whether you're using modern or classic controls, I'd bet that there's a character on this list that will help you out. But the most important thing to have in playing any fighting game is to carry lots of patience. Pick a character that you will stick with long enough to actually learn the game. I have to stress this with importance because fighting games aren't like shooters, where you can character-hop every time you lose.
That's how you will get stuck in the beginner ranks forever. So, get in the lab, learn your character's tools, and have fun at it.