Just who is Street Fighter’s Akuma? 

As Street Fighter 6 nears its first anniversary, Capcom decided it was finally time to unleash Akuma this coming May 22. Street Fighter 6’s fourth DLC character has been long-awaited by fans old and new. But who is Akuma and how does he fit into the franchise’s lore? 

Akuma plays a key role in Street Fighter’s story 

Akuma was first introduced as a hidden boss in Super Street Fighter II Turbo back in 1994. Akuma and his older brother Gouken were taught by a martial arts master named Goutetsu. In addition to training them in an unnamed form of mixed martial arts, Goutetsu endeavored to teach the brothers the Shun Goku Satsu (roughly translated to “Instant Hell Murder”) – an extremely quick and powerful technique meant for killing opponents. Gouken and Akuma grew apart because of how they interpreted Goutetsu’s teachings. Gouken was against using his master’s darker skills and went off to form his own martial arts school, with two of his most prominent students being Ken Masters and Ryu. Akuma, desperate to master the Shun Goku Satsu, left Goutetsu and sought power through the Satsui no Hado (“Surge of Murderous Intent”) – a dark energy that bestows great power at the cost of one’s humanity. 

Akuma eventually mastered the Shun Goku Satsu and killed Goutetsu in a fair fight to the death. Taking Goutetsu’s prayer beads as his own, Akuma would go on to challenge Gouken in a similar fashion. Akuma would lose this first fight but was spared by Gouken. After some time, Akuma found Gouken once more and seemingly killed his older brother. Gouken’s death was eventually retconned in Super Street Fighter IV where it was revealed that he entered a coma by emptying his soul of emotions (the franchise isn’t well-known for its writing).  

After the supposed death of Gouken, Akuma traveled the world to hone his abilities and fight strong opponents like Oro, Ryu, and even Tekken’s own Kazuya Mishima. Since Goutetsu’s teachings were predecessors of Ken’s and Ryu’s fighting styles, Akuma employs moves that are similar to those of his brother’s pupils. His Hadouken, Tatsumaki Zankukyaku, and Goshoryuken all have a purple hue to them, as do most of his special moves. Due to prolonged usage of the Satsui no Hado, Akuma’s hair and eyes have become red, his skin is tanned, and his teeth are almost like fangs. 

Akuma has always been a strong Street Fighter character 

Gameplay-wise, Akuma is a more offense-oriented Shotokan character. His moves are solid, and fast, and are generally more advanced than beginner shotos like Ken, Ryu, and Luke. Those familiar with the basics of Street Fighter will find Akuma fairly easy to pick up but hard to master. 

While Akuma wails on opponents with his normal attacks and combos, they should also be wary of his mix-up and dodge abilities. Ashura Senku allows Akuma to teleport either away or towards enemies while Hyakkishu is a forward-moving flip that can be followed up with an attack or grab. Akuma has more tricks up his sleeve and while they could be changed in Street Fighter 6, most of them are staples that contribute to the character’s identity. 

Lastly are Akuma’s super moves. Previous games have given him a super-powered Gohadoken, a stronger air-based Zanku Hadouken, and his iconic Shun Goku Satsu. Akuma’s recent Street Fighter 6 gameplay trailer has already garnered praise from players all over the world including the likes of Japanese pro gamer Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi. With these updates to classic techniques and lore behind him, Akuma will likely become one of Street Fighter 6’s heavy hitters. 

Street Fighter 6 is available on PC (Steam), PS4/PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Akuma will be added to the playable character roster on May 22.