The next fighter as part of Street Fighter 6’s Year 1 Character Pass is A.K.I. and she’ll be joining the fight starting on September 27, 2023. As the 20th playable character following Rashid’s release in July, A.K.I. will be featured in all three modes of Street Fighter 6: World Tour, Fighting Ground, and Battle Hub. In addition, the “A.K.I. Arrives!” Fighting Pass will go live starting 12:00am Pacific on September 1, allowing players to gear up with A.K.I.-themed items and cosmetics.
The new character is heavily inspired by her master F.A.N.G, who was first introduced in Street Fighter V. In the World Tour mode, which we loved in our review of the game, players will learn more about A.K.I. and her interest in Shadaloo, while helping her find her herbal medicine in Tian Hong Yuan. Here’s a breakdown of A.K.I.’s kit:
- Serpent Lash: From a distance, A.K.I. sends her nails flying forward like a chain, poisoning enemies she hits. When she strikes an opponent who is already poisoned, a Toxic Blossom will trigger an explosion and open enemies up to follow-up attacks.
- Nightshade Pulse: A.K.I. sends a bubble forward that also poisons enemies it hits. She can strike the bubble with Nightshade Chaser to pop it in advance, increasing its area of effect.
- Orchid Spring: A.K.I. places a puddle of poison in front of her which will affect opponents who step inside it.
- Sinister Slide: Slither across the screen to avoid threats while stalking forward and perform follow-up moves like Venomous Fang, Heel Strike, or Entrapment.
- Claws of Ya Zi: A.K.I.’s Level 3 Super Art pierces various pressure points on an opponent’s body and injects a poison that dangerously detonates from within.
The game, available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, has sold over two million units since its launch in June. Players can also look forward to characters Ed and Akuma as part of the Year 1 Character Pass.
