Welcome back to the stage of history. Our SoulCalibur V walkthrough gets you started for combat with new tactics, unlockables, and character moves.
Aeon
Aeon isn't a new character, but in SoulCalibur V the classic lizardman has exchanged his shield for an offhand axe. This means he is less defensive and more brutal. Along with his new dual wielding, Aeon has also gained a pair of angel wings that into play as part of his stance. Overall, Aeon is closer to a combination of his old self and Kratos from Broken Destiny.
Horizontals
Aeon's Horizontals mostly have the benefit of knocking the enemy down. Back A is a very quick short range high hit that deals 23 damage and will put the enemy on the floor. Back-Down A is rather slow, but is a reliable way of dealing 25 low section damage. Rising A B is one of Aeon's more brutal Horizontals as it deals 46 damage over a high-mid combo.
Verticals
B B B is a practical standard combo that delivers two mid hits worth 32 total and a knockdown, followed by a quick mid follow up for an extra 22 damage. Forward B is fast but only deals 14 damage. Where it really shines is as a Brave Edge that has six rapid mid hits and a launch that can dish 79 damage after the fall. Down-Back B is normally a simple uppercut worth 22 damage, but powered into a Brave Edge it becomes a Break Attack Throw that hits twice for 62 damage. Rising B is also good to remember as it will launch the enemy right behind you, leaving them open to one of your facing away or turning moves.
Kicks
Aeon doesn't have too many useful kicks, but the select few worth remembering are very good. Forward K is a pretty standard 25 damage kick, but by holding the Kick input it can be charged into a Brutal Break Attack that nets 66 damage and knocks down the enemy. Jump K hits high for 26 damage and has some great pushback for a ring out or wall hit.
Simultaneous Press
Aeon's strength comes for some fairly brutal Simultaneous Press attacks. The basic B+K is an easy high Break Attack that will dish out 52 damage. Down-Back B+K is a low Unblockable meaning it has a long set up; however the pay off is 84 damage after factoring the fall. Just keep in mind that you will be grounded after this move, which can be disastrous if you missed.
Back B+K will propel you forward for a 37 damage mid hit tackle; it can be further powered by sliding b+kG which will give you more distance, increase damage, and knockdown the enemy. As with the previous move, you'll be floored weather you hit or missed your target. Finally, be sure to make use of Up B+K as it is a long range pounce that can take you right into Sand Winger stance if the hit was close enough.
Eight Way Run
Eight Way Run attacks offer Aeon the most diversity and a few connections into his stance. Back-Run A deals 16 damage and will transition into Sand Winger; it can be delayed for double damage by holding the Horizontal input. Forward-Run B is also notable for flowing into Sand Winger, plus it deals 35 damage and raises the enemy to your height. If you're looking to send your enemy flying on their own use Forward-Sidestep Run B, which will launch them behind and deal 37 damage when factoring the fall.
Back-Run B A A is serves a three hit mid-high-high combo worth 45 damage and Break Attacks on the last swing. Forward-Run K is a strong headbutt that deals 44 damage and absolutely stellar for wall hits or ring outs. Back-Sidestep Run K will dish out 22 damage from a low leg sweep. Back-Run K normally just does 21 mid section damage, but if you land the attack on a downed enemy's head, becomes a 49 damage throw. Finally, remember to use Forward-Run A+B for its huge pushback plus 42 damage.
Throw
As with a few other characters, Aeon has a special throw. The input is Quarter Circle Back B+G and will dish out 68 damage over six hits, a 16 damage increase over the normal Vertical Throw. Keep in mind that this throw can be used from all sides and is actually weaker than the typical Back Throw.
Stance
As mentioned previously, Aeon's special stance is Sand Winger and can be used with a simple A+B or as a follow up from some Runs and Simultaneous Presses. The common follow up is K, which will deal 48 damage to the mid section. You can also tap the Brave Edge input A+B+K to unleash an Unblockable fireball that deals 15 damage. Alternately, you can slide a+b+kG to fly behind the enemy. Because you you'll remain in the air for a few seconds you can theoretically spam the fireball or flight four times, but that would require two full bars of Soul Gauge meter.
