Welcome back to the stage of history. Our SoulCalibur V walkthrough gets you started for combat with new tactics, unlockables, and character moves.
Xiba
Xiba's a new contender who utilizes a more speedy and rampant version of Kilik's bo staff fighting discipline. Xiba has reach, speed, and huge combo potential, making him one of the most brutal characters once you get a good flow going.
Horizontals
Forward A instantly delivers two high hits that deal 32 damage. This can be quickly followed with a sidestep to the north and a 15 damage hit by pressing K. This kick can be further powered into a Brave Edge for a quick 50 damage headbutt. Forward-Down A B hits at mid for 14 damage and comes in for a high 24 damage slam that will ground the enemy; the second strike isn't very fast so don't expect a combo. A A K will delivery 64 damage from a decent speed high-high-mid string.
Verticals
B B hits mid twice for 40 damage, but its main function is to ground your opponent. By holding the second B you can instead enter Xiba's stance. Forward B K is similar to the Horizontal counter part: a quick 20 damage mid hit followed by a northern sidestep kick for 15 damage. As with the previous sidestep kick you can power it into a Brave Edge headbutt for 60 damage. As with most of the cast, Forward-Down B is a typically means of popping your enemy, but the main thing to keep in mind is that you can quickly enter Remembrance stance by holding the input.
Back B is great for long reach and its ability to provide some distance; it even deals a nice 45 damage. It can be powered into a Break Attack by using the input of B+K instead. Back-Down B is also worth remembering as it hits low and grants you some good distance.
Kicks
kB is great as it hits both high and low at the same time, resulting in 43 damage if both strikes connect. However, the enemy will have time to counterattack. Forward K will produce a cartwheel kick that dishes out 27 damage over two mid hits. Forward-Down kB is a very quick body smack that deals 38 damage and will floor your foe. Back K B firs hits high for 26 damage and smacks down the enemy right before coming in with a low bo jab for 19 more pain. Rising K K can dish out 39 damage from a three hit mid-high-high combo. This can also be powered into a Brave Edge for a fourth hit worth 20 damage. However, you'll need to keep in mind that this combo is interrupted if the initial hit is blocked.
Simultaneous Press
Simultaneous Press attacks are among Xiba's strongest tools. A+B B K first dishes out two mid hits for 15 damage a piece, launches for another 20 damage, and last fallows up with a 10 damage sidestep kick. This can become a Brave Edge that will add in the familiar headbutt tackle for an extra 30 damage. Down A+B is notable for dishing out 40 damage over four low hits, though each strike isn't very fast. Forward B+K is also good for a flurry of strikes, dishing 65 damage over five mid jabs. You can even combo with Turning B+K which dishes out 53 damage over three hits. If you instead hold the input, you'll deliver a single hit 45 damage Break Attack.
Down B+K normally delivers a 24 damage low hit, but holding the input will purposely ground you. This can be followed by While Downed A+B that deals a low 31 damage sweep and gets you back on your feet.
Eight Way Run
Eight Way Runs are also one of Xiba's major strengths. Forward-Sidestep Run A A delivers 30 damage from two low sweeps. Where it shines is as a Brave Edge that can deal 60 damage over four sweeps. Sidestep-Run A B is worth having handy as it will knock the enemy away a fair distance. It can also flow into Remembrance by holding the input. Forward-Run B B B is excellent for delivering 41 damage over three mid hits, with the final one acting as a launcher--making it great for a turning follow-up. Sidestep-Run B is an ultra high launcher that will send the enemy behind you and dishes out 29 damage after the fall.
Forward-Run K B will play out the same animation as Turning B+K, allowing for a barrage of mid hits or can be held for a 45 damage Break Attack. Back-Run K normally simply hits for 30 damage and has a bit of stun that you can combo off of. It can also become a Brave Edge for another 11 damage, but is a little lacking considering it meter cost. Back-Run B+K is Xiba's only Unblockable, which of course means a very slow windup animation.
Throw
Technically a combination of both Throws and Simultaneous Presses, Xiba has two throws that can be initiated with his bo staff. Forward-Down A+B hits for 32 damage over four low hits and becomes a throw on the second hit. If you happen to be too far only the first hit will connect and not result in a throw. Back-Down A+B is a similar throw that will instead deal 47 damage and lift your opponent behind you. This can also possible used to ring out or wall slam a foe.
Stance
As mentioned in a few previous sections, Xiba's special stance is Remembrance. Several moves flow right into this stance, but it can also be entered by hitting B+K. What's nice is the safety of this stance, as it will Guard Impact fairly quickly. There are a few follow ups for this stance. Both B and K are decent for slamming the enemy to the ground. K hits low, while B will hit mid and has much greater range. The ultimate chain though is A K, which will spin out the enemy for a high strike and launch them high, making them very vulnerable to a mid level combo.
