Welcome back to the stage of history. Our SoulCalibur V walkthrough gets you started for combat with new tactics, unlockables, and character moves.
ZWEI
ZWEI is not only a new character in SoulCalibur V, but brings a completely different fighting style. He can summon EIN, a wolf that can be used at range or deployed in combos. One such example is ZWEI's Hold A, which will slash high and bring out EIN for a second hit. However, you don't need to make use of the wolf at all times.
Horizontals
I smell like I sound, I'm lost and I'm found.
Some other good horizontal attacks include Forward-Down A A, which strikes mid into high; it can also be powered into a stronger Brave Edge, though the second hit will be at mid. Back-Down A is good for a low hit, but is a bit slow. Back A hits high and will cause the enemy to spin; if the input is held EIN will be summoned for a second mid strike.
Verticals
Among ZWEI's best verticals include Forward-Down B that will launch the enemy. Back-Down B isn't much on its own, but holding down the input will bring out EIN for a great high strike; you can also follow up with a standing Kick before or after EIN hits. Back B is fairly fast and will knock the enemy down to the ground; it can also be turned into a Brave Edge for a second mid hit. Last Rising B hits at mid and will pop the enemy behind you.
Kicks
There are a few Kicks that you'll frequently want to make use of. Like most characters, Forward K is good for slamming enemies down to the ground. Back-Down K results in a mid stomp; its main use is as a Brave Edge to summon EIN for a second hit that lifts the enemy. Back K B makes for a two hit high-mid combo. Last, Jump K hits high and will knock the enemy on their ass.
Simultaneous Press
Among ZWEI's key Simultaneous moves is Back A+B that hits at mid and will knock down the enemy; holding the input will delay the strike. Up A+B will cause a mid level jump attack that first lifts, then smacks down your opponent. B+K will release EIN for a quick mid hit; this can be turned into a Brave Edge that hits at s-mid, and can be delayed further by holding the input. Forward B+K uses EIN for a two hit high-mid combo, and during the hit you can follow up with a third high A or mid B; all of these can be delayed by holding the B+K input.
Eight Way Run
Our favorite run attacks included Forward-Run A for a strong high hit that pops the enemy back; this can be used a Brave Edge for a second mid hit from EIN. Back-Run A will bounce ZWEI Forward for a grounding low attack. Forward-Run B A is nice for a mid to high combo that floors the enemy. Forward-Sidestep Run B is a nice quick launcher; when used as a Brave Edge EIN will be summoned for a four hit mid-mid-mid high combo. Back-Run B is a mid-high Break Attack combo, but is a bit slow.
For Simultaneous Runs, you'll want to keep the next three moves handy. Forward-Run A+B hits at mid twice and will pop the enemy; if the input is held, they will instead be smacked to the ground. Forward-Run B+K will leap over the enemy and hit them square in the back. Last, Back-Run B+K is a slow two mid hit Unblockable.
Stance
ZWEI's special stance is Knife Fiend that can be entered with a quarter circle back. This can be followed up with A for a high strike or B for a mid Break Attack.
