We first met Luke Sullivan in Street Fighter 5 when he transitioned out of the military and into a career as an MMA fighter. This appearance was our first peak into the world of Street Fighter 6, in which Luke plays a significant role.

Related: Street Fighter 6: Beginner Tips

It's no surprise that Luke (along with Kimberly and Jamie) was positioned as the face of Street Fighter 6's new generation. Luke has several attacks that make him feel similar to Ryu and Ken. Yet, Luke's rushdown tactics place him in a league of his own.

Updated August 13, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update adds a new demonstration video to Luke's Bread And Butter Combo section.

Luke's Move List

Key

Abbreviation	Meaning
L	Light Attack [Modern Controls]
M	Medium Attack [Modern Controls]
H	High Attack [Modern Controls]
At	Any Attack Button [Modern Controls]
S	Special Move [Modern Controls]
Auto	The Auto button, which gets pressed simultaneously with Special Move inputs to perform Overdrive Attacks
N/A	This attack is not available in the Modern Control scheme
P	Punch
K	Kick
LP	Light Punch [Classic Controls]
MP	Medium Punch [Classic Controls]
HP	Heavy Punch [Classic Controls]
LK	Light Kick [Classic Controls]
MK	Medium Kick [Classic Controls]
HK	Heavy Kick [Classic Controls]
PP	Punch x2 (simultaneously)
KK	Kick x2 (simultaneously)
>	Used between buttons to denote a target combo
N	Neutral movement (not pressing any directional buttons)
OD	This move has an Overdrive version
[c]	This attack can cancel into special moves
↳	This attack follows the one above it.

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Luke's Special Moves

Luke's Super Arts

Luke's Unique Attacks

Luke's Throws

Luke's Special Move Breakdown

Sand Blast

Classic: ⬇️↘️➡️ + P

Modern: N + S

Sand Blast is Luke's answer to Ryu's Hadoken in many ways. They're both projectile attacks with a ⬇️↘️➡️ + P input. Plus, their range and power increase at higher attack strengths. Looking at the move this way, it's clear that Luke's Sand Blast can play an offensive or defensive role.

On the offensive side, Sand Blast is a great way to goad Luke's opponent into a jumping attack, allowing him to punish with a Rising Uppercut.

When defending against an opponent's projectile, Luke's Sand Blast can effectively cancel it out. Luke's OD Sand Blast, in particular, makes a tremendous projectile canceller due to its quick start-up.

Luke's OD follow-up to OD Sand Blast, Fatal Shot, will prevent his opponent from firing back, allowing him to close in on them.

Flash Knuckle

Classic: ⬇️↙️⬅️ + P

Modern: ⬅️ + S

Luke's Flash Knuckle is a forward jab that transforms based on the attack strength. A Light Flash Knuckle is a short-range uppercut, a Medium Flash Knuckle is a charging jab, and a Heavy Flash Knuckle is a fakeout overhead attack with long range.

This malleable quality makes Luke's Flash Knuckle an easy integration into combos. The light version of Luke's Flash Knuckle can combo out of light attacks, and the medium version can combo out of medium and heavy attacks.

Meanwhile, the heavy version of Luke's Flash Knuckle can land extra hits on juggled opponents and close-out combos.

Luke's Flash Knuckle becomes extra potent if you hold down the attack button. If you release the button at the perfect time (when Luke's fists flash a purplish-white color), he'll impart a high-damage punch!

Lastly, Luke's OD Flash Knuckle can get followed by his DDT, a quick and forceful command grab.

Aerial Flash Knuckle

Classic: ⬇️↙️⬅️ + P

Modern: S

Luke's Aerial Flash Knuckle is a unique variation that can change the trajectory of Luke's forward jump. This trajectory gets determined by whether you hold the attack button or not.

When you tap the attack button at the end of Luke's Aerial Flash Knuckle, he'll perform a fast jab with a quick recovery. But if you hold the attack button, he'll charge forward midair, allowing him to gain distance and confuse the opponent. Both versions are knockdown attacks.

Luke's OD Aerial Flash Knuckle performs the button-hold Flash Knuckle but with much less start-up time. So, when you need to secure damage, Luke's OD Aerial Flash Knuckle is an excellent choice.

Avenger

Classic: ⬇️↘️➡️ + K

Modern: ⬇️ + S

During Avenger, Luke will charge forward in a tackle position. He can follow up on this tackle with two options. First, the punch button (Modern Input: At) activates Luke's No Chaser, a forward elbow hit that completes the tackle. Alternatively, the kick button (Modern Input: ⬇️ + At) activates Luke's Impaler, a flip kick.

Luke's No Chaser works well for closing the distance between him and his opponent. Impaler is a surprising overhead attack that can break through his opponent's crouching guard.

OD Avenger is an armored attack that absorbs strikes from Luke's opponents, allowing him to follow through with his offensive.

Rising Uppercut

Classic: ➡️⬇️↘️ + P

Modern: ➡️ + S

If Sand Blast is Luke's Hadoken, then Rising Uppercut is Luke's equivalent of Shoryuken. In addition, this move gives Luke some immunity to jumping attacks, making it a highly effective anti-air attack.

The Light and Medium Rising Uppercuts have less start-up, making them easier to land. However, Luke's Heavy Rising Uppercut deals significantly more damage.

Lastly, for the most amount of protection, Luke's OD Rising Uppercut is invincible throughout its animation. This invincibility makes it perfect for reversing pressure. Then, you can follow up Luke's OD Rising Uppercut with his Slam Dunk to really bring the pain!

Related: Street Fighter 6: Complete Control Guide

Luke's Bread And Butter Combos

Combo 1

Our first Luke combo is a quick, straightforward sequence that works great after a successful Drive Impact Punish. It utilizes the basic cancel structure of the game, making it easy to remember.

• Drive Impact (Punish)
• Triple Impact
• Vulcan Blast

Classic Input: HP + HK > LP > MP > HP > ⬇️↘️➡️⬇️↘️➡️ + P

Modern Input: Drive Impact Button > L > L > L > N or ➡️ + S + H

Combo 2

Luke's Triple Impact is a potent combo opener due to its fast start-up. So, how can we expand its capabilities even more? Let's add an OD move into the mix! This will allow Luke to cancel into a Level 2 Super Art. This combo also works out of a Drive Impact Punish.

• Triple Impact
• OD Flash Knuckle
• Eraser

Classic Input: LP > MP > HP > ⬇️↙️⬅️ + PP > ⬇️↙️⬅️ + P

Modern Input: L > L > L > ⬅️ + S + Auto > ⬅️ + S + H

You may ask, why does the Classic Input list one ⬇️↙️⬅️ for Luke's Eraser instead of two? Well, you can use the ⬇️↙️⬅️ in Luke's OD Flash Knuckle to begin the input for the Eraser!

Combo 3

Our last combo originates from Luke's Combo Trials. It's a strong example of Luke's juggling capabilities. You'll begin with a Guard Crush in the corner.

• Drive Impact (Counter)
• Double Impact
• Medium Sand Blast
• OD Rising Uppercut
• Slam Dunk

Classic Input: HP + HK > ➡️ + HP > HP > ⬇️↘️➡️ + MP > ➡️⬇️↘️ + P > PP

Modern Input: Drive Impact Button > ➡️ + H > H > N + S > ➡️ + S + Auto > S

Timing matters a lot in this combo. After the Drive Impact, you must wait until a smidge before your crushed opponent hits the ground to start Luke's Double Impact. The cancellation into Luke's Sand Blast is rapid. Lastly, wait for Sand Blast to almost finish before entering the Rising Uppercut command.

Luke's General Strategy

Luke is a character that excels when his opponent is in the corner. Once this occurs, Luke can take advantage of target combos, wall bounces, and juggles. All of these techniques contribute to Luke's rushdown reputation.

So, the question becomes, how do you corner your opponent as Luke? You have a few options.

First, you can trap your opponent with Luke's Sand Blast. Then, when they try to jump in, you can punish them with his Rising Uppercut. From there, you'll have an opening to push them back.

Luke's Crouching Medium Kick cancels into special moves, making it a go-to combo starter.

Another option is Luke's Heavy Flash Knuckle, which covers a lot of distance. However, like any charging attack, your opponent can punish you if they see through your approach.

If you have enough Drive Gauge, Luke's OD Avenger is a safer approach due to its armor. Then, you can knock your opponent down with No Chaser or Impaler.

Once your opponent is in the corner, get the most out of the opportunity with a damaging combo. Any of the three Bread And Butter combos work well in this scenario. Combo 3, which starts with a Drive Impact, will give you a healthy opening due to Guard Crush.

Luke's most significant setback is his lack of options to escape from the corner. This is when your Drive technique knowledge is essential.

Once an opponent corners you, there's a good chance they'll want to crush your guard with a Drive Impact. Anticipating this attack with a throw or Drive Parry can help. Of course, you can try to punish this Drive Impact with one of your own, but the attempt will come with more risk.

You may also perform a Parry Drive Rush to reverse corner pressure. Following up with either Standing Heavy Kick or Crouching Medium Punch is vital in this case. Both are safe on block.

Next: Street Fighter 6: World Tour Tips