Approaching

Learn the essential ground and air approach techniques in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. Master dashing, dash-guarding, jump-ins, and advanced air movement to control the fight.

This guide breaks down how to approach opponents in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle by categorizing techniques into Ground and Air approaches.

A) Ground Approaches

Ground approaches rely on understanding 'spacing tools' or 'pokes' – fast normal attacks with good range and low recovery (e.g., 5B or 5C). The goal is to reach 'tip-of-the-blade range,' the maximum distance your poke can hit.

The simplest method is a dash (66) into tip-of-the-blade range. This uses dash momentum to extend attack reach but avoid over-extending, which can lead to being countered.

If too far for a simple dash, use dash-guard (66 followed by 1 or 4+Barrier Guard tap). This allows you to guard immediately after dashing, minimizing vulnerability. Barrier Guard is crucial here because dashing leaves you open, and Barrier Guard cancels the dash into a guard stance. An exception: avoid Barrier Guard if unsure about side-swapping, as it can result in a 2B instead of a guard, leading to a hit.

Be aware of full-screen special or super attacks (Distortion Drives). You can guard these even after seeing them start due to a brief freeze. You can also counter with invulnerable moves or 'kara cancel' (canceling attack startup into guard or Overdrive) to defend.

B) Air Approaches

Air approaches are categorized by distance:

1. Jump-in (9): The safest and most controlled approach, used in neutral or pressure. Inputting Barrier Guard during the jump's rising phase enhances safety, allowing you to block rising air attacks or ground attacks if the enemy crosses over. Avoid Barrier Guard on the descending phase if unsure of side-swapping, as it can trigger a j.B instead of a guard.
2. Double Jump (9, 9), High Jump (2, 9), or Neutral Jump + Air Dash (8, 66): Used when a normal jump is insufficient. The main drawback is limited air movement afterward, leaving you vulnerable to predictable anti-airs or rising air attacks. Guard on landing or use evasive drive/special moves to alter trajectory or timing.
3. Dash Jump (66, 9): A more aggressive air approach.
4. Instant Air Dash (9, 6) or Dash High Jump (66, 2, 9): Advanced techniques for quick aerial engagement.