Normal Moves (14)

Learn the ins and outs of Zangief's normal attacks in Street Fighter II. Master Iron Fist, Stalingrad Fist-dive, Kneeling Trip Kick, and more!

Alright, let's break down Zangief's normal attacks in Street Fighter II. These are your bread-and-butter moves, the ones you'll be using constantly. Understanding when and how to use each one is key to landing combos and controlling the fight. We'll go over the punches and kicks, and I'll show you what buttons to press on SNES and Genesis.

Punch Attacks

• Iron Fist: This is your standard forward punch. It's pretty versatile and works whether you're standing or moving. The strength of the punch depends on which button you press – light, medium, or heavy.
• SNES Default: Y or X or L
• GENS Default: X or Y or Z
• Crouching Iron Fist: Exactly like the standing Iron Fist, but you do it while crouching. Again, the punch power changes based on the button you use.
• SNES Default: v + Y or v + X or v + L
• GENS Default: v + X or v + Y or v + Z
• Stalingrad Fist-dive: This one's an aerial move. While you're in the air, hit the heavy punch button. Zangief will strike a pose with his fist forward. If you don't move, it turns into a basic karate chop.
• SNES Default: L + > or < + L (Mid-Air)
• GENS Default: Z + > or < + Z (Mid-Air)
• Sickle Chop: Another mid-air attack. Use your medium or low punch buttons to perform this karate-style chop. It looks the same whether you're moving forward, backward, or staying still in the air.
• SNES Default: Y or X (Mid-Air)
• GENS Default: A or B (Mid-Air)

Kick Attacks

• Kneeling Trip Kick: To do this, hold Down and press any kick button. If you use the heavy kick button and your opponent isn't blocking, you'll actually hit them twice! (Though in older versions, this doesn't add extra damage.)
• SNES Default: v + B or v + A or v + R
• GENS Default: v + A or v + B or v + C
• Best Foot Forward: This is a powerful kick. Hold Right and press the medium kick button. It's a big ol' foot to the face!
• SNES Default: > + A (Touching)
• GENS Default: > + B (Touching)
• Soviet Missile Kick: This is an aerial kick. While jumping, press the medium kick button. It works whether you're jumping forward or backward.
• SNES Default: A or R (Mid-Air)
• GENS Default: B or C (Mid-Air)
• Iron Knees: Another mid-air move. Use the low kick button, and you'll come down on your opponent's head with both knees. It doesn't do a ton of damage, but it's a neat little move. Works while moving or staying still in the air.
• SNES Default: B (Mid-Air)
• GENS Default: A (Mid-Air)

Mastering these normals is your first step to really understanding Zangief. Practice them in training mode until they feel natural!