THE COMPLETE FIGHTING EX LAYER GUIDE

 
Blocking


Like most 2d fighting games and including FEXL you hold away from the opponent to defend. Blocking is very strong in FEXL because there are not many mixups in the game while both you and your opponent are standing. So getting good at blocking is going to be key in your success in FEXL.


You can crouch block in FEXL and like in games like Street Fighter they will block low attacks, duck under highs, and block mids as well. You must stand block jump attacks and overheads (including hard attacks) to be successful.


 Stand Block vs Crouch Block

A big key difference between other fighters is that in FEXL there is a difference to stand blocking or crouch blocking.
 
When you stand block something that can be crouch blocked as well, the stand block will cause less block stun for the defender and cause the attacker to have more recovery on the attack that was blocked.
 
For example Hokuto's Chugeki-Hoh special move (quarter circle forward + punch) with the Shoegekiha follow up (Punch input during Chugeki-Hoh) actually gives Hokuto the advantage in block stun (she is plus) if you crouch block the attack and she'll be able to pressure you further unless you do something invincible with a reversal timing. 

However stand blocking this attack makes Hokuto the one that is at a disadvantage and she must be the one on defense unless she uses a super move to try and call out the opponent trying to take their advantage back. (similar to the -2/EX Dragon Punch situation in Street Fighter V but much less punishing)











Shirase and the cast can stop almost any option with crouch light kick if they successfully block Hokuto's special move properly. There are many examples of this in FEXL so if you are able to block something standing or crouching, always opt to stand block to give yourself a chance to punish/punish better, to avoid a bad situation, and to not let your opponent get away with fake pressure.



Dealing with Pressure


In FEXL unlike other fighting games most normals are actually safe to unsafe on block and most normals on block do not have advantage aside from a few heavy normals or using some as a meaty option. 

Chains are the only way to truly cause a block string which has no gaps to interrupt. So make sure you pay attention if the opponent is using chains, links, or stagger chains while trying to pressure you.

Since left/right mixups are rare, waking up crouch blocking is a very strong choice to default to as you can't be thrown while getting up from the ground. Overheads aren't very rewarding outside of hard attacks which can be reacted to.




Get them to stop jumping!