Exdeath (Dissidia 012)

Exdeath

General	Starter Guide	Combos	Strategy	Frame Data
Matchups	Builds	Match Videos	Gallery	Resources

Info
Name	Exdeath (エクスデス)
Original game	Final Fantasy V
Base ATK (LV100)	110 (Average)
Base DEF (LV100)	113 (Very High)
Run Speed	?? (Slowest)
Dash Speed	89 (Slowest)
Fall Speed	111 (Very Slow)
Fall Speed Ratio After Dodge	44 (Slow)
Fastest BRV	~6F (Reverse Polarity)
Fastest HP	17F (Counter Gr. Cross) 51F (Delta Attack)
1-Hit HP	Yes (Delta Attack, Almagest)
HP Links	Yes (Combos only)
Command Block	Yes
Weapon	Greatswords, Rods, Staves, Swords
Armor	Gauntlets, Heavy Armor, Helms, Large Shields, Light Armor, Shields
Exclusive weapons	Ghido's Blade, Moore Branch, Enuo's Scourge
Unlock
Alignment	Chaos
Voice Actor (JP)	Tarō Ishida
Voice Actor (ENG)	Gerald C. Rivers

Overview

Exdeath is a defensive fighter who guards attacks and counters with his own. Block melee attacks or magic with Protect Guard and Shell Guard, or use the slightly slower Omni Block to repel most attacks in the game.

Exdeath's defense is top class. He is the only character in the game who can cancel attacks into regular blocks during startup. With the dash feint technique, he can fill assist gauge faster than anyone else. This also gives him superior mobility, because he can dodge attacks with the blodge technique. Anyone looking to approach has to answer to Reverse Polarity, which staggers most pokes and teleports large distances. This makes Exdeath very mobile and challenging to interact with. Even if he gets hit, he can restart the runaway game with LV2 Assist Change. If left alone, Exdeath can also cast Maelstrom which is an unavoidable HP attack.

Exdeath's counter playstyle works with high base bravery and Side by Side builds. He relies on EX Cores for EX, but his slow dash speed encourages preemptive positioning and using Aerith assist to pressure opponents.

Exdeath's weaknesses stem from his lackluster offense and the reliance on counters. Most of his offensive options are slow or need specific interactions to win; Ceiling wall rushes, staggers, assist punishes or successful blocks against attacks. Maelstrom strategies falter against characters who can safely deflect it and stall for meter. Coupled with the demand for executing guard cancels, Exdeath is a challenging character to play consistently. Anything that throws off his timing (assists, unreactable mixups) is a serious threat.

In competitive play, Exdeath is regarded as one of the strongest characters in the game. He exploits system mechanics very well, but he is vulnerable to defensive strategies that nullify his stage presence. Despite his flaws, Exdeath has earned a reputation as a top 3 contender. He is an advanced, technical character who rewards players greatly for their efforts.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Ultimate Defense - Various blocks allow Exdeath to counter almost any attack in the game. Fastest at Filling Assist Gauge - Cancelling attacks and regular blocks into each other lets Exdeath fill assist gauge faster than anyone else. Assist King - Due to his assist gain, Exdeath has access to assist more often than anyone else. Assist punishes and LV2 Assist Change are more accessible and less costly overall. Turtling - Frame 1 command blocks and mobility. Once Exdeath gets started, he can move long distances rapidly with Reverse Polarity or dodge faster with blodges. Exdeath can also escape with LV2 Assist Change more often, which reduces risk and lets him get back to neutral again. Maelstrom Pressure - Exdeath can provoke opponents with Maelstrom, a slow unavoidable HP attack which ignores Assist Change. Highest base DEF without EX Mode mitigates bravery damage on top of everything else.

Offense - Exdeath's offensive options are slow or have short reach. Exdeath has does not have many ways to open up opponents on his own. He thrives when he acts as the defender, but not as much if the opponent can ignore him. EX Mode Regen can be difficult to overcome. Anti-Maelstrom - An extension of the previous point, Exdeath may have to take more risks against characters who can deflect Maelstrom reliably with melee HP attacks (e.g. Squall & Firion). Human Error - Exdeath demands consistent execution, patience and good understanding of the opponent's attacks. He relies on countering what the opponent does, and failing at this brings him down much sooner than what his potential implies.

Bravery Attacks

Every Exdeath's bravery attack has a ground and an air version. Attack data is shared with both versions unless stated otherwise.

If Exdeath guards an attack with his own command block (e.g. Turn Guard), he can counter with an enhanced version of his attacks.

Circle () - Hurricane

Up + Circle (↑+) - Sword Dance

Down + Circle (↓+) - Vacuum Wave

Square () - Almagest

Down + Square (↓+) - Grand Cross

	Base Damage	1 x 18, 18 (36)
	Startup Frame	73F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Unblockable
	EX Force	114
	Effects	Absorb
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Create black hole that attracts all around it for a time.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

	Base Damage	5
	Startup Frame	5F after release
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Mid
	EX Force	0
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
Special warp movement attack. Hold button, release to warp.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

	Block Frames	End Frames	Dodge Cancel Frames	Priority
	1~37F	100F	50F	Block Ranged High
	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Block] Call a protective wind that protects against magic attacks.

Can only block Ranged Low and Ranged Mid priority attacks successfully. Reflects Ranged Low attacks directly back to opponent.

	Block Frames	End Frames	Dodge Cancel Frames	Priority
	1~45F	68F	56F	Block Melee High
	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Block] Create cerulean wall that defends against physical attacks.

Can only block Melee Low and Melee Mid priority attacks successfully.

	Block Frames	End Frames	Dodge Cancel Frames	Priority
	1~N	varies	varies	Block Mid
	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Block] Call a crimson crest. Maintain block with button hold.

If Turn Guard is held for over a second, Exdeath goes through a noticeable recovery period before dodge cancel becomes possible.

	Block Frames	End Frames	Dodge Cancel Frames	Priority
	~9F after button release	80F	40F	Block Highest
	CP (Mastered)	Cancels	Assist Gain (Attack)	Assist Gain (Hit)
	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Block] Blocks any blow. Deploys on button release.

Does not work against attacks with Unblockable priority, such as The Emperor's Thunder Crest.

		Normal	Counter
	Base Damage	30	50 (25 x 2) 80 (20 x 4. EX Mode)
	Startup Frame	65F	11F
	Damage Type	Physical	Physical
	Priority	Melee Mid	Melee Mid
	EX Force	0	30
	Effects	Wall Rush	Wall Rush
	Cancels	Block (startup), Dodge	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Swing blade in broad arc. Can cancel attack with any block.	Unlocked at level 8, 11 (air)	Mastered at 120 AP

		Normal	Counter
	Base Damage	20	40 (20, 20) 60 (15 x 4. EX Mode)
	Startup Frame	69F	5F
	Damage Type	Magical	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low	Ranged Mid
	EX Force	0	60
	Effects	Chase	Chase
	Cancels	Block (startup), Dodge	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Fire vacuum shockwave. Can cancel attack with any block.	Unlocked at level 2, 3 (air)	Mastered at 120 AP

		Normal	Counter
	Base Damage	32 (2 x 6, 20)	55 (3 x 11, 22) 90 (11, 2, 3 x 11, 22. EX Mode)
	Startup Frame	43F	13F
	Damage Type	Magical	Magical
	Priority	Melee Low	Melee Mid
	EX Force	60	60
	Effects	Absorb	Absorb
	Cancels	Block (startup), Dodge	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Close] Summon tornados to self. Can cancel attack with any block.	Unlocked at level 27, 29 (air)	Mastered at 120 AP

HP Attacks

Every Exdeath's bravery attack has a ground and air version. Attack data is shared with both versions unless stated otherwise.

	Base Damage	-
	Startup Frame	51F, 1-51F (Block)
	Damage Type	-
	Priority	Block Mid, Melee High
	EX Force	0
	Effects	Block, Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Fire beam from array. Sends foe flying while defending.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

		Regular	Counter
	Base Damage	-	-
	Startup Frame	93F	23F
	Damage Type	-	-
	Priority	Block Ranged Low Melee High	Block Ranged Low, Melee High Block Highest (from Omni Block)
	EX Force	0	0
	Effects	Magic Block, Wall Rush	Magic Block, Wall Rush
	Cancels	Dodge	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Mid] Fill an area with the Void. Can cancel attack with any block.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

		Regular	Counter
	Base Damage	2 x 5 (10)	4 x 6 (24)
	Startup Frame	93F	17F
	Damage Type	Magical	Magical
	Priority	Unblockable	Unblockable
	EX Force	90	96
	Effects	Absorb	Absorb
	Cancels	Dodge	Dodge
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Focus then detonate Void power. Cancels with any block.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

	Base Damage	3 x 9 (27)
	Startup Frame	391F (6.5 sec, ground) 451F (7.5 sec, midair)
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged High
	EX Force	87
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
[Long] Creates large cyclone. Can aim with the analog stick.	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

Maelstrom Counterstrategy

Because Maelstrom cannot be avoided with a dodge, it must be deflected with a Melee High priority attack that can power through the second hitbox that spawns upon deflecting the first hitbox. Only a few characters cannot do this at all: Kuja, Yuna and Shantotto. These characters have to diffuse the situation by other means if possible by interrupting the start-up, using Aerith's Planet Protector or using EX Revenge upon getting hit.

Every other attack is either unproven to work or known to lose / only deflect one Maelstrom hitbox.

Character	Attack
Warrior of Light	Shield of Light
Garland	Earthquake
	Tsunami
	Flare
Firion	Lord of Arms
	Weaponmaster
The Emperor	Bombard
Onion Knight	Blade Torrent
	Wind Shear
Cloud of Darkness	[0-Form] Particle Beam
Cecil	Soul Eater
	Shadow Bringer
	Saint's Fall
Kain	Jump (charged)
	Dragon's Fang
	Sky Rave
	Rising Drive
Golbez	Nightglow
Bartz	Ragnarok Blade
Exdeath	Delta Attack
	Almagest
	Omni Block
Gilgamesh	Death Claw (2nd hit)
	Jump
Terra	Tornado
Kefka	Havoc Wing
Cloud	Cross-Slash
	Braver
	Melee priority braveries (EX Mode)
Sephiroth	Hell's Gate
	Scintilla
	Octaslash
	Heaven's Light
Tifa	Burning Arrow
	Meteor Strike
	Meteodrive
	Meteor Crusher
	Rolling Blaze
Squall	Revolver Drive
	Blasting Zone
	Rough Divide
Ultimecia	Knight's Lance (charged)
Laguna	Ragnarok Buster
	Ragnarok Blade
Zidane	Stellar Circle
	Tidal Flame (melee hit)
	Grand Lethal
Kuja	None
Tidus	Energy Rain
	Spiral Cut
	Slice and Dice
Jecht	Jecht Rush (LV3)
	Jecht Stream (LV3)
	Ultimate Jecht Shot
	Jecht Blade
	Triumphant Grasp
	Jecht Block (after Precision Evasion)
Yuna	None
Shantotto	None
Prishe	Backhand Blow
	One-Inch Punch (charged)
	Asuran Fists
	Nullifying Dropkick
	Auroral Uppercut
Vaan	Axe and Shield (Switch)
	Cataclysm
	Inferno
Gabranth	Execution
	Hatred
Lightning	Razor Gale (melee hit)
	Crushing Blow
Feral Chaos	Deus Iratus
	Via Dolorosa (melee hit)
	Flagro Maximus
	Quo Vadis

EX Mode: Power of the Void!

Effects:

• Regen
• Critical Boost
• Speed Guard

Exdeath's EX mode has serviceable perks, but he may struggle to take advantage of them. This is due to the relatively sparse EX opportunities and Speed Guard boosting command block recovery and BRV guard counters specifically. Exdeath often resorts to HP guard counters, which only get the added critical hit rate from Critical Boost. If he does get a full EX gauge, it's typically used to finish matches (EX mode) or stay alive (EX Revenge). This leaves little room to take advantage of his EX mode abilities, but they can still be beneficial if the opportunity presents itself. For example, Sword Dance guard counters lead to more hits and stronger wall carry, resulting in much higher damage potential.

Speed Guard

Guard counters can be done twice. Here, Vacuum Wave is fired 3 times, with 4 being the maximum.

[Always active while in EX Mode] Time necessary to block an attack decreases.

All Blocks can be attack-cancelled in their dodge cancel frames, BRV counter attacks x2.

The maximum limit for bravery counter attacks is doubled.

Hurricane can be done 2 times instead of 1 ( > )

Sword Dance can be done 4 times instead of 2 (↑ + > ↑ + > ↑ + > ↑ + ).

Vacuum Wave can be done 4 times instead of 2 (↓ + > ↓ + > ↓ + > ↓ + )

After missing Turn Guard, Omni Block etc., Exdeath can chain into other attacks

Normally when one of the command blocks miss, the recovery can only be shortened with a dodge. Speed Guard allows him to use other attacks and chain them together, such as Turn Guard > Omni Block > Sword Dance.

Exdeath already has strong mobility and ambiguity with the regular block cancels, so he rarely needs to rely on this. It can work as a surprise tool if the opponent tries to attack after a command block misses. For example, if Omni Block misses, Exdeath could activate EX mode and chain into Turn Guard to stop Free Air Dash / quick bravery attacks.

EX Burst: Power of the Void

At his command, all is absorbed by the darkness and returned to the Void. Press circle to deplete the gauge. Release it when it reaches 0.

Base Damage (Initial)	Base Damage (Remainder)	Type
16	12 x 7 (84) (100 total)	Physical

Exdeath's EX Burst is performed similarly to Cloud of Darkness's EX Burst. Hold Circle , then release it when the number reaches 0. The number counts down to 0 very quickly at first, but then slows down considerably towards the end. This lets Exdeath prepare for the button release consistently. It's not the weakest EX Burst in terms of damage, but slightly below average compared to other EX Bursts. It is still effective for closing out matches after an assist combo.

Builds

Builds here.

Stats
HP	11826
CP	450
BRV	1296
ATK	177
DEF	184
LUK	61
Max Booster	x2.5

Special Effect: Seal of Lufenia

Equipment
Assist	Yuna
Weapon	Piggy's Stick
Hand	Lufenian Bangle
Head	Lufenian Headband
Body	Lufenian Vest
Accessory 1	Dismay Shock
Accessory 2	Battle Hammer
Accessory 3	BRV = 0
Accessory 4	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 5	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 6	Blue Gem
Accessory 7	Glutton
Accessory 8	Great Gospel
Accessory 9	Back-Breaking Straw
Accessory 10	Miracle Shoes
Summon	Rubicante

{{{dataBRV}}} {{{dataHP}}}

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Equip Master Guardsman extra ability for +1000 HP.

Stats
HP
CP
BRV
ATK
DEF
LUK
Max Booster

Special Effect:

Equipment
Assist
Weapon
Hand
Head
Body
Accessory 1
Accessory 2
Accessory 3
Accessory 4
Accessory 5
Accessory 6
Accessory 7
Accessory 8
Accessory 9
Accessory 10
Summon

{{{dataBRV}}} {{{dataHP}}}

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of Equip Glitch. The total Capacity Point cost assumes the equip glitch is done.

Assist

Synergies

Exdeath works well with Aerith, Kuja and Yuna.

Exdeath Assist Data

Type	Attack	Startup	Position	Spawn	Damage multiplier	Effects
BRV	Sword Dance	65F	Ground	Opponent	30	Wall Rush
BRV	Hurricane	43F	Air	Opponent	2 x 6, 20 (32)	Chase
HP	Grand Cross	93F	Ground	Opponent	2 x 5 (10)	Chase
HP	Delta Attack	51F	Air	Opponent	--	Block, Wall Rush

Wiki Roadmap (012 Exdeath)

Please edit this page's roadmap template when relevant additions and changes are made.

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Page	Completed	In progress	To-do	Score
General	Maelstrom counterplay added. Page exists.		Add images for attacks.	1 / 5 / 86
Pros / Cons			Strengths and weaknesses.	0 / 5 / ?
Overview / Character Data			Overview	0 / 5 / 2
Bravery Attacks	Ability info.		Overviews	1 / 5 / 5
HP Attacks	Ability info.		Overviews.	1 / 5 / 5
EX Mode	Basic info.		Overview / detailed info.	1 / 5 / 3
Combos			Add solo and assist combos with video examples.	0 / 5 / 7
Builds	1 example build.		Add more builds and overview for each of them like in Tifa page.	1 / 5 / 10
Assist	Assist data.		Add common assists with overviews. Exdeath as an assist.	1 / 5 / 3
Matchups			Create page. Matchup tips and analysis.	0 / 5 / 32
Frame Data				/ 1
Starter Guide			Create page. Concise PvP guide with core concepts and essentials.	0 / 5 / 8
Strategy			Create page. Strategies and counterplay.	0 / 5 / 10