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 {{keyword|cancel|cancel=1}} attacks into regular blocks during {{keyword|startup|startup=1}}. With the '''[[Dash feint|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|blodge]]''' technique. Anyone looking to approach has to answer to Reverse Polarity, which staggers most {{keyword|pokes|poke=1}} 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 '''[[Assist_(Dissidia_012)#LV2_Assist_Change|LV2 Assist Change]]'''. If left alone, Exdeath can also cast Maelstrom which is an unavoidable HP attack.
Exdeath's counter playstyle works with '''[[Multiplayer_Build_Guide_(Dissidia_012)#Damage_(high_base_bravery)|high base bravery]]''' and '''[[Multiplayer_Build_Guide_(Dissidia_012)#Side_by_Side|Side by Side]]''' builds. He relies on '''[[EX_(Dissidia_012)#EX_Core|EX Cores]]''' for EX, but his slow dash speed encourages preemptive positioning and using {{012aer}} 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; '''[[Wall_Rush_(Dissidia_012_Final_Fantasy)#Wall_Rush_(Wall_/_Ceiling)|Ceiling wall rushes]]''', staggers, {{keyword|assist punishes|assistpunish=1}} 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 {{keyword|mixups|mixup=1}}) 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.
{{ProConTable
{{ProConTable
|pros=
|pros=
* '''Ultimate Defense''' - Various blocks allow Exdeath to counter almost any attack in the game.
* '''Fastest at Filling Assist Gauge''' - {{keyword|Cancelling|cancel=1}} 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. {{keyword|Assist punishes|assistpunish=1}} and LV2 Assist Change are more accessible and less costly overall.
* '''{{keyword|Turtling|turtling=1}}''' - Frame 1 {{keyword|command blocks|commandblock=1}} and mobility. Once Exdeath gets started, he can move long distances rapidly with Reverse Polarity or dodge faster with '''[[Blodge|blodges]]'''. Exdeath can also escape with LV2 Assist Change more often, which reduces risk and lets him get back to {{keyword|neutral|neutral=1}} 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.
|cons=
|cons=
* '''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. {{012squ}} & {{012fir}}).
* '''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.
}}
}}
== Overview ==
Exdeath is a playable character in Dissidia 012.
== Bravery Attacks ==
== Bravery Attacks ==
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Every Exdeath's bravery attack has a ground and an air version. Attack data is shared with both versions unless stated otherwise.
Every Exdeath's bravery attack has a ground and an air version. Attack data is shared with both versions unless stated otherwise.
Bravery attacks Vacuum Wave, Hurricane and Sword Dance have different damage multipliers during EX mode. These values are highlighted in bold.
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 ({{pspcir}}) - Hurricane
; Up + Circle (↑+{{pspcir}}) - Sword Dance
; Down + Circle (↓+{{pspcir}}) - Vacuum Wave
; Square ({{pspsqu}}) - Almagest
; Down + Square (↓+{{pspsqu}}) - Grand Cross
<tabber>
<tabber>
|-|Black Hole=
|-|Black Hole=
{{AbilityInfo
{{AbilityInfo
|damage=1x18, 18 (36)
|damage=1 x 18, 18 (36)
|startup=73F
|startup=73F
|type=Magical
|type=Magical
Line 39:
Line 74:
|effect=Absorb
|effect=Absorb
|cp=30 (15)
|cp=30 (15)
|image=
|imgpos=
|cancels=
|asthit=
|level=
|ap=
|gametext=[Long] Create black hole that <br>attracts all around it for a time.
}}
}}
''[Long] Create black hole that attracts all around it for a time.''
|-|Reverse Polarity=
|-|Reverse Polarity=
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|effect=Wall Rush
|effect=Wall Rush
|cp=30 (15)
|cp=30 (15)
|image=
|imgpos=
|cancels=
|asthit=
|level=
|ap=
|gametext=Special warp movement attack. <br>Hold button, release to warp.
}}
}}
''Special warp movement attack. Hold button, release to warp.''
|-|Shell Guard=
|-|Shell Guard=
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|-|Sword Dance=
|-|Sword Dance=
{{AbilityInfoExdeath
|damage1=30
{{AbilityInfo2
|ver1=Normal
|damage1='''30'''
|startup1=65F
|startup1=65F
|type1=Physical
|type1=Physical
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|ex1=0
|ex1=0
|effect1=Wall Rush
|effect1=Wall Rush
|cp1=30 (15)
|cancels1=Block (startup), Dodge
|damage2=25x2 (50) / '''20x4 (80)'''
|asthit1=
|gametext=[Mid] Swing blade in broad arc. <br>Can cancel attack with any block.
|level=8, 11 (air)
|ap=120
|cp=30 (15)
|ver2=Counter
|damage2='''50''' (25 x 2) <br>'''80''' (20 x 4. EX Mode)
|startup2=11F
|startup2=11F
|type2=Physical
|type2=Physical
Line 118:
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|ex2=30
|ex2=30
|effect2=Wall Rush
|effect2=Wall Rush
|cp2=-
|cancels2=Dodge
|asthit2=
}}
}}
''[Mid] Swing blade in broad arc. Can cancel attack with any block.''
|-|Vacuum Wave=
|-|Vacuum Wave=
{{AbilityInfoExdeath
|damage1=20
{{AbilityInfo2
|ver1=Normal
|damage1='''20'''
|startup1=69F
|startup1=69F
|type1=Magical
|type1=Magical
Line 130:
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|ex1=0
|ex1=0
|effect1=Chase
|effect1=Chase
|cp1=30 (15)
|cancels1=Block (startup), Dodge
|damage2=20, 20 (40) / '''15x4 (60)'''
|asthit1=
|gametext=[Long] Fire vacuum shockwave. <br>Can cancel attack with any block.
|level=2, 3 (air)
|ap=120
|cp=30 (15)
|ver2=Counter
|damage2='''40''' (20, 20) <br>'''60''' (15 x 4. EX Mode)
|startup2=5F
|startup2=5F
|type2=Magical
|type2=Magical
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|ex2=60
|ex2=60
|effect2=Chase
|effect2=Chase
|cp2=-
|cancels2=Dodge
|asthit2=
}}
}}
''[Long] Fire vacuum shockwave. Can cancel attack with any block.''
|-|Hurricane=
|-|Hurricane=
{{AbilityInfoExdeath
|damage1=2x6, 20 (32)
{{AbilityInfo2
|ver1=Normal
|damage1='''32''' (2 x 6, 20)
|startup1=43F
|startup1=43F
|type1=Magical
|type1=Magical
Line 149:
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|ex1=60
|ex1=60
|effect1=Absorb
|effect1=Absorb
|cp1=30 (15)
|cancels1=Block (startup), Dodge
|damage2=?? (55)
|asthit1=
|gametext=[Close] Summon tornados to self. <br>Can cancel attack with any block.
|level=27, 29 (air)
|ap=120
|cp=30 (15)
|ver2=Counter
|damage2='''55''' (3 x 11, 22)<br>'''90''' (11, 2, 3 x 11, 22. EX Mode)
|startup2=13F
|startup2=13F
|type2=Magical
|type2=Magical
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|ex2=60
|ex2=60
|effect2=Absorb
|effect2=Absorb
|cp2=-
|cancels2=Dodge
|asthit2=
}}
}}
''[Close] Summon tornados to self. Can cancel attack with any block.''
</tabber>
</tabber>
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|effect=Block, Wall Rush
|effect=Block, Wall Rush
|cp=30 (15)
|cp=30 (15)
|image=
|imgpos=
|cancels=
|asthit=
|level=
|ap=
|gametext=[Mid] Fire beam from array. <br>Sends foe flying while defending.
}}
}}
''[Mid] Fire beam from array. Sends foe flying while defending.''
|-|Almagest=
|-|Almagest=
{{AbilityInfoExdeath
{{AbilityInfo2
|ver1=Regular
|damage1=-
|damage1=-
|startup1=93F
|startup1=93F
|type1=-
|type1=-
|priority1=Block Ranged Low, Melee High
|priority1=Block Ranged Low <br>Melee High
|ex1=0
|ex1=0
|effect1=Magic Block, Wall Rush
|effect1=Magic Block, Wall Rush
|cp1=30 (15)
|cancels1=Dodge
|asthit1=
|gametext=[Mid] Fill an area with the Void. <br>Can cancel attack with any block.
|level=
|ap=
|cp=30 (15)
|ver2=Counter
|damage2=-
|damage2=-
|startup2=23F
|startup2=23F
|type2=-
|type2=-
|priority2=Block Ranged Low, Melee High, Block Highest (from Omni Block)
|priority2=Block Ranged Low, Melee High <br>Block Highest (from Omni Block)
|ex2=0
|ex2=0
|effect2=Magic Block, Wall Rush
|effect2=Magic Block, Wall Rush
|cp2=-
|cancels2=Dodge
|asthit2=
|image=
|imgpos=
}}
}}
''[Mid] Fill an area with the Void. Can cancel attack with any block.''
|-|Grand Cross=
|-|Grand Cross=
{{AbilityInfo2
{{AbilityInfoExdeath
|ver1=Regular
|damage1=2x5 (10)
|damage1=2 x 5 (10)
|startup1=93F
|startup1=93F
|type1=Magical
|type1=Magical
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|ex1=90
|ex1=90
|effect1=Absorb
|effect1=Absorb
|cp1=30 (15)
|cancels1=Dodge
|damage2=4x6 (24)
|asthit1=
|gametext=[Long] Focus then detonate Void power. <br>Cancels with any block.
|gametext=[Long] Creates large cyclone. <br>Can aim with the analog stick.
}}
}}
''[Long] Creates large cyclone. Can aim with the analog stick.''
</tabber>
</tabber>
=== EX Mode: Power of the Void ===
=== 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: {{012kuja}}, {{012yuna}} and {{012shan}}. These characters have to diffuse the situation by other means if possible by interrupting the start-up, using {{012aer}}'s Planet Protector or using [[EX_(Dissidia_012)#EX_Revenge|'''EX Revenge''']] upon getting hit.
Every other attack is either unproven to work or known to lose / only deflect one Maelstrom hitbox.
{|class="wikitable" sortable
! Character !! Attack
|-
|{{012wol}} || Shield of Light
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012gar}}
|Earthquake
|-
|Tsunami
|-
|Flare
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012fir}}
|Lord of Arms
|-
|Weaponmaster
|-
|{{012emp}} || Bombard
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012ok}}
|Blade Torrent
|-
|Wind Shear
|-
|{{012cod}} || [0-Form] Particle Beam
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012cec}}
|Soul Eater
|-
|Shadow Bringer
|-
|Saint's Fall
|-
|rowspan="4"|{{012kain}}
|Jump (charged)
|-
|Dragon's Fang
|-
|Sky Rave
|-
|Rising Drive
|-
|{{012bez}} || Nightglow
|-
|{{012bartz}} || Ragnarok Blade
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012exd}}
|Delta Attack
|-
|Almagest
|-
|Omni Block
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012gil}}
|Death Claw (2nd hit)
|-
|Jump
|-
|{{012ter}} || Tornado
|-
|{{012kef}} || Havoc Wing
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012clo}}
|Cross-Slash
|-
|Braver
|-
|Melee priority braveries (EX Mode)
|-
|rowspan="4"|{{012seph}}
|Hell's Gate
|-
|Scintilla
|-
|Octaslash
|-
|Heaven's Light
|-
|rowspan="5"|{{012tifa}}
|Burning Arrow
|-
|Meteor Strike
|-
|Meteodrive
|-
|Meteor Crusher
|-
|Rolling Blaze
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012squ}}
|Revolver Drive
|-
|Blasting Zone
|-
|Rough Divide
|-
|{{012ulti}} || Knight's Lance (charged)
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012lag}}
|Ragnarok Buster
|-
|Ragnarok Blade
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012zid}}
|Stellar Circle
|-
|Tidal Flame (melee hit)
|-
|Grand Lethal
|-
|{{012kuja}} || None
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012tid}}
|Energy Rain
|-
|Spiral Cut
|-
|Slice and Dice
|-
|rowspan="6"|{{012jec}}
|Jecht Rush (LV3)
|-
|Jecht Stream (LV3)
|-
|Ultimate Jecht Shot
|-
|Jecht Blade
|-
|Triumphant Grasp
|-
|Jecht Block (after Precision Evasion)
|-
|{{012yuna}} || None
|-
|{{012shan}} || None
|-
|rowspan="5"|{{012pri}}
|Backhand Blow
|-
|One-Inch Punch (charged)
|-
|Asuran Fists
|-
|Nullifying Dropkick
|-
|Auroral Uppercut
|-
|rowspan="3"|{{012vaan}}
|Axe and Shield (Switch)
|-
|Cataclysm
|-
|Inferno
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012gab}}
|Execution
|-
|Hatred
|-
|rowspan="2"|{{012lig}}
|Razor Gale (melee hit)
|-
|Crushing Blow
|-
|rowspan="4"|{{012fc}}
|Deus Iratus
|-
|Via Dolorosa (melee hit)
|-
|Flagro Maximus
|-
|Quo Vadis
|}
== EX Mode: Power of the Void! ==
Effects:
Effects:
* Regen
* Regen
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* Speed Guard
* Speed Guard
==== Speed Guard ====
=== Speed Guard ===
[[File:Ex_mode_exdeath.jpeg|thumb|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.''
''[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.
All Blocks can be attack-cancelled in their dodge cancel frames, BRV counter attacks x2.
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.
[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.