Melty Blood/MBTL/Arcueid Brunestud/Combos

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#MBTL_AR

Notation Help
Disclaimer: Combos are written by various writers, so notation may differ slightly from this notation. For more information, see Glossary and Controls
X > Y	X input is cancelled into Y.
X, Y	X input is linked into Y, meaning Y is done after X's recovery period.
X+Y	Buttons "X" and "Y" must be input simultaneously.
X/Y	Input "X" or "Y" can be used.
dl	There should be delay before inputting "X".
w.X or Xw	Attack "X" should whiff and not hit the opponent.
j.X	Button "X" is input while jumping or in the air.
dj.X	Button "X" is input after a double jump.
jc	Jump cancel the previous action. Will occasionally be omitted due to being obvious. Will occasionally be notated with 7/9 to indicate backwards/forwards.
sj	Perform a superjump, which is performed by inputting 2~8.
sjc	Superjump cancel the previous action.
IAD	Instant Air Dash.
AT	Air throw, often used as a combo ender that leads to knockdown.
md.X	Perform a micro-dash before performing "X". Unused in favor of writing "microdash."
tk.X	Indicates the motion "X" is input immediately after leaving the ground. Stands for tiger knee.
(X)	Input "X" is optional. Typically the combo will be easier if omitted.
[X]	Input "X" is held down. Also can be known as "Increase" or "IC" for short. Depending on the character, this can indicate that this button is held down and not released until indicated by the release notation.
]X[	Input "X" is released. Will only appear if a button is previously held down.
{X}	Button "X" should only be held down briefly to partially charge the attack, instead of the full increased version.
X(#)	Attack "X" should only hit # of times.
X~Y	This notation has two meanings. Use attack "X" with "Y" follow-up input. Input "X" then within a few frames, input "Y". Usually used for option selects.
(...) OR (...)	Use only one between the two alternative routes.
RB1/2	The first or second hit of Rapid Beat auto combo.
CH	The first attack must be Counter Hit.
FC	The first attack must be Fatal Counter.
MD	Perform a Moon Drive, which is inputted by pressing 5B+C.
Heat	Perform Heat, which is performed by inputting A+B+C.
AD	Perform an Arc Drive, which is performed by inputting 236B+C. Characters with more than one Arc Drive will have theirs notated by input.
LA	Perform a Last Arc, which is performed by inputting A+B+C+D or successfully Shielding in Blood Heat.

Mostly up to date for 1.4 - special thanks to Hare, whose combo document is linked at the bottom of this page.

Midscreen

These combos typically work anywhere on the screen, but are intended to be used from 100%-to-corner to 60%-to-corner.

A Starter / IAD Starter

2B and 5B can be swapped in most combos - which one you use first will normally depend on how you decide to run pressure. Combos are listed with 2B first, but 5B first often leads to more damage.

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2A > 2B > 5C > 4C > Airdash > dl.j.C > 623A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > (236BBB > 214C) OR (623AA > j.B > AT)	214C: 3967 AT: 3411		214C: -17% AT: 83%	Anywhere
Combo from Arc's simplest 2A confirm string. Can add a TK j.2B before the 236BBB in the metered ender for 4018 damage and -13% net meter gain, making it the optimal 2A route. Add a 5A before the 5B if the opponent is too low. Doesn't work with TK j.2B.
(IAD > j.B(1) > )2AA(A) > 2B > 5C > 4C > Airdash > j.C > 623A > (5B > 214A > 5AA > 236BBB > 214C) OR (dl.2C > 623BB > j.B > AT)	214C: 3665 AT: 3178		214C: -19% AT: 78%	Anywhere
2AA(A) or IAD j.B starter. Damage/meter values are for 2AA. For IAD j.B starter, use j.A j.C AT for the meterless ender.
IAD > j.C > 2A > 2B > 5C > 4C > Airdash > j.B(1) > j.2B > 623A > dl.2C > (236BBB > 214C) OR (623BB > j.C > AT)	214C: 3911 AT: 3501		214C: -23% AT: 85%	Anywhere
IAD j.C route. Truly universal BNB routing - works from any non-launching normal starter no matter how bad. Should probably be one of the first routes you learn when picking up Arc. Add a 5B either in the starter or before the 2C to increase damage slightly.
5A > 5B > 5C > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 214A > 5A > RB1 > (236BBB > 214C) OR (623AA > j.B > j.C > AT)	214C: 3938 AT: 3508		214C: -14% AT: 95%	Anywhere
Air hit starter. Used from antiairs, catching jumps, or air unblockables. Replace the second 5A with a 2A for higher damage if you delay the 2B properly. Omit the autocombo from the metered ender for higher damage but less meter and corner carry.

B / C Starters

All combos listed for 2B also work for 5B and 5C. Do note for posterity that 5B is an inferior starter to 2B, so even though it works for all of the combos in this section it may not be interchangeable for other 2B starter combos. Also, 2C typically can't use the same routing as other normals, so it requires some specialized confirms.

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2B > 5C > 4C > Airdash > j.C > 623A > 2C > 236[A] > 2A > 5B > 214A > 5A > RB1 > (236BBB > 214C) OR (3C > j.B > j.C > AT)	214C: 4193 AT: 3634			Anywhere
The standard 2B combo. Several variations possible, with small variations in damage, meter gain, and corner carry: Include a j.2B before the 623A (May be easier) Omit the rapid beat Omit the 2A If 2A is omitted and j.2B wasn't done, do tk j.2B after 5B (fairly difficult)
5[B] > dl.5C > 623B > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 3C > j.B > j.C > AT	3770			Anywhere
5[B] > dl.5C > 623B > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 236BBB > 214C	4305			Anywhere
j.2[B] > 623A > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > RB1 > RB2 > j.B > j.C > AT	3659			Anywhere
j.2[B] > 623A > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > RB1 > 236BBB > 214C	4210			Anywhere
2C > 236B4X > 2A > 5C > 623B > 4C(1) > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 623AA > j.B(1) > j.C > AT	3617			Anywhere
2C > 236B4X > 2A > 5C > 623B > 4C(1) > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 236BBB > 214C	4002			Anywhere
2C > Rebeat > Dash > (OTG )2B > 5B > 5C > 5C > RB1 > RB2 > 236BBB	1992	0%	54%	Anywhere
2C OTG string. Situationally good for squeezing out some extra corner carry, damage, and metergain in matchups vs characters who are hard to control on defense. Can tack on 236C at the end for ~200 more damage (2175). Everything has to be done as fast as possible.

Special Starter

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
236B4X > 236B4X > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 5C > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 623AA > j.B(1) > j.C > AT	3804			Anywhere
236B4X > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 5C > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 236BBB > 214C	4193			Anywhere
623B > 2B > 4C(1) > 623A > 5C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 3C > j.B > j.C > AT	3833			Anywhere
623B > 2B > 4C(1) > 623A > 5C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 236BBB > 214C	4370			Anywhere

Moon Skill Starter

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2B+C(3) > jc > dl.j.C > 623A > 5B > 5C > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 214A > 5A > 236BBB > 214C	4420			Anywhere
3B+C > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 236BBB > 214C	4191			Anywhere
6B+C > 4C(1) > 623B > 5B > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 236BBB > 214C	4470			Anywhere
4B+C > 2B+C(1) > jc > j.2[B] > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 5C > 236BBB > 214C	3975			Anywhere

Anti-Backdash

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2A > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 623AA > j.C > AT	3474			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A hits)
2A > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 236BBB > 214C	3908			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A hits)
2A(w) > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > j.B > j.C > AT	3749			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A is dodged by a backstep)
2A(w) > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 214C	4213			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A is dodged by a backstep)
2A(w) > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 623A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 214A > 5A > 3C > j.B > j.C > AT	3713			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A is dodged by a backstep)
2A(w) > 2C > 623B > 4C(1) > 623A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 214A > 5A > 236BBB > 214C	4248			Anywhere
【Anti-Backstep】(Routes to use if 2A is dodged by a backstep)

Moon Drive

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2A > 2B > 5C > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > dl.j.C > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > jc > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5801		130%	Anywhere
2A > 2A > 2B > 5C > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > dl.j.B(1) > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > jc > j.2C > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5455		140%	Anywhere
IAD > j.B > 2A > 2B > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > dl.j.C > 623A > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > jc > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5733		140%	Anywhere
2A(w) > 2C > 623B > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > dl.j.B(1) > 623A > 4C > 214A > 5C > 236[A] > 5B > jc > j.2C > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5932		140%	Anywhere
Anti Backstep
2B > 5C > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > j.B(1) > 623A > 5B > 623B > 4C > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5A > jc > j.2C > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5987		150%	Anywhere
j.2B > 22A(2) > MD > 2B+C > Airdash > j.B(1) > 623A > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5839		140%	Anywhere
5[B] > 5C > MD > 623B > 6B+C > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5954		150%	Anywhere
214B > MD > 2B+C(2) > jc > j.C > 623A > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6000		150％	Anywhere
22C(8) > MD > j.2[B] > 623A > 2B > 4C(1) > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5AA > 236BBB > 236B+C	4514		50％	Anywhere
(Change the timing of j.2[B] to switch sides or stay on > the same side）
236B~B(4) > MD > 6B+C > 5C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > jc > j.2C > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5878		160％	Anywhere
236B4X > MD > 2B+C(3) > jc > dl.j.B(1) > 623A > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > jc > j.2C > j.2B+C(1) > jc > j.2B > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5891		160%	Anywhere

Corner

A Starter

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2A > 2B > 5C > 214B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > 3C > j.B > j.C > AT	3708, 2A2A Starter 3504, j.66 j.B Starter 3677			Corner
For IAD j.C starter, do 2C 214B 236[A]
2A > 2B > 5C > 214B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4287, 2A2A Starter 4081, j.66 j.B Starter 4281			Corner
For IAD j.C starter, do 2C 214B 236[A]
2A > 2B > 5C > 4C(1) > 214B > 236[A] > 2CSideswap > 5B > 623AA > j.C > 4AT	3681	0%	86%	Corner
Sets up ambiguous left/right.

B/C Starter

In this case, 5B being a better starter than 2B is relevant - the listed 2B combos require alteration to function with 5B starter. 2C starter is less specialized in corner, but you may have to use it twice and incur SMP if you don't want to modify your routing significantly.

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2B > 5C > 214B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > 3C > j.C > AT	3953			Corner
Omit the 4C(1) 214A from 5B starter, or if you want to make it easier.
2B > 5C > 214B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4477			Corner
Omit the 4C(1) 214A from 5B starter, or if you want to make it easier.
5[B] > dl.5C > 623B > 214B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > 3C > j.B > j.C > AT	3928			Corner
5[B] > dl.5C > 623B > 214B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4500			Corner
5[B] > 5C > 214B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236A > 2B > 623AA > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4564	100%		Corner
Alternate 5[B]
2B > 5C > 214B > 214A > 22AA > 2C > 236[A] > 5BSideswap > 623AA > j.C > j.B(1) > 4AT	3956	0%	106%	Corner
Sets up ambiguous left/right.
3C > j.C > j.2C > 22A(1)A > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 623AA > jc > j.B > AT	3200			Corner
3C > j.C > j.2C > 22A(1)A > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	3773			Corner

Throw Starter

Throw combos start with both a high hitstun decay value and also poor starting damage prorate. Doing a harder combo is at most 75 more damage, so its better to either pick a combo with a superior okizeme situation or just one you personally find more reliable.

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
Throw > 214A > dl.2C > 236[A] > 5A > 623A > dl.5A > 5B > 3C > j.C > AT	2266	0	75%	Corner
Reliable, decently optimized combo. Add j.BAA after j.C to increase meter gain at the cost of damage. Possible to go straight to 623AA after 2C for a simpler route.
Throw > sj > j.B(1) > j.2C > dl.j.22A(2)~A > 2C > 5B > 3C > j.C > AT	2071	0	61%	Corner
Poor damage, but works at up to 33%-from-corner. The route of choice for converting from a throw just outside the corner.
Throw > 214B > 236[A] > 5B > 5C > RB1 > RB2 > j.C > j.B(2) > AT	2145	0	65%	Corner
Sets up a unique corner okizeme situation with the opponent displaced a few pixels from the corner if any part of the combo after 236A is delayed. Do 236A 2B for an easier combo at the expense of 9 damage. See section on corner steal combos.
Throw > j.2C > 2A > 5B > 2C/dl.2C > 236[A] > Sideswap > 2A > 5A > 5B > RB1 > RB2 > j.A > j.B > j.C > IAD > 4AT	1994			Corner
Alternative corner steal setup

Corner Moon Drive

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
2A > 2B > 5C > MD > 4C(1) > 214B > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6023		Approx. 140%	Corner
2AA > 2B > 5C > MD > 214B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	5731		140%	Corner
IAD > j.B > 2A > 2B > MD > 5C > 4C(1) > 214B > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6027		150%	Corner
2B > 5C > MD > 214B > 4C(1) > 214A > 5B > 623B > 2C > 236[A] > 5A > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6164		160%	Corner
5[B] > dl.5C > MD > 214B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6219		150%	Corner
214B > MD > 6B+C > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5A > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 236C > 236B+C	6303		180％	Corner

Misc

Air to Air Starter

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
j.B > j.C > 2B+C(1) > jc > j.2[B] > 623A > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.A > AT	3548			Anywhere
j.B > j.C > 2B+C(1) > jc > j.2[B] > 623A > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 236BBB > 214C	4110			Anywhere
FC j.C > 5B > 5C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > j.B > AT	4134			Anywhere
Midscreen Air Counter
FC j.C > 5B > 5C > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 236BBB > 214C	4565			Anywhere
Midscreen Air Counter
CH j.C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 4C > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > 3C > j.B > AT	4399			Anywhere
Corner Air Counter
CH j.C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 4C > 214A > 5B > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB	4942			Anywhere
Corner Air Counter

Shield Counter

Combo	Damage	Cost	Meter Gain	Location
D~B+C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	214C: 3936 AT: 3391		214C: -3% AT: 102%	Anywhere
Reliable Shield A combo - also works for 3C. Omit the rapid beat for slightly more damage at the cost of meter and corner carry. For 3C starter, can replace the 2A with 5C.
D~B+C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5A > 623AA > jc > j.B > j.C > AT	3698			Anywhere
※Shield B Counter Hit is the same route as B+C
D~B+C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 5A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4132			Anywhere
※Shield B Counter Hit is the same route as B+C
D~B+C > 5C > 214B > 623B > 5A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.B > j.C > AT	3574			Corner
D~A > j.C > j.2C > 22A(1)A > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.2[B] > 236BBB > 214C	4183			Corner
D~A > j.C > j.2C > 22A(1)A > 2B > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 623AA > jc > j.B > AT	3715			Corner
Regular Hit Start
D~B+C > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 236BBB > 214C	4271			Corner
Regular Hit Start
CH D~B+C > 5B > 623B > 4C(1) > 214A > 2C > 236[A] > 2B > 5C > 623AA > j.C > AT	3804			Corner
Counter Hit Start
CH D~A > j.C > 2B+C(1) > jc > j.2[B] > 623A > 2A > 2C > 236[A] > 5B > 214A > 5AA > (236BBB > 214C) OR (623AA > j.B > AT)	4355			Corner
Counter Hit Start

Notes

Near-Corner Routing

Arcueid has natural tools that give her routes very high corner carry, so "near corner" for Arcueid can mean anywhere from true midscreen(60%-to-corner) to almost in the corner(16%-to-corner). Most midscreen routes can be improved by slotting in a 214B at the end when Arc reaches the corner. Some can further benefit from 623AA afterwards, but it's often too difficult to use it due to height, proration, or both. It is possible to optimize routing specifically for near-corner hits, but use your own discretion for whether it's worth the effort.

Corner steal combos

Corner steal combos are a class of combos first discovered by Japanese players @ymd_alternative and @grovegrow31 that set up a unique okizeme situation where, depending on minor delays made in combos, Arcueid can leave a cornered opponent displaced from the corner by extremely small amounts (a minimum difference of 2 pixels). Can be very hard to block the resulting left/right mixup when executed well.

Situational: Frametrap Combos

Some moves of Arc's moves lead to a different combo routing on counter hit or when used late in a string after other options have been used. In the best case, e.g. 236XX~X, landing a counterhit as a frametrap can lead to a full meterless combo where otherwise it would be impossible. In other cases, such as using a late 2C in a blockstring, you may just have to pick up with whatever you can, be it any special move or even autocombo.

Situational: Trades

In some situations, having an attack trade with the opponent can still lead to a combo for Arc - at times even better than what she would normally get. For example, if the opponent mashes a 5F normal against 236XX~4X, the trade will give Arc a full meterless combo.

External Links

• アルクコンボメモ by はれ; current as of 1.4. Outdated translated version here.
• Combo spreadsheet by Charby. Up to date for 1.4.