Under Night In-Birth/UNI2/Merkava

Overview

Strategy

Starter Guide

Combos

Matchups

Frame Data

Data

#UNI2_MR

Story

A mysterious figure, Merkava has a Void's shape but a human's heart.

He can speak and understand human language. His two distinct consciousnesses stand at opposition to one another; the Void wishes to devour humans, while the human tries to suppress such urges. As the Void grows stronger by the day, Merkava searches for its cause. His search leads him to learn of Kuon's efforts to open the pit that will lead him into the Night--efforts that stir the Void within Merkava.

In hopes of attaining inner peace, and to show Kuon who the real Lord of the Void is, Merkava sets out to devour his soul.

“

The one to devour this world... shall be Jormungandr... Me. I won't stop... I... won't... stop...

”

Gameplay

Your main goal as Merkava is to keep your opponent guessing where and when you're going to strike. Merkava's big moves allow him to be minus at ranges where the opponent can't safely challenge him, then take back his turn when the opponent hesitates. Reward from this playstyle is fairly low until Merkava has Vorpal, which means Merkava has the choice of playing for resources or mixing it up by going in and trying hit the opponent with his better starters. In order to get the most out of this character, you will need to alternate between keeping your opponent out and punishing their attempts at taking their turn.

Strengths

Weaknesses

50/50 Mixups: Flight gives Merkava high/low 50/50s, and his 22X moves allow him to set them up somewhat reliably, with 22C in particular being a very strong setplay option to enable his mix. Unorthodox Movement: Merkava has an air backdash, flight, an airdash-like move from flight that takes him just above the ground, and 2[FF] which puts him into flight. On top of his unique movement options, he can also move left/right during the descent after his air fireballs. Good Neutral: Merkava has longer than average Normals and Specials that cover large parts of the screen while still often converting into combos. Moves like 3C and 66C also move his hurtbox quickly. Has a great dashblock, and his standing hurtbox is also very narrow compared to his crouching. Flight hurtboxes can also quickly change when throwing out a move or landing making him hard to pin down.

Offense Without Setup: Without worms on screen to cover openings, Merkava is left with somewhat linear pressure with the worst rebeat table in the game. Limited Defense: All reversals require meter. Standing moves are fairly slow, and 2A is 6f, which can limit options up close. Large Hurtboxes: While it is unusual at times, Merkava is overall larger than average characters, and many of his Normals also extend his hurbox, which can yield the opponent favorable counterhits. Ground Movement: His walk speed is very slow, and his backdash comes with a lot of recovery.

Character Stats

Health	Smart Steer Route
10400	5A > 4B > 5C > 236B > 5A+B > IW (requires 200 EXS)
Forward Walk Speed	Backward Walk Speed	Jump Startup	Jump Duration
740	-660	5	51
Dash Startup	Initial Dash Speed	Dash Acceleration	Max Dash Speed
1	1550	150	2600
Backdash Startup	Backdash Duration	Backdash Distance	Backdash Invul
1	33	-63800	1~10 Full
Throw Width (pixels)		Throw Range (pixels)
Unique Trait	Can temporarily gain Flight by inputting 8 while jumping. Can air backdash by inputting 44 while jumping. Can increase throw hits and damage by mashing.
Vorpal Trait	Worms no longer disappear when Merkava blocks. On hit, Force Function can be special cancelled, has more untechable time, and steals more GRD.

Frame Data Help
Header	Tooltip
Damage	Damage done by this attack. (x) denotes combined damage [x] denotes minimum damage
Guard	The way this move must be blocked. High = Can block standing Low = Can block crouching Mid = Can block standing or crouching Air = Can block in the air Air Shield = Can block in the air while shielding Unblockable = Cannot be blocked
Cancel	Actions this move can be canceled into on hit or block, unless specially noted. N = Normal Cancelable SE = Self Cancelable SP = Special Cancelable EX = EX/IW Cancelable CS = Chain Shift UNQ = Unique (See description) TH = Throw Cancelable J = Jump Cancelable (Hit cancelable only by default) (X) = Hit cancelable only -X- = Can additionally be cancelled during whiff
Property	Special properties this move has. Click on the property to navigate to an explanation.
Cost	The resources this move costs to use. GRD = GRD Blocks EXS = EXS Meter Vorpal = Vorpal GRD Break = Causes GRD Break
Attribute	Attributes of the attack. Mostly used in situations involving invul. There are two sets of attributes: Strike/Throw and Head/Foot/Dive/Projectile Every move has a Strike/Throw attribute, but doesn't always have Head/Foot/Dive/Projectile attribute. --- Strike = Strike (Anything that isn't a Throw is a Strike) Throw = Throw --- Head = Head (Most jump normals) Foot = Foot Dive = Some air specials Projectile = Projectile
Startup	Frame when the first hitbox is present. + denotes the frames before and after super flash.
Active	The amount of frames that this move will have a hitbox. (x) denotes frame gaps where there are no hitboxes is present. Due to varied blockstuns, (x) frames are difficult to use to determine punish windows. Generally the larger the numbers, the more time you have to punish.
Recovery	Frames that this move has after the active frames if not canceled.
Overall	Frames that this move takes from start to finish before the character returns to neutral.
Advantage	The difference in frames where you can act before your opponent when this move is blocked (assuming the move isn't canceled and the first active frame is blocked). If the opponent uses a move with startup equal or less than this move's advantage, it will result in opponent hitting that move. ±x~±x denotes a possible range of advantage. The left value is when the active frames hit sooner (generally worse) and the right value is for when the active frames hit later (generally better).
Invul	The frames where this move cannot be hit by an attribute. Full = Fully invincible Strike = Strike invincible Throw = Throw invincible Head = Head invincible Foot = Foot invincible Dive = Dive invincible Projectile = Projectile invincible

Normal Moves

Standing Normals

5A

5A

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Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
180	Mid	8		Total 22	-3	N, J, SP, EX, CS, TH

Far reaching 5A, so it's very good as a quick midrange poke to counterpoke or check low jumps with low commitment.

• Can cancel into itself multiple times by pressing 4A.
• Smart Steer follow-up afterwards is a natural frametrap.
• Can be used for tick throws and TRM set-ups.
• Main rebeat tool leaving you at -5 at best, but usually at ranges where you can't be punished.
• Gained a small range buff towards the tip of Merkava's wing.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
22					/Data#5A

5A :

5B

5B

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
5B	460	Mid	11		Total 34	-12	N, J, SP, EX, CS, -UNQ-

Merkava does a mid range punch.

• Knocks the opponent airborne on hit.
• Good poke and combo tool.
• On counterhit you can go directly to 5[C] for much more damage and corner carry. Holding the C button after 5B allows you to see if it's CH and let go in time if it is not.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
5BB	383	Mid			-	-14	N, J, SP, EX, CS

5B follow-up that is usable even on whiff.

• Got a hitstun increase buff, allowing you to combo into different things like 5[C], 9D j.AB or 236[B] without counterhit.
• Can whiff on crouching and short characters.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
5B	34		Launch			/Data#5B
5BB						/Data#5BB

5B :

5BB :

5C

5C

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
5C	690	Mid	14		Total 42	-11	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Merkava shoots his arms out at about 3/4 of the entire screen.

• Amazing horizontal poke but can be punished in numerous ways such as whiff punishing or assaulting over it.
• Can hitconfirm into 5AB smart steer from any range without needing a counterhit.
• Very good starter.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
5[C]	805	Mid	26		Total 53	-10	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Same as 5C, but wallbounces the opponent on hit.

• Can be done as a hitconfirm after 5BB, counterhit 5B or air hit 6C

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
5C	42					/Data#5C
5[C]	53		Launch, Wall Bounce			/Data#5[C]

5C :

5[C] :

Crouching Normals

2A

2A

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
168×2 (356)	Low	6		Total 27	-2	N, J, SP, EX, CS, TH

Two-hit low ground pound that can gatling into itself.

• Good for stagger pressure and tick throws.
• The second hit has enough hitstun to combo into 5C.
• At certain ranges the second hit can whiff.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
27					/Data#2A

2A :

2B

2B

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
245×2 (475)	Low	7		Total 32	-6	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Two-hit lunge and retract with a lot of active frames. Only one frame slower than 2A for noticably better reward, so it's preferred in high/low mixups.

• Has deceptively long range as well, so can be used to get things started.
• At -6 on block you must commmit to a frametrap (e.g 2C, 5c) or a gapless string (5A, 5B) on block if you don't want to be punished by 6f attacks.
• Low to the ground hurtbox can duck under moves that can't hit crouching opponents.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
32		Vacuum (hit only)			/Data#2B

2B :

2C

2C

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
2C	580	Low	12		Total 42	-15	N, J, SP, EX, CS, UNQ

Merkava lunges forward with a low hit that knocks the opponent airborne on hit.

• One of Merkava's main combo tools since it leads into a launch and can be confirmed with multiple different buttons.
• Useful in pressure as a forward lunging frametrap that lets you gatling into buttons or specials at point blank range.
• Like 2B, this move's low hurtbox is also able to dodge attacks that can't hit crouching opponents.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
2CC	536	Mid			-	-11	(N), J, SP, EX, CS

Launches the opponent pretty high on hit, making it a primary combo tool.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
2C	42					/Data#2C
2CC						/Data#2CC

2C :

2CC :

Air Normals

j.A

jA

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
180	High/Air Shield	9		Total 27	-7~+9 Assault -4~+9	N, SP, EX, CS

Downwards punch that hits diagonally.

• Used often in combos to juggle the opponent in the air to allow followups upon reaching the ground such as 66C.
• Plays a big role in Merkava's safejump setups.
• Can only hit out of assault from midrange, up close it whiffs completely on crouching opponents.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
27					/Data#jA

jA :

j.B

jB

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
280×2 (546)	High/Air Shield	10		Total 27	-	N, SP, EX, CS

Two-hit move where Merkava throws his arm out across the screen.

• Good for zoning and far air-to-airs.
• Combined with low flight, Merkava can throw this out very low to the ground to cover space with very little recovery.
• If the first hit connects on block, the second hit is Mid.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
27					/Data#jB

jB :

j.C

jC

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
640	High/Air Shield	15		Total 42	-	N, SP, EX, CS

Merkava spins his arms in a large circle.

• Starts as a small hit around his body and then the large swing comes out one frame later.
• Good as a jump-in, assault overhead, and combo tool.
• Hits slightly behind Merkava which on hit or block can push your opponent forward enough to follow-up with another jump move.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
42					/Data#jC

jC :

Command Normals

4B

4B

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
666	Mid	10, 12		Total 35	-6	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Merkava does an attack with his elbow.

• First two active frames only hit opponents in the air.
• On ground hit, the opponent will be put in a tumble state.
• On air hit it spikes the opponent down to the ground.
• It has good usage as an anti-air, starter, and ender.
• If done at the end of a combo while you still have a jump cancel you can immediately go into low flight for safejump high low oki.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
35		Tumble			/Data#4B

4B :

6C

6C

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  Uncharged

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  Charged

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
6C	774	Mid	18		Total 43	-8	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Similar to 5C, but angled upwards.

• Can be used as an anti-air in very specific situations, but can be prone to being punished if whiffed.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
6[C]	862	Mid	28		Total 54	-9	N, J, SP, EX, CS

Mostly used as a combo tool.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
6C	43		Launch			/Data#6C
6[C]	54		Launch			/Data#6[C]

6C :

6[C] :

4C

4C

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Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
862	High	28		Total 56	-11	SP, EX, CS

Merkava tilts his arms back, then slams them down a fair distance forward.

• Can be canceled into 3C on block and hit.
• Slightly keeps his startup hurtbox in place which can make pokes whiff.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
56		Knockdown			/Data#4C

4C :

3C

3C

Full Flip

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
3C	612, 488 (1041)	High	7, ??		Total 54	-9~+1	SP, EX, CS, UNQ

Merkava flips into the air with his arms extended and slams down with an overhead.

• Will whiff on point-blank grounded opponents midscreen.
• Can high profile many moves and beat some mashing due to the hurtbox moving up on the first active frame.
• On hit it is easily confirmable into a combo.
• On block it's unsafe, but can be special cancelled into air fireball even if shielded to make it safer.
• You can delay the second hit by briefly holding down C.
• Can be canceled into flight or air backdash on hit or block.
• Can be used as an anti-air.
  • First hit will only hit opponents in the air.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
3[C]	612		7		Total 44	-	SP, EX, CS, -UNQ-

Merkava feints performing the overhead portion and slams back down to his original position.

• Can be canceled into flight.
• Can be canceled into air backdash on hit.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
3C	54		Knockdown			/Data#3C
3[C]	44					/Data#3[C]

3C :

3[C] :

j.2C

j2C

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
410	Mid	10		-	-

Divekick. On hit, it causes a knockdown that can easily be followed up.

• Used as a knockdown tool in combos.
• Can beat lows or other moves with poor vertical range.
• Not punishable if blocked low to the ground.
• Used in defensive options selects.
• Useful as a movement option since the hurtbox is smaller than many of Merkava's jump states.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
		Knockdown			/Data#j2C

j2C :

Dash Moves

66B

66B

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
420×2 (802)	Low	7		Total 30	-2	SP, EX, CS

Dash version of 2B. Preferable in pressure and combos due to better frame data, but naturally not available in as many situations.

• Good cancel window.
• Useful as a combo and pressure tool.
• On hit, you can link into 2A on standing opponents and 2B/66B on crouching opponents.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
30		Vacuum (hit only)			/Data#66B

66B :

66C

66C

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
442, 800 (1178)	High	6, ??		Total 50	-7~-2	SP, EX, CS

Similar to 3C but is faster and goes further, lacks flight options on hit and block but allows for grounded frametraps such as 5FF.

• First hit will only hit opponents in the air.
• Cannot be canceled at all on shield.
• It will whiff at close range on grounded opponents.
• Can high profile attacks due to the hurtbox moving vertically during the active frames.
• Useful as a combo ender due to it's long hitstun.
• Cannot be canceled into flight, like 3C.
• Can be canceled into air backdash on hit or block.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
50		Knockdown			/Data#66C

66C :

Universal Mechanics

Force Function

I, Agitate

『我、攪拌する』

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Hitboxes On

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
B+C 1 GRD	1426~1790	Mid	12		Total 35	-9	UNQ
B+C Vorpal 0.5 GRD	1526~1890	Mid	11		Total 35	-9	SP, EX, CS

Merkava grabs the opponent and spins them around for a wallbounce.

• If it connects each hit steals GRD from the opponent, netting you up to 3 blocks of GRD. (2.5 while in Vorpal).
• Can be special canceled on block.
• In vorpal this move can be canceled on hit at the end of the spin into specials, EXs or CS.
• Can get a combo in the corner after the wallbounce without vorpal.
  • Very good starter despite using a bounce right away.
• Spin the stick and mash buttons to increase hits.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
B+C	35		Launch, Wall Bounce, GRD Steal			/Data#B+C
B+C Vorpal	35		Launch, Wall Bounce, GRD Steal			/Data#B+C

B+C :

B+C Vorpal:

I, Revile

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  Uncharged

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  Charged

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Hitboxes On

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
2B+C 1 GRD	730	Mid	11		Total 35	-7	SP, EX		8~13 head
2B+C Vorpal 0.5 GRD	730	Mid	11		Total 35	-7	SP, EX, CS		8~13 Head

Merkava hits the ground with both arms.

• Causes a knockdown which can be comboed after.
• Spikes down on air hit.
  • Can easily sideswap with 2B(1)>2C.
• Surprisingly decent anti assault tool that can be inputted while crouch blocking.
• Can be used as a throw option select but there must be a 3 frame gap between 2BC and AD when you have 100 meter or the input will become a Veil Off.
• Decent hitbox that can hit short backdashes used for shimmy attempts.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
2[B]+[C] 1 GRD	780	Mid	19		Total 43	0	SP, EX
2[B]+[C] Vorpal 0.5 GRD	780	Mid	19		Total 43	0	SP, EX

Charging the input quickly puts Merkava in flight state after the attack on hit or whiff.

• Bounces the opponent off the ground on hit instead, giving you time to get a combo in the air.
• Inputting a grounded special right after the hit will perform said special and keep Merkava grounded.
• Can be used to enter flight while pressuring at the expense of your GRD.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
2B+C	35		Knockdown			/Data#2B+C
2B+C Vorpal	35		Knockdown			/Data#2B+C
2[B]+[C]	43		Knockdown, Ground Bounce			/Data#2[B]+[C]
2[B]+[C] Vorpal	43		Knockdown, Ground Bounce			/Data#2[B]+[C]

2B+C :

2B+C Vorpal:

2[B]+[C] :

2[B]+[C] Vorpal:

Throw

Throw

投げ

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Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
1110~1745	Unblockable	4		Total 30	+29 (hit)

Merkava slams the opponent back and forth.

• Spin the stick and mash buttons to increase hits, the total number of inputs needed to get all hits has been lowered.
• Worms can still hit during the animation.
• Frame advantage is character specific. (depending on how shallow their hitbox is during launched animation)

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
30					/Data#A+D

A+D :

Smart Steer

Smart Steer Finisher

Requires 1 GRD on longer combos

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
	Mid			-	-4	(EX) (only IW or IWEXS), CS

Merkava performs a faster 214A, on hit or block he bites the opponent before ending with a divekick.

• Fullscreen hitgrab, one of the most useful Smart Steer finishers in the game.
• Allows Merkava to hitconfirm far stray hits into easy GRD and Okizeme.
• If perfomed after a single hit such as 5B or 5C it can be up to +48 on hit, giving you enough time to do low flight oki or put down a worm.
• Punishable with throw on block.
  • 7 frame punishes are possible if the divekick is shielded.
• Can be canceled into CS on block as soon as the divekick connects.
  • 5AB>CS is +16 on block, due to its fullscreen horizontal presence it can be used to immediately close the gap and start offense after a blocked 5C.
  • If done at the soonest possible moment you will be midair with all of your air options available.
  • Merkava retains the divekick momentum after CS, not allowing him to do an overhead while he falls unless flight is used.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
		Knockdown			/Data#A+B

A+B :

Guard Thrust

Guard Thrust

Requires 100 EXS, All GRD

ガードスラスト

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Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
0	Mid	15	5	26	-12		Strike	1~15 Full, 16~45 Full on hit

Guard Thrust is a type of Guard Cancel that is only usable during blockstun. Blows the opponent away on hit.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
45		Launch			/Data#6A+B+C

6A+B+C :

Veil Off

A+B+C

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Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability

Universal reversal that blows the opponent back on hit.

• Requires at least 100 meter and puts you in Veil Off state which grants 20% more damage, but drains your meter at a slow rate.
• Meter drains much slower when health is below 30% (orange health).
• If your opponent has Vorpal state and is hit with Veil Off outside of a combo, they will lose Vorpal.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
A+B+C (during a move) 100+ EXS	0	All	2	4	20	+3		Strike	1~19 Full

Cancels an action and launches the opponent high into the air on hit.

• CVO cancel is treated the same as EX cancel; you can only CVO when you can EX and the opponent is in hit/blockstun.
  • Including in the air.
• Requires at least 100 meter and consumes Vorpal state and drains meter at a fast rate.
• Has a lot of hitstun, making it easy to combo from.
• Allows for an additional bounce in the combo if two have been used so far, without hitting the combo bounce limit.
• Pressing A+B+C can be used for a shortcut for Infinite Worth.
• Used mostly as a way to tack on extra damage, or to reliably close out the round.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
A+B+C (during a move)	25		Launch			/Data#A+B+C

A+B+C (during a move):

Special Moves

j.44 / j.4AB

I, Alienate

『我、背離する』

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Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
				18	-

Merkava quickly dashes up and back a short distance.

• Has no invulnerability but retracks hurtbox quickly.
• Moves done out of air backdash will get combo scaling similar to assault.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
18					/Data#j4~4/j4AB

j4~4/j4AB :

j.8

I, Ascend to the Sky

Requires GRD Over Time

『我、天を躍る』

• 

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
		17		[16 on landing]	-

Merkava takes flight and gains brief access to free aerial movement and can take any actions as if jumping.

• You lose the ability to aerial assault unless you chain shift.
• Performing an action ends flight. You can still take actions if flight ends on it's own.
• You can bypass the 16 frames of landing recovery by landing with an attack (Example: landing while whiffing j.A will only give you 2 frames of landing recovery instead of 16).
• Low flight is important for setting up 50/50 high/low options.
• Due to jump angle, different jump directions have different height before flight can be started. 7 low, 8 high, 9 medium.
• Can now be entered by pressing AB in the air without a forward direction.
  • AB flight can be buffered on prejump frames ONLY with neutral jump, making a 82AB input the fastest way to access flight.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
					/Data#7/8/9

7/8/9 While Jumping:

j.866

I, Soar Through the Sky

『我、空を翔る』

• 

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
666	High	20		-	-	N, SP, EX, CS, UNQ

Swooping attack.

• Can be canceled into Air normals, Air backdash, Air specials or Divekick on hit, block, shield and Air shield.
• Canceling into jump normals will make this move up to +4 in many situations.
• Depending on the height, normals done after swoop can whiff, allowing you to quickly go into a low instead.
• Covers a lot of distance fast.
• You can tell when the move starts going into whiff range when the camera starts to zoom out.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
		Launch			/Data#66

66 During Flight:

236X

I, Drill Through

『我、穿つ』

• 

• 

  A/B version

• 

  EX version

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Merkava flails his arms forward in a flurry of punches.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
236A	230, 165×7 (1385)	Mid	9		Total 41	-5	-EX-, -CS-

Quick disjointed poke.

• Launches the opponent in the air on hit.
• Can convert into a combo if it connects up close as a starter.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
236B	260, 187×7 (1569)	Mid	13		Total 46	-6	-EX-, -CS-

Higher startup but moves forward considerably. Its corner carry, advanced combo routes and high meter generation makes it a staple in pretty much all of Merkava's new routes.

• Can combo into 66C in most instances, allowing you to use fireball routes midscreen for increased corner carry.
• On grounded hit it can combo into both hits of 66B.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
236[B]	200, 128×11 (1608)	Mid	25		Total 60	-4	-EX-, -CS-

Works similarly to 236B but advances further forward letting you combo from long cancelable moves such as 4C.

• Due to its higher startup and more proration on hit it's rarely ever more useful than the non charged counterpart.
• Safer on block than 236B.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
236C 100 EXS	170, 119×15 (1955)	Mid	4+8	16	22	-4	CS		1~13F

This version has full invulnerability up to the first two active frames.

• Reversal that covers a good amount of horizontal space.
• Wallbounces on the last hit giving you enough time to convert into a full combo with a well timed dash jump normal or air assault.
• On block all the cast can punish with a throw.
  • If the last hit is shielded Merkava will be -7 on block.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
236A	41		Launch			/Data#236A
236B	46		Launch			/Data#236B
236[B]	60		Launch			/Data#236[B]
236C	49		Launch, Wall Bounce			/Data#236C

236A :

236B :

236[B] :

236C :

623X

I, Penetrate the Clear Skies

『我、穹窿を貫く』

• 

• 

  A version

• 

  B version

• 
• 

  EX version

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Merkava leaps off the ground in an arc while punching continuously.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
623A	260, 195×6 (1430)	Mid	14		Total 47	+1	EX, CS

Merkava does a short hop.

• Used in combos as it can be followed up with 66C if done close enough.
• One of Merkava's best starters if all hits connect.
  • Often used as a throw bait or to blow up certain Option Selects.
• The only way Merkava can get plus frames without using resources or from worms previously set up.
  • Despite being +1, Merkava's 2A will trade against 5f normals.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
623B	160, 112×13 (1616)	Mid	7		Total 58	-8~-9	-EX-, -CS-

Merkava jumps to the top of the screen covering a big space above him.

• Whiffs on crouching opponents.
• Can be canceled with EX moves or CS making it have a high reward on hit or safer options on block.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
623C 100 EXS	190, 127×13 (1841)	Mid	4+3		Total 62	-36	CS

Similar to 623B but with invulnerability.

• Merkava's other reversal, faster but way more punishable on block.
• As a combo ender it does the most damage out of all Merkava's EX moves, but gives no Oki whatsoever.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
623A	47		Launch			/Data#623A
623B	58		Launch			/Data#623B
623C	62		Launch			/Data#623C

623A :

623B :

623C :

214X

I, Capture and Devour

『我、捕獲して喰らう』

• 

• 

• 

  A version

• 
• 

  B version

• 
• 

  EX version

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Attack throw that can be stopped by pressing D during the stretching animation.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
214A	1517	Mid	13~23		Total 38~47	-14~-13	EX, CS, UNQ

Merkava extends his arm horizontally across the screen.

• Will only hit aerial opponents in combos.
• The arm will go through projectiles, making this a very good way to punish or discourage people from using them.
• If you press D while the arm is extending, the arm will stop and stay active for a few frames.
• Can be converted into a full combo with CS or j.214C.
• Can be CS or EX Canceled after the opponent has recovered from blockstun.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
214B	1517		11~21		Total 36~46	-	EX, CS, UNQ

B version functions the same as 214A, but goes at an upward angle.

• Can grab airborne opponents but will whiff on standing ones.
• Aside from being used as an anti-air, is also commonly used to end long range combos.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
214C 100 EXS	1985	Mid	4+1 ~ 14+1		Total 34	-12~-2	CS, UNQ

Similar to 214A but faster and with more damage.

• It can grab opponents grounded and airborne.
• it has 5 frames of startup at point blank, making it the only 5f option Merkava has.
• This super can only kill with the final hit, making it a good option after CS to get the full meter from the GRD Transfer State.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
214A	38~47		Launch			/Data#214A
214B	36~46		Launch			/Data#214B
214C	34		Launch			/Data#214C

214A :

214B :

214C :

22X

I, Persistently Cling

『我、執拗に纏わり付く』

• 

  Go my child, and hold down the neutral

• 

• 

  A/B version

• 

  EX version

• 

  Worms

• 
• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Merkava throws down his arm and spawns a little worm creature after a bit of time.

• As of UNI2, worms no longer 'eat' throws or active frames.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
22A	427	Mid/Air			Total 40	-	-EX-, -CS-

Quick to setup, but only attacks once and it has a poor jump height.

• Can be done after 5C fullscreen instead of a rebeat to put more pressure on the opponent.
• Commonly done after 4B ender.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
22B	427×2	Mid/Air			Total 55	-	-EX-, -CS-

B worm jumps higher and attacks twice.

• Can be special canceled after 66C ender and still have enough time to 2B meaty in the corner.
  • Specific strings can be used to extend and hit confirm pressure such as 2B>236B>(Worm hit).

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
22[B]	427×3	Mid/Air			Total 65	-	-EX-, -CS-

Moves significantly faster and attacks three times.

• Safe to use at fullscreen ranges or after ending a combo when an opponent techs backward.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
22C 100 EXS	427×3×3	High, Mid/Air	18		Total 38	-3	(CS)

C Version is an overhead hit that spikes down the opponent before setting three worms on the ground.

• Often used as a combo ender due to its good damage and oki afterwards.
• Also usable as a combo extension tool after certain specials such as 236x 623x or early CVO.
• Can get high damage as a starter, especially while in Veil Off.
• Worm behavior can be somewhat controlled but they get quite erratically after the first jump.
• Getting a hit while worms are up can mess up your combo if you're not careful, be sure to know routes that at least secure you a knockdown.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
22A	40					/Data#22A
22B	55					/Data#22B
22[B]	65					/Data#22[B]
22C	38					/Data#22C

22A :

22B :

22[B] :

22C :

j.214X

I, Breathe Out

『我、息吹く』

• 

• 

  A/B version

• 

  EX version

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Merkava shoots fireballs from his mouth and changes his aerial trajectry depending on which version.

• After Merkava throws a Fireball he is able to drift and change the angle of descent with 4 and 6.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
j214A	710	Mid/Air	14		Total 46	-	-EX-, -CS-
j214[A]	560, 515 (1075)	Mid/Air	21		Total 53	-	-EX-, -CS-

A version shoots a fireball at about a 30 degree angle.

• Only a small lift in altitude.
• Useful cancel after 3C/66C, both in combos or on block for plus frames.
• Increase version hits twice.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
j214B	710	Mid/Air	15		Total 47	-	-EX-, -CS-
j214[B]	560, 515 (1075)	Mid/Air	21		Total 53	-	-EX-, -CS-

B version is similar to the A version but the fireball travels at about a 60 degree angle.

• Sends Merkava backwards.
  • Often used as a zoning tool due to the space it covers and the distance created after.
• Increase version hits twice.

Version	Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
j214C 100 EXS	555×2, 999 (1725)	Mid/Air	4+2		Total 91	-	(CS)

C version Fires off 3 fireballs one after another at about a 45 degree angle.

• Can now Drift on recovery.
• Lifts Merkava up higher than A and B but pushes him back about the same as B Version.
• Very good damage if used to end combos with, especially in the corner where you can drift forward to get oki, but requires having to use moves such as 623B to get airborne first.
  • Fireballs can drop if the opponent is too high on prorated combos.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Version	Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
j214A	46		Launch			/Data#j214A
j214[A]	53		Launch			/Data#j214[A]
j214B	47		Launch			/Data#j214B
j214[B]	53		Launch			/Data#j214[B]
j214C	91		Launch			/Data#j214C

j214A :

j214[A] :

j214B :

j214[B] :

j214C :

236B+C

I, Rampage

Requires 100 EXS

『我、跳梁する』

• 

• 

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

Damage	Guard	Startup	Active	Recovery	On Block	Cancel	Attribute	Invulnerability
2109	Mid	10		Total 29~42	-9~-4	(CS)

Hit throw where Merkava goes airborne then swoops at the opponent. On hit he drags them on the ground for a bit of damage then slams them.

• Can be used to dodge and punish attacks and projectiles due to his hurtbox being high up during startup.
• Can chain shift on hits that slam into the ground.
• Very good as a combo ender to add more damage to your BNB while also keeping okizeme.
• The last part of the animation move both characters backwards even if they reach the corner.
• This super can only kill with the final hit, making it a good option after CS to get the full meter from the GRD Transfer State.

[Show/Hide Additional Data]

Overall	Blockstun	Property	Proration	Combo Proration	Data link
29~42		Launch			/Data#236BC

236BC :

Super Moves

Infinite Worth

I, Resentfully Rage

『我、憤る』

Hitboxes Off

Hitboxes On

/Data#41236D

41236D

I, Resentfully Rage

Damage	Guard	Cancel	Property	Cost	Attribute
3519	Mid	-	Launch, Knockdown	200 EXS	-
Startup	Active	Recovery	Overall	Advantage	Invul
1+8	-	-	124	-30	-

Merkava flails his arms covering a large area around him.

Infinite Worth EXS

/Data#A+B+C+D

A+B+C+D

I, Defile

Damage	Guard	Cancel	Property	Cost	Attribute
3780	All	-	Knockdown	200 EXS, Vorpal or GRD Break (only when IWEXS does not hit)	Strike
Startup	Active	Recovery	Overall	Advantage	Invul
1+14	-	-	67	-25	1~26 Full

Merkava becomes surrounded by a pillar of light which goes into a cinematic on hit.

• Must have less than 30% health (orange health) to use.
• After the cinematic, characters will be moved to the middle of the stage, regardless of where they were positioned before.
• Due to the cost, it is usually not recommended to use this move unless it will kill the opponent.

Notable Rebeats and Gaps

Rebeat Table

Attack	Chain	Advantage
5C	5A	-5
5[C]	5A	-5
5B	5A	-11
5BB	5A	-7
4B	5A	-5
6C	5A	-5
6[C]	5A	-5

Gap Table

Attack	Chain	Frame Gap
2/5A, 2/5B	2C	1
2A/B	5C	1
5A/B	5C	2
2/5A, 2/5B	4B	1
None	3C, 4C, 6C	0
2/5A, 2B	6C	3
2B	6C	8
5B	6C	7
4B, 2C	6C	2
5C	6C	< 3
Everything	FF, 2FF	0
2/5A, 5B	623A	1
2B	623A	< 3
3C	623A	2
3C	236A	5
2A	236B	1
5A, 2/5B	236B	2
3C	236B	9
None	236[B]	0
-	214A	Can depend on distance
3C	j.214A/B	Depends on distance

External Links

CL-R Merkava Primer WIP by DHD

Colors

Default Colors

001 Hell's Viper

002 Scallop

003 Brown Lizard

004 Scream Hades

005 Green Iguana

006 Bloody Basilisk

007 Violet Naja

008 Sea Snake

009 Dust Sand

010 Hephaistos

011 Wise Marlin

012 Noble Turtle

013 Ladybug

014 Sauterelle Prince

015 Rose Crane

016 Lark Dancer

017 Cruel Penguin

018 Killer Bee

019 Sombre Corbeau

020 Humble Falcon

021 Lila Giftschlange

022 Flamme Haare

023 Blame Strumm

024 Abitante de Vulcano

025 Gloomy Violet

026 Orange A La Mode

027 Gewitterwoke

028 Forest Gorilla

029 Motor Schlange

030 Marchen Merkava

031 Equatorial Wave

032 Inferno Blaze

033 Annular Eclipse

034 Seeds of Heaven

035 Clamorous Colors

036 Royal Calibur

037 Stella Nest

038 Little Briar Rose

039 Betrayal of Savior

040 Switching Contrast

Overview

Strategy

Starter Guide

Combos

Matchups

Frame Data

Data

#UNI2_MR