The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course from Udemy

The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course will teach you how to play fighting games, such as Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, at a competitive level. Most of the content may be applied to any fighting game, whether 2d (Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, Marvel vs Capcom, etc) or 3d (Tekken, Soul Calibur, Virtua Fighter, etc), though the course does focus primarily on 2d fighters.

Whether you have never played a fighting game or you're a casual player looking to join the competitive scene, you can rest assured that taking this course will teach you everything you need to know to start competing at the highest level. You'll still need to put in the time and effort if you plan to start taking home that sweet tournament cash, but this course will give you the tools and foundation you need to start your competitive fighting game journey.

The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course will walk you through almost every aspect of playing fighting games, from the different types of controllers to specific tricks you can use to learn characters quickly. Most lessons builds on the previous lessons, but more seasoned players should feel comfortable skipping around. This course aims to be "game agnostic" in that we don't focus heavily on any specific game. Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and even the Injustice series are used to demonstrate concepts, but the skills taught should apply generally to any standard fighting game.

The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course is presented by Test Your Might, an online community of competitive fighting game enthusiasts. We are always available to answer questions and receive feedback about the course. So, what are you waiting for? In the immortal words of Scorpion, GET OVER HERE.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The fundamentals of fighting games, which will allow you to pick up and play almost any fighting game at an above-average level
How to read and use frame data
How to create, optimize, and practice your own combos
How to beat "cheap" tactics
How to practice efficiently, with or without a partner
How to train for tournaments (and tips on how to afford to travel to tournaments)
How to make money playing fighting games

How to choose a character and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
How to discover a character’s “dirt”
Tips on what gear to buy
...and loads more!
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The fundamentals of fighting games, which will allow you to pick up and play almost any fighting game at an above-average level
How to read and use frame data
How to create, optimize, and practice your own combos
How to beat "cheap" tactics
How to practice efficiently, with or without a partner
How to train for tournaments (and tips on how to afford to travel to tournaments)
How to make money playing fighting games
How to choose a character and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
How to discover a character’s “dirt”
Tips on what gear to buy
...and loads more!
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Meet your instructor and learn about the course!

Course Introduction

Useful Links

You'll learn how to avoid "scrubby" behavior, how to learn from your losses, and how to overcome difficult obstacles.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Breaks down complex fighting game concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and punishes, which are essential for competitive play

Covers fundamental fighting game mechanics, such as hit levels, special moves, and throws, providing a solid foundation for newcomers

Explores advanced strategies like the neutral game, zoning, rushdown, and adapting to opponents, which can help players refine their gameplay

Discusses character archetypes, tools, safety, and matchups, which helps players evaluate characters and choose the right one for their playstyle

Offers tips on training for tournaments and even how to afford to travel to them, which is valuable for aspiring competitive players

Teaches how to record gameplay on PC, which may require learners to acquire additional hardware and software

Reviews summary

Fighting game competitive fundamentals

According to learners, this course offers a strong foundation for understanding the core concepts of competitive fighting games. It is praised for breaking down essential elements like frame data, strategy, and combo creation, providing practical advice applicable across titles. The game-agnostic approach is highlighted as a benefit for players interested in multiple games. While some initial sections cover basic information that might be less relevant for experienced individuals, the course effectively equips aspiring competitive players with the necessary tools and knowledge, emphasizing efficient practice methods and the mental game.

Course provides tools, not instant skill.

"This isn't a magic bullet; you have to put in the work."

"The course gives you the map, but you still have to walk the path."

"Applying the concepts requires dedicated training time."

"Expect to spend significant time practicing the techniques."

Tips for gear, tournaments, etc.

"The tips on gear and setting up my training environment were useful."

"Got some good ideas for thinking about tournaments."

"The mental game section gave me a lot to think about."

"Practical tips I hadn't considered before."

Concepts work for most fighters.

"The principles taught here translated well to both Street Fighter and Tekken."

"It's great that it doesn't just focus on one game."

"I can use these strategies in any fighting game I play."

"The 'game agnostic' approach is a major plus."

Essential fundamentals covered clearly.

"I finally understood frame data after this course."

"The sections on strategy and neutral game were incredibly helpful."

"Learning how to practice efficiently changed my approach completely."

"It teaches you the critical foundation for competitive play."

Some sections cover fundamentals.

"As an experienced player, some early parts were review."

"If you know the absolute basics, you can probably skip sections."

"Good for beginners, maybe less so if you're already competing."

"Some intro material is very basic."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course with these activities:

Review Fighting Game Terminology

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Familiarize yourself with common fighting game terms to better understand the course material and discussions.

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Review online glossaries of fighting game terms.
Take notes on unfamiliar terms.
Quiz yourself on the definitions.

Read 'Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition - Character Guide'

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Gain a deeper understanding of character-specific strategies and frame data in Street Fighter V.

View Xbox360 Achievement Guide: Prima Official Game... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the 'Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition - Character Guide'.
Read the sections on characters you are interested in.
Experiment with the strategies in the game.

Read 'Playing to Win' by David Sirlin

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Gain insights into the competitive mindset and strategic thinking required for fighting games.

View Playing to Win: becoming the champion on Amazon

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Read the book 'Playing to Win'.
Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Reflect on how these concepts apply to your own gameplay.

Four other activities

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Sparring Sessions with Peers

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Improve your skills and adapt to different playstyles by engaging in regular sparring sessions with other students.

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Find other students to practice with.
Schedule regular sparring sessions.
Focus on applying the concepts learned in the course.

Practice Anti-Air Techniques

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Improve your reaction time and execution by practicing anti-air techniques against different types of jump-in attacks.

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Choose a character with good anti-air options.
Set the training dummy to jump randomly.
Practice consistently reacting and executing anti-air attacks.

Create a Combo Tutorial Video

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Solidify your understanding of combo creation and execution by creating a tutorial video for a specific character.

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Choose a character and a combo to teach.
Record gameplay footage of the combo.
Edit the footage and add commentary explaining the inputs and timing.
Upload the video to a platform like YouTube.

Character Analysis Project

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Deepen your understanding of character archetypes and game mechanics by conducting a thorough analysis of a character from a fighting game of your choice.

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Choose a character from a fighting game.
Analyze their strengths, weaknesses, and matchups.
Write a report summarizing your findings.

Career center

Learners who complete The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Esports Coach

An Esports Coach helps players and teams improve their skills and strategies in competitive video games. This course helps build a foundation in understanding game mechanics, strategy development, and efficient practice techniques. The course’s insight into character evaluation, matchup analysis, and resource management directly translates to coaching methodologies. Learning how to identify and counter 'cheap' tactics, as taught in this course, helps an Esports Coach to prepare their players for a wide range of opponents and situations. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course equips aspiring coaches with the tools to analyze gameplay, develop training regimens, and guide players to success in the competitive gaming scene. The course's focus on adapting to different playstyles and understanding mind games is invaluable for enhancing a team's strategic capabilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Esports Coach

Esports Commentator

An Esports Commentator provides live commentary for competitive gaming events, offering analysis and excitement to viewers. This course helps build a foundation in understanding fighting game mechanics, strategies, and competitive dynamics. The course’s insight into character evaluation, matchup analysis, and frame data interpretation can help improve one's ability to provide informed commentary. Learning about combo optimization, strategic concepts like zoning and rushdown, and the mental aspects of competitive play enhances the ability to engage viewers. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course equips aspiring commentators with the knowledge to analyze gameplay, predict outcomes, and provide insightful perspectives.

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Game Designer

A Game Designer develops the concepts and rules of video games. This course provides an understanding of game mechanics, strategic depth, and balanced gameplay. Instruction in this course on frame data analysis, character evaluation, and matchup dynamics helps Game Designers make informed decisions. The course’s focus on optimizing combos, understanding character archetypes, and recognizing strategic elements like zoning and rushdown are relevant for refining game mechanics. This course equips Game Designers with a perspective on how the elements combine to create engaging, balanced, and competitive fighting games. By understanding these principles, designers can craft compelling experiences.

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Game Tester

A Game Tester identifies and documents software defects in video games. This course helps one improve their understanding of various game mechanics, strategic thinking, and efficient testing methodologies. Game Testers will benefit from the course's instruction on how to optimize and practice one's skills, as well as its broader discussion of common fighting-game concepts and techniques. Insights into hitboxes, hurtboxes, frame data, and various strategic elements are fundamental principles for identifying bugs and balance issues within a fighting game. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course provides an overview of key mechanics that will improve the ability of Game Testers to evaluate and improve a game's overall quality.

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Game Journalist

A Game Journalist writes about video games, providing news, reviews, and analysis for publications or websites. This course helps a Game Journalist build a deep understanding of fighting game mechanics, strategies, and community trends. The course’s insights into character evaluation, matchup analysis, and frame data interpretation may enhance the ability to provide informed analysis. Learning about combo optimization, strategic concepts like zoning and rushdown, and the mental aspects of competitive play helps one write compelling content. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may improve one's ability to write accurately and insightfully about fighting games.

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Content Creator

A Content Creator produces engaging material centered around video games, such as walkthroughs, reviews, and tutorials. This course helps one build a deep understanding of fighting game mechanics, strategies, and community dynamics. The course’s focus on character evaluation, combo optimization, and matchup analysis prepares Content Creators to produce informative and educational content. Expertise in frame data interpretation and strategic concepts like zoning and rushdown enhances the ability to create quality content that resonates with the fighting game community. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may improve the ability of a Content Creator to provide accurate and insightful videos, streams, and articles.

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Community Manager

A Community Manager fosters and manages online communities around video games, engaging with players and addressing their needs. This course provides a Community Manager with a foundation in understanding the fighting game community, its culture, and its competitive dynamics. The course’s insight into character evaluation, matchup analysis, and community expectations will help the manager engage with players. The course's focus on strategy, mind games, and competitive mindsets can help provide valuable interactions. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may improve one's ability to create a positive, supportive, and engaging environment for fighting game enthusiasts.

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Tournament Organizer

A Tournament Organizer plans, manages, and executes competitive gaming events. This course helps Tournament Organizers build a deep understanding of the fighting game community, competitive dynamics, and logistical considerations. The course’s lessons on training for tournaments, understanding competitive mindsets, and applying strategies may enhance a tournament organizer's ability to create well-structured events. Knowledge about the nuances of fighting games, character archetypes, and community expectations helps in designing appealing and fair competitions. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may provide valuable insights into the needs and preferences of competitive fighting game players.

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Gameplay Programmer

A Gameplay Programmer implements the rules, mechanics, and interactions within a video game. This course may contribute to their knowledge of fighting game dynamics and player strategies, informing design decisions. Understanding concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes, which this course will improve, helps gameplay programmers implement game mechanics. Knowledge of combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements like zoning and rushdown may improve their understanding of balancing gameplay. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course helps in the development of engaging and competitive fighting game experiences.

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Animator

An Animator creates the visual movements and actions of characters and objects in video games. This course may enhance the Animator's understanding of fighting game mechanics, timing, and character dynamics. Knowledge of frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes may help Animators create realistic character animations. Familiarity with combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements like zoning and rushdown informs the creation of visually engaging animations. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may help create fluid animations that contribute to a game's visual appeal.

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Quality Assurance Lead

A Quality Assurance Lead oversees the testing process for video games, ensuring quality and identifying defects. This course can contribute to their knowledge of fighting game mechanics, strategies, and competitive balance. Understanding concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes may inform the development of test plans. Knowledge of combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements like zoning and rushdown may help identify and report bugs. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may help in the identification of gameplay issues.

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Instructional Designer

An Instructional Designer creates educational materials and training programs. This course may contribute to their understanding of player engagement, skill development, and effective teaching methods. Understanding concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes may inform the design of learning modules. Knowledge of combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements may help them create engaging educational experiences. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course will contribute to their ability to create effective and enjoyable learning programs.

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eLearning Developer

An eLearning Developer designs and develops online courses and training materials. This course may improve their understanding of engaging learning strategies and skill development, informing their course creation. Concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes that are covered in this course may inform how Developers present information. Knowledge of combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements, as taught in this course, could lead to more intuitive elearning experiences. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may help them create interactive and effective learning materials.

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Technical Artist

A Technical Artist bridges the gap between art and programming in video game development, optimizing art assets for performance and implementing visual effects. This course may improve their understanding of fighting game mechanics, timing, and character dynamics, which informs asset optimization. Concepts like frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes may provide context for streamlining visual performance. Familiarity with combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements may improve their understanding of visual effects. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may help them in the creation of visually appealing assets.

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User Experience Designer

A User Experience Designer focuses on improving the usability and engagement of video games. The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course may contribute to their understanding of player behavior, game mechanics, and interaction design, helping them to create more intuitive interfaces and engaging gameplay experiences. Learning about frame data, hitboxes, and character archetypes may inform their understanding of UX. Knowledge of combo systems, special moves, and strategic elements like zoning and rushdown may improve their design capabilities.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course.

Playing to Win

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Classic text on competitive gaming, with a strong focus on fighting games. It delves into the mindset and strategies needed to succeed in competitive environments. It is highly recommended as additional reading to understand the psychological aspects of fighting games and how to approach the game with a winning mentality. This book is commonly referenced by competitive players.

Playing to Win: becoming the champion

Paperback

Playing to Win: Becoming the Champion

Kindle Edition

Xbox360 Achievement Guide

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Provides detailed information on each character in Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition. It includes move lists, frame data, and strategies for playing each character. While the course is game-agnostic, this book can be a useful reference for understanding specific character mechanics and strategies within a popular fighting game. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

Xbox360 Achievement Guide: Prima Official Game Guide

Paperback

The Ultimate Fighting Game Crash Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Fighting game competitive fundamentals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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