FAQ
Common questions from new and returning players, answered.
Before You Start
What is the difference between DOA6 and DOA6LR (Last Round)?
* To be updated after LR release
What can and can't you do in the free-to-play version?
The free-to-play version gives you Kasumi, Hitomi, Diego, and Bass for free. Training Mode and online matches are also available, so you can practice competitively just fine.
What's not available: Story Mode beyond the prologue and characters beyond the 4 free ones. Additional characters can be purchased individually (a few hundred yen per character) or via a character pass. Buying the full version is more cost-effective if you want all characters.
Should I use a pad or arcade stick?
DOA6 has simpler command inputs compared to other fighting games, so a pad is perfectly fine. An arcade stick may be easier for characters with many diagonal inputs (like Raidou), but a pad is no problem at the beginner level.
System & Gameplay
How do I fill the Break Gauge efficiently?
The Break Gauge fills from both dealing and receiving strikes. Fatal Rush (SSSS) also has a gauge accumulation bonus, so landing it early fills the gauge faster. Playing aggressively fills it naturally — no special effort needed.
What's the best use of the Break Gauge?
It varies by situation, but the general priority order is:
- Break Blow (6S, 100%): Leaves you at advantage even on guard. Often the most profitable use. If you have room, H-cancel into Fatal Stun to create additional mix-ups.
- Break Hold (4S, 50%): Emergency option when taking repeated combos. Be careful not to completely drain the gauge — at 0 you can't use BH at all.
- Side Attack (SA): Powerful reversal that attacks while evading linear strikes. Heavily punishable on guard, so risk management is required.
In beginner brackets, using the gauge actively raises your win rate more than saving it.
I can't land Holds at all. Any tips?
Correctly reading the Hold attribute (4-way: High, Mid P, Mid K, Low) requires knowing the opponent's character to some extent. At first, practice against just the moves the opponent uses most — that's the realistic approach.
Right after Critical Stun or before launchers, single moves come out and are easier to time Holds against — start there. Until you get the timing down, Break Hold (4S) to cover all attributes is more reliable.
How does Ranked Match work?
Ranked Match matches you against opponents at a similar rank. Note that in eSports Mode and Ranked Match, Holds are fixed at 4-way (High, Mid P, Mid K, Low). Training Mode can be set to 3-way, but online matches always use 4-way, so practice with 4-way enabled from the start.
Costumes & DLC
How do I get costumes?
There are two main ways to get costumes:
- Unlock with in-game Owner Points + Blueprints: Collect points and blueprints through matches. Online play accumulates them faster.
- Purchase DLC: Buy individually or in packs from the store. Individual costumes are around 200–300 yen each.
The most cost-effective approach is buying a few favorite costumes and enjoying matches.