With Capcom providing both old and new characters in Street Fighter 6 matching a variety of different playstyles, the new main villain Johan Pavlovic "JP" stands as a difficult character to defeat.
As fighting styles range from close quarters, long distances with projectiles, and a defensive-counter approach, players who are familiar will know of JP's dominance when it comes to long ranges. While this is the case, there are numerous classic fighters along with some of the new ones from Street Fighter 5 that can very well give the CPU or players using JP a good challenge.
5 Luke
When taking close-quarters combat into consideration, Luke is a character that many players who have played both Street Fighter 5 and 6 will be aware of as a great option. Given JP's main fighting style of standing at a long range and finishing players off with projectiles, the best approach to take is to close the distance with the possibility of corner pressure, and with Luke's powerful punches with a mix of projectiles in base attacks and super arts, it can easily result in success.
Players must ensure that they avoid command grabs that can't be teched and surprising distanced attacks that come while moving forward, and pile on the pressure as soon as possible before JP can recover or regain a long-distance advantage.
4 Cammy
From long-range, close distance, and high levels of pressure, Cammy covers a variety of areas that can help players overcome multiple foes, especially JP. Once overwhelmed with projectiles or found under pressure at range, attacks such as the base "Spiral Arrow" or its "Super Art" form could be key to reversing pressure and getting back into bouts.
Stringing multiple combos together at close range within quick succession often leaves the opposition with very little time to react even with an attempted throw, as Cammy's pressure is very relentless. Despite her weaknesses lying within a huge level of vulnerability after special attacks or even base attacks, if players manage to get these attacks in against Zoner enemies such as JP, it leaves the gateway open to multiple wins.
3 Ken
When speaking of aggression, constant pressure, and overall stylishness in combat, Ken is the epitome of it all. From the classic Hadoken to the deadly and powerful Shoyureppa, using Ken against JP is something most players will want to consider. The level of intensity and damage that stems from Ken's attacks are worthwhile, and the option to send the aforementioned Hadoken projectile is one of the ways to victory within the aspect of long-range combat against JP.
Aside from this, players will know that maintaining pressure throughout matches is crucial as one slip-up could instantly turn the tide in JP's favor, leaving Ken on the back foot, so utilizing the Drive Gauge, parries, and blocks to the best capabilities is incredibly essential in keeping the opponent from Zoning.
2 Ryu
Similar to Ken, Ryu can offer a great level of close-range attacks that pile pressure on JP, and in Street Fighter 6, his throws appear to be crucial, especially when jumping in. As well as the base attacks and Hadokens, Ryu's Super Arts and Critical Arts are very fascinating to pull off and can often come in clutch when overwhelmed by Zoning attacks.
When thinking of a character who is balanced in the aspect of attacking with intensity, countering, and defending when it most matters, Ryu is a strong option to go for and can help many overcome JP's aggressive long-distance attacks. Given the ease of play when using Ryu, if players ever come across opponents online using JP, it would be the way to go.
1 Guile
Possibly the best option for a character to use against JP is Guile, given his fighting style primarily placed within a defensive approach. Charging up "Sonic Booms," using Drive parries to its most optimal capability, and keeping opponents as far away as possible, make Guile the best character to use as a defense against JP. As well as JP players will focus on Zoning and giving out as much damage as possible, they would also need to account for Guile projectiles, and also worry about the potential of jump-in throws.
While the focus against JP would most likely be an offensive approach considering this being his biggest vulnerability at close range, Guile can also offer some variety at close range, specifically against JP on top of the great level of defense that is already present. Maintaining a balance of a mid to close-range distance is crucial for Guile players here, as it opens up the opportunity to begin to mix up some of his special attacks alongside Sonic Booms, keeping JP under pressure. In the midst of all this, it becomes a fight with a focus on projectiles and ensuring defense levels are also focused on, in which Guile players are very likely to come out victorious.
Street Fighter 6 is now available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.