Wefirst met Luke Sullivan in Street Fighter 5when he transitioned out of the military and into a career as an MMA fighter. This appearance was our first peak into the world ofStreet Fighter 6, in which Luke plays a significant role.

Related:Street Fighter 6: Beginner Tips

It’s no surprise that Luke (along with Kimberly and Jamie) was positioned as the face of Street Fighter 6’s new generation. Luke has several attacks that make him feel similar to Ryu and Ken. Yet, Luke’s rushdown tactics place him in a league of his own.

Updated July 27, 2025, by Chris Sanfilippo:Our latest update adds a new demonstration video to Luke’s Bread And Butter Combo section.

Luke sends a powerful Eraser punch toward Jamie during a match at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

Special Move [Modern Controls]

Auto

The Auto button, which gets pressed simultaneously with Special Move inputs to perform Overdrive Attacks

This attack is not available in the Modern Control scheme

Luke Knocks Jamie into the wall during a match at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

Punch x2 (simultaneously)

Kick x2 (simultaneously)

Luke eyes down his prey before the Pale Rider attack in Street Fighter 6.

Used between buttons to denote a target combo

Luke mauls Jamie in the corner of The Macho Ring with a Snapback Combo in Street Fighter 6.

Neutral movement (not pressing any directional buttons)

This move has an Overdrive version

Luke lifts Jamie into a Sweeper throw during a match at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

[c]

This attack can cancel into special moves

Luke pounds into his opponent during Pale Rider in Street Fighter 6.

↳

Gauge Cost [OD moves only]

Luke targets Jamie with a Heavy Sand Blast during a match at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

Flash Knuckle[OD] (hold the P button to change effect)

S

1 Drive Gauge Bar

Aerial Flash Knuckle[OD] (during a vertical or forward jump) (hold the P button to change the effect)

N or ➡️ + S + H

Luke launches Jamie with his Flash Knuckle during a battle at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

Pale Rider(more powerful when vitality is at 25% or below)

➡️ + MP

Luke charges into Jamie midair with his OD Aerial Flash Knuckle during a battle at The Macho Ring in Street Fighter 6.

⬅️ + HP

↘️ + HK

Luke follows up his Avenger charge with an Impaler flip kick during a match against Jamie inside The Macho Ring from Street Fighter 6.

⬅️ + HK

➡️ + HP > HP

⬇️ + MK > ⬇️ + HP

⬇️ + M > ⬇️ + M

Snapback Combo(first and second attacks can get canceled into Super Arts)

Sweeper(when near opponent)

N or ➡️ + LP + LK

N or ➡️ + L + M

Scrapper(when near opponent)

⬅️ + LP + LK

Classic:⬇️↘️➡️ + P

Modern:N + S

Sand Blast is Luke’s answer to Ryu’s Hadokenin many ways. They’re both projectile attacks with a ⬇️↘️➡️ + P input. Plus, their range and power increase at higher attack strengths. Looking at the move this way, it’s clear that Luke’s Sand Blast can play an offensive or defensive role.

On the offensive side, Sand Blast is a great way togoad Luke’s opponent into a jumping attack, allowing him to punish with a Rising Uppercut.

When defending against an opponent’s projectile, Luke’s Sand Blast can effectively cancel it out. Luke’sOD Sand Blast, in particular, makes a tremendous projectile cancellerdue to its quick start-up.

Luke’s OD follow-up to OD Sand Blast,Fatal Shot, will prevent his opponent from firing back, allowing him to close in on them.

Classic:⬇️↙️⬅️ + P

Modern:⬅️ + S

Luke’sFlash Knuckle is a forward jabthat transforms based on the attack strength. A Light Flash Knuckle is ashort-range uppercut, a Medium Flash Knuckle is acharging jab, and a Heavy Flash Knuckle is afakeout overhead attackwith long range.

This malleable quality makes Luke’s Flash Knucklean easy integration into combos. The light version of Luke’s Flash Knuckle can combo out of light attacks, and the medium version can combo out of medium and heavy attacks.

Meanwhile, the heavy version of Luke’s Flash Knuckle can land extra hits on juggled opponents and close-out combos.

Luke’s Flash Knuckle becomes extra potent if you hold down the attack button. If yourelease the button at the perfect time (when Luke’s fists flash a purplish-white color), he’ll impart a high-damage punch!

Lastly, Luke’s OD Flash Knuckle can get followed by his DDT, a quick and forceful command grab.

Modern:S

Luke’s Aerial Flash Knuckle is a unique variation that canchange the trajectory of Luke’s forward jump. This trajectory gets determined by whether you hold the attack button or not.

When you tap the attack button at the end of Luke’s Aerial Flash Knuckle, he’ll perform a fast jab with a quick recovery. But if you hold the attack button, he’ll charge forward midair, allowing him to gain distance and confuse the opponent. Both versions are knockdown attacks.

Luke’s OD Aerial Flash Knuckle performs the button-hold Flash Knuckle but with much less start-up time. So, when you need to secure damage, Luke’s OD Aerial Flash Knuckle is an excellent choice.

Classic:⬇️↘️➡️ + K

Modern:⬇️ + S

During Avenger, Luke will charge forward in a tackle position. He canfollow up on this tackle with two options. First, the punch button (Modern Input: At) activates Luke’sNo Chaser, a forward elbow hit that completes the tackle. Alternatively, the kick button (Modern Input: ⬇️ + At) activates Luke’sImpaler, a flip kick.

Luke’s No Chaser works well for closing the distance between him and his opponent. Impaler is a surprising overhead attack that can break through his opponent’s crouching guard.

OD Avenger is an armored attackthat absorbs strikes from Luke’s opponents, allowing him to follow through with his offensive.

Classic:➡️⬇️↘️ + P

Modern:➡️ + S

If Sand Blast is Luke’s Hadoken, thenRising Uppercut is Luke’s equivalent of Shoryuken. In addition, this move gives Luke some immunity to jumping attacks, making it a highly effective anti-air attack.

The Light and Medium Rising Uppercuts have less start-up, making them easier to land. However, Luke’s Heavy Rising Uppercut deals significantly more damage.

Lastly, for the most amount of protection, Luke’sOD Rising Uppercut is invincible throughout its animation. This invincibility makes it perfect for reversing pressure. Then, you can follow up Luke’s OD Rising Uppercut with his Slam Dunk to really bring the pain!

Related:Street Fighter 6: Complete Control Guide

Combo 1

Our first Luke combo is a quick, straightforward sequence that works great after a successful Drive Impact Punish. It utilizes the basic cancel structure of the game, making it easy to remember.

Classic Input:HP + HK > LP > MP > HP > ⬇️↘️➡️⬇️↘️➡️ + P

Modern Input:Drive Impact Button > L > L > L > N or ➡️ + S + H

Combo 2

Luke’s Triple Impact is a potent combo opener due to its fast start-up. So, how can we expand its capabilities even more? Let’s add an OD move into the mix! This will allow Luke to cancel into a Level 2 Super Art. This combo also works out of a Drive Impact Punish.

Classic Input:LP > MP > HP > ⬇️↙️⬅️ + PP > ⬇️↙️⬅️ + P

Modern Input:L > L > L > ⬅️ + S + Auto > ⬅️ + S + H

You may ask, why does the Classic Input list one ⬇️↙️⬅️ for Luke’s Eraser instead of two? Well, you canuse the ⬇️↙️⬅️ in Luke’s OD Flash Knuckle to begin the input for the Eraser!

Combo 3

Our last combo originates from Luke’s Combo Trials. It’s a strong example of Luke’s juggling capabilities. You’ll begin with a Guard Crush in the corner.

Classic Input:HP + HK > ➡️ + HP > HP > ⬇️↘️➡️ + MP > ➡️⬇️↘️ + P > PP

Modern Input:Drive Impact Button > ➡️ + H > H > N + S > ➡️ + S + Auto > S

Timing matters a lotin this combo. After the Drive Impact, you must wait until a smidge before your crushed opponent hits the ground to start Luke’s Double Impact. The cancellation into Luke’s Sand Blast is rapid. Lastly, wait for Sand Blast to almost finish before entering the Rising Uppercut command.

Luke’s General Strategy

Luke is a character thatexcels when his opponent is in the corner. Once this occurs, Luke can take advantage of target combos, wall bounces, and juggles. All of these techniques contribute to Luke’s rushdown reputation.

So, the question becomes,how do you corner your opponent as Luke?You have a few options.

First, you cantrap your opponent with Luke’s Sand Blast. Then, when they attempt to jump in, you canpunish them with his Rising Uppercut. From there, you’ll have an opening to push them back.

Luke’s Crouching Medium Kick cancels into special moves, making it a go-to combo starter.

Another option is Luke’sHeavy Flash Knuckle, which covers a lot of distance. However, like any charging attack, your opponent can punish you if they see through your approach.

If you have enough Drive Gauge, Luke’sOD Avenger is a safer approach due to its armor. Then, you can knock your opponent down with No Chaser or Impaler.

Once your opponent is in the corner, get the most out of the opportunity with a damaging combo. Any of the three Bread And Butter combos work well in this scenario. Combo 3, which starts with a Drive Impact, will give you a healthy opening due to Guard Crush.

Luke’s most significant setback is hislack of options toescapefrom the corner. This is when your Drive technique knowledge is essential.

Once an opponent corners you, there’s a good chance they’ll want to crush your guard with a Drive Impact. Anticipating this attack with athrow or Drive Parrycan help. Of course, you may try to punish this Drive Impact with one of your own, but the attempt will come with more risk.

You may also perform aParry Drive Rushto reverse corner pressure. Following up with either Standing Heavy Kick or Crouching Medium Punch is vital in this case. Both are safe on block.