A Complete Beginner's Guide To Filia

A complete guide for Filia, including the uses of her moves and specials, her combos, resets, and strategy!

Introduction

Filia is like the Ryu of Skullgirls; not very complex, but there to introduce players to the game's mechanics.
She's an air centered rushdown, much like Millia from the Guilty Gear series (which she takes heavy inspiration off of, both gameplay-wise and as inspiration for her design.)
She's very powerful, due to her 50/50 cross-ups and sneaky resets.

This guide is aimed to help beginners to Filia pick her up and have a basic idea of when to use what, and to help them feel confident in a match.
This is in no way the "right way" to play Filia. This is how I prefer to play her, and I do not consider myself an "Expert".
Some of this is purely opinion on which moves I prefer to use, and what fits my playstyle.

This is my second guide for Skullgirls, the first being for Squigly, here. If you liked this guide, feel free to look at the other.

Changelog

-Made various formating changes, fixed spelling errors, and re-did some of the content.

Guide Terminology

QCF
Quarter Circle Forwards

QCB
Quarter Circle Backwards

DP
Dragon Punch; forward + QCF

s.XX
The standing version of this move

c.XX
The crouching version of this move

sf.XX
The standing forward version of this move

j.XX
The jumping version of this move

Chain
What makes up combos. A basic sequence from light to heavy attacks, followed by a special which allows you to continue your combo

BnB
Stands for "Bread N' Butter", which is a basic go-to combo

Neutral
What you're going to do when you're not in pressure or on the offensive

DHC
A term from Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, it refers to canceling one Blockbuster move into another character's Blockbuster.

ADC
Air dash cancel, refers to air dashing to cancel the recovery of a move'

IAD
Instant air dash, refers to air dashing the minute you jump (by moving diagonally up and then forward instantly, or jump + PP)

OTG
Off the ground, refers to using a low-hitting move to hit a knocked down opponent.
Can only do this once in a combo.

Pros and Cons

+ Her crouching hurtbox is much lower then most characters, resulting in a lot of moves whiffing
+ Easy for beginners to pick her up, due to have only a few specials
+ Extremely strong overall
+ Sneaky and sinister mix-ups and resets
+ Great assists
+ Great blockbusters (Gregor Samson great to DHC into, and Fenrir Drive is a great reversal)
+ Her pressure is unrelenting and hard to escape
+ Very light weight-wise, making some combos difficult to do on her

- Low combo damage without resets
- Even though otherwise she's friendly for beginners, she might have difficult combos for beginners due to requiring fast inputs
- Horrible range
- Very punishable Blockbusters and specials
- Resets can be tricky to perform

Moveset

Lights


s.LK
Not a very good normal for anything other then combos, due to long startup and recovery for a light attack. Whiffs on some crouching characters at further range.


s.LP
Her fastest normal, at 5 frames startup. Used for punishing when there is a small window to, or to beat or someone mashing out a normal.
Whiffs on some crouching characters.


c.LK
Used for hitconfirming and for OTGs.


c.LP
Faster than c.LK, but doesn't hit low enough to be used for some OTGs. Not very notable, except in some combos.

Mediums


s.MK
Used in her main ground combo chains when the range of c.MK isn't needed so the combo doesn't scale as much.
Something to note about this move; it has low start up and less recovery than s.LK, with extra range, so it's good to throw out when you're a little bit away from an opponent and don't want to risk a c.MK.


s.MP
Used to line up her opponents for double snaps. Also fantastic for blockstrings, since it is 8 frames positive on block. Decent range, but high recovery on whiff, so s.MK is still a better alternative.


c.MK
Great range for the startup and for hitting low. Really long active, so it's very punishable on whiff, so don't throw it out unless you're very sure you're going to get a hit.


c.MP
Not used very much in combos or in neutral because of the fact that it launches the opponent upwards (which is hard to combo off of).
Can be used for anti-air if you don't want to risk the recovery of Updo, just keep in mind it is slightly slow and it doesn't extend past Filia, it ends slightly above the front of her face.

Heavies


s.HK
Used in combos to Hairball into to continue the combo, but don't use it outside of combos due to long startup and recovery.


s.HP
Extremely important in combos, but also used to combo from a successful Burst Bait. Great option for anti-airs if you don't want to risk the recovery of Updo and don't need the invincible startup. Keep in mind it extend forwards.


c.HK
Not very useful because it results in a soft knockdown, meaning you can't combo into it. I don't recommend using this outside of combos either, because it is very punishable. You can use it to catch people off guard, though, because it moves fast. Make sure it will hit, though, because it will leave Filia in the opponent's face.

c.HP
Great long-ranged poke, as it can be comboed off of if you follow it up with Hairball. Long recovery, although it can be hard to punish because of the fact it hits slightly up, and can catch people who try to jump over it, but it isn't invincible, so keep that in mind. The full hitbox also doesn't come out untill a few frames later.

Jumping Attacks


j.LK
Helpful in combos because it hits upwards. Can be used in air-to-air when your opponent is above you. A useful instant overhead if you use it after an IAD.


j.LP
Good for air-to-air because its range is very good. It's not the fastest, so a few things beat it out, though, so be careful close-range.


j.MK
Interesting move due to the fact that the attacks push her backwards. Can be used for quite a few things, like alternate Burst Baits. it's pretty fast and has range, so it can be handy for jump-ins in some situations where the faster j.HP wouldn't hit low enough and j.HK wouldn't be wide enough.


j.MP
A nice multi-hit move you'll be Hairball canceling into most of the time. Good air-to-air if the startup isn't a problem, as it is relatively easy to combo out of. Used after an IAD during pressure.


j.HK
Used for her cross-ups when you're on the offensive. A great move used for mix-ups. Also very helpful in combos. Can be tricky to combo into due to the low stun time.


j.HP
A fantastic quick heavy move with great damage. When you're approaching, assist > jump > IAD > j.HP is fantastic for starting IAD > j.HK crossup pressure. Don't abuse this, though, especially at close-range, since j.MP is a better option.

Specials and Blockbusters

Specials



QCF + P
Ringlet Spike
Different punch buttons have different ranges.
Not a very good projectile, due to the max range only reaching half a screen, but it can be used in blockstrings where you need to stall for an assist to recharge, or for a mid-ranged punish or poke. It can be comboed off of meterlessly at mid range, so it is very useful.


DP + P
Updo
Different punch buttons have different damages, recovery, and startup.
Her meterless reversal. Has invincibility frames during most of its startup. Her main choice for an assist. The hitbox isn't very wide, so it isn't useful against a long-range attack.
Also extremely punishable.


QCB + K (can be used in the air)
Hairball
On the ground, the different kick buttons effect how long the hairball lasts, while in the air, the different kick buttons effect the trajectory of the hairball.
LK makes the hairball go up slightly,
MK makes the hairball move straight,
HK makes the hairball go downwards slightly.
Used in combos often, and in a few resets. Not very useful in neutral, except to roll under someone who is trying to use a jump-in.


QCF + K
Ringlet Psych
A feint of Ringlet Spike. Used to bait the opponent, or to cancel some of her attacks, wether it be in blockstrings or odd combo chains.


Blockbusters


DP + KK
Fenrir Drive
A Blockbuster version of Updo. Great reversal, easy to DHC out of, but punishable, so be careful when you use it.
Unlike the basic Updo, the hitbox of this is very wide, so it can be useful for catching people off guard.


QCB + KK
Gregor Samson
Great to DHC into because you can combo off it with dash forward > s.HP. Can be used in air, and is much less punishable when you do so, as it doesn't leave Filia in front of the opponent. It is even safe if you use the air version low enough to the ground.


QCB + PP
Tricobezoar
Despite the initial look of the attack, it will connect if you are very close to your opponent. Can be used as anti-air for a very decent chunk of damage.
Great to DHC into if it will hit because it doesn't scale as much as other attacks.

Combos

Basic

Basic combos do not include many air dash cancels, and may be easier for people struggling with them.
However, in exchange for that, they don't do nearly as much damage, as she centers around air dash canceling.
For both midscreen combos, slightly delay the jump before the j.HP in the first ground chain to make sure the j.LK connects after the ADC on lighter opponents.

All damage is recorded in a 1.00% damage ratio, or 2v2.

Midscreen
Damage: 4562
c.LK > s.MK > s.HP > jump > j.HP > ADC > j.LK > j.HK > c.LK > s.MK > s.HK > HK Hairball
Delay the j.HP slightly, as on lighter characters, after the ADC, the j.LK might not connect.

Corner
What works differently in the corner is that a j.HK will connect after a j.HP.
Damage: 4638
c.LK > s.MK > s.HP > jump > j.HP > j.HK > c.LK > s.MP > s.HK > HK Hairball

Advanced

Midscreen
Damage: 5293 (without the burst bait)
c.LK > s.MK > s.HP > jump > j.HP > ADC > j.LK > j.HK > c.LK > s.HP > jump > j.MK x2 > HK Hairball > ADC > j.MP x3 > j.HK > s.LP x2 > s.MP > s.MK > s.HP > Burst Bait
As with delaying the j.HP in her first air chain, delay the j.MK in her second air chain. The second hit of j.MK will whiff on Cerebella, so simply cut it out, and do the first hit only.

Corner
In addition to the j.HK connecting, you can OTG off of a Hairball.
Damage: 5462 (without the burst bait)
c.LK > s.MK > s.HP > j.HP > j.HK > HK Hairball > ADC > j.MP x3 > j.HK > s.LP > s.MP > s.MK > s.HK > HK Hairball > c.LK > s.HP > Burst Bait
I will explain the burst bait later.

Resets

Resets

Since this is a guide specified for beginners, I won't go too into detail about what she can do with her resets. Here are some basic resets.
These fit easily into the advanced combo.

After the Hairball in the air chains, if you don't ADC it, you can either:
Mix them up low, with c.MK
Mix them up high, with a jump > IAD > j.LK > j.HK
Or you can throw them if you have meter or are near a corner, by simply grabbing.
This works in both the corner and midscreen, regardless of size and the opponent's weight.

After the j.HP > IAD > j.LK, j.MK to land instantly, and either:
This is a fastfall, as the hitbox of j.HK lets you touch the ground quickly. If your opponent is not heavy, you can dash under them > c.LK or IAD j.LK. This is very difficult to do on Beowulf.
You could also throw them or feint the cross-up by simply using c.LK.

After the s.HP at the end of her first ground chain, IAD > j.LP > land > walk backwards > c.LK
Walking backwards underneath them causes them to turn, allowing you to cross them up. This doesn't work on characters with wide collision boxes (I.E Beowulf, Big Band), due to them landing before you can completely walk underneath them.

After the j.MP in her second air chain, after landing, you can either:
IAD > j.LK, throw, or c.LK.

After the s.HP in her second ground chain, you can j.MP > Throw

After the s.HP in any of her ground chains, use a damaging assist that will hit them, MK Hairball
The assist will hit your opponent one way while Hairball will cross them up another way.

Burst Baits and Double Snaps

Burst Bait
After the final s.HP in her combos, because of the IPS/Undizzy bar being full, the next attack will trigger a burst.
You can also use this anytime in the air after a s.HP or when you haven't use your airdash when the IPS bar is full.
Simply j.HK, and as soon as the attack connects, air dash backwards. If they burst, land on the ground, dash forward, and s.HP to continue.

Double Snap
A Double Snap is something used to punish bad assist calls.
If you're in a corner and you catch both your opponent and their assist, if you outtake out an opponent (using QCF + Assist buttons for the opponent's assist which you have caught),
you can kill the assist by repeating a basic sequence of moves.

It's best to outtake from a s.MP or c.MK to make sure you catch both the assist and your opponent.

Once the opponent is outtaked,
c.LK > s.MK > s.HP > j.HP > ADC > j.HP > fall > s.LK > s.HP > j.HP > ADC > j.HP > fall > s.LK > Repeat

Assist Choices

Assists

While Filia doesn't have many good choices for assists, what she does have are great options.

HP Updo
Her best and most popular choice for assist, if you don't have something like Napalm Pillar, due to the invincible start-up.
A great reversal assist.

HP Hairball
Her choice for a lockdown assist, if you don't need Updo, and is a good assist either way.
It's great to keep your opponent out of you hair, although it might be difficult to combo off.

c.MK
Good range, a lot of active frames, and it hits low. While Hairball does c.MK's job better, it's an option of you need something to hold them in blockstun for you to cross them up without moving them forward.
It's also easier to combo of.

Ringlet Spike
A very bad projectile, but if you absolutely need range, it's still usable, if the range of Hairball isn't cutting it for you.

General Strategy

General Strategy

While there isn't much to say about Filia because she's such a straight-forward character, here's an overview of when to do what in a match.
At the start of a match, you're either going to be jumping backwards and using an assist, or jumping forwards to try to get your opponent in pressure early. Neutral jumping into LK Hairball is also a good option.
Be careful for assist calls if you jump forward, however.
Your main objective, as a rushdown, is to get your opponent into pressure because of Filia's mix-up game.
When your opponent is in pressure, your main objective is to mix them up. Filia is terrifying in pressure; it can be hard to predict how she's going to hit you.
To play Filia correctly, you need to learn what each of her air normals are used for.
IAD > j.HP is good for long rang air-to-airs.
IAD > J.LK > j.HK is an instant overhead and is generally what you're going to use to hit your opponent high.
IAD > j.MP is extremely positive and has lots of active so it is great for locking down your opponent in pressure.
IAD > j.HK is a cross-up, although it doesn't hit high, so keep that in mind.

Ringlet Spike is actually a really good poke as you can combo off it meterlessly. If you're up against someone with more air dominance than you, it can be good to catch them on a jump-in.
Try to keep as little distance between you and your opponent as possible.
If you're fighting a zoner and are having trouble avoiding your opponent's projectiles, the LK version of the aerial hairball is great to use as it is angled upwards. If you use it after a neutral jump so you can make it safe with your airdash and potentially convert it into pressure.

Filia is one of the only characters in this game with a useful wavedash. A wavedash is when you dash, cancel the dash with something, usually a crouch, and dash again. basically it works like this; there are two parts to Filia's dash: a quick dash forward, and then a slower run animation. Since the quick dash is faster, you cancel the end of it with a crouch and use it again. This is much faster than just using her run animation.

Tips

> You can combo off Gregor Samson when you're in the corner facing mid-screen by walking backwards

> Ringlet Psyche can be used to make a lot of whiffed/blocked less punishable, and to cut c.MK short if you whiff

> You're going to want a lockdown assist with Filia, as it is used to keep her pressure tight when the opponent blocks your moves

> You can combo off of her grab with Gregor Samson at long range, and it can be comboed off meterlessly at close range by dashing forward > IAD > j.MP > j.HK.

> Filia's best place on a team is probably as your first character, as she doesn't rely on meter much and benefits from assists

> Pushblocking can be annoying for Filia because it can mess you up when you're trying to cross someone up, so try not to hit someone unless it's in a different way (I.E. going from j.HK to c.LK, or crossing up an opponent with your airdash)

I hope you've learned something from this guide.

[Player 9]

Culiao capo, intentaré leerme la wea a ver si aprendo a jugar a la caga de juego, gracias

[metallia appreciator]

But at the end of the day; Spamming is always an alternative. It's not good, but it will help you stop being a lazy arsehole.

[Meow-Professor]

Since you're occasionally getting Hairball instead, I would guess that the problem is you're not pressing the two kicks at the same time. It's a small window for it to register as a simultaneous input, so you may want to try setting KK to a macro. If you can perform the super consistently with the macro, I would recommend going into training mode, turning on the input display, and practicing the kick inputs.

[Ausar0]

I'm using a ps4 controller, and I'm having a ridiculously hard time doing gregor samson consistently. I can't even do some of the training missions because I can't do it.

whenever I try to do gregor samson, it either does nothing, or it turns into hairball. How do I do gregor samson more consistently?

[Filia (｡◔‿↼｡)]

Nice guide, a full guide just for me? Thank you

[Joshb91]

AHero you should try this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia7k2nMspzE

[Meow-Professor]

Alright, sorry if this will take a while, but I'd like to help you.
So to my understanding the second hit of j.MK doesn't hit? Or are you saying the second hit of j.MK is making j.MP x3 not link?
I'll look into the video if it helps, but I've never recorded video before and I'm lazy.

[Hawke]

Speaking of which, it'd be awesome if you had some clips of the combos in action, to get a visual of the timing and such

[Hawke]

I get up to the jump > j.MK x2, but the firs j.MK pushes me out of range in the midscreen combo

[Meow-Professor]

Are you waiting long enough after the jump to use j.MK? If you don't delay it enough, all of the hits of j.MP won't hit because you land, and they'll stay in the air, not letting you follow up correctly with j.HK.