Street Fighter 6 Season 3: New Characters and Gameplay Updates

On July 14, 2025, Capcom officially launched the third season of its popular fighting game, Street Fighter 6. This new season introduces a range of features, including new characters, updated game mechanics, and a special edition that encompasses the game’s first two years of content. The announcement has generated excitement within the gaming community, as well as discussions about the implications of the gameplay changes.

Street Fighter 6 has seen consistent success since its release, maintaining a strong player base and high-profile tournaments throughout its lifecycle. The addition of the 'Years 1-2 Fighters Edition' allows newcomers to experience a comprehensive package that includes all content from the previous two years. This edition features characters such as Rashid, A.K.I, Ed, Akuma, M. Bison, Terry, and Elena, along with all color options for the original 18 fighters and four additional stages from the DLC waves.

In a notable expansion, Capcom has announced that Street Fighter 6 will now be available on the Nintendo Switch 2, marking the franchise’s return to Nintendo hardware since Street Fighter IV on the Nintendo 3DS. This move is part of Capcom's strategy to broaden the game's reach to a wider audience.

Season 3 also introduces four new fighters, expanding the game’s roster. Among these, Sagat, a long-standing character in the series, will make his debut on August 5, 2025. Sagat, known as 'The King,' is a Muay Thai fighter who has appeared in nearly every version of Street Fighter. Other new characters include C. Viper, who first appeared in Street Fighter IV, Ingrid from Capcom Fighting Evolution, and Alex, a character introduced in Street Fighter III: New Generation. These additions are expected to diversify gameplay strategies and enhance competitive play.

In addition to new characters, Season 3 brings significant changes to gameplay mechanics and balancing adjustments. The update modifies the Perfect Parry system, which previously allowed players to parry attacks with minimal input. Under the new system, players must provide additional input while parrying attacks, making it more challenging to execute successfully. Pro player Adel 'Big Bird' Anouche expressed concerns about this change, noting that while it adds complexity to the game, it may hinder players' ability to counteract aggressive strategies effectively.

Furthermore, Capcom has made adjustments to throw mechanics, continuing to allow throw loops while rewarding defenders with additional Drive and Super Art gauge for unsuccessful throw attempts. These modifications aim to enhance the strategic depth of high-level play.

The developments in Season 3 of Street Fighter 6 signal Capcom's commitment to evolving its flagship title in response to player feedback and competitive dynamics. The inclusion of new characters, alongside significant gameplay adjustments, not only refreshes the game but also sets the stage for future tournaments and community engagement. As the season unfolds, players and fans alike will be closely monitoring the impact of these changes on the competitive landscape.