Necro's HP Hook: Optimal Denji Blast Follow-Ups (3rd Strike Data)

Optimizing punishes is crucial for any serious Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike player. For Necro mains, one common situation is landing an HP Tornado Hook (often just called HP Hook). But what's the best follow-up? Specifically, how does Denji Blast (➡️⬇️↘️➡️ ➕ 👊) fare?

There is much confusion among Necro players regarding the possibility and effectiveness of using Denji Blast (often nicknamed "Shock") on the opponent after an HP hook. This uncertainty stems from a key aspect of 3rd Strike: character-specific interactions.

Why the Confusion? Denji Blast Variance Explained

The confusion arises from the fact that Necro's Denji Blast affects various characters differently in terms of how many times it connects in a combo state. Moreover, the strength of Denji Blast used (LP, MP, or HP) also has varying effects on the number of hits against the same opponent. This complex interaction makes it hard to remember the optimal choice in the heat of battle.

The Data: Denji Blast Hits After HP Hook Table

To address this issue and provide a clear resource, I have created a table (represented in the image accompanying this post) for easy reference. This table outlines the impact, specifically the maximum number of hits, for each Denji Blast version (LP, MP, HP) when used as a follow-up to HP Tornado Hook against different opponents.

Key Takeaways & Analysis from the Table

Analyzing the data reveals several important strategic points for Necro players:

General Effectiveness (Meterless Option)

As you can see from the table, although HP Denji Blast is generally the most effective meterless option for maximizing hits after an HP Hook against a large portion of the cast, it's not universally the best.

Character-Specific Exceptions: MP Denji Shines

It is interesting to note that against certain characters like Makoto, Yun, and Yang, using MP Denji Blast surprisingly yields better results (more hits) than the HP version after an HP Hook. Memorizing these exceptions is key for maximizing damage in these specific matchups.

Optimal Corner Punish vs. Big Bodies

Furthermore, it is important to consider that against Hugo, Urien, and Alex when they are in the corner, simply using Denji Blast might not be the absolute best punish. In these specific corner situations, using repeated crouching Heavy Punches (db.HP x6, or as many as possible) is often the optimal damage choice after an HP Hook. In fact, against these characters in the corner, hitting even just two db.HPs is generally preferred over a Denji Blast follow-up.

Screen Position Note

Additionally, it is worth mentioning an important detail about Denji Blast itself: it hits with equal effectiveness regardless of the opponent's horizontal position on the screen (midscreen vs. corner). Therefore, being in the corner is not necessary to achieve the maximum number of Denji Blast hits as shown in the table (unlike the db.HP situation mentioned above).

Understanding the Notation

Just as a reminder for clarity:

• Denji Blast (電磁ブラスト): ➡️⬇️↘️➡️ ➕ 👊
• HP Hook / HP Tornado Hook: HCF + HP
• db.HP: ⬇️↘️ + HP (Down-Back + Heavy Punch
• LP/MP/HP: Light/Medium/Heavy Punch

Conclusion: Make Informed Punish Choices!

This data highlights the intricate details that make 3rd Strike such a deep game. Understanding how Necro's Denji Blast interacts differently with the cast after an HP Hook allows for more optimized punishes and, ultimately, better gameplay. Use the table provided to study the matchups and make more informed decisions during your matches!

Did any of these character-specific interactions surprise you? How do you usually punish with Necro after an HP Hook? Share your thoughts or findings in the comments below!