[CS2] Lambda vs Rachel

[kenja0]

Matchup: 6-4

CS2 Rachel vs Lambda

New playable character: Rachel Alucard available now!

Even though she is usable again in competitive play, the change in blocking mechanics since CT has since ruined her relentless rushdown. Also, Rachel has never had a good matchup against Nu Or Lambda since Nu/Lambda has such a simplistic zoning system (DDDDDDDDDD). Given, she's still a 4 Primer character and as we know, all 4 Primer characters are highly mobile/evasive characters- something that gives characters like Lambda some trouble somewhere.

Tools

Obviously, Rachel has a lot of tools. Rachel takes time to summon these tools but once they get out there, it becomes an immediate threat.

Wind - This is what Rachel is all about. With Wind, she can control the smallest detail such as movement and her other tools- whether it be used against Lambda to stunt advancing or augmenting the direction and speed of Rachel's movement/tools- that's Rachel for you. Lambda can't really affect the Wind at all, but people can be aware when and how it could be used.

Wind Meter - The Wind suffers from a limited supply that needs to regenerate when Rachel is not performing an action and is on the ground. When Rachel is out of meter, she might as well be a sitting duck. Take advantage of low meter situations.

Pumpkin - The best defensive tool Rachel has. Pumpkin becomes a floating hitbox that attacks as it flows with the wind that Rachel controls. Since Rachel can throw Wind out at any point in time while not getting hit, it can make her most unsafest moves incredibly safe. Obviously, Pumpkin lasts for only a few seconds and can only travel in 8 directions. If you can, try to be in its blindspot. Otherwise, be ready to block it at any point in it while it's out.

George XIII - George is not as much of a threat as its use as a pressure tool. It can be used to extend combos or threaten people to not finish a blockstring. George also travels on the floor with the Wind, pushing it close. The best way to deal with George is to kill him. He has approximately 800 Health (maybe 400, don't remember) so one sweep attack can kill him. Unfortunately, don't take your eyes off Rachel since she may use that opportunity to strike.

Poles - Rachel can fire a projectile that plants itself into the ground and creates a lightning rod. The projectile's trajectory can be augmented with the wind.

Tempest Dahlia - Actually a good reversal against spam.

I'll update with feedback

Edited June 16, 2011 by kenja0

[someonewhodied]

When she summons a pumpkin, do a 4D/5D(CH)>236B>RC>5DD>[Filler] combo.

When she shoots those poles, 5D/4D.

When she shoots them from the air, 6D/2D.

You cant do ANYTHING at short range though. Rachel can just chairspam everything and use a pumpkin/frog that was previously sent out to protect her when she is open after. (She CAN use wind mid-chair right?)

[toanenadiz]

First thing to note, Rachel gets out of 236D oki for free with her tech+wind technique. You really need to watch out for this technique as it will also evade any meaty sword you use for oki.

You really need to be around mid screen against Rachel. You need to stop Rachel from summoning stuff. And at this range, you can stop the wind air dash+attack maneuver Rachel does with Lambda's 6A easily. Remember to not sit on top of the poles. And Rachel's 5B and 2B are projectiles now so they will cancel out other projectiles they hit(like 214D).

The best option against Rachel's pressure is to just never be in it. Run like the little bitch our character is designed to be. But if you end up blocking, pay attention to wind because it is easier to react to that than it is to Rachel's jA. You can IB and backdash if she does any normal->236A. Of course, this fails if she winds the lobelia. Rachel has really good pressure against Lambda, so you usually have to take risks to get out.

And blocking a high level Tempest Dahlia gives Rachel an invisible mix-up. Do all you can to avoid blocking it on the ground.