Stances refers to the various positions, postures, and conditions fighters can be in during rounds of fighting in Dead or Alive series. Depending which stance a fighter is in changes how the fighter can attack and block, and each stances also has different advantages and disadvantages.
Types of Stances
The following table describes each stance in turn, using a fight between Kasumi and Kokoro to show examples.
Screenshot | Name | Description |
Standing | Both girls are standing normally. This is the default posture; this is how everyone starts a fight, and they will always return to this posture. In this stance, you can block high and middle strikes, but vulnerable to low strikes. | |
Crouching | Kokoro is crouching with knees bent, lowing her body. This stance will allow her to evade high strikes, but expose her to middle strikes. | |
Back Turned | Kokoro's body is facing away from Kasumi. In this stance, Kokoro gains access to unique moves, but loses the ability to guard against Kasumi's strikes. | |
Down | Kokoro has been knocked to the ground. While down, she is generally at a disadvantage and susceptile to attack. However, she will be able to perform a rising attack as she gets up. | |
Critical Stun/Staggering | After being attacked with Kasumi's Critical Hit, Kokoro is currently in Critical Stun. This can leave her open to follow-up attacks, but she can still perform a Critical Hold, to parry an attack and stop the staggering. | |
Jumping | Kokoro has jumped into the air to perform a high attack. Jumping will also allow her to evade low strikes. | |
Juggling | Kokoro has been lifted into the air, and has no control over her movements. This leaves her defenseless and open to additional attacks. |