How to Use Instant Kill Attacks in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Having been developed by Arc System Works, Persona 4 Arena Ultimax comes with many of the features and mechanics we have seen in the Guilty Gear and BlazBlue series.

Among these returning mechanics are extremely powerful, and extremely cinematic, special attacks known as Instant Kill attacks. Here’s everything you need to know about these attacks and when you should be using them.

How to Use Instant Kill Attacks in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Instant Kill attacks in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax are used by pressing down three times and then X and A on Nintendo Switch or Y and B on Steam Deck. The only exception to this rule is Shadow Labrys’ Instant Kill attack, which requires pressing the Y and B buttons on Nintendo Switch and X and A on Steam Deck. These attacks, however, won’t be available from the start of a match, as you need to fulfill certain conditions first.

Before you can use an Instant Kill attack in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax, you must be able to use your Persona, so you must not suffer from any status ailment that disables it or Persona Break, must have 100 SP available and you must be on match point, meaning that you will win the match if you win the current round. You will know Instant Kill is available to you when you see the character portrait flashing.

When to Use Instant Kill Attacks in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax

Instant Kill attacks in Persona 4 Arena Ultimax may be extremely powerful, but they are not very easy to use, and you should do so only when you are certain they will land. While they all come with a big invincibility window, they are somewhat slow and they cannot be part of a combo. In addition, they have a very long recovery, so you can be punished easily if they are blocked. If they whiff or get blocked, you will also have used all of your SP, so you will find yourself in a very precarious position, so beware and evaluate your situation with care before committing.