Marco Rodrigues embodies the quintessential fighter in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. While Terry also fits this mold, Marco stands out with a moveset reminiscent of Ryo from Art of Fighting— a nod to Street Fighter’s Ryu. He features classic abilities like a fireball, an uppercut, and a rapid series of kicks that can traverse the arena.
Even though he shares similarities with familiar characters, Marco brings unique traits and original moves to the table, ensuring he’s a distinct character in the game. This guide aims to help you harness the techniques of Kyokushin Karate to dominate your opponents.
Marco Rodrigues Overview
As a typical game protagonist, Marco comes equipped with a fireball, a dragon punch, and a flying kick that closes distance quickly. His dragon punch (Kouhou) is entirely invincible at the start, making it an excellent move against aerial attacks and a powerful option on wake-up.
Yet, Marco offers more than just the standard shoto toolkit. He can also cancel his Kouhou, making it significantly safer. He has moves similar to Ken’s step-kicks from Street Fighter 6, and he can deceive opponents by feigning his fireball, which encourages them to jump.
Marco excels at pressuring opponents, making it easy to connect multiple hits for substantial damage. One of his standout moves is his crouching heavy punch (c.HP), which hits twice, allowing for easy confirmation into special attacks. If you cancel a Kouhou, you can follow it up with a super attack.
Additionally, Marco has two types of dashes. His Harai Uke ( + LP/HP) serves as both a dash and a counter. Use it to capitalize when opponents throw out normals. The real star of the show, however, is his universal forward dash,
+REV. This dash is incredibly fast and lets Marco exert intense pressure. Utilize it by grabbing opponents, backing off to make their grab miss, and then punishing them.
Marco Rodrigues Command List

Marco’s move list is diverse, featuring numerous techniques (though he lacks a command grab). Notably, he has hold moves. Both his Ryuusen Ken and Kosen Kyaku require you to hold a button and release to execute. You’ll also find that Marco can cancel many of his special moves.
Importantly, both versions of his Haou Shoukou Ken super can cut through most of your opponent’s attacks, making it an effective way to catch enemies who commit to moves. Refer to this guide whenever you need some quick refreshers on Marco’s techniques. It can really help if you’re struggling to remember a move input between rounds!
LP+HP = REV Art enhanced Special
LK+HK = REV Art enhanced Special
Command Moves
Command Move |
Input |
---|---|
Kyokugen Hiji |
|
Far Heavy Kick (Feint) |
f.HK > LK |
Command Combo
Command Combo |
Input |
---|---|
Command Combo |
c.HP > HK > HK or HP+HK |
S.P.G. Command Combo |
j.LK > LP |
Special Moves
Special Move |
Input |
---|---|
Ko’ou Ken [FE] |
|
Kohou [BR] |
|
Hien Shippuu Kyaku [BR][FE] |
|
Harai Uke [BR] |
|
Ryuusen Ken |
Hold + LK/HK |
Kosen Kyaku |
Hold + LP/HP |
REV Blows
REV Blow |
Input |
---|---|
Zanretsu Ken |
HP+HK during SPG |
Mouko Raijin Setsu |
[While Airborne] HP+HK during SPG |
Ignition Gears
Ignition Gear |
Input |
---|---|
Haou Shoukou Ken |
|
Super Kyokugen Kohou |
|
Redline Gears
Redline Gear |
Input |
---|---|
Haou Shoukou Ken |
|
Super Kyokugen Kohou |
|
Hidden Gear
Hidden Gear |
Input |
---|---|
Ryuuko Ranbu |
|
Marco Rodrigues Combos
One of Marco’s more complex combo options is his Feint Fireball (LK+HP). With this feint, he can cancel his c.HK and follow up with a crouching heavy punch (c.HP), leading to various combo possibilities.
It’s crucial to break his Kouhou ( HP) and Hien Shippuu Kyaku (
HK) whenever you can, as this will maximize your damage output. Practicing these moves is essential, as they play a significant role in Marco’s gameplay.
Combos For Marco Rodrigues
-
-
c.HP >
LP+HP >
LP+HP > REV >
,
LP
This beginner-friendly combo requires you to execute the Ko’ou Ken (
LP+HP) precisely when the second hit of the c.HP connects. You can combo from a j.HP or j.HK, but aim for a deep connection.
-
[crossup] j.LK > c.LP > c.LK >
+ HP > REV >
LK+HK
This cross-up combo can knock about 25% off your opponent’s health without using any meter. It’s an effective option!
While you can combine this with higher-damage options later on, keep in mind that starting with three light hits may lower the damage output of subsequent super moves. It might be wise to keep this combo intact.
-
-
c.HK >
LK+HP >
HP >
+ HP > REV >
+ HK > REV >
,
LP or HP
This sequence can deal significant damage. While it requires a feint cancel, mastering it is crucial for executing big combos with Marco. If your S.P.G. is active, substitute the combo’s super with his Hidden Gear (
,
REV).
Marco Rodrigues Tips And Tricks
In your matches, you’ll primarily be poking with normals while controlling Marco. The standing forward light kick is a solid poke, though it doesn’t combo. His forward heavy kick is more effective and can link into his Kyohou ( + HP) on counter hit, but remember it won’t connect against crouching opponents if they are too far. Use both moves, but prioritize the heavy kick to set up for big damage. You can also mix in the feint version of the f.HK (f.HK > LK+HP) to throw your opponents off.
Leverage Marco’s excellent REV Dash (REV+) often. When exchanging attacks, try sneaking in a dash to close the gap and grab quickly. Integrating the crouching heavy kick (c.HK) after a dash can lead to major damage. This speedy dash will keep opponents alert and encourage them to throw out normals to counter a dash, making them vulnerable to Marco’s Harai Uke (
+ LP/HP) counterattack.
Once an opponent is down, use that opportunity to mix things up. Start with a dash in and throw them again, or execute a meaty c.HK. Even simply dashing in and blocking can catch opponents off guard, especially when they attempt a reversal.
While attacking at close range, focus on using Marco’s hover-heavy kick (c.HK). Always transition into this string from the crouching heavy kick…
HK > |
---|
If this string connects, you can continue with specials and supers to deliver severe damage. (Refer to the first two combos for some suggestions.) If blocked, you’ll only face slight disadvantage. You’ll be safe from punishment, so there’s no need for concern. You can try to regain your turn with jab attacks. If you suspect your opponent will retaliate with jabs, use your Harai Uke ( + LP/HP) to take control.
Overall, play Marco as a more aggressive version of Ryu. Challenge your opponents with fireballs. During fireball duels, deploy your Haou Shoukou Ken (,
LP) to decisively win the exchange. Stay alert for jumping opponents, countering them with Kouhou (
HP), then REV cancel into a powerful combo. Use the REV dash and apply pressure with your normals to quickly rise through the ranks.
A solid follow-up after an anti-air DP could be something like… + HP > REV >
+ HK > REV >
,
LP or HP