Mai Hit With Nerfs In New Street Fighter 6 Balance Patch

As many suspected after the reveal of the new Battle HUD and UI customization options for Street Fighter 6, Capcom has released a balance patch that introduces changes to several characters, most notably Mai, Sagat, and Elena.

Mai, in particular, has been a lightning rod for criticism due to how strong she has been since release. That perception was backed up by how many players quickly switched to her. In this patch, her standing heavy punch now drains less Drive Gauge, opponents gain more gauge when parrying her fans, and her throw loop pressure has been toned down. She can no longer simply dash or shimmy freely after corner throws, significantly weakening one of her most oppressive win conditions.

Sagat and Elena, on the other hand, received buffs. Elena’s level one super is now faster, and her enhanced Leopard Snap leaves her closer to the opponent, improving her pressure and conversions. Sagat also received buffs to his low attacks, further reinforcing his already strong neutral and making him an even more threatening presence.

While many welcome the patch, frustration has also been widespread. Characters like Ed and Ryu were left untouched, and Sagat, who was already considered strong, though not top three, has now been pushed even further. For some players, the changes feel uneven and conservative.

Reaction on social media suggests the patch has managed to do something rare— It has upset the Japanese player base. Several pro players have voiced dissatisfaction, not angrily, but clearly. The biggest complaints center on Ed remaining untouched while Mai was hit, and a general feeling that the patch does too little to meaningfully shift the current meta.

When combined with the continued lack of new costumes, ongoing concerns around Capcom Cup monetization, and what many see as an overly cautious balance philosophy, Street Fighter 6 appears to be in a slightly rocky spot.

If recent history is any indication, this may be the last meaningful set of changes until Season 4, which is still a long way off.

You can view the changes in their entirety here.