Vibrant character select screens draw newcomers to fighting games. Choosing a character is only the first step. Some main the first character they try, while others cycle through half the roster before settling on a favorite fighter.
Players pick mains based on design, personality, difficulty, toolkit, matchups, or archetype. Modern fighting game rosters give players additional freedom to express themselves through more diverse characters. They sometimes find aspects of themselves in their mains, making it easier to grow attached the longer you play. However, there is one criticism you should never let affect your decision to pick up characters — other people’s opinions.
Not all FGC character criticism is constructive
Parts of the FGC ridicule players that main easy to use characters or top tier picks. The best characters in every game are usually referred to as “cheap” and “broken” because of notably strong attacks or abilities. Anyone that uses these characters will almost inevitably get called “brain dead” or “carried,” often by fans that lack an in-depth understanding of the game. This negative feedback can dissuade players from choosing their favorite characters.
Beginners aren’t the only ones who deal with that type of negativity. Even pro players have to hear about their character getting wins instead of their own dedication. Some players just aren’t fans of certain pros or playstyles and prefer to credit the character over an individual’s skill.
Open Series legend Daniel “The Mighty Unjust” Taibot plays several top-tier characters in Mortal Kombat 11. The perennial champion uses counter-picking strategies to determine his choice. Unjust has no shame, knowing that the best characters provide a real advantage in competitive settings:
A lot of players only play a certain amount of characters. I counter-pick. I’ll counter pick you if you want to keep playing the same character. People bash me for that. To them I say, ‘You realize I’m playing for money right.'
Jeannail “Cuddle Core” Carter experienced similar pushback after winning back-to-back ICFC North America titles with Alisa Bosconovitch in Tekken 7. A part of the community began to ask if the chainsaw-wielding android was “fair” or not. I talked to Cuddle Core about the truth behind “broken” characters and why players shouldn’t feel pressured to give up on their mains.
Cuddle Core on why you should be confident in your character choice
Cuddle:
People complain about every character someone picks and tier lists. It can be very discouraging. You pick who you want to pick, but somebody might disrespect you for playing someone just because you like them.
Zach:
I kind of deal with that a lot because I main Kunimitsu. I’ve been waiting for her since Tekken 5 when they brought all the Tekken 2 characters back. Now I finally get her and have to hear nonstop about how she’s easy and cheap.
Cuddle:
That’s the thing, when people say things like that you can tell who really understands the game and who doesn’t. That character’s not cheap at all. She’s a stance character that has to come in on you. I know her weaknesses and her strengths. When she’s back turned you can hopkick her, you can sidestep her right, she has to risk something!
Zach:
The excuse is that no one knows how to fight her or they don’t lab her. Well, lab her, she’s been out for almost a year!
Cuddle:
A lot of people know how to fight her. If she were so dang good then more people would use her, but she’s not easy at all. Because you know who is easy to use? Fahkumram! He poops out damage and there are way more Fahkumrams than Kunis because he’s easier to use. So nah, she’s not cheap.
Zach:
I’m glad you said that because now when people say she’s cheap I can tell them, “Well, Cuddle Core said she’s not, so your opinion doesn’t matter.”
Cuddle:
Facts!
Play the way you want to play
Never feel like you have to stop playing your favorite characters because the community frowns upon them. Video games are designed to be fun, so naturally, your most enjoyable experience can differ from other people playing the same title.
Even if you main Fahkumram or Akuma stick with them if that’s who you enjoy. Don’t let their top place on tier lists or foul reputation in the community dissuade you from playing the game your way. Many pros unashamedly lean on high-tier characters like Leroy for tournaments.
Most of the time players resort to calling characters “cheap” when they don’t know how to fight them or require counters that force them to play in ways they don’t enjoy. Cuddle Core said this can be remedied in the lab:
People have to actually study matchups, and a lot of times they don’t. They just get hit by stuff, complain, and then they cry.
Spend as much time as you want with your favorite character and rock out for exclusive prizes. If you think a character is cheap, hit the lab and learn how to counter them!