What is a Cross-Up? | Fighting Games 101
Date Published: 21 March, 2020
Often confused with the term Mix-Up, the fighting game term; Cross-Up is a term used frequently in the FGC, as it’s a tactic many fighting games, especially the traditional 2-D and anime genres utilize as a part of their offensive structure.
The term “Cross-Up” refers to a situation where it is more difficult for the players’ opponent to determine whether or not they must block left or right. However, the distinguishing difference between the term “Mix-Up” and “Cross-Up” has to do with the axis’ they implement.

A mix-up predominantly encompasses the Y-axis, meaning an attack can hit from either high up or down low, however, a cross-up encompasses the X-axis, meaning an attack can either come from one side, or another.
Considering the fact that jumping is a major factor in 3-D fighting games, cross-ups are really only mentioned in traditional 2-D games or anime fighting games, however, that has changed a bit with modern times, as some 2-D fighting game characters have appeared as guest characters in 3-D games, bringing over their jumping attacks.

Cross-ups can come in various ways, such as cross-up overhead, cross-up low, cross-up with a delay, cross-up to catch various tech situations. A cross up has many utilities, although most of the time they refer to offensive situations.
A cross-up in fighting games is often supplemented with a universal jump, however, depending on the specific fighting game, as well as the specific character, some cross-ups can be executed with special moves unique to certain characters, making the cross-up a strong offensive option in fighting games.
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