Capcom has finally unveiled the long-awaited gameplay trailer and character breakdown for Elena, the final Year 2 DLC fighter making her return to Street Fighter 6 on June 5. First introduced in Street Fighter III: New Generation, Elena is a cheerful, nature-loving Capoeira fighter from Kenya whose fluid kicks and graceful movement style have made her a fan favorite over the years. Now, she's back—and with a revamped toolkit that blends nostalgia with bold new mechanics.
A Familiar Face with Wild New Moves
In Street Fighter 6, Elena retains many of her signature techniques but adds a few game-changing tools to her arsenal. Classic moves like Rhino Horn and Scratch Wheel return with updated functionality. Rhino Horn, her forward-moving kick, remains a quick gap-closer but still can’t hit crouching opponents—unless she corners them, where she can combo into Scratch Wheel for extra pressure.
The most exciting addition is her Lynx Song stance. Elena slides close to the ground, dodging projectiles, and from there can branch into four different follow-ups:
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Leopard Snap – A long-reaching poke that leaves her plus on block.
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Harvest Circle – A projectile-invincible launcher that opens up combo possibilities.
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Mallet Smash – Her signature overhead returns, now enhanced with boosted frame advantages.
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Lynx Whirl – A spin extension that amplifies the effects of her other moves.
All of these follow-ups can be "boosted" if performed after Lynx Whirl, giving her greater frame advantage, air time, or damage potential. The Overdrive version of Lynx Song grants all these benefits without requiring the extra spin, letting skilled players maintain momentum without missing a beat.
Also returning is Spinning Scythe, a flurry of spinning kicks, now cancelable into Lynx Whirl for extended pressure strings. And her new move, Moon Glider, adds evasive utility by letting Elena step back before launching a vertical spinning kick that can anti-air or start juggles.
Super Arts and Healing Return
Elena’s Super Art selection offers a mix of power, utility, and her classic healing gimmick:
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Level 1: Meteor Volley – A quick anti-air with follow-up potential.
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Level 2: Revival Dance – A multi-hit dash that starts invincible. A second version lets Elena cancel into her iconic healing move to regain vitality mid-fight.
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Level 3: Song of the Grasslands – A powerful barrage that channels the energy of nature to dominate her opponent with high-damage kicks.
World Tour Integration and New Stage
Elena’s Outfit 2 brings back her iconic look from Street Fighter III and Ultra Street Fighter IV. Players can unlock it either by maxing out her bond in World Tour or purchasing it through Fighter Coins.
Accompanying Elena’s debut is a brand-new stage: Reniala Remains, set on the moonlit African plains with wildlife watching from the shadows. It’s a gorgeous addition to the game's already diverse stage list, adding even more personality to her character.
Balance Patch Incoming
With Elena’s arrival, Capcom is rolling out a major Season 3 balance patch that will affect the entire Street Fighter 6 roster. While details haven’t been fully disclosed, players can expect system-wide changes and updates across all 25 existing characters. This ensures that Elena’s addition doesn’t just bring fresh gameplay—but also shakes up the competitive scene in a big way.
Are you excited for Elena's return? What do you think of her new mechanics and healing options? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to check back on June 5 for the full patch notes and Elena’s official release.
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