How to Do Combos in ABA
Master Anime Battle Arena combos: M1 strings, aerial attacks, air ladders, starters, extenders, finishers, and TOD routes for every character.
Universal Combo Building Blocks
Every character in Anime Battle Arena shares a core combo language built around M1 basic attacks. Press Mouse 1 (or the equivalent on controller) to perform a string of light attacks. Most characters have a three-hit or four-hit M1 chain where the final strike is a guard break — a heavy hit that breaks through blocking but can be dodged and punished if missed. Understanding this universal system is the foundation for all ABA combos, regardless of which anime fighter you main.
Skills on keys 1 through 4 slot into M1 chains as combo starters (moves that launch or stun), combo extenders (moves that add hits mid-chain), or combo finishers (high-damage closers). Ultimates and transformations on G often serve as finishers or combo reset tools. The ABA glossary defines every term; this guide shows how they connect in real matches.
M1 Chains & Ground Combos
A basic ground combo looks like: combo starter skill → 3 M1s → combo extender → 2 M1s → finisher. The exact sequence varies by character, but the rhythm is consistent: skill, M1s, skill, M1s, big hit. Practice in training mode until muscle memory takes over. Watch the opponent's block indicator — if they hold F, your M1 string will eventually guard break them unless they dodge.
Wall combos add bonus damage. Knock an opponent into a map wall during an M1 string to trigger wall bounce mechanics on certain characters, dealing +5 bonus damage and extending pressure. Maps with tight corners favor characters with strong wall carry. Browse ranked maps to learn which arenas enable wall routes for your main.
Aerials & Air Ladders
After landing two or three M1s on the ground, jump with Space and press M1 to perform an aerial attack. Aerials launch opponents upward and open air combo routes. This is the most important technique for extending damage beyond short ground strings. Many beginners stop at ground M1s and wonder why their damage is low — aerials and ladders are the answer.
An air ladder keeps the opponent airborne: while in the air, hold Space and continue M1 inputs to juggle the opponent. Ladder timing is strict — drop too early and the opponent falls out. Each character has different ladder leniency; S-tier fighters like Yuji Itadori and Gojo have generous juggle windows. Controller players struggle most with ladders; our controller guide covers remapping tips.
TOD Combos & Advanced Tech
A TOD (touch of death) combo takes an opponent from full HP to zero without letting them escape. These require perfect execution of starters, ladders, extenders, and a finisher or ultimate. Not every character has a universal TOD, but most S-tier and SS-tier fighters have at least one route on open maps. Character-specific guides like our Gojo combos and Itachi combos document optimal TOD sequences.
Advanced tech includes dash cancels, animation cancels, and I-frame abuse with dodge (Q). After a whiffed guard break, expect a dodge punish. Use block and dodge defensively between your own combo attempts. Study 1v1 meta characters to see which fighters reward lab time versus simple M1 pressure.
Practice Routine
Spend fifteen minutes daily in training: pick one combo route, land it ten times in a row, then test it in Arena Mode against real opponents. Record failures — did the opponent dodge your guard break? Did you drop the ladder? Adjust timing rather than switching characters too quickly. Cross-reference PC controls or Xbox controls if inputs feel inconsistent.
When a balance patch drops, combos change. Check Trello nerf and buff sections after every update and revisit character pages under characters for rework notes. Combo mastery separates average Arena players from ranked climbers — pair this guide with ranked strategy when you are ready to compete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does M1 mean in ABA?
M1 is Mouse 1 — your basic attack button. Every character uses M1 chains as the backbone of combos. See our glossary.
How do I do an aerial in ABA?
Land 2–3 ground M1s, press Space + M1 to launch an aerial attack. Continue with air ladders by holding Space and M1.
What is a guard break?
The final hit of an M1 string breaks blocks. It is punishable if dodged. Defined in our glossary.
Which character has the easiest combos?
Naruto, Ichigo, and Sasuke have forgiving routes for beginners. See the arena tier list.
What is a TOD combo?
A touch-of-death combo that kills from full HP. Also called a 100-0 combo in the community.
Do combos work the same on controller?
Same mechanics, harder timing. Read our controller guide for remapping help.