Thunder Clap

Thunder Clap (サンダークラップ Sandā Kurappu) is one of Laura's special attacks, introduced in Street Fighter V.

Input

Street Fighter V	+

Description

Executed by performing a quarter-circle back motion and pressing punch, Laura creates a slow-moving, electric projectile. If the punch button is held, Laura will charge her Thunder Clap, giving it further range and additional hits. Unlike many other projectiles in the series, Thunder Clap only moves a short distance in front of Laura before fizzling out.

Tactics

Thunder Clap is a non-traditional projectile in that its greatest use comes in close quarters, where it serves as a tool for setting up dangerous mix-ups, applying unpredictable pressure and even allowing Laura to combo into her Critical Arts. At a distance, she can use Thunder Clap to ward off projectiles and even eat through them in some cases, forcing an approach from the opponent.

Additionally, the strength of the punch button determines the range of the projectile. The Light version travels the shortest distance, while the Heavy version travels further. The EX Special variant travels a little over halfway across the screen. It also has a faster startup compared to the normal versions.

This move gives Laura a variety of setups. The Light version is effective for tick throws. The Heavy version is primarily used set up combos After throwing the projectile, Laura can jump in to extend combos, if spaced and timed correctly. The EX version puts the opponent into an airborne state for a short amount of time and is unchargeable, allowing for cross-ups and resets with her V-Skill.

Every version makes Laura move slightly forward, which means spacial awareness is critical. The best time to charge the projectile is after scoring a hard knockdown or when her opponent is stunned. This will give her time to charge up her Thunder Clap, allowing her to keep the pressure up and get them into the corner. If the fully charged version hits, Laura can use Twist Barrage to carry her opponent into the corner, ending with Heavy Bolt Charge.

Similar Moves

• Sakura's Hadoken
• Fuhajin
• Gadoken
• Aeolus Edge

Gallery

Laura's Light, Medium, Heavy, and EX Thunder Clap.

Laura's Light, Medium, and Heavy Thunder Clap. (Hold)

Trivia

• This is the first projectile that belongs to a playable grappler in the series.
• While charging Thunder Clap, Laura appears to rub her hair, building static electricity before releasing the projectile. This is refuted by Laura in some of her post-fight dialogue.
• Thunder Clap is very similar to Dan's Gadoken because the two do not go through the whole screen, only a portion close to the character.
• Keeping in line with the similarities with Aeolus Edge, the charging aspect of this attack is similar with the former's attacks properties when Super Charge was a factor.