# FAQs

### How hard is it to learn Labrys?

Labrys is pretty much the definition of easy to pick up, hard to master.

Her basic gameplan and combos are straightforward, and people may point you to her as an "easy character". That being said, until you properly master her resource management, routing, and several pretty unweildy combo tools, you'll be missing out on a lot of her power. Even at the top level, you'll see drops and routing issues, mostly due to how difficult it can be to get things to work.

However - you will be rewarded for taking your time in the lab. Furthermore, there's nothing that's particularly execution heavy, and you won't be wearing out your hands trying to do anything fancy with your controller while playing Lab. If you're good with timing and rhythm (which you'll need, lots of manual delays in her combos), you'll get there eventually.

### Is Labrys a strong character?

No... at least not at the top level.

She lacks a lot of the fundamentally strong tools most of the other characters in the cast have, as well as having the worst frame data in the game, and a momentum mechanic that actively works against her. She also has a lack of good reversals, and gets outclassed in even her strongest aspects, so there's not really much reason to play her over anyone else. She also has awful matchups against the top tiers, which means that if you're looking for a top tier who will consistently win you top level tournaments, you need to look elsewhere.

However - if you want a character who willl reward you heavily for outplaying your opponent, and works by rushing down an opponent and being so scary (despite not actually being that scary relatively) that your opponent doesn't even dare to try and escape your wrath, then maybe this is the character you want.

### Should I play normal or shadow?

Normal.

Seriously there's no reason to play shadow, as normal is:

* Stronger
* Easier
* More fun
* More consistent
* Cuter

Also the entire character design of Labrys creates serious anti-synergy with how shadows work. Even if you like the concept of shadows, Labrys just can't really do anything with it, and gets hit really hard by the downsides.

### How do I start learning combos?

Combos seem like an imposing, complicated thing, but it's not bad if you take it slowly, one step at a time. The idea is to build up a collection of combos you know, and add them into your game over time as you grow more confident in identifying when to use them and executing them.

I'd suggest going to the [BnB](https://aurha.gitbook.io/p4u2r-labrys-guide/combos/bnbs) page, and trying out the combos there, getting a feel for what they do. Then, at least once per play session, take some time to practice these, and make a specific effort to try them in a match. As you get better, you'll know what sort of combos you'll need, and will be able to find them. Of course, if you're ever stuck, feel free to reach out to Labrys chat in the discord!

### How do I get better?

There are two main things I will suggest. The first is by watching [footage of other players](https://aurha.gitbook.io/p4u2r-labrys-guide/misc/useful-footage-and-videos), where you can look at what they do, what works for them, and consider what you can take from that to improve your game.

The other is practice and reflection on your matches. This takes time, patience, and some self-awareness, but is extremely powerful. To help with this, you can even ask others to review your games with you. I'd also suggest keeping notes on what you're currently working on, and reflecting on this before and after sets.

### Should I use D beast to win rounds?

Yes.

Obviously, if you have other ways of killing, then do that, but remember that you win the game by taking rounds, not by holding axe level. This also means spending axe level to avoid getting bursted, as Labrys being sent full screen is generally a bad situation, even if you are in red and have meter/life lead.

Remember - axe level is something easily gained and lost. Grey goes to green just by existing, the same way red goes to green. Getting touched once will usually lose you your red axe, even if you do keep it, and it's certainly not worth risking a round for in most cases.

If you're scared of dropping because D beast is harder to link, then you need to practice until you're not scared, this isn't optional, and will cost you games if you can't do it.

The one exception to this is if you're at a very large resource lead against a character with poor reversals/comeback potential. This is still disrespect, and can get you killed, so I would consider this greedy, but sometimes being imposing is the quickest way to break someone's mental. Don't say I didn't warn you when you get 3-touched by someone with a pixel of health left.
