Choosing a Shikai is one of the biggest milestones for Soul Reaper players in VV: Ultimatum. While every Shikai currently only has a small number of abilities available, each one offers a very different playstyle and can dramatically change how you approach combat.
If you’ve just unlocked your Shikai or you’re wondering which one fits your build best, here’s a breakdown of every currently available Shikai and how their abilities work.
VV Ultimatum Shikai Guide – Every Shikai Explained
Before looking at individual Shikai abilities, there’s one important mechanic every Soul Reaper player needs to know.
To activate Shikai skills, you must:
- Press Control
- Then use M1 or M2
Your available abilities are tied to those inputs, so learning this control scheme is essential before using any Shikai effectively.
Ice Shikai
Ice focuses heavily on crowd control and combo setup.
Ice M1
The first Ice ability creates an ice path that travels forward.
If the attack connects, it freezes the opponent in place, creating an easy opportunity to begin a combo.
This makes it one of the better initiation tools among the current Shikai options.
Ice M2
The second ability leaves behind an ice clone.
After a short delay, the clone explodes and creates an icy effect that can trap or disrupt opponents.
Much like the first move, the main purpose here is creating openings for follow-up attacks.
Playstyle
Ice is ideal for players who enjoy:
- Combo-focused gameplay
- Crowd control
- Locking opponents down
- Creating openings through status effects
Flame Shikai
Flame is much more straightforward and aggressive.
Rather than focusing on utility, it emphasizes direct damage and pressure.
Flame M1
The first Flame skill is a large area-of-effect attack.
Enemies caught inside the attack take damage, making it useful for both PvE farming and PvP pressure.
Flame M2
The second skill sends your character dashing forward while performing a slash attack.
This gives Flame users a fast offensive option that can quickly close gaps.
Playstyle
Flame works best for players who prefer:
- Aggressive combat
- Simple but effective abilities
- Direct damage output
- Constant pressure
Flower Shikai
Flower is currently one of the most unique Shikai in the game because it comes with an additional meter system and a temporary transformation state.
Flower M1
The primary Flower ability releases petals around an area.
Opponents who remain inside the petals take continuous damage.
You can also reactivate the move to launch the petals toward enemies.
Holding the input creates an alternate version of the attack, adding additional flexibility.
Flower M2
Flower’s second ability launches a petal projectile.
The projectile travels forward and can be used as a combo extender, making it valuable for keeping pressure on opponents.
Flower Mode
One of Flower’s biggest advantages is its special meter.
As you continue fighting, you’ll gradually fill a Flower gauge.
Once full, you can activate a special state that functions almost like a miniature transformation.
During this mode:
- Your M1 attacks become petal-based attacks.
- Your attack range increases significantly.
- Additional offensive options become available.
Enhanced Flower M2
While in Flower Mode, the M2 ability changes completely.
Instead of the standard projectile, you perform a forward dash followed by multiple slashes before finishing with a stronger final attack.
This gives Flower significantly more offensive power while the mode is active.
Playstyle
Flower is a great choice for players who enjoy:
- Building resources during combat
- Longer fights
- Strong range
- Combo extensions
- Temporary power boosts
Ink Shikai
Ink offers a more utility-focused toolkit.
Ink M1
The first ability causes your character to step backward before applying an ink-based slash.
The move creates space while still allowing you to attack, making it useful defensively.
Ink M2
The second ability performs a series of movements followed by another slash attack.
It functions as a mobility-oriented offensive skill and can help reposition during combat.
Playstyle
Ink appeals to players who like:
- Mobility
- Positioning
- Hybrid offense and defense
- More technical gameplay
Waypoint Shikai
Waypoint is easily the most unconventional Shikai currently available.
Rather than focusing entirely on damage, it revolves around marks and positioning mechanics.
Waypoint M1
This ability places a marker on an opponent.
Once marked, you can teleport directly to them whenever needed.
The marker can also be placed on locations throughout the map, allowing for unique movement options.
Waypoint M2
The second ability creates a waypoint that calls down attacks from above.
The resulting bombardment deals damage within the targeted area.
Playstyle
Waypoint is best suited for players who enjoy:
- Mobility
- Positioning tricks
- Map control
- Creative combat approaches
The current Shikai lineup in VV: Ultimatum gives Soul Reaper players a nice variety of playstyles despite the relatively small number of abilities available right now. Ice specializes in freezing and combo setups, Flame focuses on straightforward damage, Flower introduces a unique transformation mechanic, Ink emphasizes mobility, and Waypoint offers some of the most unusual movement options in the game.
As more progression systems and future Soul Reaper content arrive, these Shikai will likely become even more important. For now, the best approach is to choose the one that matches how you enjoy fighting rather than simply chasing whatever happens to be strongest.