- Primary Character: DIO (Dio Brando from Part 3 of JJBA) is a premium roster pick costing 250 Robux within the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Pack.
- Key Mechanic: Stand Power replaces normal M1 attacks with The World's M1s, giving slightly longer range but adding a single frame of startup on the first strike.
- Best Strategy: Rely on Time Shift to guardbreak turtling opponents, then follow up with high-damage Stand Rush or Knives combos.
- Critical Tip: During his Greatest High awakening, DIO can stop time up to two times, completely dominating the battlefield.
- Top Choice: Ideal for players who love aggressive, rushdown playstyles with high-risk, high-reward health-draining capabilities.
Anime Battle Arena DIO Base Moveset
DIO is an aggressive fighter in Anime Battle Arena (ABA) who excels at keeping pressure on his opponents through high-damage close-range stand strikes and ranged projectile harassment. He is purchased as part of the JoJo Gamepass Pack alongside Doppio/Diavolo.
Video Highlights:
- Stand Rush Mechanics: Learn how to maximize the multi-hit damage of The World.
- Combo Extenders: See how Knives and Time Shift chain together flawlessly.
- Awakening Power: Watch the raw destruction of the Greatest High transformation in live PvP matches.
Understanding his base kit is crucial to building up your awakening meter. Here is a breakdown of DIO's base moveset:
| Move Name | Input | Damage | Guard Interaction | Cooldown | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stand Rush | 1 | 31 Damage | Blockable | 20 Seconds | The World unleashes a rapid barrage of punches ending in a heavy knockback hit. |
| Knives | 2 | 18 Damage | Blockable | 10 Seconds | Throws 3 knives forward. Acts as an excellent long-range combo extender. |
| Time Shift | 3 | 20 Damage | Guardbreak | 19 Seconds | Stops time briefly to punch the opponent, sending them flying once time resumes. |
| Absorb | 4 | 10 Damage | Bypasses Guard | 15 Seconds | Dashes forward to grab the enemy, draining their life and healing DIO for 10 HP. |
Because Absorb is a grab that bypasses block, use it when your opponent is holding down their shield. If you miss, immediately dash away to avoid being punished during the whiff animation.
The Greatest High: Awakening Guide
When DIO's awakening meter is fully charged, he transforms into his ultimate form: Greatest High. In this state, DIO gains passive health regeneration, increased M1 damage, and access to the legendary Road Roller and Za Warudo.
| Move Name | Damage | Guard Interaction | Cooldown | Special Properties | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | M1 Attacks | 5.1 per hit | Blockable | N/A | Replaced with Stand M1s with zero startup frames and extended range. | | Finishing Kick | 30 Damage | Guardbreak | 15 Seconds | A brutal heavy kick that shatters shields and sets up follow-up combos. | | Road Roller | 55 Damage | Blockable | 18 Seconds | DIO drops a heavy steamroller onto his opponent, pummeling it to cause massive splash damage. | | Za Warudo | N/A | Ignores Guard | Twice Per Mode | Stops time globally for 3 seconds, allowing free movement and attacks. |
Passive Healing
DIO gains the Greatest High passive, regenerating 1 HP per second automatically during the entire 60-second awakening duration.
Enhanced Mobility
His standard quick-dashes are replaced with Time Stop Dashes, allowing him to instantly teleport short distances to close gaps.
Double Timestop
Unlike Jotaro, DIO's time stop is slightly shorter but can be activated up to two times per awakening cycle.
Do not waste your Za Warudo activations when the opponent is too far away. Since the time stop only lasts 3 seconds, you must be close enough to immediately initiate a high-damage combo.
Step-by-Step DIO Combos
To succeed with DIO in competitive Anime Battle Arena lobbies, you must master his combo structures. Below are the step-by-step sequences for both his base form and his awakening form.
Base Form: The Guardbreak Starter
Approach the opponent and use Time Shift to shatter their block. This leaves them stunned and open to a follow-up.
Base Form: The Health Drain
Immediately follow up with Absorb to drain their health, healing yourself while keeping them locked in place.
Base Form: Stand Rush Finisher
Execute 4 basic M1 strikes, then cancel the final knockback into Stand Rush followed by Knives as they fly away to maximize damage.
Awakening Form: The One-Shot Timestop
Activate Za Warudo to freeze the opponent in place. Run up and execute a full 4-hit M1 string.
Awakening Form: Road Roller Finish
While they are still frozen, execute Finishing Kick to guardbreak, then instantly activate Road Roller to crush them as time resumes.
If you throw Knives right before activating Time Shift in base form, the knives will freeze in mid-air and redirect directly into the opponent when time resumes, creating an unavoidable projectile strike.
Matchup Strategies & Counters
Playing as DIO requires a balance of relentless pressure and defensive awareness. Use the following checklist to evaluate your performance and ensure victory in your matches.
DIO Combat Checklist:
- Always lock onto your opponent before casting Time Shift to guarantee the hit registers
- Use Absorb immediately after an opponent whiffs a high-cooldown move to punish them
- Do not panic-activate Za Warudo when low on health; use your passive regeneration first
- Flick your camera behind the enemy right after Absorb to attempt an unblockable back-M1 strike
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does DIO cost in Anime Battle Arena?
DIO is a premium character that costs 250 Robux. He is purchased as part of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Gamepass Pack, which also includes Doppio/Diavolo.
Q: Is DIO's Time Shift blockable?
No. Time Shift is a guaranteed guardbreak. If your opponent is holding their block, Time Shift will break their guard and leave them completely vulnerable to a full combo.
Q: How many times can DIO stop time during his awakening?
DIO can stop time up to two times per awakening cycle. This makes his Greatest High form incredibly dangerous if you manage your cooldowns properly.
Q: What is the best counter to DIO's base form?
The best way to counter DIO is to bait out his Absorb and Time Shift. Both moves have distinct animations and decent end-lag, leaving him wide open to counter-attacks if they miss.