So the way I've been approaching HQT predator:
Despite the bad matchup, it's not impossible to win. Use Covert Ops to rush him down and don't let him start his game.
Here's what you need to learn before you go into the match:
1) know his strings. You have to block high low on his string > ground laser (think Kung Lao buzzsaw)
2) his d4 to low ground close laser cannot be jumped out. Only armor or backdash works.
3) if you get hit by a ground laser, you MUST block the next immediate one. Ground laser staggers too much (think Kano's knife) for you to jump away.
4) ground lasers don't hit you until they explode on the ground
5) if he does an air/ground disc, run into his face and xray. Disc = free xray since it auto tracks.
6) learn the timing of the disc wind up. if he throws a gound and air one, you can jump over the first disc if you time it right. the second disc is harder to jump over so maybe just block it otherwise you get sent back to full screen.
Before we get into the "what I should do" section, let's talk about what you should avoid (not to say to not do any of these at all because something good can come out of it)
1) don't trade projectiles with him. our bf2 pink laser isn't worth staying full screen vs his lasers. BF2 is poop but better than nothing.
2) Avoid jumping in (unless you're referring to #1 in the DO section below). He has too many options - njp, air disc, air laser.
3) don't random dive kick. This = free d4 and he keeps you out.
4) don't lose patience/hope. I've played rounds where it took 50+ game seconds just to win.
5) learn the timing of his wake up. Know when to press 12, 21, b33 so that it stuffs his wake up. I believe d3 cancel to parry also works on his wake up. His armor eats the d3 but the parry comes out before he stabs you.
The "what I should do" section:
To go from full screen to mid screen isn't that bad, but to get from f2 range to his face is a challenge. You must be within max F2 range or his D4 range for the following:
1) if he NJP, you want until his active frames for his punch to be over and you respond with f2/f2b1 or a jump in (no dive kick, you're in good position even if he blocks your jump in. Doing in a blocked jump in + dive kick = you can't do your blockstrings/mix ups on him since you get pushed back). He must block this as his armor attack won't come out fast enough to stuff you. If he does a second NJP, you will hit him out of it on your jump in or f2. You can also ex db4 arc kick to hit him out of the air and corner carry him.
2) if he throws a disc, you must react to this and do f2b1 for a hard knockdown. If your reactions are good, he will not recover in time so this is where you will need to go in and make him play your game.
3) if he does d4 to close ground laser, you can
a) block both and you stay within f2 range and see what else he does
b) armor through the ground laser with ex db4 or ex bf4 (if within range), whichever corner is closer.
4) if he does d4 to ex ground lasers, depending on distance
a) if you're really close to him, you can block the first laser after it explodes on the ground and do a very quick jump forward very low dive kick and it'll stuff his recovery. This requires some labbing as timing and execution are strict. Almost impossible online with the input lag.
b) if you're within f2 range, you may have to block the first 2 lasers but you can run forward or jump in before the 3rd laser explodes. predator is forced to block afterwards.
When you put him in the corner, don't let him out. One mistake could spell trouble and you have to play that zoning game all over again. Keep pressuring him. F2 is your best friend. You'll realize how awesome f2 is if you haven't done so already. Look for laser patterns. See how he responds after a blocked f2 or f2b1. Also good luck and hope for a predator nerf.
