4k to 6k Transition guide!

[A2P]

So, as a 13-year veteran of Stepmania, Dance Dance Revolution, and rhythm games in general, I've recently been learning how to play Solo. Lemme tell ya...it's awesome! However, I can understand it can be intimidating to learn at first. Those 2 extra fingers really change the step game, and it may take a while to become used to it. I'm still gradually learning myself, so right now is the perfect time for me to write this, since I am learning myself.

Step 1 - Don't compete; Learn

No matter what skill level you are at 4k, 6k is a completely different game. There are some similarities, but your muscle memory won't be used to the play styles and patterns, especially with 12 and 56 patterns. This is the truth - right now, you are a rookie. It's pointless to compete with expert players at the beginning of your journey. Take this time to learn how 6k really works, and look at your own scores as an indicator for improvement.

Step 2 - Ease into it by playing easier files

Since you are a 6k rookie, you may need to play very easy files in order to truly see what your learning curve is. I would recommend downloading Patashu's Solo Beginner pack. Not only are the files and song selections solid, Patashu was nice enough to write charts for all difficulty levels. It really helped me ease into my own transition while I was learning.

Step 3 - Slow that scroll down!

I've noticed that I couldn't quite get the hang of Solo right away. When I slowed down my CMod however, the notes really were easier to read and time. My personal formula is

4key Speed-100

So if you read at C750 on 4k, set your scroll speed to C650 on 6k. This isn't an absolute principle; you can adjust your own formula to a higher or lower difference. The key here is to learn what speed you're comfortable with.

Step 4 - Don't get discouraged!

6k has a learning curve like everything else. It's easy to get frustrated learning 6k. I sure did! But then, kinx told me something that reasonated with me and helped me tremendously. He told me, that the expert players I was striving to compete with, were like the Michael Jordan's of Solo. That gave me hope, because I then realized that I shouldn't care how good Solo MJ was, but rather I should examine my own improvements by PRACTICING. It's an easy lesson to forget, but it's an important one to remember.

Step 5 - Have fun!

Remember why we're all here. We're all here in this community because we enjoy playing rhythm games. Not only do we temper our precision, but we get to jam out to some good music while doing it. No matter how your transition is going, never forget how much fun these games are. <3