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Fightcade Lua Hotkey -

This guide explains how to set up custom hotkeys using Lua scripting in FightCade. This is particularly useful for mapping functions that are not available in the standard emulator settings, such as toggling autofire, slow-motion, or custom state saves.

Note: This guide focuses primarily on FBNeo (FinalBurn Neo), the primary emulator for FightCade, but the principles often apply to other cores that support Lua.


| Problem | Likely Fix | | :--- | :--- | | Script won’t load | Check the file extension (.lua, not .txt). Use Fightcade’s System > Lua Scripting > Run Script. | | Hotkey does nothing | Verify the key code. Use print(input.get_key_state(0x13)) to see if Fightcade detects your key. | | Game crashes when script runs | You attempted to read an invalid memory address. Double-check your peek/poke addresses. | | Hotkey triggers multiple times | Add a debounce flag (the hotkey_pressed pattern shown earlier). | | Script works in FBNeo standalone but not Fightcade | Some functions (like emu.pause()) are disabled in Fightcade’s network play to prevent desyncs. Use save/load states instead. |


, Lua scripts (specifically for the FBNeo emulator) use specialized "Lua Hotkeys" to trigger menu functions without interfering with standard game inputs like Weak Punch or Start. The Default Fightcade Lua Hotkeys

Most professional training scripts, such as the VSAV Training Script or the SFIII 3rd Strike Training Mode, use a standardized set of hotkeys:

Lua Hotkey 1: Usually opens the script's main menu (e.g., Shift + Enter in some versions).

Alt + 1 / Alt + 2: Often used to toggle through input displays or specific script macros.

Alt + 3: Frequently toggles hitbox displays or looping playback. Alt + 4: Returns to the character selection screen. How to "Create" or Rebind Hotkey Features

If you are developing a Lua script and want to implement a custom hotkey feature, you can use the input.get() function provided by the FBNeo Lua API. 1. Registering Key Presses

To detect a hotkey like "Lua Hotkey 1" in your script, you use a loop that checks the input table:

function checkHotkeys() local keys = input.get() if keys["Lua Hotkey 1"] then -- Insert your feature here, like opening a menu print("Menu Opened!") end end -- Run this every frame gui.register(checkHotkeys) Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard 2. Custom Key Shortcuts

You are not restricted to the "Lua Hotkey" slots. You can also bind features to specific keyboard keys by checking their names in the input table (e.g., "Space", "T", or "Left Shift"). 3. Streamlining Access with Windows Shortcuts

You can create a "direct-to-lua" desktop shortcut to skip the manual loading process: Right-click your desktop and select New > Shortcut.

Paste the path to your emulator followed by the --lua flag and script path:

Example: C:\Fightcade\emulator\fbneo\fcadefbneo.exe romname --lua C:\Path\To\Script.lua. Setting Up Hotkeys in the Emulator

Before a script can detect "Lua Hotkey 1," you must map it in the Fightcade/FBNeo settings: Open Fightcade and click Test Game for any title. Go to Input > Map Game Inputs (or press F5). Scroll down to the Lua Hotkeys section. Bind these to your preferred keys (e.g., 1, 2, 3). fightcade lua hotkey

📌 Note: Scripts like the 3rd Strike Training Mode require you to have Player 2 controls mapped even if you are practicing solo, as the script "takes over" Player 2 to simulate dummy actions. Fbneo lua file setup tutorial (training modes)


Before we talk about hotkeys, we need to understand the engine. Fightcade 2 uses a modified version of the FinalBurn Neo (FBNeo) emulator. This emulator has built-in support for the Lua programming language.

In simple terms, Lua allows you to interact with the emulator’s memory, input system, and video output in real-time. A "hotkey" in this context is a script that binds a specific action (e.g., F1 key) to a sequence of emulator commands.

Here’s a complete input.lua you can adapt. It supports multiple hotkeys, per-key state tracking, and automatic macro cancellation.

-- Fightcade Advanced Hotkey System
local active_macro = nil
local macro_frame = 0
local last_keys = {}

local macros = ["u"] = -- Shinkuu Hadoken trigger = "u", sequence = "down", "downright", "right", "down", "downright", "right", "punch1" , frame_duration = 2 -- each step lasts 2 frames , ["i"] = -- Quick double tap forward (dash) trigger = "i", sequence = "right", "right" , frame_duration = 1

function input_frame() local current_keys = input.get_keys()

-- Start new macros on rising edge
for id, macro in pairs(macros) do
    if current_keys[macro.trigger] and not last_keys[macro.trigger] then
        active_macro =  
            macro = macro, 
            step = 1, 
            frame_in_step = 0,
            trigger_key = macro.trigger
end
end
-- Update active macro
if active_macro then
    -- Cancel if trigger key released
    if not current_keys[active_macro.trigger_key] then
        active_macro = nil
    else
        active_macro.frame_in_step = active_macro.frame_in_step + 1
        if active_macro.frame_in_step >= active_macro.macro.frame_duration then
            active_macro.frame_in_step = 0
            active_macro.step = active_macro.step + 1
        end
if active_macro.step > #active_macro.macro.sequence then
            active_macro = nil
        else
            local btn = active_macro.macro.sequence[active_macro.step]
            input.set(btn, true)
        end
    end
end
last_keys = current_keys

end

To install, drop this into your game’s config/input.lua, edit the macros table, and restart Fightcade. Your hotkeys will be live immediately.

Fightcade Lua hotkeys are the missing link between classic arcade emulation and modern training features. Whether you are a combo artisan grinding for that perfect 1-frame link, a lab monster testing ambiguous cross-ups, or a tournament player analyzing defensive options, a well-crafted Lua script saves you hours of manual resetting.

Start small. Bind a simple reset to F1. Then explore memory addresses for your favorite game. Before long, you’ll have a custom training mode that rivals commercial fighting games—all running inside a browser-based arcade emulator.

Final checklist for power users:

Now go forth and lab. The arcade is yours to command.


Have a specific hotkey script request? Dive into the #lua channels on the Fightcade Discord or leave a comment below (if published on a forum). Happy fighting!

To set up and use Lua hotkeys in Fightcade (specifically the FBNeo emulator), you need to map them within the emulator's input settings after loading your script. These hotkeys are commonly used in training mode scripts to open menus, reset positions, or record/play back inputs. 1. Enable and Load your Lua Script This guide explains how to set up custom

Before you can use script-specific hotkeys, the script must be active:

Place the Script: Put your .lua files in the emulator/fbneo/lua folder within your Fightcade directory.

Test Game: Launch your desired game using the Test Game button in Fightcade.

Run Script: Navigate to Game > Lua Scripting > New Lua Script Window in the emulator menu, browse for your file, and click Run. 2. Map the Lua Hotkeys

Lua scripts in FBNeo utilize specific "Lua Hotkey" slots that you must manually bind to your keyboard or controller:

Open Mapping Menu: Press F5 or go to Input > Map game inputs while the game is running.

Locate Hotkeys: Scroll down to find Lua Hotkey 1 through Lua Hotkey 10.

Assign Keys: Double-click the hotkey slot and press the button on your controller or keyboard you wish to use.

Lua Hotkey 1: Usually opens the script's main training menu.

Lua Hotkey 4: Often used in many scripts to return to the Character Selection Screen (CSS). 3. Common Training Mode Hotkeys

Depending on the specific training script (like those for 3rd Strike or Vampire Savior), the following functions are often mapped to standard emulator inputs rather than dedicated Lua hotkey slots:

Record/Playback: Often mapped to Volume Up (Record) and Volume Down (Playback) in the "Map game inputs" menu.

P2 Dummy Control: Tapping Coin while in a match may swap controls to the dummy.

Menu Shortcuts: Some scripts use Shift + Enter or specific F-keys (like F7 for player switching) by default. 💡 Quick Troubleshooting

Script Not Responding: Ensure you are in 2-player mode (press Coin and Start for both players) as most training scripts require P2 to be active to function properly. | Problem | Likely Fix | | :---

Visuals Missing: If the script runs but you see no text or hitboxes, try changing your video settings to DirectX9 Alt blitter.

Auto-Launch: You can bypass the manual loading by creating a Windows shortcut with the --lua flag followed by the script path.

If you tell me which specific game or training script you are trying to use, I can give you the exact hotkey list for that module.

To get the most out of Fightcade’s training features, you need to understand how to bridge the gap between powerful Lua scripts and your physical controller. While Lua scripts add deep functionality like hitbox viewers and frame data, "Lua Hotkeys" are what let you actually trigger these menus and tools while playing. The Role of Lua Hotkeys

Most modern training scripts (like those for Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike or Vampire Savior) rely on specific Lua hotkeys to function. These aren't standard game buttons (like Punch or Kick); they are emulator-level triggers that scripts "listen" for to perform actions like:

Opening the Training Menu: Usually mapped to "Lua Hotkey 1".

Dummy Control: Swapping controls to the dummy or recording/playing back sequences.

State Management: Quickly reloading a specific training scenario or returning to the Character Select Screen (CSS). How to Set Up Your Hotkeys Follow these steps to ensure your scripts are responsive: Map Inputs in FBNeo: Launch your game and press F5 (Map Game Inputs).

Look for the "Lua Hotkeys" section (often near the bottom of the list).

Map "Lua Hotkey 1" to a button you don't use for gameplay (e.g., a stick button or a keyboard key like Shift). Load the Script: Go to Game > Lua Scripting > New Lua Script Window.

Browse for your script (common ones include Grouflon's 3rd Strike or NBeing's VSAV trainer). Click Run.

Activate: Press your assigned Lua Hotkey 1. If the script is running correctly, an overlay menu should appear. Pro Tip: The Shortcut Method

Tired of manually loading your script every session? You can create a Windows shortcut that launches the emulator, the ROM, and your Lua script all at once using the --lua flag.

Example Target Path:C:\Fightcade\emulator\fbneo\fcadefbneo.exe romname --lua C:\Path\To\Script.lua

By mastering these hotkeys, you turn Fightcade from a simple netplay tool into a professional-grade training lab.