Part 24

Master Fox and Falco in Super Smash Bros. Brawl! Learn their moves, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for dominating the competition with this in-depth guide.

This section of the guide focuses on two similar yet distinct characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl: Fox and Falco. We'll break down their move sets, recovery options, and general playstyles.

Fox's Strengths and Playstyle:

Fox excels with fast aerials, particularly his neutral air, which has low landing lag, allowing for immediate follow-up attacks. His grab game is average, but his up throw sets up nicely for an up aerial. Fox's up smash is a powerful option out of shield.

Fox's Special Moves:

• Fox Illusion: A quick horizontal recovery move. It can be prematurely terminated by pressing B, but be wary of its clear auditory telegraph when used offensively. Best used for recovery or as a surprise offensive option sparingly.
• Fire Fox: Primarily a recovery move, used when below the stage or needing to slow down. It's slow and predictable offensively, but can provide a large bounce effect if used in the air to slam into the ground.
• Blaster: A rapid-fire projectile for consistent damage from a distance. It lacks stun and should be used to pressure opponents into an offensive stance.
• Reflector (Shine): Fox's signature move. It reflects projectiles and can be instantly canceled into other actions (grab, roll, spot dodge, jump) upon a successful reflection. In the air, it slows descent, acting as a stalling tactic or a way to turn around unpredictably. It's a fast, powerful attack that can spike opponents, recovering faster in the air, especially after a short hop. This is arguably Fox's most important offensive move.

Fox's Movement and Defense:

Fox can wall jump but not wall cling or crawl. He has one midair jump, a slightly below-average roll, and a good spot dodge.

Fox Matchups:

Fox is a strong character with few true weaknesses. He may struggle against characters with superior range and priority like Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, and Olimar, but he has tools to counter them. He holds advantages against slower characters like Bowser and projectile-heavy characters like Pit. Even against characters with no inherent advantage, Fox remains a dangerous foe due to his numerous strong options.

Falco's Introduction and Unlock Conditions:

Falco, while similar to Fox, has a distinct playstyle. He is unlocked by playing 50 brawls, having him join your party in The Subspace Emissary, or clearing the 100-Man Brawl.

Falco's Playstyle and Strengths:

Falco's average moves are less potent than Fox's, but he compensates with a few exceptionally strong moves. He excels at abusing linear projectiles. While his up tilt is slower than Fox's, his down tilt can set up for aerials. His forward tilt is a quick, safe option, though not a staple. Falco's up smash is weaker than Fox's, and his down smash has little killing power. His forward smash is a good, albeit unwieldy, killing move. His running attack is decent for launching opponents, but his jab combo is poor.

Falco's Aerials:

In the air, Falco...