Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Move Lists & Character Specifics

Master every Super Smash Bros. for Wii U character. Study unique move sets like Marth's tipper or Fox's shine recovery to elevate your gameplay.

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Move Lists & Character Specifics

Welcome to the definitive guide for mastering your favorite fighters in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U! This section breaks down the unique move sets and strategic nuances of each character, providing actionable advice to elevate your gameplay. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the Smash scene, understanding these specifics is crucial for dominating the competition.

Understanding Move Types

Before diving into individual characters, let's clarify the different move categories you'll encounter:

  • Standard Attacks (A Button): Your basic jabs, tilts, and smash attacks. These are fundamental for racking up damage and launching opponents.
  • Special Attacks (B Button): Unique abilities that define a character's playstyle. These often have specific properties like projectiles, command grabs, or recovery tools.
  • Aerial Attacks: Performed in the air, these are vital for edge-guarding, juggling, and maintaining pressure.
  • Grabs & Throws: Essential for breaking shields, setting up combos, and launching opponents at low percentages.
  • Dodges & Shields: Defensive options to avoid incoming attacks and mitigate damage.

Character Deep Dives: Strategies and Specifics

Each character in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U boasts a distinct set of moves and strategic considerations. Below, we'll highlight key aspects for a selection of popular fighters, offering insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and optimal playstyles.

Mario

Mario is a well-rounded character, excellent for beginners and experienced players alike due to his balanced stats and versatile moveset.

  • Key Moves:
    • F.L.U.D.D. (Down B): A powerful water-based projectile that doesn't deal damage but pushes opponents away. Use it for edge-guarding, disrupting recoveries, or creating space. Charge it fully for maximum pushback.
    • Cape (Side B): Reflects projectiles and turns opponents around. Incredibly useful against projectile-heavy characters like Link or Samus. Can also be used for recovery by reversing your momentum.
    • Super Jump Punch (Up B): Mario's primary recovery move, also a multi-hit attack. The coins it generates are purely cosmetic. Aim to sweetspot the ledge for a safe recovery.
    • Forward Air: A strong spike when hit with the sweetspot (the very bottom of his fist). Master this for devastating edge-guards.
  • Strategy: Mario excels at close-to-mid range combat. Utilize his fast aerials for combos and his F.L.U.D.D. and Cape for defensive and offensive utility. His Forward Smash is a reliable kill option at higher percentages.

Link

Link is a zoning and projectile specialist, controlling the stage with his various tools before moving in for the kill.

  • Key Moves:
    • Hero's Bow (Neutral B): Fires an arrow. Charge it for increased speed and damage. Excellent for harassing opponents from a distance and forcing them to approach.
    • Boomerang (Side B): Throws a boomerang that returns. Can be angled up or down. Use it to disrupt opponents, set up combos, or cover your recovery. Catching it reduces its cooldown.
    • Bomb (Down B): Pulls out a bomb that can be thrown or dropped. Explodes after a short delay or upon impact. Great for stage control, edge-guarding, and even self-damage for a powerful Bomb Jump recovery.
    • Spin Attack (Up B): Link's primary recovery and a multi-hit attack. Can be charged on the ground for more power and range. Be mindful of its predictable trajectory when recovering.
  • Strategy: Maintain distance and pepper opponents with arrows and boomerangs. Use bombs strategically to control space and punish approaches. Once an opponent is at high damage, look for opportunities to land a charged Spin Attack or a powerful Forward Smash.

Pikachu

Pikachu is a fast, agile character with excellent recovery and tricky movement options, making him a formidable opponent.

  • Key Moves:
    • Thunder Jolt (Neutral B): A fast-moving electric projectile that travels along the ground and up walls. Excellent for pressure, edge-guarding, and racking up damage.
    • Skull Bash (Side B): A chargeable headbutt that deals significant damage and knockback. Can be used as a horizontal recovery option. Charge it fully for maximum impact.
    • Quick Attack (Up B): Pikachu's signature recovery move, allowing for two directional inputs. This makes his recovery incredibly versatile and difficult to intercept. Practice precise inputs to maximize its range.
    • Thunder (Down B): Calls down a lightning bolt. If Pikachu is directly under the bolt, he takes damage but also deals massive damage and knockback to opponents caught in the strike. A high-risk, high-reward kill move.
  • Strategy: Utilize Pikachu's speed and small hitbox to your advantage. Harass opponents with Thunder Jolts, then close the distance with quick aerials and tilts. His Quick Attack offers incredible recovery mix-ups, making him hard to KO off-stage. Look for opportunities to land a Thunder for an early stock.

Bowser

Bowser is a heavy-hitter with immense power and surprising agility for his size, capable of ending stocks early.

  • Key Moves:
    • Fire Breath (Neutral B): Breathes a stream of fire. Can be held down for continuous damage, but the flame dwindles over time. Good for edge-guarding and pressuring shields.
    • Koopa Klaw (Side B): A command grab that can be followed up with a throw or a powerful bite. Excellent for punishing shields and setting up follow-ups.
    • Whirling Fortress (Up B): Bowser's primary recovery, a multi-hit spinning attack. Can be used on the ground as an out-of-shield option.
    • Bowser Bomb (Down B): Jumps high into the air and slams down. Deals massive damage and shield damage. Can be used for recovery if close enough to the stage.
  • Strategy: Bowser thrives on punishing mistakes. His heavy hits mean he can take stocks at lower percentages than many other characters. Use Koopa Klaw to break through defenses and his powerful smash attacks to finish opponents. While large, his Whirling Fortress and surprisingly fast dash attack allow for decent mobility.

This detailed breakdown provides a foundation for understanding the diverse cast of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Experiment with these strategies and character-specific moves to find your perfect main and dominate the battlefield!