Learn the essential controls for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, including movement, shielding, dodging, and attacks on the ground and in the air. Improve your technique!
This guide covers the basic controls and terminology for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For practice, use the Training Mode (Games & More → Training) on the 'Training' stage, which features a grid background to help visualize attack reach and launch distance. The Trajectory Guide in the Pause Menu is also beneficial. For fundamental gameplay and character control, watch the 'How to Play' movie (Vault → Movies → How to Play). The Tips section (Vault → Tips → Techniques) offers further insights into techniques and terminology.
Moving and Defending your Fighter
Moving on the ground
Quickly pressing the left stick left or right makes your fighter run. Gently tilting the stick results in a walk, with slower speeds for more gentle tilts. Running in the opposite direction immediately after running will cause a short skid animation; to avoid this, release the stick briefly before pressing the opposite direction.
Moving in the air
Pressing X/Y or Up on the left stick makes your fighter jump. A quick tap results in a small hop. The left stick controls jump direction, and you can move freely left or right while falling. Greater tilt on the stick results in more momentum. Most fighters have a second jump in the air, with exceptions like Kirby and Jigglypuff having more. Direction can be easily changed with the second jump. Falling off the stage edge only allows one jump. You can jump off an opponent's head up to four times, with each jump being shorter. Pressing down in the air makes you fall faster. Since version 2.0.0, pressing two jump inputs (X and Y for GameCube, A and X for Pro Controller) simultaneously results in a short hop; this trick does not work if 'Up' is set to jump on the left stick.
Shielding and Dodging
Shield: Pressing ZR (R for GameCube) on the ground activates your fighter's shield, blocking damage. The shield shrinks with prolonged use or damage. A broken shield leaves you stunned. Opponents can grab you while shielding. Shields regenerate after a break.
Rolling Dodge: While shielding on the ground, tilting the left stick left or right performs a roll dodge in that direction.
Spot Dodge: Shielding and pressing down performs a spot dodge, allowing for a quicker counter-attack than other dodges.
Air Dodge: Pressing ZR (R for GameCube) in the air performs an air dodge, limited to one per aerial state. You can air dodge again after taking damage or landing.
Directional Air Dodge: Holding a direction while air dodging makes you move in that direction, useful for positioning but leaving you more vulnerable post-dodge. Dodging can also be used for recovery. Spamming dodges slows movement and reduces invincibility frames, increasing vulnerability.
Attacks
On the ground
Smash Attacks: Pressing A and a direction on the left stick simultaneously performs a Smash Attack, which has high launching potential. Holding A charges the attack, increasing damage and launch distance. The right stick can also be used for Smash Attacks if configured.
Neutral Attack: Pressing A performs a neutral attack. Many fighters can combo neutral attacks, with the final hit usually having the most launch power. These are good for racking up damage at close range.
Forward Tilt: Tilting the left stick forward and pressing A performs a Forward Tilt, which generally has better reach and more damage than a neutral attack but is slower.
Down Tilt: Pressing the left stick down and then A performs a low-hitting attack. Some fighters have unique effects, like King K. Rool burying opponents or Incineroar launching them for juggling.
Up Tilt: Tilting the left stick up and pressing A normally sends opponents upward, enabling combos with more Up Tilts or aerial attacks.
Tilt attacks can be mapped to the right stick/C-Stick (defaulted to Smash Attack) for easier execution and to prevent accidental Smash Attacks. To change this, go to Smash → Controls → your name → your controller → right stick/C-Stick → Tilt Attack → Save.
Dash Attack: Running and pressing A performs a Dash Attack. The opponent is sent in the direction of the run, but missing can leave you vulnerable.
Grab: Pressing R (Z for GameCube) performs a grab. Tapping the button adds minor damage. Tilting the left stick in a direction throws the opponent that way. If you delay the throw, the opponent can escape. Grabs can be used on shielding opponents. Missing a grab results in significant lag, allowing the opponent to counter.
In the Air
Neutral Aerial: Pressing A in the air performs a Neutral Aerial attack.
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