Super Smash Bros.
Super Smash Bros.

Character Guides

Master Super Smash Bros. characters with detailed strategies and move breakdowns. Learn to dominate with Mario's Punch and other fighter specifics.

Character Guides

Welcome to the comprehensive Character Guides section! Here, we delve deep into the roster of Super Smash Bros., offering detailed strategies, move breakdowns, and advanced techniques for each fighter. Whether you're looking to master your main or understand how to counter a tricky opponent, you'll find invaluable information within these pages.

Mario: The Plumber's Punch

Mario is a well-rounded fighter, excellent for beginners and veterans alike. His balanced stats and versatile moveset make him a strong contender in any matchup. Focus on controlling the mid-range and exploiting his aerial superiority.

  • Key Moves:
    • F.L.U.D.D. (Down-B): This often-underestimated move is fantastic for edge-guarding. Charge it up and release to push opponents off the stage, denying their recovery. Best used when an opponent is trying to recover horizontally.
    • Cape (Side-B): Not only does this reflect projectiles, but it can also reverse an opponent's direction mid-air, leading to easy KOs off the side of the stage. Practice timing this against recovery moves like Fox's Up-B or Link's Up-B.
    • Forward Air (Fair): Mario's iconic "spike" move. Learn to land this sweet spot for early KOs, especially against characters with poor vertical recovery. Practice short-hop Fair combos.
  • Matchup Strategies:
    • Vs. Heavyweights (e.g., Bowser, Ganondorf): Utilize Mario's speed and aerial mobility. Hit-and-run tactics work well. Use F.L.U.D.D. to push them away when they try to approach.
    • Vs. Projectile Users (e.g., Samus, Young Link): The Cape is your best friend. Reflect their projectiles back at them to turn their advantage into your own. Approach carefully and punish their projectile lag.
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • Fireball Pressure: Use Mario's Neutral-B (Fireball) to control space and force opponents to approach. Combine with short hops and aerials for effective pressure.
    • Up-Air Chains: Mario's Up-Air can juggle opponents effectively at low to mid percentages. Practice stringing multiple Up-Airs together for significant damage before finishing with an Up-Smash or Up-B.

Pikachu: The Electric Rodent

Pikachu is a fast, agile, and deceptively powerful character. His small hitbox makes him difficult to hit, and his quick attacks allow for impressive combos. Mastering his recovery options is crucial for high-level play.

  • Key Moves:
    • Quick Attack (Up-B): This is one of the best recovery moves in the game, offering incredible distance and two directional inputs. Learn to angle it precisely to avoid edge-guards and return to the stage safely. Can also be used as a quick offensive burst.
    • Thunder Jolt (Neutral-B): A fast, low-damage projectile that travels along the ground and up walls. Excellent for zoning, racking up damage, and disrupting opponent's approaches. Use it to force jumps or shield.
    • Down-Smash: A quick, two-hit attack that hits on both sides of Pikachu. Great for punishing rolls or covering multiple options at the ledge.
  • Matchup Strategies:
    • Vs. Slow Characters (e.g., Incineroar, King K. Rool): Exploit Pikachu's speed. Dash attacks, grab combos, and quick aerials will overwhelm them. Avoid trading blows directly.
    • Vs. Swordfighters (e.g., Marth, Cloud): Stay close and get inside their range. Pikachu's small size makes it harder for them to land their sweet spots. Use Quick Attack to weave through their attacks.
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • Thunder Spike (Down-B + Neutral-B): A classic Pikachu combo. Use Thunder (Down-B) while an opponent is above you, then immediately follow up with Thunder Jolt (Neutral-B) to hit them with the projectile as they fall, potentially spiking them. Requires precise timing.
    • Grab Combos: Pikachu has excellent grab game. Down-throw often leads into a string of aerials (Up-Air, Neutral-Air) at low percentages. Practice these to maximize damage output.

Link: The Hero of Hyrule

Link is a powerful projectile-based fighter with strong melee options. He excels at controlling space and punishing opponents who approach carelessly. Understanding his projectile management is key to success.

  • Key Moves:
    • Bow (Neutral-B): A fast projectile that can be charged for more damage and knockback. Use it to pressure opponents from a distance, force them to shield, or interrupt their recovery.
    • Boomerang (Side-B): An incredibly versatile projectile. It travels out and returns, hitting opponents on both trajectories. Use it to cover approaches, extend combos, or set up edge-guards. You can catch it to reduce cooldown.
    • Remote Bomb (Down-B): Place a bomb that can be detonated remotely. This is Link's most complex and rewarding projectile. Use it for stage control, shield pressure, or even as a recovery boost by detonating it beneath you.
  • Matchup Strategies:
    • Vs. Rushdown Characters (e.g., Captain Falcon, Fox): Keep them at bay with your projectiles. Use Boomerang and Bow to create a wall, then punish their attempts to get in with your strong sword attacks.
    • Vs. Zoners (e.g., Samus, Snake): Your own projectiles can often out-prioritize or cancel theirs. Use Remote Bomb strategically to break through their defenses and force them into close quarters.
  • Advanced Techniques:
    • Bomb-Jump Recovery: When recovering low, drop a Remote Bomb and detonate it directly beneath you for an extra vertical boost. This can save you from otherwise fatal falls.
    • Projectile Combos: Learn to chain your projectiles. For example, throw a Boomerang, then follow up with a Bow shot as the opponent tries to avoid the Boomerang's return. Remote Bomb explosions can also launch opponents into your sword attacks.