AIGameGuides.com v4/27/2025

Next: Character Selection in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Controls and Movement

Basic Controls:

•Movement: Use the control stick or D-pad for walking, running, and crouching. Double tap for dashing.

•Jumping: Up to three jumps (character-dependent) with jump buttons. Hold for a full jump, tap for a short hop.

Advanced Movement Techniques:

•Short Hopping: Quickly tap the jump button for a smaller jump, useful for aerial attacks or quick in-and-out movements.

•Short Hop Aerials (SHFFL): Short hop followed by an aerial attack, then fast fall (press down on the stick) to land quickly. This technique speeds up your attack execution.

•Dashing: Double tap left or right to dash, which can transition into dash attacks or be used for quick repositioning.

•Pivoting: Turn around quickly by tilting the stick in one direction then immediately the opposite. Useful for attacks or grabs from behind.

•Wavedashing (pseudo): While not true wavedashing, similar effects can be achieved by jumping, then immediately air dodging into the ground at an angle, allowing for quick sliding movement.

Attack Types

Standard Attacks:

•Jab: Quick, repeated attacks by pressing the attack button. Good for starting combos.

•Tilt Attacks: Slightly stronger than jabs, performed by tilting the stick slightly and pressing attack. Useful for spacing.

Special Moves:

•B-Button Moves: Each character has four special moves (neutral, side, up, down) with unique effects. Learn when to use each for offense, defense, or recovery.

Smash Attacks:

•Chargeable: Hold the attack button with a direction for a powerful, directional attack. Essential for knocking opponents off the stage.

Aerials:

•Neutral, Forward, Back, Up, Down Airs: Five different aerial attacks, each with unique trajectories and uses. Master these for aerial combat and recovery.

Grabs and Throws:

•Grab: Close combat to catch opponents. Can lead into throws or grabs.

•Throws: Four directions, each potentially leading into different follow-ups or stage positioning.

Defense Techniques

Shielding:

•Basic Shield: Press R or ZL to block incoming attacks. Your shield depletes with use or if hit with strong attacks.

•Perfect Shielding: Hit shield just as an attack lands for no shield damage and a brief invincibility frame, allowing for immediate counterattacks.

Dodging:

•Roll: Dodge left or right by tilting the stick and pressing shield.

•Spot Dodge: Press down on the stick and shield for an in-place dodge, useful against grabs or quick attacks.

•Air Dodge: Press shield in the air for a brief invulnerability. Can be directed for movement but leaves you vulnerable after.

Recovery

•Up Special Moves: Typically used for vertical recovery, but can vary widely in utility (e.g., recovery, spike, or combo starter).

Recovery Techniques:

•Edge Cancelling: Use an attack or special move to cancel recovery animation when grabbing the ledge, allowing for quicker recovery or surprise attacks.

•Edge Sweet Spotting: Learn the sweet spot on the ledge where your character grabs it instantly, reducing vulnerability time.

•Mix-ups: Don't always use the same recovery path; mix up your approach to keep opponents guessing.

•Second Jump: Use your double jump wisely; sometimes, it's better to save it for after your up special for extra height or distance.

Character-Specific Recovery:

•Each fighter has unique recovery mechanics. For example, Mario can use his cape to stall or spin jump for extra height, while characters like Fox rely more on their up special's distance.