Unlocking the Hidden Flaws of Top Characters in Super Smash Bros Ultimate!

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Summary

  • Top-tier characters in Super Smash Bros Ultimate have clear drawbacks but still reign in the meta.
  • Varied strengths and weaknesses among top characters make pinpointing weaknesses in serious matches satisfying.
  • Characters like Peach, ROB, and Mr. Game & Watch have specific vulnerabilities despite their top-tier status.

Overcoming the toughest obstacles in combat-style games often lies with mastering top-ranked characters. This rule applies even to popular titles like Super Smash Bros, which has seen some overpowered characters in its past iterations. It can be disheartening to encounter these characters, as their extensive toolkits offer few exploitable weaknesses, and it sometimes feels like they’re playing a different game within Super Smash Bros.

In Super Smash Bros Ultimate, the leading characters continue to rule the current game strategy, although they’re not as overpowered now. Despite their strong points, there are evident disadvantages that disrupt their typical strategies. Sometimes these weaknesses are obvious, like their weaker moves during a disadvantageous position, while at other times, their strengths can actually work against them. Since they belong to the top tier, it’s challenging to identify their weak spots in a competitive match, but it feels incredibly rewarding to do so, especially when playing as low-tier characters.

10. Joker

Need For Power

In the game, Joker is frequently seen in the main arena, but he isn’t the most straightforward character to manage. His arsenal of abilities is impressive, but his shorter attack range often loses against extended attacks due to other characters. Since he can’t take much damage because of his lightweight build, he needs to inflict damage using weaker attacks. Additionally, Joker becomes quite vulnerable when shielding due to the slow pace of his out-of-shield moves.

In battle, Arsene is Joker’s sole lifesaver, but the boost isn’t always advantageous since it can sometimes cause him to freeze in mid-air while summoning his persona. This happens when his rebellious meter is full, and it makes the user vulnerable to harsh penalties. Moreover, as the meter increases at an exponential rate, Joker has no means of controlling his rebellious impulses. This transformation also modifies his flexible upward special move into a more foreseeable, slower-paced special.

9. Diddy

Potassium Overdrive

Diddy Kong is the swift cousin of Donkey Kong, known for his powerful use of items against his competitors. By employing items like a banana, he sets up combos, but only one can be on the stage at a time. Additionally, he requires space to get his item back, which may allow opponents to take advantage or snatch his banana.

In the absence of a banana, Diddy Kong becomes more likely to engage in trades because he lacks any disjointed moves. Despite this, he boasts exceptional speed that allows him to execute genuine combos. However, none of his attacks possess enough power to randomly knock out opponents at low health levels like Donkey Kong does.

8. Fox

Light Speed

As a nimble gamer controlling Fox, I’ve been a force to reckon with in this ever-changing meta. My swift pace and secure attacks make me a tough nut to crack during neutral gameplay. However, one well-timed combo could be my undoing, given that I’m among the top 5 lightest fighters out there. Unfortunately, my impressive fall speed works against me in disadvantageous situations, leaving me vulnerable to drag-down attacks and grab combos.

Among all his abilities, his special moves are less effective than his exceptional regular attacks. His down special is particularly strong because it’s quick, which sets it apart from his other special moves that have more limited uses. He can return to the stage from various distances, but these returns are quite predictable for opponents to anticipate and retaliate against.

7. Peach & Daisy

Advanced Royalty

Peach stands out as the most specialized character in the upper echelon, primarily because she relies heavily on her aerial movement known as float. Unlike other fighters, mastering Peach often means perfecting float-based combos, which involve advanced techniques like item cancellations for high damage output. When executed skillfully, it’s difficult for opponents to break free from her commanding presence. However, learning to manipulate her unique abilities effectively can be quite challenging, as it ranks among the hardest skills to master. Additionally, Peach’s turnips and other items are randomly distributed with varying stats, adding an extra layer of complexity to gameplay.

She’s extraordinary when it comes to aerial maneuvers, exhibiting a graceful floatiness that leaves an impression, and her aerial techniques are secure. However, her ground attacks don’t have the same impact. Her attacks aren’t as disjointed as a fencer’s, which can make her vulnerable against opponents who attack from a distance.

6. ROB

Weighty Mech

In simpler terms, ROB often stands out as a superior heavyweight combatant because of his adaptable fighting style that includes both ranged projectiles and close-quarter attacks. His swift rotor attacks can be tough to counter when defending, but many of his ignition attacks and projectiles are sluggish, particularly if they’re not properly timed or used consecutively. To add to the challenge, ROB’s larger size complicates his ability to evade combos.

One of ROB’s standout features is his counterattack capability during the animation of his recovery special, which serves as a disadvantage. However, he can’t use this special without limitations because it consumes fuel. This means he has to strategically prioritize recovering when his fuel levels are low. When ROB’s fuel tank is visible on his back and depleted, keeping him offstage becomes a more significant challenge for the robot.

5. Aegis

Paired Issues

In simpler terms, The Aegis is considered the most challenging opponent in one-on-one fights due to his exceptional swordsmanship. Both combatants have a similar issue – their recovery paths are straightforward and easy to anticipate. However, they excel when it comes to countering each other’s weaknesses, but not at the same time through their switch technique. Their kryptonite is unusual launch angles, like Kazuya’s Gates of Hell.

Mythra excels at chaining attacks for combos and maintaining momentum, yet her sword isn’t as flexible or secure when spaced incorrectly. She can use her foresight to dodge significant harm, but it may rebound against her when used outside the stage. Pyra complements these weaknesses with a longer sword range and increased weight, but carrying more weight makes her more vulnerable to combo sequences. In essence, Mythra’s strength lies in combos and momentum, while Pyra compensates for this by offering a longer reach and greater weight, but both characters have their unique vulnerabilities to be aware of.

4. Snake

Explosive Consequences

Snakes excel in close combat, with his powerful attacks covering a broad area, particularly in the air. However, when kept at a distance, they can be vulnerable and may not effectively defend against combos unless he employs his Neutral Special, grenades. These grenades offer numerous advantages but also come with potential risks for the soldier.

He’s restricted to carrying just two grenades while performing on stage. These grenades can be picked up and thrown by anyone, but smaller or crouching characters can easily avoid them as they move about. Due to his grabbing attacks, he must discard the grenades after priming them. His special moves exert significant pressure on opponents, but they also put stress on the user when timing or calculations are off. As he becomes more damaged (higher percent), his heavier weight and dwindling shield provide limited protection against explosives.

3. Mr. Game and Watch

Old School

Mr. Game & Watch is quite frustrating to battle against, due to his unusually large attacks. His aerial maneuvers are highly regarded, with their extensive range and versatile uses making them top-notch in the game. Unfortunately, his ground game isn’t as strong – some of his attacks, such as his down tilt, only work effectively in specific situations like against non-airborne opponents.

Due to being one of the lightest characters in the game, he must play cautiously since any mistake he makes can be fatal. His delicate nature compels him to adopt a defensive strategy, relying on his out-of-shield moves to initiate combos and keep opponents airborne. This approach works reasonably well until opponents start using tomahawk grabs or shield break techniques.

2. Sonic

Too Quick

Sonic is nearly unmatched for a compelling reason: his incredible speed poses challenges for human reaction, even the player controlling him. In an instant, he can swiftly switch to a neutral position, but it’s the player who must quickly respond to any unexpected events during those brief, rapid moments. Due to his weaker attacks compared to Ganondorf’s sword, Sonic often requires multiple encounters to inflict significant damage.

Additionally, he has unique abilities that can be quite beneficial, but careless use might lead to negative consequences. For example, his neutral special’s excessive lag when it hits the ground can severely disadvantage him. His spin dash and spin-charge are his most effective neutral moves, though their hitboxes may seem larger than they actually are while being slightly slower in mid-air. These moves can be identified by Sonic’s charging sound during the animation, allowing opponents to easily counter with a grab if they act quickly.

1. Steve

Blocked Limitations

Discussions frequently place Steve in the top tier due to his powerful rule, which is often likened to earlier versions of Bayonetta and Meta Knight. Unlike these intimidating figures, Steve has several vulnerable spots that can be exploited, such as the items on the stage. The type of stage can impact his mining speed and the materials he acquires. For instance, softer stages like Final Destination provide him with a shovel and quicker material collection, while harder stages like Kalos Pokemon League slow down his material acquisition rate and force him to use his pickaxe instead.

Steve’s strategies primarily revolve around durability and resource management, with each tool he uses having a tendency to break. When one of his tools malfunctions, he needs to fix it at his workbench, such as his trusty pickaxe. Intense confrontations compel Steve to prioritize counter-attacks over mining and maintaining his equipment. Although his top-tier tools are made of iron, they aren’t the most expedient for him to restock. Once he exhausts his iron supply, he finds himself in a weakened state due to the lack of an anvil or minecart for safety.

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2025-02-15 08:08