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{{Infobox Character | {{Infobox Character | ||
|name = Shulk | |name = Shulk | ||
|image = {{tabber|title1=Colony Type I| | |image = {{tabber|title1=Colony Type I|content1=[[File:Shulk SSB4.png|250px]]|title2=Ecru Type|content2=[[File:ShulkShortsSSB4.png|250x250px]]}} | ||
|game = SSB4 | |game = SSB4 | ||
|ssbgame1 = SSBU | |ssbgame1 = SSBU | ||
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]] | |availability = [[Starter character|Starter]] | ||
|tier = D | |tier = D | ||
|ranking = | |ranking = 34 | ||
}} | }} | ||
:{{cquote|Shulk Foresees a Fight!|cite=Introduction Tagline}} | :{{cquote|''Shulk Foresees a Fight!''|cite=Introduction Tagline}} | ||
'''Shulk''' ({{ja|シュルク|Shuruku}}, ''Shulk'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. After initially being [[leak]]ed on August 19th, 2014 as part of the [[ESRB leak]], Shulk was officially revealed in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on August 29th, 2014, which coincided with the announcement of ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3D'' on the same day. Adam Howden and Shintarō Asanuma reprise their roles as Shulk's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions of ''SSB4''. | '''Shulk''' ({{ja|シュルク|Shuruku}}, ''Shulk'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. After initially being [[leak]]ed on August 19th, 2014 as part of the [[ESRB leak]], Shulk was officially revealed in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on August 29th, 2014, which coincided with the announcement of ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3D'' on the same day. Adam Howden and Shintarō Asanuma reprise their roles as Shulk's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions of ''SSB4''. | ||
Shulk is ranked | Shulk is ranked 34th out of 54 on the ''SSB4'' [[tier list]], placing him in the D tier. Thanks to the [[List of swords#Monado|Monado]], Shulk possesses a number of worthwhile strengths, most notably the [[Monado Arts]]. The Arts are extremely versatile, as they enable him to temporarily alter his attributes and thus adopt a variety of playstyles that can, with optimal usage, quickly enable him to regain the advantage. | ||
The Monado itself possesses the longest overall range of any weapon in the game, which in turn gives Shulk one of the most effective movesets for [[spacing]] relative to the rest of the cast. Lastly, [[Vision]] is one of the most effective [[counterattack]]s in the game, thanks to it boasting high power, impressive range, and one of the longest counterattack windows of its kind. | The Monado itself possesses the longest overall range of any weapon in the game, which in turn gives Shulk one of the most effective movesets for [[spacing]] relative to the rest of the cast. Lastly, [[Vision]] is one of the most effective [[counterattack]]s in the game, thanks to it boasting high power, impressive range, and one of the longest counterattack windows of its kind. | ||
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==Attributes== | ==Attributes== | ||
Shulk is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being the third heaviest swordsman in the game. However, his attributes are somewhat atypical for his weight class: his [[walk]]ing speed, [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] are average, his [[dash]]ing speed is slightly below-average, his [[air speed]] is above-average, and his [[air acceleration]] is below-average. Thanks to these attributes, Shulk has relatively good mobility for a heavyweight, especially in the air, although they do not grant him too | Shulk is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being the third heaviest swordsman in the game. However, his attributes are somewhat atypical for his weight class: his [[walk]]ing speed, [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] are average, his [[dash]]ing speed is slightly below-average, his [[air speed]] is above-average, and his [[air acceleration]] is below-average. Thanks to these attributes, Shulk has relatively good mobility for a heavyweight, especially in the air, although they do not grant him too much obvious advantages or disadvantages. | ||
Shulk's greatest strength is his disjointed [[range]]: thanks to the [[List of swords#Monado|Monado]], Shulk possesses the longest overall disjointed range in the game. Shulk's excellent range allows him to [[punish]] careless moves by retaliating at a distance, or create [[space]] by challenging his opponent with his disjointed attacks. His most useful grounded moves are his neutral attack, up tilt and smash attacks, each of which possess distinct perks. When clean, his neutral attack is the most damaging non-infinite neutral attack in the game by default. His up tilt boasts outstanding vertical range, can cover multiple get-up options from the edge, and can KO at very high percentages. Lastly, his smash attacks boast high power and long ranges; his forward smash, in particular, is the third longest ranged forward smash in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSB4|Corrin}} and {{SSB4|Mii Gunner}}'s. | Shulk's greatest strength is his disjointed [[range]]: thanks to the [[List of swords#Monado|Monado]], Shulk possesses the longest overall disjointed range in the game. Shulk's excellent range allows him to [[punish]] careless moves by retaliating at a distance, or create [[space]] by challenging his opponent with his disjointed attacks. His most useful grounded moves are his neutral attack, up tilt and smash attacks, each of which possess distinct perks. When clean, his neutral attack is the most damaging non-infinite neutral attack in the game by default. His up tilt boasts outstanding vertical range, can cover multiple get-up options from the edge, and can KO at very high percentages. Lastly, his smash attacks boast high power and long ranges; his forward smash, in particular, is the third longest ranged forward smash in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSB4|Corrin}} and {{SSB4|Mii Gunner}}'s. | ||
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Much like in his [[Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)|home game]], Shulk is a character who revolves around adapting to different situations with his attribute-enhancing [[Monado Arts]]. Each Art tweaks his attributes considerably for 16 seconds and can be manually canceled at any time, even immediately after hitstun ends or during landing lag. With this freedom, Shulk can activate an Art to open up options for virtually any situation while still being able to switch or cancel them if he is in a challenging position. Jump grants him significant aerial mobility by making his jumps the highest in the game while improving both his air speed and Air Slash's height. This allows him to recover from almost anywhere off-stage, edge-guard more aggressively and even perform several KO combos, such as a [[wall of pain]] leading to a [[sacrificial KO|sacrificial]] Air Slash at medium percentages. | Much like in his [[Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)|home game]], Shulk is a character who revolves around adapting to different situations with his attribute-enhancing [[Monado Arts]]. Each Art tweaks his attributes considerably for 16 seconds and can be manually canceled at any time, even immediately after hitstun ends or during landing lag. With this freedom, Shulk can activate an Art to open up options for virtually any situation while still being able to switch or cancel them if he is in a challenging position. Jump grants him significant aerial mobility by making his jumps the highest in the game while improving both his air speed and Air Slash's height. This allows him to recover from almost anywhere off-stage, edge-guard more aggressively and even perform several KO combos, such as a [[wall of pain]] leading to a [[sacrificial KO|sacrificial]] Air Slash at medium percentages. | ||
Speed amplifies his | Speed amplifies his typically average grounded mobility while reducing his jump height, making his ground-to-air transitions more efficient for aerial combos and spacing, while allowing him to approach and retreat noncommittally. It also lowers traction, making Shulk's pivot grab the third longest in the game (tied with {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}) for its duration. These two Arts grant him outstanding mobility for a heavyweight, and when combined with the large hitboxes of his attacks, Shulk can effectively space opponents out of a specific side of the stage with either Jump or Speed, making him very difficult to approach on stages with platforms. | ||
Shield bolsters Shulk's defensive game by reducing both damage and knockback received, which allows him to survive for a much longer period of time and resist getting trapped in combos. His shield also becomes much more durable, making it harder to break with shield-breaking attacks such as [[Bowser Bomb]]. Buster reduces his overall knockback, but increases his overall damage output, allowing him to rack up damage extremely quickly. Buster also makes up and down throws effective and damaging combo starters at 0%, while the increased damage and shieldstun make Shulk's moves both safer on shield and capable of pressuring shields. Lastly, Smash boosts his entire moveset's knockback, making almost all of Shulk's attacks KOing options (especially with [[rage]]), and his down throw becomes the strongest in the game while it is active. | Shield bolsters Shulk's defensive game by reducing both damage and knockback received, which allows him to survive for a much longer period of time and resist getting trapped in combos. His shield also becomes much more durable, making it harder to break with shield-breaking attacks such as [[Bowser Bomb]]. Buster reduces his overall knockback, but increases his overall damage output, allowing him to rack up damage extremely quickly. Buster also makes up and down throws effective and damaging combo starters at 0%, while the increased damage and shieldstun make Shulk's moves both safer on shield and capable of pressuring shields. Lastly, Smash boosts his entire moveset's knockback, making almost all of Shulk's attacks KOing options (especially with [[rage]]), and his down throw becomes the strongest in the game while it is active. | ||
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Due to the technical aspects of activating Monado Arts, Shulk also has access to multiple unique [[advanced technique]]s, the most notable of which is known as [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Canceling]]. By jumping and timing the activation of an Art just before landing, Shulk can reduce the landing lag of his aerials to 5 frames while gaining [[intangibility]] for 14 frames (1 frame less than the length granted by his [[sidestep]]). While difficult to perform, it allows Shulk to avoid punishment before immediately responding with a punish of his own, or start [[shield break combo]]s, such as an Art canceled back aerial to forward smash. It can even let him retreat by pivoting in midair, or extend the invincibility of [[air dodging]] via an aerial Art activation. This technique is the only viable way to make some of Shulk's moves (such as back aerial) safe on shield against faster characters. | Due to the technical aspects of activating Monado Arts, Shulk also has access to multiple unique [[advanced technique]]s, the most notable of which is known as [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Canceling]]. By jumping and timing the activation of an Art just before landing, Shulk can reduce the landing lag of his aerials to 5 frames while gaining [[intangibility]] for 14 frames (1 frame less than the length granted by his [[sidestep]]). While difficult to perform, it allows Shulk to avoid punishment before immediately responding with a punish of his own, or start [[shield break combo]]s, such as an Art canceled back aerial to forward smash. It can even let him retreat by pivoting in midair, or extend the invincibility of [[air dodging]] via an aerial Art activation. This technique is the only viable way to make some of Shulk's moves (such as back aerial) safe on shield against faster characters. | ||
Several other techniques include the Monado Purge, a 50/50 KO set-up consisting of an up throw to up aerial at high percentages, and Monado Art Edge Snapping, which bypasses edge get-up animations while protecting the user with brief intangibility. When mastered, Shulk's Monado Art techniques can be very effective and unpredictable mix-up options that are inaccessible by any other character. | Several other techniques include the Monado Purge, a 50/50 KO set-up consisting of an up throw to up aerial at high percentages, and Monado Art Edge Snapping, which bypasses edge get-up animations while protecting the user with brief intangibility. When mastered, Shulk's Monado Art techniques can be very effective and unpredictable mix-up options that are inaccessible by any other character. | ||
Excluding his Arts, Shulk's special moveset shares his overall high range, and all have their own forms of utility. [[Back Slash]] is very powerful when striking the opponent's back and has long range regardless, making it a great surprise attack as well as a decent spacing tool. [[Air Slash]] grants a good amount of vertical distance, comes out quickly, and has strong knockback growth, making it a good recovery move and an even better [[out of shield]] option. The distance and knockback of Air Slash can additionally be affected by the Jump and Smash Arts respectively, allowing the move to gain even more vertical distance, or be used as a combo finisher in the air or a KO option out-of-shield. Lastly, [[Vision]] is tied with [[Double Team]] for having the longest lasting [[counterattack]] window in the game when fresh while also having the longest range, both of which give Shulk one of the most effective counters of any character. Its alternate counterattack, which is performed when Shulk inputs the direction from which the triggered attack came from, also rivals [[Counter Surge]] as the strongest counterattack in the game. | Excluding his Arts, Shulk's special moveset shares his overall high range, and all have their own forms of utility. [[Back Slash]] is very powerful when striking the opponent's back and has long range regardless, making it a great surprise attack as well as a decent spacing tool. [[Air Slash]] grants a good amount of vertical distance, comes out quickly, and has strong knockback growth, making it a good recovery move and an even better [[out of shield]] option. The distance and knockback of Air Slash can additionally be affected by the Jump and Smash Arts respectively, allowing the move to gain even more vertical distance, or be used as a combo finisher in the air or a KO option out-of-shield. Lastly, [[Vision]] is tied with [[Double Team]] for having the longest lasting [[counterattack]] window in the game when fresh while also having the longest range, both of which give Shulk one of the most effective counters of any character. Its alternate counterattack, which is performed when Shulk inputs the direction from which the triggered attack came from, also rivals [[Counter Surge]] as the strongest counterattack in the game. | ||
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'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]''' | '''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]''' | ||
*{{buff|[[Back Slash]]'s | *{{buff|[[Back Slash]]'s startup lag decreased (frame 31 → 22).}} | ||
*{{nerf|Aerial Back Slash travels slower.}} | *{{nerf|Aerial Back Slash travels slower.}} | ||
*{{buff|Up aerial's first hit now launches opponents at 96° and its second hit's hitbox sizes increased | *{{buff|Up aerial's first hit now launches opponents at 96° and its second hit's hitbox sizes increased (3.5u/5.5u → 3.8u/6.5u). These changes make its hits connect together better.}} | ||
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]''' | '''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]''' | ||
*{{buff|Dash Vision's knockback | *{{buff|Dash Vision's has higher knockback scaling (84 (standard)/94 (alternate) → 89/99), and it launches opponents at a lower angle (35° → 32°), improving its KO potential.}} | ||
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.3]]''' | '''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.3]]''' | ||
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|dtiltname= | |dtiltname= | ||
|dtiltdmg=9.5% (blade), 7.5% (beam) | |dtiltdmg=9.5% (blade), 7.5% (beam) | ||
|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Moderately slow for a tilt attack (hits on frame 10), but it has good range and the lowest amount of ending lag out of his entire moveset (21 frames). As a result, it is a good combo starter while Jump, Speed, or Buster are active. When spaced correctly, it is also able to [https://youtu.be/iDgmTwZxyoU?t=391 hit edge-hanging opponents once their invincibility ends]. | |dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Moderately slow for a tilt attack (hits on frame 10), but it has good range and the lowest amount of ending lag out of his entire moveset (21 frames). As a result, it is a good combo starter while Jump, Speed, or Buster are active. When spaced correctly, it is also able to [https://youtu.be/iDgmTwZxyoU?t=391 hit edge-hanging opponents once their invincibility ends]. | ||
|dashname= | |dashname= | ||
|dashdmg=11.5% | |dashdmg=11.5% | ||
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|nsdefname=Monado Arts | |nsdefname=Monado Arts | ||
|nsdefdmg=— | |nsdefdmg=— | ||
|nsdefdesc=Activates one of five Monado-based Arts: Jump, Speed, Shield, Buster, or Smash. Each Art enhances particular attributes at the cost of hindering others, and lasts for 16 seconds unless manually canceled. Each Art also has cooldown, during which they cannot be used until 10 seconds pass. Shulk poses and announces an Art's name if it activates when he is not attacking or dodging; this grants 14 frames of intangibility and can be used to replace landing lag animations or change directions in midair. This is pivotal for several Monado Art-based techniques, including his signature technique, the Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel. Shulk will yell out the name of the move the player chooses, and make a unique pose for each ability. | |nsdefdesc=Activates one of five Monado-based Arts: Jump, Speed, Shield, Buster, or Smash. Each Art enhances particular attributes at the cost of hindering others, and lasts for 16 seconds unless manually canceled. Each Art also has cooldown, during which they cannot be used until 10 seconds pass. Shulk poses and announces an Art's name if it activates when he is not attacking or dodging; this grants 14 frames of intangibility and can be used to replace landing lag animations or change directions in midair. This is pivotal for several Monado Art-based techniques, including his signature technique, the Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel. Shulk will yell out the name of the move the player chooses, and make a unique pose for each ability. | ||
|nsc1name=Decisive Monado Arts | |nsc1name=Decisive Monado Arts | ||
|nsc1dmg=— | |nsc1dmg=— | ||
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|fsdesc=Traps opponents in a bright ball of light. If it hits, Shulk summons [[Dunban]] and [[Riki]] to perform a Chain Attack on the opponent, which he then concludes with a powerful slash. Chain Attack's damage output and knockback are also affected by Monado Arts. Even with no Arts active, it is among the strongest [[Final Smash]]es in the game, as it is strong enough to KO middleweights at 17% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it has a short range, as Shulk needs to be close to the opponent in order for its first hit to land. In addition, Arts can expire during the Chain Attack's cutscene, which affects its damage output and knockback. | |fsdesc=Traps opponents in a bright ball of light. If it hits, Shulk summons [[Dunban]] and [[Riki]] to perform a Chain Attack on the opponent, which he then concludes with a powerful slash. Chain Attack's damage output and knockback are also affected by Monado Arts. Even with no Arts active, it is among the strongest [[Final Smash]]es in the game, as it is strong enough to KO middleweights at 17% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it has a short range, as Shulk needs to be close to the opponent in order for its first hit to land. In addition, Arts can expire during the Chain Attack's cutscene, which affects its damage output and knockback. | ||
}} | }} | ||
===Stats=== | |||
{{Attributes | |||
|cast = 58 | |||
|weight = 102 | |||
|rweight = 15-16 | |||
|dash = 1.5 | |||
|rdash = 25-41 | |||
|run = 1.52 | |||
|rrun = 35-36 | |||
|walk = 1.1 | |||
|rwalk = 30-32 | |||
|trac = 0.044 | |||
|rtrac = 53-54 | |||
|airfric = 0.009 | |||
|rairfric = 33-36 | |||
|air = 1.06 | |||
|rair = 24 | |||
|baseaccel = 0.01 | |||
|rbaseaccel = 10-54 | |||
|addaccel = 0.04 | |||
|raddaccel = 46-53 | |||
|gravity = 0.085 | |||
|rgravity = 36 | |||
|fall = 1.5 | |||
|rfall = 31-35 | |||
|ff = 2.4 | |||
|rff = 30-34 | |||
|jumpsquat = 5 | |||
|rjumpsquat = 14-41 | |||
|jumpheight = 34.799999 | |||
|rjumpheight = 21 | |||
|shorthop = 16.887465 | |||
|rshorthop = 23-24 | |||
|djump = 34.799999 | |||
|rdjump = 23 | |||
}} | |||
===[[Announcer]] call=== | |||
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}} | |||
<gallery> | |||
Shulk English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese | |||
</gallery> | |||
===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ||
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|char=Shulk}} | |char=Shulk}} | ||
==In competitive play== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]=== | ===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]=== | ||
{{OfficialCustomMoves | {{OfficialCustomMoves | ||
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}} | }} | ||
=== | ===Most historically significant players=== | ||
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines --> | |||
*{{Sm|9B|Japan}} - | *{{Sm|9B|Japan}} - One of the first notable Shulk players, considered the first player to show mastery of [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel]] (MALLC) in a tournament. In the early metagame, he placed 9th at {{Trn|Pre-KVO 2015}} and 17th at {{Trn|KSB 2015}}; however, he would soon switch to {{SSB4|Ryu}} shortly after his release. | ||
*{{Sm|Darkwolf|Canada}} - The best Shulk player in Canada. He has achieved numerous top placings at regionals, including 5th at {{Trn|Smash INTENSIFIES 2}} and {{Trn|Welcome to the Oven}}. He holds the notable distinction of having the highest major placement of any Shulk player, finishing at 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2016}}. | |||
*{{Sm|FuerzaDON|Mexico}} - The best Shulk player in Mexico. He was mainly a regional threat, winning or being runner-up at many locals and placing top 8 at regionals such as {{Trn|Arcane Tournaments 2018}}. He had some rare appearances at larger tournaments, placing 25th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 7}} defeating {{Sm|Hyuga}} and 33rd at {{Trn|Smash Factor 6}}. | |||
*{{Sm|Darkwolf|Canada}} - The best Shulk player in Canada. | *{{Sm|Kome|Japan}} - The best Shulk player in the world. He was frequently the best Shulk player when it came to majors/supermajors, placing 17th at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2}} and 25th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}}. In terms of supermajors, he performed the best at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, placing 33rd and beating players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} and {{Sm|Ryo}} in his bracket. He holds the distinction of being the only Shulk player to qualify for multiple global rankings, placing 51st on the [[Panda Global Rankings v5]] and 84th on the [[PGR 100]]. | ||
*{{Sm|M|Sweden|p=Sweden}} - The best Shulk player in Europe. His most notable result came from his 3rd place at {{Trn|B.E.A.S.T 7}}, notably grabbing wins against {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|iStudying}}. He continued to headline the character in the continent with placings such as 7th at {{Trn|Albion 2}}, and internationally, he made a rare but notable appearance with 33rd at {{Trn|SwitchFest}}. | |||
*{{Sm|FuerzaDON|Mexico}} - The best Shulk player in Mexico. | *{{Sm|Nicko|USA}} - The best Shulk player in North America, and one of the two best Shulk players in the world. He notably made top 64 at almost every single major/supermajor he attended in 2017 and 2018, most notably with supermajors such as 25th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2017}} and 33rd at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, notably defeating players such as {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Glutonny}}, and {{Sm|Samsora}} at these events. Ranked 8th on the All-Time ''Smash 4'' [[SoCal Power Rankings]]. | ||
*{{Sm|Kome|Japan}} | |||
*{{Sm|M|Sweden|p=Sweden}} - | |||
*{{Sm|Nicko|USA}} - The best Shulk player in North America, and one of the two best Shulk players in the world. | |||
===Tier placement and history=== | ===Tier placement and history=== | ||
Opinions on Shulk's overall viability in the metagame have fluctuated greatly throughout '' | Opinions on Shulk's overall viability in the metagame have fluctuated greatly throughout ''Smash 4''{{'}}s lifespan. During the game's initial release, Shulk was quickly discovered to be very flawed, mostly due to his moveset being burdened with very sluggish frame data, his aerials being incapable of autocanceling throughout their animations, and the fact that some moves (like his multi-hitting forward smash) didn't work properly or were simply undertuned. As a result, Shulk was poorly regarded early on. However, update 1.0.4 significantly buffed Shulk, which mainly addressed many of his aforementioned issues, alongside damage and knockback boosts to nearly all of his moves. When these buffs were coupled with the discovery of [[advanced technique]]s like his signature [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Canceling]] (MALLC), Shulk's position on the tier list became a hot topic of debate among players due to his perceived potential, with some seeing him as a potential high tier once mastered. Other dedicated Shulk players such as {{Sm|Catalyst}}, [https://youtu.be/8OoAc3D5nA8?si=Pi2cYO1LcONuhUrM|{{Sm|Erico}}], and [https://youtu.be/N9tfusGfnLo?si=shlyr-2QfQYN4fvK {{Sm|Jerm}}] also made heavy contributions to the character's metagame, uploading multiple videos relating to Shulk-related character guides and tech for ''Smash 4''. | ||
As time went on, players' opinions of Shulk dropped once again. Despite the benefits of his [[Monado Arts]], Shulk failed to achieve high placings at major tournaments, so | As time went on, players' opinions of Shulk dropped once again. Despite the benefits of his [[Monado Arts]], Shulk failed to achieve high placings at major tournaments, so he was perceived to be a low-tier character and was left with a small, albeit dedicated, playerbase as a result. Despite receiving some buffs in future updates, most notably update 1.1.3, they failed to compensate for his flaws. As such, Shulk was ranked 40th on the first [[tier list]], placing him in the G tier and confirming his status as a low-tier character. | ||
Shulk's representation and results would then be largely stagnant for a time, largely because of his sluggish attacks being viewed as a significant issue and too inconsistent for high-level play. This resulted in him being ranked 44th on the second tier list, a slight drop from his previous ranking. Despite his low-tier status, Shulk's playerbase consistently discovered more [[Monado Arts#Other Advanced Techniques Utilizing Monado Arts|Monado Art-based techniques]] that allowed his moveset and options to flow better than before. This, in turn, has allowed him to garner better results in recent times, with dedicated mains achieving top placings at a more consistent rate within their respective regions. Additionally, [[Smasher:M (Sweden)|M]], {{Sm|Nicko}} and {{Sm|Darkwolf}} have achieved notable placings at the national level, such as 3rd at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]], 17th at [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]] and 13th at [[Get On My Level 2016]], respectively. These improved results have been reflected in Shulk being ranked 38th on the third tier list, placing him at the very end of the mid-tier. | Shulk's representation and results would then be largely stagnant for a time, largely because of his sluggish attacks being viewed as a significant issue and too inconsistent for high-level play. This resulted in him being ranked 44th on the second tier list, a slight drop from his previous ranking. Despite his low-tier status, Shulk's playerbase consistently discovered more [[Monado Arts#Other Advanced Techniques Utilizing Monado Arts|Monado Art-based techniques]] that allowed his moveset and options to flow better than before. This, in turn, has allowed him to garner better results in more recent times, with dedicated mains achieving top placings at a more consistent rate within their respective regions. Additionally, [[Smasher:M (Sweden)|M]], {{Sm|Nicko}} and {{Sm|Darkwolf}} have achieved notable placings at the national level, such as 3rd at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]], 17th at [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]] and 13th at [[Get On My Level 2016]], respectively. These improved results have been reflected in Shulk being ranked 38th on the third tier list, placing him at the very end of the mid-tier. | ||
Despite his prominent weaknesses, some believe Shulk is still underrated in the current metagame, partly because of his obscurity and very steep learning curve. While debatable, some believe he should be ranked lower due to his sparse tournament representation. Other professionals like {{Sm|ZeRo}} have argued that Shulk should be ranked higher. This argument has been supported by the performances of dedicated mains throughout early 2017, most notably Nicko and {{Sm|Kome}} each placing 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], which was one of the most challenging tournaments in '' | Despite his prominent weaknesses, some believe Shulk is still underrated in the current metagame, partly because of his obscurity and very steep learning curve. While debatable, some believe he should be ranked lower due to his sparse tournament representation. Other professionals like {{Sm|ZeRo}} have argued that Shulk should be ranked higher. This argument has been supported by the performances of dedicated mains throughout early 2017, most notably Nicko and {{Sm|Kome}} each placing 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], which was one of the most challenging tournaments in ''Smash 4''{{'}}s lifespan. Shulk ranks at 34th on the fourth and final tier list, as a result of his slightly better placings. | ||
==Trophies== | ==[[Trophies]]== | ||
{{Trophy/Fighter | |||
|name=Shulk | |||
|image-3ds=ShulkTrophy3DS.png | |||
|image-wiiu=ShulkTrophyWiiU.png | |||
|mode=Classic | |||
|desc-3ds-ntsc=In Xenoblade Chronicles, this young lad's colony is attacked by the Mechon, so he and his friends set off to take them down. In Smash Bros., his Monado Arts let him change his specialization during battle. You can choose to boost a stat—his jump or attack, for example—but other stats might drop as a result, so choose wisely. | |||
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=In Xenoblade Chronicles, this young lad's colony is attacked by the Mechon, so he and his friends set off to take them down. In Smash Bros., his Monado Arts let him change his specialization during battle. You can choose to boost a stat—his jump or attack, for example—but other stats will drop as a result, so choose wisely. | |||
|desc-pal=In Xenoblade Chronicles, this young lad's colony is attacked by the Mechon, so he and his friends set off to take them down. In this game, his Monado Arts let him change his specialisation during battle. You can choose to boost a stat – his jump or attack, for example – but other stats might drop as a result, so choose wisely. | |||
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Xenoblade Chronicles|release1=04/2012}} | |||
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Xenoblade Chronicles|release1=08/2011}} | |||
}} | |||
{{clrl}} | |||
{{Trophy/Fighter | |||
|name=Shulk (Alt.) | |||
|image-3ds=ShulkAltTrophy3DS.png | |||
|image-wiiu=ShulkAltTrophyWiiU.png | |||
|mode=Alt | |||
|desc-ntsc=Shulk's up special Air Slash is an upward slash done during a jump. Press the button again quickly to launch opponents sideways. His side special Back Slash, on the other hand, is a downward swing with a very wide range, though using it leaves Shulk wide open. Try hitting foes from behind with this! | |||
|desc-pal=Shulk's up special, Air Slash, is an upward slash done during a jump. Press the button again quickly to launch opponents sideways. His side special, Back Slash, on the other hand, is a downward swing with a very wide range, although using it leaves Shulk wide open. Try hitting foes from behind with this to do more damage! | |||
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Xenoblade Chronicles|release1=04/2012}} | |||
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=Wii|game1=Xenoblade Chronicles|release1=08/2011}} | |||
}} | |||
{{clrl}} | |||
{{Trophy | {{Trophy/Fighter | ||
|name=Chain Attack | |||
|image=ChainAttackTrophyWiiU.png | |||
|desc=In Xenoblade Chronicles, building up the party's team spirit would let them unleash a chain attack, using multiple Arts in a row to deal massive damage. In this game, Shulk's Final Smash calls party members Dunban and Riki to help obliterate an unlucky target...or multiple targets if you catch more than one in the circle of light! | |||
|game=ssb4-wiiu | |||
}} | |||
{{clrl}} | |||
==In [[Event Match]]es== | ==In [[Event Match]]es== | ||
| Line 336: | Line 375: | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
SSB4 Newcomer Introduction Shulk.png|Shulk's splash art. | SSB4 Newcomer Introduction Shulk.png|Shulk's splash art. | ||
Shulk amiibo.png|Shulk's [[amiibo]]. | Shulk amiibo.png|Shulk's [[amiibo]]. | ||
Shulk Poster.jpg|Shulk's poster. | |||
Shulk reveal.jpg|The Pic of the Day revealing Shulk's inclusion in ''SSB4''. | Shulk reveal.jpg|The Pic of the Day revealing Shulk's inclusion in ''SSB4''. | ||
Shulk reveal Monado.jpg|Using his forward smash on {{SSB4|Sheik}}. | Shulk reveal Monado.jpg|Using his forward smash on {{SSB4|Sheik}}. | ||
| Line 376: | Line 415: | ||
*The voice clip for Shulk's third victory pose, "I ''can'' change the future!", is missing from the [[Sound Test]]. | *The voice clip for Shulk's third victory pose, "I ''can'' change the future!", is missing from the [[Sound Test]]. | ||
*Despite not being a third-party character, Shulk is placed alongside them in most official material, including the {{for3ds}} roster and foldout. In the {{forwiiu}} roster, Shulk is placed before the clones, whereas its manual has him placed before {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} As a result of this placement, Shulk may be mistaken as a third-party character. Due to Nintendo's acquisition of Monolith Soft in 2007 prior to the development of ''Xenoblade Chronicles'', however, <!--Attention! Do not edit the following without discussing it on the talk page.--> Shulk is not a third-party character.<!--Repeat : Do not edit this bullet point without discussing it on the talk page. Doing so will result in an automatic block.--> | *Despite not being a third-party character, Shulk is placed alongside them in most official material, including the {{for3ds}} roster and foldout. In the {{forwiiu}} roster, Shulk is placed before the clones, whereas its manual has him placed before {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} As a result of this placement, Shulk may be mistaken as a third-party character. Due to Nintendo's acquisition of Monolith Soft in 2007 prior to the development of ''Xenoblade Chronicles'', however, <!--Attention! Do not edit the following without discussing it on the talk page.--> Shulk is not a third-party character.<!--Repeat : Do not edit this bullet point without discussing it on the talk page. Doing so will result in an automatic block.--> | ||
**This makes Shulk one of four characters whose placement on the [[character selection screen]] whose placement differs between the 3DS and Wii U versions, alongside {{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, and {{SSB4|Little Mac}}. | |||
{{SSB4Characters}} | {{SSB4Characters}} | ||