Editing Bowser (SSB4)

{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y}}
{{Disambig2|Bowser's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Bowser}}
{{Infobox Character
|name         = Bowser
|image        = [[Image:Bowser SSB4.png|250px|Bowser]]
|game         = SSB4
|ssbgame1     = SSBM
|ssbgame2     = SSBB
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
}}
'''Bowser''' ({{ja|クッパ|Kuppa}}, ''Koopa'')  was confirmed as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' on June 11th, 2013 during E3 2013, and in fact was the last [[veteran]] confirmed during the event.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvudMu-5kIU</ref> He was also one of the main subjects of the Developer Direct for ''Smash Bros.'' later during E3 2013.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQD1yJinzeQ</ref> Bowser reuses some of his sound clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' (some of which are edited to sound deeper), while other sounds are new additions for this installment.

==Attributes==
Defying his overall presence in ''[[Melee]]'' and ''[[Brawl]]'', Bowser combines power with speed, with a good example being his mobility. He has a slow [[walking speed]], a fast [[dashing speed]], slow [[falling speed]], high [[gravity]], below average [[air speed]], low [[air acceleration]] and average [[traction]], granting him overall slow but balanced mobility compared to most heavyweights. In addition, as the [[Weight|heaviest]] character in the game, Bowser has the longest horizontal endurance, as well as the third longest vertical endurance, losing only to {{SSB4|King Dedede}} and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}}.

Bowser's greatest strength is the immense power of his attacks. Since most of his attacks are highly damaging, Bowser has an easy time racking up damage, especially when compared to combo-oriented characters, such as {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Sheik}}. In addition, most of his moves have high knockback as well, granting him numerous (if not the most) KO options. Some of his moves are among the strongest of the cast, including the second strongest [[meteor smash]] in his down aerial, one of the strongest [[semi-spike]]s in his back aerial and the second strongest forward smash, which is marginally weaker than King Dedede's, but its much faster, thus making it a much better option. The introduction of [[rage]] further amplifies the power of his moves, without reducing the efficiency of his combos. His great survivability can also allow him to take full advantage of it, as it is very difficult to KO Bowser without a strong attack. Furthermore, Bowser has great physical [[range]] in many of his attacks, allowing him to [[space]] opponents more easily than many other characters. Combined with the aforementioned perks, Bowser is proficient at [[edgeguarding]].

Bowser also has a formidable grab game. His grabs, while not particularly fast, are among the farthest reaching in the game, with his [[pivot grab]] being particularly notorious, making it easy for him to grab opponents that are not right next to him. His [[pummel]] is highly damaging and decently quick, being great at racking up damage. All of his throws deal 12% damage, except for up throw, which deals 6%. His down throw is the optimal choice for either forcing opponents offstage or preventing his other throws from becoming [[stale]]. His back throw is among the strongest, losing only to those of {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|Toon Link}} and {{SSB4|Villager}}, and can KO at 195% from center stage. His forward throw is the strongest in the game, reliably KOing anyone at 180% from center stage. His up throw's low knockback grants him many reliable follow-ups until about 100%, depending mostly on the opponent's falling speed. At specific percentages or on platforms, up throw to up aerial will outright KO the opponent as early as 80%.

Finally, Bowser has a versatile special moveset. [[Fire Breath]] is Bowser's only [[projectile]], which can be used to either fend off opponents or in edgeguarding. Due to the nerf to [[SDI]], it is quite difficult to escape when caught up close. [[Flying Slam]] is a command grab, allowing it to ignore shields and [[counterattack]]s. Upon a successful grab, Bowser is [[invincible]] up until he jumps to perform a flying suplex, slamming the opponent with enough force to KO at about 135%, or even earlier if he lands on a platform. After getting grabbed, the opponent cannot do anything other than alter the move's trajectory slightly. [[Whirling Fortress]] is Bowser's primary means of [[recovery]], granting below average vertical distance but good horizontal distance, with the former increasing if [[button mashing]] is utilised. It is also a phenomenal [[out of shield]] option, as well as Bowser's fastest attack. Lastly, [[Bowser Bomb]] is very powerful and can be used as an alternative to [[fast falling]], making it useful for grabbing the ledge while at the same time threatening edgeguarders. It also deals additional [[shield damage]], meaning that a [[shield break]] will occur if both hits connect.

However, Bowser has some glaring flaws. One of his biggest problems is air-to-ground transitioning. All of his aerials have at least 20 frames of landing lag, with his back and down aerials having 40 each. As none of his aerials have favourable [[autocancel]] windows, returning to the ground is very difficult for him, or even impossible without [[air dodging]] and/or fast falling, due to his slow aerial mobility. As a result, Bowser is quite vulnerable to combos and heavily susceptible to [[juggling]], making it easy for opponents to rack up damage on him, further worsened by his large size. His down aerial is his only move that can help mitigate these issues, but its aforementioned landing lag and [[stall-then-fall]] status can make it quite unreliable most of the time. His moveset, while fast compared to most heavyweights, is slow when compared to the rest of the cast, limiting his combo starters to only up throw and [[jab cancel]]led neutral attack, and making it difficult for him to keep up with faster opponents, such as {{SSB4|Sonic}}. This also compounds another problem: his ability to escape pressure. Having slow [[roll]]s and [[sidestep]], with the former also being short-distanced, his only real method of dealing with pressure is Whirling Fortress, which can be [[punish]]ed if executed too late. Some of his moves are also inevitable KOs if used offstage, namely his two stall-then-falls, down aerial and Bowser Bomb, as well as Flying Slam. Lastly, despite his recovery being rather long-distanced, it is among the slowest of the cast, making aggressive edgeguarding more than enough to KO Bowser.

Bowser notably benefits from [[custom moves]]. Compared to Fire Breath, Fire Shot is slower and has noticeable intervals between each flare, but has more range and does consistent damage, improving its edgeguarding capabilities and allowing it to be used effectively in the [[neutral game]]. Dash Slam is drastically weaker, but has a lower launch angle and moves Bowser forward, making it easier for him to grab opponents. Dash Slash has almost no KO power, but hits throughout most of its animation and maintains the default's autocancelling, granting Bowser a very reliable method of [[approach]]ing. Both Flying Slam alternatives can also improve his recovery. Flying Fortress cannot be used out of shield, but grants twice as much vertical distance at high speed, significantly improving Bowser's vertical recovery. Turbulent Bomb is weaker, but its large [[wind]]box grants it longer range, making it more difficult to punish. It also enables it to be used as a situational move to [[gimp]] poor recovery moves.

Overall, his pros outweigh his cons. Bowser is a defensive power house who relies on timing his attacks carefully or focus on punishing his opponents' mistakes in order to avoid serious punishment himself. While Bowser still maintains the same weaknesses he had from previous Smash games such as his vulnerability to juggling, the changes he has undergone has left him in a much stronger position than he has been before.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==
As Bowser was seen as a bottom-tier character in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', he has been significantly [[buff]]ed in the transition to ''SSB4''. Most of his moveset and animations have been completely revamped for the better; he is much more mobile overall (such as being able to outrun {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Toon Link}}, {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSB4|Pit}} and {{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}, all of whom were faster than him in ''Brawl''), his endurance and recovery have been greatly improved, he possesses even faster and better attacks with farther [[reach]] than he did in ''Brawl'' while being even more powerful than he was in ''Melee'', and as of version [[1.1.3]] his throw-based combo game is much better than ever before. All of these improvements now allow him to punish opponents more harshly and more safely than he could in previous games while remedying many of his flaws. Bowser retains {{B|Giga Bowser|Final Smash}} as his [[Final Smash]], while retaining the animations and moves from ''Brawl''.

The general physics and mechanics changes brought about by ''SSB4'' also significantly aid Bowser. The universal nerfing of [[camp]]able projectiles considerably helps Bowser's approach while the removal of immediately re-grabbing an opponent after throwing them eliminates the [[zero-death]] or otherwise heavily damaging [[chain throw]]s that plagued him in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games. Lastly, the introduction of the [[rage]] mechanic results in Bowser's immense endurance and power becoming even more useful than ever before.

These drastic improvements saw Bowser secure many high spots in promotional tournaments held for ''SSB4'', and he is now considered a much better character compared to how he was in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''. However, Bowser's position among the cast is a point of debate due to numerous returning characters having also been buffed to varying degrees. Despite no longer being plagued by poor mobility and reach, Bowser's flaw of being vulnerable to attack remains due to his large hurtbox (which increased even further in size in the transition to ''SSB4'') and unsafe landing options. While his perception in the metagame has fluctuated over time, Bowser is a relatively viable character as of update [[1.1.3]], as he has become surprisingly effective for a super heavyweight like how he was perceived in the very early ''SSB4'' metagame, if not to the same extent. However, Bowser's high-level tournament representation has been rather poor, leaving his metagame largely stagnant.

===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Bowser's appearance is more cartoonish and more brightly colored, which makes him look more inline with his appearances in the ''{{uv|Mario}}'' games, rather than the realistic look he had in ''[[Brawl]]''.}}
*{{change|Bowser has a new fighting stance, where he now always stands upright instead of hunching over. He also has a new dashing animation, where he runs upright instead of scuttling along the ground, and a new midair jump animation, where he jumps while remaining upright instead of retreating into his shell. He also has an altered crouching and [[crawl]]ing animation, where he keeps his hands enclosed as fists instead of clawing the ground, and he no longer retreats into his shell when [[roll]]ing and performing his [[air dodge]].}}
<!--*{{bugfix|Bowser's Final Smash eyes no longer detach from him while possessing a [[Smash Ball]] and performing [[Screw Attack]]s.}}-->

===Attributes===
*{{change|Like other large characters, such as {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}} and {{SSB4|King Dedede}}, Bowser's general size in proportion to the other playable characters is also greater than in previous installments,<ref>https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKlhFSRn7g</ref> giving his attacks greater [[reach]]. However, this increased size also increases his hurtbox, making him easier to hit.}}
*{{buff|Bowser is heavier (120 → 128), improving his already impressive survivability and enables him to use the [[rage]] mechanic effectively.}}
*{{buff|Bowser [[Walking|walks]] faster (0.8 → 0.858).}}
*{{buff|Bowser [[dash]]es faster (1.527 → 1.792).}}
*{{nerf|Bowser's [[air speed]] is slightly slower (1.034 → 0.98).}}
*{{buff|Bowser's [[double jump]] has significantly increased height.}}
*{{buff|Bowser now has universal [[armor]] against attacks that deal a negligible amount of knockback, such as the first hit of many [[neutral attack]]s.}}
*{{buff|Bowser's walking speed while carrying heavy items now surpasses Donkey Kong's, though he remains unable to match DK's ability to jump or fall with them.}}

===Ground attacks===
*{{buff|The second hit of Bowser's neutral attack deals 1% more damage (5% → 6%).}}
*{{change|Neutral attack is now a pair of punches instead of claw swipes, so it no longer has a [[slash]] effect.}}
*{{buff|[[Forward tilt]] deals 1% more damage (11% → 12%).}}
*{{change|As in ''[[Melee]]'', Bowser's hand once again fully forms a fist when performing his forward tilt.}}
*{{buff|[[Up tilt]] now reaches in front of Bowser, and has significantly increased reach overall. It also has considerably less ending lag.}}
*{{nerf|Up tilt deals 3% less damage (12% → 9%). It also has more start-up (frame 8 → 11).}}
*{{buff|The second hit of [[down tilt]] has increased reach, now reaching slightly farther than the initial hit.}}
*{{change|Down tilt is now a pair of swiping punches instead of claw swipes, no longer having the slash effect. This animation change also now fully matches the hitboxes of the move, whereas in ''Brawl'' the hitboxes did not cover Bowser's entire hands.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[dash attack]], a side kick. It covers significantly more ground, has significantly less cooldown and has slightly increased knockback growth (30 → 35).}}
*{{nerf|New dash attack deals 1% less damage (11% → 10% (clean), 8% → 7% (late)) and less base knockback (120 → 110), making it slightly weaker. It also has slightly more start-up (frame 10 → 11).}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[forward smash]], a dropkick. It has faster start-up (frame 27 → 22), significantly improved reach and hitbox placement, and much more knockback growth compared to his previous one (81 → 98) to the point that it is now on par with {{SSB4|King Dedede}}'s forward smash as the strongest in the game (although Dedede's deals 1% more damage and KOs 3% earlier due to his forward smash having slightly higher base knockback). Since it also now consists of a single hit instead of two, there is no longer the possibility of an opponent getting hit out of the main KOing hitbox by the weaker initial hit.}}
*{{nerf|New forward smash has more ending lag and less overall damage potential when fully charged due to the removal of its initial hit (46% → 32%). It also now has weak hitboxes throughout the later portions of the move that deal 6% less damage (17%/14%) and knockback (10 base/103 growth).}}
*{{buff|[[Up smash]] has slightly faster start-up (frame 17 → 16), its sweetspot can now hit grounded opponents, and it can now [[clang]] with aerial attacks, allowing Bowser to out-prioritize aerial attacks with it without being interrupted. Its sourspot is also more powerful, dealing 3% more damage with increased knockback.}}
*{{change|Up smash's animation has slightly changed. Bowser now spins when performing it.}}
*{{buff|[[Down smash]] is significantly harder to SDI out of. It also has an additional hitbox right before Bowser starts spinning, giving it less start-up overall (frame 15 → 10).}}
*{{nerf|Down smash deals 5% less damage when all hits connect (21% → 16%). Its growth has also been reduced (140 → 130).}}
*{{change|Down smash's knockback angle was altered (65° → 48°).}}
*{{change|Down smash's animation has slightly changed. Bowser now remains in place when performing it, similarly to how he did in ''Melee''.}}

===Aerial attacks===
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[neutral aerial]], a cartwheel. It hits multiple times, has lower ending lag and landing lag, and has a larger and longer lasting hitbox. It also has improved damage potential, being capable of dealing up to 11% more damage compared to the previous neutral aerial (13% → 24%).}}
*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]]'s sweetspot takes up a much larger portion of Bowser's arm, and the attack has less ending lag and landing lag, making it useful for edge-guarding. The move's hitboxes also reach farther above and below Bowser. It can now be [[auto-cancel]]ed in a short hop.}}
*{{nerf|Forward aerial has more start-up (frame 8 → 11).}}
*{{change|Forward aerial's animation has slightly changed. Bowser now slashes diagonally instead of straight down.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[back aerial]], a dropkick. It deals 4% more damage (15% → 19% (clean), 7% → 11% (late)) and has greater knockback than the previous back aerial (25 base/83 growth → 20 base/88 growth), allowing it to KO below 100% from the center of Final Destination. It also has lower ending lag and can auto-cancel from a [[short hop]].}}
*{{nerf|The new back aerial has slightly decreased range behind him, though its range is still very high. It also has a drastically lower duration, now lacking a sourspot to keep enemies at bay, lasting only a mere 3 frames.}}
*{{buff|[[Up aerial]] has significantly faster start-up (frame 16 → 9).}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial is weaker, dealing 2% less damage with weaker knockback growth (93 → 85), now KOing 20% later.}}
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]] is functionally altered to now become a quick [[stall-then-fall]] that hits opponents once with increased base knockback (10 → 30). It [[meteor smash]]es during the first few frames and hits all opponents with diagonal upwards knockback during the later frames. This overhaul replaces the rarely useful [[drill]] feature with a very powerful anti-juggle, effective KO, and edge-guarding option. The shockwave it produces upon landing also sends opponents farther back, making it more difficult to punish its landing. Because it is now a stall-then-fall, it can also be used to down air stall.}}
*{{nerf|Down aerial's new function does not allow it to be cancelled until the move ends and does not [[edge sweetspot]], making it very unsafe to use off-stage. It also has slightly more start-up and it deals 13% less damage (29% → 16%).}}

===Throws/other attacks===
*{{change|Grab animation has changed. Bowser now grabs and holds opponents with one arm, similarly to the [[Koopa Klaw]]'s grab from ''Melee''. Bowser also no longer falls over when he whiffs a dash grab.}}
*{{buff|All grabs have improved reach, now being among the farthest reaching non-tether grabs in the game, and they all have faster start-up and ending lag (except pivot grab).}}
*{{nerf|Pivot grab has more start-up and ending lag.}}
*{{buff|Forward and back throws are significantly more powerful. They each deal 2% more damage (10% → 12%), each has more knockback growth (50 → 66), and each are now equally capable of KOing around 138% when near the ledge and even lower with the rage mechanic.}}
*{{change|Forward throw's animation has changed. Bowser now places the opponent on his head and tosses his head horizontally.}}
*{{change|Bowser has a new back throw, where he uses one arm in a sideways motion to throw opponents behind him similarly to Donkey Kong's back throw.}}
*{{buff|Up throw has drastically reduced knockback (90 base/80 growth → 25 base/155 growth), less ending lag (frame 68 → 61), and launches opponents at a more vertical angle (70° → 82°), allowing it to combo into other moves, most notoriously, up aerial at high percents, giving Bowser a throw to kill option.}}
*{{nerf|Up throw deals 4% less damage (10% → 6%).}}
*{{buff|Down throw has significantly increased knockback (75 base/30 growth → 90 base/80 growth), KOing at around 150% near an edge.}}
*{{change|Bowser has a new edge attack, where he crawls up onto the stage and slashes forward similarly to his above 100% ledge attack in previous games.}}

===Special moves===
*{{buff|[[Fire Breath]]'s flames are bigger and have improved range. The move also has faster start-up and ending lag.}}
*{{nerf|Fire Breath cannot [[flinch]] at its furthest range.}}
*{{change|Like all rapidly-hitting attacks, connecting with Fire Breath repeatedly on the same opponent will push Bowser back at the same time the opponent is pushed away. This reduces the move's damage output as opponents will not stay trapped for as long as before, but makes the move safer as opponents will no longer be able to [[SDI]] through the flames to [[punish]] Bowser for using the move.}}
*{{buff|[[Flying Slam]] has more knockback growth (50 → 60), KOing about 20% sooner and reliably below 120%. A whiffed grab also auto-cancels upon landing for its entire duration. In addition, Bowser has more control over the trajectory of Flying Slam, and he is now invincible before he leaves the ground.}}
*{{nerf|Flying Slam grab has less vertical reach, making it more difficult to grab opponents from the air, and [[Koopa hopping]] is no longer possible.}}
*{{nerf|Bowser is now KO'd first during [[Bowsercide]], meaning he will lose instead of winning or causing [[Sudden Death]] if he performs it when him and his opponent are on their last stocks, although this may not always be the case. This also releases the opponent and thus allows them to potentially recover back to the stage.}}
*{{buff|Grounded [[Whirling Fortress]] is now a multiple hitting attack, making it an even more effective [[out of shield]] punishing option as Bowser no longer needs to be in range to hit with the initial hitbox to deal significant knockback.}}
*{{buff|Airborne Whirling Fortress can now gain significantly more vertical height by [[button mashing]] the special button, gains height at a faster speed, and can now grab ledges from behind, significantly improving Bowser's recovery.}}
*{{buff|[[Bowser Bomb]] deals more [[shield damage]] (0 → 5), which when combined with the [[shield]] changes makes the move capable of breaking full shields if all of its hitboxes connect. It also descends faster, and Bowser performs it much faster when initiated from the ground.}}
*{{nerf|{{B|Giga Bowser|Final Smash}}'s duration is shorter.}}

==Update history==
Game updates have given Bowser a mix of buffs and nerfs. Perhaps Bowser's most severe nerf was brought about in update [[1.0.4]], which noticeably nerfed Flying Slam so that it no longer KOs the opponent first if a [[Sacrificial KO#Grab-based sacrificial KOs|Bowsercide]] is attempted. However, Bowser has been buffed as of update [[1.1.1]] and [[1.1.3]]. Even though his Flying Slam now KOs him first now, it has been significantly compensated for. He has more control of its trajectory, it transitions faster, and has invincibility frames before he leaves the ground. His up tilt, neutral aerial and Fire Shot have also been improved to varying degrees, while he significantly benefits from the changes on shield mechanics; the changes grant his attacks even more chances of breaking a character's shield and give him an open attacking opportunity, but weakens his [[out of shield]] punishes with his Whirling Fortress. 1.1.3 heavily buffed his already impressive grab game; while up throw's damage output was weakened, it is now a reliable combo starter into many of Bowser's powerful moves. Overall, while the buffs so far do not address Bowser's more critical weaknesses, they have arguably helped to counterbalance them.

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''
*{{nerf|Self-destructs using [[Flying Slam]] now usually KO Bowser first instead of both him and his opponent at the same time. When Bowser is KO'd, the opponent is released from the grab, potentially allowing them to recover back onto the stage.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''
*{{buff|Bowser has more control over Flying Slam's trajectory.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''
*{{buff|Up tilt's start-up lag decreased|12 frames|11.}}
*{{buff|Up tilt's ending lag decreased|51 frames|41.}}
*{{nerf|Up tilt's damage decreased|10%|9%.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
*{{change|Down smash's knockback angle altered|60°|48°.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
*{{buff|Neutral aerial's landing lag reduced|24 frames|20.}}
*{{buff|Neutral aerial's damage increased|5%|6%.}}
*{{buff|[[Fire Shot]]'s damage increased|5% (clean), 4% (late)|6% (clean), 5% (late).}}
*{{buff|Fire Shot's base knockback increased|25|35.}}
*{{buff|Fire Shot's radius increased|4.0 (clean), 3.5 (late)|5.0 (both).}}
*{{buff|Fire Shot's late hit starts 5 frames later.}}
*{{buff|Fire Shot's cooldown is no longer slower than [[Fire Breath]]'s.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.3]]'''
*{{buff|Up throw's knockback and angle altered: 90 base/80 growth → 25 base/155 growth, 70° → 82°. These changes re-purpose it into a combo starter, which can be performed even up to high percents.}}
*{{buff|Up throw's ending lag decreased|68 frames|61.}}
*{{nerf|Up throw's loop hits deal 0.5% less damage|1%|0.5%.}}
*{{change|Up throw's loop hits' [[hitlag]] multiplier decreased|1x|0.5x.}}
*{{change|Up throw's final hit's knockback increased: 0 → 80 (base), 100 → 200 (growth).}}
*{{buff|[[Flying Slam]]'s grab to slam transition speed increased. This makes it function similarly to how it did in ''Brawl''.}}
*{{buff|All variations of Flying Slam now have [[invincibility frame]]s before Bowser leaves the ground.}}
*{{buff|All variations of [[Whirling Fortress]] can now grab ledges from behind.}}

==Moveset==
*Bowser can [[crawl]], although it has no practical use due to his large crouching hurtbox.
*Bowser has [[super armor]] on attacks that deal negligible knockback. This attribute is called "Tough Guy" in the [[tips]]. However, this is mostly limited to weak [[neutral attack]]s (usually infinites) and very few projectiles (such as {{SSB4|Luigi}}'s [[Fireball]]s, {{SSB4|Ness}}'s [[PK Fire]], or {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s forward tilt), and lasts up until 50% to 100%.
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSB4
|neutralcount=2
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutral1dmg=5%
|neutral2dmg=6.5%
|neutraldesc=Punches forward with one arm, then quickly follows it up with the other. First hit has set knockback and can [[jab cancel]] into other moves, mostly dash grab. Noticable KO potential at high percentages near the ledge. His arms are intangible as long as their hitboxes are active.
|ftiltname=&nbsp;
|ftiltdmg=12%
|ftiltdesc=A backhanded punch while leaning his body forward. Fairly powerful, with fast-start-up and good reach, along with his arm being intangible as long as the hitbox is active, allowing it to effectively disrupt most oncoming attacks. The attack is based on the second hit of his {{s|supermariowiki|Drill Claw}} attack in ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars}}''.
|utiltname=&nbsp;
|utiltdmg=9%
|utiltdesc=Slashes the air above him. A good combo starter, or follow-up to up throw, it can also chain into itself at low percents and is a decent KOing option at around 150%.
|dtiltname=&nbsp;
|dtiltdmg=14% (hit 1), 11% (hit 2)
|dtiltdesc=While crouching, Bowser quickly punches one arm forward along the ground, then quickly follows it up with the other. First hit does not connect into the second hit after medium percents. Has a chance to trip at low percents.
|dashname=&nbsp;
|dashdmg=10% (clean), 8% (late)
|dashdesc=A side kick. Similar to [[Meta Knight]]'s dash attack, but with more endlag. Good for hitting prone or tumbling opponents.
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|23}} (clean feet), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}} (clean body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|17}} (late feet), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|14}} (late body)
|fsmashdesc=Leaps forward and delivers a very powerful dropkick. It is the third strongest forward smash In the game (behind King Dedede and Lucario with max [[aura]]), and it is also somewhat fast for its power. Shields will take severe damage by the attack, as they can almost break from the move if fully charged. When spaced properly, this move can hit opponents hanging on an edge, or lingering just below it.
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}} (hit 1 center), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|15}} (hit 1 sides), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|6}} (hit 2)
|usmashdesc=Gets down on all fours and thrusts his spiked shell upwards by hopping. His shell is fully invincible, nullifying any move that happens to trade with it, making this move all-but-impossible to challenge from above, though it will still clank if the move has invincibility frames. The move also hits on both sides of Bowser upon descent, but with considerably less knockback.
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|2}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|1}} (hits 2-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|9}} (hit 7)
|dsmashdesc=Spins around in his shell, doing worthwhile damage with multiple hits from his spikes. Fairly reliable KO move under 150%.
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=6% (hits 1-4)
|nairdesc=An aerial cartwheeling attack. Can combo into forward aerial and up aerial at low-mid percentages. A mechanically unusual attack, as both the third and fourth hits are present at once (on Bowser's top and bottom half respectively), and so connecting with the fourth hit before the third hit will mean the third hit cannot strike that opponent. The third most damaging aerial attack in the game, doing 24% if all hits land, behind {{SSB4|Lucario}}'s back aerial with max aura, and {{SSB4|Yoshi}}'s down aerial.
|fairname=&nbsp;
|fairdmg=13% (hand), 12% (arm), 11% (body)
|fairdesc=Slashes forward in a diagonal arc. Good range, quick start-up and can KO reliably at 100% offstage. It can autocancel in a short hop and has great reach, so it is considered his most useful aerial move.
|bairname=&nbsp;
|bairdmg=19%
|bairdesc=A dropkick, similarly to his forward smash. Very powerful, and can KO at around 100% from the center of Final Destination, and as low as 60% at the edge, though it does not have much vertical range. The second strongest and most damaging back aerials in the game behind {{SSB4|Lucario}}'s back aerial with max aura.
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg=15%
|uairdesc=Quickly swings his head upwards. Very powerful (though not as strong as in ''Brawl''), KOing near the upper blast line at around 100%.
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg=16% (attack), 2% (landing)
|dairdesc=Bowser retracts into his shell, turns upside down, and propels himself downward. A [[stall-then-fall]]. It has a small hitbox slightly to the left and right [[quake|when he lands]]. [[Meteor smash]]es during the first few frames. Due to the move's large hitbox, its meteor smashing hitbox can effectively edgeguard when near the ledge. Will almost certainly cause a [[self-destruct]] if used offstage.
|grabname=&nbsp;
|grabdesc=Grasps his opponent with his hand. Fairly large grab range for a non-disjointed or non-tether grab, especially when pivot grabbing.
|pummelname=&nbsp;
|pummeldmg=3.1%
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent. Moderately slow.
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdesc=Charges back with the hand he grabbed the opponent with, places them in between his horns, and then throws them with his head. Bowser's strongest throw, and the strongest forward throw in the game, KOing around 135% near the ledge.
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
|bthrowdmg=12%
|bthrowdesc=Holding onto the opponent with one arm, Bowser throws them backwards in a sideways motion. Can KO at reasonably low percents, around 140% near the ledge.
|uthrowname=&nbsp;
|uthrowdmg=0.5% (hits 1-8), 2% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Throws the opponent slightly up, withdraws into his shell, and spins, damaging them against his spikes. As of the 1.1.3 update, it deals drastically lower knockback, which allows it to combo into up tilt, up smash, up, neutral, forward or on fast fallers, back aerial.
|dthrowname=&nbsp;
|dthrowdmg=10% (hit 1), 2% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Places the opponent on the floor and body slams them as they beg for mercy. Its high base knockback, high ending lag and low knockback scaling prevent any kind of follow-ups or KOs, though it can put opponents offstage if forward and back throws are still unable to KO.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdesc=Stumbles to his feet and claws at opponents behind and in front of him.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=7%
|floorbdesc=Gets up and swipes while spinning.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdesc=Attacks surrounding foes in one wide slash.
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=7%
|edgedesc=Climbs onto the stage and slashes. One of the furthest-reaching edge-attacks in the game, making it surprisingly useful.
|nsdefname=Fire Breath
|nsdefdmg=1.2% (loop hits)
|nsdefdesc=Breathes intense fire that gradually gets weaker and less ranged. The move slowly regains its strength when not in use, and the flames at the very end of the stream cannot cause opponents to flinch. Can be angled up or down, and potentially used to gimp recovering opponents.
|nsc1name=Fire Shot
|nsc1dmg=6% (clean), 5% (late)
|nsc1desc=A large fireball that goes straight through enemies. Unlike Fire Breath, it will not weaken over time when used in succession.
|nsc2name=Fire Roar
|nsc2dmg=2.7% (clean), 1.8% (late)
|nsc2desc=Stronger and more ranged than Bowser's Fire Breath, but loses range quickly and takes longer to recharge.
|ssdefname=Flying Slam
|ssdefdmg=18% (throw), 15% (bystanders)
|ssdefdesc=Bowser grabs an opponent, jumps with them into the air, and violently body-slams them against the ground, dealing immense vertical knockback that can KO at 120%. Its power and launching angle makes the attack difficult to properly DI, especially if the user has high gravity. The slam can also hit other opponents on the ground that it lands into for similarly powerful knockback. Can be used to dive offstage with the opponent for a potential [[Sacrificial KO]].
|ssc1name=Dash Slam
|ssc1dmg=12% (throw), 10% (bystanders)
|ssc1desc=Bowser dashes forward before slamming someone with less vertical distance at the cost of damage. Its angle is more horizontal than vertical.
|ssc2name=Dash Slash
|ssc2dmg=8% (clean), 6% (late)
|ssc2desc=Instead of grabbing opponents, Bowser dashes forward and slashes them, dealing high knockback at the cost of damage. Similar to the [[Koopa Klaw]], though without the grab. It is considered one of the most useful special custom moves due to its complete autocancel property, allowing safe approaches and combo setups.
|usdefname=Whirling Fortress
|usdefdmg=1% (ground loop), 4% (ground last), 10% (air hit 1), 3% (air hits 2-6), 2% (air hits 7-11)
|usdefdesc=Bowser enters his shell and spins rapidly, being able to move forward and backwards while doing so. It acts as a recovery when performed in the air, propelling Bowser forward and upwards, but Bowser remains grounded when he performs it on the ground. Very versatile and a useful out of shield move. In the air, button mashing enables it to cover more vertical distance. Surprisingly long-ranged, but can be intercepted easily.
|usc1name=Flying Fortress
|usc1dmg=4%
|usc1desc=Increased vertical recovery at cost of horizontal distance. Only hits once, but can launch foes that are hit.
|usc2name=Sliding Fortress
|usc2dmg=6%
|usc2desc=Increased horizontal recovery, but it only hits once, inflicts less knockback, has longer ending lag, and does not cover as much vertical distance.
|dsdefname=Bowser Bomb
|dsdefdmg=4% (hop), 20% (drop), 11% (landing)
|dsdefdesc=Bowser leaps diagonally into the air, hitting any opponents up with him in the vicinity of the leap, and then immediately performs a {{s|mariowiki|Ground Pound}}, dealing immense vertical knockback to anyone hit. It can KO under 100%, making it one of Bowser's most reliable KOing options. If performed in the air, Bowser performs the Ground Pound after a stall instead of leaping first. Emits a shockwave upon landing and will break full shields if all of the grounded hitboxes connect. Will almost certainly cause a [[self destruct]] if used offstage.
|dsc1name=Turbulent Bomb
|dsc1dmg=4% (hop), 9% (drop), 9% (landing)
|dsc1desc=A gale at the move's impact pushes away anyone next to Bowser's landing spot, but removes the shockwave hitbox and inflicts less knockback. Bowser also leaps lower, but the attack covers more horizontal distance. Useful for gimping opponents with bad recoveries, like {{SSB4|Little Mac}} and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}.
|dsc2name=Slip Bomb
|dsc2dmg=18% (drop), 13% (landing), 2% (shockwave)
|dsc2desc=Makes those standing near Bowser trip when he lands. However, it deals no damage when rising. Bowser also leaps higher, covering less horizontal distance. Its high ending lag means it can still be punished by those who trip near Bowser.
|fspage=Giga Bowser (Final Smash)
|fsname=Giga Bowser
|fsdmg=&mdash;
|fsdesc=Bowser transforms into the much larger and more powerful Giga Bowser, with total flinch resistance during the duration of the move. However, Giga Bowser retains all of Bowser's old replaced moves and animations instead of using his new ones, likely to fit more with his bestial motif, while his smash attacks still inflict elemental damage.
}}

===[[On-screen appearance]]===
{{Appearance|image=Battle Entrance (Bowser).jpg|desc=Enters the stage through a wall of flames. He is hunched over as he does so, but when he fully enters the stage he stands upright.}}

===[[Taunt]]s===
{{Taunt/SSB4
|char=Bowser
|desc-up=Throws his head back, spinning it in a circle, and roars. The roar is his attacking line when using his down smash, much like in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''.
|desc-side=Chomps his jaws furiously forward five times with drool coming out of his mouth.
|desc-down=Balances precariously on one leg, as if [[teetering]].}}

===[[Idle pose]]s===
{{Idle
|desc-1=Leans back and exhales steam.
|desc-2=Clenches his fists and releases steam from his nose.
|image-1=BowserIdlePose1WiiU.jpg
|image-2=BowserIdlePose2WiiU.jpg}}

===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{{Crowd
|char=Bowser
|char-jp=Koopa
|game=SSB4
|desc-us=Bow-ser!
|desc-jp=Koopa! *claps 3 times*
|pitch-us=Group chant
|pitch-jp=Male}}

===[[Victory pose]]s===
{{Victory/SSB4
|victory-theme=Victory! (Bowser and Bowser Jr.).ogg
|victory-desc=An original rock-based remix of the fanfare when Mario reaches the end of a level in ''{{s|supermariowiki|Super Mario Bros.}}''
|desc-1=Takes two steps forward while swiping with his claws twice.
|desc-2=Steps up, builds up a little and roars.
|desc-3=Spins around in his shell and comes out grinning.
|char=Bowser}}

==In [[competitive play]]==
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
{{OfficialCustomMoves
|charhead=Bowser
|char=Bowser
|set1=1211
|set2=1311
|set3=3211
|set4=3311
|set5=1212
|set6=1213
|set7=1312
|set8=1313
|set9=2211
|set10=2311
}}
===Notable players===
*{{Sm|Ash23|USA}}
*{{Sm|Chaos|USA}}
*{{Sm|D~Pollo|Mexico}}
*{{Sm|Exist|USA}}
*{{Sm|Final Boss|USA}}
*{{Sm|KENT|Japan}}
*{{Sm|KingKong|Canada}}
*{{Sm|Shu|Japan}}
*{{Sm|Le Troof|USA}}
*{{Sm|LordMix|USA}}
*{{Sm|Zigsta|USA}}
*{{Sm|Zork|USA}}

==Trophies==
:'''Bowser'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} {{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} ''The archenemy of Mario and the reason Peach spends more time kidnapped than in her own castle. His plans aren't always the best, and occasionally he even finds himself on Mario's side. In Smash Bros., he's a serious heavyweight who laughs off weaker attacks. Hit him hard to send him flying!''

::{{flag|ntsc}} {{GameIcon|ssb4-wiiu}} ''Mario's archnemesis and the reason Peach spends more time in "another castle" than in her own. His plans almost never work out, and occasionally he even finds himself on Mario's side. In Smash Bros., he's a serious heavyweight who laughs off weaker attacks. You've gotta hit him hard to send him flying!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Mario's princess-kidnapping arch-enemy. Yes, he's quite the villain, but he can also be a bit of a buffoon, too. And sometimes, he even ends up on Mario's side! As a serious heavyweight, he's tough to launch, and using standard attacks on him will only make him laugh. If you want to send him flying, make sure to whack him really hard!''

{{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Super Mario Bros. (10/1985)|console2=N64|game2=Super Mario 64 (09/1996)}}

:'''Bowser (Alt.)'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} {{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} ''Bowser makes good use of his heavy physique with his down special Bowser Bomb, slamming down with his bottom. If he's on the ground, he'll jump into the air before crashing down. Also, he can gain a bit of altitude if you press the special button repeatedly while executing Whirling Fortress, his up special.''

::{{flag|ntsc}} {{GameIcon|ssb4-wiiu}} ''Bowser makes good use of his heavy physique with his down special Bowser Bomb, slamming down with his backside. If he's on the ground, he'll jump into the air before crashing down. Also, he can gain a bit of altitude if you press the special button repeatedly while executing his up special Whirling Fortress.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Down special Bowser Bomb makes good use of Bowser's bulky physique to crush opponents. If you use it on the ground, he'll jump first, hitting anyone on the way up with his horns, then hit for a combo on the way down. When you use his Whirling Fortress up special in the air, press the button repeatedly to climb higher.''

{{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Super Mario Bros. (10/1985)|console2=N64|game2=Super Mario 64 (09/1996)}}

:'''Giga Bowser'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Prepare to behold Bowser in all his Koopa glory. This fearsome form first appeared all the way back in Melee. While transformed, Bowser deals extra damage, is better at launching foes, and even gains special effects on some of his attacks. He won't flinch and can't be thrown, but he does still take damage.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''The definitive way to prove that Bowser's the king. This fearsome form made its debut all the way back in Melee. While transformed, Bowser deals more damage, launches foes further, and certain attacks have extra effects like freezing opponents. He won't flinch, and he can't be thrown either, but he will still take damage.''

<center>
<gallery>
BowserTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
BowserAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
BowserTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
BowserAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
GigaBowserTrophyWiiU.png|[[Giga Bowser (Final Smash)]]
</gallery>
</center>

==In [[Event Match]]es==
===Solo Events===
*'''[[A Battle of Scale]]''': A giant Bowser must be defeated by a tiny {{SSB4|Olimar}}.
*'''[[All-Star Battle: Melee]]''': Bowser is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents debut in ''Melee'', and reappear in Smash 4.
*'''[[Beautification]]''': 2 Bowsers and 2 {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}s must be flowered by {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}.
*'''[[Enough with the Kidnapping]]''': As {{SSB4|Peach}}, the player must defeat Bowser and {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}
*'''[[Family Ties]]''': A giant Bowser will arrive to aid {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}
*'''{{SSB4|The Final Battle}}''': The player must defeat Bowser, along with {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} and {{SSB4|King Dedede}}.
*'''[[The Original Heavyweights]]''': Bowser and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}} must be defeated by {{SSB4|Mario}}.

===Co-op Events===
*'''[[A Lurking Menace]]''': A giant Bowser arrives if {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Luigi}} take too long to defeat {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}
*'''[[A Royal Errand]]''': {{SSB4|Robin}} and {{SSB4|Marth}} must collect 500G from Bowser and {{SSB4|Wario}}.
*'''[[Final Battle Team-Up]]''': Bowser appears as an opponent to be defeated.
*'''[[Peach in Peril]]''': Bowser and {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} must defeat all opponents except for Peach, where KOing her results in failure.
*'''[[Solidarity]]''': Bowser and {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}} appear as opponents after {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Luigi}} have been defeated.
*'''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Bowser|Alternate costumes]]==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=8|[[Image:Bowser Palette (SSB4).png|link=Palette swap (SSB4)#Bowser]]
|-
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Black}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Grey}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Orange}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Bowser|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Blue}}
|}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Bowser Direct.png|Bowser in the Nintendo Direct from April 8th, 2014.
Bowser amiibo.png|Bowser's [[amiibo]].
BowserWiiUSSB4E32013.png|Bowser's appearance during [[E3]].
BowserDropKick.jpg|Bowser's new dropkick forward smash.
Bowser3DS.jpg|Bowser's appearance in the 3DS version of the game.
BowserShieldSSB4.png|Bowser [[shield]]ing.
WhirlingFortressSSB4.png|Bowser using [[Whirling Fortress]] near {{SSB4|Fox}}.
Flying Slam 3D.png|Bowser uses [[Flying Slam]] in the Nintendo 3DS version.
Smash4 Bowser Flying Kick.jpg| Bowser and {{SSB4|Samus}} fighting on Arena Ferox in the Nintendo 3DS version.
Mario & Bowser Battlefield 3DS.jpg|Bowser and {{SSB4|Mario}} on the Battlefield stage (3DS).
Sonic kicks Bowser SSB4.jpg|{{SSB4|Sonic}} jabs his foot into Bowser.
Mario Pikachu Bowser Pit On Pilotwing.jpg|Mario, {{SSB4|Pikachu}}, Bowser and {{SSB4|Pit}} on a red plane in [[Pilotwings]].
Mega Man Bowser Wii Fit.jpg|{{SSB4|Mega Man}}, Bowser and the {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}} in the Wii Fit stage.  
Fairy In Bottle.jpg|Down [[taunt]] with {{SSB4|Peach}} and a [[Bottled Fairy]].
Diddy SSB4 Overcharge Blast.jpg|Getting blasted by {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}'s overcharged [[Peanut Popgun]].
</gallery>

==Trivia==
*Although Bowser was the last veteran confirmed during the E3 2013 event, he was the first veteran to debut in ''Melee'' to be confirmed.
*Bowser is the only character to have his victory theme change between ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''.
*Bowser's alternate trophy in the Wii U version resembles his All-Star Mode trophy from ''Melee''.

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{SSB4Characters}}
{{Mario universe}}

[[Category:Bowser (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
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