Editing Bowser (SSBU)

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|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = C+
|ranking = 59
}}
}}
'''Bowser''' ({{ja|クッパ|Kuppa}}, ''Koopa'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was suggested to appear in the then unnamed ''Ultimate'' in its first [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Gt42kVgCw teaser trailer] at the end of the March 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]], and officially announced in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o E3 2018 trailer] As opposed to being a starter character like in previous ''Smash'' games, Bowser is now an unlockable character. Bowser is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #14]].
{{cquote|''Who's the greatest nemesis of all!? It's King Bowser! In Super Smash Bros, his power and weight make him a reliable fighter. Use his Fire Breath to keep opponents at bay, then use his damaging attacks to launch them off the stage! He transforms into Giga Bowser for his Final Smash and delivers a super powerful punch!''|cite=[https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/blog/ Super Smash Blog]|source=[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site]]}}
'''Bowser''' ({{ja|クッパ|Kuppa}}, ''Koopa'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was suggested to appear in the then unnamed ''Ultimate'' in its first [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Gt42kVgCw teaser trailer] at the end of the March 8th, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]], and officially announced in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o E3 2018 trailer] As opposed to being a starter character like in previous ''Smash'' games, Bowser is now an unlockable character. Bowser is classified as fighter #14.


Bowser retains the realistic roaring effects that he had in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', rather than using his voice actor from the ''Mario'' series, Kenny James.
Bowser retains the realistic roar voice clips that he had in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', along with additional new, less bestial-sounding clips, instead of using his voice actor, Kenny James.
 
Bowser is ranked 59th out of 82 on the tier list, placing him in the C+ tier. This is a noticeable drop from his placement in ''SSB4'', where he was ranked 24th out of 54.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Bowser, as per tradition, is a [[Weight|super heavyweight]] and the heaviest character in the game. This is reflected by some of his attributes, which fit in the mold of his archetype: he has a slow [[walk]]ing speed (16th slowest in the game), very quick [[falling speed|falling]] and [[fast-fall]]ing speeds (tied with {{SSBU|Bayonetta}} for the 19th fastest), slow [[air acceleration]], high [[gravity]], and immensely powerful attacks. However, Bowser sports otherwise excellent mobility, as his [[air speed]] is well above average (tied with {{SSBU|Sheik}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSBU|Lucas}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, and {{SSBU|Mega Man}} as the 20th fastest in the game), his initial dash is extremely quick, and he also boasts a surprisingly fast [[dash]]ing speed (the 22nd fastest in the game) that surpasses most of his fellow heavyweights, even outrunning characters such as {{SSBU|Marth}}, {{SSBU|Inkling}}, {{SSBU|Toon Link}}, and {{SSBU|Pichu}}. Due to his above average dashing speed and initial dash, Bowser sports a respectable [[dash-dance]].
Bowser is considered to be the all-rounder of [[Weight|super heavyweights]]. He is the heaviest character in the game, and this is reflected by some of his attributes, which fit in the mold of his archetype: he has a slow [[walk]]ing speed (the 14th slowest in the game), very quick [[falling speed|falling]] and [[Fast-Falling|fast falling]] speeds (tied with {{SSBU|Bayonetta}} for the 18th fastest), slow [[air acceleration]], high [[gravity]], and immensely powerful attacks. However, Bowser sports otherwise excellent mobility, as his [[air speed]] is well above average (tied with {{SSBU|Sheik}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSBU|Lucas}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, and {{SSBU|Mega Man}} as the 19th fastest in the game), his initial dash is extremely quick, and he also boasts a surprisingly fast [[dash]]ing speed (the 21st fastest in the game) that surpasses most of his fellow heavyweights, even outrunning {{SSBU|Marth}}, {{SSBU|Inkling}}, {{SSBU|Toon Link}} and {{SSBU|Pichu}}. Due to his above average dashing speed and initial dash, Bowser sports a respectable [[dash-dance]].
 
Unsurprisingly, Bowser's most notable trait is his impressive endurance, being among the best in the game. His extreme weight makes him very difficult to launch and KO, while his fast falling speed and high gravity make it trivial to stay grounded. Bolstering his endurance is his varied forms of [[armor]]; Bowser has damage-based percentage armor on the startup of all his tilts and smash attacks. Bowser also has an attribute called "[[Tough Guy]]," which is constantly active knockback-based armor that allows Bowser to withstand a handful of weak attacks, like rapid jabs and weak projectiles. This lets him tank and approach effectively while at low percents, and allows him to simply break through any rapid jab with a powerful attack, acting as a hard punish. Supplementing Bowser's endurance is the immense damage and power his moveset provides, as all of his moves deal high damage, and most of them have KO potential. [[Rage]] further helps Bowser, as he can easily take advantage of being at KO percentage to easily turn the tables on the opponent should they make one single error.
 
Bowser's grounded game has numerous merits, thanks to the combination of his damage-based armor, the damage and power it boasts, and its speed all around. All of his tilt attacks render his limbs [[Intangibility|intangible]] during their active hitboxes, which makes them pseudo-disjointed, while some of his smash attacks give his body parts [[invincibility]]. These traits further aid Bowser in spacing or beating out attacks, which can lead to very hard punishes. [[Forward tilt]] is decently fast and very powerful, able to KO before 150% and even earlier at the edge. It can be angled and, when angled down, can 2-frame punish most recovery moves. [[Up tilt]] has very good coverage all around Bowser and is not only his most powerful tilt attack but one of the strongest up tilts in the game, killing middleweights below 125%. [[Forward smash]], while being his slowest smash attack, is the second strongest in the game (killing at around 60% from center stage uncharged) and renders his legs invincible, allowing it to outprioritize other moves. [[Up smash]] is fast relative to its power (coming out on frame 16 while being the strongest up smash in the game when sweetspotted), has invincibility on his entire shell and a hitbox on landing that provides safety, making it an excellent anti-air option. [[Down smash]] is Bowser's fastest smash attack, coming out on frame 12, being especially fast for its power as well (being able to KO around 70% at the edge of a stage) and hits both sides, making it an ideal punish option out of a perfect shield, despite its very high ending lag.
 
His aerial moveset also has useful options. [[Forward aerial]] is considered his best one, as it has relatively average landing lag alongside above average damage and knockback (which allows it to KO below 115% from the edge), great range with good coverage above and below him (comparable to swordfighters with similar "frontal slash" moves), and can combo on landing. [[Back aerial]] deals great damage and has extremely high knockback scaling (killing at around 100% from center stage and as early as 60% by the edge), and is very fast for an aerial of its caliber. Both aerials autocancel in a short hop, making them good coverage options at the edge, and their power also makes them terrific [[edgeguarding]] options. [[Neutral aerial]] deals massive damage if all of its hits connect (although this is very difficult to accomplish), being the second most damaging aerial attack in the entire game, and using it while landing gives it combo potential and KO setups at high percentages. Finally, [[up aerial]] renders Bowser's head intangible and is a fairly useful vertical kill move due to its high damage output and knockback, although it is typically situational given its short range.


Bowser's grab game is also rather versatile, thanks to its combination of damage and utility. While his grab is rather slow, it is among the longest reaching non-tether grabs in the game. His [[forward throw|forward]] and [[back throw]]s serve a similar purpose as kill throws; both are among the strongest in the game. [[Up throw]] is a useful combo throw which can lead to extremely damaging combos at low to medium-high percentages. Finally, his [[down throw]] is the third most damaging throw in the entire game, but due to its lack of KO potential, it is mostly used to refresh other moves and put the opponent in an unfavorable position offstage.
Bowser's most notable trait is his impressive endurance, being best in the game alongside {{SSBU|King Dedede}} and {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}. His aforementioned massive weight and fast falling speed make him very difficult to launch and KO, while also letting him stay glued to the ground. Further bolstering this is damage-based percentage [[armor]] on the start-up of all his tilts and smash attacks, as well as limb [[intangibility]] during their active hitboxes. Unique to Bowser is an attribute called "[[Tough Guy]]," which is universal heavy armor that allows Bowser to withstand a handful of weak attacks, like rapid jabs and weak projectiles. This lets him tank and approach effectively while at low percents, and allows him to simply break through any rapid jab with a powerful attack, acting as a hard punish.


His special moveset commands a balance of both raw damage racking and kill options, all of which are versatile. On one hand, in terms of damage racking, [[Fire Breath]] is Bowser's "projectile" move, spewing flames that peter over time but recharge when the move is not in use. The flames deal massive damage and shieldstun, and unlike other projectiles, don't deal negative shield damage, so the move will always deal full damage to shields. When angled correctly, it can also hit ledge hanging characters and even 2-frame punish many recoveries, making it a good edgeguarding tool, although it can be countered if Bowser is too close to the ledge. At maximum range, the flames don't cause opponents to flinch, which allows Bowser a very dangerous damage racking option that won't break an opponent's dazed state (similar to {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}'s Poison Breath or {{SSBU|Fox}}'s Blaster), allowing him to KO opponents as early as 0% if he successfully breaks their [[shield]]. His up special, [[Whirling Fortress]], is Bowser's fastest attack at frame 6 on the ground; combined with its multi-hit nature and considerable horizontal mobility, this makes it an effective "get-off-me" and [[out of shield]] option. In the air, it is Bowser's primary recovery move, traveling decent vertical distance and massive horizontal distance, and has decent KO potential to boot. On the other hand, in terms of kill options, [[Flying Slam]] is the fastest command grab in the game (and tied with Whirling Fortress as Bowser's fastest attack at frame 6), and has incredible power if it grabs an opponent, killing around 120%, or earlier if he has rage. Since he leaps a high distance in the air, he can land on platforms, which can put him at a much more advantageous position and KO opponents even earlier. It can also be [[B-reverse]]d, allowing Bowser to bypass shields unexpectedly, even in midair. [[Bowser Bomb]] deals fantastic vertical knockback and can even [[meteor smash]] at the start of its descent; it also deals extreme shield damage, allowing it to break a full shield if properly landed. These two moves, combined with Bowser's fantastic damage output, allows him to play [[mindgame]]s with the opponent's shield.
Another of Bowser's greatest strengths is the insane power his moveset provides. Almost all of his moves have KO potential, being most notable in his smash attacks, back aerial, [[Flying Slam]], and [[Bowser Bomb]]. His forward smash is the 2nd strongest in the game, with even the uncharged attack killing at around 60% from center-stage only. His up smash is fast despite its power, killing at around 75% uncharged and has [[invincibility]] on his entire shell and a hitbox on landing that provides safety, making it an excellent anti-air option. His down smash is fast for its power as well, being able to KO at 70% at the edge of Final Destination. Back aerial, thanks to its extremely high knockback growth, KOs at around 100% from center stage and as early as 60% by the ledge, and is very fast for an aerial of its caliber. It also autocancels in a short hop, making it a good coverage tool against the ledge. Flying Slam is the fastest command grab in the game, and it too has incredible power if it grabs an opponent, killing them at around 120%, and even earlier if he lands on a platform. Lastly, Bowser Bomb [[meteor smash]]es near the start of the move, which gives it huge edgeguarding potential at the ledge; otherwise, it still deals very high knockback, and will break even a full [[shield]] if all hits land. Overall, the sheer strength of his moves grants him excellent kill power, among the best in the game, as well as a formidable edgeguarding game. With hard-hitting and relatively laggy moves like these, Bowser is not a character to string together long combos; rather, he usually just needs four or five good hits in order to score KOs.


Thanks to his great damage output, once Bowser has gained the advantage, his abundance of options for racking up damage allows Bowser to put the opponent at a gradually worse and worse position before sealing a stock. Unlike previous incarnations, Bowser also doesn't waver in terms of mobility, which means that, if the opponent is at a disadvantage, he can close in on the distance to his opponent, read their options and mantain the advantage. His consistent {{h2|shield|shield breaking}} prowess, with several moves at his disposal being able to heavily dent shields, means that if the opponent chooses the incorrect defensive option, they can be put in an even worse position, since his moveset is also full of kill options, most notably his forward smash.
Even some of Bowser’s attacks that have little KO potential still have utilities that make them useful. [[Down tilt]], while it deals less knockback than his forward tilt, deals a good amount of damage for its speed, while still being able to 2-frame most recoveries. Neutral aerial does very high damage if all of its hits connect (although this is extremely difficult to accomplish), being the second most damaging aerial in the game, and using it to land lets it combo into many things, most notably his [[up tilt]] and [[forward aerial]]. At high percentages, its looping hits open up KO confirms, most notably into his back aerial. [[Fire Breath]] is Bowser's only projectile move, but it deals massive damage and shieldstun. It can also 2-frame punish if angled correctly, making it a good edgeguarding tool. [[Whirling Fortress]] is Bowser's primary recovery move; while it travels a below average vertical distance, the horizontal distance it travels is above average, and it has decent KO potential in the air. It is also tied with Flying Slam as Bowser's fastest attack, with its first hitbox coming out on frame 6, and this combined with its multi-hit nature makes it an effective "get-off-me" and [[out of shield]] option. As such, even in areas where Bowser cannot outright KO, his moveset is overall very well-rounded and versatile.


However, in spite of his potent strengths, Bowser is not without his drawbacks. Despite his excellent options to rack up damage, his frame data is below average overall, which means that faster opponents can beat Bowser to the punch, and he is susceptible to being punished if his attacks are whiffed, shielded, or dodged. This ties in with Bowser's biggest weakness, which is his great vulnerability to heavy pressure of any kind. Bowser's combination of extremely high weight, large hurtboxes, fast falling speed, and high gravity makes him exceptionally susceptible to combos, and as such, characters like {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, and {{SSBU|Ryu}} can easily punish and combo him for large amounts of damage if he makes a single mistake. His below average frame data and frame 4 [[air dodge]] also results in an inability to effectively break out of combos. Although Bowser has remarkable range, his is mostly melee-based, so characters with weapons that grant them disjointed reach (like {{SSBU|Marth}}, {{SSBU|Cloud}}, and {{SSBU|Shulk}}) can prove to be difficult for him to overcome, especially if they're able to space their moves efficiently. As Bowser essentially lacks a projectile (due to Fire Breath's range being short and strict to Bowser's frame), he can also have difficulty at approaching characters with strong zoning games, like {{SSBU|Min Min}}, {{SSBU|Samus}}, and Toon Link, especially since their melee range also tends to be comparable to his. The latter two methods of pressure also give Bowser trouble at properly approaching.
Bowser also has a noteworthy grab game. While his grabs are rather slow, they are among the longest reaching non-tether grabs in the game. His forward and back throws are among the strongest in the game and are thus viable kill moves. Up throw can set up combos at low percentages, and create 50/50 KO setups at high percentages. His down throw is one of the most damaging throws in the game and puts the opponent in an unfavorable position offstage, which allows Bowser to utilize his powerful kit to set up edgeguards. Lastly, his aforementioned Flying Slam move can be [[B-reverse]]d, allowing Bowser to bypass shields unexpectedly, even in midair.


Landing with Bowser while he's being juggled can prove a notable issue despite his high gravity and fast falling speed, as his most notable options for landing, [[down aerial]] and Bowser Bomb, are laggy and predictable due to being [[stall-then-fall]] moves. Landing with his other aerials, although seemingly not an issue thanks to his forward aerial's range and knockback, can also prove a liability due to none of them being particularly safe on shield. His [[roll]]s are also short-distanced, and his [[tech]]s are slow and have low durations, which makes him prone to tech-chasing. Bowser's recovery, while serviceable and much better than most of the other super heavies, tends to be mediocre in practice, as it is rather slow and doesn't offer Bowser as much protection as other recovery moves would; as a result, he is particularly vulnerable to being edgeguarded, especially by counters or moves that can 2-frame. His out of shield game, despite being consistent, is nevertheless predictable due to Whirling Fortress being his most viable option out of shield; all other options can be punished or do not have the proper range to punish well-spaced moves. Moveover, his damage-based armor (on his grounded attacks) and universal knockback-based armor (from his signature Tough Guy ability) fails to compensate for all of this, as they do not compensate for his lack of medium-ranged and zoning or counterzoning options. Altogether, despite his great mobility and excellent tools to punish melee-focused options making him not as susceptible as his fellow super heavyweight contemporaries, Bowser's defensive game remains just as poor overall compared to them, due to him being so susceptible to pressure.
However, despite Bowser's numerous strengths, he has noticeable flaws. One of his biggest issues is his inability to effectively break out of combos; due to his massive weight, large frame, and fast falling speed, opponents can easily combo him if he makes one small mistake. Compounded with his overall below-average frame data, this makes him easy to punish if his attacks are whiffed, shielded, or dodged. Tying into this is his poor defensive game: despite having armor on his grounded attacks and his signature Tough Guy heavy armor, he is still heavily susceptible to zoning and pressure, especially due to the faster, more offensive-based playstyle of ''Ultimate''. Furthermore, his [[roll]]s and [[tech]]s have low duration and are short-distanced, which makes him very prone to tech-chasing. Whirling Fortress is Bowser's only viable out-of-shield option, as other options can be punished.


Other weaknesses include a few of Bowser's moves either lacking proper utility or being largely outclassed by his other options. [[Neutral attack]] is Bowser's third fastest attack overall, the first hit can [[lock]] (although this is best suited for bulkier characters), and the second hit can beat spotdodge attempts; however, it is largely outclassed by his Whirling Fortress, since the latter is faster and can be used out of shield. His [[down tilt]], while being equally fast as forward tilt while dealing more damage, has less utility for 2-framing due to its weaker knockback and it is much more punishable, especially on shield. Up aerial, while powerful and relatively quick, has poor range and moderate endlag and landing lag, meaning that up tilt is normally considered a superior vertical KO option. Down aerial, while being Bowser's second strongest aerial and the third strongest meteor smash in the game when hit cleanly, has numerous weaknesses, including its slow startup, stall-then-fall nature, and extreme ending and landing lag. This means that its offstage utility is severely hampered when compared to other down aerials of its nature, such as those of {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} and {{SSBU|Sonic}}. While [[forward throw]] still has some utility due to its strong knockback, it lacks the damage output of his down throw and the quick release of his back throw, making it somewhat outclassed in terms of KO power and damage. Lastly, while his down special, Bowser Bomb, deals immense damage and is infamous for instantly breaking shields, its slow aerial startup and extreme endlag make it unsuitable for landing and it is agreed to be his worst special as a result.
Overall, Bowser's playstyle is hugely bait and punish-oriented. To fully utilize his moveset, Bowser may have to rely on baits and pressure in order to gain the upper hand. Once he does, he can continue to dish out large amounts of damage in a short amount of time. However, if Bowser makes one wrong move, he can be easily zoned out and comboed by his opponent, leaving him with little to no options to break out of them.
 
In the end, Bowser can be considered to be the "all-rounder" of super heavyweights. While his playstyle remains largely bait-and-punish oriented compared to previous incarnations of him, his attributes make him more of a "lightning bruiser" on this regard. Bowser has among the most raw damage output, highest KO power, and best shield breaking capabilities of any character, while still retaining great range and movement speed, meaning that once he gains the upper hand, it can be practically impossible to break his pressure if he continuously reacts properly. With hard-hitting and relatively laggy moves like his, Bowser is anything but a character who strings together long combos; rather, he usually just needs four or five good hits in order to rack up high amounts of damage, and eventually score KOs. Even some of Bowser's moves that have little KO potential still have some kind of utility, so even in areas where Bowser cannot outright KO, he can continue to dish out large amounts of damage in a short amount of time, and his moveset contains very well-rounded and versatile options to achieve this. However, his moveset is so lopsided for netting damage and easy KOs that he outright lacks options to properly approach or to combat heavy pressure. This means that, if Bowser makes one wrong move, he can be easily pressured as much as he can do such to the opponent, and his lack of safe and fast moves, lack of zoning and counterzoning options, and unreliable mid-ranged options can leave him zoned out and comboed easily by his opponent, leaving him with little to no room to breathe.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Bowser has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', though while he has received a comparatively higher amount of improvements, some of his biggest strengths from the previous game have been toned down or removed altogether, and the new engine changes pronounce his weaknesses. As a result, Bowser has been slightly nerfed overall.
Bowser has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from ''Smash 4'' to ''Ultimate''. Although some of his biggest strengths from the previous game has been toned down, he has nevertheless received much more improvements which drastically toned down his most severe weaknesses, and he also benefits from the new engine. As a result, Bowser has been greatly buffed overall.


Bowser has seen several buffs to his character attributes, power, and to his side special move, [[Flying Slam]]. Both Bowser's grounded and aerial mobility have improved (along with the rest of the cast), sporting a faster [[jumpsquat]] as well as faster [[dash]]ing, [[air speed|air]], and [[falling speed]]s, noticeably improving his ground-to-air transitioning and making him more adept at [[punish]]ing, while also allowing him to land and escape juggles with less difficulty than before, especially in the case of the former. Bowser is even heavier, and he also received an increase on his defensive game through a higher amplification of damage-based [[armor]] on his [[tilt attack|tilt]]s and [[smash attack]]s, which tones down one of the issues his [[Tough Guy]] armor had in ''SSB4'', improving it in general and making his already excellent endurance better.
Among Bowser's largest buffs are to those to his character attributes, his KO potential, and to his [[Flying Slam]]. Both Bowser's grounded and aerial mobility have improved (along with the rest of the cast), sporting a faster [[jumpsquat]] as well as faster [[dash]], [[air speed|air]] and [[falling speed]]s, improving his ground-to-air transitioning, which makes him now more adept at [[punish]]ing, while allowing him to land and escape juggles with less difficulty than before. He also received an increase on his defensive game through a higher amplification of heavy [[armor]] on his [[tilt attack|tilt]] and [[smash attack]]s, which tones down one of the issues his [[Tough Guy]] armor had in ''Smash 4'', and his higher [[weight]], which not only keeps his status as the heaviest character in the game, but also generally improves his [[Tough Guy]] armor in general. Despite his already high power and damage racking abilities, both have been improved even more in the transition (most notably on moves such as his tilt attacks, [[down throw]], [[Fire Breath]] and [[Whirling Fortress]]), which supplements his higher weight and improved adeptness at punishing. Finally, Flying Slam has significantly faster startup overall, now being on par with other characters' grabs such as {{SSBU|Mario}}, which heavily improves his options against shielding opponents.


Bowser's already high power was further strengthened in the transition as well (most notably on moves such as his tilt attacks, [[down throw]], [[Fire Breath]] and [[Whirling Fortress]]), which supplements his higher weight and improved adeptness at punishing. As for Flying Slam, it has significantly faster startup overall, now being on par with the fastest standing grabs in the game such as {{SSBU|Mario}}'s and making it the fastest command grab in the game, which heavily improves his options against shielding opponents.
Some of the universal gameplay changes have additionally benefitted Bowser. The universal reduction to [[landing lag]] has significantly improved Bowser's atrociously unsafe landing options, now having less trouble landing than ever before, which combines well with his fast falling speed and his streamlined jumpsquat. The ability to [[Run cancel|use any attack out of a run]] has also improved his ground game further, as it gives Bowser more reliable ways to punish the opponent due to his powerful, heavy armored tilt and smash attacks.


However, despite his lower amount of nerfs, the hindrances to Bowser's grab game has been very detrimental to him. Much like {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, Bowser's infamous up throw, previously a fearsome combo starter with a myriad of followups and KO setups, has lost its combo potential past mid to high percentages due to its increased knockback and ending lag, removing its KO setups, and requiring precise execution to combo past mid percent. Additionally, his pivot grab, notorious for its massive range in ''SSB4'', has shorter range. The universal nerfing of grabs further compounds these hindrances, as it's now harder for Bowser to make use of his otherwise respectable grab game.
However, Bowser has also gained a few noteworthy nerfs, with the biggest of them being to his grab game. Like {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, Bowser's main nerf is his infamous up throw; previously a fearsome combo starter with a myriad of followups and KO setups, it has lost its combo potential past mid-percentages due to its increased knockback and ending lag, which in turn removes its KO setups. Additionally, his pivot grab, infamous for its massive range in ''SSB4'', now has shorter range. Although Bowser's heavier weight and faster falling speed make him much more resilient, they now also render him even more susceptible to combos than ever before.


Aside form the nerfs to grabs, the universal changes both help and hinder Bowser, but halt him more overall. On one hand, the ability to [[Run cancel|use any attack out of a run]] further enhances his ground game, as it gives him more reliable ways to punish the opponent due to his powerful, heavy-armored tilts and smash attacks. On the other hand, the universally decreased [[landing lag]] has improved Bowser's atrocious landing options, giving him less trouble at landing than before, which complements his now fast falling speed and streamlined jumpsquat; however, it also allows several characters to combo him with much more ease (comparable to in ''Melee''), especially due to his larger weight and faster falling speed. The changes to [[air dodge]]s, while making him slightly less susceptible to horizontal combos and general juggling since he can use one to escape, they also make him more vulnerable to [[edgeguarding]]. In bulk, these changes have improved Bowser's offense at the notable cost of his already poor disadvantage state and decent defensive game, despite the existence of [[Whirling Fortress]] as an [[out of shield]] option.
A few of the universal changes have also hampered Bowser. While the universally decreased landing lag makes him less trouble at landing, it has also allowed several characters to combo him with much more ease. The universal nerfing of grabs further compounds some of the hindrances his respectable grab game has received as well. The changes to [[air dodge]]s both help and hinder Bowser, as they make him slightly less susceptible to horizontal combos and general juggling since he can use one to escape, but they also make him more vulnerable to [[edgeguarding]]. Of note is that Bowser still retains some flaws from the previous game, like being heavily susceptible to general pressure, such as to combos (as he remains a big target), zoning (due to not having any reliable projectiles), juggling (as a few of his landing options remain slow and/or reactable) and tech-chasing (as his techs are still slow and short-distanced).


Overall, Bowser's moveset has seen a general increase in utility, his survivability and speed were improved much further, and his incredible power was kept intact. The neutering of his combo throw has removed the ease of his highly damaging and KOing setups, removing much of the oppressive factor he had on the ground and shifting the focus on overall movement and threatening the opponent from mid range with un-reactable grabs and wide aerials to push the opponent in a corner or put them in disadvantage. These changes have made his moveset less polarized, with all-around decently effective options for different situations and a renewed affinity for quickly closing the distance between him and his opponent, moving away from his "mighty glacier" playstyle. Bowser also still retains flaws such as a heavy susceptibility to general pressure (such as combos, juggling and tech-chasing), and his changes have failed to completely alleviate the latter problem. Combined with several veterans receiving buffs just as significant as his, decidedly unimpactful changes from game updates, general optimizations to the metagame, and the introduction of powerful DLC characters, Bowser performs worse than in ''SSB4'', being slightly worse relative to the cast.
Overall, Bowser's new traits have given him more options and further enhanced his survivability and speed, and despite the removal of his infamous combo throw's KO setups, he has been generally compensated in terms of damage while keeping his incredible power mostly intact. These changes have made him an "all-rounder" of the game's super heavyweights, and have repurposed his playstyle from a "mighty glacier" with great mobility and grappler capabilities, to more of a "lightning bruiser" with all-around effective options for different situations. Thanks to this, despite remaining slightly rare in competitive play, Bowser has earned great tournament results thanks to players such as {{Sm|LeoN}}, who has taken sets off of many notable top players in tournament play. As a result, Bowser has retained his viability in ''Ultimate'', and is universally regarded as a lower-high/upper-mid tier character, in addition to being unanimously considered the best super heavyweight in the game.


{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Bowser}}
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Bowser}}


==Update history==
==Update history==
Aside from glitch fixes, Bowser has been buffed slightly via game updates. Update 2.0.0 strengthened his neutral attack, forward tilt and down smash and improved [[Whirling Fortress]]' consistency. Update 3.0.0 further buffed Whirling Fortress by ensuring that its grounded version cannot be [[tech]]ed, which makes it an even more potent out of shield option. Update 4.0.0 removed [[Down air stall|down aerial stalling]], which standardized his down aerial and other [[stall-then-fall]]s by extension. Most recently, Bowser's shield was enlarged as part of a near-universal buff via update 7.0.0.
Bowser has been slightly buffed by game updates so far. Update 2.0.0 made forward tilt and down smash better KO options. [[Whirling Fortress]] was made better in both 2.0.0 and 3.0.0, with the former update allowing the move to work better as a multi-hit and the latter making it better as a out of shield option, now not allowing opponents to tech the grounded version. 4.0.0 changed his down aerial to fit the universal changes made to [[stall-then-fall]]s, fixing its downward descent from stalling if the move is used out of hitstun.
 
As a result of these changes, Bowser fares slightly better than he did at ''Ultimate''{{'}}s launch.
 
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|1.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.1.0|char=Bowser}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
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'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Bowser}}
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Bowser}}
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Bowser}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|4.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|4.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/4.0.0|char=Bowser}}
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/4.0.0|char=Bowser}}
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|6.0.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/6.0.0|char=Bowser}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''
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==Moveset==
==Moveset==
*Bowser has universal [[armor]] against attacks with low knockback, known as [[Tough Guy]]. This is most apparent when Bowser has low damage, and it can be amplified by [[crouching]], but not while [[crawling]]. Its effectiveness will decrease as Bowser starts taking more damage, and thus more knockback.
*Bowser has universal [[armor]] against attacks with low knockback, known as [[Tough Guy]]. This is most apparent when Bowser has low damage, and it can be amplified by [[crouching]], but not while [[crawling]] or attacking. It will decrease as Bowser starts taking more damage.
*Bowser also has damage-based armor on the start-up of his tilts and smash attacks. Each move has a damage threshold: 4% for tilts, 8% for up and down smash, and 10% for forward smash. Any attack that is below the indicated percent will be armored, but an attack with a larger percent won't.
*Bowser also has damage-based armor on the start-up of his tilts and smash attacks. Each move has a damage threshold: 4% for tilts, 8% for up and down smash, and 10% for forward smash. Any attack that is below the indicated percent will be armored, but an attack with a larger percent won't.
**For example, Bowser will armor the first 4 hits of [[Limit Charge|Limit]] [[Cross Slash]] (which deal 3% each) during his up tilt, but the 5th hit (which deals 10%) will launch him. However, Bowser's forward smash will be able to armor even the last hit of Limit Cross Slash.
**For example, Bowser will armor the first 4 hits of [[Limit Charge|Limit]] [[Cross Slash]] (which deal 3% each) during his up tilt, but the 5th hit (which deals 10%) will launch him. However, Bowser's forward smash will be able to armor even the last hit of Limit Cross Slash.
*Bowser can [[crawl]]. It does lower his hurtbox quite a bit, but not enough to be utilized as a mean to move under most projectiles, like some characters can do with their crawl. However, it is often used at ledge for repositioning before a 2-Frames attempt. But, outside of this, it is almost always impractical because his crouch posture doesn't completely lower his hurtbox.
*Bowser can [[crawl]], but because it barely lowers his hurtboxes and doesn’t amplify Tough Guy, his crawl is practically useless.
''For a gallery of Bowser's hitboxes, see [[Bowser (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''
''For a gallery of Bowser's hitboxes, see [[Bowser (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''


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|game=SSBU
|game=SSBU
|neutralcount=2
|neutralcount=2
|neutralname=Koopa Palm Strike ({{ja|クッパ掌打|Kuppa Shōtei}}) / Koopa Pursuit Attack ({{ja|クッパ追い打ち|Kuppa Oiuchi}})
|neutralname= 
|neutral1dmg=4%
|neutral1dmg=4%
|neutral2dmg=7%
|neutral2dmg=7%
|neutraldesc=Performs a palm thrust, then a straight punch. While somewhat slow for a neutral attack, its low endlag makes it safer on shield than most others. Bowser's arms each have [[intangibility]] (frames 7 and 8, and frames 9-11, respectively). Unlike most neutral attacks, Bowser's has enough knockback to become a reliable KO move at high percentages. Based on his defensive punches from ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''.
|neutraldesc=Bowser performs a sumo-style palm strike, then a straight punch. Both hits of neutral attack have decent speed and deal decent damage in total. Bowser's arms each have [[intangibility]] (frames 7 and 8, and frames 9-11, respectively). Unlike most neutral attacks, Bowser's has enough knockback to become a reliable KO move at high percentages.
|ftiltname=Koopa Back Fist ({{ja|クッパ裏拳|Kuppa Uraken}})
|ftiltname= 
|ftiltdmg=13%
|ftiltdmg=13%
|ftiltdesc=Does a backhanded punch forwards. The punch may be angled up or down, but doing so does not affect damage or knockback.  Has damage-based armor (frames 7-9) and intangibility on his arm (frames 10-14). The downward-angled version can very reliably 2-frame most recoveries, and can KO most characters at around 90%. Based on the second hit of his [[mariowiki:Drill Claw|Drill Claw]] from ''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''
|ftiltdesc=Bowser does a swung backhanded punch with his arm slightly bent. The punch may be angled up or down, but doing so does not affect damage or knockback.  Has damaged-based armor (frames 7-9) and intangibility on his arm (frames 10-14). The downward-angled version can very reliably 2-frame most recoveries, and can KO most characters at around 90%.
|utiltname=Ceiling Scratch ({{ja|天井ひっかき|Tenjō Hikkaki}})
|utiltname= 
|utiltdmg=11%
|utiltdmg=11%
|utiltdesc=Does a 180-degree overhead arcing claw swipe. It comes with wide range and average ending lag, allowing it to 50/50 combo into itself at low percents. At slightly higher percents, it can lead into neutral air and back air. The attack will almost always send the opponent directly above Bowser. It also boasts a respectable amount of kill power, being one of the strongest up tilts in the game and KOing at around 120%. Has damage-based armor (frames 8-10) and makes Bowser's arm intangible (frames 11-16). However, it has noticeable startup lag, coming out on frame 11.
|utiltdesc=A 180-degree overhead arcing claw swipe. It comes with a wide range and average ending lag, allowing it to combo into itself at low percents. At slightly higher percents, it can combo into neutral air and back air. The attack will almost always send the opponent directly above Bowser. It also boasts a respectable amount of kill power, being one of the strongest up tilts in the game and KOing at around 120%. Has damage based armor (frames 8-10) and makes Bowser's arm intangible (frames 11-16). However, it has noticeable startup lag, coming out on frame 11.
|dtiltname=Spoiled Brat Punch ({{ja|だだっ子パンチ|Dadakko Panchi}})
|dtiltname= 
|dtiltdmg=7% (hit 1),<br>8% (hit 2)
|dtiltdmg=7% (hit 1),<br>8% (hit 2)
|dtiltdesc=Does an alternating pair of hooks. Both hits deal 15% in total, only slightly higher than the first hit's damage output in ''SSB4'', being 14%. Down tilt's second hit comes out five frames earlier, and gains the ability to trip opponents. It also grants damage-based armor on the first hit (frames 7-9), and intangibility on his arms for both (frames 10-12, and 10-14, respectively). It can still hit many ledge hangs, although the first hit having set knockback can cause the second hit to whiff if a ledge hang is low enough.
|dtiltdesc=Does an alternating pair of hooks. Both hits deal 15% in total, only slightly higher than the first hit's damage output in ''SSB4'', being 14%. Down tilt's second hit comes out five frames earlier, and gains the ability to trip opponents. It also grants damaged-based armor on the first hit (frames 7-9), and intangibility on his arms for both (frames 10-12, and 10-14, respectively). It can still hit many ledge hangs, although the first hit having set knockback can cause the second hit to whiff if a ledge hang is low enough.
|dashname=Jumping Kick ({{ja|ジャンピングキック|Janpingu Kikku}})
|dashname=&nbsp;
|dashdmg=12% (clean),<br>10% (late)
|dashdmg=12% (clean),<br>10% (late)
|dashdesc=Does a jumping side kick, similar to Meta Knight's dash attack. Good for hitting prone or tumbling opponents and has high base knockback. However, its knockback scaling is poor, preventing it from killing under 200%, along with having high ending lag, making it very punishable.
|dashdesc=A side kick, similar to Meta Knight's dash attack. Good for hitting prone or tumbling opponents and has high base knockback. However, its knockback scaling is poor, preventing it from killing under 200%, along with having high ending lag, making it very punishable.
|fsmashname=Megaton Drop Kick ({{ja|メガトンドロップキック|Megaton Doroppu Kikku}})
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|23}} (clean feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20}} (clean body),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (late feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (late body)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|23}} (clean feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20}} (clean body),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (late feet),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (late body)
|fsmashdesc=Does a powerful dropkick. Its outstanding damage output threatens shields, being able to inflict significant damage to them. When spaced properly, it can even hit opponents hanging on an edge or lingering just below it. It grants damage-based armor (frames 17-21), and the clean hitboxes render Bowser's feet [[invincible]] (20-25), whereas its late hitboxes have anti-rebounding priority. It is tied with {{SSBU|Kazuya}}'s forward smash as the third strongest in the game, as it can KO opponents at 56% from center stage. However, due to coming out on frame 22 and having 43 frames of ending lag, it's very punishable if whiffed or shielded.
|fsmashdesc=A dropkick. Its outstanding damage output threatens shields, being able to inflict significant damage to them. When spaced properly, it can even hit opponents hanging on an edge or lingering just below it. It grants damaged-based armor (frames 17-21), and the clean hitboxes render Bowser's feet [[invincible]] (20-25), whereas its late hitboxes have anti-rebounding priority. It is tied with {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}'s forward smash as the second strongest in the game, as it can KO opponents at 63% from center stage. However, due to coming out on frame 22 and having 43 frames of ending lag, it's very punishable if whiffed or shielded.  
|usmashname=Rising Spike ({{ja|ライジングスパイク|Raijingu Supaiku}})
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|22}} (spikes),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (sides), <br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (landing)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|22}} (spikes),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (sides), <br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (landing)
|usmashdesc=Jumps to thrust his shell upwards while spinning. Deals the most damage to opponents who come into contact with Bowser's shell spikes, while other opponents get hit by the sourspots on his head and tail or the landing hitbox instead. The sweetspot KOs at around 80% uncharged, making it the strongest up smash in the game. Grants damage-based armor (frames 11-15) and invincibility on his shell (frames 14-27), making it an excellent anti-air tool that is hard to compete with.
|usmashdesc=Hops to thrust his shell upwards while spinning. Deals the most damage to opponents who come into contact with Bowser's shell spikes, while other opponents get hit by the sourspots on his head and tail or the landing hitbox instead. The sweetspot KOs at around 80% uncharged, making it the strongest up smash in the game. Grants damaged-based armor (frames 11-15) and invincibility on his shell (frames 14-27), making it an excellent anti-air tool that is hard to compete with.
|dsmashname=Rampage Scratch ({{ja|あばれひっかき|Abare Hikkaki}})
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (hit 1),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15}} (hit 2)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16}} (hit 1),<br>{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|15}} (hit 2)
|dsmashdesc=Does two grounded claw swipes, hitting opponents in front of him, then behind him. Active on frame 12, making it Bowser’s fastest smash attack. It's also among the strongest down smashes in the game, with KO power comparable to many other characters' forward smashes; the front hit deals slightly more damage than the back hit, though they both do about the same knockback. Grants damage-based armor (frames 5-11), but unlike his other smashes, it possesses no invincibility. It can hit most characters' ledge hangs and is useful for covering rolls, but its extremely high ending lag, even more than on his forward smash, makes it very punishable.
|dsmashdesc=Does two grounded claw swipes, hitting opponents in front of him, then behind him, similarly to {{SSBU|Wolf}}'s down smash. Active on frame 12, making it Bowser’s fastest smash attack. Deals high knockback, with the front hit being slightly stronger than the back hit. Grants damaged-based armor (frames 5-11), but unlike his other smashes, it possesses no invincibility. It can hit many characters' ledge hangs and is useful for covering rolls, although it has extremely high ending lag, so it is punishable.
|nairname=Koopa Wheel ({{ja|クッパホイール|Kuppa Hoīru}})
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|6}} (hits 1-4)
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|6}} (hits 1-4)
|nairdesc=An aerial cartwheel. While it is difficult to connect all 4 hits, it is incredibly damaging for an aerial, and it can even open up KO confirms on landing, such as into forward aerial, back aerial, and up aerial. This makes it Bowser's best combo starter when landing with it, as even at low percentages it can combo into up tilt and up smash. It comes out on frame 8. However, the hits after the first don't connect very reliably due to their knockback scaling, and the attack has poor range, with the hitboxes for each hit appearing on specific points on Bowser's hands and feet. It also has noticeable landing lag (15 frames) and doesn't auto-cancel in a short hop.
|nairdesc=An aerial cartwheel. While its looping hits are hard to connect all, it is incredibly damaging for an aerial, and it can even open up KO confirms on landing, such as into forward aerial, back aerial, and up aerial. This makes it Bowser's best combo starter when landing with it, as even at low percentages it can combo into up tilt and up smash. It comes out on frame 8. However, the hits after the first don't connect very reliably due to their knockback scaling and the attack has poor range, with the hitboxes for each hit appearing on specific points on Bowser's hands and feet. It also has a noticeable landing lag (15 frames) and cannot autocancel in a short hop.
|fairname=Jump Scratch ({{ja|ジャンプひっかき|Janpu Hikkaki}})
|fairname=&nbsp;
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (hand),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|12}} (arm),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (body)
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (hand),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|12}} (arm),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (body)
|fairdesc=Swipes downward with one claw. It has fairly quick start-up (frame 11), a respectable damage output and knockback, can pseudo-wall of pain with [[Whirling Fortress]] as a finisher, and has great range, as it can even hit opponents below him. It can also auto-cancel in a short hop. Altogether, these traits make for arguably Bowser's most versatile aerial.
|fairdesc=Swipes downward with one claw. It has fairly quick start-up (frame 11), a respectable damage output, can pseudo-wall of pain with [[Whirling Fortress]] as a finisher, and has great range, as it can even hit opponents below him. It can also auto-cancel in a short hop. Altogether, these traits make for, arguably, Bowser's most versatile aerial.
|bairname=Rocket Kick ({{ja|ロケットキック|Roketto Kikku}})
|bairname=&nbsp;
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|19}}
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|19}}
|bairdesc=A dropkick. It's incredibly powerful, one of the strongest back aerials in the game, as it can KO around 100% from center-stage and as low as 60% at the edge. It is active on frames 9-11 and can [[auto-cancel]] in a short hop, making it somewhat safe when retreating. However, it has the most landing lag out of any back aerial in the game (24 frames), making it risky to use when close to the ground. Despite its kill power and quick startup, its hitbox is lackluster, lacking much vertical range, and Bowser's hurtbox extends beyond the actual hitbox of the move on its first active frame, making it susceptible to failing against disjointed attacks.
|bairdesc=A dropkick. It is very powerful, one of the strongest of its type in the game, as it can either KO around 100% from center-stage and as low as 60% at the edge, though it does not have much vertical range. It can [[auto-cancel]] in a short hop, making it somewhat safe when retreating. However, it incurs a respectable amount of landing lag (24 frames), making it risky to use when close to the ground. Active on frame 9.
|uairname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}})
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}}
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}}
|uairdesc=An upwards arcing headbutt. Deals great knockback, enough to KO at around 100% near the upper blast line, thus being among the strongest up aerials in the game. Grants intangibility to his head (frames 3-13), which, when combined with its quick startup (frame 9) and its power, makes it an effective juggling tool. However, it can be difficult to properly use because of its mediocre general range.
|uairdesc=An upwards arcing headbutt. Deals great knockback, enough to KO at around 100% near the upper blast line, thus being one of the strongest up aerials in the game. Grants intangibility to his head (frames 3-13), which, when combined with its quick startup (frame 9) and its power, makes it an effective juggling tool.
|dairname=Scrub Brush ({{ja|スクラブブラシ|Sukurabu Burashi}})
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|16}} (spikes),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (shockwave)
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|16}} (spikes),<br>{{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (shockwave)
|dairdesc=A [[stall-then-fall]] attack that involves Bowser retreating into his shell while turning upside-down, then propelling himself towards the ground while spinning. The first few active frames being able to [[meteor smash]] opponents, in combination with the move's large hitbox and powerful diagonal knockback during the later active frames, make it a moderately effective [[edgeguarding]] tool. The move emits a small shockwave on both sides when Bowser lands, which makes the move slightly harder to punish. Should Bowser use the move while he's off stage, it is almost guaranteed to cause a [[self-destruct]] due to its high ending lag and his fast falling speed. Bowser will hover in the air for a brief period before the active frames begin, allowing this move to stall his landing. Grants intangibility on his arms and legs in midair (frames 14-60) and upon landing (frames 1-27). Resembles an attack used by Spinies and Buzzy Beetles where they withdraw into their shell and drop from the ceiling.
|dairdesc=A [[stall-then-fall]] attack that involves Bowser retreating into his shell while turning upside-down, then propelling himself towards the ground while spinning on a vertical axis. The first few active frames being able to [[meteor smash]] opponents, in combination with the move's large hitbox and respectable diagonal knockback during the later active frames, making it a moderately effective [[edgeguarding]] tool. The move emits a small shockwave on both sides when Bowser lands, which makes the move slightly harder to punish. Should Bowser use the move while he's off stage, it is almost guaranteed to cause a [[self-destruct]]. Bowser will hover in the air for a brief period before the active frames begin, allowing this move to stall Bowser’s landing. Grants intangibility on his arms and legs in midair (frames 14-60) and upon landing (frames 1-27).
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=&nbsp;
|grabdesc=Reaches out. Bowser’s grabs have very good reach for being non-tether grabs. but are not the fastest.
|grabdesc=Reaches out. Bowser’s grab range is above average, especially for having non-tether grabs. However, his grabs are rather slow.
|pummelname=Grab Headbutt ({{ja|つかみヘッドバット|Tsukami Heddobatto}})
|pummelname=&nbsp;
|pummeldmg=1.6%
|pummeldmg=1.6%
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent. Slow but strong.
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent.
|fthrowname=Slingshot ({{ja|スリングショット|Suringushotto}})
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdmg=12%
|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent in between his horns, then rears his head back and powerfully lunges it forward to launch the opponent. Second strongest forward throw in the game, only after {{SSBU|Incineroar}}'s, but despite its great knockback, its relatively long startup (at frame 36) makes it easy to [[DI]] on reaction. It starts killing Mario near the edge of Final Destination at around 141% with good DI (in), or around 117% with max rage.
|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent in between his horns, then proceeds to slowly rear his head back and powerfully lunge it forward to launch the opponent. Not counting the back, up, or down variations of {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}'s forward throw, it is the strongest forward throw in the game, killing around 120% near the edge. However, it doesn't release until frame 36, which results in it taking longer to throw opponents than back throw, making it more susceptible to [[DI]].
|bthrowname=Back Throw ({{ja|バックスルー|Bakku Surū}})
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
|bthrowdmg=12%
|bthrowdmg=12%
|bthrowdesc=Throws the opponent backwards in a sideways motion with one arm, akin to {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}'s regular back throw. It has the exact same damage output, angle and knockback values as his forward throw, however, since it's far easier to land a grab at the outermost edge of the stage (i.e. closer to the blast line) when facing toward it, e.g. by rolling to the ledge, back throw reliably kills middleweights below 140%, or 115% with max rage. Moreover, with a significantly faster startup at frame 19, it's harder to react to and DI than forward throw.
|bthrowdesc=Throws the opponent backwards in a sideways motion with one arm, akin to Donkey Kong's regular back throw. It has the exact same damage output and knockback values as his forward throw, which makes it a viable kill move around 120% near the edge. However, its throw hitbox is active on frame 19, enabling it to throw opponents earlier than forward throw, and thus making it more consistent and harder to DI.
|uthrowname=Flesh Mixer ({{ja|フレッシュミキサー|Furessu Mikisā}})
|uthrowname=&nbsp;
|uthrowdmg=0.5% (hits 1-7),<br>2% (hit 8),<br>4% (hit 9)<br>2% (throw)
|uthrowdmg=0.5% (hits 1-7),<br>2% (hit 8),<br>4% (hit 9)<br>2% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Throws the opponent slightly upward, withdraws into his shell, and then spins rapidly in order to repeatedly stab them with his shell's spikes. He hops up on the final hit to launch the opponent upwards. Can combo into forward, neutral, and up aerials at low percents.
|uthrowdesc=Throws the opponent slightly upward, withdraws into his shell, and then spins rapidly in order to repeatedly stab them with his shell's spikes. He hops up on the final hit to launch the opponent upwards. Can combo into forward or up aerial at low percents. Furthermore, the latter becomes a 50/50 KO setup at high percentages.
|dthrowname=Heavy Press ({{ja|ヘビープレス|Hebī Puresu}})
|dthrowname=&nbsp;
|dthrowdmg=10% (hit 1),<br>4% (throw)
|dthrowdmg=10% (hit 1),<br>4% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=Places the opponent on the ground and body slams them. It deals 14%, making it the third most damaging throw in the entire game only after {{SSBU|Steve}}'s down throw with an Anvil and {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}'s up throw. Its high base knockback, low knockback scaling, and high ending lag prevent it from having any follow-ups. However, its high damage and base knockback make it a good mix-up and an option to send opponents offstage.
|dthrowdesc=Places the opponent on the ground and body slams them. Its high base knockback, low knockback scaling, and high ending lag prevent it from having any follow-ups. However, the very high damage and base knockback make it a good mix up and an option to send opponents offstage.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdmg=7%
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|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=10%
|edgedmg=10%
|edgedesc=Bowser slowly climbs up from the ledge and then swipes at the ground in front of him. It has the longest reach out of any edge attack.
|edgedesc=Bowser slowly climbs up from the ledge and then swipes at the ground in front of him. It has by far the longest reach out of any edge attack.
|nsname=Fire Breath
|nsname=Fire Breath
|nsdmg=1.8% (loop)
|nsdmg=1.8% (loop)
|nsdesc=[[mariowiki:Fire Breath|Expels a stream of fire from his mouth]]. It gradually loses strength and range the longer it is used, but it will slowly regain its strength when not in use. It can be angled up or down, which can potentially intercept recovering opponents, although the flames at the very end of the stream do not cause [[flinch]]ing. It deals notoriously high damage; at close ranges it can potentially deal over 30% in a matter of seconds.
|nsdesc=[[mariowiki:Fire Breath|Expels a stream of fire from his mouth]]. It gradually loses strength and range the longer it is used, but it will slowly regain its strength when not in use. It can be angled up or down, which can potentially gimp recovering opponents, although the flames at the very end of the stream do not cause [[flinch]]ing. It deals notoriously high damage; at close ranges it can potentially deal over 30% in a matter of seconds.
|ssname=Flying Slam
|ssname=Flying Slam
|ssdmg=18%-23.4% (throw),<br>15% (collateral)
|ssdmg=18% (throw),<br>15% (collateral)
|ssdesc=Grabs an opponent and then jumps with them into the air and backflips before [[Wikipedia:Suplex#Belly-to-belly suplex|belly-to-belly suplexing]] them onto the ground, causing an aesthetic explosion. Bowser spins around dramatically during the descent. It has a quick frame 6 startup and does strong vertical knockback that can KO at 130%, making it a deadly mixup tool in the air. However, it is very susceptible to DI giving it somewhat mediocre KO power if used too far from the edge of the stage. The move also has a massive 46 frames of endlag on whiff, making it extremely punishable. The suplex can hit other opponents on the descent for similarly powerful knockback. It can be used to dive off-stage with the opponent for a potential [[sacrificial KO]], although this becomes more difficult to do if Bowser has a higher percent, and it is possible to recover if the opponent has a long vertical recovery. The ascent grants intangibility (frames 1-23), and can launch opponents significantly far when falling, although the explosion has no hitbox. The move deals more damage based on fall distance, following the formula <code>18×(1+0.003d)</code> where <code>d = landing height - grab height</code>, maxing out at 100 units (18×1.3)&mdash;roughly the distance from [[Temple]]'s highest platform to the ground below it.
|ssdesc=Grabs an opponent jumps with them into the air and backflips before [[Wikipedia:Suplex#Belly-to-belly suplex|belly-to-belly suplexing]] them onto the ground, causing an aesthetic explosion. Bowser spins around dramatically during the descent. It does immense vertical knockback that can KO at 120%, making it a very viable kill move. Its power and launching angle also makes it difficult to properly DI, especially if the grabbed opponent has high gravity. The suplex can also hit other opponents on the ground that it lands into for similarly powerful knockback. It can be used to dive off-stage with the opponent for a potential [[sacrificial KO]], although it is possible to recover if the opponent has a good vertical recovery. The ascent grants intangibility (frames 1-23), and can launch opponents significantly far when falling, although the explosion has no hitbox.
|usname=Whirling Fortress
|usname=Whirling Fortress
|usdmg=1% (grounded hits 1-7),<br>6% (grounded hit 8),<br>7% (aerial hit 1),<br>1% (aerial hits 2-11),<br>2% (aerial hit 12)
|usdmg=1% (grounded hits 1-7),<br>4% (grounded hit 8),<br>7% (aerial hit 1),<br>1% (aerial hits 2-11),<br>2% (aerial hit 12)
|usdesc=Withdraws into his shell and spins around rapidly, striking multiple times. It starts up on frame 6 and is capable of moving forward or backward while doing so, which makes it an extremely effective [[out of shield]] option, launching opponents vertically and easily putting them into disadvantage. In the air, it propels Bowser diagonally upwards, travelling impressive distance vertically and horizontally; the move can cover a greater distance via button mashing near the end of the move.
|usdesc=Withdraws into his shell and spins around rapidly. It starts up on frame 6 and is capable of moving forward or backward while doing so, which makes it an extremely effective [[out of shield]] option, launching opponents vertically and easily putting them into a disadvantage. In the air, it propels Bowser diagonally upwards. In the air, it travels a below average distance vertically but an above average distance horizontally. As such, it is a good horizontal recovery but a mediocre vertical one. It can also gain a small chunk of vertical distance via button mashing.
|dsname=Bowser Bomb
|dsname=Bowser Bomb
|dsdmg=4% (headbutt),<br>20% (ground pound),<br>11% (landing)
|dsdmg=4% (headbutt),<br>20% (ground pound),<br>11% (landing)
|dsdesc=A {{s|mariowiki|Ground Pound}}. It deals immense vertical knockback to anyone hit and can KO under 100%, making it a situational, yet potent kill move. On the ground, Bowser performs a weak headbutt that drags opponents into the main attack, which is impossible to avoid if it connects. If performed in the air, Bowser performs the Ground Pound after a brief pause instead of leaping first. Emits a shockwave upon landing and will break full shields if all of its grounded hitboxes connect. It will almost certainly cause a [[self-destruct]] if used off-stage due to its ending lag, though it can grab ledges if Bowser is near one. The startup can meteor smash, although it possesses rather weak knockback in comparison to its impressive damage. It resembles the attack he uses during his boss fight in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
|dsdesc=A {{s|mariowiki|Ground Pound}}. It deals immense vertical knockback to anyone hit and can KO under 100%, making it one of Bowser's best and most powerful kill moves. On the ground, Bowser performs a weak headbutt that drags opponents into the main attack, which is impossible to avoid if hit by it. If performed in the air, Bowser performs the Ground Pound after a brief pause instead of leaping first. Emits a shockwave upon landing and will break full shields if all of its grounded hitboxes connect. It will almost certainly cause a [[self-destruct]] if used off-stage due to its ending lag, though it can grab ledges if Bowser is near one. The startup can meteor smash, although it is rather weak in knockback despite its high damage. It resembles the attack he uses during his boss fight in ''Super Mario Bros. 3''.
|fsname=Giga Bowser Punch
|fsname=Giga Bowser Punch
|fsdmg=40%
|fsdmg=40%
|fsdesc=Bowser transforms into [[Giga Bowser]] and teleports into the background, where he becomes impervious to attacks. Red crosshairs will appear on screen to indicate where Giga Bowser will aim his punch, which can be moved around with the control stick; the crosshairs also contains a depleting green gauge around their circumference to indicate how much time is left until the attack will activate automatically, though the attack can be activated manually before the gauge fully depletes. If the opponent's damage percent is 60% or greater before they are punched, they are instantaneously [[screen KO]]'d.}}
|fsdesc=Bowser transforms into [[Giga Bowser]] and teleports into the background, where he becomes impervious to attacks. Red crosshairs will appear on screen to indicate where Giga Bowser will aim his punch, which can be moved around with the control stick; the crosshairs also contains a depleting green gauge around their circumference to indicate how much time is left until the attack will activate automatically, though the attack can be activated manually before the gauge fully depletes. If the opponent's damage percent is 60% or greater before they are punched, they are instantaneously screen K.O.d.}}
 
===Stats===
{{Attributes
|cast      = 89
|weight    = 135
|rweight    = 1
|dash      = 2.255
|rdash      = 6-10
|run        = 1.971
|rrun      = 22
|walk      = 0.901
|rwalk      = 72
|trac      = 0.104
|rtrac      = 60
|airfric    = 0.0075
|rairfric  = 67-75
|air        = 1.155
|rair      = 20-25
|baseaccel  = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 15-87
|addaccel  = 0.04
|raddaccel  = 70-79
|gravity    = 0.125
|rgravity  = 13-14
|fall      = 1.77
|rfall      = 20-21
|ff        = 2.832
|rff        = 20-21
|jumpsquat  = 3
|rjumpsquat = 1-88
|jumpheight = 33
|rjumpheight= 39-42
|shorthop  = 15.7
|rshorthop  = 48
|djump      = 32.61
|rdjump    = 49
|ellag      = 6
|rellag    = 87-89
}}
 
===[[Announcer]] calls===
<gallery>
Bowser English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English
Bowser Japanese Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|Japanese/Chinese
Bowser French Announcer SSBU.wav|French
Bowser French EU Announcer SSBU.wav|French (PAL)
Bowser German Announcer SSBU.wav|German
Bowser Italian Announcer SSBU.wav|Italian
Bowser Russian Announcer SSBU.wav|Russian
Bowser Spanish Announcer SSBU.wav|Spanish
</gallery>


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
*Emerges from a wall of flames hunched over, before standing upright. Very similar to his battle entrance animation in ''Super Mario 64'', without the wall of flames.
*Emerges from a wall of flames hunched over, before standing upright. Very similar to his battle entrance animation in Super Mario 64, without the wall of flames.
<gallery>
<gallery>
BowserOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Bowser's on-screen appearance
BowserOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Bowser's on-screen appearance
Line 240: Line 173:
===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''Up Taunt''': Throws his head back and swivels it in a circle while roaring.
*'''Up Taunt''': Throws his head back and swivels it in a circle while roaring.
*'''Side Taunt''': Leans forward and furiously bites his jaws three times.
*'''Side Taunt''': Leans forward and angrily chomps his jaws three times.
*'''Down Taunt''': Bounces precariously on one leg, similarly to his [[teeter]]ing animation.
*'''Down Taunt''': Bounces precariously on one leg, similarly to his [[teeter]]ing animation.
<gallery>
<gallery>
Line 249: Line 182:


===[[Idle pose]]s===
===[[Idle pose]]s===
*Sways his head around and back while roaring and exhaling smoke from his mouth.
*Sways his head around and back while roaring and exhaling steam from his mouth.
*Clenches his fists and bashes them together, then bends over and roars.
*Clenches his fists and bashes them together, then bends over and roars.  
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUBowserIdle1.gif|Bowser's first idle pose.
SSBUBowserIdle1.gif|Bowser's first idle pose
SSBUBowserIdle2.gif|Bowser's second idle pose.
SSBUBowserIdle2.gif|Bowser's second idle pose
</gallery>
</gallery>
===[[Crowd cheer]]===
<div class="tabber">
<div class="tabbertab" title="English, Japanese/Chinese, Italian, Dutch, French">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (English)
!Cheer (Japanese/Chinese)
!Cheer (Italian)
!Cheer (Dutch)
!Cheer (French)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Bowser Cheer English SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Bowser Cheer Japanese SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Bowser Cheer Italian SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Bowser Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Bowser Cheer French NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Bowser Cheer French PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Bow - ser! || Koo - pa! *claps 3 times* || Bow - ser! || Bow - ser! || Bow - ser!
|}
</div>
<div class="tabbertab" title="German, Spanish, Russian, Korean">
{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="1"
|-
!{{{name|}}}
!Cheer (German)
!Cheer (Spanish)
!Cheer (Russian)
!Cheer (Korean)
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Bowser Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Bowser Cheer Spanish NTSC SSB4 SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Bowser Cheer Spanish PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Bowser Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Bowser Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
! scope="row"|Description
|Bow - ser! || Boooow - ser! || Bow - ser! || Koo - pa! *claps 3 times*
|}
</div>
</div>


===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
Line 304: Line 200:
</gallery>
</gallery>


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In competitive play==
===Most historically significant players===
In the E3 demo build, Bowser was viewed very negatively much like in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', while he had much better mobility, it appeared that his KO power was significantly decreased, on top of that he completely lost his KO setups via up throw. Many players predicted that he would be non-viable, or at least weaker than his previous iteration.
<!--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 -->


''See also: [[:Category:Bowser players (SSBU)]]''
Upon the game's initial release however, Bowser was immediately viewed as a viable character. This was because of his improvements to his KO power and mobility, the addition of super armor to his tilts and most of his smash attacks, as well as the universal changes to landing lag and jumpsquats that had toned down his greatest weakness. Unfortunately, players also took notice of the other super heavyweights, such as {{SSBU|Ganondorf}} and {{SSBU|King Dedede}}, who were thought to have received even more improvements than him. Bowser was generally considered to be an upper mid tier character, a very slight downturn from his low high tier placement in ''Smash 4''.


*{{Sm|Hero|Japan|p=Japan}} - The best Bowser player of all-time, performing at his peak between 2021 and mid-2023 where he frequently placed top 8 at majors, including 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 6}} and 4th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 4}}. He is best known for his 2nd-place finish at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}} defeating {{Sm|Yoshidora}} and {{Sm|Nietono}}, which is tied for the best Bowser placement at a major.
However, the overall perception of Bowser's viability has continuously improved as the metagame progressed. As players such as {{Sm|LeoN}}, {{Sm|King Koopa}}, {{Sm|DarkThunder}}, and {{Sm|Lunamado}} have achieved strong results from tournaments, Bowser's improvements were realized to be a lot more significant than it originally seemed. People noticed that most of Bowser's best strengths from ''Smash 4'' were not only maintained, but also improved. The sudden decline of other super heavyweights has also greatly benefited Bowser in the long run, due to the fact that he lacks most weaknesses that basically all of the other super heavyweights have that have drastically hampered their results and representation. As such, Bowser is almost universally considered to be both a high tier character and the best super heavyweight in the game, making him a popular choice across all levels of play.
*{{Sm|LeoN|USA}} - One of the best Bowser players of all-time who was considered the definitive best in the early metagame. He was first known for some strong early runs such as placing 5th at {{Trn|Suplex City Smash}} defeating {{Sm|Nairo}} and placing 9th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} defeating {{Sm|Cosmos}}. He later gained greater recognition for his 2nd-place finish at {{Trn|Defend the North 2019}} defeating {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, and {{Sm|Dabuz}}, which is not only tied for the best Bowser placement at a major but is also arguably the best major performance from a Bowser player.
*{{Sm|Lunamado|Japan}} - Plays a multitude of characters but his best results were with Bowser. He was considered the best Bowser player in Japan in the early metagame, placing 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 3}}, 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 4}} and {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} and has defeated players such as {{Sm|ProtoBanham}} and {{Sm|Abadango}} with Bowser.
*{{Sm|Mukuro~|Germany}} - The best Bowser player in Europe who was the first Bowser player to win a [[PGR]]-ranked event, doing so at the C-tier event {{Trn|Calyptus Cup Fusion}}. He is also known for his strong performances at European superregionals, including placing 3rd at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}} and 5th at both {{Trn|ICARUS 2023}} and {{Trn|NRW Cup - Rise of Germany}}; he has also seen success at majors, notably placing 17th at {{Trn|COLOSSEL 2022}}.


===Tier placement and history===
===Notable players===
Despite a negative reception from the E3 build, upon the game's initial release Bowser was initially viewed as a strong, viable pick due to improvements to his power and mobility, the addition of armor to his tilts and smash attacks, and the universal changes to landing lag and jumpsquats that had toned down his greatest weakness. This was reflected in early tournament performances from {{Sm|LeoN}}, who achieved several top 8 major performances with the character and was ranked high on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]; {{Sm|Lunamado}}, who saw strong runs at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 3}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}; and {{Sm|DarkThunder}}, who found great success in Europe including winning {{Trn|Calyptus Cup Fusion}}, the first C-tier victory for a Bowser player. With other "traditional" heavyweights such as {{SSBU|King Dedede}} seeing a sharp decline during this period, players began taking a greater notice towards Bowser's strengths, specifically how he lacked most weaknesses that plagued the other traditional heavyweights. As such, Bowser was commonly viewed as the best traditional heavyweight character and an upper-mid tier character. This perception was maintained throughout the next few years and during the online metagame, which also saw the meteoric rise of {{Sm|Hero|p=Japan}} in Japan.
''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''


Unfortunately, a lack of substantial updates since the early metagame, the rise of oppressive characters such as {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBU|Sonic}}, and the introduction of other oppressive DLC characters such as {{SSBU|Steve}} and {{SSBU|Kazuya}} hurt Bowser's standing as time went on. This power creep affected Bowser's representation, which slowly declined as time went on. Although Hero, LeoN, and Mukuro~ (DarkThunder) were still able to find some success, their tournament performances declined alongside Bowser's decline in the metagame. This has shifted opinions on Bowser towards a more negative light, with most players believing the character was only a mid tier at best. This was reflected in Bowser's placement on the first tier list, where he was ranked 50th as an upper-mid tier in the B- tier. Further decline in Bowser's representation, especially with Hero's less consistent performances, led to Bowser dropping on the second tier list to 59th, ranking in the C+ tier and marking one of the largest drops from the first tier list.
<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot.-->
*{{Sm|AT LOWES|Australia}} - Placed 5th at {{Trn|BigWinChampionship 2}}, 7th at {{Trn|Phantom 2019}}, and 13th at both {{Trn|Battle Arena Melbourne 11}} and {{Trn|Sunny Side Up}}.
*{{Sm|Cob|USA}} - Placed 5th at {{Trn|Buccaneer Brawl}} and 13th at {{Trn|Full Bloom 5}}. Took a set over {{Sm|Darkshad}}.
*{{Sm|DarkThunder|Germany}} - The best Bowser player in Europe. Notably won {{Trn|DreamHack Leipzig 2020}} where he defeated {{Sm|quiK}}, {{Sm|iStudying}}, and double eliminated {{Sm|Tarik}}. He also placed 1st at {{Trn|Calyptus Cup Fusion}}, 5th at {{Trn|Calyptus Cup Inkstrike}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Valhalla III}}. He has taken additional sets off of {{Sm|Light|p=Germany}}, {{Sm|Tru4}}, and {{Sm|Purple~H}}.
*{{Sm|Deluxemenu|USA}} - One of the best Bowser players in the United States. Placed 5th at {{Trn|Smashpoint}} and 7th at {{Trn|Standoff 2019}}, with wins over players such as {{Sm|Goblin}} and {{Sm|Pandarian}}.
*{{Sm|King Koopa|USA}} - The best Bowser player in California and among the best in the United States. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Who's Your Pappy 16}} and 17th at {{Trn|Super Smashed Fest}}, {{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}, and {{Trn|GENESIS 7}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Cosmos}}, {{Sm|Myran}}, and {{Sm|Lui$}}. Currently ranked 5th on the [[NorCal Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate|NorCal Ultimate Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|LeoN|USA}} (#28) - The best Bowser player in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|2GG: Run it Back}}, 4th at 2GG: Nightmare on Smashville, 5th at {{Trn|Suplex City Smash}}, 9th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} and {{Trn|Shine 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Collision 2019}}. Has wins over {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Cosmos}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Rivers}}, {{Sm|WaDi}}, and {{Sm|Tea}}.
*{{Sm|Lunamado|Japan}} - The best Bowser player in Japan. Placed 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 3}}, 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}, 17th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 2}}, 25th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}. He has defeated {{Sm|Abadango}}.
*{{Sm|Mew2King|USA}} - Placed 9th at both {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit}} and {{Trn|Smashpoint}}, 33rd at both {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} and {{Trn|Shine 2019}}, and 49th at {{Trn|EVO 2019}} using Bowser as one of his characters.
*{{Sm|Static|USA|p=Delaware}} - Placed 5th at {{Trn|Launch}}, 13th at {{Trn|Ascension IX}}, 25th at {{Trn|Glitch 6}}, and 49th at {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}}. Has a win over {{Sm|Ryuga}}.
*{{Sm|Them Bones|USA}} - One of the best Bowser players in the United States. Placed 13th at {{Trn|Overlords of Orlando: Ultimate Edition}} and 17th at {{Trn|Come to Papa 3}}. Has a win over {{Sm|Samsora}}.
*{{Sm|totos|Japan}} - The second best Bowser player in Japan behind {{Sm|Lunamado}}, placed 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 4}} and 49th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}. Has wins over {{Sm|zackray}}, {{Sm|yuzu}}, {{Sm|RAIN}}, {{Sm|AIR}}, {{Sm|Ferretkuma}} and {{Sm|Eim}}.
*{{Sm|Vreyvus|Sweden}} - Uses Bowser as a co-main alongside Ridley. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Valhalla II}} and 4th at {{Trn|Phoenix Blue 2}}.
 
===Inactive===
*{{Sm|WiiASE|Norway}} - Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Vivaldi Spring 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|Phoenix Blue 2}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|Valhalla II}} and {{Trn|Albion 4}}. He has defeated players such as {{Sm|Lancelot}} and {{Sm|Greil}}. He has since dropped Bowser for {{SSBU|Terry}}.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: The Red One. Every Red One!==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: The Red One. Every Red One!==
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Bowser.png|thumb|Bowser's congratulations screen.]]
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Bowser.png|thumb|Bowser's congratulations screen.]]
Bowser's opponents are all wearing attire that is red (and/or use fire-based attacks), which is a reference to his mortal enemy (Mario) wearing red clothing. Bowser also fights [[Rathalos]] as the penultimate boss, who is red. The final battle is against [[Mario]], with [[Metal Mario]] appearing after Mario is defeated.
Bowser's opponents are all wearing attire that is red, which is a reference to his mortal enemy (Mario) wearing red clothing. Bowser also fights [[Rathalos]] as the penultimate boss. The final battle is against [[Mario]], who transforms into [[Metal Mario]] upon defeat.


{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
|-
|-
|1||{{CharHead|Mii Brawler|SSBU|hsize=20px}} (×2), {{CharHead|Mii Gunner|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, and {{CharHead|Mii Swordfighter|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Find Mii]]|||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Airship Theme - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''||{{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} costumes:
|1||{{SSBU|Mii Brawler}} {{Head|Mii Brawler|g=SSBU|s=20px}} (×2), {{SSBU|Mii Gunner}} {{Head|Mii Gunner|g=SSBU|s=20px}} and {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}} {{Head|Mii Swordfighter|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Find Mii]]|||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Airship Theme - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''||{{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} costume combinations:
*Builder Mario's Outfit (Brawler)
*Mario's Cap and Builder Mario's Outfit
*Wild West Wear (Gunner)
*Mario's Cap and Wild West Gear
*Ninja Suit (Swordfighter)
*Mario's Cap and Ninja Suit
*[[Toad]] Outfit (Brawler)
*Mario's Cap and [[Toad]] Outfit
All the enemies wear Mario caps, for Mario's likeness.
The stage references Bowser's Castle.
|-
|-
|2||{{CharHead|Ken|SSBU|hsize=20px}}|||[[Suzaku Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''||
|2||{{SSBU|Ken}} {{Head|Ken|g=SSBU|s=20px}}|||[[Suzaku Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''||
|-
|-
|3||{{CharHead|Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Brinstar (Melee)}}''||
|3||{{SSBU|Samus}} {{Head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Brinstar (Melee)}}''||
|-
|-
|4||Giant {{CharHead|Charizard|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and Giant {{CharHead|Incineroar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road - Pokémon Ruby / Pokémon Sapphire}}''||Giant Charizard's {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} is absent. Items do not appear.
|4||Giant {{SSBU|Charizard}} {{Head|Charizard|g=SSBU|s=20px}} and Giant {{SSBU|Incineroar}} {{Head|Incineroar|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road - Pokémon Ruby / Pokémon Sapphire}}''||{{SSBU|Pokemon Trainer}} is absent from the battle.
|-
|-
|5||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Jungle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''||
|5||{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} {{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{SSB|Kongo Jungle}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''||
|-
|-
|6||[[Rathalos]]||[[Forest Hill]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Roar/Rathalos}}''||
|6||[[Rathalos]]||Forest Hill||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Roar/Rathalos}}''||
|-
|-
|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]
|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]
|-
|-
|Final||{{CharHead|Mario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, then [[Metal Mario]]||[[New Donk City Hall]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Ground Theme (Band Performance) - Super Mario Bros.}}'' <small>(Against Mario)</small><br> ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Metal Battle}}'' <small>(Against Metal Mario)</small>||Functions as a role-reversal to the final battle of Mario's Classic Mode route, where he fights Bowser, then [[Giga Bowser]].
|Final||{{SSBU|Mario}} {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px}}, then [[Metal Mario]] {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||[[New Donk City Hall]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Ground Theme (Band Performance) - Super Mario Bros.}}'' <small>(Against Mario)</small><br> ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Metal Battle}}'' <small>(Against Metal Mario)</small>||Mario transforms into Metal Mario upon defeat.
|}
|}
Note: When fighting the Mii Fighters, they all wear Mario Caps.


[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Bowser has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}'' accompany the credits.
[[Credits]] roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Bowser has ''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}'' accompany the credits.
Line 357: Line 264:
Bowser was among the fighters that were summoned to the cliffside to fight the army of [[Master Hand]]s.
Bowser was among the fighters that were summoned to the cliffside to fight the army of [[Master Hand]]s.


During the opening cutscene, Bowser was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. Bowser attempted to fight back against the beams, using his Fire Breath alongside the {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} using his [[Pokémon]] to perform [[Triple Finish]]. This effort ended up being fruitless, however, as both were vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the rest of the fighters, except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}. Presumably, it was during this time that he ended up transformed into [[Giga Bowser]] and later dispatched to a molten castle to guard it. Eventually, several fighters cornered and fought Bowser in his Giga Bowser form and, upon defeating him, he was freed from Galeem's control.
During the opening cutscene, Bowser was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. Bowser attempted to fight back against the beams, using his Fire Breath alongside the {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} and his [[Pokémon]]. This effort ended up being fruitless, however, as Bowser was vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the other fighters (except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}). Presumably, it was during this time that he ended up transformed into [[Giga Bowser]] and later dispatched to a molten castle to guard it. Eventually, several fighters fought Bowser in his Giga Bowser form and, upon defeating him, he joined the group.


Bowser is later seen among several other fighters, making their last stand against Galeem and [[Dharkon]]. He also shows up in the bad ending where Galeem emerges victorious against Dharkon, witnessing Galeem engulf the world in light.
Bowser is later seen among several other fighters, making their last stand against Galeem and [[Dharkon]]. He also shows up in the bad ending where Galeem emerges victorious against Dharkon, witnessing Galeem engulf the world in light.
{{clrl}}


Unlike most fighters, Bowser does not have a Fighter Battle and is simply unlocked after defeating Giga Bowser within the [[Molten Fortress]] in [[The Light Realm]].
Unlike most fighters, Bowser does not have a Fighter Battle and is simply unlocked after defeating Giga Bowser within the [[Molten Fortress]] in the Light Realm.


==[[Spirit]]s==
==[[Spirit]]s==
Bowser's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Bowser. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Bowser has been unlocked. Unlocking Bowser in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.
Bowser's Fighter Spirit can be obtained by completing [[Classic Mode]]. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 500 coins. Unlocking Bowser in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a Fighter Spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Each Fighter Spirit has an alternate version that replaces them with their artwork in ''Ultimate''.


Additionally, Bowser makes an appearance in various primary and support spirits.
Additionally, Bowser makes an appearance in various Primary and Support Spirits.


<center>
<center>
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBU spirit Bowser.png|7. '''''Bowser'''''
Bowser Fighter Spirit.png|7. '''''Bowser'''''
SSBU spirit Bowser (Wedding).png|30. Bowser (Wedding)
SPI-Bowser (Wedding).png|30. Bowser (Wedding)  
SSBU spirit Dry Bowser.png|63. Dry Bowser
Dry Bowser (Spirit).png|63. Dry Bowser  
SSBU spirit Paper Bowser.png|95. Paper Bowser
Paper Bowser Spirit.png|95. Paper Bowser  
SSBU spirit Paper Bowser (Paper Mario Sticker Star).png|96. Paper Bowser (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)
Paper Bowser Sticker Spirit.png|96. Paper Bowser (Paper Mario: Sticker Star)  
SSBU spirit Baby Bowser.png|301. Baby Bowser
Baby Bowser Spirit.png|301. Baby Bowser  
SSBU spirit River Survival.png|1,301. River Survival
River Survival Spirit.png|1,301. River Survival  
SSBU spirit Fury Bowser.png|1,471. Fury Bowser
</gallery>
</gallery>
</center>
</center>


==In Spirit Battles==
==In Spirit battles==
''Conditions in italics aren't listed on the Spirit Battle preview screen.''
===As the main opponent===
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
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|-
|-
|30
|30
|{{SpiritTableName|Bowser (Wedding)|customname=[[Bowser]] (Wedding)|size=64}}
|[[File:SPI-Bowser (Wedding).png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Bowser (Wedding)}}[[Bowser]] (Wedding)
|''Super Mario'' Series
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}<br>•Ally: {{SSBU|Peach}} {{Head|Peach|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}<br>•Ally: {{SSBU|Peach}} {{Head|Peach|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|9,700
|9,700
|[[New Donk City Hall]]
|[[New Donk City Hall]]
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|-
|-
|62
|62
|{{SpiritTableName|Mechakoopa|link=y|size=64}}
|[[File:Mechakoopa Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Mechakoopa}}[[Mechakoopa]]
|''Super Mario'' Series
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} Team {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}×4
|•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}} Team (×4)
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|3,800
|3,800
|[[Mushroom Kingdom U]] (Slide Lift Tower)
|[[Mushroom Kingdom U]] (Slide Lift Tower)
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|-
|-
|63
|63
|{{SpiritTableName|Dry Bowser|customname=Dry [[Bowser]]|size=64}}
|[[File:Dry Bowser (Spirit).png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Dry Bowser}}Dry [[Bowser]]
|''Super Mario'' Series
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]
|13,500
|13,500
|[[Reset Bomb Forest]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Reset Bomb Forest]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Defense ↑<br>•Curry-Filled<br>•Hazard: Lava Floor
|•Defense ↑<br>•[[Curry]]-Filled<br>•Hazard: Lava Floor
|•The floor is lava<br>•The enemy breathes fire after a little while<br>•The enemy has increased defense after a little while
|•The floor is lava<br>•The enemy breathes fire after a little while<br>•The enemy has increased defense after a while
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}
|
|
|-
|-
|95
|95
|{{SpiritTableName|Paper Bowser|size=64}}
|[[File:Paper Bowser Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Paper Bowser}}Paper Bowser
|''Paper Mario'' Series
|''Paper Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}} (140 HP)
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|9,300
|9,300
|[[Peach's Castle]] ([[Ω form]])
|[[Peach's Castle]] ([[Ω form]])
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|-
|-
|219
|219
|{{SpiritTableName|Moosh|size=64}}
|[[File:Moosh.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Moosh}}Moosh
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|''The Legend of Zelda'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]
|1,900
|1,900
|[[Garden of Hope]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Garden of Hope]] ([[Battlefield form]])
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|-
|-
|301
|301
|{{SpiritTableName|Baby Bowser|size=64}}
|[[File:Baby Bowser Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Baby Bowser}}Baby Bowser
|''Yoshi'' Series
|''Yoshi'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}} (100 HP)<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}} (100 HP)
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]
|13,800
|13,800
|[[Find Mii]] ([[Ω form]])
|[[Find Mii]] ([[Ω form]])
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|-
|-
|315
|315
|{{SpiritTableName|Blargg|size=64}}
|[[File:Blargg Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Blargg}}Blargg
|''Yoshi'' Series
|''Yoshi'' Series
|•Curry {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|•Curry {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|3,900
|3,900
|[[Castle Siege]] (Underground Cavern)
|[[Castle Siege]] (Underground Cavern)
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|-
|-
|428
|428
|{{SpiritTableName|Sandshrew|size=64}}
|[[File:Sandshrew Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Sandshrew}}Sandshrew
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|1,800
|1,800
|[[Mushroomy Kingdom]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Mushroomy Kingdom]] ([[Battlefield form]])
Line 499: Line 414:
|-
|-
|450
|450
|{{SpiritTableName|Kangaskhan|size=64}}
|[[File:Kangaskhan Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Kangaskhan}}Kangaskhan
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Larry]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Larry}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Larry]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Larry}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|3,700
|3,700
|[[Windy Hill Zone]]
|[[Windy Hill Zone]]
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|-
|-
|455
|455
|{{SpiritTableName|Tauros|size=64}}
|[[File:Tauros Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Tauros}}Tauros
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeNeutral.png|20px|center|Neutral]]
|3,800
|3,800
|[[Gerudo Valley]]
|[[Gerudo Valley]]
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|-
|-
|477
|477
|{{SpiritTableName|Heracross|size=64}}
|[[File:Heracross.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Heracross}}Heracross
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|4,400
|4,400
|[[Garden of Hope]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Distant Planet]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|•Attack Power ↑<br>•Hazard: Sticky Floor
|•Attack Power ↑<br>•Hazard: Sticky Floor
|•The floor is sticky<br>•The enemy's throws have increased power<br>•The enemy has increased attack power when the enemy's at high damage
|•The floor is sticky<br>•The enemy's throws have increased power<br>•The enemy has increased attack power when the enemy's at high damage
Line 535: Line 453:
|-
|-
|498
|498
|{{SpiritTableName|Groudon|link=y|size=64}}
|[[File:GroudonSpirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Groudon}}[[Groudon]]
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|4,700
|4,700
|[[Norfair]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Norfair]] ([[Battlefield form]])
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|-
|-
|550
|550
|{{SpiritTableName|Volcanion|size=64}}
|[[File:Volcanion.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Volcanion}}Volcanion
|''Pokémon'' Series
|''Pokémon'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}} (130 HP)
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|9,800
|9,800
|[[Norfair]] (hazards off)
|[[Norfair]] (hazards off)
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|-
|-
|593
|593
|{{SpiritTableName|Pico|iw=fzerowiki|size=64}}
|[[File:Pico.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Pico}}{{s|fzerowiki|Pico}}
|''F-Zero'' Series
|''F-Zero'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]
|3,500
|3,500
|[[Mute City SNES]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Mute City SNES]] ([[Battlefield form]])
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|-
|-
|1,301
|1,301
|{{SpiritTableName|River Survival|size=64}}
|[[File:River Survival Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|River Survival}}River Survival
|''Super Mario'' Series
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}<br>•{{SSBU|Yoshi}} {{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}} {{Head|Rosalina|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}
|•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}<br>•{{SSBU|Yoshi}} {{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}} {{Head|Rosalina|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]
|5,500
|5,500
|[[Kongo Falls]] ([[Ω form]])
|[[Kongo Falls]] ([[Ω form]])
|•[[Bob-omb]] Festival<br>•Item Tidal Wave<br>•Item: [[Food]]
|•[[Bob-omb]] Festival<br>•Item Tidal Wave<br>•Item: [[Food]]
|•Survive until the timer runs out (1:00)<br>•Bob-ombs will rain from the sky after a little while
|•Survive until the timer runs out<br>•Bob-ombs will rain from the sky after a little while
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Slide}}
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Slide}}
|{{s|mariowiki|Bowser}}
|{{s|mariowiki|Bowser}}
|-
|1,452
|{{SpiritTableName|Ifrit|link=y|size=64}}
|''FINAL FANTASY'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|7,500
|[[Norfair]] ([[Ω form]])
|•Move Speed ↑<br>•Attack Power ↑<br>•Hazard: Lava Floor
|•The floor is lava<br>•The enemy has increased attack power after a little while<br>•The enemy has increased move speed after a little while
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Final Fantasy|Fight On!}}
|
|-
|1,470
|{{SpiritTableName|Magnamalo|size=64}}
|''MONSTER HUNTER'' Series
|•Giant {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (150 HP)
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|10,500
|[[Castle Siege]] (underground cavern)
|•Uncontrollable Speed<br>•Defense ↑<br>•Attack Power ↑
|•Stamina Battle<br>•The enemy has increased attack power after a little while<br>•The enemy has increased defense after a little while
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Roar/Rathalos}}
|
|-
|1,471
|{{SpiritTableName|Fury Bowser|size=64}}
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•Metal {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|13,800
|[[Find Mii]] ([[Ω form]])
|•Sudden Final Smash<br>•Curry-Filled
|•The enemy will suddenly have a Final Smash after a little while<br>•The enemy breathes fire after a little while<br>•The enemy is metal
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}
|
|}
|}


===As a minion===
===As a minion===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|-
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=4|Spirit
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
! colspan=7|Battle parameters
Line 639: Line 526:
|-
|-
|39
|39
|{{SpiritTableName|Lakitu & Spiny|link=y|size=64}}
|[[File:SSBU Lakitu and Spiny Spirit.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Lakitu & Spiny}}[[Lakitu and Spinies|Lakitu & Spiny]]
|''Super Mario'' Series
|''Super Mario'' Series
|•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Iggy]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Iggy}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}×8
|•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Iggy]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Iggy}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}} (×8)
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|3,400
|3,400
|{{SSB|Mushroom Kingdom}}
|{{SSB|Mushroom Kingdom}}
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|-
|-
|104
|104
|{{SpiritTableName|Geno|link=y|size=64}}
|[[File:Genosmrpg.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Geno}}[[Geno]]
|''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''
|''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''
|•{{SSBU|Sheik}} {{Head|Sheik|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Indigo}}<br>•{{SSBU|Peach}} {{Head|Peach|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}<br>•{{SSBU|Mario}} {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|•{{SSBU|Sheik}} {{Head|Sheik|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Indigo}}<br>•{{SSBU|Peach}} {{Head|Peach|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Orange}}<br>•{{SSBU|Mario}} {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|13,700
|13,700
|[[Mario Galaxy]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|[[Mario Galaxy]] ([[Battlefield form]])
|N/A
|N/A
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•Timed battle (2:30)<br>•The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•Timed battle<br>•The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Mario Kart|Rainbow Road Medley}}
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Mario Kart|Rainbow Road Medley}}
|{{s|mariowiki|Bowser}}
|{{s|mariowiki|Bowser}}
|-
|-
|700
|700
|{{SpiritTableName|Turtle Bridge|size=64}}
|[[File:Turtle Bridge.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Turtle Bridge}}Turtle Bridge
|''Game & Watch'' Series
|''Game & Watch'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} {{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•{{SSBU|Squirtle}} {{Head|Squirtle|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}<br>•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Morton]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Morton}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}
|•{{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} {{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•{{SSBU|Squirtle}} {{Head|Squirtle|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}<br>•[[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Morton]] {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Morton}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeShield.png|20px|center|Shield]]
|1,700
|1,700
|[[Flat Zone X]] (hazards off)
|[[Flat Zone X]] (hazards off)
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|-
|-
|1,148
|1,148
|{{SpiritTableName|Satoru|size=64}}
|[[File:Satoru.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Satoru}}Satoru
|''Trade & Battle: Card Hero'' Series
|''Trade & Battle: Card Hero'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Shulk}} {{Head|Shulk|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}<br>•{{SSBU|Mewtwo}} {{Head|Mewtwo|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Brown}}<br>•{{SSBU|Ridley}} {{Head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Meta}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}
|•{{SSBU|Shulk}} {{Head|Shulk|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}<br>•{{SSBU|Mewtwo}} {{Head|Mewtwo|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Brown}}<br>•{{SSBU|Ridley}} {{Head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Meta}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Black}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeGrab.png|20px|center|Grab]]
|1,700
|1,700
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|•Move Speed ↓
|•Move Speed ↓
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•The enemy's melee weapons have increased power<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•The enemy's melee weapons have increased power<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Worthy Rival Battle}}
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Worthy Rival Battle}}
|Wild Bull
|
|-
|-
|1,232
|1,232
|{{SpiritTableName|Nibbles|size=64}}
|[[File:Fossilhunters.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{anchor|Nibbles}}Nibbles
|''Fossil Fighters'' Series
|''Fossil Fighters'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Yoshi}} {{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Charizard}} {{Head|Charizard|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Ridley}} {{Head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|•{{SSBU|Yoshi}} {{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Charizard}} {{Head|Charizard|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Ridley}} {{Head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}}
|[[File:SpiritTypeAttack.png|20px|center|Attack]]
|1,800
|1,800
|[[Arena Ferox]]
|[[Arena Ferox]]
|•Item: [[Pitfall]]
|•Item: [[Pitfall]]
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|•Defeat the main fighter to win<br>•Reinforcements will appear during the battle
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Battle Start - Fossil Fighters: Frontier}}
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Battle Start - Fossil Fighters: Frontier}}
|[https://fossilfighters.fandom.com/wiki/Munchsaurus Munchsaurus]
|[https://fossilfighters.fandom.com/wiki/Munchsaurus Munchsaurus]
|-
|1,426
|{{SpiritTableName|Olivia|size=64}}
|''Paper Mario'' Series
|•{{SSBU|Pikachu}} {{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•{{SSBU|Mario}} {{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Bowser}} {{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}}
|3,700
|[[Paper Mario]]
|•Defense ↑<br>•Attack Power ↑<br>•Item: [[Bob-omb]]
|•The enemy has increased attack power when the enemy's at high damage<br>•The enemy has increased defense when the enemy's at high damage<br>•The enemy favors air attacks<br>''•Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd''
|{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Battle! - Paper Mario: Color Splash}}
|{{s|mariowiki|Bowser}} <!-- Do not change the link to Paper Bowser, Super Mario Wiki considers Paper Bowser in Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam and Bowser in Paper  Mario series as two separate characters -->
|}
|}


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</gallery>
</gallery>


===Fighter Showcase Video===
===Character Showcase Video===
{{#widget:YouTube|id=liuwszyDhXM}}
{{#widget:YouTube|id=liuwszyDhXM}}


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*Bowser is the only fighter to be fought in [[Giga Bowser|a form other than their regular appearance]] to recruit them in World of Light.
*Bowser is the only fighter to be fought in [[Giga Bowser|a form other than their regular appearance]] to recruit them in World of Light.
**He is therefore the only unlockable fighter in the series who can be unlocked in such a condition.
**He is therefore the only unlockable fighter in the series who can be unlocked in such a condition.
*Bowser is one of only four characters to face a metal opponent in Classic Mode, facing [[Metal Mario]] upon normal Mario's defeat in the final round. The others are [[Sonic]], who faces a giant metal version of himself in the third round, [[Kazuya]], who faces a metal version of himself upon defeating his normal self in the final round, and [[Sora]], who faces a metal version of himself in the sixth round.
*In World of Light, Bowser is the only villain that is unlockable in the Light Realm. The others are unlocked in the Dark Realm, with the exception of {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}, who is unlocked in the Final Battle, though she is still affiliated with [[Dharkon]].
**Bowser is the only character of these four who does not face a metal version of himself, instead facing Mario.
**{{SSBU|King Dedede}} is also a recurring antagonist in his game series that can be found on the Light Realm, making him and Bowser the only two recurring antagonists found under Galeem's control. Unlike Bowser, King Dedede is more of an anti-hero although Bowser is an anti-hero in some ''Mario'' spin off games like ''Super Paper Mario'' and ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''.
*In World of Light, Bowser is the only villain that is unlockable in [[The Light Realm]]. The others are unlocked in [[The Dark Realm]], with the exception of {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}, who is unlocked in {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}}, though she is still affiliated with [[Dharkon]].
**{{SSBU|King Dedede}} is also a recurring antagonist in his game series that can be found on The Light Realm, making him and Bowser the only two recurring antagonists found under Galeem's control. Unlike Bowser, King Dedede is more of an anti-hero although Bowser is an anti-hero in some ''Mario'' spin off games like ''Super Paper Mario'' and ''Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story''.
*On the "No Contest" screen, Bowser's model is significantly smaller relative to other characters than it is during normal gameplay.
*On the "No Contest" screen, Bowser's model is significantly smaller relative to other characters than it is during normal gameplay.
*There appears to a visual glitch where Bowser's shell model is not used while under the effects of [[Superspicy Curry]].
*There appears to a visual glitch where Bowser's shell model is not used while under the effects of [[Superspicy Curry]].
**There's also another glitch where if he performs a jump while equipped with a {{b|Screw Attack|item}}, he will be shown in a [[t-pose]]. This glitch has now been patched.
**There's also another glitch where if he performs a jump while equipped with a {{b|Screw Attack|item}}, he will be shown in a [[t-pose]]. This glitch has now been patched.
*Bowser's Classic Mode is one of only four to feature a fight against a boss (in this case, Rathalos) outside of the boss round, the others being {{SSBU|Mega Man}}, {{SSBU|Hero}} and {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, and one of the few whose boss round does not feature a designated boss, instead fighting characters who are otherwise playable (in this case, Mario and Metal Mario).
*His Classic Mode is one of only three to feature a fight against a boss (in this case, Rathalos) outside of the boss round, the others being {{SSBU|Mega Man}} & {{SSBU|Hero}}, and one of the few whose boss round does not feature a designated boss, instead fighting characters who are otherwise playable (in this case, Mario and Metal Mario).
*Despite also wearing primarily red clothing, King Dedede, {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Villager}}, and {{SSBU|Shulk}} do not appear in Bowser's Classic Mode route.
*Interestingly, performing Bowser's down aerial on a {{b|ladder|stage element}} does not cause him to let go and fall to the ground, despite being a [[stall-then-fall]] move. He is the only character with this trait.
*Bowser briefly reverts to his hunched-over ''Super Smash Bros. Melee/Brawl'' idle pose after his stun animation.


{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{SSBUCharacters}}

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