Editing Captain Falcon (SSB4)

{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y}}
{{disambig2|Captain Falcon's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Captain Falcon}}
{{Infobox Character
|name         = Captain Falcon
|image        = [[File:Captain Falcon SSB4.png|250px|Captain Falcon]]
|game         = SSB4
|ssbgame1     = SSB
|ssbgame2     = SSBM
|ssbgame3     = SSBB
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = C
|ranking = 20
}}
'''Captain Falcon''' ({{ja|キャプテン・ファルコン|Kyaputen Farukon}}, ''Captain Falcon'') returns as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. He was confirmed during a live stream on July 14th, 2014, which is exactly 16 years after ''F-Zero X'' was released for the Nintendo 64 in Japan in 1998, alongside {{SSB4|Lucina}} and {{SSB4|Robin}}. Captain Falcon is once again voiced by Ryō Horikawa, using recycled voice clips from ''Brawl''.

Captain Falcon currently ranks 20th on the ''SSB4'' [[tier list]], in the C tier. This is a vast improvement over his 34th out of 38 ranking in ''Brawl''. His rise in the tier list is largely due to the changes to [[hitstun]] canceling, restoring Captain Falcon's previously lost [[combo]] game. As usual, he combines speed and power, with an impressive combo game and great finishers to boot; for example, his dash grab is formidable and covers a long distance, and his down throw serves as an excellent combo starter into multiple aerial attacks or as a finisher into the powerful, [[semi-spiking]] ever-famed [[Knee Smash]]. However, his [[recovery]] remains linear and lackluster, and he himself is still especially vulnerable to combos and [[camping]] with his physique, tall size, and high weight and [[falling speed]]. Overall, Captain Falcon has returned to the very viable position he held in ''64'' and ''Melee'', earning him strong representation and results, as well as the third largest tier rise out of the entire cast.

==Attributes==
Captain Falcon has a unique combination of traits. He has the 2nd fastest [[dash]] speed, 4th fastest [[falling speed]], and 12th fastest [[air speed]], though his [[walking speed]] is rather slow. At the same time, he boasts remarkable KO power, and his heavy [[weight]], combined with his falling speed, grants him excellent endurance.

Despite lacking a projectile, Falcon has an overall effective [[neutral game]], thanks to his mobility. His [[dash grab]] covers a long distance, making it a reliable [[approach]] option, and his back aerial is quick, has good range, and autocancels in a short-hop, allowing it to lead into his grab. From there, he has many tools with which to rack up damage. His [[pummel]] is quick, and his down and forward throws are effective combo-starters, with his combo ability being arguably his greatest strength. His down throw leads into multiple up aerials, or his neutral aerial, and his forward throw combos into his dash attack or even his neutral air at low percents. Falcon's up aerial demonstrates the versatility of his [[combo]] game. At a wide range of percents, it can chain into any aerial including itself. Starting at mid-percents, it can even lead into his down air meteor smash on grounded foes, which can either extend combos onstage, or finish opponents near the ledge. Alternatively, Falcon can chain his up aerial into some his deadliest finishers, which include his down air meteor smash and the famed [[Knee Smash]] forward air, and end his opponent's stock below 100%. 

Captain Falcon also boasts excellent KO power, as well as a formidable edgeguarding ability. His smash attacks and back aerial deal high knockback, and his aforementioned Knee Smash is an extremely powerful [[semi-spike]] that KOs at early percents offstage. His down aerial is relatively fast, has a large hitbox, and its sweetspot is one of the most powerful meteor smashes in the game, while its sourspot deals high horizontal knockback. His down tilt is a semi-spike, being useful for putting opponents offstage. His back and forward throws are good for starting edgeguards, and KOing at high percentages. Due to his heavy weight, he is a proficient user of [[rage]], boosting his already strong KO power.

However, he has his weaknesses. Though he has numerous hard-hitting moves, most of them are difficult or slow to land, some prominent examples being his smash attacks. His Knee Smash is faster than those moves, but it suffers from a small sweetspot that lasts for only one frame, making it hard to land without an air dodge read or setup off of an up aerial. As a result, he often has to rely on edgeguarding to score his kills. Though his neutral game is good overall, his lack of a projectile leaves him susceptible to camping, especially against characters like {{SSB4|Villager}}. Falcon suffers from a poor out of shield game and, while his dash grab has a long range, his standing grab range is average at best. His dash grab is also very easy for players to whiff should they use it carelessly, especially since Captain Falcon's overall high mobility may make him a bit difficult to control properly. His high weight and fast falling speed give him endurance, but they also leave him especially vulnerable to combos, and he has no fast options with which to break them.

Captain Falcon's greatest problem lies in his recovery, despite having an impressive air speed. His two recovery options, [[Falcon Dive]] and [[Raptor Boost]], are linear and do not grant enough distance, making them predictable and easily intercepted, and they have small ledge sweetspots. These two moves do not have hitboxes above him, leaving him open to meteor smashes, which he usually cannot survive due to his short recovery and falling speed. To his merit, he can reuse Falcon Dive if it connects with an opponent, and even stage spike them, though this is easily teched. Although he has a wall jump, he will be in danger offstage without his double jump.

With customs on, Captain Falcon gets many benefits. While Falcon Dash Punch is weaker and has slower startup than the default Falcon Punch, it propels himself forward, forcing his opponents offstage for him to KO them with his aforementioned above average edgeguarding tools. Heavy Raptor Boost, while being slower and giving less distance, has [[super armor]] throughout and much more power. Wind-Up Raptor Boost, while being weaker than the regular Raptor Boost, allows for mindgames as Captain Falcon backs up a bit before charging forward, and it moves faster as well. Falcon Strike, while being unable to grab opponents, thus sacrificing reusability, has a hitbox during the entire ascent, granting better overall protection. It also goes higher and has much more horizontal momentum, not only giving Captain Falcon a better vertical recovery, it also gives him one of the quickest horizontal recoveries in the game, as his already fast air speed is put into even better use. The Explosive Falcon Dive is similar to the Heavy Raptor Boost in that while it is slower and has less recovery potential than the default, has much more launching power KOing at 80% in the air. Finally, even though Lightning Falcon Kick has slower startup and weaker knockback than Falcon Kick, it travels significantly faster and the landing hit [[paralyze]]s opponents, which allows numerous setups should the Captain Falcon player be skilled and lucky enough to pull it off. It also goes straight through opponents, allowing for easy [[cross-up]]s.

Overall, Captain Falcon's strengths outweigh his weaknesses. With speed, power, and easy-to-use combos off of throw setups, he has a comparatively low learning curve and high payoff. While Falcon is not as common or as dominant as other perceived top-tier characters such as {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}, he has a dedicated playerbase that brings his usage in line with many characters said to be better than he is, with many top players continuing to use him as a main or a secondary. As a result, he has achieved notable tournament success at high-level play and even stronger results in low- and mid-level play (including regional tournaments), and is considered by the competitive community to be a viable choice for tournament play.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==
Captain Falcon has been significantly [[buff]]ed from ''Brawl'', in which he was a low-tier character despite his speed and power. Several of his moves have been given more reach and knockback, and some of his situational moves, such as his up tilt, have been greatly improved. Falcon's grab game has also been buffed, as his throws have less ending lag, allowing him to string together combos more reliably, much as he could before ''Brawl''. Complementing this is his newly buffed dash grab, which comes out very quickly and covers a lot of distance. Falcon also significantly benefits from the changes to two of ''Brawl'''s mechanics - [[hitstun]] cancelling, which is now only possible at higher percents and restored his comboing ability for lower percents, and [[chain grab]]bing, which is now impossible and was one of his biggest weaknesses in ''Brawl''. As he is a heavyweight character, Falcon also benefits from the [[rage]] mechanic, without his combos being affected. As in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', Falcon is mainly a heavily offensive rushdown character who relies on overwhelming his opponents with rapid combos and powerful finishers.

On the other hand, some of Captain Falcon's previous staple moves were nerfed; for example, his [[Knee Smash]] now has much more landing lag and can no longer autocancel from a short hop, and [[Falcon Dive]] has decreased safety due to its higher ending lag, weakening some of his possible recovery mixups. As a result, while being considered noticeably better than in ''Brawl'' he is often still considered to be slightly inferior to his ''Melee'' incarnation. However, these nerfs are very minuscule compared to the massive buffs he received, and Captain Falcon is one of the few characters to get truly buffed in his transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''.

===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Captain Falcon now has a brighter color scheme overall in ''SSB4'', which matches his appearance in the ''F-Zero'' series. His racing suit and boots are now tighter, which make his model more well-defined and muscular than in ''Brawl''. His face also has more-visible dimples.}}
*{{change|All of Captain Falcon's actions involving fire have more fiery visuals.}}
*{{change|Like other characters, Falcon has more exaggerated facial expressions (albeit less noticeable due to his helmet), and clenches his teeth when performing certain attacks and during one of his victory poses. Oddly enough, however, Captain Falcon's mouth no longer moves for his voiced down and side taunts (instead grimacing with a closed mouth for his down taunt), despite his mouth being fully animated for a few of his moves and victory poses. His mouth can still be seen moving in certain circumstances, such as during the slowdown after ending a match, which may be carryover from ''Brawl''.}}

===Attributes===
*{{buff|Captain Falcon [[Walking|walks]] faster (0.85 → 0.94).}}
*{{buff|Captain Falcon [[Dashing|dashes]] faster (2.18 → 2.32).}}
*{{nerf|Captain Falcon's [[gravity]] is higher (0.1027 → 0.12), slightly worsening his endurance but this makes his short hops lower and faster.}}
*{{nerf|Captain Falcon's [[air speed]] is slower (1.18 → 1.1).}}
*{{buff|Captain Falcon arguably benefits the most from the changes to hitstun cancelling, as it restores his ability to perform combos, especially with and into some of his more powerful moves.}}
*{{buff|The removal of [[chain grabbing]] improves Captain Falcon's survivability, as he is no longer vulnerable to them.}}
*{{nerf|Captain Falcon can no longer do a two-hit forward smash with [[battering item]]s, nor can he fire multiple stars at once with the [[Star Rod]].}}

===Ground attacks===
*{{buff|[[Gentleman]] has drastically more knockback (10/0 base/50/70 scaling → 70/100) and now initiates independently of the infinite strike, making it much easier to use and allows it to be skipped upon initiating the infinite, keeping it from knocking opponents out of the infinite's reach. It also has increased [[hitlag]] (1x → 1.2x), making it slightly safer on shield.}}
*{{buff|Neutral infinite now transitions into a finisher, an underhanded punch. It has surprisingly large range and high base knockback (albeit low scaling), making the infinite much safer overall.}}
*{{nerf|The first hit of [[neutral attack]] and Gentleman deal less damage (3% → 2% (neutral attack), 6%/5% → 5% (Gentleman)). Gentleman also has a slightly smaller hitbox (6.2u → 6u).}}
*{{buff|[[Dash attack]]'s clean hit deals 2% more damage (8% → 10%) along with increased knockback (80/65 base/40 scaling → 90/50) and a larger hitbox (6u/4u → 6.2u/4.8u).}}
*{{buff|[[Forward tilt]] now deals consistent base knockback when angled downward (0/10 → 10).}}
*{{nerf|Forward tilt deals less damage when not angled and angled upward (non angled: 10%/9% → 9%/8%, angled up: 11%/10% → 10%/9%).}}
*{{buff|[[Up tilt]] can now [[meteor smash]] aerial opponents if the foot is landed. The non-meteor smash hitbox now sends opponents at a higher trajectory (60°), increasing its combo usage.}}
*{{nerf|Outside of the meteor smash, up tilt's 60° trajectory weakens its KOing ability. It also deals 2% less damage (13% → 11%), though with its knockback compensated (50 base/80 scaling → 35/100), and has a slightly smaller hitbox (6.5u → 6u).}}
*{{buff|[[Down tilt]] now always sends opponents at a [[semi-spike]] trajectory (80°/40°/20° → 25°), allowing it to set up tech-chases and [[edgeguard]]s, and edgeguard effectively itself. It also has less ending lag (25 → 23 frames), and noticeably increased knockback (25 base/75 scaling → 38/80).}}
*{{nerf|Since down tilt no longer sends opponents vertically, the move has significantly decreased combo potential.}}
*{{buff|[[Forward smash]] has increased knockback (20 base/85 scaling → 24 base/95/83 scaling) and its hitbox lasts 1 frame longer (akin to ''Melee''). It also deals more damage when angled downward (18% → 20%).}}
*{{change|Forward smash has 1 frame increased start-up (18 → 19 frames), but 1 frame less ending lag to compensate (39 → 38 frames).}}
*{{buff|[[Up smash]]'s second kick has slightly increased knockback scaling (102/103/110 → 104/106/112) and more horizontal reach (4.8u → 6u).}}
*{{nerf|Up smash's first kick has slightly less damage potential (8%/8%/11%/11% → 6%/6%/11%/11%) and slightly less horizontal reach (6.72u → 6u).}}
*{{change|The first kick of up smash has altered knockback (80/100 set knockback/30 base/90 scaling → 120/140/20 set knockback/30 base/90 scaling) and angle (90°/100°/80°/90° → 95°/110°/80°/90°) properties.}}
*{{change|[[Down smash]]'s knockback properties of its two kicks have been reversed, with the back kick now being more powerful. Their hitboxes are also now uniformly direct attacks, as opposed to the first hit's interior hitbox being indirect.}}

===Aerial attacks===
*{{buff|[[Neutral aerial]] has slightly more knockback scaling (125 → 130).}}
*{{nerf|Neutral aerial has more landing lag (9 → 12 frames), being more than in ''Brawl'', but less than the non-[[L-cancel]]ed version in ''Melee''.}}
*{{buff|[[Knee Smash]] has more reliable set-ups into it at mid percents, due to up aerial's trajectory and the changes to hitstun cancelling.}}
*{{nerf|Knee Smash has heavily increased ending (40 → 46 frames) and landing lag (22 → 30 frames), and can no longer [[autocancel]] in a short hop.}}
*{{nerf|[[Back aerial]] deals 1% less damage (14% → 13%) which makes it weaker despite increased base knockback (20/0 → 25).}}
*{{buff|[[Up aerial]]'s trajectory has been reverted to its ''Super Smash Bros.'' iteration ([[Sakurai angle]]/30°/0° → 70°), making it a much better combo move.}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial's sweetspot does 2% less damage (13%/12%/12% → 11/10/10%) and the sourspot deals 1% less damage (10% → 9%).}}
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]]'s meteor hitbox is larger (4.5u → 5.9u) and now takes priority over the sourspot.}}
*{{nerf|Down aerial can no longer autocancel in a short hop.}}

===Throws/other attacks===
*{{buff|Dash grab covers significantly more ground, making it much easier for Captain Falcon to grab opponents. It also comes out faster (frame 11 → 9).}}
*{{buff|Pivot grab comes out faster (frame 16 → 12), no longer being the slowest non-tether pivot grab in the game.}}
*{{buff|Forward and down throws have less ending lag, which coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling allows them to start combos more effectively.}} 
*{{buff|[[Forward throw]] has significantly increased knockback (45 base/105 scaling → 55/120).}}
*{{buff|[[Back throw]] has significantly increased base knockback (30 → 60), now giving it potential to KO at high damages on the ledge and set-up edgeguards easier.}}
*{{buff|[[Up throw]] deals more knockback (70 base/105 scaling → 80/110), allowing it to KO floaty or lightweight characters on stages with platforms or low ceilings.}}
*{{nerf|[[Down throw]] deals slightly less damage (7% → 6%), though with its knockback compensated (75 base/34 scaling → 80/45).}}

===Special moves===
*{{nerf|Falcon Punch deals noticeably less knockback (30 base/93 scaling → 0/90) and has a smaller hitbox (5u → 4u). Both versions have also more ending lag (43 → 53 frames). These changes make it unsafe on hit at lower percentages, and an aerial non-reversed punch has less damage potential (26%/23%/22% → 22%).}}
*{{change|Falcon Punch nows moves Captain Falcon forward when the hitbox comes out. While this notably increases its range, it makes opponents' reads more punishing if it misses, along with the increased ending lag. Due to said nerf, and Falcon's fast falling speed, it is still useless for recovery. A non-reversed punch on the ground and a reversed punch in the air also deal fixed damage (23%/25%/27% → 25% (ground normal)/27%/24%/23% → 25% (air reversed)), removing the sourspots, though still not properly compensating for the aforementioned decrease in knockback.}}
*{{buff|A reversed Falcon Punch on the ground has higher damage potential (24/26/28 → 28%), making the move much more consistent and removing the sourspot.}}
*{{buff|[[Raptor Boost]] deals 2% more damage (7% → 9%/8%), sends on a different angle (80° → 85°), covers more range and has significantly increased knockback scaling (52 → 75), making it a reliable KO move below 150%. It also no longer dashes over the edge when used on the ground. The introduction of rage also makes Raptor Boost a very powerful KO move once Falcon achieves a high enough level of rage, being able to KO middleweights around 75% due to its immense base knockback and both its different launch angle and its increase in knockback scaling on the move's transition.}}
*{{nerf|Raptor Boost has more ending lag and no longer deals extra shield damage (2 → 0). Its increased knockback scaling also harms its combo ability at lower percents. The aerial version is also no longer a guaranteed meteor smash, requiring Falcon to be above an opponent and it also gives less height.}}
*{{buff|[[Falcon Dive]] has much faster start up and covers more distance while losing less momentum.}}
*{{nerf|The removal of grab armor removes the minimal protection Falcon Dive provided, making Captain Falcon easier to be edgeguarded. The animation after successfully landing Falcon Dive also has much more ending lag (45 → 61 frames).}}
*{{change|Falcon Dive has a modified animation after the attack's explosion, where Captain Falcon does a flourishing backflip before righting himself.}}
*{{buff|[[Falcon Kick]] deals significantly stronger knockback (50 base/70 scaling → 60/80) when used on the ground, with the initial hitbox now KOing under 150%. Additionally, the changes to hitstun cancelling no longer allows opponents to punish Captain Falcon for landing it at low percentages if it connects with the clean or late hitboxes.}}
*{{buff|[[Blue Falcon]] has a larger hitbox upon startup.}}

==Update history==
Captain Falcon has been slightly [[nerf]]ed in most balance patches so far, mostly to his KOing power. However, changes to the shield mechanics in [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] have indirectly buffed Falcon, as the increase in [[shieldstun]] and the application of [[hitlag]] on shields benefit many of his moves, improving his offensive playstyle.

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''
{{UpdateList/1.0.4|char=Captain Falcon}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''
*{{nerf|Down-angled forward smash's knockback has been noticeably reduced.}}
*{{change|Neutral infinite has less visual whiffs.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''
*{{buff|Non-angled and up-angled forward smash's knockback scalings have been minimally increased, now KOing about 1-2% sooner.}}
*{{nerf|Down-angled forward smash's knockback scaling has been minimally decreased, KOing about 1-2% later.}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial's knockback has been reduced while its sweetspot, sourspot and middle hitboxes all do less damage: 13%/12%/12%/10% → 11%/10%/10%/9%. This makes it a less reliable KOing option.}}
*{{buff|Up aerial's reduced knockback allows it to combo up to higher percents.}}
====Technical changelist 1.0.8====
{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed" style="text-align:center"
! Change!!Old value!!New value
|-
|Forward smash knockback scaling on non-angled and up-angled variants||94|||95
|-
|Forward smash knockback scaling on down-angled variant||84||83
|}
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
*{{nerf|Back aerial's damage reduced by 1%|14%|13%.}}
*{{nerf|Infinite jab's horizontal displacement has been reduced|5.0u/4.8u|3.0u/2.8u.}}
*{{nerf|Infinite jab's finisher's horizontal displacement has been reduced|14u|10u.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
*{{buff|Wind-Up Raptor Boost deals 1% more damage|8% ground/7% air|9%/8%.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.4]]'''
{{UpdateList/1.1.4|char=Captain Falcon}}

==Moveset==
*Captain Falcon can [[wall jump]].
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSB4
|neutralcount=3
|neutralinf=y
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutral1name=&nbsp;
|neutral2name=&nbsp;
|neutral3name=&nbsp;
|neutralinfname=&nbsp;
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral3dmg=5%
|neutralinfdmg=1% (loop), 2% (last)
|neutraldesc=Punches twice, then [[Gentleman|knee strikes the opponent]]. Alternatively, the first two punches can be followed by a series of punches, culminating in an underhand punch that has very high base knockback. 
|ftiltangles=3
|ftiltname=&nbsp;
|ftiltupdmg=10% (foot), 9% (leg)
|ftiltsidedmg=9% (foot), 8% (leg)
|ftiltdowndmg=10% (foot), 9% (leg)
|ftiltdesc=Performs a roundhouse kick.
|utiltname=&nbsp;
|utiltdmg=11%
|utiltdesc=Does an axe kick with good horizontal knockback. Can be used to continue or start combos at mid percents. It is a powerful [[meteor smash]] on aerial opponents if the heel is landed.
|dtiltname=&nbsp;
|dtiltdmg=10%
|dtiltdesc=Does a sweep kick with [[Semi-spike|horizontal knockback]]. Great for edgeguarding due to its trajectory.
|dashname=&nbsp;
|dashdmg=10% (clean), 6% (late)
|dashdesc=Shoulder tackles his opponent. It can set up an aerial attack.
|fsmashangles=3
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
|fsmashupdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}}
|fsmashsidedmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|19}}
|fsmashdowndmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|20}}
|fsmashdesc=Rears back and makes a lunging burning elbow. KOs between 90 - 100% on middleweights. Deceptively long horizontal range, as he leans forward during the animation.
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|11}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|6}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (hit 2)
|usmashdesc=Performs a spinning double hop-kick. A potent move that despite its slow start-up lag, has low ending lag and deceptive horizontal range. Its slow startup lag can also be used for surprising as well as catching opponent out of a spotdodge.
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|14}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|18}} (hit 2)
|dsmashdesc=Kicks forwards and then backwards. The back kick is more powerful and can KO at 116%.
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=4% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2)
|nairdesc=Kicks forwards twice. A decent follow-up option after a down throw. Can combo into itself or an up aerial. 
|fairname=[[Knee Smash]]
|fairdmg=19% (clean sweetspot), 6% (clean sourspot), 3% (late)
|fairdesc=Performs a knee strike that deals [[electric]] damage. It has very high knockback when sweetspotted, but is incredibly weak if sourspotted. Reliably KOs below 100% from center stage and even lower near the edge. This move has relatively quick start-up, hitting on frame 14, and low ending lag. However, it has short reach, along with a very small sweetspot that lasts for only one frame, and has very high landing lag. While hard to land, it is a safe option offstage due to its low ending lag. 
|bairname=&nbsp;
|bairdmg=13% (clean), 8% (late)
|bairdesc=A quick backhanded strike. Autocancels in a [[SHFF]]. KOs at 90% near the edge when clean. Combos into a dash attack or grab at low percents. 
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg=11%/10% (clean), 10%/9% (late)
|uairdesc=Does a flip kick with fast start-up and good all-around range (though not directly below him). Hits on frame 6, and has decently long duration, low ending lag, minimal landing lag, and auto-cancels in a short-hop, and deals very weak base knockback. All these attributes make it an excellent combo move. Depending on percent and positioning, it combos into itself and any other aerial. At mid- to high-percents, an up aerial on a grounded opponent can combo into a down aerial meteor smash, which is deadly at the ledge, or, alternatively, it can lead into a Knee Smash, almost guaranteeing a KO. It is also a decent KOing option on its own, KOing below 150% near the upper blast line, and the late hit is a weak [[semi-spike]] that is effective against opponents with poor horizontal recoveries. 
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg=14%
|dairdesc=Stomps downward. A strong meteor smash when sweetspotted at his legs, but high horizontal knockback nonetheless if sourspotted.
|grabname=&nbsp;
|grabdesc=Captain Falcon's grab range is short. However, his dash grab has deceptively high range and propels him forwards a good distance.
|pummelname=&nbsp;
|pummeldmg=2%
|pummeldesc=Knee strikes the opponent. A fairly fast pummel.
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=Punches the enemy, sending them forward. Can be followed up with a dash attack.
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
|bthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|bthrowdesc=Puts the enemy behind him and kicks them backwards. Can KO at high percentages, starting at 150%.
|uthrowname=&nbsp;
|uthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Holds the enemy up and punches them upward with his left hand.
|dthrowname=&nbsp;
|dthrowdmg=6%
|dthrowdesc=Swings the foe overhead and then slams them on the ground with a single arm. Can be followed up reliably with neutral air or up air. It is his only throw that consists of a single hit.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdesc=Does a spin on the ground to kick both sides.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdesc=Spins around to do a double kick.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdesc=Punches both sides.
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=7%
|edgedesc=Gets up and kicks with his right leg.
|nsdefname=Falcon Punch
|nsdefdmg=25% (ground), 28% (ground reverse), 22% (air), 25% (air reverse)
|nsdefdesc=Captain Falcon winds up and releases his iconic fiery punch. Inputting a direction (up or down) when charging Falcon Punch in the air will give a slight boost in that direction, and this also applies for custom variants.
|nsc1name=Falcon Dash Punch
|nsc1dmg=20%/16%/13%/11% (ground), 22%/18%/15%/13% (ground reverse), 17%/15%/13%/11% (air), 20%/18%/16%/14% (air reverse)
|nsc1desc=Captain Falcon dashes forward a fair distance forward before unleashing his Falcon Punch. Weaker than normal, especially in the later stages.
|nsc2name=Mighty Falcon Punch
|nsc2dmg=22%/18%/9%/6% (ground), 25%/18%/6% (ground reverse), 19%/18%/6% (air), 22%/18%/6% (air reverse)
|nsc2desc=Has a very large hitbox, but has less power and longer startup lag.
|ssdefname=Raptor Boost
|ssdefdmg=9% (ground), 8% (air)
|ssdefdesc=Captain Falcon dashes forward and follows up with an uppercut. Can meteor smash the opponent if below and used in the air.  Grounded version KOs reliably around 110% against middleweights.
|ssc1name=Heavy Raptor Boost
|ssc1dmg=12% (ground), 12% (air)
|ssc1desc= More starting lag and has less range, but has more power and super armor.
|ssc2name=Wind-up Raptor Boost
|ssc2dmg=9% (ground), 8% (air)
|ssc2desc=Moves backwards a bit before dashing forward, giving the move slightly slower start-up lag, but the charge is faster. Can be used for mindgames.
|usdefname=Falcon Dive
|usdefdmg=5% (hit 1), 12% (throw)
|usdefdesc=Captain Falcon attempts to grab an opponent, finishing with an explosion. If successful, he will cry "YES!!!". Does a harmless flip if the attack fails.
|usc1name=Falcon Strike
|usc1dmg=8%
|usc1desc=Jumps up and punches in the sky, damaging opponents above him. Goes higher than Falcon Dive and has more horizontal momentum, but doesn't grab opponents.
|usc2name=Explosive Falcon Dive
|usc2dmg=10% (hit 1), 15% (throw)
|usc2desc=Charges longer and doesn't go as high as Falcon Dive, but has more launching power.
|dsdefname=Falcon Kick
|dsdefdmg=13%/11%/7% (ground), 15%/13%/11% (air), 9% (landing)
|dsdefdesc=Captain Falcon bursts forward with a flaming high-speed kick. If used in the air, Captain Falcon will plunge down at a diagonal angle.  Grounded version KOs around 120% if opponent is hit at the beginning of the move. 
|dsc1name=Falcon Kick Fury
|dsc1dmg=1% (ground loop hits), 7% (ground last hit), 2% (air loop hits), 5% (air last hit), 5% (landing)
|dsc1desc= Hits multiple times, with the last hit launching the opponent. The last hit has less knockback, however. 
|dsc2name=Lightning Falcon Kick
|dsc2dmg=12%/10%/6% (ground), 14%/12%/10% (air), 4% (landing)
|dsc2desc=A fast kick that doesn't have as much power and takes slightly longer to charge, but goes right through opponents. The landing hit [[paralyze]]s opponents.
|fsname=Blue Falcon
|fsdmg=10% (hit 1), 20% (hit 2), 10% (throw)
|fsdesc=Captain Falcon calls in the Blue Falcon, which crashes through the stage in front of Captain Falcon. Whoever it hits when it first appears will be hit by the rest of the move. Characters who are not hit will stay in place until the end of the smash. A short cutscene appears, and the opponents are run over and sent flying. Like certain other Final Smashes, if no one is hit when the Blue Falcon appears, then the attack fails.
}}

===[[On-screen appearance]]===
{{appearance
|desc=The Blue Falcon spins to a stop, Captain Falcon jumps out, and then the Blue Falcon speeds off.
|char=CaptainFalcon
|game=SSB4}}

===[[Taunt]]s===
{{Taunt/SSB4
|char=CaptainFalcon
|desc-up=Charges himself up with a fiery aura, similar to when using the Falcon Punch.
|desc-side=Holds out his hand and gestures his opponent to come closer, exclaiming "Come on!".
|desc-down=Faces the camera, salutes and exclaims "Show me your moves!" (The animation is different and faster if he is facing left).}}

===[[Idle pose]]s===
{{Idle
|desc-1=Leans forward and thrusts his arm out.
|desc-2=Similar to his other idle pose, but this time crouches slightly and thrusts his elbow out.
|image-1=CaptainFalconIdlePose1WiiU.jpg
|image-2=CaptainFalconIdlePose2WiiU.jpg}}

===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{{Crowd
|char=Captain Falcon
|game=SSB4
|desc-us=[[Falcon Punch|Falcooon Punch]]!
|desc-jp=Cap-tain! Fal-con!
|pitch-us=Group chant
|pitch-jp=Group chant}}

===[[Victory pose]]s===
{{Victory/SSB4
|victory-theme=CptFalconTheme.ogg
|victory-desc=An electric guitar-based cover of the short track that would play when a character finished a race in ''{{s|fzerowiki|F-Zero GX}}''.
|desc-1=Performs two jump kicks, then does a pose.
|desc-2=Charges up fiery energy, similar to one of his ''Melee'' poses, but with fire added.
|desc-3=Does three roundhouse kicks and then strikes a pose.
|char=CaptainFalcon}}

==In [[competitive play]]==
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
{{OfficialCustomMoves
|charhead=CaptainFalcon
|char=Captain Falcon
|set1=2111
|set2=2112
|set3=2113
|set4=2121
|set5=2122
|set6=2123
|set7=2221
|set8=2211
|set9=2133
|set10=3111
}}
===Notable players===
====Active====
<!--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 them 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. Using that criteria, please refrain from adding Lythero or Stroumbert-->
*{{Sm|Fatality|USA}} - Widely considered to be the best Falcon main in the world, with wins over {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Kameme}}, and {{Sm|Marss}}. Ranked 28th on the [[Panda Global SSB4 Rankings]] and 2nd on the [[Georgia Smash 4 Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Kaze|Mexico}}
*{{Sm|Kesa|France}}
*{{Sm|Nanon|Mexico}}
*{{Sm|Ntarps|USA}} - 17th at [[KTAR XV]] and [[Shine 2016]]. He has wins on players such as {{Sm|dyr}}, {{Sm|Remzi}}, {{Sm|Pugwest}} and {{Sm|James}}.
*{{Sm|Pichi|Japan}}
*{{Sm|Saiya|Japan}}
*{{Sm|SETHsational|USA}} - Ranked 10th on the [[Michigan Smash 4 Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Souther|Japan}}
*{{Sm|Tearbear|USA}} - Ranked 18th on the [[SoCal Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, {{Sm|VoiD}}, and {{Sm|FOW}}.
*{{Sm|TraX|Luxembourg}}
*{{Sm|Tsu~|Japan}}
*{{Sm|YuriAIR|Japan}}
*{{Sm|zOmfg|Mexico}}

====Inactive====
*{{Sm|Acid|USA}}
*{{Sm|Demitus|USA}} - Was ranked 7th on the [[Chicago Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. He stopped playing Falcon in 2016.
*{{Sm|Glutonny|France}}
*{{Sm|GrimTurtle|USA}}
*{{Sm|Max Ketchum|USA}} - Was ranked 11th on the [[New Jersey Smash 4 Power Rankings]], with a notable win over {{Sm|Nairo}}. He switched to Cloud/Lucina in 2016.
*{{Sm|Trifroze|Finland}}
*{{Sm|ZeRo|Chile}} - He notably beat {{Sm|Ito}} with Captain Falcon at [[NorCal Regionals 2015]].

===Tier placement and history===
During the early lifespan of ''Smash 4'''s metagame, Captain Falcon's buffs were immediatly noticed, with the most notable of them being the heavy changes to [[hitstun]] canceling and the improved combo ability on his moves. As a result, he has always been conidered a high tier character, thanks to his quick mobility, high power, and the ability to perform heavily damaging combos and juggles with his throws and aerial moves, with his combos being quite easy to start due to his far-reaching dash grab. His representation has been strong throughout the game's lifespan, both due to his own strengths and his general popularity as a character. However, perceptions surrounding Falcon have not grown as much as other higher tiered characters than him, due to his poor recovery and difficulty escaping pressure and combos, along with receiving nerfs to his damage output and KOing ability through game updates. Players also began to cite his troublesome match-up against {{SSB4|Sheik}}, who would go on to become the perceived best character in the game for a long period of time. Despite this, his playerbase is among the largest in the entire roster, with players such as {{Sm|Acid}}, {{Sm|Fatality}}, {{Sm|Nanon}}, {{Sm|Pichi}}, {{Sm|Souther}}, {{Sm|Tearbear}}, {{Sm|ZeRo}} and {{Sm|z0mfg}} achieving strong enough tournament results with the character.

He would rank at 14th on the first iteration of the ''4BR'' [[tier list]], at the very top of the mid-tier, and then dropped six spots on the second version to 20th, though because the top-tier has been expanded, he is now ranked as a high-tier character. While his placing is a slight topic of debate due to the strengths other high- and mid-tier characters have compared to him, his current placement is usually considered to be accurate, with very few players agreeing he should be lower on the current tier list. As a result, Falcon has had the third highest rise from the ''[[Brawl]]'' tier list, and is one of the characters to have improved the most from that game.

==Trophies==

:'''Captain Falcon'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''In the F-Zero racing scene, Captain Falcon uses his Blue Falcon to win big. His origin largely a mystery, he's made his way to the Smash Bros. battlefield to prove his worth outside the cockpit. He's got speed and power, and his distinct Falcon Punch leaves a dent. Start it in the air to surprise your foes!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''We love it when this F-Zero pilot from Port Town takes a break from racing the Blue Falcon to take on challengers in brawls. His balance of speed, power and weight is spot on, and his slow but mighty Falcon Punch is oh so sweet when it finally connects. Try starting the attack in mid-air and punching your way into a frantic fray!''

{{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero (08/1991)|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX (08/2003)}}

:'''Captain Falcon (Alt.)'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Captain Falcon's default down special, Falcon Kick, is no ordinary kick—it surges forward in a fiery blaze. It's a versatile attack that moves sideways on the ground and diagonally down in the air. His forward air attack, Knee Smash, can send an enemy flying for miles if hit just right.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''The captain's Falcon Kick isn't just any old kick - it blazes either to the side or diagonally down to terrorise the enemy. Its speed also makes it top-notch for surprise attacks! Another move to try out is his forward air attack, Knee Smash. If you get as close to someone as you can before using it, it can launch hem miles!''

{{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero (08/1991)|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX (08/2003)}}

:'''Blue Falcon'''
::{{flag|ntsc}}''Captain Falcon's Final Smash lets him pull opponents into the middle of an F-Zero race-where competitors have been known to break the speed of sound-and run them over with his racing machine, the Blue Falcon. If he manages to grab you, there's no escape. The impact launches its victims diagonally upward.''

<center>
<gallery>
CaptainFalconTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
CaptainFalconAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
CaptainFalconTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
CaptainFalconAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
BlueFalconTrophyWiiU.png|[[Blue Falcon]]
</gallery>
</center>

==In [[Event Match]]es==
===Solo Events===
* '''[[All-Star Battle: Secret]]''': Captain Falcon is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are characters that have been unlockable in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.
* '''[[Bounty Hunter Clash]]''': Captain Falcon must defeat {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}} in a 2 stock battle. Afterwards, 2 {{SSB4|Villager}}s will appear and challenge the player.
* '''[[Up to Speed]]''': Captain Falcon appears as an opponent that {{SSB4|Sonic}} must defeat.

===Co-op Events===
* '''[[Full Speed Ahead]]''': Captain Falcon and {{SSB4|Sonic}} must defeat another Captain Falcon and Sonic in a high-speed stock battle.
* '''[[Sky Pirates]]''': {{SSB4|Meta Knight}} and {{SSB4|Dark Pit}} must defeat Captain Falcon and {{SSB4|Falco}} before the plane returns to the airfield.
* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

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

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Falconreveal.PNG|Captain Falcon's reveal in the ''By Book, Blade, and Crest of Flame'' trailer.
Falconrevealfull.PNG|Captain Falcon's full design in the ''By Book, Blade, and Crest of Flame'' trailer.
Captain Falcon amiibo.png|Captain Falcon's [[amiibo]].
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-1.jpg|[[Raptor Boost]] on {{SSB4|Link}}.
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-2.jpg|Using [[Falcon Punch]].
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-3.jpg|[[Knee Smash]].
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-4.jpg|[[On-screen appearance]].
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-5.jpg|[[Falcon Kick]] on {{SSB4|Mega Man}}.
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-6.jpg|About to strike {{SSB4|Robin}} with Raptor Boost.
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-7.jpg|Left-face down taunt in [[Smash Ball]] standby on [[Halberd]].
Blue Falcon.jpg|[[Blue Falcon]], Captain Falcon's [[Final Smash]], being used on {{SSB4|Yoshi}}, {{SSB4|Sheik}}, and {{SSB4|King Dedede}}.
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-9.jpg|Forward smash.
SSB4 - Captain Falcon Screen-10.jpg|Right-face down taunt with {{SSB4|Palutena}}, as well as Captain Falcon using a [[Metal Box]].
FalconNairSSB4.png|Neutral aerial on {{SSB4|Mario}}.
FalconBairSSB4.png|Back aerial.
FalconDtiltSSB4.png|Down tilt.
FalconF-Smash.png|Forward Smash on {{SSB4|Toon Link}}.
Falcon Shoryuken.png|[[Falcon Dive]] on Link.
</gallery>

==Trivia==
*The lines bordering Captain Falcon's "eyes" change depending on the costume used.
*Of all the veterans that have appeared in and retain their voice clips from ''Brawl'', Captain Falcon and {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} are the only ones to not make use of knockback sound clips that weren't used ingame in ''Brawl'' despite having them.
*Captain Falcon, {{SSB4|Yoshi}}, and {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}} are the only characters who have voice clips that have been used in all four ''Super Smash Bros.'' installments.


{{SSB4Characters}}
{{F-Zero universe}}
[[Category:Characters (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSB4)]]
[[Category:F-Zero universe]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)]]
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