Editing Captain Falcon (SSB4)

|name = Captain Falcon

|image = [[File:Captain Falcon SSB4.png|250px]]

|game = SSB4

|ssbgame1 = SSB

|ssbgame2 = SSBM

|ssbgame3 = SSBB

|tier = B

|ranking = 19

'''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}}.

{{s|wikipedia|Ryō Horikawa}}'s portrayal of Captain Falcon from ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'' were repurposed for ''Smash 4''.

Captain Falcon ranks 19th on the ''SSB4'' [[tier list]], thus going into the B tier. This is a remarkable improvement over his bottom tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 34th out of 38. Thanks to the changes to [[hitstun canceling]], Captain Falcon's lost combo game has been greatly restored. Additionally, Captain Falcon retains his rudimentary speed and power, allowing him to rush foes down with ease. When combined with his excellent endurance, Captain Falcon has a very effective neutral game, courtesy of his strong edgeguarding game, further supplemented by several renowned moves, the most notable being his forward aerial.

However, Captain Falcon has noteworthy shortcomings. Captain Falcon remains highly susceptible to combos, which are linked to his high weight, gravity, falling speed, and hurtbox. While his high air speed and air acceleration can allow him to return to a stage, Raptor Boost and Falcon Dive do not grant sufficient protection, meaning that Captain Falcon is also very vulnerable to edgeguarding himself. Captain Falcon's neutral game is also moderately hindered by his short range and lack of a projectile, making it very difficult for him to counter spacing and camping.

Captain Falcon is a tall heavyweight character. However, his mobility is nearly unconventional for his weight class: he has the 2nd fastest [[Dash|dashing speed]], the 4th fastest [[falling speed]], the 5th highest [[gravity]], the 14th fastest [[air speed]], and above average [[air acceleration]]. He also has very high jumps and wall jumps. Strangely, though, his [[Walk|walking speed]] is rather slow, and his [[traction]] is below average. Such an odd mix of traits grant him excellent mobility, yet also allow him to keep up with his opponents.

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 middling percentages, 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 percentages 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 killing at high percentages. Due to being a heavy weight, he is a proficient user of [[rage]], bolstering his already high 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 great endurance, but they also leave him 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.

Captain Falcon has been significantly [[buff]]ed from ''Brawl'', in which he was a bottom-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 canceling]], 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 much better in comparison with his ''Brawl'' incarnation, he is still considered to be slightly inferior to his ''Melee'' incarnation. However, these nerfs are minuscule compared to the massive buffs he received, and as such, not only is one of the few characters to get truly buffed in the transition to ''Smash 4'', but he is also one of the most improved characters in the game, alongside {{SSB4|Mario}}, {{SSB4|Luigi}}, {{SSB4|Bowser}}, {{SSB4|Sheik}}, {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, and {{SSB4|Sonic}}.

*{{change|Captain Falcon has a brighter color scheme overall in ''SSB4'', which matches his appearance in the ''F-Zero'' series. His racing suit and boots are tighter, which make his model more well-defined and muscular than in ''Brawl''. His dimples are also more pronounced, and the "eyes" on his visors are smaller. The visors are also opaque. He has also lost the hair on the back of his head.}}

*{{change|Captain Falcon's green [[alternate costume]] has been updated. His helmet and racing suit are now jungle green instead of chartreuse green and goldenrod, respectively. Additionally, the falcon on his helmet is now gold instead of beige, and lastly, his scarf is now red instead of pink. Captain Falcon has also received two new alternate costumes.}}

*{{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''.}}

*{{buff|Captain Falcon [[walk]]s faster (0.85 → 0.94).}}

*{{buff|Captain Falcon [[dash]]es faster (2.18 → 2.32), slightly surpassing his ''Melee'' dashing speed.}}

**{{nerf|However, his initial dash is much slower (2.05 → 1.7), no longer being the second fastest in the game.}}

*{{change|Captain Falcon's [[gravity]] is higher (0.1027 → 0.12). This allows him to land more safely and improves his ground-to-air transitioning, but makes him more susceptible to combos, hinders his endurance and reduces the height of his [[jump]]s.}}

*{{buff|Captain Falcon's [[air acceleration]] is faster (0.06 → 0.075), going from the 10th slowest in the game to around average.}}

*{{buff|Captain Falcon greatly benefits from the changes to [[hitstun canceling]] and [[Directional Influence]], as it heavily improves his combo potential, especially with and into some of his more powerful moves.}}

**{{nerf|However, this also makes him more susceptible to combos and hinders his endurance as he can no longer make use of [[momentum canceling]].}}

*{{buff|The removal of [[chain grabbing]] significantly improves Captain Falcon's survivability, as he is no longer vulnerable to them.}}

*{{nerf|[[Spot dodge]] has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 2-20 → 3-18).}}

*{{buff|Captain Falcon's [[item]] toss is stronger (1 → 1.013333).}}

*[[Neutral attack]]:

**{{nerf|Neutral attack's first hit deals less damage (3% → 2%).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit has more ending lag (FAF 16 → 18).}}

**{{change|Neutral attack's second hit can now either transition into the [[Gentleman]] (the third hit) only, or skip to the neutral infinite if the attack button is pressed repeatedly, rather than only being able to transition into the third hit which can then lead into the infinite.}}

***{{buff|This makes the move much more versatile, allowing the player to either quickly launch opponent away with the Gentleman, or rack up more damage with the infinite.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also hinders neutral attack's damage racking potential, as the third hit can no longer lead into the infinite.}}

**{{buff|To support its separation from the infinite, the third hit launches opponents at a consistent angle (70° (clean)/[[Sakurai angle|361°]] (late) → 361°) and it deals drastically higher knockback (10/0 (base), 50/70 (scaling) → 70/100), with the move now being a viable KO option near horizontal blastzones.}}

**{{buff|The third hit's knee hitbox is now static and it has been moved further away from Captain Falcon, improving its range.}}

**{{nerf|The third hit deals less damage compared to its previous clean counterpart (6% (clean)/5% (late) → 5%).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has a shorter duration (frame 6-7 (clean)/8-9 (late) → 6-8).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit's knee hitbox is slightly smaller compared to its previous clean counterpart (6.2u → 6u) and the back leg hitbox has been removed.}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has a higher [[hitlag]] multiplier (1× → 1.2×), making it easier to [[DI]].}}

**{{buff|The infinite launches opponents at higher angles (361°/361°/90° → 85°/75°/90°) and it deals more knockback (0 (base), 50/20 (scaling) → (15/8)/(50/30)), making it connect more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The infinite has a much lower hitlag multiplier (1× → 0.3×) along with a lower [[SDI]] multiplier (1x → 0.7x), making it much more difficult to escape from.}}

**{{change|The infinite's previous body hitbox has now become a static hitbox in front of Captain Falcon. This gives the move less range inside of Captain Falcon but it also gives the move more consistent vertical range.}}

***{{buff|This hitbox is slightly larger (4u → 4.2u).}}

**{{nerf|The infinite deals lower consistent damage (2% (near)/1% (far) → 1%).}}

**{{buff|The infinite has received a finisher, an underhanded punch which deals 2% and high horizontal knockback at lower percents.}}

**{{nerf|The finisher has much more ending lag than the previous ending animation (FAF 10 → 40).}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt has less ending lag when not angled and when angled downward (FAF 37 (non-angled)/32 (down) → 32/31).}}

**{{buff|The down angled version's far hitboxes have increased base knockback (0 → 10).}}

**{{nerf|The back hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1× → 1.2×), making it easier to DI.}}

**{{buff|Neutral aerial's second hit has slightly increased knockback scaling (125 → 130), improving its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|The changes to hitstun canceling and DI significantly improve the second hit's combo potential.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial has more landing lag (9 frames → 12).}}

**{{nerf|The foot hitbox has been moved closer to Captain Falcon on both hits (x/y offsets: 0/4 → 3.9/0.7), slightly reducing neutral aerial's range.}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial's late hit's knee hitbox is slightly larger (4.5u → 4.7u).}}

**{{buff|The changes to shields have significantly improved the sweetspot's shield pressuring potential despite the move's increased landing lag, with its extreme hitlag no longer heavily hindering its safety on shield.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a shorter initial [[auto-cancel]] window (frames 1-6 → 1-4).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial auto-cancels later (frame 35 → 42), no longer doing so in a short hop.}}

**{{nerf|The back hitbox is smaller (4u (clean)/4.3u (late) → 3u (both)) and it is now positioned right behind the knee hitbox rather than on Captain Falcon's back leg. The reduces the move's range behind Captain Falcon in addition to not making the clean sweetspot any easier to land.}}

**{{buff|Back aerial has consistent and higher base knockback (20/0 → 25), improving the near hitboxes' and the late hit's KO potential.}}

**{{buff|The universal increase to [[shieldstun]] has noticeably benefitted back aerial, as the clean hit is now completely safe on shield against 90% of the cast if Captain Falcon lands perfectly with it and the move becomes completely unpunishable on shield if Captain Falcon perfectly auto-cancels the move.}}

**{{change|Up aerial's clean hit now launches opponents vertically (361° → 70°), similar to its ''Smash 64'' counterpart.}}

***{{buff|This siginificantly improves its combo potential at higher percents when combined with the changes to hitstun canceling and DI, with the move notably being able to combo into itself and even into a forward aerial.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also considerably hinders its edgeguarding potential, as well as its followup potential into itself at lower percents.}}

**{{change|Up aerial's hitboxes have slightly altered positions, with the leg hitbox being positioned lower (x/y/z offsets: 0/-3.2/-2 → 3.2/2.1/0) while the feet hitbox is positioned higher (x/y/z offsets: 0/-6/-2 → 6.2/0.9/-0.4).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial deals less damage (13%/12% (clean)/12%/10% (late) → (11%/10%)/(10%/9%)), with only a slight increase to its base knockback (10 (clean), 8 (late) → 16/10), hindering its KO potential.}}

***{{buff|However, this also improves its combo potential at higher percents.}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial auto-cancels later (frame 22 → 24).}}

*[[Down aerial]]:

**{{buff|Down aerial's foot hitbox is noticeably larger (4.5u → 5.9u).}}

**{{buff|The removal of [[meteor canceling]], significantly improves down aerial's edgeguarding potential, especially since its power was unchanged.}}

***{{buff|The removal of meteor canceling also allows the foot hitbox to [[lock]] opponents. This greatly improves the move's combo potential as Captain Falcon can abuse this lock to set up a [[footstool]] to put opponents into an untechable bound where Captain Falcon can either lock with the down aerial at lower percents to set up into a neutral aerial for another footstool or (when combined with the changes to hitstun canceling and DI), launch the opponent with an untechable down aerial meteor smash at higher percents to footstool the opponent again to continuously reset the situation right up until the opponent is at KO percents}}

**{{change|Down aerial now uses static hitboxes. This gives the move more consistent range below Captain Falcon but reduces it range above Captain Falcon during its later frames.}}

**{{nerf|Due to Captain Falcon's higher gravity, down aerial can no longer auto-cancel in a short hop, significantly hindering its approach potential.}}

**{{buff|Dash and especially pivot grab have less startup lag (frame 11 (dash)/16 (pivot) → 9/12), with pivot grab no longer being the slowest non extended/tether pivot grab.}}

***{{buff|In addition to this Dash grab's total duration was compensated (FAF 40 → 38).}}

**{{buff|All grabs extend further outwards (z offset: 7.2 (standing)/8.8 (dash)/-12 (pivot) → z stretch: 9.7/12.2/-16.2), improving their range.}}

***{{buff|In addition to this, dash grab has a new animation where Captain Falcon slides much further forwards. This greatly improves its range.}}

****{{buff|Furthermore, the momentum from the dash grab is retained after Captain Falcon grabs the opponent, which notably benefits his forward and down throws.}}

**{{nerf|Standing and pivot grab have more ending lag (FAF 30 (standing)/36 (pivot) → 31/37).}}

**{{nerf|All grabs are smaller (4.8u → 3.3u (standing/pivot)/2.6u (dash) and they do not extend as far inside of Captain Falcon (z offset: 2.2 (standing)/-2.4 (dash)/-2.5 (pivot) → 4/4/-4) reducing their range above and inside of Captain Falcon.}}

***{{nerf|When combined with dash grab's new animation, this makes dash grab more prone to whiffing when used close to an opponent.}}

*{{nerf|The changes to aerial [[grab release]]s hinder Captain Falcon moreso than almost any other returning veteran as they remove all the guaranteed followups out of an aerial grab release on any character he had in Brawl (as opposed to having multiple followups against most of the cast) while not significantly decreasing his own susceptibility to them.}}

**{{buff|Forward throw deals more knockback (45 (base), 105 (scaling) → 55/120), improving its KO potential.}}

***{{buff|This is further complimented by the changes to dash grab, which allows Captain Falcon to slide along the stage to get closer to the horizontal blastzone to allow for earlier KOes.}}

**{{buff|Back throw has significantly increased base knockback (30 → 60), improving its KO potential and allowing it to set up edgeguards more effectively.}}

**{{change|The far hitbox's placement has been altered (x/y/z offset → 1/7/0 → 6.8/-1.2/1.5).}}

**{{buff|Up throw deals more knockback (70 (base), 105 (scaling) → 80/110), improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage (7% → 6%) and more knockback (75 (base), 34 (scaling) → 80/45), hindering its followup potential at higher percents.}}

***{{buff|However, the changes to hitstun canceling and DI have drastically improved the throw's combo potential despite this, with the throw now being a completely reliable combo starter, especially when combined with the changes to dash grab.}}

***{{nerf|However, back floor attack's total duration was not fully compensated (FAF 50 → 46), giving it more ending lag.}}

**{{nerf|Trip attack has less intangibility (frames 1-8 → 1-7).}}

**{{buff|Falcon Punch can no longer be SDIed (SDI multiplier: 1× → 0×).}}

**{{buff|The grounded reversed version deals consistent damage (28% (middle)/26% (near)/24% (far) → 28% (all)).}}

**{{change|The aerial reversed version deals consistent damage (27% (middle)/24% (near)/23% (far) → 25% (all)). This makes the far and close hitboxes more damaging but it also makes the middle hitbox weaker.}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Punch has more ending lag (FAF 100 (normal)/108 (reversed) → 110/118), making an already incredibly punishable move even more punishable.}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Punch deals noticeably less knockback (30 (base), 93 (scaling) → 0/90). This not only hinders its KO potential (especially when combined with its lower damage on certain hitboxes) but this also makes the move highly punishable on hit at lower percents.}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Punch has a higher hitlag multiplier (1x → 1.5x), making it easier to DI.}}

**{{nerf|Excluding the aerial version's far hitbox, Falcon Punch has smaller hitboxes (5u/3.5u/3.5u → 4u/2.5u/3.4u (grounded)/4.6u/2.875u (aerial)).}}

***{{nerf|In addition to this, the aerial version's far hitbox has been moved closer to Captain Falcon (x offset: -4 → 3.4), reducing its range.}}

**{{nerf|The grounded version deals consistent damage (27% (middle)/25% (near)/23% (far) → 25% (all)). While this makes the far hitbox more damaging, this also makes the middle hitbox weaker, hindering the move overall.}}

**{{nerf|The aerial version deals consistent damage (26% (middle)/23% (near)/22% (far) → 22% (all)), making the near and especially the middle hitbox weaker.}}

*[[Raptor Boost]]:

**{{buff|Grounded Raptor Boost's attack deals more damage (7% → 9%), more shield damage (2 → 4), launches opponents at a higher angle (80° → 85°), and has increased knockback scaling (52 → 75), greatly improving its KO potential to the point where it is now a viable and decently strong KO option.}}

**{{buff|Captain Falcon no longer dashes off edges when using grounded Raptor Boost, making it safer to use.}}

**{{nerf|Raptor Boost has a much higher hitlag multiplier (1x → 2x).}}

**{{nerf|Grounded Raptor Boost's attack has a smaller hitbox (8u → 7u).}}

**{{nerf|Grounded Raptor Boost's attack has more ending lag (FAF 25 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|Aerial Raptor Boost's arm hitbox is smaller (4u → 3u) and it has been moved closer to Captain Falcon (x offset: -2 → -1).}}

**{{nerf|Aerial Raptor Boost's arm hitbox against grounded opponents now works against both grounded and aerial opponents, with the previous aerial arm hitbox being removed. This means that aerial raptor boost no longer consistently meteor smashes aerial opponents (270° → 60°/275°), hindering its reliability.}}

***{{nerf|In addition to this, the arm hitbox now takes priority over the hand hitbox (ID# 1/3 → 0), further hindering the move's reliability against aerial opponents.}}

*[[Falcon Dive]]:

**{{buff|Falcon Dive's far grabbox has been moved marginally further away from Captain Falcon (z offset: 13.65 → 13.7).}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Dive launches opponents at a higher angle (361° → 50°). While this does improves its KO potential near the upper blastzone, this also hinders its overall KO and edgeguarding potential, as well as making it more susceptible to DI.}}

**{{nerf|The removal of grab armor removes the minimal protection Falcon Dive provided, making Falcon Dive safer to challenge.}}

**{{buff|The grounded version's clean hit deals much more knockback (50 (base), 70 (scaling) → 60/80), significantly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Captain Falcon slows down less after hitting an opponent with grounded Falcon Kick (0.66x → 0.8x).}}

**{{buff|The landing hit has less startup lag (frame 2 → 1).}}

**{{change|Captain Falcon now retains some forwards momentum after finishing grounded Falcon Kick.}}

**{{nerf|The grounded version has more startup (frame 15 → 18) and ending lag (FAF 70 → 74).}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Kick has more landing lag (45 frames → 48).}}

**{{nerf|The grounded version's mid hit launches opponents at a less favorable angle (85° → 68°).}}

**{{nerf|The grounded version now has one extended hitbox rather than three normal hitboxes. This hitbox is smaller than the previous largest hitbox (4.8u/3.3u/2.5u → 3.8u (clean)/3.2u (mid/late)) and it overall has less horizontal range, both in front of and behind Captain Falcon.}}

**{{nerf|Falcon Kick can no longer be [[edge cancel]]ed.}}

**{{nerf|The aerial version's clean hit has lower knockback scaling (70 → 65).}}

**{{nerf|The aerial version no longer has an upper hitbox. This reduces the move's range above Captain Falcon, especially with the clean hit due to the clean hit retaining a normal hitbox.}}

***{{nerf|The mid and late hits now use extended hitboxes however, they are smaller (5.76u/4.8u → 5u) and they do not have as much vertical range as the previous upper hitbox.}}

**{{nerf|Captain Falcon now plummets at a much faster speed after using aerial Falcon Kick, significantly hindering its safety off stage.}}

**{{buff|Blue Falcon now slows opponents down on startup (0.25x speed for 30 frames), significantly reducing the move's relative startup lag.}}

**{{bugfix|[[Blue Falcon#Glitches|Various glitches involving Blue Falcon]] have been removed.}}

Captain Falcon was slightly [[nerf]]ed throughout balance patches, mostly to his KO 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.

*{{nerf|Down-angled forward smash has significantly lower knockback scaling (94 → 84), hindering its KO potential despite its lower launch angle (40° → 38°).}}

**{{buff|Up and non-angled forward smash have marginally higher knockback scaling (94 → 95).}}

**{{nerf|Down-angled forward smash has marginally lower knockback scaling (84 → 83).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial deals less damage (13%/12% (clean)/12%/10% (late) → (11%/10%)/(10%/9%)), hindering its KO potential despite its increased base knockback (10 (clean)/8 (late) → 16/10).}}

***{{buff|However, this also improves up aerial's combo potential at higher percents.}}

 

*{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (14% → 13%), hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral infinite finisher's has reduced horizontal range (z offset/stretch: 14/19 → 10/15).}}

*{{buff|Wind-Up Raptor Boost deals more damage (8% (ground)/7% (air) → 9%/8%).}}

|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jabu}}) / Straight ({{ja|ストレート|Sutorēto}}) / Kneebutt ({{ja|ニーバット|Nībatto}}) / Mach Punch ({{ja|マッハパンチ|Mahha Panchi}}) / Body Blow ({{ja|ボディブロー|Bodi Burō}})

|neutraldesc=Two straight punches followed by [[Gentleman|a knee strike]]. Alternatively, the first two punches can be followed by a series of punches, culminating in an underhand punch that has very high base knockback. The infinite and underhand punch have deceptively high range.

|ftiltname=Round Kick ({{ja|ラウンドキック|Raundo Kikku}})

|ftiltdesc=A roundhouse kick. Can be [[angle]]d, which increases its damage. Useful for spacing and [[lock]]ing.

|utiltname=Wheel Kick ({{ja|ホイールキック|Hoīru Kikku}})

|utiltdesc=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, colloquially referred to as the "Heel of Shame". However, it has very slow startup for a tilt.

|dtiltname=Sprawl Kick ({{ja|スプロールキック|Supurōru Kikku}})

|dtiltdesc=A sweep kick with [[Semi-spike|horizontal knockback]]. Great for edgeguarding due to its trajectory, but has noticeable startup.

|dashname=Turbo Shoulder ({{ja|ターボショルダー|Tābo Shorudā}})

|dashdesc=A shoulder tackle. Useful for punishing landings due to its distance covered, and can be used to set up an aerial attack.

|fsmashname=Overheat Elbow ({{ja|オーバーヒートエルボー|Ōbāhīto Erubō}})

|fsmashdesc=Rears back and performs a lunging elbow strike with a [[flame]] effect. It has deceptively long horizontal range due to Captain Falcon leaning forward, and boasts enough knockback to KO middleweights between 90% and 100% from the center of {{SSB4|Final Destination}}. However, it has slow startup and high ending lag.

|usmashname=Dual Edge ({{ja|デュアルエッジ|Duaru Ejji}})

|usmashdesc=Performs a spinning double hop-kick. A potent move that despite its slow startup, has low ending lag and deceptive horizontal range. Both hits deal more damage at the upper portion of Captain Falcon's leg. At low to mid percents, it can combo into an up aerial against fast-fallers.

|dsmashname=Front & Back Kick ({{ja|フロント＆バックキック|Furonto ando Bakku Kikku}})

|dsmashdesc=Kicks forwards and then backwards. The back kick is more powerful, KOing middleweights under 110% from center stage.

|nairname=Rotary Kick ({{ja|ロータリーキック|Rōtarī Kikku}})

|nairdesc=Kicks forwards twice. A decent follow-up option after a down throw. Can combo into itself or an up aerial, as well as a neutral attack or grab by connecting only the first hit and quickly landing with the move.

|fairname=[[Knee Smash]] ({{ja|ストライキングニー|Sutoraikingu Nī}}, ''Striking Knee'')

|fairdesc=A knee strike. It has very high knockback and an [[electric]] effect if sweetspotted, but is incredibly weak if sourspotted. Reliably KOs below 90% from center stage and even earlier near the edge, and is the strongest forward aerial in the game, while having only moderate startup and ending lag. However, it has short reach, along with a very small sweetspot that lasts for only one frame, possesses very high landing lag, and cannot autocancel in a short hop, making it extremely difficult to sweetspot without set-ups.

|bairname=Back Knuckle ({{ja|バックナックル|Bakku Nakkuru}})

|bairdesc=A quick backhanded strike. Has low landing lag with decent range, and autocancels in a [[SHFF]], so it is one of Captain Falcon's best approach options. It can also combo into a dash attack or grab on landing at low percents, and has respectable power, KOing middleweights at around 135% from center stage when clean.

|uairname=Overhead Kick ({{ja|オーバーヘッドキック|Ōbāheddo Kikku}})

|uairdesc=A flip kick. Has fast startup with a decently long duration, good all-around range (though not directly below him), low ending lag, minimal landing lag, low base knockback and autocancels in a short hop. 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 Knee Smash, usually 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. Captain Falcon can also land with an up aerial after hitting an opponent with Falcon Dive, as he sustains less landing lag than the [[RCO lag]] he would sustain otherwise.

|dairname=Stampede Bomb ({{ja|スタンピードボム|Sutanpīdo Bomu}})

|dairdesc=Stomps downward. A strong meteor smash when sweetspotted at his legs, but deals high horizontal knockback nonetheless if sourspotted. It can notably lock opponents at low to mid percents.

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|grabdesc=Reaches out with a backhanded swing. Captain Falcon's grab range is short, but his dash grab has deceptively long range due to propelling him a long distance forward.

|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})

|fthrowname=Short Body Blow ({{ja|ショートボディブロー|Shōto Bodi Burō}})

|fthrowdesc=Punches the enemy, sending them forward. Can be followed up with a dash attack. It can also lead into a [[pivot]]ed forward tilt lock at low percents, but this only works if the opponent misses their [[tech]].

|bthrowname=Striking Throw ({{ja|ストライキングスルー|Sutoraikingu Surū}})

|bthrowdesc=Puts the enemy behind him and kicks them backwards. Can KO at high percentages near the edge, starting at 150%.

|uthrowname=Rising Flat ({{ja|ライジングフラット|Raijingu Furatto}})

|dthrowname=Head Crush ({{ja|ヘッドクラッシュ|Heddo Kurasshu}})

|dthrowdesc=Swings the foe overhead and then slams them on the ground with a single arm. Can be followed up reliably with neutral air, up air and Knee Smash. It is his only throw that consists of a single hit and is weight dependent.

|nsdefdesc=-Winds up and releases his iconic fiery punch. Turning around while using the move increases its power, but slightly increases its startup lag, while landing an aerial punch lowers its power. Inputting a direction (up or down) when charging Falcon Punch in the air will give a slight boost in that direction, which also applies for custom variants.

|nsc2desc=Has a very large hitbox that lasts a while, but has less power and longer startup lag. Late hits do much lower knockback.

|ssdefdesc=Dashes forward, performing an uppercut on the ground if an opponent is in range, or a downswing in the air. The grounded version can KO middleweights at around 125% without rage, while the aerial version can meteor smash opponents below Captain Falcon.

|ssc1desc= More startup time and travels a low distance, but has more power and super armor.

|ssc2name=Wind-Up Raptor Boost

|ssc2desc=Moves backwards a bit before dashing forward. The charge is faster and the move has negligible endlag in the air, but the resultant animation increases its startup lag and reduces its travel distance, while the move is additionally weaker. Can be used for mindgames.

|usdefdesc=Leaps upward and grabs any opponent that comes in range, launching them away with an explosion. If successful, Captain Falcon will flip backward while shouting "YES!", and can use the move again instead of becoming [[helpless]].

|usc1desc=Jumps up and punches in the sky, damaging opponents above him. Travels higher than Falcon Dive and grants very high air acceleration during the move. Can be used as a combo finisher, but doesn't grab opponents and has less horizontal momentum.

|usc2desc=Charges longer and doesn't go as high as Falcon Dive, but has much more launching power.

|dsdefdesc=Bursts forward with a flaming high-speed kick. If used in the air, he will plunge down at a diagonal angle. The grounded version launches vertically and KOs middleweights at around 120% when clean, while the aerial version launches horizontally and has a landing hitbox.

|dsc1desc= Hits multiple times, with the last hit launching the opponent. The last hit has less knockback, however.

|dsc2desc=A faster-moving kick that is much weaker and has more startup, but goes right through opponents. Using it in midair stalls Captain Falcon when the move completes. The landing hit [[paralyze]]s opponents.

|fsdesc=Calls in the Blue Falcon, which crashes through the stage in front of him. Should it hit an opponent, a short cutscene plays where they are run over and sent flying. Characters who are not hit will stay in place until the end of the move. Like certain other Final Smashes, if no one is hit when the Blue Falcon appears, the attack fails.

 

|desc=The Blue Falcon spins to a stop, Captain Falcon jumps out, and then the Blue Falcon speeds off. Uniquely, Captain Falcon's jumping animation will differ based on facing direction (a simple vaulting jump if facing right, and a front flip if facing left).

|desc-up=Charges himself up with a fiery aura, similar to Falcon Dive's startup.

|desc-side=Briefly pulls back his arm before thrusting it out and gesturing his opponent to come closer, exclaiming "Come on!".

|desc-down=Gives a salute to his right side while saying "Show me your moves!" When facing left, Captain Falcon extends his saluting arm behind him; this also shortens the taunt.}}

===Most historically significant players===

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*{{Sm|Sean|USA|p=Florida}} - One of the best Captain Falcon players in the United States. He was in contention for second best in the country behind Fatality after a impressive run in 2017, when he defeated many top players such as {{Sm|Mr. E}} and {{Sm|Tsu}}, and notably placed well at different events with 7th at {{Trn|Too Hot to Handle}}, 9th at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2017}}.

During the early lifespan of ''Smash 4'''s metagame, Captain Falcon's buffs were immediately 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 considered 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, then dropped six spots on the second tier list to 20th, and dropped once again to 23rd on the third tier list. However, the change in the arrangement of the tiers caused him to be ranked more positively than in the initial tier list. However, his tier placement became a topic of debate amongst players, due to the recent appearances of many noteworthy results. Most notably, {{Sm|Fatality}} placed 2nd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], which is one of the largest ''Smash 4'' tournaments to date. Afterwards he went on to decisively eliminate {{sm|ZeRo}} from [[MomoCon 2017]], even while ZeRo counterpicked. This had him rise to 19th on the fourth and current tier list. Overall, 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.

==In Solo Modes==

===[[All-Star Mode]]===

In All-Star Mode, Captain Falcon is fought in Stage 3 in the 3DS version or Stage 5 in the Wii U version alongside {{SSB4|Yoshi}}, {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Pit}}, {{SSB4|Mega Man}}, {{SSB4|Palutena}}, and {{SSB4|Ryu}}.

* '''[[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.

* '''[[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.

SSB4-3DS Congratulations Classic Captain Falcon.png|Classic Mode

SSB4-3DS Congratulations All-Star Captain Falcon.png|All-Star Mode

====Wii U====

SSB4-Wii U Congratulations Classic Captain Falcon.png|Classic Mode

SSB4-Wii U Congratulations All-Star Captain Falcon.png|All-Star Mode

==[[Trophies]]==

Captain Falcon's default trophy is obtained by clearing Classic Mode as Captain Falcon. His alternate trophy is obtained by clearing All-Star Mode as Captain Falcon in the 3DS version or purchasing it in the Trophy Shop for 1000G in the Wii U version. The Blue Falcon trophy is obtained only in the Wii U version by clearing All-Star Mode as Captain Falcon.

|desc-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!

|desc-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!

|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero|release1=08/1991|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX|release2=08/2003}}

|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero|release1=06/1992|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX|release2=10/2003}}

}}

{{clrl}}

|name=Captain Falcon (Alt.)

|image-3ds=CaptainFalconAltTrophy3DS.png

|image-wiiu=CaptainFalconAltTrophyWiiU.png

|mode=Alt

|desc-3ds-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.

|desc-wiiu-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 front air attack, Knee Smash, can send an enemy flying for miles if landed just right.

|desc-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 them miles!

|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero|release1=08/1991|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX|release2=08/2003}}

|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=SNES|game1=F-Zero|release1=06/1992|console2=GCN|game2=F-Zero GX|release2=10/2003}}

{{clrl}}

 

|desc-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.

|desc-pal=Captain Falcon's Final Smash lets him pull opponents into the middle of an F-Zero race – where competitors have been known to reach speeds of 1,500km/h – 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 upwards.

|colspan=8|[[File:Captain Falcon Palette (SSB4).png|link=Palette swap (SSB4)#Captain Falcon]]

*Of all the veterans that have appeared in and retain their voice clips from ''Brawl'', Captain Falcon, {{SSB4|Link}}, and {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} are the only ones to not make use of knockback voice clips that weren't used in-game 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 five ''Super Smash Bros.'' installments.

[[Category:Captain Falcon (SSB4)| ]]