Editing Donkey Kong (SSBU)

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Donkey Kong retains his gorilla-like grunts and roars from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', instead of using his voice actor, Takashi Nagasako.
Donkey Kong retains his gorilla-like grunts and roars from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', instead of using his voice actor, Takashi Nagasako.


Donkey Kong is ranked 68th out of 82 on the current tier list, placing him in the D+ tier. This is a significant drop from his 22nd out of 54 placement in ''SSB4'', and it is his worst placement in the series to date. Donkey Kong has surprisingly good mobility for a superheavyweight, having both a good dash and air speed, while possessing good KO power fitting for his weight class. He has the highest amount of conventional [[meteor smash]]es by default (forward and down aerials, [[Headbutt]] and [[Hand Slap]]), which gives him many options to net early kills on recovering opponents. His down tilt has a chance to trip; his up tilt is a solid anti air that can kill at high percents, his forward tilt is a good spacing tool, and his dash attack is a long-reaching, general-purpose move that has late-hit combo potential. His aerials are all good as they serve their purpose in Donkey Kong's strong advantage state, with back aerial as a good walling and edgeguarding option, up air as a strong juggling and KO tool, and neutral aerial as a good get-off-me or landing option. Donkey Kong also possesses one of the best throws in the game with his cargo throw, which works exceptionally well against characters with poor to mediocre recoveries, and can also net early KOs while on platforms. His specials are also effective: [[Giant Punch]] can now be used in the air without becoming [[helpless]]; Headbutt can punish overuse of shields and can [[armor]] through opposing attacks; grounded [[Spinning Kong]] has armor and functions as a powerful kill move and [[out of shield]] option; and Hand Slap can be used to set up for kill confirms and deny grounded approaches.
Donkey Kong is ranked 68th out of 82 on the current tier list, placing him in the D+ tier. This is a significant drop from his 22nd out of 54 placement in ''SSB4''. Donkey Kong has surprisingly good mobility for a superheavyweight, having both a good dash and air speed. He also has a strong set of normals in his moveset. His down tilt has a chance to trip; his up tilt is a solid anti air that can kill at high percents, and his forward tilt is a good spacing tool. His aerials are all good as they serve their purpose in Donkey Kong's strong advantage state, with back aerial as a good walling and edgeguarding option, up air as a strong juggling and KO tool, down aerial and forward aerial for spiking opponents offstage, and neutral aerial as a good get off me or landing option. Donkey Kong also possesses one of the best throws in the game with Kong Karry, which is a reason why he does well against a lot of characters with poor to mediocre recoveries. His specials are also improved as [[Giant Punch]] became a more viable move to challenge opponents; [[Headbutt]] has the ability to break shields; [[Spinning Kong]] can be a useful kill move, even an out of shield option with precise use; and [[Hand Slap]] can be used to set up for kill confirms.


Despite his strong advantage state, Donkey Kong is held back by notable flaws, the biggest being his disadvantage, which is among the worst in the game. He has one of the largest hurtboxes, and many of his limb-based moves lose [[intangibility]] once their hitboxes cease, meaning Donkey Kong is frequently in danger of being clipped by attacks compared to other fighters. He also has little to no option to escape from combos due to his frame 4 air dodge, and not having many moves that are fast enough to combo break, while most of his out-of-shield options are too slow or high-risk. As a result, this makes him one of the easiest characters to juggle. Alongside this, Donkey Kong has a lackluster and risky [[neutral game]], as many of his attacks have high ending lag and a decent chunk of them are unsafe on hit at low percents. His recovery is also one of the most exploitable in the game, as a simple spike is enough for Donkey Kong to quickly lose his stock, since [[Spinning Kong]] offers very little vertical distance.
Donkey Kong has a lot of flaws to counteract his strengths. Despite having a strong advantage state, his disadvantage state is among one of the worst in the game. Donkey Kong has little to no option to escape from combos due to his frame 4 air dodge, and not having many moves that are fast enough to combo break. As a result, this makes him one of the easiest characters to juggle. DK has a lackluster and risky [[neutral game]], as many of his attacks have high ending lag and a decent chunk of them are unsafe on hit at low percents, while most of his out-of-shield options are too slow or difficult to be reliable. With his fastest in [[Donkey Kong (SSBU)/Up special|up special]] demanding tight timing out of a jump. His recovery is also one of the most exploitable in the game, as a simple spike is enough for Donkey Kong to quickly lose his stock, since [[Spinning Kong]] offers very little vertical distance.


Overall, Donkey Kong is a speedy heavyweight with unique tools and the potential to convert a single throw into early KOs; however, his disadvantage state means a simple mistake can make it hard for him to keep the pressure on. Although historically an unpopular character in competitive play, dedicated players such as {{Sm|ChunkyKong}}, {{Sm|Rarikkusu}} and {{Sm|HIKARU}} have regularly achieved high placements and great wins with the character, improving his representation and perception as time went on.
Donkey Kong is a character who can do a lot of damage and get early KOs but one simple mistake might make it hard for him to get back into the game. He has seen some results from players, such as {{Sm|ChunkyKong}} and {{Sm|HIKARU}}, taking him decently far in tournaments.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
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His biggest buff, however, comes from a vastly improved forward throw (cargo throw), which is much harder to mash out of and has had its cargo throws' properties improved; this grants him much more options and turns it into his most versatile throw, and arguably the best throw in the game overall. His [[dash attack]] also has less ending lag, giving him another combo starter if the late hit is landed and making it much safer if shielded. Donkey Kong's already impressive KO power has been further increased as well, as most of his moves deal more knockback. Further miscellaneous buffs include [[up smash]]'s previously infamous hitboxes being larger, making the move much easier to land.
His biggest buff, however, comes from a vastly improved forward throw (cargo throw), which is much harder to mash out of and has had its cargo throws' properties improved; this grants him much more options and turns it into his most versatile throw, and arguably the best throw in the game overall. His [[dash attack]] also has less ending lag, giving him another combo starter if the late hit is landed and making it much safer if shielded. Donkey Kong's already impressive KO power has been further increased as well, as most of his moves deal more knockback. Further miscellaneous buffs include [[up smash]]'s previously infamous hitboxes being larger, making the move much easier to land.


Finally, Donkey Kong also benefits from some of the universal changes, as his already great mobility has improved from faster walking and dashing speeds, the universal 3-frame jumpsquat change improves his ground-to-air [[out of shield]] game and allows him for with combo opportunities, and the increased [[shieldstun]] and reduced [[landing lag]] on aerial attacks makes his attacks even safer on shield (despite the reduced shieldstun on aerials).
Finally, Donkey Kong also benefits to some of the universal changes, as his already great mobility has improved from faster walking and dashing speeds, the universal 3-frame jumpsquat change improves his ground-to-air [[out of shield]] game and allows him for with combo opportunities, and the increased [[shieldstun]] and reduced [[landing lag]] on aerial attacks makes his attacks even safer on shield (despite the reduced shieldstun on aerials).


However, the few direct nerfs Donkey Kong received were severe enough to eclipse his buffs. Like {{SSBU|Bowser}}, his biggest nerf is to his previously infamous combo throw — his cargo up throw now has more knockback, which makes its combo potential more strict and noticeably neuters the effectiveness of its infamous "Ding Dong" KO confirm at high percentages unless it's initiated on a platform, often requiring a specific amount of [[rage]] to work. Although his grab game was overall buffed, Donkey Kong is one of the characters who suffers the most from the universal nerfing of grabs, making them less safe for him to use. His pummel was nerfed as well, making it less reliable for racking up damage. Thus, this makes it less feasible for Donkey Kong to rely on his grab as his main way to rack up damage, forcing him to use other methods to do so.
However, the few direct nerfs Donkey Kong received were severe enough to eclipse his buffs. Like {{SSBU|Bowser}}, his biggest nerf is to his previously infamous combo throw — his cargo up throw now has more knockback, which makes its combo potential more strict and noticeably neuters the effectiveness of its infamous "Ding Dong" KO confirm at high percentages unless it's initiated on a platform, often requiring a specific amount of [[rage]] to work. Although his grab game was overall buffed, Donkey Kong is one of the characters who suffers the most from the universal nerfing of grabs, making them less safe for him to use. His pummel was nerfed as well, making it less reliable for racking up damage. Thus, this makes it less feasible for Donkey Kong to rely on his grab as his main way to rack up damage, forcing him to use other methods to do so.
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|pummelname=Grab Chop ({{ja|つかみチョップ|Tsukami Choppu}})
|pummelname=Grab Chop ({{ja|つかみチョップ|Tsukami Choppu}})
|pummeldmg=1.6%
|pummeldmg=1.6%
|pummeldesc=Chops the opponent's body. Slow but strong.
|pummeldesc=Chops the opponent's body. A slow but strong pummel.
|fthrowname=Kong Karry ({{ja|リフティング|Rifutingu}}, ''Lifting'')
|fthrowname=Kong Karry ({{ja|リフティング|Rifutingu}}, ''Lifting'')
|fthrowdmg=12% (forward, up), 13% (back), 11% (down)
|fthrowdmg=12% (forward, up), 13% (back), 11% (down)
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''See also: [[:Category:Donkey Kong players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Donkey Kong players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|ChunkyKong|USA}} - One of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time and the best Donkey Kong player who solo-mains the character. Initially a Wi-Fi Warrior, he later became known for his performances in the second half of 2022, including placing 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2022}} over {{Sm|SHADIC}} and 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} over {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Aaron|p=Florida}}. Since then, he remains Donkey Kong's primary representative in North America, having defeated {{Sm|MuteAce}} at {{Trn|CEO 2023}} and {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} at {{Trn|MomoCon 2024}}.
*{{Sm|ChunkyKong|USA}} - One of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time and the only notable Donkey Kong player who solo-mains the character. Initially a Wi-Fi Warrior, he later became known for his performances in the second half of 2022, including placing 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2022}} over {{Sm|SHADIC}} and 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} over {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Aaron|p=Florida}}. Since then, he remains Donkey Kong's primary representative in North America, having defeated {{Sm|MuteAce}} at {{Trn|CEO 2023}} and {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} at {{Trn|MomoCon 2024}}.
*{{Sm|HIKARU|Japan}} - Although known for using many characters, he has used Donkey Kong extensively in early-''Ultimate'' and as a secondary or co-main from 2022 onward, and is considered one of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time. He is best known for using Donkey Kong for most of {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2022}}, placing 3rd while defeating {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} along the way, marking the best performance for the character at a major. He retired in mid-2023 and has attended a couple of events since.
*{{Sm|HIKARU|Japan}} - Although known for using many characters, he has used Donkey Kong extensively in early-''Ultimate'' and as a secondary or co-main from 2022 onward, and is considered one of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time. He is best known for using Donkey Kong for most of {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2022}}, placing 3rd while defeating {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} along the way, marking the best performance for the character at a major. He retired in mid-2023 and has attended a couple of events since.
*{{Sm|Rarikkusu|Japan}} - One of the best Donkey Kong players in the world since 2023, playing the character alongside {{SSBU|Falco}}. He is best known for defeating {{Sm|Sparg0}} at {{Trn|DELTA 8}}, placing 13th overall, and has also placed 5th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13.5 "U-22"}} using Donkey Kong to defeat {{Sm|Asimo}} and 9th at {{Trn|Maesuma'U22}}.
*{{Sm|Rarikkusu|Japan}} - One of the best Donkey Kong players in the world since 2023, playing the character alongside {{SSBU|Falco}}. He is best known for defeating {{Sm|Sparg0}} at {{Trn|DELTA 8}}, placing 13th overall, and has also placed 5th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13.5 "U-22"}} using Donkey Kong to defeat {{Sm|Asimo}} and 9th at {{Trn|Maesuma'U22}}.
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There was some optimism on Donkey Kong prior to the game's release: although Donkey Kong could no longer easily perform most of his throw-based kill confirms from ''Smash 4'', including his infamous "Ding-Dong" combo, many players noted how Donkey Kong received better frame data, speed, damage, and hitboxes in the E3 demo build. However, the optimism faded very quickly upon the game's release. Players pointed out how many of Donkey Kong's moves were punishable on hit at early percents, making his neutral rather egregious in the early metagame, which favored speed and punish games. In addition, his already poor disadvantage state was also made even worse due to his larger hurtbox and his out of shield options remaining poor. Finally, although Donkey Kong saw some early success from {{Sm|HIKARU}}, he eventually dropped Donkey Kong for other characters, and no other Donkey Kong player was able to match HIKARU's success, leaving him with below-average representation. As such, although Donkey Kong received a few buffs in subsequent patches, Donkey Kong was widely considered unviable, with a few even calling him one of the worst characters in the game.
There was some optimism on Donkey Kong prior to the game's release: although Donkey Kong could no longer easily perform most of his throw-based kill confirms from ''Smash 4'', including his infamous "Ding-Dong" combo, many players noted how Donkey Kong received better frame data, speed, damage, and hitboxes in the E3 demo build. However, the optimism faded very quickly upon the game's release. Players pointed out how many of Donkey Kong's moves were punishable on hit at early percents, making his neutral rather egregious in the early metagame, which favored speed and punish games. In addition, his already poor disadvantage state was also made even worse due to his larger hurtbox and his out of shield options remaining poor. Finally, although Donkey Kong saw some early success from {{Sm|HIKARU}}, he eventually dropped Donkey Kong for other characters, and no other Donkey Kong player was able to match HIKARU's success, leaving him with below-average representation. As such, although Donkey Kong received a few buffs in subsequent patches, Donkey Kong was widely considered unviable, with a few even calling him one of the worst characters in the game.


2022 became a turning point for Donkey Kong. First, HIKARU began playing Donkey Kong again, and although often only used as a secondary or co-main alongside other characters, it nevertheless gave Donkey Kong some of the best results since the early metagame. Most notable among these results was HIKARU's run at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2022}}, which saw him use Donkey Kong extensively in top 64, defeating several of Europe's best players including {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}}, before ultimately placing 3rd. In addition, {{Sm|ChunkyKong}}, initially known for his online performances, began having a bigger impact on the offline metagame with his strong performances at majors, most notably 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} defeating {{Sm|Kola}} along the way. With both players ranking in [[OrionRank 2022]]'s top 100, among a few others also ranked with Donkey Kong despite minimal usage, many players began seeing Donkey Kong in a more positive light, and he was no longer considered a candidate for one of the worst characters. However, Donkey Kong is still considered to fall short when in comparison to the rest of the cast and is regarded to be a character that falls on the lower end of the tier list. This was reflected on his placement on the first tier list, where he was ranked 70th as a lower-mid tier character. His results would remain around the same in the following year: although HIKARU eventually retired and ChunkyKong's results saw a dip, {{Sm|Rarikkusu}} would break out onto the Japanese scene and begin placing well at events. As such, Donkey Kong remained around the same on the second tier list, rising slightly to 68th and ranking in the D+ tier.
2022 became a turning point for Donkey Kong. First, HIKARU began playing Donkey Kong again, and although often only used as a secondary or co-main alongside other characters, it nevertheless gave Donkey Kong some of the best results since the early metagame. Most notable among these results was HIKARU's run at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2022}}, which saw him use Donkey Kong extensively in top 64, defeating several of Europe's best players including {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}}, before ultimately placing 3rd. In addition, {{Sm|ChunkyKong}}, initially known for his online performances, began having a bigger impact on the offline metagame with his strong performances at majors, most notably 13th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} defeating {{Sm|Kola}} along the way. With both players ranking in [[OrionRank 2022]]'s top 100, among a few others also ranked with Donkey Kong despite minimal usage, many players began seeing Donkey Kong in a more positive light, and he was no longer considered a candidate for worst character. This was reflected on his placement on the first tier list, where he was ranked 70th as a lower-mid character. His results would remain around the same in the following year: although HIKARU eventually retired and ChunkyKong's results saw a dip, {{Sm|Rarikkusu}} would break out onto the Japanese scene and begin placing well at events. As such, Donkey Kong remained around the same on the second tier list, rising slightly to 68th and ranking in the D+ tier.
 
After the second tier list, Donkey Kong experienced a "Donkey Kong renaissance" similar to what was happening to [[Donkey Kong (SSBM)|his ''Melee'' counterpart]] at that time. This renaissance not only saw many Donkey Kong players succeed at majors, but also saw many top players lose to Donkey Kong players, with notable examples being Rarikkusu defeating {{Sm|Sparg0}} at {{Trn|DELTA 8}}, ChunkyKong defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} at {{Trn|MomoCon 2024}}, {{Sm|MairudonaH.O}} defeating {{Sm|Hurt}} at {{Trn|Seibugeki 17}}, {{Sm|Duplex}} defeating {{Sm|MuteAce}} at {{Trn|S Factor 11}}, and {{Sm|Kuhaku}} defeating {{Sm|Doramigi}} at {{Trn|Maesuma'JAPAN West 24}}. This sudden rise in his representation improved Donkey Kong's standing in the metagame, and many believe that he will rise in the next tier list.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Journey to New Donk City==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Journey to New Donk City==
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!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
|-
|-
|1||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Jungle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Jungle Level (64)}}''||
|1||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||{{SSB|Kongo Jungle}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Jungle Level (64)}}''||
|-
|-
|2||{{CharHead|King K. Rool|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Gang-Plank Galleon}}''||rowspan="5"|{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}} Diddy Kong is a CPU ally.
|2||{{CharHead|King K. Rool|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Gang-Plank Galleon}}''||rowspan="5"|{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}} Diddy Kong is a CPU ally.

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