Editing Dr. Mario (SSBU)

{{Disambig2|Dr. Mario's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''|the character in other contexts|Dr. Mario}}

'''Dr. Mario''' ({{ja|ドクターマリオ|Dokutā Mario}}, ''Doctor Mario'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially revealed on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o June 12th, 2018] alongside {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, and the rest of the returning roster. While Dr. Mario remains a close [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Mario}}, he is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Dr. Mario is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #18]].

As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', {{iw|mariowiki|Charles Martinet}}'s portrayal of Mario from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' was repurposed for Dr. Mario in ''Ultimate''.<!--Do not add that this is the last Smash Bros. game where Charles Martinet voices Dr. Mario. Besides the fact this isn't done for other characters' pages, Jigglypuff and Lucina still use their voice clips from Rachael Lillis and Laura Bailey respectively in the Smash series instead of their current actors, so it's still possible for Martinet's voice to be reused in future Smash games-->

 

 

 

Overall, Dr. Mario is a character that has good frame data, damage output, and KO potential, but his sluggish movements cause him to rely more on a bait-and-punish playstyle. Although his representation has remained below average for most of the game's lifespan, he has nonetheless seen success from players such as {{Sm|JaZaR}} and {{Sm|Tsumusuto}}.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Mario}} or any character in his unlock tree, being the 7th character unlocked after {{SSBU|Roy}}.

With the exception of the third method, Dr. Mario must then be defeated on [[New Donk City Hall]]. In World of Light, he is fought on the [[Ω form]] of [[Mario Bros.]]

==Attributes==

As a [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Mario}}, Dr. Mario is a [[Weight|middleweight]] that can [[wall jump]]. Like his normal self, Dr. Mario also has excellent frame data: when not counting [[special move]]s, the overall start-up lag of his normal moveset is very fast. As a result, Dr. Mario is both difficult to [[punish]] and very effective at punishing. Although the two share an overwhelming number of identical animations and even the exact same values for certain attributes ([[weight]], [[falling speed]], [[fast fall]]ing speed and [[gravity]]), Dr. Mario nevertheless has a number of traits that differ from his normal self. Like Mario, Dr. Mario's height is below-average.

Dr. Mario functions like a stronger, yet slower Mario, owing to the implementation of multipliers to the majority of his moveset and some of his attributes. Most of Dr. Mario's moveset deals 1.176× more damage compared to Mario's moveset. Conversely, his [[jump|full hop]] height is 0.85× lower; his [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds are 0.7942× slower; his [[air speed]], [[air acceleration]], [[short hop]] height, and [[double jump]] height are 0.7648× lower. Most of the multipliers result in Dr. Mario being distinctly affected by passive [[equipment]] physics from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', in which he specifically possesses a +22 Attack value and a -65 Speed value.<ref name="DamageMultiplier">[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1rwDPL1jhE-KuEbbcBkkTb44z1smJp9rYme_xb4BIJTk/edit#gid=1974906014]</ref> Although Dr. Mario's lower jump height makes his [[short hop]] more effective than Mario's, these modified attributes collectively render his overall mobility as sub-par. His wall jump and ledge jump also cover less distance as a result. Conversely, Dr. Mario's higher overall damage output results in him being noticeably more efficient at KOing in comparison to Mario. His [[traction]] is also slightly higher than Mario's, though merely average when compared to the roster.

Other noticeable differences between Dr. Mario and Mario are seen in their movesets and, by extension, their playstyles. Although Dr. Mario's overall frame data is only very slightly slower than Mario's (if even at all), his higher overall damage output and slower overall mobility make him unable to use a healthy balance of offense and defense like his normal self. Instead, Dr. Mario is much better suited to a bait-and-punish playstyle. On a related note, Dr. Mario's combo game is less varied and consistent compared to his normal self's, especially with regard to aerial combos. Despite this, his combos deal respectable damage in spite of their fairly short lengths, similarly to characters like {{SSBU|Incineroar}}.

Dr. Mario's grounded moveset has plenty of utility in spite of his slow speed. Neutral attack is Dr. Mario's fastest attack, and the first two hits can [[lock]] opponents. Forward tilt is a great get-off-me option, and possesses situational KO potential at very high percentages unlike Mario's version. Up tilt is a decent anti-air and juggling tool that can KO at very high percentages, and it can also combo into itself, neutral aerial, up aerial, back aerial and Super Jump Punch, but is not as effective as a combo starter as his down tilt; however, the move's horizontal range is shorter than in ''Smash 4'', and its hitboxes start from a higher position, allowing shorter, crouching or prone characters to potentially low-profile the move. Down tilt is one of Dr. Mario's best combo starters; although it is short-ranged, it is very reliable at a wide range of percentages, with its lower knockback scaling compared to Mario's even allowing it to combo at percentages where Mario's would not work, and depending on the percentage, it can lead into neutral attack, forward tilt, up tilt (only on certain characters), itself, up smash (only on certain characters), down smash, neutral aerial, up aerial, back aerial and Super Jump Punch. His dash attack has vertical knockback, allowing it to serve as a combo starter but hindering its edgeguarding potential. His forward smash, while slower than his other smash attacks, is extremely powerful for an attack of its speed, especially if the sweetspot connects; unlike Mario's, it possesses the [[electric]] effect, has shorter range, and the sweetspot and sourspot hitboxes are swapped around. Up smash functions more similarly to Luigi's version than to Mario's version, as it launches the opponent diagonally instead of vertically, and will launch them in the opposite direction of where Dr. Mario is facing as long as they are in front of him; compared to Luigi's, however, it launches at a lower angle, and it has lower base knockback than both Mario and Luigi's up smashes. Nevertheless, up smash's launch angle does make it much better at edgeguarding or setting up edgeguards than both Mario and Luigi's versions, and its higher damage output and knockback scaling compared to both of them also makes it a highly lethal KOing option. His down smash is his fastest smash attack, hitting on both sides (with the back hit being stronger than the front hit), and like Mario's version, it is useful for punishing rolls.

Like Mario, Dr. Mario possesses a decent grab game. His overall grab range is average, but each of his grabs have minimal start-up and ending lag. Forward throw is useful for initiating [[edgeguard]]s; back throw is one of the strongest back throws in the game; up throw is a decent combo starter that can combo into up tilt (certain characters only), up aerial, neutral aerial, back aerial and Super Jump Punch; and down throw is his most effective combo throw, being able to combo into up tilt (certain characters only), up smash (certain characters only), neutral aerial, up aerial, back aerial, Super Jump Punch and Dr. Tornado depending on the opponent's percentage.

Like his normal self, Dr. Mario's air game is above-average. Neutral aerial is a "reverse sex kick": its clean hitbox deals minimal damage and knockback, whereas its late hitbox deals more damage. Thanks to it hitting on frame 3 and having low landing lag, its clean hitbox is ideal for set-ups. Conversely, its late hitbox is decent at edgeguarding, due to its long hitbox duration and larger hitbox than the late hit of Mario's equivalent move. Forward aerial has considerable start-up lag, but its clean hitbox makes it one of the strongest aerials in the game; as such, it is lethal when [[SHFF]]ed against unwary opponents that are near the edge. Back aerial is also fast, [[auto-cancel]]s in a short hop, and possesses a powerful clean hitbox, traits which collectively make it viable for KOing, edgeguarding and approaching. Up aerial's horizontal launching angle grants its beginning and ending frames decent combo potential into Super Jump Punch and back aerial, respectively, at low to medium percentages. This angle also makes its beginning frames capable of edgeguarding, unlike his normal self's up aerial. However, up aerial's launch angle also makes it much less effective at starting combos when SHFFed or juggling compared to Mario's. His new down aerial, while having slow startup, is a powerful [[meteor smash]], making it an excellent option for edgeguarding; it is also an extremely solid combo starter with an extremely wide range of follow-ups on grounded opponents depending on their percentage, including neutral attack, forward tilt, up tilt, down tilt, dash attack, forward smash, up smash, down smash, grab, all aerial attacks (including itself), Super Jump Punch and Dr. Tornado.

With regard to special moves, [[Megavitamins]] travel farther in the air without landing compared to Mario's [[Fireball]], and they bounce twice instead of three times; they also have altered knockback, allowing for a wider range of follow-ups. [[Super Sheet]] has more vertical range but less horizontal range than [[Cape]], but its aerial version completely lacks the stalling effect of Mario's version, completely removing its recovery potential; it also has a 1.6× reflection multiplier, making reflecting projectiles with it more rewarding compared to doing so with Mario's Cape.

Unlike [[F.L.U.D.D.]], Dr. Tornado is an effective recovery option, with repeated mashing of the special move button allowing Dr. Mario to rise upward with it. It also deals damage. When coupled with its high damage output, very high knockback scaling and [[autolink angle]], it is useful for edge-guarding, warding off edgeguarders, and even out-prioritizing attacks, and it also possesses excellent KO potential. However, Dr. Tornado's much shorter range makes it much riskier to use for edgeguarding compared to F.L.U.D.D. Due to [[Super Jump Punch]] consisting of a powerful clean hitbox and a weak late hitbox instead of multiple hitboxes like Mario's, it actually functions more similarly to {{SSBU|Ryu}}'s [[Shoryuken]] or {{SSBU|Marth}}'s [[Dolphin Slash]] instead. As a result, its clean hitbox makes it a viable KOing option unlike Mario's. Super Jump Punch is also an extremely effective [[out of shield]] option thanks to its frame 3 startup, much like Mario's version.

However, Dr. Mario's flaws are significantly more noticeable in comparison to Mario's. The most prominent one is his lackluster mobility, which hinders his ability to approach opponents, and renders him vulnerable to zoning and circle camping from characters with strong projectile games and high mobility, respectively, similarly to {{SSBU|Ganondorf}} and {{SSBU|Incineroar}}; unlike those two characters, however, Dr. Mario has an effective projectile in Megavitamins, a smaller hurtbox, effective [[out of shield]] options, and a decent reflector in Super Sheet, giving him a better defensive game in comparison. Additionally, Dr. Mario shares Mario's notable weakness of having short range in his attacks, which can give him trouble against characters with long or disjointed hitboxes; whereas Mario's faster mobility allows him to somewhat circumvent this weakness, especially against characters with poor mobility and/or frame data, Dr. Mario is less capable of weaving in and out of his opponent's range, making such characters much more difficult for him to deal with. Dr. Mario's sluggish mobility compounds another notorious weakness—his recovery. Despite being able to wall jump and the fact that Dr. Tornado is a much better recovery option than Cape, the combination of his slow air speed, low jump height, slow air acceleration and Super Jump Punch's mediocre travel distance results in his recovery being predictable like Mario's.

Due to his overall recovery granting noticeably less vertical distance compared to Mario's, Dr. Mario is very vulnerable to [[gimping]] and edgeguards. As a result, it is optimal for him to read the opponent when trying to return to the stage, as well as knowing when and how to make use of Dr. Tornado, which has a huge amount of ending lag (33 frames, aerial version) and cannot sweetspot [[edge]]s. Due to his short recovery distance, any sufficiently strong attacks, particularly [[semi-spike]]s, may launch him too far away to recover properly. Lastly, Dr. Mario is outclassed in certain aspects by other characters: in particular, {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} has much better overall mobility; {{SSBU|Shulk}} has much more range; and {{SSBU|Snake}} is much better at zoning.

Overall, Dr. Mario's strengths are outweighed by his weaknesses. His fast frame data enables him to pressure, combo and/or punish the opponent effectively at close range, while his above-average damage output makes him capable of KOing easily. Unlike Mario, however, his slow mobility hinders his [[neutral game]] so much that he is largely reliant on baiting and punishing. By extension, his sub-par recovery makes him a less capable edgeguarder compared to his normal self, and he retains his normal self's lack of range as well.

Despite not being an [[Echo Fighter]] of {{SSBU|Mario}}, Dr. Mario is still a close clone of Mario. There is currently no confirmed reason for this oddity, though it is likely due to Dr. Mario debuting in ''Melee'' rather than ''SSB4'' or ''Ultimate'' as with the other Echo Fighters.

Dr. Mario uses external modifiers to most of his stats rather than directly modifying them, so he sports subpar mobility compared to Mario. However, Dr. Mario compensates for his slower mobility with another external multiplier that increases the damage of his attacks in comparison, as all of his attacks deal noticeably more damage without any compensation on knockback, which enables him to KO more easily as a result.

 

Aside from that, Dr. Mario also has other differences in his moveset. These include a few moves not cloned from Mario, such as [[back throw]], [[down aerial]] and [[Dr. Tornado]], as well as many moves with altered functionality, such as his [[dash attack]] launching upward, his [[up smash]] launching opponents behind him, his [[forward smash]] possessing an electric effect, his [[neutral aerial]] being a "reverse [[sex kick]]," his [[forward aerial]] not being a [[meteor smash]], his [[Megavitamins]] not being [[Absorption|absorbable]] and [[Super Jump Punch]] being a powerful singular hit at the cost of less vertical distance. Despite the aesthetic similarities, the different properties of the aforementioned moves, as well as his altered attributes, are enough to noticeably change Dr. Mario's playstyle compared to Mario's, although not quite to the same extent as {{SSBU|Luigi}}.

*{{change|Dr. Mario is slightly less vocal than Mario. Some of his attacks also emit different sound effects.}}

*{{change|Dr. Mario's [[on-screen appearance]], [[taunt]]s, [[idle pose]]s and [[victory pose]]s are different from Mario's.}}

*{{change|Dr. Mario's [[Results screen|defeated]]/[[Results screen#No Contest screen|No Contest]] animation is different from Mario's. Mario has a new animation in which he looks slightly to the left with a smiling expression, while Dr. Mario retains his animation from ''Smash 4'', which is identical to Mario's from ''Brawl'' and ''Smash 4'' (and like the latter, features him with a neutral expression), except that Dr. Mario looks directly in front of himself.}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario has a much less exaggerated idle animation than Mario's, as he does not move his legs up and down as much. This gives him a consistently lower stance and thus a consistently shorter hurtbox, making him slightly harder to hit compared to Mario if he stands still.}}

*{{change|Some of Dr. Mario's raw properties are modified as if he were wearing equipment of +22 attack and -65 speed in ''Smash 4''.<ref name="DamageMultiplier" />}}

**{{buff|The damage outputs of Dr. Mario's attacks use a 1.176× multiplier. As a result, he is significantly stronger than Mario. However, this multiplier does not apply to reflected projectiles or [[item]]s, and the base damage of his moves can also differ from Mario's.}}

***{{nerf|However, this limits his combo game.}}

**{{nerf|Dr. Mario's [[walk]]ing speed, [[dash]]ing speed and initial dash speed use a 0.7942× multiplier; while his [[short hop]] height, [[double jump]] height, [[air speed]], [[air acceleration]] and [[air friction]] use a 0.7648× multiplier. As a result, Dr. Mario is significantly less mobile than Mario.}}

***{{change|Dr. Mario's lower short hop makes it easier for him to pressure opponents with short hops and use short hop aerials against grounded opponents, but limits his ability to perform two aerials in a short hop.}}

*{{nerf|Dr. Mario's [[Jump|full hop]] height is 15% lower than Mario's (36.33 → 30.8805), although the mobility multiplier is not applied fully due to the new mechanic which speeds up full hops.}}

**{{nerf|Despite this, the mobility multiplier applies fully when using shooting items, which makes it 35% lower than Mario's (36.33 → 23.6174064). It is also applied fully when performing a [[softhop]].}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario's [[shield jump]] is lower (44.1 → 40), causing him to land sooner.}}

*{{nerf|Dr. Mario's [[wall jump]] covers significantly less height, hindering his recovery.}}

**{{change|His ledge jump is also lower (38.165 → 35.4402).}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario has higher base acceleration when carrying heavy items (0 → 0.03) causing him to accelerate faster when walking while carrying heavy items.}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario's traction is slightly higher than Mario's (0.102 → 0.106), making it slightly easier for him to punish [[out of shield]].}}

*{{buff|Dr. Mario's ledge grab hitbox is positioned slightly higher, and extends up slightly further, making it easier for him to grab the ledge.}}

**{{buff|The first two hits have different base damage values (2.2% → 2.5% (hit 1), 1.7% → 1.5% (hit 2)), resulting in the move dealing slightly more base damage in total (7.9% → 8%).}}

**{{buff|The first hit's hitboxes are further out (Z offset: 6u/8.7u/12u → 6.7u/9.3u/12.5u), improving its range.}}

**{{nerf|The second hit's hitboxes are not attached to Dr. Mario's arm, giving it less range.}}

**{{buff|Forward tilt has higher base damage (7% → 9%) with knockback scaling not fully compensated (70 → 65). When combined with Dr. Mario's damage multiplier, this gives the move KO potential near the ledge.}}

**{{buff|Up tilt has higher base damage (5.5% → 6.3%), further improving its damage racking and KO potential when combined with Dr. Mario's damage multiplier and making it safer on hit at low percents.}}

***{{nerf|However, it loses its combo potential earlier as a result.}}

**{{buff|Down tilt's sweetspot is larger (3.2u → 3.5u), making it easier to land.}}

***{{nerf|However, this makes the sourspot (which combos for longer) harder to connect with.}}

**{{buff|It has less knockback scaling (80 → 55), and inflicts 3 additional frames of hitstun. When combined with Dr. Mario's damage multiplier increasing the move's damage output, this makes it a more damaging and effective combo starter that loses its combo potential later.}}

**{{change|Its foot sweep visual starts earlier and has a different routine, more closely tracking his foot's current position.}}

**{{buff|Dash attack's clean hit has higher base damage (8% → 9.8%), further improving its damage output. Its hitlag was also compensated (1.25x → 1x).}}

**{{change|It launches the opponent vertically, whereas Mario's launches them horizontally. It also deals less knockback (100 base/43 scaling → 90/38). These differences make it effective for combos at low percentages, but incapable of effectively edgeguarding.}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's forward smash's sweetspot and sourspot are on his arm and [[electric]]ity respectively, whereas Mario's are on the [[flame]] and his arm respectively. This means Dr. Mario's forward smash does more damage and knockback at closer range than it would at farther range.}}

**{{nerf|It has lower knockback scaling (105 (sourspot)/99 (sweetspot) → 100/94), partially compensating for the increased damage.}}

**{{nerf|It has noticeably less range (outer hitbox size: 5u → 3.7u), making it incapable of [[2 frame punish]]ing opponents.}}

**{{change|It has an electric [[effect]], whereas Mario's has a flame effect. This makes it capable of hurting {{SSBU|Olimar}}'s Red Pikmin and makes it safer on shield, but makes it incapable of hurting Yellow Pikmin or instantly detonating explosives, and makes it easier to DI.}}

**{{change|Up smash launches at a lower angle (83° → 120°), allowing it to KO opponents horizontally, but weakening its vertical KO and anti-air potential.}}

**{{change|It has altered knockback (32 (base)/94 (scaling) → 0/117), making it combo more consistently at lower damages while still making it stronger at higher damages. However, this also makes it unsafe on hit at low percents and combo less consistently at mid percents.}}

**{{buff|It lasts one frame longer compared to Mario's (frames 9-12 → 9-13), increasing its range in front of him.}}

**{{change|The sweeping visual on down smash is purple and white, rather than yellow, blue and white.}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's neutral aerial deals more damage and has higher knockback the longer it is active, whereas Mario's functions oppositely. This makes the move capable of instantly starting combos and makes it more effective at punishing, but removes its KO confirms and makes it less useful as an instant combo finisher and combo breaker.}}

**{{buff|The late hit has larger hitboxes (2.8u/2.8u → 3.6u/3.6u).}}

**{{nerf|It has more landing lag (6 frames → 7).}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's forward aerial launches the opponent diagonally, whereas Mario's [[meteor smash]]es them. This makes it very effective at KOing on-stage, but much worse at edgeguarding and makes it less effective at starting combos on landing.}}

**{{buff|The clean hit has higher base damage (14% → 15%) and has much more knockback scaling (78 → 102), improving its KO potential even further.}}

**{{nerf|The early and late hits have lower base damage (12% (early)/10% (late) → 10%/9%), though with their knockback scaling compensated (80 → 95).}}

**{{change|The sweeping visual commences a frame earlier, and the last frame of the visual is absent.}}

**{{nerf|It has more landing lag (6 frames → 10).}}

**{{change|Up aerial launches at a lower angle (75° → 45°), severely weakening its combo potential but granting it edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{buff|It has noticeably higher base damage (7% → 10.2%) with knockback scaling compensated (135 → 100), further improving its damage output.}}

**{{nerf|It has more landing lag (6 frames → 8).}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's down aerial is a double foot stomp, whereas Mario's has been [[Mario Tornado]] since ''Brawl''. Unlike Mario's, it hits once instead of six times.}}

**{{change|It can meteor smash and send opponents horizontally instead of vertically (94° (looping hits), 75° (final hit) → (270°/361°). This makes it very good at edgeguarding, tech-chasing and starting combos, but less effective at KOing on-stage, juggling and extending/finishing combos.}}

**{{nerf|It deals slightly less base damage (1.4% (hits 1-5), 5.5% (hit 6); 12.5% (total) → 12%).}}

**{{buff|It has reduced landing lag (15 frames → 13).}}

**{{nerf|It has significantly increased startup lag (frame 5 → 14), less active frames (frame 5/7/9/11/13/23 → 14-17) and more ending lag (frame 38 → 43).}}

**{{nerf|It lacks a landing hit.}}

**{{nerf|It has significantly smaller hitboxes (4.3u/7.0u (looping hits), 11u (final hit) → 4.5u/5.2u), giving it significantly less range around Dr. Mario. Unlike Mario's, it cannot hit opponents above him.}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario is silent when performing this move, unlike Mario.}}

*[[Forward throw]]:

**{{nerf|Forward throw has less knockback scaling (65 → 60), preventing it from reliably KOing despite the damage multiplier.}}

**{{change|Back throw has a different animation: Dr. Mario heaves the opponent off the ground and above his head, then tosses them away behind him, as opposed to swinging them around multiple times.}}

***{{buff|Compared to Mario's back throw, Dr. Mario releases the opponent earlier (frame 44 → 30), making it harder to DI and increasing its consistency.}}

***{{nerf|However, its FAF remains unchanged, increasing its ending lag.}}

***{{buff|It has higher knockback scaling (66 → 68). Combined with the damage multiplier, this makes it considerably stronger than Mario's.}}

***{{nerf|It lacks a collateral hitbox.}}

**{{nerf|Up throw has reduced knockback scaling (72 → 65), making it incapable of KOing reliably despite the damage multiplier.}}

**{{change|Down throw launches at a higher angle (68° → 80°) and has altered knockback (40 (base)/90 (scaling) → 75/45). While this makes its combo potential into up and back aerials more consistent and allows it to combo earlier and for longer, it makes other followups like down tilt and neutral attack impossible.}}

*{{nerf|Dr. Mario's [[floor attack]]s and [[edge attack]] have decreased base damage (front and back floor attacks: 7% → 6% (both hits), trip floor attack: 5% → 4.3% (both hits), edge attack: 9% → 8.51%). As a result, his floor attacks deal roughly the same damage as Mario's despite the damage multiplier.}}

**{{buff|However, Dr. Mario's edge attack still outdamages Mario's version despite its lower base damage, thanks to his attack multiplier.}}

*[[Megavitamins]]:

**{{buff|Unlike [[Fireball]], Megavitamins cannot be [[absorb]]ed by moves like Ness's [[PSI Magnet]].}}

**{{change|Megavitamins bounce higher (bounce speed: 1.4 (min)/1.6 (max) → 1.65/2, restitution: 0.97 → 1).}}

**{{change|It launch at a higher angle ([[361]]° → 65°), and deals more knockback (35 (base)/20 (scaling) → 60/40 (clean), 28 (base)/15 (scaling) → 55/40 (mid), 22 (base)/10 (scaling) → 50/40 (late)), improving its setup potential but hindering its jab reset and edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{change|Its hitbox is longer and thinner (size: 2.4u/2.2u/2u → 1.7u/1.7u/1.7u, Y offset: 0 → -1.7—1.7), better matching the shape of a capsule.}}

**{{change|It deals more hitlag (0.6× → 1×) improving its safety but making it easier to DI/SDI.}}

**{{change|It does not have a [[flame]] effect unlike Fireball. This makes it capable of hurting Olimar's Red Pikmin, but renders it incapable of instantly detonating explosives.}}

**{{change|Compared to Mario's [[Cape]], Super Sheet's hitbox is positioned slightly upward. This results in it having slightly more vertical range, but slightly less horizontal range.}}

***{{nerf|While the Super Sheet's slightly higher hitbox can make the move somewhat easier to land while airborne, this is a situational advantage at best, and a rather poor trade-off compared to Mario's greater horizontal range. Dr. Mario's Super Sheet effectively covers less area overall.}}

**{{change|It has altered hitbox placements.}}

**{{change|It has a different animation where Dr. Mario swings the sheet upward, highlighting its increased vertical reach.}}

**{{change|Unlike aerial Cape, aerial Super Sheet does not stall Dr. Mario. This makes it more effective at [[B-reversing]], but unusable for recovery.}}

**{{change|The reflect box is positioned closer and higher up (Y offset: 6.5 → 8, Z offset: 8 → 6.5), combined with its larger size (6.5u → 7.7u) it has more vertical range, and less horizontal range.}}

***{{buff|It covers more of Dr. Mario's hurtbox.}}

**{{buff|Projectiles reflected by Super Sheet do more damage (1.5× → 1.6×).}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario's Super Jump Punch consists of a clean hitbox and a late hitbox, whereas Mario's consists of several looping hitboxes. However, the angle of the attack remains the same as Mario's on all hitboxes, which makes it launch diagonally upon startup.}}

***{{nerf|Due to this, Dr. Mario's variant is much less safe on hit at lower percents and is not as deadly of a stage spike until higher ones.}}

**{{change|It has altered hitbox placements.}}

***{{buff|The hitbox is overall considerably larger, making it easier to use [[out of shield]].}}

**{{buff|Due to its higher damage output, the clean hit is significantly more effective for KOing when not near the upper blast line and makes it an untechable stage spike at high percents.}}

**{{nerf|It travels a much shorter distance, making it less effective for recovery.}}

**{{nerf|Unlike Mario's, Dr. Mario's Super Jump Punch lacks [[intangibility]] on start-up.}}

**{{change|It has a wider array of angles (max angle change: 12° → 18°), though this is nullified by the significant distance reduction.}}

**{{change|[[Cappy]] does not appear, and it does not produce {{iw|mariowiki|Coin}}s upon contact.}}

**{{change|Dr. Mario retains [[Dr. Tornado]] as his down special, whereas Mario's has been [[F.L.U.D.D.]] since ''Brawl''.}}

**{{buff|Unlike F.L.U.D.D., Dr. Tornado deals damage, making it a very viable KO move at higher percents.}}

**{{buff|Compared to F.L.U.D.D., Dr. Tornado extends Dr. Mario's recovery, making it significantly more effective to get back on-stage.}}

**{{nerf|Compared to F.L.U.D.D., Dr. Tornado has significantly less range and is less important to his neutral game as a result.}}

**{{nerf|Due to lacking a powerful windbox that pushes opponents away, it is less effective at gimping and is worse at stage control.}}

**{{change|Doctor Finale produces 2D and 3D Megavitamin-based effects and emits Megavitamins' contact sound effect, whereas [[Mario Finale]] produces 3D fiery effects and emits a burning sound effect.}}

**{{change|Its hitboxes are longer and thinner, better matching the shape of the capsules.}}

***{{nerf|Its hitboxes are gradually expanding.}}

**{{change|It launches at an averaged angle (20°-50° → 28°-36°) and has altered knockback.}}

**{{nerf|It deals higher base damage per hit (2/2.5/3 → 3/3.2/3.4/3.6 (front), 2.3/2.5/2.6/2.8 (back))<!-- early/mid/late → early/mid 1/mid 2 and 3/late -->, but has longer gaps between hits (7 frames → 9) and a shorter duration (frames 65-224 → 65-214 (front), 79-214 (back)). As a result, it only hits 17 times instead of 24, and despite using a damage multiplier, the maximum damage it deals is significantly reduced (74% → 65.3856%).}}

 

*{{change|Dr. Mario has a different pose when trapped inside of {{SSBU|Steve}}'s [[Minecart]], being the same as {{SSBU|Luigi}}'s.}}

 

Dr. Mario was previously a poorly regarded character in ''SSB4'' due to a large combination of factors, including his lackluster mobility and short range granting him a poor neutral game, as well as his abysmal recovery and limited combo game, the latter especially compared to [[Mario (SSB4)|his regular incarnation]]. Likely due to these factors, Dr. Mario has been buffed in the transition to ''Ultimate'', though not enough to raise his standing.

 

One of Dr. Mario's biggest buffs was to his already above-average damage output; all of his moves deal much more damage (excluding his pummel and get-up attacks), which further supplements his damage-racking game and his previously inconsistent KO ability. His recovery, while still poor, has nevertheless improved slightly; [[Dr. Tornado]] has increased distance, and the readdition of directional air dodges gives him another option to possibly extend and mix up his recovery. Additionally, Dr. Mario has a new [[down aerial]] and [[back throw]]; the former can now meteor smash opponents much like Mario's forward aerial, giving him an option that he notoriously lacked in the previous game. Meanwhile, the latter, albeit losing its collateral hitbox, has gained more knockback, now being among the strongest of its kind and even stronger than Mario's own.

 

Dr. Mario's entire special moveset has also seen numerous buffs. [[Megavitamins]] now deal enough damage and knockback to cause opponents to [[tumble]], and launch at a higher angle, making them viable as a combo starter and even giving them the ability to set up KOs. [[Super Sheet]] has a higher reflection multiplier compared to Mario's Cape, and [[Super Jump Punch]] deals more knockback, making a superior KO move and deadlier [[out of shield]] option. However, Dr. Tornado was buffed significantly; outside of its improved recovery potential, it has gained heavy armor on startup if used on the ground, which makes it useful for tanking through attacks and breaking pressure. Additionally, it deals more damage and knockback, to the point it has gained notoriety for being able to KO offstage effectively at very low percentages; combined with its increased distance, it is now a deadly edgeguarding option. As a result of the improvements to Dr. Tornado, coupled with his revamped down aerial, Dr. Mario's edgeguarding game is now much more powerful in its own right.

 

In spite of this, Dr. Mario has received a few nerfs. Most notably, Dr. Mario's already sub-par mobility is slightly worse, given the nerfs to his air speed and jump height; while his mobility otherwise remains largely unaltered from his previous appearance, Dr. Mario is now much slower in comparison to the rest of the cast, especially considering most other fighters have received buffs to their mobility. He also shares some other nerfs with Mario, such as up tilt's hitbox placement adjusted, giving it inferior range in front of and underneath him, and his grabs having increased ending lag, hindering their utility and combos.

 

Compared to {{SSBU|Mario}}, Dr. Mario is still a slower and stronger clone of him. Aside from having an updated [[idle animation]], slightly higher traction compared to Mario, an altered animation for his [[side special]], as well as receiving a new down aerial and back throw, he has not been further decloned. He has also received many of the same changes as Mario.

 

Overall, Dr. Mario's damage-racking potential has increased and his recovery is safer and slightly better overall, though none of his buffs have benefitted him enough to raise his tier list placement significantly. He also retains many of his weaknesses from ''SSB4'', such as short range, poor mobility, and awful recovery, none of which were toned down in game updates. Thus, despite performing better in ''Ultimate'', Dr. Mario has not improved significantly from his appearance in ''SSB4'', which is made more egregious when coupled with the buffs other veterans have received and the introduction of plentiful, more powerful DLC characters Dr. Mario struggles against. Ultimately, despite his buffs, Dr. Mario is worse relative to the cast in ''Ultimate''.

 

{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Dr. Mario}}

Dr. Mario has been buffed overall by game updates. After a few minor changes in preceding patches, Dr. Mario received a number of useful buffs in update 7.0.0. Down tilt gained noticeable adjustments to its knockback and hitstun, improving its combo potential significantly. Forward tilt and late neutral aerial's damage outputs were increased noticeably at the cost of slight knockback compensation, which improved their spacing and KO potentials, respectively. Down aerial gained more active frames, which improved its consistency and edgeguarding potential. Lastly, clean [[Super Jump Punch]]'s knockback was increased, which heightened its already considerable strength.

 

Afterwards, update 13.0.0 granted Dr. Mario other substantial buffs. Two of his most important tools in the neutral game, neutral aerial and up aerial, gained noticeable increases to their knockback and damage output, respectively. Other pivotal moves in Dr. Mario's moveset were also improved: down aerial is 2 frames faster overall, Super Sheet's reflection hitboxes gained more active frames, and Dr. Tornado's heavy armor activates earlier.

 

Overall, Dr. Mario fares better than he did at the launch of ''Ultimate''. However, the competitive scene's general opinion is that [[Mario (SSBU)|his normal self]] still outshines him in nearly every category.

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Dr. Mario}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/7.0.0|char=Dr. Mario}}

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/8.0.0|char=Dr. Mario}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|13.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/13.0.0|char=Dr. Mario}}

|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jabu}}) / Straight ({{ja|ストレート|Sutorēto}}) / Kick Up ({{ja|けりあげ|Keri Age}})

|neutral1dmg=2.94%

|neutral2dmg=1.764%

|neutral3dmg=4.704%

|neutraldesc=The {{iw|mariowiki|Punch}} + Punch + {{iw|mariowiki|Kick}} combo from ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario 64}}''. Useful for spacing and comes out quickly. The first and second hits can also jab lock. Additionally, unlike Mario, the close-range hitbox of the first hit can [[jab cancel]] into Super Jump Punch at high percentages for a guaranteed KO confirm.

|ftiltname=Middle Kick ({{ja|ミドルキック|Midoru Kikku}})

|ftiltdmg=10.584%

|ftiltdesc=A wheel kick. It deals average knockback, but it is enough to KO at around 150% at the ledge and 209% from center stage.

|utiltname=Uppercut ({{ja|アッパーカット|Appākatto}})

|utiltdmg=7.4088%

|utiltdesc=A spinning uppercut. Can combo into itself at low percentages, and into aerials at higher percentages. At high percentages (around 140%-150%), it can serve as a KO option, although it fails to hit most short opponents due to its high hitbox placement. It vaguely resembles the second hit of the [[mariowiki:List of weapons in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars|Mega Glove]]'s combo from ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars}}''.

|dtiltname=Spinning Low Kick ({{ja|スピニングローキック|Supiningu Rō Kikku}})

|dtiltdmg=5.88% (foot), 8.232% (leg)

|dtiltdesc=A legsweep. A great combo starter, as it can combo into up aerial, Super Jump Punch, and Dr. Tornado, all of which serve as KO confirms.

|dashname=Sliding ({{ja|スライディング|Suraidingu}})

|dashdmg=11.5248% (clean), 7.056% (late)

|dashdesc=The {{iw|mariowiki|Slide Kick}} from ''Super Mario 64''. Launches opponents vertically unlike Mario's version, which can potentially make it a combo starter if hit late.

|fsmashname=Defibrillator ({{ja|心臓マッサージ|Shinzō Massāji}}, ''Cardiac Massage'')

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17.2872}} (electricity), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|20.9328}} (arm)

|fsmashdesc=A palm thrust that produces a small burst of electricity. Deals immense damage and knockback, giving it great KO potential. Its sweetspot is located on Dr. Mario's arm. One of the stronger forward smashes in the game, and one of Dr. Mario's most viable KOing options, KOing at as low as 55% at the ledge and 78% center stage. Its electric properties also make it safer on shield compared to Mario's, especially if spaced.

|usmashname=Ear, Nose, and Throat ({{ja|スマッシュヘッドバット|Sumasshu Heddobatto}}, ''Smash Headbutt'')

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|16.464}}

|usmashdesc=An upward arcing headbutt. Unlike most up smashes, this one launches opponents horizontally in the opposite direction he is facing. Renders Dr. Mario's head intangible for a short time. It's fast, coming out on frame 9, is powerful and its ending lag is only moderate, making it difficult to punish. The horizontal angle allows the move to combo into itself at low percentages and KO earlier at the ledge if it hits opponents behind him, although it weakens its potential as an anti-air and punishment tool. Its hitboxes and head intangibility last 1 more frame than Mario's, hitting small opponents on the ground more easily.

|dsmashname=Break Spin ({{ja|ブレイクスピン|Bureiku Supin}})

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11.76}} (front), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14.112}} (back)

|dsmashdesc=A breakdancing version of the {{iw|MarioWiki|Sweep Kick}} from ''Super Mario 64''. Dr. Mario's fastest smash attack, making it a rather useful defensive option. Its back hit is stronger, and can punish ledge stalls effectively. It can also semi-spike with above-average knockback, making it a great edgeguarding tool. The front hit KOs at around 130%, while the back hit KOs at 106%.

|nairname=Dr. Kick ({{ja|ドクターキック|Dokutā Kikku}})

|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|5.88}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11.75}} (late)

|nairdesc=A flying kick. It is a [[sex kick]] that has the unique property of having its late hit being stronger than its clean hit. Its clean hit can jab lock and start combos, while its late hit has surprisingly high knockback for a sex kick, KOing at the edge at around 130%. It can autocancel in a short hop.

|fairname=Dr. Punch ({{ja|ドクターグーパンチ|Dokutā Panchi}})

|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11.76}} (early), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|17.64}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10.584}} (late)

|fairdesc=An {{iw|wikipedia|overhand|boxing}}. Unlike Mario's version, it does not have a meteor smash hitbox. It is the slowest of his aerials, coming out at frame 16 and having high ending lag and landing lag, and is the only aerial that cannot autocancel in a short hop, but it has extremely high diagonal knockback when hit clean, making it one of the strongest forward aerials in the game. Can KO middleweights as early as 70% near the edge.

|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|14.112}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8.232}} (late)

|bairdesc=A {{iw|wikipedia|dropkick}}. Comes out quickly, autocancels in a short hop fast fall and has above-average knockback, which makes it a viable edgeguarding and KO move and a [[reverse aerial rush]] option. Can also chain into itself at low percents, or set up tech-chase situations.

|uairname=Air Slash ({{ja|エアスラッシュ|Ea Surasshu}})

|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11.9952}}

|uairdesc=A bicycle kick. The move launches diagonally unlike Mario's up aerial, which can be ideal for edgeguarding mixups. However, this renders it unusable for juggling and lengthy combos past low percentages. It can be used twice in a single [[short hop]], or the second up aerial can be replaced with a neutral aerial instead, and can autocancel in a short hop fast fall. Despite its very quick startup, it works well as a KO option at high percentages, especially offstage.

|dairname=CLEAR! ({{ja|全力メテオキック|Zen Ryoku Meteo Kikku}}, ''Full Power Meteor Kick'')

|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|14.112}}

|dairdesc=A double foot stomp. While it has noticeable startup, it deals consistent damage and can powerfully [[meteor smash]] opponents when hitting with the sweetspot on his legs. It has a sourspot on his hips, which instead launches away with strong knockback. On grounded opponents, the meteor hitbox can open up many KO confirms, notably with forward aerial, back aerial, Super Jump Punch and Dr. Tornado. It can autocancel in a short hop and is decently quick for a meteor smash, coming out at frame 14.

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|grabdesc=Reaches out. Has average range and above-average speed.

|pummeldesc=A headbutt. It retains its average speed, while being stronger than Mario due to his damage multiplier.

|fthrowdmg=9.408%

|fthrowdesc=Spins and throws the opponent away. Can be used to set up an edgeguard, or combo into dash attack against certain characters at 0%. Decently quick. It is also slightly stronger than Mario's forward throw, as it can KO middleweights at around 190% at the edge of Final Destination, which is about 10% earlier.

|dthrowdesc=A [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling throws#Body slam|body slam]]. As it launches opponents directly upward unlike Mario's version, it is one of Dr. Mario's best combo starters, being useful for initiating aerial combos. It even has KO setups into up aerial, forward aerial, back aerial, Super Jump Punch and Dr. Tornado, although the latter four followups are reliant on reading the opponent.

|floorfdmg=7.056%

|floorfdesc=Punches behind himself and then in front of himself while getting up.

|floorbdmg=7.056%

|floorbdesc=Performs a modified version of the Sweep Kick from ''Super Mario 64'' before getting up.

|floortdmg=5.0568%

|floortdesc=Performs a side kick behind himself and then in front of himself while getting up.

|edgedmg=10.00776%

|nsdmg=5.88% (early), 4.704% (late)

|nsdesc=Throws a {{iw|mariowiki|Megavitamin}}. Useful approach and pressure option. Unlike [[Fireball]], it cannot be absorbed, bounces on a different trajectory, and lacks a [[flame]] effect. It launches opponents slightly upward, which can potentially set up a combo. At higher percents, it can even set up for a KO confirm if timed correctly.

|ssdmg=8.232%, 1.6× (reflection)

|ssdesc=Flips a white sheet upward. It reflects projectiles and reverses enemies, as well as reversing the opponent's controls for a brief instant. However, it does not stall Dr. Mario's descent in midair, making it useless for recovery unlike [[Cape]]. Compared to Mario's version, Dr. Mario's Super Sheet has slightly increased vertical reach in exchange for slightly lower horizontal reach, and has a longer hitbox and reflecting duration along with a higher reflection multiplier. In essence, it is better for reflection in exchange for bringing less utility.

|usdmg=14.112% (clean), 7.056% (late)

|usdesc=A jumping uppercut. Unlike Mario's (which deals multiple hits), Dr. Mario's version consists of a powerful main hit that hits once, with a weaker late hit. It functions better as an attack than a recovery option, as it has great KO potential and fast startup, which can make it a deadly [[out of shield]] option. However, it travels a short distance compared to Mario's version. KOs at 124% from center stage.

|dsdmg=1.8816% (hits 1-6), 3.528% (final hit)

|dsdesc=Rapidly spins around, trapping opponents and damaging them with a series of [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|discus clotheslines]] and [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Spinning back fist|spinning backfists]] before assuming a [[wikipedia:Spreadeagle (position)|spread-eagle position]] to launch them. Can hit up to seven times, with the final hit sending opponents diagonally. The grounded version grants Dr. Mario 10% [[armor]] during frames 2-9. This move can be used to aid in recovery, as mashing the B button will make Dr. Mario rise up. The maximum height that can be gained from this move is greater than that of Super Jump Punch, although this requires extremely fast button mashing. It gains good vertical and horizontal distance if mashed fast enough, allowing it to extend Dr. Mario's recovery, although it only grants aerial distance once before landing. As an attack, it is notorious for being able to KO very early at the sides of the stage (around 45% at earliest) due to its extremely high knockback growth on its last hit. As such, it is a deadly edgeguarding tool, although it is a bit risky due to Dr. Mario's poor recovery.

|fsdmg=3.528%/3.7632%/3.9984%/4.2336% (front), 2.7048%/2.94%/3.0576%/3.2928% (back)

|fsdesc=Rears his arms back before thrusting them forward to generate and launch two gigantic Megavitamins, which trap and repeatedly damage any opponents in their path. Compared to [[Mario Finale]], the front Megavitamin deals more damage than the back Megavitamin, and the Megavitamins don't deal flame damage.

 

 

|gravity    = 0.087

*[[Megavitamins]] fall to the ground, and Dr. Mario appears when they recede. Based on a Megavitamin chain from ''{{iw|mariowiki|Dr. Mario|game}}''.

Dr.MarioOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Dr. Mario's on-screen appearance

===[[Taunt]]s===

*'''Side taunt''': Pulls out a randomly colored Megavitamin, rolls it down his arm, uses his shoulder to toss it into the air, and then catches it.

SSBUDrMarioIdle1.gif|Dr. Mario's first idle pose.

SSBUDrMarioIdle2.gif|Dr. Mario's second idle pose.

*'''Left:''' Throws two randomly colored Megavitamins in different directions, dusts his gloves, pulls out two more Megavitamins of the same color, and smiles.

*'''Up:''' Flourishes his stethoscope around himself.

*'''Right:''' Taps his shoe on the ground, places a hand on his chin, and then looks at the screen while contemplatively rubbing his chin.

[[File:MarioSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A flourished remix of the Course Clear Fanfare used in ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario Bros.}}'']]

==In [[competitive play]]==

<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

''See also: [[:Category:Dr. Mario players (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|JaZaR|Mexico}} - The best Dr. Mario player in the world since 2023 and the second Dr. Mario player to be ranked on a global ranking, at 144th on the [[LumiRank 2023]]. He is known for his consistent strong performances as Mexican regionals, including winning {{Trn|Laguna Championship 2023}} and placing 3rd at {{Trn|Xcution Summit II}} defeating {{Sm|Skyjay}}. He also has some of Dr. Mario's best major performances, including 13th at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}} and 25th at {{Trn|Smash Factor X}} and {{Trn|S Factor 11}}.

*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} - The first notable and successful Dr. Mario player in competitive play who primarily played the character in the game's early months. He is known for placing 33rd at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} with solo-Dr. Mario, 17th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} with mostly Dr. Mario, and 33rd at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} using Dr. Mario to defeat {{Sm|ESAM}}. He eventually dropped Dr. Mario for other characters.

*{{Sm|Meowscarada|USA}} - The best Dr. Mario player in the United States' online metagame. They placed highly at several online events such as 2nd at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2: ONLINE}} and 7th at {{Trn|Smash Out Breast Cancer}}, and was ranked 37th on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v6]]. Although their activity has largely been in-region in the post-online metagame, they nonetheless have seen strong results, such as placing 2nd at {{Trn|Ignition 300}} defeating some of the Midwest's best players including {{Sm|skittles}} and {{Sm|Ikan}}. They are currently inactive.

*{{Sm|Oryon|France}} - Although more known for his {{SSBU|Wolf}}, he also played Dr. Mario from 2019 to 2021 and was considered the best Dr. Mario player in Europe. He placed 5th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}} playing mostly Dr. Mario, and has also placed 5th at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}}, 9th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and 13th at {{Trn|GENESIS 8}} using Dr. Mario in notable bracket games and sets. He has since dropped Dr. Mario for other secondaries.

*{{Sm|Shissho|Japan}} - The second-best Dr. Mario player in Japan. He is best known for winning {{Trn|KOWLOON 1}} over {{Sm|Paseriman}} and {{Sm|Munekin}}, the largest tournament won by a Dr. Mario player. In addition, he has also seen success at majors despite being inconsistent, including placing 17th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}} and 25th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 10}}.

*{{Sm|Tsumusuto|Japan}} - The best Dr. Mario player of all-time and the definitive best Dr. Mario player from mid-2019 to 2022. He remains the only Dr. Mario player who has ever finished top 8 at a major, placing 3rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}} after defeating {{Sm|Shirayuki}} and {{Sm|Shogun}}. He had placed well at many other majors, including 9th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 6}}. He was ranked 115th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]], the highest ranking yet for a Dr. Mario player.

===Tier placement and history===

In the early metagame, opinions on Dr. Mario remained largely the same as they were in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. Although his power, out of shield options, and damage-racking capabilities were improved in the transition to ''Ultimate'', his sluggish speed, poor recovery, and mediocre range indicated that his worst weaknesses were still largely unaddressed, leaving him with poor matchups against characters such as {{SSBU|Palutena}}, {{SSBU|Shulk}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}. Although players such as {{Sm|Lui$}}, {{Sm|Locus}}, and {{Sm|Oryon}} saw success with Dr. Mario, most would either drop him or relegate him to a secondary, worsening his poor representation. As a result, most players, including {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}} and {{Sm|Mr.R}}, viewed Dr. Mario as a bottom tier, with the collective unanimous opinion being that he was one of the worst characters in the game.

 

Despite this negative perception, however, Dr. Mario still saw glimpses of success thanks to the efforts of dedicated mains, including {{Sm|Tsumusuto}} in Japan, {{Sm|JaZaR}} in Mexico, and {{Sm|Mabel}} during the online metagame. Furthermore, Dr. Mario received buffs from game updates that improved his combo and punish games. This left his true viability up to debate, with players such as {{Sm|Nairo}} and {{Sm|Leffen}} believing Dr. Mario was potentially a viable character, while other players maintained that he was still an unviable fighter due to improvements to other fighters, as well as the introductions of {{SSBU|Min Min}}, {{SSBU|Steve}}, and {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}. Nevertheless, Dr. Mario's perception has slightly improved since the early metagame, although he is unanimously agreed to be inferior to {{SSBU|Mario}}.

 

While Doctor Mario's perception has risen, with most players not considering him to be a definitive bottom tier anymore, he is still widely considered a low tier and seen as an unviable character. Doctor Mario has not made any notable impact in the current meta, with there only being a few respectable placements by JaZaR in recent times, thus there has not warranted a justified principle for considering him to possess any viability in the current meta. The first tier list reflects this, as Dr. Mario was ranked just above the likes of {{SSBU|King Dedede}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}}, and {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}, with him being ranked at 79th. He would rise one spot to 78th on the second and current tier list, but this is likely due to the decline of {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}, as he now falls below the doctor.

[[File:SSBU Congratulations Dr Mario.png|thumb|Dr. Mario's congratulations screen.]]

In reference to the three viruses, [[mariowiki:Virus|Fever, Chill, and Weird]], Dr. Mario's opponents are trios consisting of red, blue, and yellow alternates of a particular fighter.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|1||{{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Red}}{{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Blue}} {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} Team||[[Flat Zone X]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Chill (for 3DS / Wii U)}}''||

|2||{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Red}} {{SSBU|Kirby}} Team||[[Green Greens]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''||

|3||{{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Red}}{{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Yellow}} {{SSBU|Yoshi}} Team||{{SSBB|Yoshi's Island}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Chill (Brawl)}}''||

|4||{{Head|Wii Fit Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Red}}{{Head|Wii Fit Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20x20px}}{{Head|Wii Fit Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Yellow}} {{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}} Team||[[Wii Fit Studio]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''||

|5||{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Red}}{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Yellow}} {{SSBU|R.O.B.}} Team||{{SSBU|Battlefield}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Chill (for 3DS / Wii U)}}''||

|6||{{Head|Wario|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=Classic}}{{Head|Wario|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=ClassicRed}}{{Head|Wario|g=SSBU|s=20x20px|cl=ClassicCyan}} {{SSBU|Wario}} Team||[[Luigi's Mansion]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Tetris: Type A}}''||Possibly references his rivalry with Wario in ''{{iw|mariowiki|Dr. Mario 64}}'', as well as Wario's bad diet and hygiene in the ''{{iw|mariowiki|WarioWare|series}}'' series. The music that plays references how ''{{b|Dr. Mario|game}}'' and ''{{iw|harddroptetriswiki|Tetris}}'' have similar gameplay, being both puzzle games that involve moving blocks. The use of Luigi's Mansion could be a reference to how in previous games, "Tetris: Type A" is one of the songs that can play on the stage.

|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]

Note: Every stage plays a track related to Dr. Mario or from the {{uvm3|Tetris}} universe, no matter what universe the stage originates from. <!--This is NOT a reference to the SNES game "Tetris and Dr. Mario". Tetris and Dr. Mario never got a Japanese release.-->

{|class="wikitable" style="width:100%;"

!style="width:5%;"|No.

!style="width:5%;"|Image

!Name

!Type

!Power

!Stage

!Music

|18

|[[File:Dr. Mario SSBU.png|center|108x108px]]

|Dr. Mario

|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>

|3,400

|[[Mario Bros.]] ([[Ω form]])

|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''

{{clr}}

==[[Spirit]]==

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

SSBU spirit Dr. Mario.png|8. '''''Dr. Mario'''''

==In Spirit Battles==

 

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Stewart|iw=fzerowiki|size=64}}

|''F-Zero'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|•Timed battle (1:30)<br>•The enemy heals over time<br>•Items will be pulled toward the enemy

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Crygor|size=64}}

|''WarioWare'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|[[WarioWare, Inc.]] (hazards off)

|{{SpiritTableName|Hal Emmerich|link=y|size=64}}

|''Metal Gear Solid'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Light|size=64}}

|''Mega Man'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} {{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (160 HP)<br>•{{SSBU|Mega Man}} {{Head|Mega Man|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Cyan}} (160 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Wily|link=y|size=64}}

|''Mega Man'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} {{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} (50 HP)<br>•Metal {{SSBU|Mega Man}} {{Head|Mega Man|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}×8 (100 HP)

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Hockey Players|size=64}}

|{{SpiritType|Attack}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Andy|size=64}}

|''Advance Wars'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} {{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Snake}} {{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}×8

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Filled with Hope}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Sick Beats Doctor|size=64}}

|''Rhythm Heaven'' Series {{Flag|North America}}<br>''Rhythm Paradise'' Series {{Flag|PAL}}

|{{SpiritType|Shield}}

|•Assist Trophy Enemies ([[Ghosts]])<br>•Hazard: Poison Cloud

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Kawashima|link=y|size=64}}

|''Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!'' Series {{Flag|North America}}<br>''Dr. Kawashima's Brain Training: How Old Is Your Brain?'' Series {{Flag|PAL}}

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|•Assist Trophy Enemies (Dr. Kawashima)

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Dr. Lobe|size=64}}

|''Big Brain Academy'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} {{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•{{SSBU|Kirby}} {{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=White}}{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Purple}}

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Other|Title Theme - Big Brain Academy}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Plague Knight|size=64}}

|''Shovel Knight'' Series

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|{{SSBUMusicLink|Mega Man|Flash in the Dark (Dr. Wily Stage 1)}}

|{{SpiritTableName|Professor Riggs & Plaise & Lerna|size=64}} {{Flag|North America}}<br>Professor Gerry, Plaise, & Lerna {{Flag|PAL}}

|''Nintendo Labo'' Series

|•{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} {{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}<br>•{{SSBU|Bayonetta}} {{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}<br>•Tiny {{SSBU|Young Link}} {{Head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}}

|{{SpiritType|Neutral}}

|Professor Riggs {{Flag|North America}}<br>Professor Gerry {{Flag|PAL}}