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|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = S-
|tier = S
|ranking = 8
|ranking = 5
}}
}}
'''Fox''' ({{ja|フォックス|Fokkusu}}, ''Fox'') is a playable fighter in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially revealed on June 12th, 2018 alongside fellow ''Star Fox'' fighter {{SSBU|Falco}} and the rest of the returning roster during the [[E3 2018]] Nintendo Direct. Fox is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #07]].
'''Fox''' ({{ja|フォックス|Fokkusu}}, ''Fox'') is a playable fighter in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially revealed on June 12th, 2018 alongside fellow ''Star Fox'' fighter {{SSBU|Falco}} and the rest of the returning roster during the [[E3 2018]] Nintendo Direct. Fox is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #07]].
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Mike West reprises his role from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' with new voice clips, sounding more akin to his appearances in ''Star Fox Zero'' and ''Starlink: Battle for Atlas''.  In the Japanese version, Fox is now voiced by {{s|Wikipedia|Takashi Ōhara}}, reprising his role from ''Star Fox 64 3D'' and ''Star Fox Zero'', replacing {{s|wikipedia|Kenji Nojima}} from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''Smash 4''.
Mike West reprises his role from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' with new voice clips, sounding more akin to his appearances in ''Star Fox Zero'' and ''Starlink: Battle for Atlas''.  In the Japanese version, Fox is now voiced by {{s|Wikipedia|Takashi Ōhara}}, reprising his role from ''Star Fox 64 3D'' and ''Star Fox Zero'', replacing {{s|wikipedia|Kenji Nojima}} from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and ''Smash 4''.


Fox is ranked 8th out of 82 on the [[tier list]], placing him in S- tier and making him the highest ranking member of the [[Fighter|perfect-attendance crew]]. This is a slight improvement from his placement in ''Smash 4'', where he was ranked 7th/8th out of 54 and tied with {{SSB4|Sonic}}. Fox's biggest strengths revolve around his phenomenal movement options, stellar frame data, and high [[damage]] output, which gives him the ability to overwhelm opponents easily and allows him to have one of the best [[Neutral game|neutrals]] and advantage states in the entire game. Fox also has several ways to KO reliably thanks to his powerful and quick [[smash attack]]s and his notoriously safe [[back aerial]] at [[ledge]]. Finally, Fox's [[combo]] and [[juggling]] game also greatly benefits from universal changes made in the transition from ''Smash 4'' to ''Ultimate'', such as the game's increased speed, reduction to [[landing lag]], and [[airdodging]] nerfs.
Fox is ranked 5th out of 82 on the [[tier list]] placing him in S tier. This is a slight improvement from his placement in ''Smash 4'' where he was ranked 7th/8th out of 54 and tied with {{SSB4|Sonic}}. Fox's biggest strengths revolve around his phenomenal movement options, stellar frame data, and high [[damage]] output, which gives him the ability to overwhelm opponents easily and allows him to have one of the best [[Neutral game|neutrals]] and advantage states in the entire game. Fox also has several ways to kill reliably thanks to his powerful and quick [[Smash attack|smash attacks]] and his notoriously safe [[Back aerial|back aerial]] at [[Ledge|ledge]]. Finally, Fox's [[combo]] and [[juggling]] game also greatly benefits from universal changes made in the transition from ''Smash 4'' to ''Ultimate'', such as the game's increased speed, reduction to [[landing lag]], and [[airdodging]] nerfs.


However, Fox also has some noticeable weaknesses. His most notable weakness is his survivability, as he is one of the lightest characters in the game and has the fastest [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] out of anyone in the roster. This means his endurance is poor compared to the rest of the cast, as he is rather susceptible to combos and potential early KOs. Finally, although Fox has several recovery options that cover a great distance, their linearity makes it easy for him to be [[Edgeguarding|edgeguarded]] continuously if the player isn't careful.
However, Fox also has some noticeable weaknesses. His most notable weakness is his survivability, as Fox is one of the lightest characters in the game and has the fastest [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] out of anyone in the roster. This means his endurance is poor compared to the rest of the cast, as he is rather susceptible to combos and potential early KOs. Finally, although Fox has several recovery options that cover a great distance, their linearity makes it easy for Fox to be [[Edgeguarding|edgeguarded]] continuously if the player isn't careful.


Overall, Fox's strengths outweigh his weaknesses, and he has garnered several strong results from players such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Kaninabe}} and {{Sm|Paseriman}}.
Overall, Fox's strengths outweigh his weaknesses, and he has garnered several strong results from players such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Kaninabe}} and {{Sm|Paseriman}}.
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Despite possessing moves with high knockback, he can struggle KOing the opponents. Up smash has high-end lag and is hard to land without a read or setup. Neutral aerial, which is used to KO confirm into up smash, can be predictable and only true combos at certain percentages without tumbling the opponent, unless it gets stale, while down aerial has high landing lag and can sometimes send the opponents at a different angle. Forward or down smash are also hard to land and deal unimpressive knockback at mid-high percentages, and the latter has low reach. Up aerial is predictable, has narrow hitboxes, can stale if used frequently and the second hit can sometimes even miss after hitting with the first one. Back aerial has a small hitbox, short duration, and is angled somewhat high, making it hard to land, especially on short characters. All of his KO moves deal unimpressive shield damage, and because the moves can stale on shield, this can make the opponent shield more often and cause his moves to KO even later. Fox Illusion stops on shield, which can make it punishable if used predictably. In addition, none of his throws are viable KO options, which further exacerbates the unreliability of KOing. Since he has high falling speed, high-end lag on his aerials and slow vertical recovery, edge guarding with Fox is risky and can put him in an even more vulnerable position. In addition, while [[rage]] can help with KOing to a certain extent, he doesn't benefit from it as much as heavier characters, who can usually survive for much longer and gain more rage in return.
Despite possessing moves with high knockback, he can struggle KOing the opponents. Up smash has high-end lag and is hard to land without a read or setup. Neutral aerial, which is used to KO confirm into up smash, can be predictable and only true combos at certain percentages without tumbling the opponent, unless it gets stale, while down aerial has high landing lag and can sometimes send the opponents at a different angle. Forward or down smash are also hard to land and deal unimpressive knockback at mid-high percentages, and the latter has low reach. Up aerial is predictable, has narrow hitboxes, can stale if used frequently and the second hit can sometimes even miss after hitting with the first one. Back aerial has a small hitbox, short duration, and is angled somewhat high, making it hard to land, especially on short characters. All of his KO moves deal unimpressive shield damage, and because the moves can stale on shield, this can make the opponent shield more often and cause his moves to KO even later. Fox Illusion stops on shield, which can make it punishable if used predictably. In addition, none of his throws are viable KO options, which further exacerbates the unreliability of KOing. Since he has high falling speed, high-end lag on his aerials and slow vertical recovery, edge guarding with Fox is risky and can put him in an even more vulnerable position. In addition, while [[rage]] can help with KOing to a certain extent, he doesn't benefit from it as much as heavier characters, who can usually survive for much longer and gain more rage in return.


Overall, Fox is a glass cannon character. He can approach the opponents with his proficient movement and attack speed along with a decent damage output for a rushdown character, which allows him to quickly deal high damage to opponents and KO them with several of his finishers. However, the player must stay unpredictable and not let himself get punished, otherwise, he himself can suffer from high damaging combos and get KO'd very early.
Overall, Fox is a glass cannon character. He can approach the opponents with his proficient movement and attack speed along with a decent damage output for a rushdown character, which allows him to quickly deal high damage to opponents and KO them with several of his finishers. However, the player must stay unpredictable and not let himself get punished, otherwise, he himself can suffer from high damaging combos and get KOd very early.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Fox has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition to ''Ultimate''. His moveset has been altered in several ways that, while leaving his core playstyle relatively unchanged, have altered the way he has to execute said playstyle, and the changes to the game's engine further compound this, causing him to be a more polarized character.
Possibly because of his top tier status in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' (7th out of 55th tied with Sonic), Fox has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition to ''Ultimate'', though his viability was relatively unchanged. His moveset has been altered in several ways that, while leaving his core playstyle relatively unchanged, have altered the way he has to execute said playstyle, and the changes to the game's engine further compounds this, causing him to be a more polarized character.


Fox's buffs primarily come from his moveset's improved versatility. [[Blaster]]'s shots travel farther and the move has less endlag, granting him a far better camping tool. His primary KO options in his [[forward smash|forward]] and [[up smash]]es, as well as [[Fire Fox]], now have increased knockback, which has overall further improved his KO power. Down tilt had its knockback and angles altered, whereas dash attack has less ending lag, making both even better combo starters overall. In addition, [[Reflector]]'s startup has been cut in half and grants him [[intangibility]] (reminiscent of his ''Melee'' incarnation), allowing him to escape combos easier and edgeguard more safely.
Fox's buffs primarily come from his moveset's improved versatility. [[Blaster]]'s shots travel farther and the move has less endlag, granting him a far better camping tool. His primary KO options in his [[forward smash|forward]] and [[up smash]], as well as [[Fire Fox]], now have increased knockback, which has overall further improved his KO power. Down tilt had its knockback and angles altered, whereas dash attack has less ending lag, making both much more viable combo starters overall. In addition, [[Reflector]]'s startup has been cut in half and grants him [[intangibility]] (reminiscent of his ''Melee'' incarnation), allowing him to escape combos easier and edgeguard more safely.


Fox also greatly benefits from many of the changes to ''Ultimate''{{'}}s gameplay mechanics. The universal increase to horizontal mobility has especially improved his previously lackluster air speed, while making his grounded speed even faster. The ability to use any attack out of a run drastically benefits his close-ranged combat and further improves his grounded moveset's utility and combo ability, giving him far more options than he had to pressure the opponent on the ground. The universal reduction to landing lag also improves his aerial game's combo ability, but most importantly, it improves his already great safety on shield despite the reduced [[shieldstun]] on aerial attacks. Finally, the changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics notably benefit his powerful juggling options.
Fox also greatly benefits from many of the changes to ''Ultimate''{{'}}s gameplay mechanics. The universal increase to horizontal mobility has especially improved his previously lackluster air speed, while making his grounded speed even faster. The ability to use any attack out of a run drastically benefits his boxing game and further improves his grounded moveset's utility and combo ability, giving him far more options than he had to pressure the opponent on the ground. The universal reduction to landing lag also improves his aerial game's combo ability, but most importantly, it improves his already great safety on shield despite the reduced [[shieldstun]] on aerial attacks. Finally, the changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics notably benefit his powerful juggling options.


However, Fox has also received many glaring nerfs as well, the most significant ones being to his survivability, the ability to combo into his finishers, and the ability to easily [[jostle|cross-up]]; many of the changes to gameplay mechanics further compound these issues. Fox is even lighter, now being the fifth lightest character in the game, and his gravity now matches that of his ''Melee'' incarnation, worsening his already bad endurance, while both [[Fox Illusion]] and Fire Fox travel a shorter distance and Reflector now only stalls Fox's momentum out once, making him easier to edgeguard. Combined with the ability to use only one air dodge before landing or getting hit, the smaller sizes in stages' edges, and the fact enough downwards velocity now causes opponents to be KO'd faster from the bottom blast line, Fox's survivability is much worse than before, possibly the worst in his appearances so far. Conversely, while Fox's KO potential was improved, he has also lost several KO confirms due to his moveset's worsened combo potential outside of down tilt and dash attack; [[forward tilt]]'s altered knockback reduces its combo and KO potential and almost completely removes its locking potential, one of down tilt's hitboxes that could lead into up aerial at high percentages was removed, and [[up tilt]] can no longer lead into KO setups as easily due to its altered knockback and its altered hitbox placements rendering it unable to hit opponents hanging on an edge or during their 2-frame vulnerability. The removal of [[frame canceling]] and the changes to [[reeling]] animations no longer being untechable have also drastically worsened his down aerial's combo ability.
However, Fox has also received many glaring nerfs as well, the most significant ones being to his survivabilty, the ability to combo into his finishers, and the ability to easily [[jostle|cross-up]]; many of the changes to gameplay mechanics further compound these issues. Fox is even lighter and his gravity now matches that of his ''Melee'' incarnation, worsening his already bad endurance, while both [[Fox Illusion]] and Fire Fox travel a shorter distance and Reflector now only stalls Fox's momentum out once, making him easier to edgeguard. Combined with the ability to use only one air dodge before landing or getting hit, the smaller sizes in stages' edges, and the fact enough downwards velocity now causes opponents to be KO'd faster from the bottom blast line, Fox's survivability is much worse than before, possibly the worst in his appearances so far. Conversely, while Fox's KO potential was improved, he has also lost several KO confirms due to his moveset's worsened combo potential outside of down tilt and dash attack; [[forward tilt]]'s altered knockback reduces its combo and KO potential and almost completely removes its locking potential, one of down tilt's hitboxes that could lead into up aerial at high percentages was removed, and [[up tilt]] can no longer lead into KO setups as easily due to its altered knockback and its altered hitbox placements rendering it unable to hit opponents hanging on an edge or during their 2-frame vulnerability. The removal of [[frame canceling]] and the changes to [[reeling]] animations no longer being untechable have also drastically worsened his down aerial's combo ability.


Fox's dash attack, despite being faster, is now almost unable to cross-up opponents (unless they're small or thin) due to its higher shieldstun and the changes to jostling mechanics, and [[Fox Illusion]] can no longer bypass shields, making it much more difficult for him to recover back on-stage by crossing the opponent up, and instead making it much easier to punish him. Other nerfs also include the worsening of his already poor grab game, with his grabs having even less range, now being tied for the third shortest, [[back throw]] being worse for edgeguarding, and the faster knockback physics completely removing down throw's combo potential when combined with its unfavorable angle and Fox's slower initial dash. Up smash has lost its small sourspot in front of Fox, but its animation was made faster with the hitbox duration unchanged, which while making it easier to hit opponents behind him, it also makes the clean hit slightly harder to land; the move also no longer grants intangibility to Fox's head during startup, making it a less effective anti-air.
Fox's dash attack, despite being faster, is now almost unable to cross-up opponents (unless they're small or thin) due to its higher shieldstun and the changes to jostling mechanics, and [[Fox Illusion]] can no longer bypass shields, making it much more difficult for him to recover back on-stage by crossing the opponent up, and instead making it much easier to punish him. Other nerfs also include the worsening of his already poor grab game, with his grabs having even less range, [[back throw]] being worse for edgeguarding, and the faster knockback physics completely removing down throw's combo potential when combined with its unfavorable angle and Fox's slower initial dash. Up smash's animation was also made faster with the hitbox duration unchanged, which while making it easier to hit opponents behind him, it also makes the clean hit slightly harder to land; the move also no longer grants intangibility to Fox's head during startup, making it a less effective anti-air.


Lastly, the changes to [[perfect shield]]ing both benefit and hinder Fox. He arguably benefits from the revamped perfect shield the most, because of possessing very quick moves like up tilt or up smash, while perfect shield is ineffective against quick multi-hitting attacks like his down aerial. In contrast, it also makes it easier to retaliate against otherwise hard to punish moves, like his neutral aerial, forcing Fox to use his staple landing moves less predictably.
Lastly, the changes to [[perfect shield]]ing both benefit and hinder Fox. He arguably benefits from the revamped perfect shield the most, because of possessing very quick moves like up tilt or up smash, while perfect shield is ineffective against quick multi-hitting attacks like his down aerial. In contrast, it also makes it easier to retaliate against otherwise hard to punish moves, like his neutral aerial, forcing Fox to use his staple landing moves less predictably.


Overall, Fox is a more polarized glass cannon. Most of his tremendous strengths and advantages remain, and some of his moves have increased utility, resulting in a much more vast repertoire of versatile options; however, his key weaknesses are easier to exploit, and he has an even harder time getting out of disadvantage, meaning he has to play more carefully in order to gain or retain the advantage. The shifts to game mechanics compound both points. Regardless of these changes, it is important to note that Fox's own changes result in his viability remaining relatively unchanged, unlike other former powerful characters in ''SSB4'' (such as {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}). As a result, despite the introduction of DLC characters and changes from game updates, Fox performs slightly better than in ''SSB4'', and he continues to be a powerful character who commonly sees use in competitive play.
Overall, Fox is a more polarized glass cannon; most of his tremendous strengths and advantages remain, and some of his moves have increased utility, but his key weaknesses are also significantly more exploitable, and he has an even harder time getting out of disadvantage; all these changes result in Fox's moveset having many more and versatile options, but also mean he now has to play more carefully in order to gain or retain the advantage, and the revamped mechanics compound both points. Regardless of these changes, Fox continues to be a powerful and relatively popular character in competitive play.


{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Fox}}
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Fox}}
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|dashdmg=6% (clean), 4% (late)
|dashdmg=6% (clean), 4% (late)
|dashdesc=A flying kick with great startup (frame 4) and low ending lag. Good approach option in neutral that can lead to a jab, up tilt, up smash, neutral air or down air follow-up. The late hit can combo into forward aerial at mid or up smash as a KO setup at higher percentages, while the early hit can follow up into forward or up aerial depending on the opponent's reaction. However, it stops on shield unless done at point-blank range, making it punishable.
|dashdesc=A flying kick with great startup (frame 4) and low ending lag. Good approach option in neutral that can lead to a jab, up tilt, up smash, neutral air or down air follow-up. The late hit can combo into forward aerial at mid or up smash as a KO setup at higher percentages, while the early hit can follow up into forward or up aerial depending on the opponent's reaction. However, it stops on shield unless done at point-blank range, making it punishable.
|fsmashname=Leg Shot ({{ja|レッグショット|Reggu Shotto}})
|fsmashname=Leg Shot ({{ja|レッグショット|Janpu Saido Kikku}})
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (late)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (late)
|fsmashdesc=A butterfly kick. Fox's only non-special move that has more than 10 frames of startup (13 frames), but has decent ending lag compared to his other smash attacks, making it somewhat hard to punish on whiff, but is still punishable on shield. It has good range since Fox somersaults forward. It has a decent duration for a smash attack, making it reliable for punishing regular ledge getups. Has somewhat low base knockback for a forward smash, but decent knockback growth. KOs Mario at around 92% near the ledge and at around 127% at the center of Final Destination. The late hit is capable of hitting opponents on the ledge, while also having decent knockback near the ledge, KOing Mario at around 116% near the ledge of Final Destination, albeit failing to KO until around 160% at the center of Final Destination.
|fsmashdesc=A butterfly kick. Fox's only non-special move that has more than 10 frames of startup (13 frames), but has decent ending lag compared to his other smash attacks, making it somewhat hard to punish on whiff, but is still punishable on shield. It has good range since Fox somersaults forward. It has a decent duration for a smash attack, making it reliable for punishing regular ledge getups. Has somewhat low base knockback for a forward smash, but decent knockback growth. KOs Mario at around 92% near the ledge and at around 127% at the center of Final Destination. The late hit is capable of hitting opponents on the ledge, while also having decent knockback near the ledge, KOing Mario at around 116% near the ledge of Final Destination, albeit failing to KO until around 160% at the center of Final Destination.
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|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})
|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})
|pummeldmg=1%
|pummeldmg=1%
|pummeldesc=A knee strike. Fast but weak.
|pummeldesc=A knee strike. Very fast, but also weak.
|fthrowname=Smash Elbow ({{ja|スマッシュエルボー|Sumasshu Erubō}})
|fthrowname=Smash Elbow ({{ja|スマッシュエルボー|Sumasshu Erubō}})
|fthrowdmg=4% (hit), 3% (throw)
|fthrowdmg=4% (hit), 3% (throw)
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|usname=Fire Fox
|usname=Fire Fox
|usdmg=1.8% (charge loop), 16% (clean dash), 10% (late dash)
|usdmg=1.8% (charge loop), 16% (clean dash), 10% (late dash)
|usdesc=Engulfs himself in an aura of [[flame]] before launching himself in a fiery tackle. Since this move is fire-based, it can detonate some items like Links' bombs. Travels a long distance, but has very high startup for both his charging flames and dash (20 and 43 frames, respectively), in addition to it being completely linear making Fox widely open for edgeguards. The trajectory of the move can be chosen before Fox launches himself, with up to 8 angles to choose from. After the move ends, Fox becomes helpless. It can be used to KO at high percents; however, this is risky due to the high ending lag. It can also stage spike reckless edgeguarders who got hit with Fire Fox.
|usdesc=Engulfs himself in an aura of [[flame]] before launching himself in a fiery tackle. Since this move is fire-based, it can detonate some items like Links' bombs. Travels a long distance, but has very high startup for both his charging flames and dash (20 and 43 frames, respectively), in addition to it being completely linear making Fox widely open for edgeguards. The trajectory of the move can be chosen before Fox launches himself, with up to 8 angles to choose from. After the move ends, Fox becomes helpless. It can be used to KO at high percents, however, this is risky due to the high ending lag. It can also stage spike reckless edgeguarders who got hit with Fire Fox.
|dsname=Reflector
|dsname=Reflector
|dspage=Reflector (Fox)
|dspage=Reflector (Fox)
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''See also: [[:Category:Fox players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Fox players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|Kaninabe|Japan}} - A newer player compared to other Fox players, but established himself as the second-best Fox player in the world in the post-online metagame. His best results took place in 2023, where he notably placed 5th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 11}} and 7th at both {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 11}} and {{Trn|Port Priority 8}}, ultimately ranking 35th on the [[LumiRank 2023]] as the first new Fox player in the top 50 since the early metagame.
*{{Sm|Kaninabe|Japan}} - A newer player compared to other Fox players but has established himself as the second-best Fox player in the world in the post-online metagame. He has placed top 8 at multiple majors, notably placing 5th at the supermajor {{Trn|Kagaribi 11}} and 7th at the supermajors {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 11}} and {{Trn|Port Priority 8}}.
*{{Sm|Light|USA|p=Connecticut}} - The undisputed greatest Fox player of all-time and a top 10 player for most of competitive ''Ultimate'', peaking at 3rd on the [[OrionRank 2022]]. He is the only Fox player who has won multiple majors, winning {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}}, {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}}, {{Trn|LVL UP EXPO 2023}}, {{Trn|Litvitational 2}}, and {{Trn|Litvitational 3}}.
*{{Sm|Light|USA|p=Connecticut}} - The best Fox player of all-time who has been a top 10 player for most of the game's lifespan, and is currently the only Fox player who has won a major.
*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} - Primarily played Fox in 2019 and was one of the best Fox players in the world during this time, peaking at 39th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]. He was best known for placing 7th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, where he also defeated {{Sm|Shuton}} and {{Sm|Kola}}; he had also placed 7th at {{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}. He dropped Fox for {{SSBU|Palutena}} during the online metagame, and has seldom used Fox since.
*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} - One of the best Fox players in the world in the early metagame, ranking 39th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]] and noticeably placing 7th at the supermajor {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} while primarily using Fox. He dropped Fox for {{SSBU|Palutena}} in the online metagame and has stuck with her since.
*{{Sm|Paseriman|Japan}} - The second best Fox player of all-time, and the first Fox player to win a major, doing so at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 11}}. He was also the only Fox player who challenged Light's title for best Fox player, doing so in the first few months of 2020 thanks to a string of strong performances such as 4th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and 9th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}. He was never able to reach the same consistency since, although he remains one of the best Fox players in Japan, notably placing 3rd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 6}} and 4th at {{Trn|L'Odyssée - Chant I}} in the post-pandemic metagame.
*{{Sm|Paseriman|Japan}} - The second best Fox player of all-time who was in contention for the best in 2020, ranking above Light at 11th on the [[OrionRank Pre-Quarantine]] thanks to a string of strong performances, most notably 4th at the supermajor {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and 9th at the supermajor {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}. However he has never been able to reach those heights after 2020, and he has also picked up {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} as a co-main.
*{{Sm|RyuKai|France}} - The best Fox player in Europe, although he briefly mained {{SSBU|Wolf}} from late-2021 to early-2023. His breakout event was placing 2nd at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2020}} while double-eliminating Europe's then-#3 player {{Sm|Space}}, and he has since placed well at several notable European events, such as 17th at {{Trn|ICARUS 2023}} and 25th at {{Trn|King Of Fields 95 3}}.
*{{Sm|RyuKai|France}} - One of the best Fox players in Europe, although he primarily played {{SSBU|Wolf}} from late-2021 to early-2023. His breakout event was placing 2nd at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2020}} while double-eliminating Europe's then-#3 {{Sm|Space}}, and he has since seen several notable results at European events such as 17th at the superregional {{Trn|ICARUS 2023}} and 25th at the major {{Trn|King Of Fields 95 3}}.
*{{Sm|ZD|USA}} - One of the best Fox players in the world in the first few months of the competitive scene, placing 5th at {{Trn|Glitch 6}} and 7th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves}}, as well as defeating {{Sm|Tweek}} at {{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus}} and {{Sm|Zackray}} at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}. However, many of his strongest results took place right before the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]] season, and as such, he was only ranked in the Area 51 during this time. He continued to place well after this period, having also picked up {{SSBU|Wolf}} as a co-main and placing 9th at {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}} defeating {{Sm|Cosmos}} with Fox, but was never able to reach the heights he saw during the game's early months.
*{{Sm|ZD|USA}} - One of the best Fox players in the world in the first few months of the competitive scene, placing 5th at the major {{Trn|Glitch 6}} and 7th at the major {{Trn|Let's Make Moves}}, taking sets from top 10 players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} at {{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus}} and {{Sm|Zackray}} at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}, and ranking in the Area 51 on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]. However, his results have since declined and he began co-maining Fox with {{SSBU|Wolf}}.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
In stark contrast to pre-release ''Ultimate'', where it was speculated that he would be an unviable character, Fox initially saw a very positive reception due to all of the indirect benefits he received from the game's engine, as well as phenomenal results from professionals such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} and {{Sm|ZD}}. Light especially contributed to this reception, being a top 10 player in the first year of ''Ultimate'' and consistently making top 8 at major events. This led to very high opinions on the character, and many players labeled him as a top 5 character.
In stark contrast to pre-release ''Ultimate'', where it was speculated that Fox would be an unviable character, Fox initially saw a very positive reception due to all of the indirect benefits he received from the game's engine as well as phenomenal results from professionals such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} and {{Sm|ZD}}. Light especially contributed to this reception, being a top 10 player in the first year of ''Ultimate'' and consistently making top 8 at major events. This led to very high opinions on the character, and many players labeled him as a top 5 character.


However, the second half of 2019 saw a noticeable decline in Fox's results as his weaknesses, such as his exploitable recovery and his fragile weight, became more apparent. Players either began performing worse with Fox or began picking up other characters to complement him; most notably, the second half of 2019 saw some of Light's worst results of his career, while ZD's results took a noticeable hit and he also began playing {{SSBU|Wolf}}. Despite these negatives, there were still some positives for the character during this time, such as several strong results coming from Light and the rise of {{Sm|Lui$}} in mid-2019 and {{Sm|Paseriman}} in late-2019, with the latter most notably putting Light's title of "best Fox player" in contention. Nevertheless, Fox's worse representation led many players to rank him lower on their tier lists, with Light himself believing the character was only high tier at best.
However, the second half of 2019 saw a noticeable decline in Fox's results as his weaknesses, such as his exploitable recovery and his fragile weight, became more apparent. Players either began performing worse with Fox or began picking up other characters to complement Fox; most notably, the second half of 2019 saw some of Light's worst results of his career, while ZD's results took a noticeable hit and he also began playing {{SSBU|Wolf}}. Despite these negatives, there were still some positives for the character during this time, such as several strong results coming from Light and the rise of {{Sm|Lui$}} in mid-2019 and {{Sm|Paseriman}} in 2020, with the latter most notably putting Light's title of "best Fox player" in contention. Nevertheless, Fox's worse representation led many players to rank Fox lower on their tier lists, with Light himself believing the character was only high tier at best.


Following the end of the online metagame, Fox's results were initially somewhat underwhelming, as his best players did not initially place as well: Light's first offline event ended in an underwhelming 17th place at {{Trn|Mega Smash Mondays 240}}; Paseriman's performances had also notably slipped throughout 2021; and Lui$ had dropped Fox for Palutena. However, this did not last long, as Light was not only able to reclaim his former glory, but was able to surpass it. In 2022, Light saw a slew of top 8 finishes that landed him as one of the most consistent top level players in the post-online metagame. In addition, Paseriman was able to regain some of his former glory (such as 3rd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 6}}), although he remains rather inconsistent (such as an underwhelming 257th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}}). Both players showcased that Fox's oppressive nature and fast speed remained rather threatening in the metagame and were able to outweigh his weaknesses, leading him to be ranked 5th on the first tier list. The following year continued Fox's strong results: although Light's results saw a small slip, on the other hand, the year saw {{Sm|Kaninabe}} rise to the top level, as despite being somewhat inconsistent, he was able to reach peaks on a similar caliber to Light's that year. As such, Fox remained a top tier character on the second list, although slipping to 8th due to the rise of some characters below him.
Since 2019, Fox's results have remained in a weird spot. Fox's best results in the post-online metagame have since surpassed what he had in the early metagame thanks to the efforts of Light, who abused Fox's strong neutral game and advantage state to place top 8 at most majors he attended, including winning a few of them. On the other hand, Fox's other players have yet to achieve the consistency and results as Light: Paseriman's major results have fluctuated between really strong (such as 3rd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 6}}) to really underwhelming (such as 257th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}}); newer Fox players such as {{Sm|Kaninabe}} are also less consistent; and Lui$ eventually dropped the character in favor of {{SSBU|Palutena}}. As such, although Fox was ranked 5th on the current tier list as a top-tier character, his representation remains somewhat underwhelming for a top 5 character, having been ranked mid-10s to high-20s in the post-online metagame. Nevertheless, opinions on Fox have since improved from his slump in mid-2019.


In the online metagame, characters that require precision and strict reaction times are considered less viable. As a result, most Fox players opted to play other characters or decided not to play online, leading Fox to have one of the worst representations in the online metagame out of all top tiers.
In the online metagame, characters that require precision and strict reaction times are considered less viable. As a result, most Fox players opted to play other characters or decided not to play online, leading Fox to have one of the worst representations in the online metagame out of all top tiers.
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During the opening cutscene, he was issuing orders to the other fighters while pointing his blaster at [[Galeem]]'s {{SSBU|Master Hand}} army, telling them "Don't let a single one [of the Master Hands] get away!" ("{{ja|今日こそ決着をつけてやる!|Kyō koso kecchaku o tsuketeyaru!}}", ''We're settling this today!'') Fox was also present on the cliffside when Galeem unleashed his beams of light. He was vaporised offscreen and was placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the other fighters (excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}). A puppet fighter cloned from him is later seen along with ones cloned from {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Mario}},  and other fighters.
During the opening cutscene, he was issuing orders to the other fighters while pointing his blaster at [[Galeem]]'s {{SSBU|Master Hand}} army, telling them "Don't let a single one [of the Master Hands] get away!" ("{{ja|今日こそ決着をつけてやる!|Kyō koso kecchaku o tsuketeyaru!}}", ''We're settling this today!'') Fox was also present on the cliffside when Galeem unleashed his beams of light. He was vaporised offscreen and was placed under Galeem's imprisonment alongside the other fighters (excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}). A puppet fighter cloned from him is later seen along with ones cloned from {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Mario}},  and other fighters.


Fox is unlocked near a heart-shaped lake. The player must defeat [[List of spirits (Fire Emblem series)|Nyna's spirit]] to access his unlock battle. Unlocking Fox will allow the player to access the red switch which opens the red gate leading towards the Temple of Light sub-area, as well as clearing a path blocked by rocks. This makes him one of the few mandatory fighter unlocks.
Fox is unlocked near a heart-shaped lake. The player must defeat [[List of spirits (Fire Emblem series)|Nyna's spirit]] to access his unlock battle. Unlocking Fox will allow the player to access the red switch which opens the red gate leading towards the Temple of Light sub-area as well as clearing a path blocked by rocks. This makes him one of the few mandatory fighter unlocks.


He is later seen again alongside {{SSBU|Mario}} and several other fighters, making their last stand against Galeem and [[Dharkon]]. In the bad ending where Galeem emerges victorious against Dharkon, Fox is among the fighters witnessing the world becoming engulfed in light, with {{SSBU|Samus}} and {{SSBU|Bowser}} by his side.
He is later seen again alongside {{SSBU|Mario}} and several other fighters, making their last stand against Galeem and [[Dharkon]]. In the bad ending where Galeem emerges victorious against Dharkon, Fox is among the fighters witnessing the world becoming engulfed in light, with {{SSBU|Samus}} and {{SSBU|Bowser}} by his side.
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== Trivia ==
== Trivia ==
*If Fox wins a match with Falco present, there's a chance he will say, "Better luck next time, Falco!" in one of his victory animations. However, this line was strangely not present in his [[Sound Test]], up until the update 8.0.0. He shares this distinction with Wolf, {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}.
*If Fox wins a match with Falco present, there's a chance he will say, "Better luck next time, Falco!", in one of his victory animations. However, this line was strangely not found in his [[Sound Test]], up until the update 8.0.0. He shares this distinction with Wolf, {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}.
*Fox is the only character whose unlock column for Classic Mode includes at least one character who debuted in each game in the ''Smash'' series (whereas Mario and Kirby have no newcomers from ''Ultimate'' unlocked in their columns).
*Fox is the only character whose unlock column for Classic Mode includes at least one character who debuted in each game in the ''Smash'' series (whereas Mario and Kirby have no newcomers from ''Ultimate'' unlocked in their columns).
**Not counting characters with opposite gender alternate costumes (like {{SSBU|Robin}} and {{SSBU|Corrin}}), Fox has the most female fighters in his unlock column, as his column features Peach, Daisy, and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} for unlockable characters.
**Not counting characters with opposite gender alternate costumes (like {{SSBU|Robin}} and {{SSBU|Corrin}}), Fox has the most female fighters in his unlock column, as his column features Peach, Daisy, and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} for unlockable characters.
*Fox is the only starter in ''Ultimate'' who can perform a [[Smash Taunt]].
*Fox is the only starter in ''Ultimate'' who can perform [[Smash Taunt]].
*Despite Fox receiving an update on his design, the afterimages of his [[Fox Illusion]] still use his design from ''Smash 4''. This is shared with Falco's [[Falco Phantasm]].
*Despite Fox receiving an update on his design, the afterimages of his [[Fox Illusion]] still use his design from ''Smash 4''. This is shared with Falco's [[Falco Phantasm]].
*Fox's fight with Wolf on Venom in his Classic Mode references his team's final fight with Star Wolf in ''Star Fox 64'' before Fox goes on to fight Andross.
*Fox's fight with Wolf on Venom in his Classic Mode references his team's final fight with Star Wolf in ''Star Fox 64'' before Fox goes on to fight Andross.
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*Prior to 7.0.0, if Fox blocked an attack with his [[shield]], he would revert to his shielding pose from ''Smash 4''. This also happens with several other characters.
*Prior to 7.0.0, if Fox blocked an attack with his [[shield]], he would revert to his shielding pose from ''Smash 4''. This also happens with several other characters.
**The pose itself affected Fox's hurtbox positioning, as it makes him stand upright rather than slouch, which [https://www.twitter.com/LocusSK/status/1205947527847010304 resulted in making it easier for opponents to shield stab vertically with a smaller shield].
**The pose itself affected Fox's hurtbox positioning, as it makes him stand upright rather than slouch, which [https://www.twitter.com/LocusSK/status/1205947527847010304 resulted in making it easier for opponents to shield stab vertically with a smaller shield].
*Fox's entry on the official ''Super Smash Blog'' makes a reference to his down taunt in previous games, where he shouts "Come on!". However, in the context of ''Ultimate'', this reference is lost, as Fox doesn't say "Come on!" during his down taunt anymore, now saying "Come at me!".
*Fox's entry on the official ''Super Smash Blog'' makes a reference to Fox's down taunt in previous games, where he shouts "Come on!". However, in the context of ''Ultimate'', this reference is lost as Fox doesn't say "Come on!" during his down taunt anymore, now saying "Come at me!".
*Fox is the only starter who unlocks all of the unlockable characters from their universe in their unlock tree.
*Fox is the only starter who unlocks all of the unlockable characters from his universe in his unlock tree.


{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{SSBUCharacters}}

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