Editing Ganondorf (SSB4)

{{Disambig2|Ganondorf's appearance in Super Smash Bros. 4|the character in other contexts|Ganondorf}}

|name         = Ganondorf

|image       = [[Image:Ganondorf SSB4.png|250px]]

|universe     = {{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1=SSBM

|ssbgame2=SSBB

|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] (3DS)<br />[[Starter character|Starter]] (Wii U)

|ranking = 53

'''Ganondorf''' ({{ja|ガノンドロフ|Ganondorofu}}, ''Ganondorf'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Alongside {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, he was officially revealed as a playable [[veteran]] on October 15th, 2014, although he was leaked four times prior to his reveal: via [[Leak#ESRB leak|video footage]] from ESRB, outside the in-game stage boundaries in an [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omeOylQYkuU&t=56s official video] (later replaced with a nearly-identical video sans Ganondorf), in Twitch livestreams and even a mention in [[Masahiro Sakurai]]'s [https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAABnUYoQeXOoNw Pic of the Day] five days before his official reveal. Ganondorf is once again voiced by Hironori Miyata, albeit via recycled voice clips from his appearance in ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''.

Ganondorf is currently ranked 53rd out of 55 on the [[tier list]] (tied with {{SSB4|Zelda}}), placing him in the G tier. This is a slight improvement from his ranking in ''Brawl'', where he was game's lowest-ranking character. As in previous games, Ganondorf remains as the game's archetypal super [[weight|heavyweight]], boasting high endurance, slow yet powerful moves that can KO very early, along with a capable [[edgeguard]]ing game courtesy of hard-hitting aerials. This is further enhanced by the buffs to his mobility, combo game and already high power, in addition to the general changes to game mechanics patching up several key weaknesses he had in ''Brawl''. Altogether, Ganondorf's high power allows him to deal ruthless punishes when the opportunity arises, in addition to being capable of ending stocks with very few hits.

However, Ganondorf still remains significantly disadvantaged by his slow mobility, very sluggish frame data when compared to the cast, and large target, making him exceptionally susceptible to rushdowns, combos and [[projectile]] [[camping]], in addition to giving him a linear [[approach]]. His grab game, outside of [[Flame Choke]], is also very lackluster, while his [[recovery]] is still easily exploitable due to being slow, linear and predictable. Finally, Ganondorf has a fair number of unrewarding moves that can neither combo or KO reliably, despite his overall power.  

As a result of these factors, Ganondorf still relies primarily on punishes and hard reads, and his weaknesses from ''Brawl'' are still prominent; however, he is commonly considered to fare better against difficult matchups, despite still being lackluster overall. This has resulted in Ganondorf gaining a low amount of representation in tournaments, in addition to attaining below-average success. Nevertheless, he is popular in the ''SSB4'' community due to his extremely strong, over-the-top, and extravagant punishment options that can easily KO unaware opponents, with a a number of dedicated players such as {{sm|Gungnir}}, {{sm|Vermanubis}} and {{sm|Ray Kalm}}, some of which even use him as a solo main in tournaments despite his standing on the tier list.

* Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} as {{SSB4|Link}} or {{SSB4|Zelda}} on difficulty 5.0 or higher.

After completing one of the two methods, Ganondorf must then be defeated on [[Gerudo Valley]].

Ganondorf does not have to be unlocked in {{forwiiu}}.

Ganondorf's greatest trait is his raw power. He possesses attacks that are on par with {{SSB4|Bowser}} in terms of damage and knockback, with almost his entire moveset granting him the ability to KO under 150% or even 100% with ease, even if the opponent is in the middle of [[Final Destination_(SSB4)|Final Destination]]. This becomes especially evident with [[rage]], making his [[punishment|punishes]] some of the most potent in ''SSB4'', while several other moves have the ability to KO at exceedingly low percentages, such as an aerial reversed [[Warlock Punch]] (which [[one-hit KO]]s Mario with rage) and sweetspotted up tilt (which KOs middleweights at 33% near the ledge). While Ganondorf's combo game is limited when compared to the majority of the cast, his followups make up for it by dealing high amounts of damage in a short time, such as sourspotted dash attack to up aerial, or the followups from [[Flame Choke]] (either from opponents missing their [[tech]], or through predicting their reactions). Because of his strength, Ganondorf has one of the strongest KO abilities in the game, as he is capable of racking up damage and KOing opponents in less than a few hits.  

Ganondorf is among the best [[edgeguard]]ers in the game, as his powerful aerials are relatively fast for their immense power (excluding forward aerial) and send foes far away from the stage even at medium percents, spelling trouble for any fighter without a long-distance recovery. His down aerial is the most powerful [[meteor smash]] in the game with low ending lag, and his up aerial's late hitbox is among the best [[gimp]]s in the game with its [[semi-spike]] angle and high hitstun. Finally, his back aerial is a deceptively fast, safe and powerful KO move, as it starts up as fast as {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}'s with relatively little lag and can autocancel in a short hop, despite its immense power. His grounded moveset is also useful for punishing impromptu recoveries, such as using an up tilt against badly positioned fighters or an up smash against horizontal recovering characters like {{SSB4|Ike}}. Ganondorf also has the lowest and safest ledge grab, allowing him to camp on the ledge effectively and giving him decent protection from opponents when hanging from a ledge.

However, Ganondorf possesses many notable flaws. His shield is very vulnerable to [[shield stab]]bing due to its small size relative to his height. Also, small characters, such as {{SSB4|Kirby}}, can easily avoid his attacks due to the majority of his moves having short range, poorly placed hitboxes with low durations, while also extending his hurtboxes and makes him vulnerable to trading or simply being grabbed out of an attack despite being visually out of range. Although Ganondorf's frame data is similar (albeit slightly slower) to {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} in terms of start up (barring neutral attack, up tilt, and Warlock Punch), his attacks are very difficult to land while being easily punished due to high ending lag and/or landing lag. As a result of his high end lag, some of his moves are completely unsafe on shield, making it very difficult to take full advantage of his extreme shield breaking capabilities.  

Other issues include a poor grab game. Ganondorf's grab range is surprisingly short despite his size, while his physics, ineffective angles, and high knockback result in his throws (other than down throw) having little follow-up and no KO power with the exception of forward throw, which can lead to down aerials meteor smash offstage. Flame Choke can also work against Ganondorf due to it enforcing unreliable hard reads, especially if [[tech]]ed, with incorrect reads likely putting Ganondorf in a vulnerable position.  

His recovery remains very lackluster and one is of the worst in the game due to its low distance and high vulnerability to edgeguarding and gimps. [[Dark Dive]]'s lack of speed, distance and resilience allows Ganondorf to be knocked away by even the weakest of moves, while [[Flame Choke]]'s fearsome sacrificial KO potential is offset by its minimal horizontal distance and it sharing the same flaws as Dark Dive. Lastly, despite his status as a powerhouse, Ganondorf still possesses some moves that offer little reward due to their inability to combo reliably or KO at realistic percentages (with some not even KOing past 200%), such as his neutral attack's sourspot, neutral aerial's late hitboxes, Dark Dive, and all his throws.

Ganondorf drastically benefits from some of his custom moves, most notably Wizard's Dropkick and Dark Fists. While Wizard's Dropkick is weaker, cannot [[meteor smash]], and has slightly more ending lag when performed in the air, it is excellent against projectiles and for recovery, acting as a superior version of [[Flame Choke]]'s recovery that does not leave him helpless while allowing Ganondorf to fly over projectiles while attacking. Dark Fists is a two-hit attack with better horizontal reach, [[armor]], and very potent power, giving him impressive protection against edgeguarders if used as a recovery and a very effective out-of-shield option, something that he lacks. When using both of these moves on his moveset, Ganondorf is granted a very efficient recovery and improved offensive prowess, as he can travel high distances while being exceedingly difficult to edgeguard without being punished. For other notable customs, Warlock Blade offers better utility over Warlock Punch due to its lower start-up, increased range, [[transcendent priority]], and high shield damage, but replaces one of Ganondorf's best punishing options due to its reduced strength. Flame Chain and Flame Wave are semi-viable alternatives to Flame Choke, with the former being a multiple hitting attack with decent horizontal knockback and the latter having high damage and strong KO power. However, both are laggier and sacrifice powerful combos, while the latter covers significantly less distance, to the point where it only reaches opponents directly in front of Ganondorf. The rest of his custom moves are ineffective as they offer very little bonuses over the default or other custom moves; the best example is Warlock Thrust, which has extremely minimal KO power and high ending lag to overwhelmingly outweigh its benefits of a larger hitbox and faster start-up. However, while his [[Character customization|custom moves]] address his recovery issues and make him a more dangerous character with better staying power, they are not allowed in the standard metagame.  

==Changes from ''Brawl''==

Ganondorf has been considerably buffed in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4'', albeit not enough to significantly raise his standing among the cast. Aside from a few minor animation changes and different [[custom moves]], Ganondorf is still a [[semi-clone]] of {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}, having even been slightly re-cloned with his down aerial and neutral aerial's first hit functioning almost exactly like Falcon's, albeit the latter having no set knockback and an added hitbox on the foot with increased knockback. Outside of this, some of his moves are faster (notably neutral attack, dash attack, and neutral aerial), have even more power (most notably down smash, back aerial, and Wizard's Foot), or deal more damage (notably up smash, forward aerial, and Flame Choke)  His dash attack's sourspot has vastly improved combo potential, while the sourspots on some of his attack are less of a hindrance now due to either having consistent knockback on all their hitboxes and/or deal more damage. Unlike many other characters who got increases in landing lag, Ganondorf's aerials have less landing lag, most prominently forward and down aerials, while the others are still noticeable as well. His slowest but most rewarding moves, such as his up tilt and [[Warlock Punch]], are much easier to land and are even more powerful. His grab game has been slightly improved, though it remains very poor. One of the most notable changes is that the use of [[Flame Choke]] for [[Ganoncide|Ganonciding]] now consistently KOs the opponent before Ganondorf, allowing it to be used as a guaranteed win if both players in a one-on-one match are on their last stock.

Ganondorf also significantly benefits from the general changes of ''SSB4''. The removal of [[chain grab]]bing, which heavily plagued Ganondorf in previous games, improves his survival, while the changes to [[hitstun]] canceling, now only being possible after frame 40, allows a reasonable period for Ganondorf's attacks to connect better (notably from down throw) and makes opponents less capable of attacking him right out of [[Dark Dive]] (though it is still very capable of being attacked out). The removal of damage reduction on [[shield]]s and increased [[shieldstun]] allows many of Ganondorf's attacks to break them more easily, the introduction of edge-stealing which allows Ganondorf to edge-hog more effectively while limiting his opponents' ability to do the same (which is only helped by his ledge grab animation being the lowest and safest in the game). Additionally, the new [[rage]] mechanic greatly strengthens his already high overall knockback, which he can benefit from even further due to his heavier weight.

However, Ganondorf also received noteworthy nerfs. His forward smash no longer has extra reach when pivoted, and while [[Warlock Punch]] was improved overall, it is much weaker unless reversed or performed in midair. Despite being infamous for his poor recovery, Ganondorf is even easier to edgeguard due to the removal of [[armor|grab armor]] and his low [[air speed]] being nearly reduced to what it was in ''Melee''. His down aerial is also significantly weaker, lasts shorter, and no longer [[autocancel]]s with a [[short hop]], drastically weakening its utility despite having significantly less landing lag and greater reach. He can no longer perform the Flight of Ganon, noticeably hindering his aerial game. The biggest nerf Ganondorf received was to Flame Choke, his staple move in ''Brawl'': it not only lost its grab armor, but when grounded, it can now be [[tech]]ed before Ganondorf can act. This enforces unreliable hard reads, and if Ganondorf reads incorrectly, his slow attack speed will ensure he can get punished. In addition to his nerfs, some glaring flaws, outside of universal changes, from ''Brawl'' were not addressed, such as his low mobility and poor recovery, while the only issues that were addressed were his unusually low attack power in spite of his character archetype and, to a lesser extent, less landing lag for his aerials and slightly faster start-up in some areas.

Overall, Ganondorf is considered a much better and more rewarding character overall compared to how he was in ''Brawl''. However, this has barely helped his standing on the tier list, due to the vast number of his fellow [[veteran]]s having been buffed as well, while he also remains arguably inferior to how he was in ''Melee'' in certain aspects. The changes to Ganondorf and his fellow veterans are also somewhat evident in his match-ups against them; while he generally fares poorly against them, his match-ups are not as abysmal as they were in ''Brawl''. Lastly, some of Ganondorf's custom moves address a few of his glaring flaws to the point that they noticeably improve him even further, although it is very debatable as to whether their benefits make him as viable as he was in ''Melee''.

*{{change|Ganondorf's design has slightly changed. His head, eyes, nose and ears have been slightly re-proportioned, and he now sports his glowing chest wound from ''{{s|zeldawiki|The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess}}''. Additionally, his {{s|wikipedia|epaulette}}s have been slightly redesigned. Lastly, the aesthetic used in ''SSB4'' has resulted in Ganondorf's attire being slightly more vibrant. Altogether, these changes make him appear significantly more in line with his appearance in ''Twilight Princess''.}}

*{{change|Ganondorf's eye color is slightly subdued and his cape is now tattered, instead of frayed. These changes are original to ''SSB4''.}}

*{{change|Ganondorf is significantly more expressive. As the corners of his mouth no longer open, he now consistently scowls and has slightly pursed lips when he vocalizes. Numerous actions also result in Ganondorf angrily clenching his teeth, mockingly smirk and even look puzzled and contemplative.}}

*{{buff|Ganondorf [[dash]]es faster (1.16 → 1.218).}}

*{{nerf|Ganondorf's [[air speed]] is slower (0.846 → 0.79), hindering his already poor recovery.}}

*{{buff|The 19% damage increase to shields and the increase to [[shieldstun]] significantly help Ganondorf, as they allow many of his high shield damage attacks to shatter shields more effectively and more often.}}

*{{change|The removal of [[meteor smash#meteor canceling|meteor canceling]] significantly helps Ganondorf, as it makes his down aerial and Wizard's Foot even more viable (despite the former's reduced power) and makes them function like [[spike]]s from ''Melee''. However, it makes his already poor recovery even easier to edgeguard.}}

*{{bugfix|[[Flight of Ganon]] has been removed.}}

**{{nerf|This noticeably hinders his already subpar air game.}}

*{{buff| The removal of [[chain grabbing]] significantly improves Ganondorf's endurance.}}

*{{buff|[[Neutral attack]] deals 1% more damage (5%/7%/9% → 6%/8%/10%) and has decreased startup (8 frames → 7) and ending lag ([[IASA]] 34 → 29), improving its [[out of shield]] potential. Its sweetspot and sourspot were moved 1 unit forward and backward respectively (x position 18/12 → 19/11), decreasing the blind spots covering his body while slightly increasing its range.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack has reduced knockback (40/30/40 (base)/105 (growth) → 38/30/40 (base)/90/90/105 (growth)), making it slightly weaker despite its damage increase.}}

*{{nerf|Sweetspotted [[dash attack]] deals 1% less damage (15% → 14%) and has decreased base knockback (60 → 50), now KOing around 140% instead of the 100%-125% range in ''Brawl''.}}

*{{buff|Sourspotted dash attack has an altered angle (100° → 80°) and has decreased ending lag (IASA 41 → 38), improving its combo potential. It also received 2 frames of invincibility after startup, improving its defensive potential.}}

*{{buff|[[Down tilt]] deals 1% more damage (12% → 13%), improving its KO potetial.}}

*{{buff|[[Up tilt]] deals 1% more damage (17%/19%/27%/27% → 18%/20%/28%/28%). Additionally, it deals more shield damage across all hitboxes (0 → 20), on top of shields taking 19% more damage, which allows its sweetspot to instantly shatter even full shields. Lastly, the changes in ledge mechanics also makes it much easier to trap opponents with, improving its edgeguarding potential.}}

*{{buff|Sweetspotted [[forward smash]] has increased base knockback (30 → 35), slightly improving its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Ganondorf no longer lunges farther when performing a pivoted forward smash, decreasing its range.}}

*{{buff|[[Up smash]] deals 2% more damage (19%/22%/22% → 21%/24%/24%) and has slightly higher knockback growth (70 → 71), making it the strongest up smash in ''Smash 4''. It also has marginally decreased ending lag (IASA 43 → 42).}}

*{{buff|[[Down smash]] deals 1% more damage (5% → 6% (hit 1), 12%/14%/14% → 13%/15%/15% (hit 2) and the second hit has increased knockback growth (75 → 94) and larger hitboxes (5.5u → 6.5u), improving its KO potential and making the move function similarly to how it did in ''Melee''. The second hit now pushes away shielding opponents rather than dragging them toward him, making the move safer.}}

*{{nerf|Down smash's first hit received a hitbox on Ganondorf's thigh that launches opponents forward and away from the second hit, making it much harder for both hits to connect together and making Ganondorf more susceptible to being punished.}}

*{{change|Down smash's second hit now flips opponents.}}

*{{buff|All aerials have decreased landing lag (22 frames → 17 (neutral), 32 frames → 22 (forward), 22 frames → 19 (back/up), 35 frames → 26 (down)).}}

*{{buff|[[Neutral aerial]] has been improved. The first kick has significantly decreased knockback growth (100 → 30), has altered angles (55°/60°/65° → 55°/70°/100°) and transitions into its second hit faster (frame 20 → 17). It also gained a hitbox on his foot with significantly increased knockback (20 (base)/100 (growth) → 50/110), improving its spacing potential when hitting with his foot. The second kick also deals more damage (7% (clean)/5% (late) → 12%/9%), has increased knockback growth (100 → 106) and a larger hitbox (4.3u/5.7u/6.2u → 4.5u/5.7u/7.4u), restoring its KO potential from ''Melee'' and making it function similarly to {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}'s neutral aerial. It also has decreased ending lag (IASA 45 → 42).}}

*{{nerf|Neutral aerial's first hit deals less damage (11% (clean)/7% (late) → 7%/5.25%) and its significantly decreased knockback makes it less safe on hit and on landing, removing its KO potential and hindering its spacing potential unless hitting with his foot.}}

*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]] and [[back aerial]]s deal more damage (15% (sourspot)/17% (sweetspot) → 17%/18%), (30/48 (base)/80/83 (growth) → 20/93) (forward); (16% → 17%), (10/28 (base)/85 (growth) → 40/89) (back), making the sourspots much less of a hindrance.}}

*{{buff|Sourspotted down aerial now launches at the [[Sakurai angle]], improving its onstage edgeguarding and KO potentials and granting the move spacing potential.}}

*{{change|Down aerial's hitboxes are positioned lower.}}

*{{nerf|Down aerial has a shorter duration (16-20 → 16-18), has decreased base knockback (30 → 20), and deals 3% less damage on the sweetspot (22% → 19%). This makes it meteor smash grounded opponents later (0% → 10%) and KO grounded opponents later (100% → 120%), though it is still the most powerful meteor smash in the game. It can also no longer [[autocancel]] with a short hop, hindering its combo potential and making Ganondorf more susceptible to being punished at very low percentages. The sourspot also further worsens the move's offstage edgeguarding ability, and its altered hitbox placements make it incapable of punishing opponents recovering high.}}

*{{buff|Pummel deals 1% more damage (2% → 3%).}}

*{{change|Up throw deals 3% more damage (7% → 10%).}}

*{{buff|The changes to hitstun canceling improves down throw's combo potential.}}

*{{change|Forward, up, and down throws have decreased hitlag.}}

*{{buff|Front and back floor attacks deal 1% more damage (6% → 7%).}}

*{{change|Ganondorf has a new back floor attack, a somersault kick.}}

*{{nerf|Edge attack deals 2% less damage (10% → 8%).}}

*{{nerf|Grounded [[Warlock Punch]] deals 2% less damage (32% → 30%) and has altered knockback (30 (base)/100 (growth) → 120/42), considerably hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Aerial Warlock Punch deals more damage (35% → 38%). Grounded and aerial reversed Warlock Punch also deal more damage (35% (grounded)/38% (aerial) → 37%/40%). Grounded Warlock Punch now also grants [[armor]] lasting from frames 11-66 and frames 11-58, respectively.}}

*{{buff|[[Flame Choke]] deals more damage (9% (grounded)/12% (aerial) → 12/15%) has more range (5.2 (grounded)/5.5 (aerial) → 7.2/7.5). Grounded Flame Choke no longer has any blind spots and due to the changes in [[ledge]] mechanics, using grounded Flame Choke on an opponent using their normal get-up option will cause them to miss their ledge grab. Flame Choke now also meteor smashes opponents when Ganondorf lands on ledges with them. Lastly, [[Ganoncide]] always KOs the opponent before Ganondorf, instead of at the same time or after, meaning Ganondorf will always win if he lands a Ganoncide on the opponent's last stock.}}

*{{nerf|Flame Choke can now be [[tech]]ed, though the grounded version's low ending lag allows [[tech-chasing]]. The removal of grab armor makes it easier to intercept, as traded blows will interrupt the grab. This makes Ganonciding slightly more difficult to perform and thus less of a deterrent for opponents edgeguarding Ganondorf.}}

*{{change|Aerial Flame Choke is now a [[stall-then-fall]] and removes all forward momentum, making it easier to steer backward, but covering less distance forward. While this makes off-stage Ganonciding easier, it makes returning to the stage and attempting to Ganoncide while facing the ledge much harder.}}

*{{buff|[[Dark Dive]] deals 2.8% more damage (11% → 13.8%) and knockback growth (82 → 90), improving its out of shield potential and allowing it to KO reliably, unlike in Brawl. The changes to hitstun canceling now results in opponents no longer being able to attack Ganondorf after he releases them from Dark Dive, improving its defensive potential.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of grab armor removes the minimal protection Dark Dive provided. When combined with the previous point about Flame Choke, this makes Ganondorf more susceptible to edgeguarding.}}

*{{buff|Grounded [[Wizard's Foot]] deals 2% more damage (12%/10%/10% → 14%/12%/12%), improving its KO potential and its safety at low percentages while also out-prioritizing most weak projectiles. Its hitboxes were also widened (z position -1/-3/4 → 0/-3/6), increasing its range. Aerial Wizard's Foot deals more [[shield damage]] (10 → 15). It can also be interrupted much sooner, giving Ganondorf much greater leniency to successfully recover after using it off-stage when edgeguarding and when using it as a recovery mix-up. This also allows it to be used over ground from not as high up without going into its laggy landing animation.}}

*{{change|Grounded Wizard's Foot has a slightly different animation: the kick is slightly higher, and Ganondorf enters a three-point landing pose when the move ends.}}

*{{nerf|[[Beast Ganon]] deals 7% less damage (47% → 40%) and has decreased knockback, removing its [[one-hit KO]] ability.}}

*{{change|Beast Ganon's animation has slightly changed. He now triumphantly poses, as if roaring, upon transforming back into his Gerudo form. The move also has a purple tint added in the background.}}

*{{buff|Forward, up and down throws' [[hitlag]] decreased.}}

|utiltname=

|utiltdesc=A delayed axe kick that produces an explosion. Has [[vacuum]] properties on frames 6-70, a disjointed hitbox that can reach past ledges, and is incredibly powerful, with the sweetspot being infamous for instantly shattering full [[shield]]s and KOing at very low percentages when near the edge, making it one of Ganondorf's best [[edgeguard]]ing options if used wisely. However, while it is the strongest up tilt in the game, it has immense starting lag at 81 frames and is both Ganondorf's slowest attack and the game's slowest standard move, making it an extreme "high risk, high reward" move.

|dtiltname=

|dashname=

|dashdesc=A shoulder tackle. Ganondorf gains both a quick speed boost during the move's duration and very brief [[invincibility]] after the move's start-up, though the invincibility lasts too short to be practical. The sweetspot is able to reliably KO around 140%. The sourspot, while lacking any KO potential, has combo utility due to its long lasting hitbox and weak knockback that can combo into any of Ganondorf's aerials at varying percentages, with the follow-up into up aerial striking the entire cast between 70%-90%.

|usmashname=

|dsmashname=

|nairname=

|fairname=

|bairname=

|uairname=

|uairdesc=A bicycle kick. Covers a large arc above him that has good coverage and great power, with the clean hit KOing middleweights at 100% near the edge. It also starts on frame 6, making it Ganondorf's fastest aerial and his fastest starting move overall. Deals more damage and knockback when it hits closer to his body. The last few frames of this attack is a [[sourspot]] that [[semi-spike]]s with extremely low horizontal knockback and high hitstun, which is deadly for edgeguarding, especially at the end. Has little ending lag with moderate landing lag, and can autocancel with a short hop.

|dairname=

|grabname=

|pummelname=

|fthrowname=

|bthrowname=

|uthrowname=

|dthrowname=

|floorfname=

|floorbname=

|floortname=

|edgename=

|nsdefdesc=Winds up his left arm while charging dark magic and then performs a powerful, dark magic-infused backfist. Ganondorf can rotate 180° by turning in the opposite direction during the charging period to deal more knockback and damage, at the cost of slightly more startup. It also receives a significant damage and knockback bonus if used in the air or rotated 180°, with these bonuses being stackable. As a result, an aerial reverse Warlock Punch is powerful enough to [[one-hit KO]] any character at the ledge with enough rage and break any shield not at full size, while the grounded version can OHKO certain lightweight characters near the ledge. When reversed, it can KO middleweights at a mere 16% with no rage. The grounded version has [[armor]] until just before the punch, though the aerial version does not.

|ssc2dmg=1.2% (loop hits), 5% (last hit)

|usc2desc=Leaps upward twice, but can only grab opponents during the start of either leap. The grab animation is significantly sped up, but its KO power is even weaker than Dark Dive, as it only KOs at 400%, while the jump covers less horizontal distance.

|dsc1desc=Slightly jumps into the air before performing a blue-colored, dark magic-infused flying kick. The grounded version has very little ending lag, enables Ganondorf to vault over most projectiles and is a true combo out of down throw until medium to high percentages. The aerial version moves at a 45° angle downward, making it great for horizontal recovery and avoiding juggles if he is launched. The aerial version can also be used more freely for edgeguarding. Both versions deal less damage, while the aerial version cannot meteor smash and has significantly reduced vertical KO power, though its overall utility outweighs these downsides.

|fsdesc=Transforms into Ganon, his demonic beast form and rams into the opponent. Opponents too close upon its activation are buried, whereas those otherwise will be [[paralyze]]d if they are in front of him.  

|desc=Emerges from a portal of dark magic.

|desc-down=Unsheathes the Sword of Sages, looks at it while sporting a mocking smirk as the blade's tip pulses with dark magic, then sheathes it.}}

*{{Sm|8 Inches|USA}} - One of the midwest's best Ganons, he is the only Ganondorf main in ''Smash 4'' to have taken a game from {{Sm|ZeRo}} in an offline tournament (albeit in the ditto).

*{{Sm|Fatality|USA}} - Placed 9th at [[MomoCon 2018]].

*{{Sm|GanonTheBeast|USA}} - 5th on Minnesota Power Rankings. Infamously defeated {{Sm|Dexter}} in a best-of-five set [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jsz1e52Y21s in less than five minutes].

*{{Sm|Gungnir|Japan}} - Currently considered the best Ganondorf player in the world. Placed 17th at [[Umebura Japan Major 2017]]. He has sets off of high-caliber players such as {{Sm|Taiheita}}, {{Sm|Shimitake}} and {{Sm|Earth}}.

*{{Sm|Orsone|Italy}} - Currently ranked 10th on the [[Italian Power Rankings]]. Has defeated {{Sm|Dinamirer}} (#5 in Italy) and {{Sm|Sim-Max}} (#2 in Italy).

*{{Sm|Vermanubis|USA}} - More known for playing Ganon in ''[[Brawl]]'', he still competes to this day and gets impressive results in the Pacific Northwest.

*{{Sm|Deotay|USA}} - Prominent New England Ganon, with wins off of high-caliber players such as {{Sm|Pugwest}}. Currently attending college and playing there.  

*{{Sm|Jile|USA}} - Best Ganondorf main in New England with high-placing regional results. Currently focusing on ''Rivals of Aether''.

*{{Sm|Matt Hazard|USA}}

*{{Sm|Vaataji|Norway}} - Prominent online player, with sets off {{Sm|VoiD}} and {{Sm|Mr. R}}. Currently on a hiatus.

*{{Sm|Vex Kasrani|USA}}

===Tier placement and history===

Public consensus on Ganondorf in ''Smash 4'' has risen and fallen throughout the game's history despite his numerous direct buffs. Hopes were high when the game was released due to the very noticeable buffs and the very large benefit of the change of mechanics, with some players often drawing comparisons to his ''Melee'' self. Players such as {{Sm|Gungnir}} and {{Sm|Matt Hazard}} were already earning impressive results, with the latter even defeating {{Sm|Mew2King}} in a now-infamous ''3DS'' set. This excitement, however would gradually die off following the Wii U release, as while many characters like {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} benefitted from the discovery of new tech and a better controller setup, Ganondorf proved to not be as mechanically intensive as many would have thought. Even despite numerous buffs between game updates, the metagame continued to develop, leaving Ganondorf behind for the most part, which inevitably led to his 54th placing in the bottom tier of the first ''4BR'' [[tier list]].

 

 

==Trophies==

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''The King of Evil is Link's arch-nemesis in most games in the Legend of Zelda series. With the Triforce of Power at his disposal, he's a fearsome opponent. In this game, his mighty attacks have so much impact, they easily make up for his slow speed, and his launching ability is extra impressive! Rush in when the enemy's open and strike hard.''

 

 

 

::{{Flag|Pal}} ''Being the powerhouse that he is, the King of Evil is a great choice for free-for-alls. His Warlock Punch focuses dark energy into his left hand to deliver a thunderous back-hander. Unfortunately, focusing all that energy takes time. If someone sneaks behind you just as you start the move, quickly try to turn around.''

 

 

 

::{{Flag|Pal}} ''For Ganondorf's Final Smash, he morphs into a beast and attacks. As soon as he's transformed, he buries fighters nearby in the ground, then stuns them with his roar. Finally, he charges forward, dealing heavy damage and launching anyone in his way. Any foes who are buried by the first strike are guaranteed to be hit by the rest. ''

 

 

==In [[Event Match]]es==

===Solo Events===

 

===Co-op Events===

*When Ganondorf uses an aerial [[Flame Choke]] on an opponent with one stock left, he will usually still emit his KO voice clip despite not being KO'd.

*Of all the veterans that retain their voice clips from ''Brawl'', Ganondorf, {{SSB4|Link}} and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} are the only ones that do not make use of their unused ''Brawl'' knockback sound clips.

*Ganondorf's NTSC crowd chant is very similar to the one in ''Melee'', where the crowd eerily drags out the second part of his name.{{SSB4Characters}}