Editing Ike (SSB4)

{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y}}
{{disambig2|Ike's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Ike}}
{{Infobox Character
|name         = Ike
|image        = [[Image:Ike SSB4.png|250px|Ike]]
|game         = SSB4
|ssbgame1     = SSBB
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = E
|ranking = 35
}}
'''Ike''' ({{ja|アイク|Aiku}}, ''Ike'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was confirmed in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on May 23rd, 2014, the same day that ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones}}'' was released in North America in 2005. Jason Adkins (via voice clips recycled from ''Brawl'') and Michihiko Hagi reprise their roles as Ike's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions, respectively.

Ike is currently ranked 35th out of 58 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the E tier. This is very similar to his placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 23rd out of 38. Ike largely retains his high power and impressive range, but now boasts improved speed in regard to overall mobility and frame data. He has also gained an effective combo game, which aids his ability to [[space]] out his opponents.

However, Ike retains his flaws from ''Brawl'': his heavy [[weight]] renders his overall mobility as only average at best despite its improvements, his very minimal amount of fast grounded attacks often leaves him vulnerable against rushdowns, combos, and [[projectile]] [[camping]], while his [[recovery]] is still linear and easily predictable despite being long-distanced and benefiting from the new edge mechanic. He has also gained new weaknesses: his already large hurtbox is slightly larger, several of his attacks have decreased ranges and knockback, and his very useful [[jab cancel]] is extremely situational at best due to being significantly more difficult to perform into itself.

Overall, Ike's buffs have helped him remain viable despite his nerfs, as evident by him achieving average tournament results, largely thanks to {{Sm|Ryo}}, {{Sm|San}} and {{Sm|Waldo}}. 

==Attributes==
Ike is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being tied with {{SSB4|Wario}} as the eighth heaviest character in ''SSB4''. As such, he possesses slow yet incredibly powerful attacks, slow [[walking]] speed and [[air acceleration]], above average [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]], and low [[jump]]s. However, Ike is somewhat unconventional for a character of the heavyweight class' archetype. In regard to attributes, this is evident with his [[dashing]] and [[air speed]]s being slightly below average and above average, respectively, rather than both being slow.

Ike's good [[approach]] is another noticeable divergences from the heavyweight archetype, though it is a trait shared with his fellow heavyweight swordsmen {{SSB4|Shulk}} and {{SSB4|Cloud}}. His sword, {{s|fireemblemwiki|Ragnell}}, grants him a very long and disjointed range that is surpassed only by Shulk's Monado and Cloud's Buster Sword. Ike's neutral, forward, and back aerials are good approach options, as the former has low landing lag, while the latter two deal high shieldstun due to their damage outputs and ability to [[auto-cancel]] from a [[short hop]], making them safe on shield. His forward aerial stands out the most, however, due to its good damage output, high knockback growth and large range in front of Ike. Aside from being his most reliable approach option thanks to these traits, it also makes him a surprisingly difficult character to [[punish]] when it is spaced properly. In addition, his aerials' speed and ranges make him capable at [[Pressure|pressuring]] opponents.

Ike's strong [[combo]] game is his other divergence from the heavyweight archetype. He possesses numerous moves that are able to flow consistently with each other up to medium percentages. His neutral aerial, down tilt, up throw and down throw all launch opponents at favorable angles, allowing him to follow up with his aerials and thus perform short, yet impressively damaging combos. Up throw in particular is noteworthy due to its low knockback growth enabling it to lead into his forward or up aerials even at high percentages, which provides Ike with a few invaluable KO set-ups. In addition to its aforementioned benefits, forward aerial is also a good combo tool; if auto-canceled properly, it can chain into itself up to three times at medium percentages, racking up roughly 35%. Although not as consistent as the aforementioned moves, his up tilt and back throw also have combo potential; the former can lead to juggle situations, while the latter can combo into his dash attack at medium percentages if the opponent misses their [[tech]].

Although Ike has these strengths to deviate from his fellow heavyweights, he nonetheless boasts outstanding power just like they do. All of his smash attacks are among the strongest of their respective kinds, with his forward smash being noteworthy as the seventh strongest forward smash in the game. His forward and up smashes both have long ranges, which also grants them utility against both grounded and aerial opponents. Up smash in particular covers a wide, overhead arc around Ike and has a large number of active frames, making it a deadly option at the edge and a good option for punishing [[roll]]s. While these moves suffer from extreme amounts of start-up and ending lag, Ike is not reliant on them to KO. In addition to their aforementioned approach potentials, his forward and back aerials boast respectable strength, making them safe KOing options near the edge, while he also has his aforementioned KO set-ups from his up throw. Ike has an effective edge-guarding game, courtesy of a number of powerful options: his forward and back aerials, his down aerial's [[meteor smash]]ing hitbox, and his neutral special, [[Eruption]], which is chargeable and possesses a large hitbox. Furthermore, his excellent endurance enables him to use the [[rage]] mechanic effectively, boosting his already strong power.

However, Ike has a number of flaws. While he is not particularly slow, Ike is still susceptible to rushdown-oriented characters, most notably {{SSB4|Sheik}}. His size, weight, and falling speed also leave him vulnerable to combos, which is further compounded by his lack of options to reliably break out of them. As he is a melee-oriented character, Ike lacks a projectile, putting him at a disadvantage against [[camp]]ing tactics. Aside from [[shield grab]]bing, Ike has limited [[out of shield]] options due to the start-up lag of his moves, making it difficult at times to relieve pressure. While Ike's aerials give him a decent aerial approach in the air, his grounded approach is comparatively poor and predictable overall, due to several of his grounded attacked having high start-up lag. His aerials also require proper spacing and timing to be effective, as they can be punished if misused due to their noticeable ending lag.

Ike's recovery is also problematic. He is vulnerable to [[semi-spike]]s, as [[Aether]] and [[Quick Draw]] are highly predictable due to functioning as strictly vertical and strictly horizontal recovery options, respectively. However, both moves are further compounded by specific faults. Quick Draw must be charged in order to cover more distance and unless it hits an opponent, it renders Ike [[helpless]] and thus unable to be used in tandem with Aether. In comparison, Aether covers almost no horizontal distance, which can lead to an invariable [[self-destruct]] if it is used too far from the edge.

Ike gains some benefits from his [[Character customization|custom moves]]. Both Tempest and Furious Eruption improve his already good edge-guarding ability, yet possess noticeable traits. Tempest charges faster and generates a windbox that pushes opponents far and/or [[gimp]] recoveries, as well as stall Ike's descent when used in the air similarly to {{SSB4|Mario}}'s [[Cape]]. Furious Eruption is noticeably stronger than Eruption, has more vertical distance and launches opponents upward, making it very good on stages with low ceilings. Close Combat grants transcendent priority during its dash, which allows it to ignore projectiles and shields, making it even better for recovering. Aether Drive functions as a diagonal recovery option that Ike lacks with Aether and Quick Draw, but at the cost of losing his only means of vertical recovery. Paralyzing Counter allows Ike to [[stun]] the opponent, but at the cost of his counterattack being significantly weaker. Smash Counter functions oppositely, as it boasts knockback strong enough to [[one-hit KO]] many strong moves, although its lag is significant enough that many moves with low lag will end fast enough for the opponent to block the counterattack.

Overall, while Ike's weaknesses are exploitable, his strengths are also prevalent, if not more so than his flaws. Ike's strengths have resulted in him being more debatably viable than he was in ''Brawl''. While his predictable recovery and susceptibility to combos, juggles and camping are noticeable flaws, they can be worked around with careful play, as shown by players such as {{Sm|Ryo}}.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==
Ike has received a mix of buffs and nerfs while transitionally from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. His attack speed is noticeably faster; in particular, his forward aerial has decreased start-up lag and auto-cancels from a short hop, and, combined with its range, gives Ike a very reliable approach option. Most of his aerials have significantly reduced landing lag as well. His mobility has been improved, with a quicker dash speed and considerably faster air speed. As such, Ike has a better [[neutral game]] than in ''Brawl''. He also benefits from the universal gameplay changes. The changes to [[hitstun]] canceling improve his combo game by making his down tilt, up throw, and down throw into reliable combo starters into his aerials at a variety of percentages. The new edge mechanics aid his recovery greatly, as [[Aether]] was very susceptible to [[edge-hogging]] in ''Brawl''. Ike is also heavier then he was in ''Brawl'', improving his endurance. Lastly, the introduction of [[rage]] boosts Ike's already high power, while his heavy weight allows him to make great use of this mechanic.

However, Ike has received a few noticeable nerfs. His incredible range has been toned down, though it is the third longest in the game. To compensate for his increased attack speed, many of his moves deal less damage and knockback. Ike's jab cancel, which he made extensive use of in ''Brawl'', is now extremely situational due to becoming significantly difficult to perform into itself and having down tilt as its only reliable follow-up. Aside from [[Counter]], his specials have been nerfed, with [[Eruption]] being the most noticeably affected, as it deals less damage, knockback, and only grants super armor when fully charged. His aerials have also lost their [[transcendent priority]], although this is a double-edged sword rather than an outright nerf; while Ike's aerials can now cancel out other moves upon clashing, his forward aerial is now his only aerial that is a consistently effective approach option. Ike's hurtbox is now slightly larger, which combined with his increased weight make him more vulnerable to combos then he was in ''Brawl''.


While Ike's tournament representation was initially poor, it has improved over time due to the numerous buffs he received from game updates. Additionally, even though his playerbase is still relatively small, the efforts of players like {{Sm|Ryo}} have resulted in Ike's competitive representation being average. However, Ike's results are below average.

===Aesthetics===
*{{change|Ike's design is now based on his appearance in ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn}}'', the sequel to ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance}}''. As such, he now sports his attire as a {{s|fireemblemwiki|Hero}} class {{s|fireemblemwiki|unit}}, a taller and muscular physique, slightly shorter hair, a stern expression and smaller eyes. Unlike in ''Path of Radiance'', ''Radiant Dawn'' and ''Brawl'', his eyes are a very slightly lighter shade of blue. Additionally, Ike is more expressive overall.}}
*{{change|Ike's boots' sound clips are much higher pitched.}}
*{{change|{{s|fireemblemwiki|Ragnell}}'s flames are now sky blue, rather than reddish orange. This is a reference to Ike's "Hero of the Blue Flame" title in the Japanese version of ''Radiant Dawn''. Its swings' sound clips are also much higher pitched.}}

===Attributes===
*{{nerf|Ike is taller. This makes his hurtbox slightly larger. Additionally, while this would improve his overall [[range]], this is largely mitigated by the majority of his attacks having decreased ranges due to smaller hitboxes and altered hitbox placements.}}
*{{change|Ike is [[weight|heavier]] (105 → 107). This improves his endurance, but makes him more susceptible to combos.}}
*{{nerf|Ike [[walk]]s slower (0.88 → 0.869).}}
*{{buff|Ike [[dash]]es faster (1.371 → 1.5).}}
*{{buff|Ike's [[air speed]] is faster (0.9212 → 1.08).}}
*{{buff|[[Double jump]] is higher.}}
*{{nerf|Ike's [[jumpsquat]] is slower (6 frames → 7).}}

===Ground attacks===
*{{nerf|Neutral attack deals less damage (4% (hit 1)/5% (hit 2)/7% (hit 3) → 3%/3%/5%). Its first hit has increased start-up (frame 3 → 4) and ending lag (interruptibility frame 17 → 24) and its second hit has increased ending lag (interruptibility frame 20 → 28). These changes significantly hinder its [[jab cancel]] potential. Its third hit has also lost its KO potential.}}
*{{buff|Neutral attack transitions into its second and third hits faster.}}
*{{buff|Dash attack deals more damage (8% (tip)/7% (blade) → 14%/11%), increased knockback growth (70 → 78) and has decreased start-up lag (frame 18 → 15). It also received a late hitbox that deals 9%, lasts 3 extra frames and is stronger than the move's previous knockback (70 (base)/70 (growth) → 60/100). These changes improve its KO potential.}}
*{{nerf|Forward tilt now deals consistent damage (15% (blade)/14% (upper body)/12% (lower body) → 12.5%).}}
*{{nerf|Forward tilt has decreased knockback (38 (base)/100 (growth) → 30/97), hindering its KO potential.}}
*{{buff|Forward tilt has decreased start-up (frame 17 → 12) and ending lag (interruptibility frame 56 → 42).}}
*{{buff|Up tilt deals 2% more damage (12% → 14%) and has decreased start-up (frame 13 → 11) and ending lag (interruptibility frame 50 → 48).}}
*{{nerf|Up tilt has decreased base knockback (70 → 50), hindering its KO potential. Its sourspot also has decreased active frames (14 frames → 8).}}
*{{nerf|Down tilt deals 6% less damage (14% → 8%) and can no longer [[meteor smash]].}}
*{{buff|Down tilt has decreased start-up (frame 16 → 7) and ending lag (interruptibility frame 55 → 29). Additionally, all of its hitboxes launch opponents at 80°, improving its combo potential.}}
*{{buff|Sourspotted forward smash deals 2% more damage (17% → 19%). Forward smash also has 1 more active frame, improving its reliability against aerial opponents.}}
*{{nerf|Forward smash has decreased knockback (50 (base)/100 (growth) → 40/90), hindering its KO potential. It also has increased ending lag (interruptibility frame 80 → 84).}}
*{{nerf|Up and down smashes have lost their [[transcendent]] priority. When coupled with Ike's decreased overall range, this hinders their utility.}} 
*{{buff|Up smash has increased knockback growth (85 → 86), improving its KO potential.}}
*{{buff|Down smash deals 1% more damage (13% (hit 1)/16% (hit 2 clean) → 14%/17%), has increased base knockback (30 → 40) and launches opponents at a more horizontal angle, improving its KO potential.}}
*{{nerf|Down smash's late second hit has decreased active frames (9 frames → 3).}}

===Aerial attacks===
*{{change|All aerials have lost their [[transcendent]] priority, which allows them to cancel out non-transcendent [[projectile]]s. This improves their safety, but hinders their approach potentials.}}
*{{buff|Neutral aerial deals 1% more damage (9% → 10%), it has decreased start-up (frame 15 → 12) and aerial ending lag (interruptibility frame 76 → 60), and its angle has been altered (70° → 80°). Altogether, these changes improve its combo potential.}}
*{{nerf|Neutral aerial has received a sourspot that deals 7%. It also has increased landing lag (13 frames → 14).}}
*{{buff|Forward, back, up, and down aerials have decreased landing lag (22 frames → 18 (forward), 22 frames → 19 (back), 19 frames → 16 (up), 29 frames → 23 (down)).}}
*{{buff|Forward aerial has has increased base knockback (20 → 30), improving its KO potential. It also has decreased start-up (frame 18 → 12) and aerial ending lag (interruptibility frame 60 → 55). Additionally, it can now [[auto-cancel]] from a short hop. Altogether, these changes grant it approach potential.}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial deals 3% less damage (14% → 11%) but its knockback was not compensated enough (40 (base)/100 (growth) → 55/94), hindering its KO potential. However, it is still one of the strongest up aerials in ''SSB4''.}}
*{{buff|Up aerial has decreased start-up lag (frame 15 → 13).}}
*{{nerf|Clean down aerial deals 1% less damage (16% → 15%) and has decreased base knockback (40 → 30), hindering its KO potential. It also received a non-meteor smash sourspot and lost its late hitbox.}}

===Throws/other attacks===
*{{nerf|All grabs have increased ending lag (30 frames → 32 (standing), 40 frames → 41 (dash), 36 frames → 39 (pivot)).}}
*{{buff|Dash grab has decreased start-up lag (frame 12 → 10).}}
*{{nerf|Pivot grab has increased start-up lag (frame 9 → 11).}}
*{{buff|All throws deal 1% more damage (6% → 7%).}}
*{{change|Forward throw has increased knockback. This improves its spacing potential, but hinders its [[tech-chasing]] potential.}}
*{{change|Back throw has increased knockback. This improves its edge-guard set-up potential, but hinders its tech-chasing potential at high percentages.}}
*{{buff|The changes to hitstun canceling improve up and down throws' combo potentials at low to medium percentages.}}
*{{buff|Up throw has decreased ending lag.}}

===Special moves===
*{{buff|Uncharged [[Eruption]] deals 1% more damage (9% → 10%). It also reaches its charges faster and Ike is able to release a fully charged Eruption without receiving any [[recoil damage]], improving its reliability.}}
*{{nerf|Uncharged Eruption has lost its [[super armor]] frames, hindering its safety.}}
*{{nerf|Fully charged Eruption deals 2% less damage (37% → 35%) at its bottom, while its second through eighth stages each deal less damage. Eruption also has significantly decreased knockback overall, removing its ability to [[one-hit KO]] and now results in it KOing around 50%-100%, hindering its KO potential.}}
*{{change|Eruption has updated sound effects.}}
*{{nerf|[[Quick Draw]] deals 3% less damage (9% (uncharged)/16% (fully charged) → 6%/13%). It also has increased ending lag when it does not hit an opponent, hindering its safety.}}
*{{buff|Quick Draw has increased base knockback (50 → 70), improving its KO potential. It also has decreased start-up and landing lag, covers more distance and no longer renders Ike [[helpless]] if he hits something, improving its recovery potential.}}
*{{nerf|[[Aether]] deals 5% less damage (25% → 20%) and has significantly decreased super armor frames (frames 18-38 → 18-21). It can now only [[spike]] at the start of its descent and Ike can no longer grab edges from behind, hindering its KO potential and safety, respectively.}}
*{{change|Aether no longer moves Ike forward without directional input.}}

*{{buff|[[Counter]] has decreased start-up lag (frame 11 → 9).}}
*{{change|Counter has updated sound effects.}}
*{{nerf|[[Great Aether]] deals 18% less damage (78% → 60%).}}
*{{change|Great Aether has updated sound effects.}}

==Update history==
Ike has been heavily buffed via game updates. The most notable buffs were brought about by update 1.0.8, which gave some of his grounded and aerial attacks reduced lag, and in some cases, more power. The increased [[shieldstun]] in update [[1.1.1]] also helps Ike's sluggish attacks by making them safer on shield, though this results in his [[out of shield]] options becoming slightly more situational.

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''
{{UpdateList/1.0.4|char=Ike}}
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''
*{{bugfix|Fixed a glitch where Aether Drive behaved erratically when used in slow motion.}}
*{{buff|[[Counter]]'s knockback growth increased|74|100, improving its KO potential.}}
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''
*{{buff|Neutral attack transitions faster and its last hit's hitbox now matches its animation.}}
*{{change|Forward tilt's damage output altered due to it now having one hitbox instead of two|14% (clean)/12% (late)|12.5%.}}
*{{buff|Forward tilt's start-up decreased|15 frames|12.}}
*{{buff|Up tilt's hitbox duration and vertical range increased.}}
*{{buff|Dash attack has been improved. It deals 4% more damage|10% (clean tip)/7% (clean blade)/5% (late)|14%/11%/9%, its start-up lag decreased: 18 frames → 15, its overall range and knockback increased, and it launches opponents at a more horizontal angle.}}
*{{buff|Neutral, up and down aerials' ending lag decreased|16 frames (neutral)/18 frames (up)/ 26 frames (down)|14/15/23.}}
*{{buff|Forward aerial has been improved. Its start-up and ending lag decreased by 2 frames and its hitbox now matches its animation.}}
*{{buff|All variations of [[Quick Draw]] have had their start-up lag decreased|19 frames|16.}}
*{{change|[[Aether]]'s vacuum properties altered in some way.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
*{{buff|Up aerial's knockback altered|40 (base)/100 (growth)|55/94, improving its KO potential.}}
*{{buff|Down throw's collateral hitbox moved forward|-7u|-5u.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
*{{buff|Tempest has been improved. Uncharged Tempest deals 4% more damage|1%|5%, its hitboxes' duration increased by 2 frames and it ends 4 frames faster. Charged and fully charged Tempest's initial windboxes' durations increased by 2 frames and are adjusted slightly backward. Later frames' durations increased by 3 frames and the move ends 4 and 2 frames faster, respectively.}}
*{{buff|Furious Eruption has been improved. Its sweetspot and fully charged sourspot's hitbox sizes increased|7u (uncharged sweetspot)/8u (charged sweetspot)/10u (fully charged sweetspot)/15u (fully charged sourspot)|8.5u/10u/12.5u/16u and have been adjusted upward. Its other hitboxes' durations increased: 12 frames (uncharged second)/16 frames (charged second)/16 frames (fully charged second) → 15/19/19.}}
*{{nerf|Furious Eruption's first hitbox's duration decreased|12 frames (uncharged)/16 frames (fully charged)|10/14.}}
*{{change|Smash Counter's knockback altered|48 (base)/100 (growth)|90/70.}}
*{{change|Third [[victory pose]]'s animation has slightly changed. Ragnell's blade now glows briefly at the end of the animation.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.4]]'''
{{UpdateList|ver=1.1.4|char=Ike}}

==Moveset==
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSB4
|neutralcount=3
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutral1dmg=3%
|neutral2dmg=3%
|neutral3dmg=5%
|neutraldesc=A jab, followed by a front kick, followed by a kneeling downward slash. It comes out on frame 4, has a respectable overall damage output, moderate knockback, and its second and third hits' range making it very useful for damage racking and spacing. Although its ability to [[jab cancel]] into itself has been significantly weakened, it can still jab cancel into a down tilt due to the latter's speed.
|ftiltname=&nbsp;
|ftiltdmg=12.5% 
|ftiltdesc=An outward slash. It has a moderate amount of start-up lag due to coming out on frame 13, and moderate ending lag. However, it can be angled, has impressive range and deals high knockback growth, which allows it to KO at 125% near the edge.
|utiltname=&nbsp;
|utiltdmg=14% (clean), 10% (late)
|utiltdesc=Hops to thrust Ragnell's blade upward while holding it parallel to the ground. It deals high knockback growth, which allows its clean hitbox to KO at 120%, but has moderate start-up and ending lag. It also has good vertical range and numerous active frames.
|dtiltname=&nbsp;
|dtiltdmg=8%
|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slice. One of Ike's best combo starters due to it coming out on frame 7, having fairly average ending lag, good range and launching at 80°. Its range also makes it good for [[edge-guard]]ing. However, its average base knockback and average knockback growth render it unable to combo past medium percentages or KO at reasonable percentages.
|dashname=&nbsp;
|dashdmg=14% (clean tip), 11% (clean blade), 9% (late)
|dashdesc=A lunging upward slice. One of the slower dash attacks in the game, due to coming out on frame 15, but it has very impressive range since Ike gains a speed boost when using it. Deals high knockback, with its clean tip hitbox being capable of KOing at 121% near the edge. It can be used to efficiently punish poor landings, though it should be used wisely when doing so due to its considerable ending lag.
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|19}} (early), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|22}} (clean blade), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|19}} (clean tip)
|fsmashdesc=A lunging downward slash. Deals impressive damage overall and fairly high knockback growth, making it the seventh strongest forward smash in the game when it was previously the second strongest in ''Brawl''. While at the center of the stage, its clean blade hitbox KOs at as early as 75% on middleweights. Although it works best when punishing the opponent, the move itself is easily punishable as well, due to its extreme amounts of start-up and ending lag making it one of the slowest smash attacks in the game.
|usmashname=&nbsp;
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|17}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|10}} (late)
|usmashdesc=An overhead arcing slash. Its clean hitbox deals impressive damage and fairly high knockback, which allow it to KO at 112%. Unlike his other smash attacks, it hits on both sides and above Ike due to him swinging Ragnell on a 180° arc. However, it has extreme amounts of start-up and ending lag, though not as severely as his forward smash. A reliable KOing option against aerial or rolling opponents, as well as being better than his down smash at punishing the latter because of its greater range.
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|14}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|17}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|8}} (hit 2 late)
|dsmashdesc=A kneeling outward slash in front of himself and then behind himself. Ike's fastest smash attack in regard to start-up lag, due to coming out on frame 13. Both hits deal high knockback, but the first hit deals less damage and KOs at 119% near the edge. In comparison, the clean second hit deals more damage and KOs at 99% near the edge. However, it has the same amount of ending lag as his up smash, while its second hit's short range makes it difficult to hit rolling opponents.
|nairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=10% (clean), 7% (late)
|nairdesc=A circular slash around himself. Has a large number of active frames and impressive range due to Ike swinging Ragnell almost 360°, making it a reliable and safe spacing option. Due to it launching at 80° and having both low base knockback and low landing lag, it is also a great combo starter into grabs, tilts and aerials when performed from a short hop and depending on the opponent's damage. However, it has a moderate amount of start-up lag due to coming out on frame 12, and very high aerial ending lag.
|fairname=&nbsp;
|fairdmg=13%
|fairdesc=A downward slash. Covers the entirety of Ike's front, making it capable of hitting above himself and below himself. It comes out on frame 12 like his neutral aerial and has moderate landing lag, although this can be mitigated by auto-canceling from a non-fast falling short hop. When coupled with its high knockback growth, these traits make it Ike's most viable approach option. It is also a viable KOing option, as it KOs at 125% near the edge.
|bairname=&nbsp;
|bairdmg=14%
|bairdesc=Quickly turns around to perform an outward slash. Comes out on frame 7, making it Ike's fastest aerial. When coupled with its high knockback growth, impressive range and ability to be auto-canceled from a short hop, it is one of Ike's most viable KOing options, as it KOs at 117% near the edge. Additionally, it is a viable approach option when used as a part of a [[reverse aerial rush]]. Despite its range, it has a narrow hitbox with a minimal number of active frames. It also suffers from considerable aerial ending lag and moderate landing lag.
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg=11%
|uairdesc=A circular overhead slash. It has numerous active frames, with its hitbox starting behind Ike, as well as good horizontal range. However, it has minimal vertical range. Like his back aerial, its fairly high knockback growth makes it a viable KOing option, as it KOs at 112% near the upper [[blast line]].
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg=15%
|dairdesc=A downward slash between his legs. It is Ike's most damaging aerial and has high knockback growth, which allows it to KO at 123% on-stage and while near the edge. It also has impressive range below him, and is a very powerful [[meteor smash]] when hitting with Ragnell's tip during the initial portion of the swing. However, it only consists of 2 active frames, has the highest amount of start-up and landing lag out of his aerials, as well as moderately high landing lag.
|grabname=&nbsp;
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his free hand. Ike's overall grab range is average.
|pummelname=&nbsp;
|pummeldmg=3%
|pummeldesc=A headbutt. Moderately slow, but one of the most damaging pummels in the game.
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|fthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=A front kick. It is a [[semi-spike]] and thus a reliable edge-guard set-up at high percentages, but oddly has very minimal [[tech-chasing]] potential.
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|bthrowdesc=A reverse roundhouse kick. It is a semi-spike like his forward throw, making it a reliable edge-guard set-up at high percentages. Unlike forward throw, it is much better at tech-chasing, which it can do alongside a dash attack from low to medium percentages.
|uthrowname=&nbsp;
|uthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=Plunges Ragnell into the ground and [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Double axe handle|double axe handles]] the opponent upward. It has average base knockback, average knockback growth and launches at 87°, giving it good combo potential into his aerials until high percentages.
|dthrowname=&nbsp;
|dthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|dthrowdesc=A one-handed body slam followed by a [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Knee drop|double knee drop]]. It has average base knockback, very high knockback growth and launches at 80°, giving it decent combo potential at low percentages, with one notable combo being into [[Aether]] at 0%. Its knockback growth also makes it Ike's strongest throw, although it will not KO until 183% and while Ike is affected by maximum rage.
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdesc=Swings Ragnell around himself.
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=7%
|floorbdesc=Swings Ragnell around himself.
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdesc=Swings Ragnell around himself.
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=8%
|edgedesc=Performs an outward slash while climbing up.
|nsdefname=Eruption
|nsdefdmg=10% (uncharged), 35% (fully charged bottom), 28% (fully charged middle), 26% (fully charged top)
|nsdefdesc=Lifts and holds Ragnell in front of himself with both hands in a reverse grip before plunging it into the ground to emit an explosive pillar of fire. Has [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]] and is chargeable. While uncharged, it has a longer downward reach until fully charged and the tip of Ragnell's blade can meteor smash. It has high vertical range, which increases as it charges, making it good for edge-guarding. When fully charged, it grants super armor frames upon being performed and can KO as low as 45%, but Ike receives 10% [[recoil damage]].
|nsc1name=Tempest
|nsc1dmg=5% (uncharged), 8% (grounded fully charged), 14% (aerial fully charged)
|nsc1desc=Emits a vortex of wind instead of a pillar of fire. The vortex is a [[Push|windbox]] that pushes opponents away and stalls Ike's descent if used in midair, making it excellent for edge-guarding and useful for aiding his recovery. It also charges faster than Eruption and Furious Eruption and, unlike either move, does not deal recoil damage. However, it also deals much less damage.
|nsc2name=Furious Eruption
|nsc2dmg=7% (uncharged), 27% (grounded fully charged bottom), 20% (grounded fully charged top), 32% (aerial fully charged bottom), 25% (aerial fully charged top)
|nsc2desc=The pillar of fire's vertical hitbox is larger, especially when charged, and the move stays out a few frames longer than Eruption. However, Ike receives 10% recoil damage when charged halfway and 15% recoil damage when fully charged. When fully charged, it KOs as early as 30% and launches opponents vertically, making it better at KOing than Eruption. It also grants transcendent priority.
|ssdefname=Quick Draw
|ssdefdmg=6% (uncharged), 13% (fully charged)
|ssdefdesc=Kneels on one knee and readies himself to charge forward and perform an outward slash upon contact. The charge can be held indefinitely. However, failing to hit anything results in high ending lag and, if used in midair, rendering Ike [[helpless]].
|ssc1name=Close Combat
|ssc1dmg=4% (uncharged, fully charged), 7% (fully charged far)
|ssc1desc=Performs a shoulder tackle instead of an outward slash. It pierces opponents, launches them upward, grants transcendent priority during the dash, and is better for recovery than Quick Draw. However, this comes at the cost of dealing less damage.
|ssc2name=Unyielding Blade
|ssc2dmg=7% (uncharged), 19% (fully charged)
|ssc2desc=Deals more damage and grants super armor for the duration of the charge and the lunge. However, this comes at the cost of its range and speed being decreased.
|usdefname=Aether
|usdefdmg=6% (hit 1 clean), 4% (hit 1 late), 1% (hit 2), 3% (descent), 6% (landing)
|usdefdesc=[[fireemblemwiki:Aether|Performs the Aether skill]] by throwing Ragnell upward, launching nearby opponents in the air while Ragnell spins in place and hits a few times while trapping opponents, before Ike leaps up and grabs Ragnell to perform a descending slash. Grants 4 frames of [[super armor]] starting on frame 18 and ending on frame 21. It grants poor horizontal distance, but respectable vertical distance, and can even [[spike]] opponents if used correctly. Aside from its initial hitbox, its other hitboxes have transcendent priority, a trait that also applies to its custom moves.
|usc1name=Aether Drive
|usc1dmg=9% (hit 1 clean), 6% (hit 1 late), 1% (hit 2), 5% (descent), 9% (landing)
|usc1desc=Ragnell is thrown much farther out, but not as high, granting it much greater horizontal distance at the cost of some vertical distance. It also deals more damage.
|usc2name=Aether Wave
|usc2dmg=6% (hit 1 clean), 4% (hit 1 late), 1% (hit 2), 3% (descent), 10%/8%/6%/4% (landing)
|usc2desc=Ragnell [[fireemblemwiki:Range|emits an energy wave upon landing]], but the entire attack deals less damage overall. Its entire animation is also significantly faster than Aether's and Aether Drive's, which results in it having minimal trapping potential in comparison to them. Based on Ragnell's ability in ''Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance'' and ''Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn'' to attack at a longer range by firing an energy wave.
|dsdefname=Counter
|dsdefdmg=1.2x (min 10%)
|dsdefdesc=[[fireemblemwiki:Counter|Parries and then counterattacks against any incoming attacks with a reverse gripped downward slash]]. Comes out on frame 9 and has a duration of 26 frames.
|dsc1name=Paralyzing Counter
|dsc1dmg=1% (base)
|dsc1desc=The counterattack [[stun]]s the opponent, similarly to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s [[Disable]]. Like Disable, the stun's duration is longer the more damaged the opponent is, but it also deals minuscule damage due to not being a true counterattack. Comes out on frame 11 and has a narrower counter window due to having a duration of 13 frames. 
|dsc2name=Smash Counter
|dsc2dmg=≈1.5x (9% (base), 15% (min))
|dsc2desc=The counterattack has a larger hitbox and deals more damage and considerably more knockback. However, Ike counterattacks after a delay instead of instantly. As a result, opponents can easily avoid it, especially if it is used in the air. As a result, it is best used against moves that have considerable ending lag. Comes out on frame 11 and has a duration of 27 frames.
|fsname=Great Aether
|fsdmg=5% (hit 1), 2% (hits 2-14), 5% (hit 15), 4% (hit 16), 10% (hit 17)
|fsdesc=Performs an upward slash while Ragnell's blade is engulfed in flames. If any opponents are hit, they are launched upward and Ike throws Ragnell into the air along with them. He then leaps up, catches Ragnell while its blade is still aflame, and unleashes a devastating series of slashes and thrusts as well as two alternating kicks. Ike then concludes the combo with a descending, two-handed slash that slams the opponent to the ground and creates a massive explosion upon impact. The explosion launches the opponent and any bystanders towards the upper blast line.
}}

===[[On-screen appearance]]===
{{appearance
|desc=Warps onto the stage using [[fireemblemwiki:Warp (staff)|warp magic]] and grunts while briefly slashing outward.
|char=Ike
|game=SSB4}}

===[[Taunt]]s===
{{Taunt/SSB4
|char=Ike
|desc-up=Holds Ragnell with both hands and in front of himself while growling loudly as wind blows through his cape.
|desc-side=Holds Ragnell to his side, saying "Prepare yourself!" In the Japanese version, he says {{ja|覚悟しろ。|Kakugo shiro.}} (''Get prepared.'')
|desc-down=Plunges Ragnell into the ground, says "Hmph!" as wind also blows through his cape, then removes Ragnell from the ground.}}

===[[Idle pose]]s===
{{Idle
|desc-1=Taps Ragnell's blade on his shoulder. 
|desc-2=Rubs the edge of Ragnell's blade.
|image-1=IkeIdlePose1WiiU.jpg
|image-2=IkeIdlePose2WiiU.jpg}}

===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{{Crowd
|char=Ike
|game=SSB4
|desc-us=We like Ike!
|desc-jp=Ai-ku!
|pitch-us=Group chant
|pitch-jp=Male}}

===[[Victory pose]]s===
{{Victory/SSB4
|victory-theme=FireEmblemTheme.ogg
|victory-desc=An orchestral excerpt of the title theme from ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light}}'', which has since become the main theme of the ''Fire Emblem'' series.
|desc-1=Plunges Ragnell into the ground and then crosses his arms, saying "You'll get no sympathy from me."
|desc-2=Swings Ragnell twice, then casually holds it while its blade rests on his shoulder while saying "I fight for my friends." In the Japanese version, Ike says "{{ja|守る べき もの の ため 戦う だけ だ|Mamoru beki mono no tame, tatakau dake da.}}" Because the Japanese quote is significantly longer than the English quote, there is a moment of silence before his name is announced in non-Japanese versions.
|desc-3=Uses [[Aether]].
|char=Ike}}

==In competitive play==
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
{{OfficialCustomMoves
|char=Ike
|set1=2222
|set2=2122
|set3=2212
|set4=2232
|set5=3222
|set6=3122
|set7=3212
|set8=3232
|set9=2111
|set10=3111
}}

===Notable Players===
====Active====
*{{Sm|A|Japan}}
*{{Sm|Justice|USA}}
*{{Sm|Nojinko|Japan}}
*{{Sm|ProBeans|USA}}
*{{Sm|Rango|USA}}
*{{Sm|Ryo|USA}}
*{{Sm|San|USA}}
*{{Sm|SM|USA}}
*{{Sm|Waldo|USA}}

====Inactive==== 
*{{Sm|Ryuga|USA}}

===Tier placement and history===
Upon ''SSB4''{{'}}s release, Ike was seen as a non-viable character due to many of his flaws from ''Brawl'' either being improperly addressed or even worsened, while his renowned power had been weakened. However, game updates would buff Ike to the point that he would begin achieving results, particularly around the time of update 1.0.8. As such, he was originally ranked 26th out of 56 on the first tier list, placing him in the E tier and being a fairly noticeable improvement from his tier placement in ''Brawl''.

Ike has since dropped to 35th out of 58 on the current tier list. He continues to achieve average results in competitive play, such as consistently placing well at Florida regionals. Overall, Ike's tier placement is debatable, as recently some players believe that he warrants a slightly lower placement, while others claim that he should be placed higher.

==Trophies==

:'''Ike'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''One of the main characters from the Fire Emblem series. Having fought in the Mad King's War, restored the fallen nation of Crimea, and taken on the Begnion Empire, Ike is rightly called a hero. He has the strength to back the title—one good swing of his blade can launch the heaviest of foes.''

::{{flag|pal}} ''One of the main characters from the Fire Emblem series. Having fought in the Mad King's War, played a huge part in restoring the fallen nation of Crimea, and taken on the Begnion Emprire, Ike is rightly called a hero. And he has the strength to go with that title. One good swing of his blade can launch even the heaviest of fighters.''

{{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (10/2005)|console2=Wii|game2=Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (11/2007)}}

:'''Ike (Alt.)'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Ike's side smash is a powerful two-handed sword strike. It's one of the best launch attacks in the entire game, though it will leave you wide open when you use it. For Eruption, one of his specials, you stab the ground and unleash a pillar of fire. Charging for too long will hurt Ike, so be careful!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Ike's side smash is a powerful two-handed sword strike. It's one of the best launch attacks in the entire game, so even though it leaves you open, it's a real winner. For Eruption, one of his specials, you stab the ground and unleash a pillar of fire that hits anyone nearby. If you charge it too long, though, you'll hurt yourself, so be careful!''

{{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance (10/2005)|console2=Wii|game2=Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn (11/2007)}}

:'''Great Aether'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Ike's Aether up special is combined with a relentless barrage of sword blows in this powerful Final Smash. He knocks targets into the air with an upward swing, and then they're stuck there as he strikes over and over. Finally, he slams them down to the ground and launches them. Just make sure that first strike hits!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Ike's Aether up special is combined with a relentless barrage of sword blows in this powerful Final Smash. He knocks his target into the air with an upward swing, and then they're stuck there as he strikes again and again. Finally, he slams them down to the ground and launches them. Just make sure that first strike hits!''

<center>
<gallery>
IkeTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
IkeAllStarTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
IkeTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
IkeAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
GreatAetherTrophyWiiU.png|[[Great Aether]]
</gallery>
</center>

==In [[Event Match]]es==
===Solo Events===
* '''[[All-Star Battle: Brawl]]''': Ike is one of the opponents fought in this event. All of the opponents debuted in ''Brawl''.
* '''[[The Ultimate Swordsman]]''': Ike must defeat {{SSB4|Link}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, {{SSB4|Toon Link}}, male {{SSB4|Robin}}, female Robin and {{SSB4|Shulk}}. All of the opponents wield swords.

===Co-op Events===
* '''[[Mirror Magic]]''': Ike and {{SSB4|Lucina}} must defeat {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}, a [[Giant (disambiguation)|giant]] [[Metal Box|metal]] dark Ike and a giant metal dark Lucina.
* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Ike|Alternate costumes]]==
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=8|[[File:Ike Palette (SSB4).png]]
|-
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Yellow}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Blue}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Green}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Brown}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=Black}}
|{{Head|Ike|g=SSB4|s=50px|cl=White}}
|}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
SSB4_-_Ike_Reveal.jpg|The Pic of the Day revealing Ike's return to the series.
Ike amiibo.png|Ike's [[amiibo]].
SSB4_Ike_Screen-4.jpg|Using [[Aether]] on {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-7.jpg|Using [[Counter]] against {{SSB4|Little Mac}}'s [[Straight Lunge]].
SSB4_-_Ike_Reveal 2.jpg|Alongside a taunting {{SSB4|Villager}}.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-1.jpg|One of Ike's [[idle pose]]s.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-2.jpg|Using his dash attack against {{SSB4|Samus}}' dash attack.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-3.jpg|A close-up of Ike in {{forwiiu}}.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-5.jpg|Alongside {{SSB4|Marth}}.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-6.jpg|Ike's other idle pose.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-8.jpg|On [[Halberd]].
SSB4_Ike_Screen-9.jpg|Using his up smash on Samus and {{SSB4|Sheik}} in {{for3ds}}.
SSB4_Ike_Screen-10.jpg|Ike being attacked by the [[fish]] on [[Balloon Fight]].
SSB4 Ike Rocket Belt.jpg|Ike using a [[Rocket Belt]] on [[Find Mii]].
SSB4 Eruption.jpg|Using [[Eruption]] on {{SSB4|Mario}} in a [[Unused content (SSB4)#Aesthetics|pre-release picture]].
SSB4 - Robin Screen-4.jpg|Ike fighting {{SSB4|Robin}}.
</gallery>

== Trivia ==
*Ike is the only ''Fire Emblem'' character in the game with an up aerial that does not involve a backflip or turning around, and an up smash that is not an upward thrust.
*{{s|fireemblemwiki|Ragnell}}'s flames [[Unused content (SSB4)#Aesthetics|initially retained their reddish orange coloration from ''Brawl'']]. However, they were changed to sky blue in the final release, in reference to Ike's "Hero of the Blue Flame" title in the Japanese version of ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn}}''.
*The start-up lag of Ike's up taunt is almost as long as his forward smash attack's start-up lag.
**His up and side taunts also slightly resemble his forward and up smashes, respectively.
*Prior to {{SSB4|Corrin}}'s debut in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, Ike was the only ''Fire Emblem'' character to have an idle stance that has him lead with his left side and have his sword arm act as his following arm.

{{SSB4Characters}}
{{Fire Emblem universe}}
[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]
[[Category:Ike (SSB4)]]
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