Editing Ike (SSB4)

|name         = Ike

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

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSBB

|ranking = 40

'''Ike''' ({{ja|アイク|Aiku}}, ''Ike'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was announced in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on May 23rd, 2014,<ref>[https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKlvophYIQ?locale.lang=en-US Pic of the Day: May 23, 2014]</ref> which coincided with the ninth anniversary of the North American release of ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones}}''. Jason Adkins and Michihiko Hagi reprise their roles as Ike's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions, respectively, albeit via voice clips recycled from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.

Ike is currently ranked 40th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing him at the top of the E tier. This is a moderate drop from his placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 23rd out of 38. In addition to largely retaining his renowned power and range, Ike's overall mobility has noticeably improved, thanks to his faster [[dash]]ing and [[air speed]]s, and higher [[double jump]].

Ike's frame data has also become fairly better, with the most obvious improvements being to his tilt and aerial attacks. Ike also benefits from the changes to gameplay mechanics: [[rage]] supplements his power, the changes to [[hitstun]] canceling have made his up and down throws into very useful combo starters, and the updated edge mechanics supplement his [[recovery]].

However, Ike retains his flaws from ''Brawl''. His heavy [[weight]] renders his overall mobility as below-average at best in spite of its improvements; he is vulnerable to rushdowns, combos, and [[camp]]ing because of his very small number of sufficiently fast moves; and his recovery is still easily predictable because of its linearity.

Ike has also gained new weaknesses: his already large hurtbox is slightly larger; several of his attacks have slightly lower damage outputs, less knockback and shorter ranges; and his [[jab cancel]] is now extremely situational at best because of his neutral attack's higher lag.

 

Ike has attained some success at various levels of play, owing to a rather large number of players who represent him at tournaments, such as {{Sm|Rango}}, {{Sm|Ryo}}, {{Sm|San}} and {{Sm|Waldo}}; the success of these players, however, started to stagnate after [[1.1.6]]. As a result, Ike's current tier ranking has been disputed, with a number of players arguing that he is either too high or too low on the list.

Ike is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being tied with {{SSB4|Wario}} as the eighth heaviest character in ''SSB4''. Unsurprisingly, he has below-average [[walk]]ing speed and [[air acceleration]], slightly below-average [[dash]]ing speed, above-average [[falling speed]], [[air speed]] and [[gravity]], and a low [[jump]] and [[double jump]].

Ike's good [[approach]] is a noticeable divergence 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. Neutral, forward and back aerials are good approach options: in addition to their ability to [[Auto-canceling|auto-cancel]] with a [[short hop]], the former has low landing lag, whereas the latter two are safe on shield thanks to their high [[shieldstun]]. Forward aerial is particularly notable, however, thanks to its good damage output, high knockback growth and large range in front of Ike. Aside from being his most reliable approach option because of these traits, it also makes him a surprisingly difficult character to [[Punishment|punish]] when it is used properly. In addition, his aerials' speed and ranges make him capable at [[Pressure|pressuring]] opponents.

Ike's [[combo]] game consists of numerous moves that are able to flow consistently with each other up to medium percentages. His down tilt, [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel#Short hop fast fall|SHFF]]'d neutral aerial, 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 is particularly notable, as its low knockback growth enables it to combo into forward or up aerials even at high percentages, which provides Ike with a few invaluable KO set-ups. Although not as consistent as his aforementioned moves, up tilt, forward aerial and back throw also have combo potential: up tilt is a useful anti-air attack that can also be used for [[juggle]]s, forward aerial can combo into itself up to three times at medium percentages when auto-canceled, and back throw can [[Tech-chasing|tech-chase]] into dash attack at low to medium percentages.

In addition to their aforementioned approach potentials, Ike's forward and back aerials boast impressive power, making them safe KOing options while near the edge or especially while edge-guarding. On a related note, Ike also has an effective edge-guarding game: aside from forward and back aerials, down aerial's tip is an impressively damaging [[meteor smash]], while [[Eruption]] is a [[charge]]able move that boasts a large hitbox regardless of its charge, and devastating power even when it is only partially charged. Furthermore, Ike's excellent endurance enables him to use [[rage]] effectively, which boosts his already high power.

Aether Drive functions as a diagonal recovery option unlike Aether and Quick Draw, but covers less vertical distance. Paralyzing Counter functions almost identically to [[Disable]]: it allows Ike to [[stun]] the opponent instead of counterattacking, but deals minuscule damage as a trade-off. Lastly, Smash Counter functions oppositely: its much higher damage multiplier enables it to [[one-hit KO]] many strong moves, although its lag is significant enough that many moves with low ending lag will allow the opponent to block the counterattack.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==

Ike had received a mix of buffs and nerfs from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. Ike's mobility has improved: he has noticeably faster [[dash]]ing and [[air speed]]s, as well as a higher [[double jump]], the latter of which also improved his [[neutral game]] and recovery. His overall frame data is also fairly better, with his forward aerial in particular now being a very useful approach option thanks to its range, lower start-up lag, and ability to auto-cancel with a short hop. By extension, his forward, back, up and down aerials also have significantly reduced landing lag.

Ike also benefits from the changes to gameplay mechanics. The changes to [[hitstun]] canceling significantly improve his combo game by making his up and down throws into reliable combo starters into his aerials at a variety of percentages. Additionally, the removal of [[edge-hogging]] improves [[Aether]] and [[Quick Draw]]'s recovery potentials. Lastly, [[rage]] boosts Ike's already high power, while his heavier weight makes him a very effective user of it.

However, Ike has also received some nerfs. To compensate for the general improvements to his frame data, his renowned power has been somewhat toned down via decreases to the damage outputs and knockback of the majority of his moveset. Ike's overall range has also been decreased, making it slightly more difficult for him to space out his opponents.

Ike's [[jab cancel]], which was an essential aspect of his playstyle in ''Brawl'', is now extremely situational because of his neutral attack's higher start-up and ending lag. Aside from [[Counter]], his other special moves have been nerfed in particular ways. [[Eruption]] has been the most noticeably affected, as it now deals less damage, has less knockback, and only grants super [[armor]] when it is fully charged. Ike's aerials have also lost their [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]], which results in his auto-canceled neutral, forward and back aerials becoming slightly less safe for approaching. Lastly, Ike's already large hurtbox is slightly larger, and he is slightly heavier. When coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling, these changes collectively make him more susceptible to combos than in ''Brawl''.

 

Overall, Ike's buffs have resulted in him generally being viewed as a better character than in ''Brawl''. This has been reflected with his representation in competitive play: despite initially being minimal, it has expanded over time thanks to the numerous buffs he received from game updates, while his still relatively small playerbase has managed to achieve average results at regional and even national tournaments.  

*{{change|Ike's design is now based on his appearance in ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn}}''.<ref>[https://miiverse.nintendo.net/replies/AYMHAAACAAAYUKlVKb8WpA Sakurai's comment regarding Ike's redesign]</ref> He has a taller and significantly more muscular physique, slightly shorter hair, smaller eyes, and wears his attire as a {{s|fireemblemwiki|Hero}} class {{s|fireemblemwiki|unit}}.}}

*{{change|Ike's eye color is now slightly subdued. {{s|fireemblemwiki|Ragnell}}'s pommel and the upper portion of its grip are also now darker. These changes are original to ''SSB4''.}}

*{{nerf|Ike is taller. This makes his hurtbox slightly larger. While this would also improve his overall [[range]], this is largely mitigated by the majority of his moveset having smaller hitboxes and/or altered hitbox placements.}}

*{{change|Ike is [[weight|heavier]] (105 → 107). This improves his endurance, but makes him more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{buff|Ike's [[air speed]] is faster (0.9212 → 1.08).}}

*{{buff|[[Double jump]] is higher.}}

*{{nerf|[[Jump#Jump timing|Jumpsquat]] is slower (6 frames → 7).}}

*{{change|The changes to [[hitstun]] canceling both help and hinder Ike. They significantly improve his combo potential, but make him more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack deals less damage (4% (hit 1)/5% (hit 2)/7% (hit 3) → 3% (hits 1-2)/5% (hit 3)), hindering its damage racking potential and removing its last hit's KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack has increased ending lag (frame 17 → 24 (hit 1), frame 20 → 28 (hit 2), frame 38 → 39 (hit 3)). Its first hit also has increased start-up lag (frame 3 → 4). Altogether, these changes significantly hinder its [[jab cancel]] potential. Neutral attack's third hit also has a shorter duration (frames 10-14 → 5-8).}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack's third hit has decreased start-up lag (frame 10 → 5). This makes its hits connect together better.}}

*{{buff|Dash attack deals more damage (8% (tip)/7% (blade) → 14%/11%) and has increased knockback growth (70 → 78), significantly improving its KO potential. Additionally, it has decreased start-up lag (frame 18 → 15). Lastly, dash attack received a late hitbox that deals 9% and launches at 45°, improving its safety.}}

*{{nerf|Dash attack has increased ending lag (frame 51 → 52).}}

*{{nerf|Due to consisting of one hitbox instead of three, forward tilt now deals consistent damage (15% (blade)/14% (upper body)/12% (lower body) → 12.5%) and has lower knockback (38 (base)/100 (growth) → 30/97), hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Forward tilt has decreased start-up (frame 17 → 13) and ending lag (frame 56 → 42).}}

*{{buff|Up tilt deals 2% more damage (12% → 14%), although its base knockback (70 → 50) was compensated. It also has decreased start-up (frame 13 → 11) and ending lag (frame 50 → 48).}}

*{{nerf|Sourspotted up tilt has a shorter duration (frames 14-29 → 14-21).}}

*{{buff|Down tilt deals 6% less damage (14% → 8%), although its knockback was somewhat compensated (55 (base)/100 (growth) → 70/70). Additionally, it has decreased start-up (frame 16 → 7) and ending lag (frame 55 → 29). Lastly, due to its angles being altered (270°/270°/361°/361° → 80° (all)), it is no longer a [[meteor smash]]. Altogether, these changes significantly improve its combo potential at low to medium percentages.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash's clean tip deals 2% more damage (17% → 19%). Forward smash also has a longer duration (frames 31-34 → 31-35).}}

*{{nerf|Forward smash has decreased knockback (50 (base)/100 (growth) → 40/90), hindering its KO potential. It also has increased ending lag (frame 80 → 84).}}

*{{buff|The 19% damage increase to [[shield]]s and the increase to [[shieldstun]] significantly improve clean smash attacks' shield pressuring potentials.}}

*{{nerf|Up and down smashes have increased ending lag (frame 67 → 71 (up), frame 70 → 71 (down)) and have lost their [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]].}}  

*{{buff|Up smash has increased knockback growth (85 → 86), slightly improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down smash's first and clean second hits deal 1% more damage (13% (hit 1)/16% (hit 2 clean) → 14%/17%). Down smash also has increased base knockback (30 → 40) and altered angles (65°/70°/75°/82° (both) → 48° (both)/61° (late hit 2)). Altogether, these changes improve its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Down smash's late second hit has a shorter duration (frames 34-44 → 34-36).}}

*{{nerf|All aerials have lost their transcendent priority.}}

*{{buff|Forward, back, up and down aerials have decreased landing lag (21 frames → 18 (forward), 21 frames → 19 (back), 18 frames → 15 (up), 28 frames → 23 (down)).}}

*{{change|Due to consisting of a clean hitbox and a late hitbox instead of a consistent hitbox, neutral aerial no longer deals consistent damage (9% → 10% (clean)/7% (late)).}}

*{{buff|Neutral aerial has decreased start-up (frame 15 → 12) and ending lag (frame 76 → 60). Additionally, it auto-cancels earlier (frame 67> → 64>). Lastly, its angle has been altered (70° → 80°). Altogether, these changes make its clean hitbox significantly better for combos compared to its previous hitbox.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral aerial has increased landing lag (12 frames → 14) and a shorter duration (15-32 → 12-27).}}

*{{buff|Forward aerial has increased base knockback (20 → 30), improving its KO and spacing potential. It also has decreased start-up (frame 18 → 12) and ending lag (frame 60 → 55), a longer duration (frames 12-16 → 18-21). Lastly, it auto-cancels earlier (frame 45> → 36>) now letting it autocancel in a short hop. Altogether, these changes significantly improve its approach potential.}}

*{{nerf|Up aerial deals 3% less damage (14% → 11%), although its knockback was somewhat compensated (40 (base)/100 (growth) → 55/94).}}

*{{buff|Up aerial has decreased start-up lag (frame 15 → 13) and auto-cancels earlier (frame 53> → 51>).}}

*{{nerf|Clean down aerial deals less damage (16% → 15%), has less base knockback (40 → 30 (blade)/20 (tip)), and only the tip meteor smashes with the blade now launching at a horizontal angle (270° → 50°). The tip also has decreased knockback growth (100 → 90), and the late hitboxes were removed shortening down aerial's overall duration (16-30 → 16-17).}}

*{{buff|The removal of [[Meteor smash#Meteor canceling|meteor canceling]] significantly improves down aerial's tip's reliability.}}

*{{nerf|All grabs have increased ending lag (frame 30 → 33 (standing), frame 40 → 41 (dash), frame 36 → 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%).}}

*{{buff|Forward throw has increased knockback (50 (base)/50 (growth) → 55/75), improving its spacing potential.}}

*{{change|Back throw has increased knockback (50 (base)/50 (growth) → 55/75). This improves its edge-guarding potential, but hinders its tech-chasing potential at high percentages.}}

*{{buff|Up throw has decreased ending lag and its angle has been altered (90° → 87°). When coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling, these changes significantly improve its combo potential at low to high percentages.}}

*{{buff|The changes to hitstun canceling significantly improve down throw's combo potential at low to medium percentages.}}

*{{buff|[[Eruption]] reaches its charged stages faster. Ike is also now able to use fully charged Eruption without receiving [[recoil damage]]. These changes improve its reliability.}}

*{{buff|Uncharged Eruption deals 1% more damage (9% → 10%), although its base knockback was compensated (60 → 40).}}

*{{nerf|Uncharged Eruption has lost its super [[armor]], hindering its safety.}}

*{{nerf|Eruption's second through eighth charged stages deal less damage and knockback, removing its ability to [[one-hit KO]].}}

*{{nerf|Fully charged Eruption's base deals 2% less damage (37% → 35%). Fully charged Eruption's base, mid and top also have decreased knockback (30 (base)/80 (growth) → 20/70), slightly hindering their KO potentials.}}

*{{buff|Eruption has updated visual effects. Ragnell's blade now shines briefly when it reaches its non-recoil fully charged stage.<ref>[https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADRUqF-jx_98Q Pic of the Day: May 29, 2014]</ref>}}

*{{change|Eruption has updated sound effects. Ike now uses his fully charged Eruption voice clip from ''Brawl'' during a partially charged Eruption, and stays silent during a fully charged Eruption.}}

*{{buff|The 19% damage increase to shields and the increase to shieldstun significantly improve fully charged Eruption's shield pressuring potential.}}

*{{nerf|[[Quick Draw]] deals 3% less damage (9% (uncharged)/16% (fully charged) → 6%/13%), although its base knockback was compensated (50 → 70). It also has increased ending lag (frame 42 → 57 (no contact), frame 58 → 59 (contact)) and takes longer to fully charge (60 frames → ≈88). Altogether, these changes hinder its spacing potential.}}

*{{buff|Quick Draw has decreased start-up (frame 17 → 16) and landing lag. It also covers more distance, and no longer renders Ike [[helpless]] if he hits something. Altogether, these changes improve its recovery potential.}}

*{{change|Quick Draw's angle has been altered (60°/65°/70°/75° → 60°).}}

*{{nerf|[[Aether]]'s loop hits deal 1% less damage (2% → 1%), which decreases its overall damage output by 5% (25% → 20%). However, its last hit's knockback was compensated (50 (base)/60 (growth) → 70/80). Due to its descending hitbox's angle being altered (80°/270°/270° → 70°/270°/60°), Aether can now only meteor smash during its beginning frames, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Aether's loop hits' angles have been altered (85°/60°/270° → [[Autolink angle|366°]]). This makes them connect together better.}}

*{{nerf|Aether has decreased super armor frames (frames 18-38 → 18-21) and no longer allows Ike to grab edges from behind, hindering its safety and recovery potential.}}

*{{buff|The weakening of [[Smash directional influence|SDI]] makes Aether significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*{{change|Aether no longer moves Ike forward without directional input.}}

*{{buff|[[Counter]] has altered knockback (50 (base)/62 (growth) → 48/100), significantly improving its KO potential. It also has decreased start-up (frame 11 → 9) and ending lag (frame 60 → 59 (Counter), frame 37 → 35 (counterattack)).}}

*{{nerf|Counter's counterattack has increased start-up lag (frame 4 → 5) and a shorter duration (frames 4-7 → 5-6).}}

*{{change|Counter has updated sound effects.}}

*{{nerf|[[Great Aether]] deals 18% less damage (78% → 60%).}}

*{{change|Great Aether has updated sound effects.}}

Ike has been buffed significantly via game updates. Update [[1.0.4]] made neutral attack and forward tilt safer; re-purposed down tilt into a useful combo starter; decreased forward aerial's start-up and ending lag; and slightly improved back aerial's KO potential. Update [[1.0.6]] noticeably increased [[Counter]]'s knockback growth to the point that it is much more rewarding when successful.

*{{buff|[[Counter]]'s knockback growth increased|74|100, improving its KO potential.}}

*{{change|Up aerial's knockback altered|40 (base)/100 (growth)|55/94.}}

*{{buff|Down throw's collateral hitbox moved forward|-7u|-5u.}}

*{{buff|Tempest improved. Uncharged Tempest deals 4% more damage|1%|5%, its hitbox durations increased by 2 frames and it ends 4 frames faster. Additionally, charged and fully charged Tempest's initial windbox durations increased by 2 frames and are adjusted slightly backward. Lastly, its later frames' durations increased by 3 frames and it ends 4 and 2 frames faster, respectively.}}

*{{buff|Furious Eruption 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 hit's duration decreased|12 frames (uncharged)/16 frames (fully charged)|10/14.}}

*{{change|Smash Counter's knockback altered|48 (base)/100 (growth)|90/70.}}

|neutraldesc=A jab, followed by a front kick, followed by a kneeling downward slash. Due to it hitting on frame 4, it has the lowest amount of start-up lag out of Ike's entire moveset. When coupled with its respectable overall damage output, moderate knockback and its last hit's impressive range, it is very useful for damage racking and spacing. Unlike in ''Brawl'', it is significantly less effective at [[jab cancel]]ing into itself. Despite this, it can still be jab canceled into down tilt because of that move's minimal start-up lag.

|ftiltdmg=12.5%  

|ftiltdesc=A lunging outward slash. It can be angled and has impressive range for a tilt attack. When coupled with its respectable damage output and high knockback growth, it is very powerful for a tilt attack. It KOs middleweights at 121% while near the edge of {{SSB4|Final Destination}} in {{for3ds}}, and at 110% in {{forwiiu}}. However, its moderate start-up and ending lag make it punishable.

|utiltdesc=Hops to thrust Ragnell upward while holding it parallel to the ground. It has an impressive damage output for a tilt attack, as its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 112% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 104% in the ''Wii U'' version. It can also hit grounded opponents, while its good vertical range and fairly long duration make it useful for juggling, or as an anti-air attack. However, its moderate start-up and ending lag make it punishable.

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slice. Due to it hitting on frame 7, it is Ike's fastest tilt attack. It also has average base knockback and knockback growth, fairly average ending lag, good range and launches at 80°. Altogether, these traits make it a very useful combo starter at low to medium percentages, and enable it to be used for [[edge-guard]]ing. However, its average damage output and knockback render it unable to combo at high percentages, or KO at reasonable percentages.

|dashdesc=A lunging, two-handed upward slash. Its clean tip hitbox is tied with {{SSB4|Link}} and {{SSB4|Ganondorf}}'s clean dash attacks as the most damaging in the game. When coupled with its impressive range and its clean hitboxes' [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]], it is potent at punishing and KOing. Its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 118% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 105% in the ''Wii U'' version. It is also a useful follow-up from back throw at low to medium percentages. However, it hits on frame 15 and has 32 frames of ending lag, which make it one of the slowest dash attacks in the game.

|fsmashdesc=A lunging, two-handed downward slash. Thanks to its clean blade hitbox's outstanding damage output, it is the seventh strongest forward smash in the game. As a result, its clean blade hitbox KOs middleweights at 64% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 55% in the ''Wii U'' version. Its early and clean tip's hitboxes are also very strong, but KO noticeably later because of their slightly lower damage outputs. However, it hits on frame 31 and has 48 frames of ending lag, making it is one of the slowest smash attacks in the game. As such, it is best suited for punishing.

|usmashdesc=An overhead arcing slash. Its clean hitbox's impressive damage output makes it strong enough to KO middleweights at 95% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 88% in the ''Wii U'' version. Due to Ike swinging Ragnell on a 180° arc, it is also reliable at punishing airborne or rolling opponents. However, it hits on frame 25 and has 39 frames of ending lag, making it is one of the slowest smash attacks in the game. As such, it is best suited for punishing.

|dsmashdesc=A kneeling, two-handed outward slash in front of himself and then behind himself. Due to it hitting on frame 13, it has the lowest amount of start-up lag out Ike's smash attacks. Both of its hitboxes have very high knockback growth, but also have distinct properties: its first hit deals consistent damage, whereas its second hit consists of a clean hitbox and a late hitbox. As a result, its first hit is consistent at KOing, whereas its second hit KOs is capable of KOing earlier and has a slightly longer duration. Its first hit KOs middleweights at 105% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 95% in the ''Wii U'' version. Conversely, its clean second hit KOs middleweights at 83% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 74% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, its noticeable start-up lag and 34 frames of ending lag make it punishable, and thus best suited for punishing. In addition, its second hit's late hitbox and short range make it inconsistent at KOing and ineffective at punishing rolls, respectively.

|nairdesc=A semi-circular slash in front of himself. It has a long duration and impressive range, which make its clean hitbox a reliable and safe spacing option. Its clean hitbox also has low base knockback, very high knockback growth, low landing lag and launches at 80°. Altogether, these traits make it a reliable combo starter when [[Short hop fast fall L-cancel#Short hop fast fall|SHFF]]'d. Its clean hitbox can combo into neutral attack, tilts and a grab at 0%-10%, and into itself, forward aerial and up aerial thereafter. In addition to its spacing and combo potential, its clean hitbox can function as a safe, yet capable KOing option near the upper [[blast line]]. Its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 112% while near the upper blast line of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 102% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, its moderate start-up lag and high aerial ending lag make it punishable outside of a SHFF.

|fairdesc=A two-handed downward slash. It covers the entirety of Ike's foreside, making it capable of hitting above and below himself. It has moderate start-up and landing lag, although this can be mitigated by auto-canceling with a non-fast falling short hop. By extension, its respectable damage output and very high knockback growth make it both Ike's most viable approach option and a viable KOing option. It KOs middleweights at 112% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 101% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|bairdesc=Quickly turns around to perform an outward slash. Due to it hitting on frame 7, it is Ike's fastest aerial. When coupled with its impressive damage output, very high knockback growth, long range and ability to be auto-canceled with a short hop, it is one of Ike's most viable KOing options, and is a viable approach option via [[reverse aerial rush]]. It KOs middleweights at 103% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 93% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, it has 45 frames of ending lag, which is the highest amount of ending lag out of his aerials. It also has very minimal vertical range.

|uairdesc=A circular overhead slash. It has the longest duration out of his aerials, as well as good horizontal range for an up aerial. When coupled with its decent damage output and high knockback growth, it is a useful juggling option and anti-air attack, as well as a viable KOing option. It KOs middleweights at 97% while near the upper blast line of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 84% in the ''Wii U'' version. However, its moderate start-up and ending lag make it punishable. In addition, it has minimal vertical range.

|dairdesc=A two-handed downward slash between his legs. It is Ike's most damaging aerial and has very high knockback growth, which make it very powerful even against grounded opponents. It KOs middleweights at 108% while they are on-stage and near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 99% in the ''Wii U'' version. It also has impressive range below him, while Ragnell's tip is a powerful [[meteor smash]] during the initial portion of the swing. However, it hits on frame 16 and has 23 frames of landing lag, which are the highest amounts of respective lag out of his aerials. In addition, it has the shortest duration out of his aerials.

|grabdesc=Reaches out with his free hand. Ike's overall grab range is below-average; his standing grab, in particular, is tied with {{SSB4|Ryu}}'s for the eighth shortest ranged.

|pummeldesc=A headbutt. Its average speed and high damage output make it one of the best pummels in the game.

|uthrowdesc=Plunges Ragnell into the ground and then [[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°, which make it a reliable combo starter into his aerials at low to high percentages.

|dthrowdesc=A one-handed [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling throws#Body slam|body slam]] followed by a [[Wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Knee drop|knee drop]]. It has average base knockback, very high knockback growth and launches at 80°, which make it a reliable combo starter into his neutral, forward and reverse aerial rushed back aerials at low to medium percentages. It can also combo into [[Aether]], albeit only at 0%-15%. Despite having the highest knockback growth out of his throws, it is virtually unusable for KOing because of its throw hitbox's low damage output. In addition, its Aether combo is virtually unusable against lightweights and/or [[Falling speed#Floaty|floaty]] characters.

|nsdefdesc=Lifts Ragnell in front of himself in a two-handed reverse grip before plunging it into the ground to generate an explosion. It has [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]] and is [[charge]]able, during which it becomes engulfed in [[flame]]s that become more prominent the longer it is charged. When uncharged, it has fairly long range below Ike until fully charged, and the tip of Ragnell's blade can meteor smash aerial opponents. However, it also has impressive vertical range, which increases as it charges, and thus makes it useful for edge-guarding. When fully charged, it grants super [[armor]] on frames 234-238, but deals 10% [[recoil damage]]. When uncharged, it KOs middleweights at 152% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 143% in the ''Wii U'' version. Conversely, its fully charged base KOs middleweights at 46% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version, and at 38% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|nsc2desc=The explosion's vertical range is larger, especially when charged. It also has a slightly longer duration and, like Eruption, has transcendent priority. When fully charged, it KOs middleweights at 29% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it it lacks KO potential when uncharged. In addition, it deals 10% recoil damage when charged halfway, and 15% recoil damage when fully charged.

|ssdefdesc=Kneels on one knee and readies himself to charge forward. If Ike make contact with an opponent, he will perform a lunging, outward slash. It takes ≈88 frames (≈1.46 seconds) to [[charge]], and its charge can be held indefinitely. When fully charged, the slash is strong enough to KO middleweights at 123% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, failing to hit an opponent results in high ending lag and, if used in midair, Ike being rendered [[helpless]].

|usc1desc=Ragnell is thrown diagonally and much further outward; this allows it to cover much more horizontal distance, but less vertical distance. It also deals more damage.

|usc2desc=Ragnell is thrown much faster and [[fireemblemwiki:Range|emits an energy wave]] upon landing. However, it deals less damage, which is further compounded by its overall faster animation having almost no trapping potential. It is 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.

|dsc1desc=The counterattack [[stun]]s the opponent, similarly to [[Disable]]. Like Disable, the stun's duration is longer the more damaged the opponent is. Due to not being a true counterattack, it deals minuscule damage. It also comes out on frame 11 and has a duration of 13 frames.  

|dsc2dmg=≈1.5× (minimum 15%)

|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 alongside a thrust, a wheel kick and a roundhouse kick. Ike then concludes the attack 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 toward the upper blast line. It is one of the strongest [[Final Smash]]es in the game, as it will KO middleweights at 19% from anywhere on Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it is possible for its second hit to miss if Ike is slightly far away from the opponent.

|desc-1=Taps Ragnell's blade on his shoulder.  

{{Crowd

|char=Ike

|game=SSB4

|desc-us=We like Ike!

|desc-jp=Ai-ku!

|pitch-us=Group chant

|pitch-jp=Male}}

|desc-1=Plunges Ragnell into the ground and then folds his arms while saying "You'll get no sympathy from me."

|desc-2=Swings Ragnell twice, then casually holds it by resting its blade 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.}}"

|desc-3=Uses [[Aether]].

==In competitive play==

===Notable players===

*{{Sm|Nojinko|Japan}} - Placed 13th at [[Hirosuma Tokaigi Qualifier]] and [[Shulla-bra Tokaigi Qualifier]], and 49th at [[Umebura Japan Major]].

*{{Sm|Rango|USA}} - Placed 9th at [[Tipped Off 11]]; 13th at [[MomoCon 2016]]; and 17th at [[Paradigm Shift]].

*{{Sm|Ryo|USA}} - The best Ike player in the world. Placed 7th at [[MLG World Finals 2015]]; 9th at [[Shots Fired 2]] and [[Super Smash Con 2016]]; 17th at [[The Big House 5]]; and 25th at [[CEO 2017]], [[2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga]] and [[GENESIS 5]]. Formerly ranked 46th on [[Panda Global Rankings]] v2.

*{{Sm|San|USA}} - One of the best Ike players in the world. Placed 4th at [[Get On My Level 2017]]; 9th at [[Canada Cup 2015]], [[Get On My Level 2016]] and [[Canada Cup 2016]]; 17th at The Big House 5; and 33rd at [[Pound 2016]]. He has wins over {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}} and {{Sm|Angel Cortes}}. Ranked 1st on the [[New York Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|SM|USA}} - One of the best Ike players in the world. Placed 9th at [[2GGT: EE Saga]]; 17th at [[2GGT: FOW Saga]] and [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]]; and 33rd at GENESIS 5.

*{{Sm|Waldo|USA}} - Placed 5th at [[GUMS 6]]; 9th at [[GUMS 7]]; and 17th at [[Shine 2016]].

 

*{{Sm|Ryuga|USA}} - One of the best Ike players in the world before switching to {{SSB4|Corrin}}.

Upon ''SSB4''{{'}}s release, players noted both Ike's buffed mobility and nerfed power. Eventually, the general consensus agreed that his improved mobility did not properly compensate for his weakened power, unaddressed flaws and loss of some options from ''Brawl'', like combos, inferior smash attacks, worse hitboxes and inferior autocancel windows on most of his aerials, making him considered nonviable in the metagame. However, game updates (most notably [[1.0.8]]) would significantly improve Ike; he gained consistent and strong throw combos, improved hitboxes on many moves, and his lack of a midrange option was avelilated by giving his dash attack KO potential. As such, he began achieving respectable results from dedicated players such as {{Sm|Rango}}, {{Sm|Ryo}}, {{Sm|Ryuga}}, {{Sm|San}}, and {{Sm|Waldo}}. As such, he was ranked 26th on the first [[tier list]], a fairly noticeable improvement from his tier placement in ''Brawl''.

Although game updates considerably improved Ike's perception and were pivotal for his success, Ike has since achieved lower and more average placings at tournaments despite his talented playerbase continuing to advance his metagame. This is due to the improved results of other characters who were positively affected by balance changes (notably {{SSB4|Bowser}}, {{SSB4|Marth}} and {{SSB4|Lucina}}) and the inclusion of viable [[Downloadable content|DLC]] characters (notably {{SSB4|Corrin}}, {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}), who would eventually start to surpass Ike in regard to overall representation and results. In addition, some of his best players, such as Ryuga and Rango, dropped Ike in favor of Corrin and {{SSB4|Cloud}}, respectively. These in turn saw him drop to 35th on the second tier list, and retained this 35th ranking third tier list.

Ike's perception became rather mixed: some smashers claimed that his standing was accurate, or should be slightly higher due to his results improving; evidence stems from Ryo and San, who have earned solid results while taking sets off top smashers as of 2017, the latter even achieving 4th place at [[Get On My Level 2017]]. However, others claimed he should be ranked lower due to his glaring issues alongside overall mediocre representation and results, citing that he also lacks the growing success of characters ranked below him (such as {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSB4|Link}}, {{SSB4|Samus}}, and {{SSB4|Shulk}}), and putting him among the standing he initially had in ''Brawl''. As a result, Ike continued to drop even more now ranking 40th on the fourth and current tier list, a far cry from his initial placement. To this day, Ike's true tier standing is still greatly up for debate.

 

 

::{{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.''

 

 

::{{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!''

IkeTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

IkeTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

IkeAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

GreatAetherTrophyWiiU.png|[[Great Aether]]

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

* '''[[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.

== Trivia ==

*{{s|fireemblemwiki|Ragnell}}'s flames [[Unused content (SSB4)#Aesthetics|initially retained their orange coloration from ''Brawl'']], but were later recolored as sky blue for the final release of ''SSB4''.

 

[[Category:Ike (SSB4)]]