Editing Isabelle (SSBU)

|image =  {{tabber|title1=Summer|content1=[[File:Isabelle SSBU.png|240px]]|title2=Winter|content2=[[File:Isabelle-Alt1 SSBU.png|240px]]}}

:{{Cquote|''Isabelle Turns Over A New Leaf!''|cite=Introduction tagline}}

'''Isabelle''' ({{ja|しずえ|Shizue}}, ''Shizue'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. She was announced as a newcomer at the end of the September 13, 2018 [[Nintendo Direct]] in tandem with the then-untitled ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: New Horizons}}''. Despite sharing many moves with {{SSBU|Villager}}, Isabelle is not classified as an [[Echo Fighter]] and instead functions as a semi-clone. As a result, Isabelle is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #68]].

 

Although Isabelle speaks {{iw|nookipedia|Animalese}} within her home series and reveal trailer, she is completely mute in ''Ultimate''.

 

Isabelle is ranked 69th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her at the end of the D+ tier. Isabelle possesses good defensive play, and excellent [[Ledgetrapping|ledge trapping]]; owing to her slingshot, [[Special move|special moves]], and fast close-range moves. Isabelle also has a good [[juggle]], making it difficult for the opponent’s to safely land via her [[up aerial]], [[up tilt]], and aforementioned traits. Isabelle is considered to have better close-range moves than Villager, such as Jab, Forward Tilt, and Up Tilt, the latter of which is an excellent combo starter. Somewhat akin to [[Sonic]]'s perception in ''Ultimate'', Isabelle is often considered to be frustrating to play against, particularly for her tendency to avoid unsafe interactions in some matchups. This can cause opponent's to make risky approaches, providing opportunities for Isabelle to [[punish]]. Notably, Isabelle's unique [[jab]] gives her the ability to perform the "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap opponents at the ledge up to KO percentages.

However, Isabelle has numerous drawbacks. Some include poor offense, low [[damage]] output, sluggish movement, low [[weight]], a slow [[grab]], and a difficulty in closing [[stock|stocks]]. In addition, both [[Lloid Trap]] and [[Fishing Rod]] have significant flaws that hinder their reliability. Isabelle’s Lloid Trap can be easily destroyed by many characters, causing a explosion that uniquely hurts the user. Furthermore, if the trap hasn’t been set off or destroyed within ten seconds, it will disappear entirely. Fishing Rod will sometimes disconnect if a [[platform]] obstructs Isabelle’s ability to reel in her line. In addition, what happens when this occurs is rather unpredictable; ranging from breaking off immediately, to bringing her catch in, without performing a [[throw]]. While the latter can be desirable, the effect is neither common nor controllable. Losing her catch often results in no [[Punishment|punish]], and can leave her vulnerable to a counter attack.

 

Overall, Isabelle's weaknesses hold her back in [[Competitive play|competitive play]] and she is considered unviable in the current metagame. However, her standing and results have nevertheless improved since the launch of the game, due to buffs in balance patches and efforts from players such as {{sm|Jaka}}, {{Sm|Nery}}, and {{Sm|Rokki}}.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Pikachu}} or any character in its unlock tree, being the 5th character unlocked after {{SSBU|Mega Man}}.

Isabelle must then be defeated on [[Town and City]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).

Isabelle is a relatively short and floaty [[weight|lightweight]] with slow overall mobility. As a semi-[[clone]] of her fellow {{Uv|Animal Crossing}} fighter {{SSBU|Villager}}, both characters have several similarities to each other. However, Isabelle is characterized by a lighter weight, floatier physics and lacks the ability to [[wall jump]]. Aside from her slower [[falling speed]], she demonstrates marginally quicker mobility, both on the ground and in the air. In turn, Isabelle sports the 12th slowest [[dash]]ing speed (although she has a decent [[initial dash]]ing speed), slightly above-average [[walk]]ing speed, average [[air speed]], below-average [[air acceleration]], the 6th lowest [[gravity]] (tied with {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Steve}}), is tied with {{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}} and {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} for the 10th slowest falling speed, an average [[jump]]ing height, and the 5th highest [[traction]] (tied with {{SSBU|Ness}}, Villager and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}). Moreover, Isabelle also has multiple attacks that are unique to her (such as all of her smash attacks), and even the moves she shares with Villager have different animations and mechanics.

Isabelle's grounded moves have their utility mainly due to their range and low startup, as all of her standard grounded moves have less than 10 frames of startup. [[Neutral attack]] is Isabelle's fastest grounded move, and while it is a weak single-hit move, it can be used to combo into her [[smash attack]]s at high percentages and is a reliable [[jab lock]]. [[Forward tilt]] is useful when spaced thanks to its decent knockback and range, while also serving as a situational KO option at higher percentages. [[Up tilt]]'s disjointed hitbox makes it an effective anti-air attack and juggling option, while its low knockback and relatively fast speed also make it a useful combo move. [[Down tilt]] possesses decent range as well, while the sweetspot close to her is strong enough to KO at high percentages.

[[Dash attack]] is a [[projectile]] that can be used on platforms against opponents on the ground or on lower platforms, and it can also be used near the ledge for [[edgeguarding]] or potentially as a [[2 frame punish]]. Her smash attacks also have some utility as well: [[forward smash]] is her strongest KO option if sweetspotted; [[up smash]] hits twice and is her best vertical KO move while also comboing into up aerial at low percentages; and [[down smash]] is a [[semi-spike]] that can be used for KOing near the ledge, edgeguarding, and 2 frame punishes.

Isabelle's [[grab]] game also has some utility. Isabelle uses a net as part of her tether grab, which has a longer range than normal grabs, but more startup and ending lag as a result. Isabelle can notably use her grab to pocket items. [[Down throw]] can be used to initiate aerial combos, [[forward throw]] can setup edgeguards rather effectively, and [[back throw]] is a potent KO throw, being among the strongest back throws in the game. [[Up throw]] deals decent damage, but its lack of utility other than setting up a juggling scenario otherwise makes it Isabelle's least useful throw.

Isabelle sports versatile special moves. Her neutral special, [[Pocket]], allows her to steal an opponent's projectile and send it back at them, helping to discourage [[projectile camping]] against her. Her down special, [[Lloid Trap]], has her planting Lloid into the ground. Lloid Trap will active whenever an opponent walks over Lloid or can be activated manually, making it useful for surprising opponents, though it also takes notable time to plant and leaves her vulnerable, not being active until frame 51. However, despite this flaw, Lloid establishes another notable strength Isabelle possesses, ledge trapping; when planted in the correct position, Lloid alone can cover rolling and jumping get up's while Isabelle herself can attempt to cover other get-up options, allowing her to have an easier time maintaining advantage.

In addition, Lloid has other forms of utility; it can combo into up aerial if Isabelle is close enough, making it a KO confirm at higher percentages. Lloid also has the niche application known as "Glyroid"; when manually detonating Lloid during her initial dash, Isabelle will quickly slide a short distance, allowing it to be used as a movement mix-up for approaching. Her side special, [[Fishing Rod]], allows her to grab and throw opponents from distances farther than her grab can, while it also functions as a [[tether recovery]] and an edgeguarding tool, as the fact that it can hang offstage allows her to catch opponents with slower recoveries. Her up special, [[Balloon Trip]], provides vast vertical and horizontal distance, though it travels a slightly shorter distance than Villager's version. This, in addition to her Fishing Rod's great horizontal distance, makes Isabelle notoriously difficult to [[gimp]].

However, Isabelle does have her flaws, one of the most notable being her disadvantage state. Due to her floatiness and low weight, she struggles to return to the ground safely, which makes her more vulnerable to juggling and early knockouts. Additionally, Isabelle’s aerials offer limited coverage beneath her. Her options for mixing up movement are limited, with B-reversing Pocket and committal directional air dodges being among the few options available. Her below average survivability, and having to rely on a rather slow and vulnerable recovery when far from the stage ([[Balloon Trip]]), only compounds these issues. At higher levels of play, these flaws can be greatly taken advantage of by some characters - possibly forcing her into continual evasion and defensive tactics, just to escape disadvantage state.

 

Many of her special moves have major flaws. While her Fishing Rod is a versatile command grab with a very good range, it is flawed in many ways. Unlike all other grabs in the game, it is unusually capable of being shielded and suffers from a lot of ending lag, making it very punishable. Lloid Trap is also very flawed; planting Lloid leaves her vulnerable and takes 51 frames to be active, it disappears after only 10 seconds and can easily be destroyed due to it only having 8% of HP, and in some cases the resulting explosion will damage Isabelle herself and some characters can even run through it without getting affected. While Isabelle's recovery is very long-distanced, she has no way to defend herself while using Balloon Trip, due to the move lacking a hitbox, and popping the balloons will render her helpless, meaning that despite her recovery being fairly good on paper, it is among the most easily edgeguarded in practice. Finally, Isabelle notably lacks some of Villager's most important tools for zoning in the neutral game, namely [[Lloid Rocket]] and [[Timber]], making her vastly worse at zoning than her counterpart.

 

 

 

Update 2.0.0 fixed some infamous glitches, such as the [[infinite Assist Trophy glitch]] and [[Slingshot Crash]], as well as enabled Isabelle's neutral aerial to auto-cancel earlier. Update 3.0.0 nerfed her forward and back aerials' shield damage as part of a near-universal nerf to projectiles. More notably, this same update modified [[Fishing Rod]] in two ways: its hook gained the ability to catch an opponent while it is idle, thus granting it a guaranteed set-up for a [[2 frame punish]], but at the cost of its active frames being decreased significantly. However, update 3.1.0 undid these changes to Fishing Rod.

 

In update 4.0.0, Isabelle received a number of worthwhile buffs. She travels farther when rolling, which compliments her defensive playstyle. Isabelle's neutral attack, which was near-universally viewed by players as one the worst moves of any kind in the game, received a number of changes that noticeably improve its utility, most notably granting her a unique edge trap technique dubbed the "Wobbelle". Her up smash and Fishing Rod's up throw became stronger KOing options, thanks to their increased knockback scaling. Lastly, Fishing Rod and Lloid Trap had their lag decreased; in particular, Lloid Trap's decreased start-up lag enables it to function much better against most opponents that dash over it.

 

Following update 7.0.0's buff to Fishing Rod's [[tether]] range, update 8.0.0 granted Isabelle a number of worthwhile buffs, similarly to update 4.0.0. Her up tilt, dash attack, up smash, and down aerial each had their lag decreased by varying amounts, with up tilt in particular becoming much more effective for combos as a result. In addition, Isabelle's up aerial received more base knockback, and her pummel's hitbox was enlarged in order to improve its consistency.

 

Update 13.0.0 granted Isabelle her final buffs, with the most notable of these being to her down smash: its KO potential was improved via increased knockback, whereas the enlargement and repositioning of its hitboxes improved its reliability both as a "Wobbelle" KO confirm and as a [[2 frame punish]]. Down tilt's ending lag was decreased; in addition to making the move safer overall, this enables its close hitbox to set up at low percentages, similarly to dash attack's close hitbox as of update 8.0.0. Forward smash's clean hitbox became slightly easier to land, thanks to it gaining 1 more active frame. Lastly, forward throw's knockback was increased, which improved its utility as a stage control option.

 

Despite overall buffs, Isabelle fares worse now than she did at the launch of ''Ultimate''. While her buffs are beneficial, they fail to address her fundamental issues, and the introduction of DLC characters has brought about several unfavorable matchups. Furthermore, the universal nerf to projectile shield damage has weakened Isabelle's defensive play and neutral game, especially due to her heavy reliance on her slingshot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/11.0.0|char=Isabelle}}

 

 

''For a gallery of Isabelle's hitboxes, see [[Isabelle (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''

 

|neutralname=Toy Hammer ({{ja|ピコピコハンマー|Pikopiko Hanmā}})

|neutraldesc=Swings a {{iw|nookipedia|toy hammer}} downward. It is very quick overall, but consists of only a single hit that inflicts very minimal damage and knockback both very low. These traits make it a useful [[lock]]ing option, and at low percentages, it can combo into itself multiple times. As of update 4.0.0, it has a [[wobbling]]-inspired technique known as the "Wobbelle", which enables it to reliably trap an opponent at an edge as long as Isabelle walks forward very slightly and immediately following each hit.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08zu6cxI-0 Smash Ultimate - Isabelle's Inescapable Jab Combo (Wobelle)]</ref> As a result, the Wobbelle allows neutral attack to rack up damage even past 200%. It also allows neutral attack to combo reliably into Isabelle's tilt attacks, down smash and Pocket; its forward tilt, clean down tilt and especially down smash combos, in particular, are potent KO confirms. Although the Wobbelle is a useful technique, maintaining it requires precise timing between hits, and it is susceptible to SDI.

|ftiltname=Umbrella ({{ja|かさ|Kasa}})

|ftiltdmg=9%

|ftiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Candy umbrella (New Horizons)|candy umbrella]] horizontally. Compared to {{SSBU|Villager}}'s, it launches at a slightly lower angle and has higher knockback growth, which make it capable of KOing at reasonable percentages while near the edge. However, it has more ending lag compared to Villager's version.

|utiltname=Broom ({{ja|ほうき|Hōki}})

|utiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Broom and dustpan (New Horizons)|broom]] in an overhead arcing motion. It has minimal startup (frame 6) and, as of update 8.0.0, it can combo reliably into itself at low percentages, and into neutral, up and forward aerials at low to medium percentages. It can even combo into up smash's second hit at 0%, although this is only effective during its final frames and if the opponent fails to DI properly.

|dtiltname=Weed Pluck ({{ja|草ぬき|Kusa Nuki}})

|dtiltdesc=Uproots some {{iw|nookipedia|weed}}s. It has noticeably less ending lag than Villager's version, but a shorter hitbox duration compared to his. The move's damage output is also more polarized as the sweetspot deals slightly more damage, whereas the sourspot deals much less damage.  

|dashname=Jar ({{ja|つぼ|Tsubo}})

|dashdesc=Trips while holding a [[nookipedia:item:Pot (New Horizons)|ceramic pot]]. Like Villager's, the pot itself is a projectile that will either break or bounce off the ground after hitting it. The hitbox on the pot disappears after bouncing off the ground. When used near an edge, it will fall off and continue to have a hitbox. Compared to Villager's, it has less overall lag.

|fsmashname=Cracker ({{ja|クラッカー|Kurakkā}})

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (late)

|fsmashdesc=Fires a {{iw|nookipedia|party popper}} forward. Somewhat fast startup (frame 14) for a smash attack, but has noticeable ending lag (27 frames). It also has two hitboxes: a small hitbox close to Isabelle and a bigger one farther away from her. However, it has poor range despite being disjointed. When clean, it is her most reliable KO option, although the clean hit only lasts for 2 frames. In comparison, its late hit fails to KO at reasonable percentages.

|usmashname=Sign ({{ja|ひょうしき|Hyōshiki}})

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (clean hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (late hit 2)

|usmashdesc=Blows her whistle, causing a [[nookipedia:item:Do-not-enter sign (New Leaf)|do-not-enter sign]] to spring up from the ground in front of her. It has 2 hits that connect into each other; the second hit can combo into up aerial at low percentages and, when clean, KO outright at reasonable percentages.

|dsmashname=Bucket ({{ja|バケツ|Baketsu}})

|dsmashdesc=Empties a [[nookipedia:Mop (Wild World)|metal bucket of water]] in front of herself and then behind herself, similarly to {{SSBU|Inkling}}'s down smash. It is Isabelle's fastest, yet least damaging smash attack. Despite its below-average damage output, it is a decent KO option regardless, thanks to it being a fairly strong [[semi-spike]] with respectable startup (frame 8) for a smash attack.

|nairname=Pom-Poms ({{ja|ポンポン|Pon Pon}})

|nairdesc=Twirls around twice to perform discus punches and backfists while holding pom-poms. Its hitboxes are located on the pom-poms. Its fairly quick startup (frame 5) and decently damaging clean hit collectively make it decent for both edgeguarding and as an out of shield option. The late hit can lock at low percentages; when coupled with the move's minimal landing lag and useful autocancel window, it can be a useful setup into the Wobbelle.

|fairname=Front Slingshot ({{ja|前パチンコ|Zen Pachinko}})

|fairdesc=Fires a pellet from a {{iw|nookipedia|slingshot}}. Functions identically to Villager's forward aerial.

|bairname=Back Slingshot ({{ja|後パチンコ|Go Pachinko}})

|bairdesc=Fires a pellet from a slingshot. Functions identically to Villager's back aerial.

|uairname=Upward Turnips ({{ja|上カブ|Jō Kabu}})

|uairdesc=Swings a pair of {{iw|nookipedia|turnip}}s upward. Due to swinging 2 turnips, Isabelle's up aerial is overall more consistent than Villager's up aerial. It also has less landing lag compared to Villager's version, which makes it safer to use when landing on the stage.  

|dairname=Downward Turnips ({{ja|下カブ|Shita Kabu}})

|dairdesc=Swings a pair of turnips downward. Like her up aerial, Isabelle always swings 2 turnips, making it more consistent than Villager's down aerial. Isabelle's version is also safer to use upon landing on the stage, thanks to its lower landing lag. The clean hit will meteor smash opponents if sweetspotted, whereas any other part of the turnips will launch opponents horizontally.

|grabname=Net ({{ja|あみ|Ami}})

|grabdesc=Swings a {{iw|nookipedia|net}} downward. Using it on an [[item]] will cause her to {{s|nookipedia|pocket}} it, just like Villager's net. Although Isabelle's standing and pivot grabs have the same overall lag as Villager's, her dash grab is 1 frame faster overall. Interestingly, Villager's throws were altered to varying degrees in his transition to ''Ultimate'', yet Isabelle's back, up and down throws retain the properties of his respective throws from ''SSB4''.

|pummelname=Net Tightening ({{ja|あみ締め|Ami Shime}})

|pummeldesc=Yanks the net backward to damage the opponent inside. Average power and speed. Unlike Villager's pummel, it possesses the same startup and ending lag as other similar pummels.

|fthrowname=Forward Net Throw ({{ja|前あみ投げ|Zen Ami Nage}})

|fthrowdesc=Throws the opponent with an overhead swing. As of update 13.0.0, its overall knockback is higher than Villager's version instead of being identical to his. As a result, it is more useful than his version for stage control, creating space, and setting up edgeguards. Like Villager's version, however, its extremely low knockback growth makes it unable to KO at realistic percentages.

|bthrowname=Back Net Throw ({{ja|後あみ投げ|Go Ami Nage}})

|bthrowdesc=Turns around to throw the opponent with a horizontal swing. Isabelle's most damaging throw, and one of the strongest back throws in the game, KOing even the heaviest characters reliably at around 150% without rage and with optimal DI from the opponent.

|uthrowname=Up Net Throw ({{ja|上あみ投げ|Jō Ami Nage}})

|uthrowdesc=Flips the net over and tosses the opponent upward. Like forward throw, it has very high base knockback and very low knockback growth. As a result, it is best suited for setting up aerial pressure and cannot KO at reasonable percentages.

|dthrowname=Down Net Throw ({{ja|下あみ投げ|Shita Ami Nage}})

|dthrowdesc=Turns her net horizontally and slams it on the ground. It can combo into aerials at low to medium percentages depending on the opponent's DI, with forward aerial being the most reliable followup.

|floorfdesc=Swings a broom in front of herself and then behind herself.

|floorbdmg=7%

|floorbdesc=Swings a broom behind herself and then in front of herself.

|floortdmg=5%

|floortdesc=Swings a broom in front of herself and then behind herself while getting up.

|edgedesc=Throws a lunging punch while holding her pom-poms and climbing up the edge.

|nsdmg=1.9× (multiplier)

|nsdesc={{iw|nookipedia|Pockets}} projectiles and items. After pocketing a projectile, using the neutral special input will produce and use the projectile. Using neutral special with a pocketed item will put the item in Isabelle's hand. This move functions identically to Villager's version. 

|ssdmg=≈9.5%-18.7%

|ssdesc=Casts a {{iw|nookipedia|fishing rod}}. The distance the rod's line is cast depends on whether or not it was inputted while flicking the control stick. It can be left out for ≈5 seconds before Isabelle will automatically begin to slowly reel it in. Pressing the special or attack button will automatically reel it in completely at any time. It will also reel in automatically if an item is grabbed. When an opponent is captured by the rod's hook, she reels them in and can throw the opponent in one of 4 directions. The forward and back throws are useful for setting up edgeguards, and the former can also KO at very high percentages while near the edge. Conversely, the up throw KOs at high percentages, and the down throw can start combos at 0% to medium percentages. Much like a thrown item, the damage output for the throws is directly proportional to how fast the bobber is moving at the time it captures the opponent. Fishing Rod can also be used as a [[tether recovery]] and can grab items. Unlike normal grabs, it cannot bypass shields, even when reeled in. Another unique quirk is that it is unable to bypass [[reflect]]ors or [[counterattack]]s, and is even blocked by [[passive shield]]s.

|usdesc=Sits on a [[nookipedia:item:Swinging bench (New Horizons)|swinging bench]] attached to a pair of {{iw|nookipedia|rabbit}} head-shaped {{iw|nookipedia|balloon}}s. It covers a lot of distance, although its overall travel distance is slightly shorter than Villager's version. Pressing or holding the special button will cause Isabelle to rise. Pressing the attack button will cancel the move while propelling her slightly upward. If canceled with the attack button, the next use will only have 1 balloon until Isabelle lands on the stage.

|dsdmg=1.6% (hits 1 and 2), 0.9% (hits 3-5), 12% (hit 6)

|dsdesc=Plants {{iw|nookipedia|Lloid}} the {{iw|nookipedia|Gyroid}} into the ground. When someone steps over him, or when the down special is inputted again, Lloid propels himself vertically and hits the opponent repeatedly before exploding. If nothing happens for 10 seconds, Lloid will disappear. After receiving 8% (not counting the [[1v1 multiplier]]), he will explode, which will also damage Isabelle if she is near the explosion.

|fsdmg=10% (collateral loop), 15% (collateral explosion), 50.5% (entirety)

|fsdesc=When activated, {{iw|nookipedia|Tom Nook}}, {{iw|nookipedia|Timmy and Tommy}} appear and [[nookipedia:Public works project|construct]] a {{iw|nookipedia|town hall}}, trapping opponents that get caught in their construction zone. Once the town hall's construction is completed, Isabelle, Tom, Timmy and Tommy celebrate briefly before it explodes, which inflicts high damage and knockback. Although it is almost identical to [[Dream Home]], it deals more damage and has both higher knockback and a faster final hit.

===Stats===

| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87

| addaccel=0.05 | raddaccel=53-64

| gravity=0.07 | rgravity=81-84

| fall=1.3 | rfall=80-82

====[[Announcer]] call====

 

 

 

 

====[[Taunts]]====

*'''Up taunt''': Waves her hand while looking toward the screen. It is based on the "Greetings" {{iw|nookipedia|reaction}}.

*'''Side taunt''': Claps her hands while facing the screen. It is based on the "Delight" reaction.

*'''Down taunt''': Dances, waving her arms in an inward circular motion while stepping in place. She then jumps up, and lands facing the screen with her arms spread out. It is based on the "Complete" reaction in ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer}}''.

 

 

 

*'''Left:''' Waves twice and spreads her arms.

*'''Up:''' Waves goodbye to {{iw|nookipedia|Lloid}} as he flies upward in the background, then turns toward the camera and strikes a pose similar to the one in her ''Ultimate'' render.

*'''Right:''' Dusts herself off, jumps twice, and poses triumphantly with her hands on her hips. Her final pose is based on the "Pride" reaction.

[[File:AnimalCrossingSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A slightly sped up remix of the [[nookipedia:Animal Crossing|original ''Animal Crossing'']] theme song's first phase.]]

IsabelleVictoryPose2.gif

==In [[competitive play]]==

===Most historically significant players===

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

 

''See also: [[:Category:Isabelle players (SSBU)]]''

 

*{{Sm|Axel~|USA}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America, with most of their activity being in the post-online metagame. They have some of the best Isabelle placement at American events, including 25th at the supermajor {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} and 33rd at the major {{Trn|The Big House 10}}.

*{{Sm|Jaka|Switzerland}} - The best solo-Isabelle player in the world and the first solo-Isabelle ranked globally, ranking 100th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]] due to strong superregional results such as 4th at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}} and 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}. He continues to be a top 50 player in Europe and places highly at many European events, including 17th at the supermajor {{Trn|Tera}}.

*{{Sm|kept|Japan}} - Plays Isabelle alongside {{SSBU|Villager}} and {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} and was the best Isabelle player in Japan until 2023, having defeated players such as {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Tsubotsubo}} with Isabelle. Placement-wise, he notably placed 13th at both {{Trn|VCA 2022}}, using Isabelle to defeat {{Sm|Tarik}}, and {{Trn|DELTA 9}}, using primarily Isabelle. The latter event is the highest placement from an Isabelle player at a major/supermajor.

*{{Sm|Nery|Mexico}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America ever since the early metagame, regularly placing highly at Mexican events including 9th at {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, 13th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 6}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}. He has been ranked top 20 in Mexico a few times, with his highest being 14th.

 

In the early metagame, Isabelle was seen as an inferior version of her semi-clone {{SSBU|Villager}} due to her special moves having notable flaws, her camping and zoning game being weaker, and her lighter weight and slower falling speed giving her worse endurance. With Villager himself being considered a weak character, opinions on Isabelle have therefore been worse, and she was widely considered a low tier, with many also calling her one of the worst in the game.

 

A few positive developments have since helped Isabelle's perception in the community. For one, update 4.0.0. introduced her neutral attack's "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap the opponent at an edge reliably with her neutral attack until KO percentages. In addition, although Isabelle's overall representation remains rather low, she still has several dedicated players who have performed well with her, either as a solo-main (notably {{Sm|Jaka}} and {{Sm|Nery}}) or as a secondary/co-main (notably {{Sm|kept}} and {{Sm|Rokki}}). In fact, Isabelle's representation has been consistently better than Villager's since January 2022, due to her posessing a higher and more skilled playerbase than Villager. As such, although she remained a low tier, she is no longer considered one of the worst characters in the game, and was ranked 73rd on the first tier list at the top of the low tier and 4 spots behind Villager. Following that list, Isabelle's results continued to improve, especially with Jaka's consistency in Europe as well as Rokki's victory at {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}}, which has led many players, especially in Japan, to believe she was better than Villager. As such, Isabelle rose to 69th on the second and current tier list, ranking at the top of D-tier and 3 spots ahead of Villager.

Isabelle's opponents consist of nearly every female fighter that appears in the base roster of ''Ultimate''. The only exemptions are {{SSBU|Dark Samus}} and [[bulbapedia:Spiky-eared Pichu|Spiky-eared]] {{SSBU|Pichu}}. Popo of the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} is the only male fighter fought in this route, although this is because neither Popo nor Nana can spawn alone, regardless of which of them is the leading Ice Climber. Additionally, the music tracks alternate depending on the Round: odd numbered Rounds play title themes from the {{uv|Animal Crossing}} series, whereas even numbered Rounds play songs from that stage's home universe.

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

|1||{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Pink}}{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Green}}{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Chartreuse}} {{SSBU|Villager}} (×4)||[[Smashville]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Title Theme - Animal Crossing: Wild World (Brawl)}}''||

|2||{{CharHead|Wii Fit Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Pokémon Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Red}}, and {{CharHead|Pikachu|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Libre}}||[[Wii Fit Studio]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Wii Fit|Super Hoop}}''||

|3||{{CharHead|Palutena|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Lucina|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Zelda|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Corrin|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Female}}, and {{CharHead|Robin|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Female}}||[[Temple]] ([[Battlefield form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Title Theme - Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer}}''||This battle is a free-for-all.

|4||{{CharHead|Zero Suit Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Bayonetta|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, and {{CharHead|Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Split & Splat}}''||{{CharHead|Inkling|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Ice Climbers|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Red}} (with Nana leading, and with their red costume equipped) are CPU allies.

|5||{{CharHead|Peach|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Daisy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, {{CharHead|Rosalina & Luma|SSBU|hsize=20px}}, and {{Head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Wendy}} [[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Wendy]]||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Plaza / Title Theme - Animal Crossing: City Folk / Animal Crossing: Wild World}}''||

|6||{{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Gerudo Valley]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ocarina of Time Medley}}''||

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

|Final||{{SSBU|Master Hand}}||{{SSBU|Final Destination}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand}}'' <small>(Less than 7.0 intensity)</small><br>''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand / Crazy Hand}}'' <small>(Intensity 7.0 or higher)</small>||On intensity 7.0 and higher, {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}} fights alongside Master Hand.

Isabelle can be found near a small town on a secluded road that requires the spirit of [[List of spirits (Animal Crossing series)|Kapp'n (Wild World)]] to be driven through a tunnel to reach. Freeing her unlocks a path to the town. From the Northwestern Town, the player must defeat the spirit of Ashnard, then take the bus to reach her fighter battle.

 

|Isabelle

 

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

 

 

|•The stage is covered in fog<br>•The enemy will charge up a powerful Final Smash

|{{SpiritType|Grab}}

|•All fighters take serious damage after a little while<br>•Periodic earthquakes will shake the stage

|•The enemy has increased power for the first part of the battle

|3,700

|1,900

 

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

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Isabelle unlock notice SSBU.jpg|Isabelle's unlock notice.

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle1.jpg|Using her down smash on {{SSBU|Squirtle}} on [[Delfino Plaza]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle2.jpg|Using her up smash on [[Mushroom Kingdom U]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle3.jpg|Isabelle sporting three of her [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Isabelle|alternate costumes]] while using [[Balloon Trip (move)|Balloon Trip]] on [[Rainbow Cruise]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle4.jpg|Using her forward smash on {{SSBU|Link}} on [[Luigi's Mansion]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle5.jpg|Using her neutral attack on {{SSBU|Mario}} on [[Tomodachi Life]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle6.jpg|Using [[Fishing Rod]] while near [[Goldeen]] on [[Tortimer's Island]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle7.jpg|Using [[Lloid Trap]] on [[Gerudo Valley]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle8.jpg|Using [[Pocket]] on Mario's [[Fireball]] on [[Skyworld]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle9.jpg|Using Fishing Rod to grab {{SSBU|Snake}} on [[Great Bay]].

SSBUWebsiteIsabelle10.jpg|Using Balloon Trip on [[Fourside]].

SSBUWebsiteJoker6.jpg|Alongside {{SSBU|Inkling}} and {{SSBU|Joker}} on Delfino Plaza.

===Fighter Showcase Video===

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*Isabelle is the fourth character to be announced in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' that was previously featured as a Mii [[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Mii Fighter|costume]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. The others are {{SSBU|Inkling}}, {{SSBU|Chrom}}, and {{SSBU|King K. Rool}}.

**She uses a party popper for her forward smash, which is used by the Mii Gunner outfit based on her instead of an arm cannon.

**Isabelle is also the fourth summonable character to become a fighter in a later installment, following [[Charizard]], [[Little Mac]], and [[Dark Samus]]. Like Little Mac and Dark Samus, she was an [[Assist Trophy]] prior to gaining this distinction.

*The Nintendo Direct that revealed Isabelle as a fighter was supposed to air on September 6th, 2018. However, an [https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us2000h8ty#executive earthquake] struck Hokkaidō, Japan that day. Its aftermath prompted Nintendo to [https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1037596347979812864 postpone the Direct]—and by extension, news of Isabelle's inclusion in ''Ultimate''—by one week, out of respect for those affected by the tremor. This makes Isabelle the only playable character in the series' history whose reveal was explicitly delayed for any given reason.

*Isabelle's reveal trailer initially appeared to be a reveal trailer for a new Nintendo Switch installment of the {{uv|Animal Crossing}} series and was followed by an actual teaser trailer confirming the then-unnamed ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: New Horizons}}'' for 2019.

**{{iw|nookipedia|Tom Nook}} is even seen watching Isabelle's own trailer on his computer before telling the audience he has to get back to work in order to prepare for the upcoming game. This segment can be considered its own mini teaser for ''New Horizons'' since Tom Nook is the primary helper at the beginning of that game instead of Isabelle as in ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: New Leaf}}''.

**At one point, Isabelle wishes that the mayor "wasn't so busy with the campsite and Smash." 'The campsite' refers to ''{{iw|nookipedia|Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp}}'', which was released in October 2017.

**This is the second time that an upcoming Nintendo game has been teased through a character reveal trailer. The first was ''{{iw|mariowiki|Luigi's Mansion 3}}'', which was teased by {{SSBU|Luigi}} wielding the then-unnamed {{iw|mariowiki|Poltergust G-00}} in {{SSBU|Simon}} and {{SSBU|Richter}}'s reveal trailer.

*In her reveal trailer, Isabelle opens [[Smash invitation|an envelope inviting her to join ''Super Smash Bros.'' that is enclosed with a wax seal in the shape of the]] [[Super Smash Bros. logo|''Super Smash Bros.'' logo]]. This is a callback to {{SSB4|Villager}}'s reveal in the first [[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Villager|trailer]] for ''SSB4'', and it is the second time (following Villager's reveal) that a ''Smash'' invitation was received via physical post.

**{{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Terry}}, {{SSBU|Byleth}}, {{SSBU|Min Min}} and {{SSBU|Pyra}} also received similar invitations in their respective reveal trailers for ''Ultimate''.

*There was an error on [https://www.smashbros.com/en_US/fighter/68.html Isabelle's page] on ''Ultimate''{{'}}s official website where her ''Animal Crossing'' symbol is the same shade of green as Villager's instead of chartreuse, her background color.

*Strangely, Isabelle's reveal trailer shows that ''Ultimate'' was still Rating Pending, even though the rating had already been revealed to be rated E10+ at the time. Whether this was an error on Nintendo's or ESRB's part is unknown, though European trailers kept the PEGI 12 rating.

*In a ''Famitsu'' column, [[Masahiro Sakurai]] noted that because Isabelle and {{SSBU|Villager}} have significantly different proportions and personalities, it was not possible for Isabelle to be Villager's [[Echo Fighter]]. Therefore she was developed as a unique character,<ref>https://twitter.com/AllSourceGaming/status/1044971274458476545</ref> although she still shares many moves with Villager. This makes Isabelle the only type of clone so far whose reasoning for not being labeled as an Echo Fighter has been explicitly confirmed.

*In the initial design document for ''Ultimate'', Isabelle was described as "A variation on Villager. She fights using office supplies and public property."<ref>[https://youtu.be/2Iiu1k16Ukc?t=64s Writing Game Proposals <nowiki>[Work Ethic]</nowiki>]</ref>.