Editing Ken (SSBU)

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{{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}}, Ken's English voice actor from ''Street Fighter IV'' and ''Street Fighter V'', reprises his role in the overseas versions, including the Chinese and Korean versions. His Japanese voice actor since ''Street Fighter III: Third Strike'', {{iw|wikipedia|Yuji Kishi}}, reprises his role exclusively in the Japanese version. ''Ultimate'' is the last game where {{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}} voices Ken in English, as {{iw|wikipedia|David Matranga}} is his current English voice actor in ''Street Fighter 6''.
{{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}}, Ken's English voice actor from ''Street Fighter IV'' and ''Street Fighter V'', reprises his role in the overseas versions, including the Chinese and Korean versions. His Japanese voice actor since ''Street Fighter III: Third Strike'', {{iw|wikipedia|Yuji Kishi}}, reprises his role exclusively in the Japanese version. ''Ultimate'' is the last game where {{iw|wikipedia|Reuben Langdon}} voices Ken in English, as {{iw|wikipedia|David Matranga}} is his current English voice actor in ''Street Fighter 6''.


Ken is ranked 45th out of 82 on the current tier list, placing him in the B- tier. Ken is known as the more aggressive [[shoto]], being able to dish out huge amounts of damage from his multitude of combos and strings, finishing off his opponents with strong KO confirms into his [[Shoryuken]]. Like his fellow ''Street Fighter'' friend, Ken has a lot of good frame data on his moves and the distinction of having the auto-turnaround mechanic which allows him to perform his combos easier and more reliably. His Shoryuken in particular is great as an anti-air with high knockback growth when the last hit connects or when all hits on the ground connect with each other.
Ken is ranked 45th out of 82 on the current tier list, placing him in the B- tier. Ken is known as the more aggressive shoto, being able to dish out huge amounts of damage from his multitude of combos and strings, finishing off his opponents with strong KO confirms into his [[Shoryuken]]. Like his fellow ''Street Fighter'' friend, Ken has a lot of good frame data on his moves and the distinction of having the auto-turnaround mechanic which allows him to perform his combos easier and more reliably. His Shoryuken in particular is great as an anti-air with high knockback growth when the last hit connects or when all hits on the ground connect with each other.


However, Ken shares nearly the same amount of weaknesses as Ryu, being fairly easy to combo reliably and easily edgeguarded if one reads his linear recovery route. In addition, unlike Ryu, Ken is vulnerable to some of his moves being able to be escaped via SDI, such as his Shoryuken and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, allowing his opponent to punish him for landing those moves. Finally, Ken is forced to approach in a lot of matchups with his limited amount of approach options, making him linear overall.
However, Ken shares nearly the same amount of weaknesses as Ryu, being fairly easy to combo reliably and easily edgeguarded if one reads his linear recovery route. In addition, unlike Ryu, Ken is vulnerable to some of his moves being able to be escaped via SDI, such as his Shoryuken and Tatsumaki Senpukyaku, allowing his opponent to punish him for landing those moves. Finally, Ken is forced to approach in a lot of matchups with his limited amount of approach options, making him linear overall.


Overall, Ken is seen as a capable and viable fighter in the right hands with his strong advantage state and combo ability, and players can choose to play either Ken or Ryu, depending on the matchup or mood. For example, if the matchup requires an aggressive game plan, then Ken is the optimal choice. As such, many players who play Ken also play Ryu, although there are several successful players dedicated to just Ken, such as {{Sm|Jahzz0}} and {{Sm|takera}}.
Overall, Ken is seen as a capable and viable fighter in the right hands with his strong advantage state and combo ability, and players can choose to play either Ken or Ryu, depending on the matchup or mood. For example, if the matchup requires an aggressive game plan, then Ken is the optimal choice, and vice versa. Ken has seen solid results and decent representation from players, such as {{Sm|Takera}} and {{Sm|Jahzz0}}, to name a few.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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Overall, Ken is a combo-oriented fighter with a fearsome offensive potential, as his unique mechanics deliberately give him access to powerful true combos essential to the competitive success of most characters; his ability to trap opponents in hitstun or shield pressure, multiple options for escaping or negating combos, and dependable recovery all make Ken very rewarding and unpredictable. However, his polarized movement, mediocre vertical recovery, and lacking approach make him difficult to play optimally. His high learning curve in particular is perhaps his biggest issue; much practice is generally required for his input specials to use them reliably and consistently, rather than accidentally inputting the wrong move.
Overall, Ken is a combo-oriented fighter with a fearsome offensive potential, as his unique mechanics deliberately give him access to powerful true combos essential to the competitive success of most characters; his ability to trap opponents in hitstun or shield pressure, multiple options for escaping or negating combos, and dependable recovery all make Ken very rewarding and unpredictable. However, his polarized movement, mediocre vertical recovery, and lacking approach make him difficult to play optimally. His high learning curve in particular is perhaps his biggest issue; much practice is generally required for his input specials to use them reliably and consistently, rather than accidentally inputting the wrong move.
In spite of his weaknesses and high learning curve, Ken's results and representation are more notable than Ryu's. Some players choose to utilize both accordingly to play to the other's strengths, whether it be reliable damage and zoning or massive combo opportunities and options.


==Differences from {{SSBU|Ryu}}==
==Differences from {{SSBU|Ryu}}==
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**{{nerf|The grounded version does not grant intangibility to Ken's attacking leg.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version does not grant intangibility to Ken's attacking leg.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version (both command input and normal input) travels a shorter distance than Ryu’s (5-9 training stage blocks depending on charge → 4-7) however the aerial version travels the same distance.}}
**{{nerf|The grounded version (both command input and normal input) travels a shorter distance than Ryu’s (5-9 training stage blocks depending on charge → 4-7) however the aerial version travels the same distance.}}


*[[Shoryuken]]:
*[[Shoryuken]]:
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|neutral3dmg=6% (hit 1), 10% (hit 2) (held-far)
|neutral3dmg=6% (hit 1), 10% (hit 2) (held-far)
|neutralinfdmg=12% (held-close)
|neutralinfdmg=12% (held-close)
|neutraldesc= ''Tapped'': A jab, followed by a body blow, followed by a hook. The second hit is based on Ken's ''Street Fighter III'' close medium punch. The first and second hits can be special-canceled, and are also able to jab lock.
|neutraldesc= ''Tapped'': A jab, followed by a {{s|wikipedia|short straight-punch}}, followed by a hook. The second hit is based on Ken's ''Street Fighter III'' close medium punch. The first and second hits can be special-canceled, and are also able to jab lock.


''Held (far)'': Ken performs his Inazuma Kick: a double-hitting axe kick. It is somewhat hard to land both hits, as the range tends to overlap with his close variant. This move causes Ken to slightly move forward, and deals a good amount of shield damage, making it useful for shield pressure. Cannot be special-canceled.
''Held (far)'': Ken performs his Inazuma Kick: a double-hitting axe kick. It is somewhat hard to land both hits, as the range tends to overlap with his close variant. This move causes Ken to slightly move forward, and deals a good amount of shield damage, making it useful for shield pressure. Cannot be special-canceled.
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|dairdesc=A downward-angled cross. Against aerial opponents, the sweetspot on Ken's fist is a [[meteor smash]] that launches opponents at a rather diagonal angle, akin to a [[spike]]. It can be special-canceled.
|dairdesc=A downward-angled cross. Against aerial opponents, the sweetspot on Ken's fist is a [[meteor smash]] that launches opponents at a rather diagonal angle, akin to a [[spike]]. It can be special-canceled.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out. Ken's overall grab range is short.
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his hand.
|pummelname=Hizageri{{ref|h}} ({{ja|ひざ蹴り|Hizageri}})
|pummelname=Hizageri{{ref|h}} ({{ja|ひざ蹴り|Hizageri}})
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=A knee strike while holding the opponent in the {{s|wikipedia|collar-and-elbow}} position. Average power, and its lower hitlag makes it faster compared to other similar pummels, being only marginally slower than {{SSBU|Kirby}}. As a result, it is very useful for racking up damage. It is based on his Tsukami Hizageri ({{ja|つかみ膝蹴り|Tsukami Hizageri}}, "Grasping Knee Kick") throw in the ''Street Fighter Alpha/Zero'' games.
|pummeldesc=A knee strike while holding the opponent in the {{s|wikipedia|collar-and-elbow}} position. It is based on his Tsukami Hizageri ({{ja|つかみ膝蹴り|Tsukami Hizageri}}, "Grasping Knee Kick") throw in the ''Street Fighter Alpha/Zero'' games.
|fthrowname=Seoi Throw ({{ja|背負い投げ|Seoi Nage}})
|fthrowname=Seoi Throw ({{ja|背負い投げ|Seoi Nage}})
|fthrowdmg=9%
|fthrowdmg=9%
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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
In the early stages of ''Ultimate'', Ken and his original fighter {{SSBU|Ryu}} barely had any representation. This was due to their high technical learning curve thanks to their fighting style inputs, and problems with approaching due to their mobilities and issues against projectiles. Due to the perception of Ryu at the time being lackluster from the nerfs he received from ''Smash 4'', Ken was viewed more positively as he had access to his input kicks and slightly better mobility, though he was nonetheless perceived as a mid-tier at the time.
Patches slowly improved the perceptions of both Ryu and Ken, with most of their current buffs being shared between them. Patch 3.1.0. granted Ken some noteworthy buffs to encourage his close-quarters fighting style, with his held jab being retooled into an excellent combo starter, and giving more leeway for him to input special moves from many of his attacks. Ken's buffs widened the gap between his counterpart Ryu and significantly improved his perception in the metagame in comparison to him, as they granted Ken a newfound, formidable combo/damage racking ability that could end stocks from a single string of attacks. As a result, Ken gained more representation and was seen as a high tier character.
Following that, patch 7.0.0. gave Ken even more buffs, with Tatsumaki Senpukyaku having intangibility on the legs and being able to cancel down smash into any special. Considering Ken's already high perception, this further improved him in the eyes of professionals, and he is often considered a dark horse candidate for a top tier or upper high tier. As with previous patches, Ken was commonly considered significantly better than Ryu due to his access to better mobility, a wider array of combos, a useful Tatsumaki Senpukyaku (which could initiate combos) and a feared KO tool in Shoryuken, which could KO as early as 90% and was easy to combo into. As a result of this, Ken has consistently been granted widespread representation from professionals especially when compared to Ryu, with players such as {{Sm|Riddles}}, {{Sm|Nito}}, {{Sm|Venom}}, {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, and {{Sm|takera}} earning good results with the character. More recently, however, his standing relative to Ryu has become more debatable, following metagame developments and buffs exclusive to Ryu coming in update 13.0.1; many Ken players have since picked up Ryu as a co-main and rank both fighters very close. Regardless, Ken remains a solid high-tier character in the eyes of most professionals, ranked 34th on the first and tier list and later dropped to 45th on the second and current tier list.
===Most historically significant players===
===Most historically significant players===
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<!--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 -->
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''See also: [[:Category:Ken players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Ken players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|AndresFn|Spain}} - Known for playing all four FGC characters but primarily played Ken in 2021 and most of 2022. He is the best Ken player in Europe and is best known for winning {{Trn|Glory 2.0}} with mostly Ken, defeating {{Sm|Flow|p=France}} and {{Sm|Tarik}} twice. He has since relegated the character to a secondary, pulling out the character to defeat {{Sm|Supahsemmie}} at {{Trn|Tera}} and {{Sm|Bloom4Eva}} at {{Trn|Shonen WAR 2}}.
*{{Sm|AndresFn|Spain}} - The best Ken player in Europe. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Glory 2.0}}, 5th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}, and 13th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}, {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 4}}, and {{Trn|Tech Republic VI}}. Ranked 14th on the [[PGRU v3 EU]].
*{{Sm|Jahzz0|USA}} - The best Ken player in the world since 2024, first known for winning {{Trn|Santa Paws 1}} over {{Sm|Anathema}} and defeating {{Sm|Glutonny}} at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 5}}. He is since known for many other performances, including placing 7th at {{Trn|Patchwork 2024}}, 13th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}} defeating {{Sm|Shuton}} and 9th at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind 2023}} defeating {{Sm|Riddles}}.
*{{Sm|Jahzz0|USA}} - The best Ken player in the United States. Placed 5th at {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2022}}, 17th at both {{Trn|CEO 2022}} and {{Trn|Double Down 2022}}, 25th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Riddles}} and {{Sm|Zomba}}.
*{{Sm|takera|Japan}} - One of the best Ken players in the world, spearheading Ken's rise in the metagame after placing 5th at {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}} and 7th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 11}} in the early metagame, defeating {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Zackray}} in the former event and marking some of the best Ken results of all-time. Although notoriously inconsistent since then, he still remained the only Ken player with multiple top 8 finishes at majors, placing 5th at several events including {{Trn|DELTA 4}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13}}.  
*{{Sm|Maeda|France}} - The best Ken player in France. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Salty Arena Cup Ultimate 5}}, 2nd at {{Trn|4 Seasons Tournament: Winter 2020}}, 4th at {{Trn|European SEL Clash}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Jeda}}, and, {{Sm|Otakuni}}. Ranked 45th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Vendetta|USA}} - One of the best Ken players in North America and one of the best Ken players in the world in the first half of 2022. He is the first American Ken player to top 8 a major, doing so at {{Trn|Glitch - Infinite}} after defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|WaDi}}, and {{Sm|Goblin}}. His other notable performances include placing 17th at both {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}, defeating {{Sm|Cosmos}} and {{Sm|LeoN}} in the latter event.
*{{Sm|takera|Japan}} - The best Ken player in the world. Placed 5th at {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}}, 7th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 11}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 1}}, 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 10}}, and 25th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}. Ranked 60th on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].
 
*{{Sm|Vendetta|USA}} - One of the best Ken players in the United States. Placed 4th at {{Trn|Clash Of The Carolinas III}}, 5th at {{Trn|Dare 2 Dair}}, 7th at {{Trn|Glitch - Infinite}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Kola}}, and {{Sm|Anathema}}. Online, placed 1st at {{Trn|SWT: NA Southeast Ultimate Online Qualifier}} while defeating {{Sm|ESAM}}. Ranked as high as 5th on the [[Georgia Power Rankings]].
===Tier placement and history===
*{{Sm|Venom|Canada}} - The best Ken player in Canada. Placed 1st at {{Trn|LAN ETS 2020}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Rising Stars at EGLX 2019}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|Defend the North 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Armadillo}}, {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}}, and {{Sm|JW}}.
In the early stages of ''Ultimate'', Ken and his original fighter {{SSBU|Ryu}} had poor representation due to their high technical learning curve and problems with approaching due to their slow mobility and vulnerability to projectiles. Due to the perception of Ryu at the time being lackluster from the nerfs he received from ''Smash 4'', Ken was viewed more positively as he had access to his input kicks and slightly better mobility, though he was nonetheless perceived as a mid-tier at the time. Future patches to both characters granted them noteworthy buffs that enhanced their close-quarters fighting style, notably giving them a retooled jab that became an excellent combo starter and giving them more leeway to input special moves from many of his attacks. Players initially believed the buffs were more beneficial to Ken, as Ken had a wider array of combos and better mobility and damage-racking capabilities compared to Ryu, leading to Ken to drastically improve in representation in the second half of 2019. This representation was spearheaded by {{Sm|takera}}, who finished top 8 finishes at a few majors during this time, and also included a few good major performances from {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, some notable secondary usage from {{Sm|Riddles}}, and several strong regional-level players such as {{Sm|Nito}} and {{Sm|Venom}}. As such, players widely considered Ken to not only superior than Ryu, but also a high tier, with this perception being maintaned following further buffs to Ken in 7.0.0.
 
This perception began to change in 2021, as not only did Ryu receive buffs exclusive to him, but many Ken players also began picking up Ryu as a co-main. As such, the representation between the two characters began closing, which was most apparent in 2022: although it marked one of the most successful years for Ken thanks to strong performances from  {{Sm|Vendetta}} in the first half of the year and {{Sm|Jahzz0}} towards the end of the year, it also marked the meteoric rise of {{Sm|Asimo}}, whose results with Ryu eclipsed all results from Ken players during that time. This was reflected in the first tier list, with Ken ranking 34th as a high tier and two spots above Ryu. Following the first tier list, Ken's results at the top level took a hit, as takera remained notoriously inconsistent and Jahzz0's performances were rather low-key save a few high peaks. With Asimo remaining a consistent threat to place high at majors, the community began believing that Ryu was a better character than Ken. As such, Ken slipped to 45th on the second tier list in the B- tier, now ranking thirteen spots below Ryu and tying with {{SSBU|Roy}} and {{SSBU|Chrom}} for the largest drop between the two lists. Following the second tier list, Jahzz0 saw a more consistent period in being able to place highly at majors, such as his placings at {{Trn|Patchwork 2024}} and {{Trn|Riptide 2024}}, as well as  recent wins over {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Riddles}}. As a result, some players believe Ken's steep fall between the first and second tier lists should be reevaluated, with some believing Ken deserves to be ranked higher. Currently, Ken is considered to be inferior to his Echo Fighter, Ryu; however, the extent of how inferior is still up for debate.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Red-Hot Rivalry==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Red-Hot Rivalry==
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==Trivia==
==Trivia==
{{ImageCaption|Image:KenHeadSSBU.png|Image:KenHeadSSBUWebsite.png|width1=64px|width2=64px|caption=Left: Ken's standard head icon.<br/>Right: ''Ultimate'' official website variant.}}
*On the [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Official Site|official website for ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']], Ken's head icon is slightly different than how it appears in-game, as it lacks the red marks to indicate the color of his gi, and has an additional gray outline on top of the standard black.
*Ken's pose in his official artwork is much like the pose in his ''Street Fighter III'' artwork.
*Ken's pose in his official artwork is much like the pose in his ''Street Fighter III'' artwork.
**It also resembles {{SSB4|Ryu}}'s pose in his ''Smash 4'' artwork, only mirrored.
**It also resembles {{SSB4|Ryu}}'s pose in his ''Smash 4'' artwork, only mirrored.

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