Editing Meta Knight (SSB4)

{{disambig2|Meta Knight's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Meta Knight}}

{{Infobox Character

|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]

|tier = B

|ranking = 16

}}

However, Meta Knight received heavy nerfs in the transition to ''SSB4'', likely owing to his dominance in ''Brawl''. His outstanding frame data and range, long-distanced recovery and overall damage output have been toned down, while his [[approach]] has been weakened because of the total removal of {{s|wikirby|Galaxia}}'s [[Priority#Transcendent priority|transcendent priority]]. When combined with his continued lack of a [[projectile]], these changes result in Meta Knight having a more difficult time overcoming [[camping]] strategies. Meta Knight's very quick falling speed is also a double-edged sword: while it is an important aspect of his mobility, it is also detrimental because of his light [[weight]], as it leaves him vulnerable to both combos and KOs. His endurance is also exacerbated by the nerfs to his recovery, with the most notable example being the removal of [[Glide|gliding]].

==Attributes==

Meta Knight's grab game is effective. While his pummel is slow and his standing grab range is short, the former is highly damaging and the latter is made up for by his long-ranged dash grab. His forward and down throws can combo into other moves even at higher percentages, his back throw is useful for launching opponents off-stage, and his up throw can KO at very high percentages so long as it lands on a platform. Partly due to his throw set-ups, Meta Knight possesses a good combo game. He can launch opponents into the air with his dash attack and throws, and these moves can combo into his up tilt, up smash, any aerial, [[Mach Tornado]] and Shuttle Loop, and his up aerial can reliably lead into his other aerials. His back aerial uses the [[autolink angle|auto-link angle]], allowing Meta Knight to drag opponents to the ground and [[jab reset]] with his down tilt, and the latter move can [[Tripping|trip]] opponents and lead into combos, before opening up [[tech-chase]]s at high percentages. With proper mastery of his combos, he can potentially [[Combo#Types of combos|zero-to-death]] his opponents, most infamously with the [[Rufio]], a staple combo in his metagame that consists of a series of up aerials, which can then lead into a Shuttle Loop near the upper blast line for a virtually ensured KO.

Some of Meta Knight's [[Character customization|custom moves]] possess a few benefits. Entangling Tornado draws opponents in and deals more knockback, but also has much more start-up, deals much less damage, and cannot be controlled as easily. Dreadful Tornado hits much harder, but cannot stall him in the air and is slower. High-Speed Drill is faster and moves further, but cannot be aimed and has less power. Shieldbreaker Drill can break shields very reliably, but cannot be used to attack or recover effectively. Lazy Shuttle Loop hits even harder and covers much more distance than the default, but is very slow, making it difficult to hit the opponent. Shield Piercer is [[unblockable]] and moves farther, but is weaker. However, the advantages granted are much more situational overall and sacrifice the versatility of the default specials, which results in none of his custom options being especially worthwhile.

===Aesthetics===

*{{change|Meta Knight's eyes do not move as freely as they did in ''Brawl''.}}

*{{change|Meta Knight's sabatons' sound clips are higher pitched.}}

*{{change|Whenever {{s|wikirby|Galaxia}} is swung, its blade glows white, instead of yellow. Additionally, its trail is yellow with turquoise accents, instead of whitish gold with navy blue accents. Lastly, its swings' sound clips are lower pitched.}}

*{{change|Up taunt's animation has slightly changed. Meta Knight now emits a whitish amber tornado around himself, similarly to [[Mach Tornado]]. It also has updated sound effects.}}

===Attributes===

*{{nerf|Meta Knight [[walk]]s slower (1.22 → 1.18).}}

===Ground attacks===

===Aerial attacks===

===Throws/other attacks===

===Special moves===

==Update history==

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''

*{{buff|Forward tilt's last hit deals 1% more damage|3%|4% and its last hit's ending lag decreased: frame 41 → 31.}}

*{{buff|Neutral aerial's landing lag decreased|20 frames|16.}}

'''Technical changelist 1.0.8'''

! Change!!Old value!!New value

|-

==Moveset==

{{MovesetTable

|game=SSB4

|neutral1dmg=1.2% (loop)

|neutral2dmg=2% (last)

|ftiltcount=3

|ftiltdmg=2%

|ftilt2dmg=2%

|ftilt3dmg=4%

|utiltdmg=7% (clean), 5% (late)

|utiltdesc=A spinning, upward thrust. Deals moderate vertical knockback while also having quick start-up, minimal ending lag, and long vertical range. Its sweetspot is at Galaxia's tip, similarly to {{s|fireemblemwiki|Falchion}}. It has decent combo potential, as it can combo into itself at 0%, into neutral aerial from 0% to low percentages, and into up aerials at low to medium percentages. However, it has extremely short horizontal range, which makes it possible to miss opponents unless they are at point-blank range.

|dtiltdmg=5%

|dtiltdesc=A crouching thrust. Due to it hitting on frame 3, it is Meta Knight's fastest move, and is tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}, {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B}} and {{SSB4|Little Mac}}'s down tilts as the fastest down tilt in the game. It can also trip opponents at low percentages, [[jab reset]] floored opponents, and lead into [[Tech-chasing|tech-chases]] at high percentages. It moves Meta Knight a small distance along the ground when used, but because it oddly shortens the length of Galaxia's blade until it concludes, it has fairly short range.

|dashdmg=6% (clean), 5% (late)

|dashdesc=A side kick. Its slightly disjointed hitbox, favorable launch angle and low ending lag make it reliable for approaching, interrupting approaches, and starting combos. At low to medium percentages, it combos reliably into up tilt, up smash, any aerial, and Mach Tornado, and can potentially lead into Shuttle Loop for a KO.

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}}

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|2}} (hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|4}} (hit 3)

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|7}} (front), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|10}} (back)

|nairdmg=10% (clean), 7.5% (late)

|nairdesc=A cartwheeling slash. Due to it hitting on frame 6 and having [[sex kick]] properties, a fairly long duration, and deceptively high knockback, it is effective at both edge-guarding and escaping pressure. Its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 100% while near the left/right [[blast line]]s, and at 143% while they are on-stage and near the edge. Auto-cancels when performed at the beginning of a jump, but has low ending and landing lag otherwise, allowing it to combo into a dash attack at low percentages, or jab reset with his down tilt if the opponent does not [[tech]]. It is based on the Knight Spin from ''Meta Knightmare Ultra'', but involves a cartwheel instead of a somersault.

|fairdmg=2.2% (hits 1-2 grounded opponents), 1.5% (hits 1-2 aerial opponents), 3% (hit 3)

|fairdesc=A series of fanning slashes in front of himself. Due to it hitting on frame 9, it is his slowest aerial, but is a fast move nonetheless. With long range and relatively low landing lag (16 frames), it is an effective approach and spacing option when used from a short hop, and is able to auto-cancel with a jump. It is also decent for finishing combos, edge-guarding, and air-to-air combat thanks to its range, and can be used in a [[wall of pain]] because of its relatively low launch angle. Its 2× hitlag multiplier also results in it having much less landing lag if it connects with the opponent, making it safer on shield. However, it has a very short duration for a multiple hitting move, as each of its hitboxes only last for 1 frame.

|bairdmg=2.2% (hits 1-2 grounded opponents), 1.5% (hits 1-2 aerial opponents), 4% (hit 3)

|bairdesc=A series of spinning outward slashes. There is a delay between each slash, though its range and duration make it relatively easy to hit with. Due to it hitting on frame 7 and its last hit having deceptively strong knockback, it is great for edge-guarding, and is able to KO middleweights at 90% while near the left/right blast lines. It also has low ending lag and auto-cancels from a jump. Due to using the auto-link angle, its first two hits can also be used to drag aerial opponents to the ground and be proceeded with a follow-up, most notably a lock with down tilt. However, it has moderate landing lag.

|uairdmg=4%

|uairdesc=An upward arcing slash. It hits on frame 6, has low ending lag, and deceptive range. When coupled with its weak knockback and Meta Knight's multiple double jumps, it has superb combo potential. At a variety of percentages, it combos into any aerial including itself, Mach Tornado, and Shuttle Loop. Most notably, it can potentially combo into itself up to five times (or six on fast-fallers) until medium percents, and can also lead into a high altitude Shuttle Loop for an early KO with the help of platforms. Even if an opponent air dodges this move, a neutral or down aerial can frame trap their ending lag. Auto-cancels with a short hop, but its hitbox lasts for only 1 frame, it has moderate landing lag, and it cannot hit most grounded opponents. As of update 1.1.5, it deals less knockback and launches opponents at a slightly lower angle, meaning it starts chaining into itself at high percentages. However, it is still easy for it to combo into itself as a zero-to-death combo against floaty characters, even in spite of update 1.1.5 also increasing its SDI multiplier.

|dairdmg=6%

|dairdesc=A downward arcing slash. It hits on frame 4 and has low ending lag. It is also a semi-spike, making it quite deadly off-stage, especially against opponents with poor horizontal recoveries. Can also be used to pressure grounded opponents, and start tech-chases at medium percentages, potentially leading into a jab reset with his down tilt if the opponent fails to tech. Auto-cancels with a short hop, but has high landing lag otherwise (22 frames) and its hitbox only lasts for 1 frame.

|grabdesc=Reaches out with his free hand. Meta Knight's standing grab has the fifth shortest range, but his dash grab covers a lot of ground, thanks to it boosting him forward. His pivot grab is also useful, thanks to his [[Pivoting|pivot]] being tied with {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Greninja}}, and {{SSB4|Sonic}}'s as the third longest in the game by default.

|pummeldmg=3%

|pummeldesc=Jabs with one of the talons on his cape's wings. Moderately slow, but one of the most damaging pummels in the game.

|fthrowdmg=6% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|fthrowdesc=A bicycle kick. Due to being very fast, it gives the opponent only a small window to DI properly. When coupled with it launching opponents at 65°, it is a useful combo starter. Depending on DI, it can combo into dash attack, dashing up smash, and any aerial from low to medium percents, and potentially into Shuttle Loop for a KO combo.

|bthrowdmg=7% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|bthrowdesc=Lays the opponent behind himself, warps, and then slashes their back. Good for launching opponents off-stage to set up an edge-guard. It can also combo into a dash attack or start a tech-chase from 0% to low percentages, or lead into a forward aerial or Shuttle Loop at high percentages if the opponent DIs poorly. Although it has very high knockback scaling, its throw hitbox's very low damage output offsets this. As a result, it does not KO middleweights until 175% while near the edge.

|uthrowdmg=10% (throw), 7% (collateral)

|uthrowdesc=The Air Drop from [[Kirby]]'s {{s|wikirby|Ninja}} ability. Despite its decent damage output, its base knockback and knockback scaling are both only average. As a result, it is unreliable at KOing, even on stages with platforms; it does not KO middleweights until 175% upon landing on one of {{SSB4|Battlefield}}'s secondary platforms, and at 160% upon landing on Battlefield's top platform. Conversely, its collateral hitbox is very strong, as its high base knockback and very high knockback scaling can reliably KO even heavyweights below 100%. Although situational, it can also combo into Shuttle Loop if the opponent DIs poorly.

|dthrowdmg=0.5% (hits 1-9), 1% (hit 10), 2% (throw)

|dthrowdesc=The Fury Stomp from Kirby's {{s|wikirby|Suplex}} ability. It combos into dash attack, dashing up smash, all aerials, and Mach Tornado from 0% to medium percentages, and into Shuttle Loop from 0% to around 100%. However, its extremely high knockback scaling and Meta Knight's slightly below-average air speed make its other follow-ups difficult to perform past medium percentages, especially if the opponent DIs properly.

|floorbname= 

|floorbdmg=7%

|floortname= 

|floortdmg=5%

|edgedesc=Performs an outward slash while climbing up.

|nsdefname=Mach Tornado

|nsc1name=Entangling Tornado

|nsc1dmg=9%

|nsc2name=Dreadful Tornado

|nsc2dmg=1.5% (hits 1-5), 6% (hit 6)

|ssc1name=High-Speed Drill

|ssc1dmg=0.8% (hits 1-7), 3% (hit 8)

|ssc2name=Shieldbreaker Drill

|ssc2dmg=1% (hits 1-9), 2% (hit 10)

|usdefname=Shuttle Loop

|usdefdmg=9% (hit 1 grounded), 6% (hit 1 aerial), 6% (hit 2)

|usc2desc=Soars into a larger, slower loop, and then soars quickly to perform a more powerful upward thrust. Its larger range slightly grants more vertical recovery, but the first loop does not deal damage.

|dsdefname=Dimensional Cape

|dsc1name=Shield Piercer

|dsc1dmg=1%, 8% (stationary grounded slash), 1%, 7% (retreating slash), 1%, 9% (advancing slash, stationary aerial slash)

|dsc2name=Stealth Smasher

|dsc2dmg=16% (stationary grounded slash), 15% (retreating slash), 17% (advancing slash, stationary aerial slash)

|fsname=Galaxia Darkness

|fsdmg=40% (trapped opponents), 10% (others)

|fsdesc=Swings his cape in front of himself. If the cape touches any nearby opponents, they will be trapped and the screen will then fade to black. After a few seconds, Meta Knight performs a very powerful slash to the trapped opponents that ignores [[Armor|super armor]] and is strong enough to KO grounded middleweights at 80%. If his cape does not to make contact, Meta Knight pauses for a brief time, and Dimensional Cape fails. Any opponents who are not trapped are also attacked, but instead receive vastly less damage and weak, vertical knockback. However, the weaker attacks can also be avoided by dodging with correct timing.

}}

===[[On-screen appearance]]===

|char=MetaKnight}}

===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===

{{OfficialCustomMoves

|set10=3111

}}

===Tier placement and history===

However, Meta Knight's status went into a sudden decline after his up aerial combos, which were pivotal to his success, had been nerfed in update [[1.1.5]]. As a result, several of his best players either began to co-main him (such as {{Sm|Tyrant}} adopting Sheik and {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}), transition him into a secondary (such as MkLeo adopting {{SSB4|Cloud}} and {{SSB4|Marth}} as his new mains), or even drop him entirely (such as {{Sm|Katakiri}} and {{Sm|Seibrik}}). Although Meta Knight has maintained his high-tier status throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan thanks to his solid punishment game, popularity as a counterpick to Rosalina & Luma, and his playerbase consistently achieving good results, he has steadily dropped on subsequent tier lists regardless. He has since dropped to 13th on the second tier list, then to 14th on the third tier list and, despite Leo bringing better results after using him once again, he has recently dropped once again to 16th on the fourth and current tier list, although this was before Leo's stellar performance with Meta Knight at [[2GG Championship]].

* '''[[All-Star Battle: Brawl]]''': Meta Knight is one of the opponents fought in this event. All of the opponents debuted in ''Brawl''.

* '''[[The Ultimate Swordsman]]''': As {{SSB4|Ike}}, the player must defeat Meta Knight, {{SSB4|Link}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Toon Link}}, male {{SSB4|Robin}}, female Robin and {{SSB4|Shulk}}. All of the opponents wield swords.

* '''[[Unwavering Chivalry]]''': Meta Knight must defeat Marth without defeating {{SSB4|Peach}} or {{SSB4|Zelda}}.

* '''[[Final Battle Team-Up]]''': Meta Knight, using his ''{{s|wikirby|Kirby's Adventure}}''-based [[alternate costume]], is one of the opponents two players must defeat.

* '''[[Sky Pirates]]''': Meta Knight and {{SSB4|Dark Pit}} must defeat a team of {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSB4|Falco}} in a one stock battle on [[Pilotwings]] before the plane returns to the airfield.

* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

* '''[[Visiting Onett]]''': {{SSB4|Ness}} and {{SSB4|Villager}} must defeat Meta Knight, {{SSB4|Kirby}}, {{SSB4|Fox}}, Falco, {{SSB4|Olimar}} and {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}}. All of the opponents are outer space-based characters.

==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Meta Knight|Alternate costumes]]==

*Meta Knight has a few distinct aspects that differ from {{SSB4|Kirby}} and {{SSB4|King Dedede}}:

**He does not have a conventional [[meteor smash]].

**He retained his Final Smash.

**He has recycled voice clips.

**He uses the more subdued [[tripping]] sound effect generally used for realistic characters.

*Despite [[Glide|gliding]] being removed, [http://opensa.dantarion.com/s4/mastercore3/dump/0/metaknight frame data] and [https://tcrf.net/Super_Smash_Bros._for_Wii_U/Unused_Animations#Meta_Knight animations] for gliding and related things remain in non-patched files for Meta Knight. This was likely a result of Meta Knight's data being recycled from ''Brawl''. This is also true for {{SSB4|Pit}} and his [[clone]], {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}.

*If one looks closely at Meta Knight's leading/left foot during his up smash, it flips around on his model during the move. This is mainly seen via slowing down time or pausing at the right time.

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{SSB4Characters}}

{{Kirby universe}}

[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]