Editing Olimar (SSB4)

:''This article is about Olimar's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''. For other uses, see [[Captain Olimar]] and [[Pikmin (species)]].''

|image = {{tabber|title1=Olimar|tab1=[[File:Olimar SSB4.png|x250px]]|title2=Alph|tab2=[[File:Alph SSB4 Render.png|x250px]]}}

'''Olimar''' ({{ja|ピクミン＆オリマー|Pikumin & Orimā}}, ''Pikmin & Olimar'') 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 July 12th, 2013, which also commemorated ''{{s|pikipedia|Pikmin 3}}'' being released in Japan on the following day. [[Alph]] ({{ja|ピクミン＆アルフ|Pikumin & Arufu}}, ''Pikmin & Alph''), one of the three {{s|pikipedia|leader}}s in ''Pikmin 3'', was revealed as an [[alternate costume]] in a Director's Room Miiverse post on September 11, 2014.

Olimar is ranked 21st out of 58 on the [[tier list]], placing him at the top of the C tier. This is a significant drop from his top-tier placement in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', where he was ranked 3rd out of 38. As in ''Brawl'', Olimar's [[Pikmin (species)|Pikmin]] possess an impressive level of utility: they grant him respectable KO and damage racking potentials, as Olimar can use them to deal direct and/or indirect damage via his standard moves, and by having the Pikmin latch onto opponents via [[Pikmin Throw]], respectively.

The Pikmin also grant Olimar a potent grab game: each of them function as [[Grab#Tether grabs|disjointed grabs]]; White Pikmin-based pummel is tied with {{SSB4|Shulk}}'s [[Monado Arts|Buster]]-boosted pummel as the most damaging in the game; Blue Pikmin-based up throw is a viable KOing option at high percents; and Red Pikmin-based down throw is a very reliable combo starter even at high percents. Lastly, [[Winged Pikmin]] function as a maneuverable, flight-based recovery that can be used regardless of whether or not Olimar has Pikmin,<ref name="Direct">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xUWnQu2Grs Super Smash Bros. Direct 4.8.2014]</ref> which makes them vastly superior to [[Pikmin Chain]]'s [[Tether recovery|tether-based recovery]].

However, Olimar's active Pikmin count has now been halved from six to three,<ref name="Direct"/> which severely weakens the [[camp]]ing strategies he relied on in ''Brawl''. The Pikmin themselves have also been weakened in a few, yet noticeable ways. Red, Yellow, Blue, and Purple Pikmin have less [[hit points]], which is further compounded by them and White Pikmin dying faster while separated from Olimar. Each type of Pikmin have also had the majority of their damage outputs lowered, and suffer from somewhat flawed [[artificial intelligence]]. Olimar also retains his slow overall mobility; his aerial mobility is particularly problematic, as it renders him susceptible to [[juggling]] in spite of his light weight. By extension, his offense is still burdened by slow attack speed and an over-reliance on Pikmin.

Overall, in spite of his retained and newfound weaknesses. Olimar has achieved impressive results at all levels of competitive play, thanks to smashers such as {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, {{Sm|Gomakenpi}}, and {{Sm|Myran}}.

Olimar is a [[Weight|lightweight]] with overall slow mobility. However, his [[air acceleration]] and [[traction]] are both above-average, while his [[jump]] and [[double jump]] are both average. Olimar's playstyle is almost identical to how it was in ''Brawl'': he has retained the overwhelming majority of his moveset and animations, yet some moves have been slightly modified. Much like in his [[Pikmin (universe)|home series]], Olimar's extremely meager offensive prowess forces him to rely on instructing his multicolored Pikmin to remedy this glaring flaw. As a result, almost all of his moves involve Pikmin; this, in turn, can result in his moveset being useful or useless depending on whether or not he has Pikmin. When Olimar has Pikmin, he possesses arguably one of the most unique playstyles in the game, thanks to the Pikmin functioning as both projectiles and separate characters, much like how [[Rosalina & Luma (SSB4)|Luma functions alongside Rosalina]].

When used correctly, the Pikmin provide noticeable and effective benefits: they can easily rack up high amounts of damage in short periods of time, they grant Olimar disjointed [[grab]]s by running out to grab opponents at any time, they can carry various [[item]]s back to Olimar as they run back to him much like in their home series, and they can also help with [[camp]]ing or hindering [[approach]]es. Additionally, each type of Pikmin provides [[Pikmin (species)#In Super Smash Bros. Brawl|unique and useful effects]]. Olimar's special moves are also heavily dependent on Pikmin, but they are all beneficial nonetheless.

[[Pikmin Throw]] enables him to hinder approaches or, with a Purple Pikmin, even stop them outright if they are not shielded. [[Pikmin Order]] reorganizes his Pikmin for the proper situation at hand, and thanks to it briefly granting super [[armor]], it can even allow Olimar to briefly [[Wikipedia:Tank (gaming)|tank]] an attack in spite of his light weight. Lastly, [[Winged Pikmin]] are very versatile: they provide a long-distanced and maneuverable recovery that makes Olimar more difficult to KO compared to other lightweights, yet they also allow him to attack while they are carrying him.

With all things considered, Olimar has one of the most damaging playstyles among the cast, as he is able to KO nearly any character in a short period when his Pikmin are utilized wisely. For example, Pikmin Throw allots him a large array of options for offense, as it can both zone and get opponents to KO percents quickly; when the thrown Pikmin are not shaken off, they can rack up 10%-30% in a matter of seconds, forcing opponents to carefully plan their approach. Olimar can also have up to three Pikmin at a time in his lineup, which, despite its aforementioned halving since ''Brawl'', can be hard for an opponent to keep track of, especially with each color boasting unique attributes. Despite being a lightweight, his smash attacks are fairly fast and, while using Red and Purple Pikmin, boast impressive power.

Olimar's disjointed grab range also enables him to disrupt the movements of quick characters or roll spammers. When coupled with his above-average traction, this also grants him an excellent [[shield grab]]. Olimar's air game is also quite powerful: neutral aerial is a reliable combo starter when [[SHFF]]'d; up aerial is useful for juggling, and can even KO outright while near the upper [[blast line]]; forward aerial is useful for approaching and edge-guarding; back aerial is useful for edge-guarding, and can even KO outright while near the edge or the left/right blast line; and down aerial is a powerful [[meteor smash]] against aerial opponents during its first frame. However, Pikmin can also double as a drawback: due to being treated as [[projectile]]s, they can be [[reflect]]ed, which can sometimes hinder Olimar's offense against characters with moves of this sort.

However, Olimar has noticeable flaws. One of his greatest weaknesses is that he struggles against fast characters, such as {{SSB4|Sonic}} and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}. As Olimar is a slow character, they can easily catch up and punish him if he tries to retreat to pluck more Pikmin. Due to all but White Pikmin having less [[hit points]] than in ''Brawl'', they are also susceptible to dying faster. Olimar also has poor aerial mobility, as his slow [[Air speed|air]] and [[falling speed]]s make him easy to juggle and, when coupled with his light weight, to KO. This is further compounded by his Pikmin-based aerials being burdened with low [[priority]], which makes them extremely difficult to use against edge-guarders.

Another severe flaw he has is his over-reliance on Pikmin, much like in his home series. Without any Pikmin, Olimar's smash attacks, up, down, back, and forward aerials, grabs and side special will simply do nothing, which significantly harms his neutral game because of them being his most effective attacks. This also leaves Olimar with a total of six moves that deal damage: his neutral attack; tilt attacks; dash attack; and neutral aerial. This, in turn, is further compounded by his forward tilt being the only move out of these that has KO potential. As a result, it is crucial that Olimar has at least one Pikmin with him at all times.

Lastly, some of Olimar's useful Pikmin-based attacks have certain drawbacks: his KOing options have very minimal KO potential while using White Pikmin; each of his grabs have noticeably shorter ranges while using Purple Pikmin; up throw has KO potential only while using Blue Pikmin; down throw's combo potential is consistent at high percents only while using Red Pikmin; and Winged Pikmin's recovery potential worsens when they are used too frequently.

Olimar has a few beneficial [[Character customization|custom moves]]. Hardy Pikmin Pluck makes all types of Pikmin more durable at the cost of being plucked slower. Sticky Pikmin Throw has each Pikmin deal less damage and cover less distance when thrown, but they stay latched on for much longer and deal damage at a faster rate. True to its name, Tackle Pikmin Throw makes Red, Yellow, Blue, and White Pikmin function like Purple Pikmin by tackling opponents instead of latching onto them. Mighty Winged Pikmin have reduced total travel distance, but the distance is not affected by the amount of Pikmin that Olimar is carrying. Lastly, Order Tackle has all latched on Pikmin deal damage upon being recalled, which grants Olimar another way to deal damage.

Overall, Olimar still retains many of his considerable strengths in spite of their nerfs, and has even had some traits buffed, mostly in regard to his damage output. While his potential damage output was reduced, a smart player can overcome this, especially with the new mechanics for keeping track of Pikmin, making Olimar a much more reliable character for the player. Olimar's recovery has also been completely revamped for the better, which is generally agreed to have alleviated his other changes. Early in the [[metagame]], Olimar was thought to be one of the worst characters, yet dedicated mains such as {{sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|ImHip}}, {{Sm|Angbad}}, {{Sm|Myran}}, and {{sm|Logic}} have shown that, as in ''Brawl'', he is still a very capable character who retains a very high learning curve.<ref>[https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2016/dec/17/brawl-olimar-was-monster-when-smash-4-came-out-i-thought-he-was-bottom-tier-flat-out-garbage-dabuz-olimars-transition-brawl/ 'Brawl Olimar was a monster... When Smash 4 came out I thought he was bottom tier; flat out garbage' - Dabuz on Olimar's transition from Brawl]</ref>

Olimar has been [[nerf]]ed significantly in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4'', with the most glaring nerf being the halving of his Pikmin count from six to three due to the limitations of the Nintendo 3DS' processing power. As a result, this hinders his general damage output, as well as his [[camp]]ing potential especially since [[Pikmin Throw]] deals less damage (especially with White Pikmin). Both Olimar and his Pikmin's endurance is also worse as Olimar is lighter and his Pikmin (except for white Pikmin) have less HP and they die faster if they are separated from Olimar. The removal of [[meteor cancel]]ing also significantly hinders Olimar's endurance against meteor smashes. Olimar's smash attacks have seen various downgrades as they can all be reflected, forward smash has a shorter duration and down smash deals less knockback. Up smash however had the largest nerf out of all of Olimar's smash attacks. Not only is it much laggier having increased startup lag and much higher ending lag but it also has decreased range and power significantly hindering its utility. Olimar's aerials also deal significantly less damage with forward and down aerial in particular being significantly weaker. Olimar's grab game was also weakened. His grabs have a shorter duration, considerably less range no longer being the longest reaching grabs in the game and his standing and dash grabs are significantly laggier making Olimar rely on his already nerfed Pivot grab more often. His throws with Blue and especially Purple Pikmin are also weaker hindering his ability to KO opponents with his throws especially relative to the cast. Lastly, [[Pikmin Order]] has significantly decreased super [[armor]] hindering its safety and versatility.

However, Olimar also received a few buffs: [[Winged Pikmin]] largely outclasses [[Pikmin Chain]] as a recovery tool due to being much more versatile and the removal of [[edge hog]]ging immensely aids Olimar. Olimar's white Pikmin have also been improved outside of Pikmin Throw as they have more HP and most of Olimar's attacks with White Pikmin are stronger (although they are still mostly useless for attacking). The removal of [[hitstun canceling]] has also given Olimar greater combo potential with moves such as down throw and his new up aerial which is now a powerful juggling tool. Lastly despite his overall damage output being reduced, a fair amount of Olimar's Pikmin attacks (mainly with Red and Purple Pikmin) deal more damage.  

Overall while his recovery has been improved significantly, Olimar's other flaws were not addressed and his strengths were significantly toned down making his flaws more detrimental. Despite this, Olimar has nevertheless retained most of his useful options from ''Brawl'' and remains an above average character. However, Olimar's buffs do not nearly compensate for his more severe nerfs and the changes to the game's mechanics do not benefit Olimar as much as some other returning veterans, which has led to him to be considered one of the characters to have been the most severely nerfed in the initial transition from ''Brawl'', alongside {{SSB4|King Dedede}}, {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, {{SSB4|Falco}} and {{SSB4|Marth}}. As a result, Olimar is still a viable character, albeit not to the degree as in ''Brawl''.

*{{change|Olimar's design is now a combination of his appearances in ''{{s|pikipedia|Pikmin 3}}'' and ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''. His slightly smaller nose; helmet's {{s|pikipedia|whistle}} and gray collar; gloves' gray trim; and space suit's red and blue connectors are from ''Pikmin 3'', whereas his space suit's rivets and three connectors are from ''Brawl''. The aesthetic used in ''SSB4'' has also resulted in Olimar's space suit being sleeker, and his boots' red trim; his [[wikipedia:Primary Life Support System|life support system]]'s stripe; and his gloves and {{s|pikipedia|Hocotate Freight}} patches being more vibrant.}}

*{{change|Olimar's white and green [[alternate costume]]s have been updated. The former's suit is now gray and its gloves are now blue, instead of both being white, while the latter's sleeves and boots are now green instead of white and red, respectively. Instead of receiving new alternate costumes, [[Alph]] appears as an alternate character,<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> complete with his own respective alternate costumes.}}

*{{change|All [[taunt]]s have updated sound effects.}}

*{{change|The Pikmin's proportions are now significantly more in line with their appearances in ''Pikmin 3''.}}

*{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}Pikmin now have more limited cosmetics, as their leaves do not [[pikipedia:Maturity|turn into buds or flowers]]. Additionally, if two or three Pikmin stand in the same spot in Olimar's lineup, it can produce [[:File:MeshedPikmin.jpg|odd results]] and make it difficult to tell which Pikmin will be used next. Lastly, their idle animations are all synchronized, presumably to avoid any unnecessary hardware strain.}}

*{{buff|The Pikmin at the head of the line now has a player-colored arrowhead above it. This allows the player to better visualize which Pikmin will be used next.}}

*{{nerf|Olimar is [[Weight|lighter]] (82 → 79). This hinders his endurance. While this would also make Olimar less susceptible to combos, his faster [[falling speed]] and the changes to [[hitstun canceling]] collectively result in him being more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{buff|Olimar [[dash]]es faster (1.4 → 1.47).}}

*{{change|Olimar falls faster (1.3 → 1.35). This slightly improves his vertical endurance, but makes him slightly more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{change|Olimar's [[gravity]] is higher (0.06 → 0.068).}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has decreased start-up lag (frame 4 → 3) and ending lag (FAF 40 → 33). Rolls also have less ending lag (FAF 33 → 30).}}

*{{nerf|[[Roll]]s, [[spot dodge]], and air dodge have decreased intangibility frames (frames 4-19 → 4-16 (rolls), frames 3-20 → 3-17 (spot dodge), frames 4-29 → 3-27 (air dodge)). Spot dodge also has more ending lag (FAF 26 → 27).}}

*{{nerf|Red, Yellow, Blue, and Purple Pikmin have decreased [[hit points]]. Pikmin separated from Olimar also die faster.}}

**{{nerf|Red, Yellow: 9 → 8.}}

**{{nerf|Blue: 14 → 11.}}

**{{nerf|Purple: 15 → 13.}}

*{{buff|White Pikmin have increased hit points (4 HP → 7).}}

*{{nerf|Due to the limitations of the [[Nintendo 3DS]]' processing power,<ref>[http://sourcegaming.info/2015/07/09/i-answer-some-questions-sakurai-famitsu-column-vol-461-464/ "I Answer Some Questions" Sakurai Famitsu column vol. 461-464, on Ice Climbers, clones, and Smash Run]</ref> the maximum Pikmin count has been halved (6 → 3).<ref name="Direct"/>}}

*{{nerf|Pikmin have somewhat flawed [[artificial intelligence]]. As a result, they can potentially fly out of line if Olimar moves too quickly, which prevents combos or follow-ups from being performed effectively. However, this is significantly less prevalent in the {{GameIcon|ssb4-u}} version, as their flawed AI only occurs at edges.}}

*{{change|Pikmin are now plucked in a set cycle (Red → Yellow → Blue → White → Purple), instead of being random and based on [[terrain]].<ref name="Direct"/> This means Olimar no longer has to depend on certain types of terrain in order to pluck certain Pikmin. However, this also makes it significantly less frequent to have two or more of the same type of Pikmin at once.}}

*{{change|Only purple Pikmin appear in [[Home-Run Contest]].}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[meteor cancel]]ing drastically hinders Olimar's endurance against meteor smashes moreso than any other returning veteran besides {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}} due to him previously having one of the largest meteor cancel windows in ''Brawl''. While it does increase the reliability of his down aerial, the move's power has been significantly reduced to compensate.}}

*{{nerf|Olimar's hurtbox is now a giant orb around him. This gives him a bigger hurtbox around his body, making him easier to hit.}}

*[[Neutral attack]]

**{{nerf|Olimar has a new neutral attack, the [[pikipedia:Upgrade#Rocket Fist|Rocket Fist]]'s {{s|wikipedia|one-two combo}}.<ref name=OlimarSSB4>[http://www.sourcegaming.info/2015/07/29/plucky-little-guys-olimar-and-alph-in-smash-4/ Plucky Little Guys: Olimar and Alph in Smash 4]</ref> Compared to the previous neutral attack, it has a shorter duration (frames 4-7 (hit 1)/frames 8-10 (antenna)/frames 4-6 (hit 2) → frame 4 (hit 1 clean)/frame 5 (hit 1 late)/frames 4-5 (hit 2)) and deals less damage (3% (hit 1 head), 2% (hit 1 antenna), 5% (hit 2 head & antenna), 15% (maximum) 3%/4% (hit 1 & 2), 8% (maximum)) and the second hit's knockback scaling was not fully compensated (75 → 80) hindering its damage racking and KO potential. Unlike the previous neutral attack, it lacks a hitbox on Olimar's antenna,<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> and its second hit does not have the potential to hit point-blank opponents twice.}}

*{{change|Neutral attack's angles have been altered (361° → 361°/80° (hit 1)/45° (hit 2)). This hinders its [[jab lock]]ing potential but improves its [[jab cancel]]ing potential when combined with the first hit's higher set knockback (10 → 40) and the second hit's reduced damage.}}

**{{buff|Neutral attack has more range, making it more effective for spacing in spite of its lower damage output.}}

*[[Forward tilt]]

**{{buff|Olimar has a new forward tilt, the Rocket Fist's wind-up punch.<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> Compared to the previous forward tilt, it deals 5% more damage (6% → 11%), making it capable of KOing despite its lower knockback (10 (base), 130 (scaling) → 35/97) and better for spacing. It also has less ending lag (FAF 38 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|Forward tilt has more start-up lag with a shorter duration (frames 9-18 → 15-17) compared to the previous forward tilt.}}

*[[Up tilt]]

**{{nerf|Due to consisting of six hits instead of eight and with the multi hits dealing less damage (1% → 0.6%), up tilt deals less damage (11% → 7.6%) without compensation on the final hit's knockback. It also has increased ending lag (FAF 40 → 44) and a shorter duration (frames 6-20 → 6-16).}}

**{{buff|The weakening of [[SDI]] makes up tilt significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt's antenna hitbox has been removed, which decreases its overall damage output by 2% (8% → 6%).<ref name=OlimarSSB4/>}}  

**{{buff|The changes to [[hitstun canceling]] improves down tilt's combo potential.}}

*[[Dash attack]]

**{{nerf|Dash attack has increased ending lag (FAF 35 → 38) and a shorter duration (frames 8-14 (hit 1)/frames 10-14 (hit 2) → 8-10/11-14).}}

*{{nerf|All of Olimar's smash attacks can now be [[reflect]]ed hindering their reliability against certain characters.}}

*[[Forward smash]]

**{{buff|Forward smash has increased horizontal range.<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> When used on an upward slope, Pikmin also now fly parallel to the slope, instead of directly into it.<ref name=OlimarSSB4/>}}

**{{change|Forward smash no longer makes Pikmin fly off-stage.<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> This conserves Pikmin, but removes their [[gimp]]ing potential.}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash has a much shorter duration (frames 11-15 (clean), 16-22 (mid), 23-47 (late) → 11-14/15-20/21-29).}}

*[[Up smash]]

**{{nerf|Up smash has increased start-up with a shorter duration (frames 8-19 → 12-22) and it has significantly increased ending lag (FAF 33 → 56) removing its combo potential and greatly hindering its safety. It also has decreased vertical range.}}

**{{nerf|The removal of [[DACUS]] significantly hinders up smash's approach potential.}}

**{{change|Up smash's animation has changed. Olimar only points up once instead of twice. It is a similar length to his previous animation but is played at a fraction of its normal speed to increase its startup/ending lag.}}

**{{buff|Forward smash's clean hit deals more damage (15% → 17.4%) and knockback (10 (base), 96 (scaling) → 30/86).}}

**{{buff|Up smash's clean near and late hits deals more damage (15% (clean near)/12% (late) → 15.6%/13.2%).}}

**{{nerf|Up smash's clean far hit deal 2% less damage (14% → 12%) and has less knockback scaling (87 → 74).}}

**{{nerf|Up smash's near and late hit have less knockback scaling (90 → 83 (near), 70 (late)) hindering its KO potential despite its higher damage.}}

**{{buff|Down smash deals more damage (13% (clean)/10% (late) → 13.2%/10.8%).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has less knockback scaling (97 (clean)/95 (late) → 81) hindering its KO potential despite its higher damage.}}

*Yellow Pikmin

**{{buff|Forward smash's clean hit deals more damage (13% → 14.5%) and knockback (10 (base), 96 (scaling) → 30/94)).}}

**{{nerf|Up smash's clean near hit and clean far hit deal less damage (14% → 13% (near), 12% (far)). The near hit's knockback scaling was not fully compensated (90 → 91) while the far hit has less knockback scaling (90 → 81) hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Up smash's late hit deals slightly more damage (10% → 11%) although its knockback scaling was compensated (90 → 85).}}

**{{buff|Down smash's late hit has increased base knockback (10 → 22).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has less knockback scaling (100 → 89).}}

*Blue Pikmin

**{{nerf|Forward smash's clean hit deals less damage (15% → 14.5%).}}

**{{buff|Forward smash's clean hit deals more knockback (10 (base), 96 (scaling) → 30/94).}}

**{{nerf|Up smash's clean near and clean far hit deals less damage (15% (clean near)/13% (clean far) → 13%/10%). The near hit's knockback scaling wasn't fully compensated (90 → 91) while the far hit has less knockback scaling (90 → 81) significantly hindering its KO potential. The late hit also has less knockback scaling (90 → 85).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash's clean hit deals slightly less damage (12% → 11%).}}

**{{buff|Down smash's late hit has increased base knockback (10 → 22).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has less knockback scaling (100 → 89).}}

*White Pikmin

**{{buff|Forward smash deals more damage (9% (clean)/6% (mid)/3% (late) → 11.6%/8%/4.8%) and knockback (10 (base), 80 (scaling) → 30/94).}}

**{{buff|Up smash deals more damage (9% (clean near)/7% (clean far)/5% (late) → 10.4%/8%/8.8%) and the clean near hit has higher knockback scaling (90 → 91) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Up smash's clean far and late hit have less knockback scaling (90 → 81 (far), 85 (late)) hindering the clean far hit's KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down smash deals more damage (6% (clean)/4% (late) → 8.8%/7.2%).}}

**{{buff|Down smash's late hit has increased base knockback (10 → 22).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has less knockback scaling (100 → 89).}}

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

**{{buff|Forward smash's clean hit deals more damage (18% → 20.3%).}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash deals less knockback (20 (base), 95 (scaling) → 30/84).}}

**{{buff|Up smash deals more damage (16% (clean near)/13% (clean far)/13% (late) → 18.2%/14%/15.4%).}}

**{{nerf|Up smash has less knockback scaling (100 → 81 (near), 72 (far), 78 (late)) hindering its KO potential despite its higher damage.}}

**{{buff|Down smash deals less damage (15% (clean)/12% (late) → 15.4%/12.6%).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has less knockback scaling (100 → 72) and the late hit also has less base knockback (10 → 0) significantly hindering its KO potential despite its higher damage.}}

*[[Neutral aerial]]

**{{nerf|Due to consisting of five hits instead of six combined with the first four hits dealing less damage (2% → 1.5%), neutral aerial deals 4% less damage (12% → 8%) with no compensation on the final hit's knockback. The final hit also has much less range (9u/8u/8u/9u → 5u/4u/4u/5u) and neutral aerial has increased ending lag (FAF 42 → 54).}}

**{{buff|The weakening of SDI makes neutral aerial significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*[[Back aerial]]

**{{buff|Back aerial no longer has weaker sourspots and it deals more knockback compared to the old sweetspots.}}

*[[Up aerial]]

**{{change|Up aerial now consists of one hit instead of seven. This significantly improves its KO and juggling potential, but significantly hinders its damage racking potential.}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial has a shorter duration (frames 8-20 → 8-15) and has much less range and due to only having one hit, it is much easier to out-prioritize.}}

*[[Down aerial]]

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit is now equally as strong as the grounded clean hit significantly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{change|Down aerial no longer meteor smashes grounded opponents (270° → 50°). This improves its KO potential but hinders its followup potential.}}

*Red Pikmin

**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (15% → 10.2%) and knockback (25 (base), 88 (scaling) → 32/82) significantly hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Back aerial deals more knockback (20 (base), 91 (scaling) → 30/90).}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial deals marginally less damage compared to the previous sweetspots (13% → 12.96%).}}

**{{nerf|Due to now consisting of one hit instead of seven, up aerial deals less damage overall (24% → 10.8%).}}

**{{buff|Up aerial's knockback was not fully compensated (70 (base), 90 (scaling) → 50/84) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Sweetspotted down aerial deals less damage (16% → 10.8%), the aerial hit has less base knockback (30 → 10) and both hits have less knockback scaling (100 → 91) drastically hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit deals more damage (7% → 10.8%) and knockback (10 (base), 70 (scaling) → 30/91).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a shorter duration (frames 7-10 → 7-9).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (12% → 8.5%) without full compensation on its base knockback (25 → 32).}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage compared to the previous sweetspots (12% → 10.8%) although its knockback was compensated (20 (base), 91 (scaling) → 30/98). It also has a shorter duration (frames 10-14 → 10-13).}}  

**{{nerf|Due to now consisting of one hit instead of seven, up aerial deals less damage overall (16% → 9%).}}

**{{buff|Up aerial's knockback was not fully compensated (70 (base), 110 (scaling) → 50/92) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Sweetspotted down aerial deals less damage (12% → 9%), the aerial hit has less base knockback (30 → 10) and both hits have less knockback scaling (100 → 99) hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit deals more damage (6% → 9%) and knockback (10 (base), 70 (scaling) → 30/99).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial deal less damage (13% → 8.5%) without full compensation on its base knockback (25 → 32).}}

**{{nerf|Due to now consisting of one hit instead of seven, up aerial deals less damage overall (22% → 9%).}}

**{{buff|Up aerial's knockback was not fully compensated (70 (base) 110 (scaling), → 50/92) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Sweetspotted down aerial deals less damage (13% → 9%), the aerial hit has less base knockback (30 → 10) and both hits have less knockback scaling (100 → 99) hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit deals more damage (6% → 9%) and knockback (10 (base), 70 (scaling) → 30/99).}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial deals more damage (5% → 6.8%) and has higher base knockback (25 → 32).}}

**{{buff|Back aerial deals more damage (5% → 8.64%) and knockback (20 (base), 91 (scaling) → 30/98).}}

**{{nerf|Due to now consisting of one hit instead of seven, up aerial deals less damage overall (9% → 7.2%).}}

**{{nerf|Sweetspotted down aerial deals less damage (8% → 7.2%), the aerial hit has less base knockback (30 → 10) and both hits have less knockback scaling (100 → 99) hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit deals more damage (4% → 7.2%) and has higher knockback scaling (70 → 99).}}

**{{buff|Back aerial deals more damage (13% → 15.12%) and knockback (20 (base), 91 (scaling) → 30/88).}}

**{{nerf|Due to now consisting of one hit instead of seven, up aerial deals less damage overall (22% → 12.6%).}}

**{{buff|Up aerial's knockback was not fully compensated (70 (base), 110 (scaling) → 50/84) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Sweetspotted down aerial deals less damage (13% → 12.6%), the aerial hit has less base knockback (30 → 10) and both hits have less knockback scaling (100 → 89) hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit deals much more damage (6% → 12.6%) and knockback (10 (base), 70 (scaling) → 30/89).}}

*[[Grab]]s

**{{buff|All grabs have decreased start-up lag (frame 11 → 10).}}

**{{nerf|All grabs have shorter durations (frames 11-30 → 10-19) and standing and dash grabs have increased ending lag (FAF 30 → 50 (standing), FAF 40 → 53 (dash)).}}

**{{nerf|All grabs with all Pikmin have considerably reduced range. Blue Pikmin-based grab in particular is no longer the longest reaching grab in the game and it now has slightly less range than White Pikmin-based grab.}}

*{{buff|The changes to aerial [[grab release]]s benefits Olimar as he is significantly less susceptible to air release followups.}}

*[[Forward throw]]

**{{nerf|Olimar releases opponents later from forward throw (frame 4 → 8) and it has more ending lag (FAF 32 → 36).}}

**{{buff|Red, Yellow and White Pikmin-based forward throws deal more knockback (60 (base), 50 (scaling) → 65/60).}}

**{{nerf|Blue and Purple Pikmin-based forward throw deals less knockback.}}

***{{nerf|Blue: 30 (base), 85 (scaling) → 65/60}}

***{{nerf|Purple: 60 (base), 90 (scaling) → 65/60}}

**{{nerf|Red and Blue Pikmin-based forward throws deal less damage.}}

***{{nerf|Red: 6% → 5.6%}}

***{{nerf|Blue: 13% → 11.2%}}

**{{buff|White Pikmin-based forward throw deals 1% more damage (6% → 7%).}}

*[[Back throw]]

**{{nerf|Olimar releases opponents later from back throw (frame 7 → 13) and it has more ending lag (FAF 36 → 40).}}

***{{buff|However, its increased ending lag does not fully compensate for Olimar releasing the opponent later giving it less cooldown.}}

**{{buff|Red, Blue, and White Pikmin-based back throws deal more damage.}}

***{{buff|Red: 7% → 7.2%}}

***{{buff|Blue: 14% → 14.4%}}

***{{buff|White: 6% → 9%}}

**{{buff|Red, Yellow and White Pikmin-based back throws deal more knockback (48 (base), 52 (scaling) → 50/60).}}

**{{nerf|Blue and Purple Pikmin-based back throws deals less knockback.}}

***{{nerf|Blue: 30 (base), 85 (scaling) → 50/60}}

***{{nerf|Purple: 48 (base), 90 (scaling) → 50/60}}

*[[Up throw]]

**{{nerf|The removal of [[chain grab]]bing has hindered up  throw's damage racking potential.}}

**{{nerf|Olimar releases opponents later from up throw (frame 27 → 32) and it has more ending lag (FAF 42 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|Red, Yellow, and Purple Pikmin-based up throws deal less damage hindering their KO potential especially with Purple Pikmin.}}

***{{nerf|Red: 9% → 6.4%}}

***{{nerf|Yellow: 11% → 8%}}

***{{nerf|Purple: 11% → 8%}}

**{{nerf|Blue and Purple Pikmin-based up throws deal less knockback. Purple Pikmin-based up throw is no longer the strongest up throw in the game and it now has less KO potential than Blue Pikmin-based up throw.}}

***{{nerf|Blue: 55 (base), 80 (scaling) → 80/58}}

***{{nerf|Purple: 55 (base), 100 (scaling) → 80/65}}

**{{buff|Blue and White Pikmin-based up throws deal more damage.}}

***{{buff|Blue: 12% → 12.8%}}

***{{buff|White: 6% → 8%}}

**{{buff|Red, Yellow and White Pikmin-based up throws deal more knockback (55 (base), 72 (scaling) → 80/65).}}

**{{nerf|The removal of [[chain grab]]bing has hindered down throw's damage racking potential.}}

**{{nerf|Olimar releases opponents later from down throw (frame 19 → 30) and it has more ending lag (FAF 36 → 42).}}

***{{buff|However, its increased ending lag does not fully compensate for Olimar releasing the opponent later giving it less cooldown and improving its combo potential.}}

**{{change|Red Pikmin-based down throw deals 2.4% less damage (9% → 6.6%). When coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling, this significantly improves its combo potential beyond low percents but hinders its KO potential.}}

**{{change|Blue, White, and Purple Pikmin-based down throws deal more damage. When coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling, this improves their combo potentials beyond low percents as well as their KO potential, but hinders their combo potentials at high percents.}}

***{{buff|Blue: 12% → 12.2%}}

***{{buff|White: 6% → 7.8%}}

***{{buff|Purple: 8% → 8.4%}}

**{{change|Blue Pikmin-based down throw has higher knockback scaling (40 → 60) improving its KO potential but hindering its combo potential.}}

**{{change|Purple Pikmin-based down throw has less knockback scaling (100 → 60) improving its combo potential but hindering its KO potential.}}

*[[Edge attack]]

**{{nerf|Olimar has a new edge attack, a {{s|pikipedia|punch}} from the ''Pikmin'' series. Compared to the previous fast edge attack, it has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 17-32 → 19-21) and deals less damage (8% → 7%).}}

**{{buff|New edge attack has increased intangibility (frames 1-15 → 1-17) and no longer has set knockback (110 (set), 20 (scaling) → 90 (base)/20).}}

*[[Pikmin Pluck]]

**{{buff|Using Pikmin Pluck while near the edge will no longer propel Pikmin over the edge,<ref name=OlimarSSB4/> significantly improving its reliability.}}

**{{change|Olimar can only pluck up to 3 Pikmin now.}}

*[[Pikmin Throw]]

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

**{{nerf|Pikmin Throw deals less damage both when thrown (9% → 7.8% (R), 7% → 6.5% (YB), 6% → 5.3% (W)) and when latched (2% → 1.1% (RYB), 6% → 3.7% (W)). This significantly reduces its damage racking potential especially considering Olimar's reduced maximum Pikmin count.}}

*[[Winged Pikmin]]

**{{buff|Olimar has a new up special, Winged Pikmin. Unlike [[Pikmin Chain]], Winged Pikmin are a maneuverable, flight-based recovery that cover significantly more distance and allow Olimar to attack while they are carrying him, similarly to [[Wings of Icarus]].<ref name="Direct"/> Additionally, they can be used regardless of whether or not Olimar has Pikmin.<ref name="Direct"/> Lastly, they have less ending lag (FAF 65 → 31). Altogether, these traits make them significantly safer and significantly more versatile.}}

**{{nerf|Unlike Pikmin Chain, Winged Pikmin do not deal damage and cover overall less distance if they are used consecutively.}}

**{{change|Compared to Pikmin Chain, Winged Pikmin are more effective when he has less Pikmin, and less effective when he has more Pikmin.<ref name="Direct"/>}}

*[[Pikmin Order]]

**{{nerf|Pikmin Order has decreased super [[armor]] frames (frames 2-16 → 6-12), significantly hindering its safety.}}

*[[End of Day]]

**{{nerf|End of Day deals less damage (15% → 10% (ascent), 43% → 15% (Red Bulborbs), 15%/20% → 12%/10% (explosion)). The [[Hocotate Ship]] also has decreased knockback, significantly hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|The Hocotate Ship can be maneuvered during its descent, similarly to a [[Warp Star]]. Its explosion also has a larger hitbox.}}

Olimar has received a mix of buffs and nerfs from game updates. Update [[1.0.4]] made Pikmin Pluck unable to be [[Ledge-canceling|edge-canceled]] and decreased the amount of damage that Red, Yellow, and Blue Pikmin deal when they latch onto opponents. To compensate for this, White Pikmin deal more damage when latched on, and the latch time for Red, Yellow, Blue, and White Pikmin has increased.

However, Olimar also significantly benefits from the changes to shield mechanics brought about by updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]]. This is thanks to latched Pikmin becoming better at damaging an opponent's shield, while the low ending lag on his smash attacks makes them even less punishable on shield, thanks to the increased [[shieldstun]]. As a result, Olimar is very slightly better than he was during ''SSB4''{{'}}s initial release.

*{{bugfix|Fixed a glitch where [[reflect]]ing Order Tackle would give the Pikmin a permanent power boost.}}

*{{bugfix|Fixed a glitch where [[Pikmin Order]] no longer reverses from edge grabs.}}

*All Pikmin-based moves and grabs use the next Pikmin in the line to perform the given attack. Upon performing a move, that Pikmin goes to the back of the line.

*Each Pikmin has respective multipliers that are applied to the damage output and knockback values of each Pikmin-based move:

**Red Pikmin — 1.2× (attacks)/0.8× (throws)

**Yellow Pikmin — 1× (attacks and throws)

**Blue Pikmin — 1× (attacks)/1.6× (throws)

**White Pikmin — 0.8× (attacks)/1× (throws)

**Purple Pikmin — 1.4× (attacks)/1× (throws)

|utiltdesc=A jumping twirl. It hits on frame 6, has decent vertical range, and hits multiple times, with its last hit having very high knockback growth. Altogether, these traits make it a decent anti-air attack.

|dashdesc=A cartwheel. It can function as a mix-up, as it is able combo into up aerial at 0%-10%. However, its second hit's very low damage output, high base knockback, and low knockback growth collectively make it unable to combo past very low percents, or KO at reasonable percents.

|uthrowdmg=&mdash;{{!!}}6.4%{{!!}}8%{{!!}}8%{{!!}}8%{{!!}}12.8%

|fsdmg=colspan{{=}}"6"{{!}}10% (launch), 10% (ascent), 15% (Red Bulborbs), 10% (descent), 12%/10% (explosion)

|fsdesc=Jumps into the {{s|pikipedia|Hocotate Ship}} and launches into outer space, which [[bury|buries]] any nearby opponents. While the ship has left the stage, {{s|pikipedia|Red Bulborb}}s attack opponents to steadily inflict damage. The Hocotate Ship then descends from outer space, and explodes upon crash landing onto the stage. Its KO potential has significantly worsened since ''Brawl'', but it is still fairly strong, as its most damaging explosion is strong enough to KOs middleweights at 70% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. Although its least damaging explosion deals slightly less damage, it has significantly less knockback. The Hocotate Ship can also be maneuvered during its descent, similarly to a [[Warp Star]]. However, it is actually possible for Olimar to inadvertently [[self-destruct]] if he descends towards the lower blast line.

==In [[Competitive play|competitive play]]==

===Notable players===

*{{Sm|Coco|USA}} - Placed 2nd at [[Combo Breaker 2015]] and 13th at [[The Big House 5]] in [[doubles]] play. Formerly ranked 7th on the [[Michigan Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Gomakenpi|USA}} - The best Olimar player in the Midwest. Placed  9th at [[Chronicles of Olympus II]] and 33rd at [[Midwest Mayhem 11]]. Also ranked 12th on the [[Michigan Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. Has taken a set off of {{Sm|Marss}}.

*{{Sm|Krow|USA}} - Placed 2nd at [[Full Bloom 2]]; 17th at [[Midwest Mayhem 4]]; and 25th at [[Midwest Mayhem 3]]. Ranked 5th on the [[Indiana Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Logic|USA}} - Placed 7th at [[PAX Prime 2015]]; 9th at Smash 'N' Splash and [[Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo]]; 17th at [[Royal Flush (tournament)|Royal Flush]]; 25th at [[Super Smash Con 2015]]; 33rd at [[CEO 2015]]; and 49th at EVO 2016 and Super Smash Con 2016. Formerly ranked 15th on the [[MD/VA Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Rich Brown|USA}} - Formerly a Olimar main before switching to {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}. Placed 13th at {{Trn|Paragon Los Angeles 2015}}, 17th at {{Trn|Final Battle}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Apex 2015}} with solo Olimar.

*{{Sm|Shuton|Japan}} (#23) - The best Olimar player in the world. Placed 1st at [[Sumabato 15]]; 3rd at [[Sumabato 14]] and [[2GGC: West Side Saga]]; 5th at [[Frostbite 2017]]; 9th at [[Umebura S.A.T.]]; and 13th at [[2GGC: Civil War]]. Ranked 4th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Syco|USA}} - Placed 25th at [[Midwest Mayhem 6: SoCal Invasion]] and [[Naifu Wars: World War 1]]. Ranked 6th on the [[Ohio Smash 4 Power Rankings|Ohio Power Rankings]].

 

Like in ''Brawl'', Olimar's placing in ''SSB4'' was one of the most contentious among the cast. At first, players would deem his nerfs as being too harsh for him to even be assessed as a mid-tier character, with some even considering him to be a bottom-tier character. This perception would remain intact for several months until players soon started to demonstrate Olimar's retained strengths, with professionals like {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|ImHip}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Soulimar}} achieving good tournament results. As a result, Olimar was ranked 24th on the first [[tier list]].

Despite this, Olimar's tournament representation and results have never been as bountiful as other characters'. To reflect this, he dropped 30th on the second tier list. After Dabuz and Shuton brought about improvements to Olimar's results, however, he rose to 27th on the third, then to 21st on the fourth and current tier list. Although he is not as overwhelmingly effective as he was in ''Brawl'', Olimar has nevertheless managed to remain a viable pick in competitive play.

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''A veteran spaceship pilot for Hocotate Freight, Captain Olimar partners with Pikmin in Smash Bros. to help him in battle. Olimar is much stronger when he's got Pikmin with him, so keep them plucked and good to go. Pikmin abilities are based on their color—learn what each is best at!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Captain Olimar, veteran Hocotate Freight astronaut, joins forces with Pikmin again in this game to take on the world. Olimar isn't much of an attacker without Pikmin by his side, so you should always keep some ready. Pikmin have different abilities depending on their colour, so learn how they work to use them effectively!''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=Pikmin (12/2001)|console2=GCN|game2=Pikmin 2 (08/2004)}}

 

:'''Olimar (Alt.)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Pikmin aren't just good for attacking, you know. For example, when you throw them, they can pick up items on their way back. Only items that aren't very heavy, though! Also, if there's someone charging or shooting at you, a well-timed Pikmin throw can stop them in their tracks!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''Pikmin aren't just good for attacking, you know. For example, when you throw them, they can pick up items on their way back. Only items that aren't very heavy, but still! Also, if there's someone charging or shooting at you, a well-timed Pikmin throw can stop them. Just don't forget to replace your Pikmin when they're gone!''

{{Trophy games|console1=GCN|game1=Pikmin (12/2001)|console2=GCN|game2=Pikmin 2 (08/2004)}}

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''On the planet Olimar is investigating, the native creatures become extra violent at night, forcing him to retreat to orbit every evening. His Final Smash works the same way: night falls and Olimar takes to the sky, leaving his foes to the mercy of the wildlife below. Olimar returns when dawn breaks and you can adjust his less-than-safe landing!''

::{{flag|pal}} ''On the planet of the Pikmin, the native creatures get quite violent come nightfall, so Olimar retreats into orbit every evening. That's how his Final Smash works, too: Olimar takes off in his trusty Dolphin^[sic], then in comes the beasties to take care of the other fighters. When Olimar returns, make sure he touches down, er...safely!''

OlimarTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

OlimarAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)

OlimarTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)

OlimarAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

EndOfDayTrophyWiiU.png|[[End of Day]]

</gallery>

</center>

*Olimar and {{SSB4|Ike}} are the only characters in ''Smash 4'' whose names start with vowels.