Editing Pikachu (SSB4)

|name         = Pikachu

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

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSB

|ssbgame2     = SSBM

|ssbgame3     = SSBB

'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Its return to the series was announced during the [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] [[Nintendo Direct]] on June 11th, 2013.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13D1I5s236o Nintendo Direct@E3 2013]</ref> It was also among the first wave of [[amiibo]] that are compatible with ''SSB4''. Ikue Ōtani reprises her role as Pikachu's voice actor, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.

Pikachu is currently ranked 15th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing it in the B tier. This is a slight drop from its placement in ''Brawl'', where it was ranked 8th out of 38. Pikachu boasts fast overall speed, an excellent approach, good neutral and combo games, and an excellent recovery. However, it is burdened with poor endurance and very unimpressive KO potential. As a result, Pikachu has a high learning curve and minimal high-level representation compared to other high-tier characters, but it has nonetheless achieved notable tournament results, mostly thanks to {{Sm|ESAM}}.

Pikachu also possesses a superb [[recovery]] and, by extension, [[edge-guarding]] potential. Like in ''Brawl'', Pikachu is able to wall jump, while it has two special moves that round out its recovery. [[Skull Bash]], although linear and telegraphed, is chargeable and deals high knockback while not rendering Pikachu [[helpless]]. Quick Attack is extremely fast and can be angled in two consecutive directions, which make it a very unpredictable and difficult move to intercept, as well as a favorable recovery option from virtually any position while off-stage.  Altogether, these traits grant Pikachu the luxury of going far off-stage and challenging recovering opponents while still being able to recover itself. Its edge-guarding game is further enhanced by its ground attacks and its aerials. Neutral attack consistently hits recovering characters during their 2 frames of edge snap vulnerability, launching them at a low angle with low hitstun that can open certain characters' recoveries to Pikachu's other edge-guarding options. Its forward and back aerials use the [[Autolink angle|auto-link angle]], which can be used in two unique ways. Forward aerial can launch opponents downward without a special collision, but much less reliably. Back aerial has multiple hitboxes with very low knockback and moderately low hitstun, so if it trades with a recovering opponent, the opponent will be spiked. Down aerial is Pikachu's most disjointed move downward, and will beat or trade with most up specials, excepting extremely disjointed ones such as those of [[Mario]] and [[Bayonetta]]. Neutral aerial's clean hitbox is slightly disjointed and useful for covering the edge. Each of Pikachu's smash attacks reach slightly below the edge, which allows Pikachu to KO opponents even if they hang on the edge.

==Changes from ''Brawl''==

Pikachu received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to ''SSB4''. The changes to [[hitstun]] canceling grant it a few notable KO set-ups from its throws, while its up and forward smashes have become stronger, with the former having regained some of its power from ''Melee''. Pikachu has also gained access to a new technique know as the Quick Attack edge-cancel, which gives Quick Attack new mobility options when used on edges and platforms. As many of its moves deal electric damage, it benefits from the increased shieldstun. A few of its moves' ranges were increased, such as its forward tilt, dash attack, and down aerial, somewhat mitigating one of its more glaring issues.

However, Pikachu has also received significant nerfs. Quick Attack canceling can no longer be used on the ground, making it less flexible as an approach option, and its new Quick Attack edge-cancel technique does not fully compensate for this. Pikachu's grab game, a pivotal part behind its success in ''Brawl'', has been heavily nerfed: its overall grab range is shorter, its up and down throws deal less damage, with the latter's increased knockback growth worsening its combo potential at high percents, and the removal of [[chain grab]]bing removed its forward and down throws' highly damaging chain grabs. While the changes to hitstun canceling have given it new combos, they are nonetheless inferior to its chain grabbing combos in ''Brawl''. When coupled with the reduced damage output on the majority of its moveset, Pikachu's damage racking ability has ultimately worsened as a result. Although the new edge mechanics supplement Pikachu's already impressive [[recovery]], they also hinder its edge-guarding potential, especially since the majority of its fellow veterans have improved recoveries. Lastly, the introduction to [[rage]] is a mixed bag: although it alleviates Pikachu's unimpressive KO potential, Pikachu's unimpressive endurance makes it difficult for it to utilize rage safely.

Although Pikachu was universally agreed upon as being a high-tier character in ''Brawl'', its tier status in ''SSB4'' has been polarizing in comparison. Players consider it to be either better or worse than it was in ''Brawl'', while others may fall in between and view it as a capable character that should not be ranked so highly in ''SSB4''{{'}}s high-level play. Despite having a rather small playerbase in competitive play because of its very high learning curve and requiring a degree of technical skill in order to fully thrive, Pikachu is still considered a notable force in the metagame, thanks to players such as {{Sm|ESAM}}. However, Pikachu's current ranking on the tier list is still debatable among the ''SSB4'' competitive community, owing to its below average representation in comparison to other high-tier characters.

*{{change|Pikachu is more expressive. It now smiles more often or sports a stern look during certain moves, winces while being grabbed and while hanging on an edge, and sports swirly eyes while [[stun]]ned.}}

*{{change|Pikachu's [[gravity]] is higher (0.087 → 0.095). This slightly improves its mobility, but slightly hinders its horizontal endurance.}}

*{{nerf|[[Jump]] is lower.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack deals less damage (2% → 1.4% (near)/1.2% (mid)/1% (far)), significantly hindering its damage racking ability.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack has slightly improved [[Lock#Jab lock|jab lock]] potential.}}

*{{change|Neutral attack now pushes the opponent away, instead of keeping them in place. This improves its spacing ability, but hinders its damage racking ability.}}

*{{nerf|Forward tilt has increased start-up lag (frame 5 → 6) and a shorter duration (frames 5-10 → 6-8).}}

*{{buff|Forward tilt has increased range.}}

*{{buff|Due to consisting of one hitbox instead of three, up tilt now deals consistent damage (7% (near)/6% (mid)/5% (far) → 5%). It also has decreased knockback growth (124 → 120). These changes improve its combo potential at low to medium percentages.}}

*{{nerf|Up tilt has increased ending lag (frame 24 → 27).}}

*{{buff|Down tilt deals 1% less damage (7% → 6%), improving its set-up potential.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt has decreased range and a shorter duration (frames 7-9 → 7-8).}}

*{{change|Due to having a clean hitbox and a late hitbox instead of a consistent hitbox, dash attack no longer deals consistent damage (7% → 10% (clean)/6% (late)).}}

*{{buff|Clean dash attack has more knockback compared to the previous hitbox (40 (base)/70 (growth) → 70/90), granting it KO potential. Dash attack also has increased range.}}

*{{nerf|Dash attack has increased start-up lag (frame 5 → 6).}}

*{{buff|Clean forward smash deals 1% more damage (17% → 18%), improving its KO potential. Its also has a larger hitbox.}}

*{{nerf|Early and late forward smash deal less damage (20% (early)/14% (late) → 15%/12%) and have decreased ranges.}}

*{{buff|Forward smash hits twice and has decreased ending lag (frame 50 → 49).}}

*{{buff|Clean up smash has altered knockback (40 (base)/90 (growth) → 50/89), improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Late up smash has increased base knockback (5 → 55) and its angle has been altered (40° → 80°), granting it combo potential at medium percents.}}

*{{nerf|Up smash has increased start-up (frame 9 → 10) and ending lag (frame 44 → 45).}}

*{{change|Up smash's animation has slightly changed. Pikachu now slightly curls in its tail at the very end of the backflip, instead of leaving it extended.}}

*{{nerf|Due to consisting of six hits instead of seven, down smash deals 2% less damage (15% → 13%). It also has increased start-up (frame 6 → 8) and ending lag (frame 55 → 66).}}

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

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

*{{nerf|Neutral aerial deals less damage (12% (clean)/6% (late) → 8.5%/5.5%). It also has decreased range and a shorter duration (frames 3-25 → 3-20).}}

*{{buff|Neutral aerial has decreased ending lag (frame 40 → 39).}}

*{{nerf|Forward aerial's loop hits deal less damage (2% → 1.7%), which decreases its overall damage output by 1.2% (11% → 9.8%). It also has increased ending lag (frame 40 → 42).}}

*{{buff|Due to its loop hits' angles being altered (361° → 74°/280°), forward aerial is now an [[unconventional meteor smash]]. Additionally, its last hit has altered knockback (70 (base)/90 (growth) → 50/150), improving its spacing ability and edge-guarding potential. Lastly, it auto-cancels earlier (frame 35> → 32>).}}

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

*{{nerf|Back aerial's loop and last hits deal less damage (1% (loop)/4% (last) → 0.8%/3%), which decreases its overall damage output by 2.4% (11% → 8.6%). Its last hit also has a shorter duration (frames 32-37 → 32-33).}}

*{{buff|Back aerial has decreased ending lag (frame 60 → 59) and auto-cancels earlier (frame 50> → 48>).}}

*{{buff|Back aerial now uses the [[Autolink angle|auto-link angle]]. When coupled with the weakening of SDI, this makes it significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*{{nerf|Up aerial deals less damage (6%/5% (clean)/5%/4% (late) → 5% (clean)/4% (late)), has increased start-up lag (frame 3 → 4), and deals slightly less [[shield damage]].}}

*{{buff|Up aerial has decreased ending lag (frame 28 → 27) and its angle has been altered (80° → 68°), improving its combo and juggling potentials. Clean up aerial also has increased knockback (40 (base)/60 (growth) → 50/113), granting it KO potential at very high percents.}}

*{{change|Down aerial's first hit has increased knockback growth (80 → 84). This improves its spacing potential, but makes it more difficult to connect with its second hit.}}

*{{buff|Down aerial's second hit deals slightly more [[shield damage]] and has increased range.}}

*{{buff|All grabs have decreased ending lag (frame 30 → 28 (standing), frame 39 → 35 (dash), frame 36 → 33 (pivot)). Dash and pivot grabs also have decreased start-up lag (frame 9 → 8 (dash), frame 10 → 9 (pivot)).}}

*{{nerf|Pummel deals 0.1% less damage (2% → 1.9%).}}

*{{buff|Pummel's hitbox is larger.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[chain grab]]bing significantly hinders forward throw's damage racking potential.}}

*{{buff|Up throw deals 6% less damage (10% → 4%), although its knockback was somewhat compensated. When coupled the changes to hitstun canceling, these changes grant it combo potential into Thunder at high percents.}}

*{{nerf|Down throw deals 2% less damage (10% → 8%), although its knockback growth was compensated (38 → 100). When coupled with the removal of chain grabbing, these changes significantly hinder its damage racking potential.}}

*{{nerf|Front floor attack has decreased knockback.}}

*{{buff|Back floor attack has increased knockback and range. It also has decreased start-up lag.}}

*{{nerf|Aerial [[Thunder Jolt]] deals 4.2% less damage (9% → 4.8%).}}

*{{nerf|[[Skull Bash]] deals less damage (7% (uncharged)/25% (fully charged) → 6%/22%), although uncharged Skull Bash's knockback was somewhat compensated (15 (base)/90 (growth) → 40/62). Skull Bash also has increased ending lag (frame 91 → 97).}}

*{{buff|Partially and fully charged Skull Bash cover more distance, improving their recovery potentials.}}

*{{buff|[[Quick Attack]]'s first hit now has [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]]. Its second hit also has increased knockback, improving its combo potential.}}

*{{nerf|Quick Attack covers less overall distance. Its second hit also has increased start-up (frame 30 → 43) and ending lag (frame 9 → 29).}}

*{{buff|Quick Attack has a new [[technique]], Quick Attack edge-canceling. It functions very similarly to [[Quick Attack cancel]]ing.}}

*{{nerf|Quick Attack canceling can no longer be used on flat surfaces, significantly hindering Pikachu's approach and air game.}}

*{{buff|The 19% damage increase to shields and the increase to shieldstun significantly improve Quick Attack and Thunder's shield pressuring potentials.}}

*{{buff|{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} has received a hitbox near its thundercloud that deals 6% and is a meteor smash.<ref>[https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAAAYUKlPp_CzbQ Pic of the Day: April 3, 2014]</ref> It also has decreased ending lag (frame 79 → 75). Altogether, these changes improve its combo potential.}}

*{{nerf|Thunder deals less damage (10% (thunderbolt)/17% (shockwave) → 8%/15%), has decreased vertical range and is more difficult to land, hindering its edge-guarding potential. Its shockwave also has a shorter duration (frames 43-74 → 34-36) and its new meteor smash hitbox makes [[Thunderspiking]] very difficult to perform, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Thunder's shockwave has increased [[invincibility]] frames (frames 43-50 → 34-44).}}

*{{nerf|[[Volt Tackle]] deals less damage (13% (collision)/25% (discharge) → 1%-6%/8%-19%) and has decreased knockback, significantly hindering its KO potential. It is also slower.}}

*{{buff|Volt Tackle is now accompanied by a small, whitish violet spark of electricity that is analogous to a cursor. This makes it easier to aim. It also has a longer duration.}}

*{{nerf|Edge grab's animation standardized. This makes it slower.}}

|neutralname=&nbsp;

|ftiltname=&nbsp;

|utiltname=&nbsp;

|dtiltname=&nbsp;

|dashname=&nbsp;

|fsmashname=&nbsp;

|usmashname=&nbsp;

|dsmashname=&nbsp;

|nairname=&nbsp;

|fairname=&nbsp;

|fairdesc=An electrified, corkscrew battering ram. It is a useful edge-guarding option, as its loop hits have minor [[meteor smash]] potential thanks to them launching at 280°, whereas its last hit's extremely high knockback growth enables it to KO middleweights at 131% while near the left/right blast lines. It also has the lowest amount of landing lag out of Pikachu's aerial, which enables it to be used as a set-up into a grounded move alongside a fast-fallen short hop. However, due to it hitting on frame 10, it has the second highest amount of start-up lag out of Pikachu's aerials.

|bairname=&nbsp;

|uairname=&nbsp;

|dairname=&nbsp;

|grabname=&nbsp;

|pummelname=&nbsp;

|fthrowname=&nbsp;

|bthrowname=&nbsp;

|uthrowname=&nbsp;

|dthrowname=&nbsp;

|nsdefdesc=Discharges a semi-circular bolt of electricity. Pikachu's primary [[projectile]] and a very useful move for keeping on-stage opponents at bay and threatening off-stage opponents. The grounded version travels forward while bouncing along the ground, it can also travel up walls, below the edge, and along ceilings. The aerial version travels downward diagonally and in the shape of a ball. Disappears after approximately 3 seconds (180 frames).

|nsc1desc=[[bulbapedia:Thunder Wave (move)|Discharges a bolt of electricity]] that can [[paralyze]] grounded opponents, but deals less damage and has much less range.

|nsc2desc=[[bulbapedia:Thunder Shock (move)|Discharges a ball of electricity]] that moves almost horizontally and explodes as it disappears. As a result, it disappears upon hitting the ground instead of bouncing along the ground.

|ssc1dmg=1.2% (loop), 3% (last)

|ssc1desc=Hits multiple times, with the last hit launching the opponent. However, it deals considerably less damage.

|ssc2dmg=15%/10%/5%/2% (uncharged), 32%/21%/10%/4% (fully charged), 6%-0% (running)

|ssc2desc=Grants less distance, but deals more damage near its beginning. If used while uncharged to cancel reeling from an attack's knockback, the distance traveled nearly doubles, and Pikachu retains some forward momentum while falling after using it.

|usc1dmg=1% (hit 1), 2% (hit 2)

|usc1desc=Both dashes have higher knockback at their beginnings and meteor smash aerial opponents. However, both dashes deal less damage and cover less distance.

|dsc1dmg=2% (early), 15%/12% (clean)

|dsc1desc=Instead of dropping a thunderbolt onto itself, Pikachu discharges electricity around itself. It has more knockback, but slow start-up lag.

|dsc2desc=The thunderbolt deals more damage and the thundercloud is generated higher, the latter of which makes Thunderspiking much easier. However, it cannot meteor smash, and the shockwave deals much less damage.

==In competitive play==

*{{Sm|Kishiru|Japan}} - Placed 13th at [[Umebura 27]]. Wins on {{Sm|Kuro}}, {{Sm|Umeki}}, and {{Sm|Shu}}.

*{{Sm|Nero|USA}} - The best Pikachu player in the Midwest. Ranked 15th on the [[Midwest Smash 4 Power Rankings|Midwest Power Rankings]], and 7th on the [[Michigan Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Scourgemom|USA}} - Consistently achieves top 8 placings at [[Mega Smash Mondays]].

*{{Sm|NAKAT|USA}}

*{{Sm|Shimitake|Japan}}

==Trophies==

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Recognized the world over, Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon that stores energy in its cheeks for use in battle. In Smash Bros., Pikachu is a well-rounded fighter with speedy, powerful electric attacks. Quick Attack can be used twice in a row if two directions are input, one after another.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''Pikachu is famous worldwide as the face of the Pokémon series. There's a lot of electricity stored in those rosy cheeks, and in this game, that allows for some devastating attacks, like Thunder Jolt. Tip: Input another direction after using Quick Attack to get a second burst. It's top-notch for recoveries!''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue (09/1998)|console2=GB|game2=Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition (10/1999)}}

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. It does more damage to enemies in the air. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. Airborne enemies will take extra damage from it and get launched further. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue (09/1998)|console2=GB|game2=Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition (10/1999)}}

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Pikachu's Final Smash turns its whole body into a powerful ball of electricity that darts around at high speed, tackling opponents. While Pikachu is charging around, press the attack button to unleash powerful sparks. There's also a little ball of light that flies ahead of Pikachu itself. Use that as a guide if Pikachu seems out of control!''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''For Pikachu's Final Smash, it surrounds itself with a ball of electricity and darts around at high speed, tackling opponents. While it's charging around, press the attack button to unleash powerful sparks. You can also use little ball of light that flies ahead of Pikachu as a guide if it seems out of control!''

 

PikachuAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)

VoltTackleTrophyWiiU.png|[[Volt Tackle]]

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

===Solo Events===

 

===Co-op Events===

*''SSB4'' is the first installment where Pikachu's teeth are visible. They can be seen when it is being [[grab]]bed by an opponent, or when it is hanging on an edge.

*Pikachu knows five official Pokémon {{s|bulbapedia|move}}s in ''SSB4'', all of which it can learn legally in the ''Pokémon'' {{s|bulbapedia|core series}}. In addition to [[bulbapedia:Skull Bash (move)|Skull Bash]], [[bulbapedia:Thunder (move)|Thunder]] and [[bulbapedia:Volt Tackle (move)|Volt Tackle]], it can also use [[bulbapedia:Thunder Wave (move)|Thunder Wave]] and [[bulbapedia:Thunder Shock (move)|Thunder Shock]] as [[Character customization|custom moves]].

**One of its custom moves, Quick Feet, has the [[bulbapedia:Quick Feet (ability)|same name]] of an {{s|bulbapedia|Ability}} instead of a move, similarly to [[Victini]]'s [[Poké Ball]] effect. However, Pikachu cannot legitimately have Quick Feet as an Ability.

*Pikachu's official art for ''SSB4'' is almost identical to its official art for ''SSB''. The only difference is that it is standing erect in its ''SSB4'' art instead of slightly slouching to the side.

 

[[Category:Pikachu (SSB4)]]