Editing Shieldstun

From SmashWiki, the Super Smash Bros. wiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
Warning You aren't logged in. While it's not a requirement to create an account, doing so makes it a lot easier to keep track of your edits and a lot harder to confuse you with someone else. If you edit without being logged in, your IP address will be recorded in the page's edit history.
SmashBrosSymbol.svg Log in SmashBrosSymbol.svg Create account

The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.

Latest revision Your text
Line 1: Line 1:
{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
[[File:Shield.jpg|thumb|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} currently in shieldstun from {{SSBB|Snake}}'s jab.]]
[[File:Shield.jpg|right|thumb|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} currently in shieldstun from {{SSBB|Snake}}'s jab.]]


'''Shieldstun''' (referred to as '''Downtime from Shielding''' by ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''{{'}}s [[tip]]s and official patch notes) is an inactionable period that occurs when a character's [[shield]] is hit. It is comparable to [[hitstun]], in that it occurs after [[hitlag]] and only for the defending character. While the attacker still experiences the hitlag of the move, they do not undergo shieldstun, allowing them to move again before their opponent can if the ending [[lag]] of the attack is low. During the period of shieldstun, the shielding player cannot perform any of their normal [[out of shield]] options, rendering them stuck. Several fast multi-hitting moves (such as [[Fox]]'s or [[Yoshi]]'s [[down aerial]]s) hit fast enough to keep an opponent in shieldstun for the duration of the move, as each hit lands while the opponent is still in shieldstun from the previous hit; this is usually referred to as a "blockstring", a term stemming from similar situations with block mechanics in traditional fighting games. In addition to not being able to perform out of shield options, players in shield stun cannot release the shield, adjust the tilt of their shield, [[shield drop]], or change their shield's density. Attempting to perform any of these actions while in shieldstun will have them happen the frame shieldstun ends instead.  
'''Shieldstun''' (referred to as '''Downtime from Shielding''' by ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''{{'}}s [[tip]]s and official patch notes) is an inactionable period that occurs when a character's [[shield]] is hit. It is comparable to [[hitstun]], in that it occurs after [[hitlag]] and only for the defending character. While the attacker still experiences the hitlag of the move, they do not undergo shieldstun, allowing them to move again before their opponent can if the ending [[lag]] of the attack is low. During the period of shieldstun, the shielding player cannot perform any of their normal [[out of shield]] options, rendering them stuck. Several fast multi-hitting moves (such as [[Fox]]'s or [[Yoshi]]'s [[down aerial]]s) hit fast enough to keep an opponent in shieldstun for the duration of the move, as each hit lands while the opponent is still in shieldstun from the previous hit; this is usually referred to as a "blockstring", a term stemming from similar situations with block mechanics in traditional fighting games. In addition to not being able to perform out of shield options, players in shield stun cannot release the shield, adjust the tilt of their shield, [[shield drop]], or change their shield's density. Attempting to perform any of these actions while in shieldstun will have them happen the frame shieldstun ends instead.  
Line 9: Line 9:
In ''Smash 64'', shieldstun is extremely high. When hit on shield, the majority of moves leave the defending player in such a long period of shieldstun, that another hit is nearly always guaranteed. This is especially apparent with aerials with the use of [[Z-cancel]]ling. This, along with the lack of [[perfect shield]]ing, makes shield break combos easier and far more frequent. Some moves, such as {{SSB|Kirby}}'s [[up tilt]], are notorious for breaking shields on their own with repeated use.
In ''Smash 64'', shieldstun is extremely high. When hit on shield, the majority of moves leave the defending player in such a long period of shieldstun, that another hit is nearly always guaranteed. This is especially apparent with aerials with the use of [[Z-cancel]]ling. This, along with the lack of [[perfect shield]]ing, makes shield break combos easier and far more frequent. Some moves, such as {{SSB|Kirby}}'s [[up tilt]], are notorious for breaking shields on their own with repeated use.


The formula for shieldstun frames in ''Smash 64'' is <math>d\times1.75+3</math>, rounded up in the Japanese version, and <math>d\times1.62+4</math>, rounded down in the international versions, where <math>d</math> is the amount of [[damage]] the attack would deal if not shielded (therefore, [[shield damage]] is not accounted for). Compared to the international versions, the Japanese version has even more shieldstun for most attacks, unless they deal 1%, 2%, 4% or 5%, where they deal the same amount of shieldstun.
The formula for shieldstun frames in ''Smash 64'' is <code>d * 1.75 + 3</code>, rounded up in the Japanese version, and <code>d * 1.62 + 4</code>, rounded down in the international versions, where '''d''' is the amount of [[damage]] the attack would deal if not shielded (therefore, [[shield damage]] is not accounted for). Compared to the international versions, the Japanese version has even more shieldstun for most attacks, unless they deal 1%, 2%, 4% or 5%, where they deal the same amount of shieldstun.


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
In ''Melee'', shieldstun duration in general was reduced. A large difference from other ''Smash'' games is the introduction of analog shielding. The analog shield level used when blocking affects shieldstun: the lighter the shield, the more shieldstun the blocker suffers. The formula for shieldstun frames in ''Melee'' is <math>{200\div201}\times(((d\times(a+0.3))\times1.5)+2)</math> rounded down, where the values correspond to the following:
In ''Melee'', shieldstun duration in general was reduced. A large difference from other ''Smash'' games is the introduction of analog shielding. The analog shield level used when blocking affects shieldstun: the lighter the shield, the more shieldstun the blocker suffers. The formula for shieldstun frames in ''Melee'' is <code>200 / 201 * (((d * (a + 0.3)) * 1.5) + 2)</code> rounded down, where the values correspond to the following:
*<math>d</math> is the base [[damage]] of the attack, rounded down. Usually that corresponds to the [[damage]] the attack would deal if not shielded. However, many thrown items deal additional damage on hit based on the speed of the item, and that extra damage doesn't contribute to shieldstun.
*'''d''' is the amount of [[damage]] the attack would deal if not shielded, rounded down.
*<math>a</math> is <math>0.65\times\left(1-{s-0.3\over0.7}\right)</math>, where <math>s</math> describes the analog shield level used, and is equal to <math>n\div140</math>, with <math>n</math> ranging between 43 and 140 depending on how much the shield button is pressed.<ref>https://smashboards.com/threads/official-ask-anyone-frame-things-thread.313889/page-28#post-20577303</ref> As a result, <math>s</math> can be as low as 0.30714 with the lightest possible shield, and caps at 1 with a full shield. Shielding with the Z button corresponds to <math>s=0.35</math>, or <math>n=49\div140</math>.
*'''a''' is <code>0.65 * (1 - ((s - 0.3) / 0.7))</code>, where '''s''' describes the analog shield level used. A fully depressed trigger corresponds to <code>s = 1.0</code>, while the lightest possible analog press that still yields shield corresponds to <code>s = 0.30714</code>.<ref>https://smashboards.com/threads/official-ask-anyone-frame-things-thread.313889/page-28#post-20577303</ref>
**The general formula can be approximately simplified to <math>d\times0.45+1.99</math> for a full press, and <math>d\times1.4+2</math> for the lightest press (accurate up to 28% and 26% damage respectively), resulting in a significant difference. For example, an attack that deals 13% damage will inflict 7 frames of shieldstun with a full shield, and 20 frames with the lightest possible shield.
**The general formula can be approximately simplified to <code>d * 0.45 + 2</code> for a full press, and <code>d * 1.925 + 2</code> for the lightest press, resulting in a significant difference. For example, an attack that deals 13% damage will inflict 7 frames of shieldstun with a full shield, and 27 frames with the lightest possible shield.


This amount of shieldstun, while heavily reduced, is still sufficient to leave smart and quick attackers at an advantage. Many moves are unsafe on shield, and it is possible for defending players to capitalize on such hits. But many moves, especially certain aerials, are still safe. Pressuring an opponent's shield is challenging and risky, but highly rewarding. Often, despite a move merely breaking even on shield, or even being a few frames negative, the attacker will still have an advantage. Options out of shield, especially movement, are so limited that good spacing or quick [[dash dancing]] out of lag allow the attacker to safely pressure despite frame disadvantage.
This amount of shieldstun, while heavily reduced, is still sufficient to leave smart and quick attackers at an advantage. Many moves are unsafe on shield, and it is possible for defending players to capitalize on such hits. But many moves, especially certain aerials, are still safe. Pressuring an opponent's shield is challenging and risky, but highly rewarding. Often, despite a move merely breaking even on shield, or even being a few frames negative, the attacker will still have an advantage. Options out of shield, especially movement, are so limited that good spacing or quick [[dash dancing]] out of lag allow the attacker to safely pressure despite frame disadvantage.
Line 21: Line 21:
While ''Melee'' generally has no input [[buffer]]ing, it is possible to buffer out of shield options by holding the C-stick during shieldstun. The character will then jump, roll, or spot dodge on the first frame after they leave shieldstun, depending on the direction held.
While ''Melee'' generally has no input [[buffer]]ing, it is possible to buffer out of shield options by holding the C-stick during shieldstun. The character will then jump, roll, or spot dodge on the first frame after they leave shieldstun, depending on the direction held.


{{SSBM|Yoshi}} is a notable exception to these rules. While he cannot jump out of shield in this iteration outside digital shield startup, he suffers minimal or no shieldstun, which combined with the other unique properties of his shield, gives his shield game a very different dynamic to the rest of the cast. Yoshi only receives shieldstun when blocking during any of his first 4 shield startup frames, and in those cases suffers an amount of shieldstun equal to <code>5 - shield frame# </code>.
{{SSBM|Yoshi}} is a notable exception to these rules. While he cannot jump out of shield in this iteration, he suffers no shieldstun whatsoever, which combined with the other unique properties of his shield, gives his shield game a very different dynamic to the rest of the cast.


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
In ''Brawl'', the formula for shieldstun frames is <math>d\times0.345</math>, rounded down. As a result, shieldstun is even more drastically reduced than in ''Melee'', with attacks that deal less than 2.9% damage inflicting no shieldstun at all. Combined with the lowered time to drop shield (taking 7 frames instead of 15), this puts attackers in a much more vulnerable position for hitting shields. As a result, ''Brawl''{{'}}s metagame is considerably more defensive, with very little in the way of shield pressure, instead putting more emphasis on characters keeping themselves away from shielding opponents, as a [[punish]] is nearly guaranteed otherwise. However, shield pushback is increased compared to ''Melee''{{'}}s fully dense shields, unless the attack is [[perfect shield]]ed, which allows a few powerful and long ranged moves with relatively low ending lag, such as {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}'s [[down smash]] and {{SSBB|Snake}}'s [[up tilt]], to remain difficult to punish out of shield if spaced properly.
In ''Brawl'', shieldstun was further reduced. In terms of frame advantage, very few attacks are safe on shield. Combined with the lowered time to drop shield (taking 7 frames instead of 15), this means that hitting shields in ''Brawl'' puts attackers in a much more vulnerable position. This leads to a drastically more defensive metagame, where spacing attacks properly on shield is far more crucial, or a [[punish]] is nearly guaranteed otherwise. Additionally, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}'s shield is no longer immune to shieldstun, and his shield drop takes 15 frames to complete (which is now drastically higher relative to the cast); in combination with him still having one of the slowest shield grabs as well as still being unable to jump out of shield, this gives him a significantly worse shield game compared to the rest of the cast.


{{SSBB|Yoshi}}'s shield is no longer immune to shieldstun, and unlike the rest of the cast in the transition from ''Melee'', his shield still takes 15 frames to drop. In combination with him having one of the slowest shield grabs, as well as still being unable to jump out of shield, this gives him significantly worse defensive options than any other character.
The approximate formula for shieldstun frames in ''Brawl'' is <code>d * 0.375</code>, rounded down. As a result, attacks that deal less than 2.7% damage inflict no shieldstun at all.


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
In ''Smash 4'', shieldstun was originally thought to have been reduced again from ''Brawl'', but further testing showed this to be false. The formula for shieldstun frames prior to version [[1.1.1]] was <math>(d\times1.3+2)\times0.3</math>, with rounding down performed twice; first for the portion in brackets, then the final result. This resulted in barely higher shieldstun than in ''Brawl'', being either the same or with a single extra frame for most damage values, while moves that dealt less than 1.54% damage still inflicted none at all. In combination with the cast's generally higher landing lag, ending lag, and/or lower damage values, especially for top and high tier characters, as well as shield pushback being decreased (with the effect of [[edge slipping]] on it being particularly weakened), this originally made ''Smash 4'' an even more defensive game than ''Brawl'', with heavy reliance on out of shield retaliation instead of direct pressure. {{SSB4|Yoshi}} was also given the ability to jump out of shield and the standard 7 frames of shield drop lag, no longer differentiating his shield game heavily from the rest of the cast.
In ''Smash 4'', shieldstun was originally thought to have been reduced again from ''Brawl'', but further testing showed this to be false. The formula for shieldstun frames prior to version [[1.1.1]] was originally <code>d * 0.39</code> rounded down, which resulted in almost negligibly higher shieldstun than in ''Brawl''; only a few key damage values generated one extra frame of shieldstun, even up to notoriously high percents (above 30%), and moves that dealt less than 2.6% damage still inflicted none at all. In combination with the cast's generally higher landing lag, ending lag, and/or lower damage values, especially for top and high tier characters, as well as shield pushback being decreased (with the effect of [[edge slipping]] on it being particularly weakened), this originally made ''Smash 4'' an even more defensive game than ''Brawl'', with heavy reliance on out of shield retaliation instead of direct pressure. {{SSB4|Yoshi}} was also given the ability to jump out of shield and the standard 7 frames of shield drop lag, no longer differentiating his shield game heavily from the rest of the cast.


However, following version [[1.1.1]], shieldstun from [[Specials: Direct|direct]] attacks was increased dramatically, to the point of being higher than in ''Melee'', and received further specialization for various cases. The new formula is <math>d\times0.58\times i\times p+2</math> rounded down, with the values corresponding to the following:
However, following version [[1.1.1]], shieldstun from [[Specials: Direct|direct]] attacks was increased dramatically, to the point of being higher than in ''Melee'', and received further specialization for various cases. The new formula is <code>d * 0.58 * i * p + 2</code> rounded down, with the values corresponding to the following:
*<math>d</math>, like in the previous formulas, is the damage the attack would deal if not shielded.
*'''d''', like in the previous formulas, is the damage the attack would deal if not shielded.
*<math>i</math> is 0.5 for [[indirect]] attacks (such as [[projectile]]s), and 1 otherwise, resulting in a general multiplier of 0.29.
*'''i''' is 0.5 for [[indirect]] attacks (such as [[projectile]]s), and 1 otherwise, resulting in a general multiplier of 0.29.
*<math>p</math> is 0.66 if the attack is [[perfect shield]]ed, and 1 otherwise, resulting in general multipliers of 0.3828 and 0.1914 for direct and indirect attacks, respectively.
*'''p''' is 0.66 if the attack is [[perfect shield]]ed, and 1 otherwise, resulting in general multipliers of 0.3828 and 0.1914 for direct and indirect attacks, respectively.


As a result of this formula, all attacks once again inflict shieldstun regardless of their damage output, and direct attacks are especially safer, to the point of various landing aerial attacks only being a few frames negative on shield with proper timing. In turn, perfect shielding having an effect on shieldstun ties further into its purpose of being much more precise, yet much more rewarding than normal shielding. Compared to previous versions of ''Smash 4'', these changes allowed several characters to play more offensively, though due to out of shield options still being relatively fast and highly rewarding, as well as the aforementioned damage/lag nerfs, the game remained generally more defensive than ''Melee''. On the other hand, the specific multiplier for projectiles made them generally safer as well, but to a lesser extent and only up to high damage values, preventing powerful ones such as [[Charge Shot]] from becoming too difficult to punish.
As a result of this formula, all attacks once again inflict shieldstun regardless of their damage output, and direct attacks are especially safer, to the point of various landing aerial attacks only being a few frames negative on shield with proper timing. In turn, perfect shielding having an effect on shieldstun ties further into its purpose of being much more precise, yet much more rewarding than normal shielding. Compared to previous versions of ''Smash 4'', these changes allowed several characters to play more offensively, though due to out of shield options still being relatively fast and highly rewarding, as well as the aforementioned damage/lag nerfs, the game remained generally more defensive than ''Melee''. On the other hand, the specific multiplier for projectiles made them generally safer as well, but to a lesser extent and only up to high damage values, preventing powerful ones such as [[Charge Shot]] from becoming too difficult to punish.
Line 41: Line 41:


==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
==In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
Shieldstun has been adjusted further in ''Ultimate'', with more specific cases introduced than in ''Smash 4''. The new formula is <math>d\times0.8\times t\times m+2</math>, rounded down<ref>https://twitter.com/BenArthur_7/status/1073252767496617986</ref>, with the values corresponding to the following:
Shieldstun has been adjusted further in ''Ultimate'', with more specific cases introduced than in ''Smash 4''. The new formula is <code>d * 0.8 * t * m + 2</code>, rounded down<ref>https://twitter.com/BenArthur_7/status/1073252767496617986</ref>, with the values corresponding to the following:
*<math>d</math>, like in the previous formulas, is the damage the attack would deal if not shielded.
*'''d''', like in the previous formulas, is the damage the attack would deal if not shielded.
*<math>t</math> is 0.725 for [[smash attack]]s, 0.33 for [[aerial attack]]s (excluding [[grab aerial]]s and landing hitboxes), and 0.29 for indirect attacks (such as [[projectile]]s); due to this, the former results in the same general multiplier of 0.58 as in ''Smash 4''<ref>https://twitter.com/BenArthur_7/status/1079237233192910849</ref>, while the other two result in general multipliers of 0.264 and 0.232, respectively. For indirect smash or aerial attacks (such as {{SSBU|Mega Man}}'s [[forward smash]] and [[down aerial]]), only the indirect multiplier is used. In other cases, the value is 1.
*'''t''' is 0.725 for [[smash attack]]s, 0.33 for [[aerial attack]]s, and 0.29 for indirect attacks (such as [[projectile]]s); due to this, the former results in the same general multiplier of 0.58 as in ''Smash 4''<ref>https://twitter.com/BenArthur_7/status/1079237233192910849</ref>, while the other two result in general multipliers of 0.264 and 0.232, respectively. For indirect smash or aerial attacks (such as {{SSBU|Mega Man}}'s [[forward smash]] and [[down aerial]]), only the indirect multiplier is used. In other cases, the value is 1.
*<math>m</math> is a '''shieldstun multiplier''', a move property new to ''Ultimate'' that can be specified for each hitbox. This is mostly employed by [[rapid jab]]s and [[dash attack]]s, which use a higher multiplier than usual to either prevent shielding opponents in range from escaping them or to decrease their [[punish]]ability (respectively). However, a few other moves possess them as well, such as {{SSBU|Ridley}}'s [[Skewer]], which uses a much lower multiplier than usual (0.2×) to prevent its skewering hitbox from otherwise producing ludicrously high shieldstun, as it deals 45% damage (likewise, it has a high amount of negative [[shield damage]] to prevent it from instantly breaking a shield). Shieldstun multipliers also affect the amount of pushback inflicted on the shielding fighter, further affecting how punishable attacks are out of shield.
*'''m''' is a '''shieldstun multiplier''', a move property new to ''Ultimate'' that can be specified for each hitbox. This is mostly employed by [[rapid jab]]s and [[dash attack]]s, which use a higher multiplier than usual to either prevent shielding opponents in range from escaping them or to decrease their [[punish]]ability (respectively). However, a few other moves possess them as well, such as {{SSBU|Ridley}}'s [[Skewer]], which uses a much lower multiplier than usual (0.2×) to prevent its skewering hitbox from otherwise producing ludicrously high shieldstun, as it deals 45% damage (likewise, it has a high amount of negative [[shield damage]] to prevent it from instantly breaking a shield). Shieldstun multipliers also affect the amount of pushback inflicted on the shielding fighter, further affecting how punishable attacks are out of shield.
*[[Perfect shield]]ing no longer directly affects the shieldstun duration. Instead, perfect shielding characters enter a unique state that allows them to act 3 frames earlier compared to the shieldstun they would receive if used against a direct attack, and 1 frame earlier if used against an indirect attack, barring specific cases.
*[[Perfect shield]]ing no longer directly affects the shieldstun duration. Instead, perfect shielding characters enter a unique state that allows them to act 3 frames earlier compared to the shieldstun they would receive if used against a direct attack, and 1 frame earlier if used against an indirect attack, barring specific cases.


Line 50: Line 50:


The ability introduced in version 1.1.3 of ''Smash 4'' to dodge-cancel blockstrings of at least 10 hits returns as well, and is now applicable to several other moves, most remarkably every [[rapid jab]], due to their increased shieldstun and much faster hit rate. This renders it vastly more useful for punishing such moves, as in the case of rapid jabs, the shielding character can usually roll behind the attacker, who will then be forced to unleash their rapid jab's finisher and become much more vulnerable. This mechanic's larger notoriety has led to it being referred to as '''shieldstun canceling''' by the community.
The ability introduced in version 1.1.3 of ''Smash 4'' to dodge-cancel blockstrings of at least 10 hits returns as well, and is now applicable to several other moves, most remarkably every [[rapid jab]], due to their increased shieldstun and much faster hit rate. This renders it vastly more useful for punishing such moves, as in the case of rapid jabs, the shielding character can usually roll behind the attacker, who will then be forced to unleash their rapid jab's finisher and become much more vulnerable. This mechanic's larger notoriety has led to it being referred to as '''shieldstun canceling''' by the community.
Version {{SSBU|9.0.0}} made other smaller adjustments to shieldstun:
*If multiple attacks hit a shield on the same frame (such as {{SSBU|King Dedede}}'s Gordo and hammer swing in [[Gordo Throw]]), each attack's shieldstun is individually calculated, and only the highest result of such is taken. In previous versions, the highest damage and highest shieldstun multiplier of each move was used, resulting in higher shieldstun than if any of the attacks hit individually.
*Shieldstun caps at 60 frames, making ''Ultimate'' the only game in the series with a shieldstun cap. However, this is only realistically possible to reach if [[spirit]]s are used to significantly boost an attack's damage output, and even then, a normal shield will usually take more than enough damage to break, so this can only be noticed with a perfect shield.


===List of moves with shieldstun multipliers===
===List of moves with shieldstun multipliers===
Line 254: Line 250:
|-
|-
|[[Homing Attack]]||0.5
|[[Homing Attack]]||0.5
|-
|rowspan=7|{{SSBU|Sora}}||Neutral attack (all hits)||rowspan=2|3
|-
|Forward tilt (hits 1-2)
|-
|Forward tilt (non-linking hit 1 and 3)||2.4
|-
|Dash attack||2.2
|-
|Forward smash||2
|-
|Down aerial||3.6
|-
|[[Firaga]]||1.05
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|{{SSBU|Steve}}||Neutral attack||rowspan=3|0.25
|rowspan=3|{{SSBU|Steve}}||Neutral attack||rowspan=3|0.25

Please note that all contributions to SmashWiki are considered to be released under the Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported license (see SmashWiki:Copyrights for details). Your changes will be visible immediately. Please enter a summary of your changes above.

Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Cancel Editing help (opens in new window)

Templates used on this page:

Retrieved from "https://www.ssbwiki.com/Shieldstun"