Editing Shulk (SSBU)

|image = {{tabber|title1=Colony Type I|content1=[[File:Shulk SSBU.png|250px]]|title2=Ecru Type|content2=[[File:Shulk Swimsuit SSBU.png|223px]]}}

'''Shulk''' ({{ja|シュルク|Shuruku}}, ''Shulk'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Like all veterans, he was confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Shulk is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #57]].

{{iw|wikipedia|Adam Howden}} and {{iw|wikipedia|Shintarō Asanuma}} reprise their roles as Shulk's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions respectively, mostly through recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Howden and Asanuma also reprised their roles for Shulk's appearance in {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}}'s [[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Pyra and Mythra|reveal trailer]].

 

 

Despite his strengths, Shulk is not flawless. He still retains his sluggish frame data and startup on majority of his moves, making him prone to getting parry punished or overwhelmed by faster moves. His recovery is also fairly exploitable due to [[Air Slash]] being his only main recovery option, and his recovery mixups are dependent on having his double jump even if he has the Jump Art active. Despite Shulk's Monado Arts giving him upgrades, they also grant multiple downsides. For example, while the Smash Art significantly improves his KO potential, it also greatly reduces his damage output and gives him the lowest endurance of the roster while it is active. Finally, Shulk is one of the most difficult characters to master since he has many advanced techniques, and properly using Monado Arts mid-match has to account for fast decision-making to determine which Art is best suited for each situation.

*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Pikachu}} or any character in its unlock tree, being the 2nd character unlocked after {{SSBU|Villager}}.

Shulk must then be defeated on [[Gaur Plain]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall, Shulk's optimal playstyle consists of warding off pressure and having extensive knowledge of his opponent. His range, unique toolkit, and versatile tech grant him powerful abilities when mastered, with some being inaccessible to any other character in the roster; however, players must have reliable spacing skill as whiffing one of his moves can leave him wide open and vulnerable to heavy damage. While his weaknesses are exploitable when fighting head-on, his adaptability allows him to excel when played patiently and while exploiting openings. Regardless, Shulk has an extremely high learning curve because of a combination of sluggish attacks and very demanding techniques, as extensive knowledge of Monado Arts, proper spacing, reads and patient play are each required for him to thrive.

Shulk has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition to ''Ultimate'', but he was buffed overall. Some of his most notable weaknesses have been relieved to some degree, and the changes to the game physics grant many of his options more utility to go with his faster moveset.

A great amount of the revamped game physics benefit Shulk. The universal reduction of [[landing lag]] grant him a safer approach game, and he has gained the ability to [[autocancel]] some aerials (a trait he was previously notable for lacking). This alleviates his punishable landings, one of his biggest weaknesses in ''SSB4''. The universally faster mobility also improves Shulk overall, as it improves the ease of approaching and retreating, the implementation of [[dash-canceling]] with any ground move allows him to approach with his high-ranged tilts, and the readdition of pseudo-[[dash dancing]] alleviates his previously low [[traction]] and turnaround time. Finally, the changes to knockback benefit [[Back Slash]], as opponents no longer turn around when hit from behind with a move that causes [[tumbling]], making the sweetspot safer to land.

In addition to lower landing lag and faster mobility, a few of Shulk's moves possess less ending lag, such as [[dash attack]] and [[neutral air]]. Combined, this grants Shulk a much more reliable approach, which was another weakness that plagued him in ''SSB4'' due to his moveset's slow speed and his trouble at landing. Aside from his [[Monado Arts]], Shulk's special moves have seen some buffs, with Back Slash now grabbing ledges after some time, [[Air Slash]] executing faster and grabbing edges faster, and [[Vision]] having larger hitboxes and less lag after a successful counter.

Shulk's nerfs were noticeable, however. Most notably, his previously heavy [[weight]] has been reduced, which coupled with his lack of options to relieve pressure makes him easier to KO, especially after a combo. His renowned [[back aerial]] has lost its large early body hitbox and has smaller hitboxes, now strictly mapping its range to behind Shulk himself and removing its situational usage for KOing in front of him. His grab game, already below average without Monado Arts active, is even less powerful, with Shulk's grabs having less range in addition to suffering from the universal nerfs to grabs, thus making them more punishable; moreover, all of his throws (except for up throw) deal less damage and knockback, with [[down throw]] no longer being the strongest in the game with Smash Art active, further necessitating an active Art for his throws to be useful.

Other nerfs include his very damaging [[neutral attack]], which deals much less damage and its first two hits range were reduced. In exchange for faster execution and larger hitboxes, a successful Vision's counterattack is less powerful and no longer [[unblockable]], and remains unreliable under multiple circumstances, like activating it while airborne or countering a projectile. While he mostly benefits from the game physics changes, a few of them also hurt Shulk, as the increased mobility makes it easier for opponents to pressure Shulk without his Arts active, and the reduced landing lag worsens his already poor out of shield game.

Shulk's defining [[Monado Arts]] have been altered significantly. They no longer take their damage multiplier into account for the opponent's final percentage, helping Speed preserve its knockback and further improving Smash's KO power. They also now perform more like [[Monado Arts|Hyper Monado Arts]] from ''SSB4'', with both their benefits and detriments being amplified: Jump has faster air mobility and further increases the distance of Air Slash, but further increases damage taken by Shulk; Speed offers much faster mobility, but further reduces damage; Shield improves his defense even more to the point he can survive [[smash attacks]] even past 200%, but his moves now deal less knockback alongside their lowered damage, and Shield's duration lowers significantly if he is hit; Buster's lower knockback multiplier now grants Shulk true throw combos (which compensates for the loss of Speed ones), but it also increases damage taken by Shulk; and Smash now buffs Shulk's KO potential to such an extent that he is easily capable of KOing opponents very early below 100%, but causes his endurance to be the absolute worst in the game. Shulk retains the ability to switch Monado Arts while in hitstun, which can allow him to disrupt or outright escape true combos and KO setups, and he can now instantly access them at any time by holding the special button and selecting an art instead of pressing it multiple times (though said feature is still present). However, all of his individual Arts last significantly shorter and have much longer cooldown times, which combined with their amplified drawbacks makes them riskier to use and more susceptible to counterplay. Finally, the multitude of [[advanced technique]]s that can be performed with Monado Arts have been altered significantly, with engine changes causing some to be completely removed (such as [[Monado_Arts#Buffered_deactivation|Buffered Deactivation]]), while introducing new ones ([[Monado_Arts#Dial_storage|Dial Storage]]).

As a result of these changes, Shulk's strengths and weaknesses are more defined, and his playstyle has been drastically altered to be more dynamic. It revolves less around taking advantage of Monado Arts at all times, now depending on using his improved kit to make use of his stronger, shorter-lasting Monado Art abilities when he is able to get an opening. His faster mobility, lower landing lag and the changes to dash-canceling now help him with approaching, but he has to be more careful with dealing with opposing pressure. He still has some of his most noticeable flaws from ''SSB4'', such as a poor approach, frame data, out of shield options and disadvantage (especially when Shield Art is on cooldown), and lack of options to deal with pressure. Regardless, Shulk's buffs outweigh the nerfs he has received, and he is a better character in ''Ultimate''.

{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Shulk}}

==Update history==

Shulk received a mix of buffs, glitch fixes and a single nerf via game updates. Update 2.0.0 enabled forward aerial to autocancel slightly earlier and decreased its edge lockout duration, the latter of which was also applied to up aerial. Update 3.0.0 increased the ranges of Shulk's floor and edge attacks, while update 3.1.0 did the same for neutral attack's second hit. Interestingly, update 8.0.0 granted Shulk a buff that was not mentioned in the official patch notes: aerial [[Vision]]'s [[counterattack]] now grants Shulk [[intangibility]] on frame 1.

Update 9.0.0 increased the knockback scaling of Vision's counterattack, which restored most of the strength it lost in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate''. The central hitbox of up smash's first hit gained more hitstun, which enables it to connect more reliably into the second hit. Lastly, the [[Monado Arts|Shield Art]]'s multiplier for knockback received was increased, which worsened its renowned durability and Shulk's disadvantage state.

 

Overall, Shulk fares similarly well as he did at the launch of ''Ultimate''.

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|1.1.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/1.1.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/2.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|4.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/4.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|8.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/8.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|9.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/9.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|11.0.0}}'''

{{UpdateList (SSBU)/11.0.0|char=Shulk}}

 

*Shulk's damage outputs and knockback can be manipulated by [[Monado Arts]]. The following moveset list details the properties of his attacks when he has no active Monado Arts.

*With the exception of neutral attack, up smash, throws, and getup attacks, all of Shulk's attacks that use the Monado have a sweetspot on the blade itself and a sourspot on the beam, much like {{SSBU|Roy}}'s reverse [[tipper]] mechanic. For simplicity, if for example, such an attack deals 10% damage with the blade and 9% with the beam, its damage output is listed as 10%/9%.

''For a gallery of Shulk's hitboxes, see [[Shulk (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''

 

{{MovesetTable

|game=SSBU

|neutralname=Straight ({{ja|ストレート|Sutorēto}}) / Side Kick ({{ja|サイドキック|Saido Kikku}}) / Upper Swing ({{ja|アッパースイング|Appā Suingu}})

|neutral3dmg=5% (clean), 4.2% (late)

|neutraldesc=A jab, followed by a roundhouse kick, followed by an upward slash. It connects much more consistently than it did in ''SSB4'', and the first two hits can now [[lock]], though its slim hitbox makes this difficult on most prone characters. It also has very low range compared to his other moves, but is very fast in comparison to them (frame 5). Its second hit resembles {{s|xenoserieswiki|Tempest Kick}}, one of [[Dunban]]'s ether Arts.

|ftiltname=Side Swing ({{ja|サイドスイング|Saido Suingu}})

|ftiltdesc=An inward slash. Its impressive damage output and high knockback growth make it powerful for a tilt attack. While near the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}}, its blade hitbox KOs at roughly 97%. It also deals high shield damage when Buster is active. However, its range is shorter than Shulk's other moves, its narrow hitbox allows smaller characters to crouch under it, and it has high ending lag. It is almost identical to one of Shulk's [[xenoserieswiki:Auto-attack (XC1)|auto-attacks]].

|utiltname=Hop Swing ({{ja|ホップスイング|Hoppu Suingu}})

|utiltdmg=10% (clean), 10%/9% (late)

|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing slash. It has a wide hitbox and incredible range for a tilt attack, being able to almost reach the top platform of {{SSBU|Battlefield}}, while having relatively low ending lag for its range. As a result, it is a useful move overall and can function as an anti-air attack, limit edge get-up options, pressure shields, or trap landings. Without Arts, it can function as a situational KOing option thanks to its high knockback growth, KOing grounded opponents at 160% without rage. With the Buster Art, it is able to quickly rack up damage against opponents on platforms, and with the Smash Art it functions as one of Shulk's strongest KO moves, KOing within the 105% range. However, it only hits in front of Shulk at its beginning, and has moderate start-up and ending lag.

|dtiltname=Low Cutter ({{ja|ローカッター|Rō Kattā}})

|dtiltdmg=9.5%/7.5%

|dtiltdesc=A kneeling inward slash. Moderately slow for a tilt attack, but it has good range and the lowest amount of ending lag out of his tilts. As a result, it is a good combo starter while Jump, Speed, or Buster are active. Unlike in ''Smash 4'', the hitbox now covers the end of the beam blade. When spaced correctly, it is also able to hit edge-hanging opponents once their invincibility ends.

|dashname=Dash Slash ({{ja|ダッシュスラッシュ|Dasshu Surasshu}})

|dashdesc=An inward slash. Somewhat short-ranged despite Shulk dashing forwards during the move. It has decent damage output and can function as a situational KOing option. While near the edge of Final Destination, it KOs middleweights at around 160%. However, it has high ending lag (28 frames). With the Speed Art, it becomes a more effective burst option with more horizontal range thanks to Shulk lunging further forward, but the Shield Art instead reduces his burst range during the move. It is almost identical to [[xenoserieswiki:Stream Edge (XC1)|Stream Edge]], one of Shulk's Break-inducing Arts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

However, many players contested Shulk's placement on the first tier list, in part due to his top-level representation remaining small for a top-tier. Further hurting Shulk's reputation was a noticeable hit in representation after the release of the first tier list, as his best players became less consistent and active, leading his representation to slip below the top 40 by the end of 2023. This inconsistency was most apparent with Kome, who, despite always being somewhat inconsistent before 2023, became even more volatile: he would have strong peaks such as placing 3rd at {{Trn|Wave 4}}, but would also have some poor lows, including placing 65th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 12}}. As such, Shulk slipped six spots to 25th on the second tier list, now ranking in the A- tier.

Shulk's opponents represent one of the [[Monado Arts]] and are fought in the cycling order of each Art in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. The penultimate battle against {{SSBU|Mega Man}} continues the theme by having Mega Man represent [[xenoserieswiki:Monado Enchant (XC1)|Monado Enchant]] from ''Xenoblade Chronicles'' (represented by the kanji for "Machine"), which references that Art's ability of allowing Shulk's party to damage {{s|xenoserieswiki|Mechon}} with conventional weapons.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|1||{{CharHead|Falco|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Lylat Cruise]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Space Armada}}''||Represents Monado Jump.

|2||{{CharHead|Sonic|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Windy Hill Zone]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Windy Hill - Zone 1}}''||Represents [[xenoserieswiki:Monado Speed (XC1)|Monado Speed]].

|3||Giant {{CharHead|King K. Rool|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Crocodile Cacophony}}''||Represents [[xenoserieswiki:Monado Shield (XC1)|Monado Shield]].

|4||{{CharHead|Cloud|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Midgar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Final Fantasy|Let the Battles Begin!}}''||Represents [[xenoserieswiki:Monado Buster (XC1)|Monado Buster]]. It is also a reference to the name of Cloud's signature weapon, the Buster Sword.

|5||{{CharHead|Little Mac|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Boxing Ring]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|World Circuit Theme}}''||Represents Monado Smash.

|6||{{CharHead|Mega Man|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Wily Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Mega Man|Metal Man Stage}}''||Represents [[xenoserieswiki:Monado Enchant (XC1)|Monado Enchant]].

|colspan="5"|[[Bonus Stage]]

|Final||{{SSBU|Master Hand}}||{{SSBU|Final Destination}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand}}'' <small>(Less than 7.0 intensity)</small><br>''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Master Hand / Crazy Hand}}'' <small>(Intensity 7.0 or higher)</small>||On intensity 7.0 and higher, {{SSBU|Crazy Hand}} fights alongside Master Hand.

During the opening cutscene, Shulk is briefly seen on the cliffside when Galeem unleashed his beams of light. After the Master Hands begin turning into energy for [[Galeem]] to absorb, Shulk experiences a {{s|xenoserieswiki|vision}} where all of the fighters are captured and the universe is consumed by light at the hands of Galeem. Shulk turns back attempting to warn his comrades, but before he can tell the other fighters what he foresaw, his vision comes true when Galeem unleashes a shower of light that vaporizes Shulk off-screen and imprisons him with the rest of the fighters except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}.

 

 

 

 

 

 

{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"

|colspan=8|[[File:Shulk Palette (SSBU).png|link=Alternate costume (SSBU)#Shulk|1000px]]

SSBUWebsiteShulk2.jpg|Activating the Smash Art on {{SSBU|Battlefield}}.

SSBUWebsiteShulk3.jpg|Fighting {{SSBU|Samus}} on [[Gaur Plain]].

SSBUWebsiteLucina3.jpg|Getting attacked by {{SSBU|Lucina}} on [[Temple]].

SSBUWebsite11.jpg|Activating the Buster Art on Battlefield.

===Fighter Showcase Video===

{{#widget:YouTube|id=XWeR6XmzZyI}}

*Shulk's pose in his official artwork resembles the pose he assumes when selecting Monado Arts from the move's menu.

*Shulk's artwork was one of the three that have been updated on the official site, alongside {{SSBU|Falco}} and {{SSBU|Palutena}}. In his case, the lighting on his hair and face has been modified, making his features appear less flat.

*In the Gourmet Race section of the [[World of Light]], a visual glitch occurs when the "New Record!" announcement appears. After it shows, Shulk will run with the Monado in hand until he performs another action.

**Specifically, he appears in the Mecha-[[Fiora]], [[Pyra]], [[Mythra]], and {{s|xenoserieswiki|Pneuma}} spirit battles.

{{Xenoblade Chronicles universe}}

[[Category:Shulk (SSBU)| ]]

[[es:Shulk (SSBU)]]