Editing Snake (SSBU)

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Snake inherits several flaws that were endemic to him in ''Brawl''. His main issue is his recovery; despite the high distance [[Cypher]] provides, it remains predictable and easy to intercept, which is now made worse by it being able to be destroyed, and his slow-acting air speed makes him susceptible to gimping, despite the benefits of the game's air dodge mechanics. While he has several tools like [[C4]] to refresh his recovery and grenades to break out of combos, he's often forced to self-inflict damage just to recover or reset into neutral, which combined with his susceptibility to combos, trouble landing, and the inability to tech at very high percentages, gives him a very poor disadvantage state. Although several of his attacks having fast startup, many of his moves have notable [[end lag]], which can leave him vulnerable on block. The removal of [[DACUS]], of which he was previously one of its most proficient users, has also limited his mobility options to an extent. Additionally, due to his explosives being able to be absorbed, this can give him trouble against characters with [[absorption]] based moves. Finally, Snake's KO options are all fairly predictable. Since many of his kill moves like smash attacks are slow acting, he's often times limited to attacks like up tilt that are easy to anticipate, since many of his KO setups are a lot more circumstantial.
Snake inherits several flaws that were endemic to him in ''Brawl''. His main issue is his recovery; despite the high distance [[Cypher]] provides, it remains predictable and easy to intercept, which is now made worse by it being able to be destroyed, and his slow-acting air speed makes him susceptible to gimping, despite the benefits of the game's air dodge mechanics. While he has several tools like [[C4]] to refresh his recovery and grenades to break out of combos, he's often forced to self-inflict damage just to recover or reset into neutral, which combined with his susceptibility to combos, trouble landing, and the inability to tech at very high percentages, gives him a very poor disadvantage state. Although several of his attacks having fast startup, many of his moves have notable [[end lag]], which can leave him vulnerable on block. The removal of [[DACUS]], of which he was previously one of its most proficient users, has also limited his mobility options to an extent. Additionally, due to his explosives being able to be absorbed, this can give him trouble against characters with [[absorption]] based moves. Finally, Snake's KO options are all fairly predictable. Since many of his kill moves like smash attacks are slow acting, he's often times limited to attacks like up tilt that are easy to anticipate, since many of his KO setups are a lot more circumstantial.


Nonetheless, his pros greatly outweigh his cons. Since the release of the game, Snake has consistently been one of the most popular characters in competitive play, with many players representing him throughout the years, most notably {{Sm|Hurt}}, {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, and {{Sm|MVD}}.
Nonetheless, his pros greatly outweigh his cons. Since the release of the game, Snake has consistently been one of the most popular characters in competitive play, with multiple top results posted by players such as {{Sm|Hurt}}, {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, and {{Sm|DIO}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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Snake also has a notoriously poor disadvantage state. As a heavy character he is still vulnerable to combo strings and juggling. Grenade somewhat mitigates this issue as it can be used as a frame one combo breaking tool. However, this tactic does have downsides. If the grenade activates, Snake will receive damage and knockback. At higher percents, he may end up at a greater disadvantage or possibly lose a stock. Some characters can also hit Snake without ever triggering the grenade. Carelessly thrown grenades can also be used by opponents, who will often have better follow-ups at their disposal than Snake. Despite the various uses of his C4, it automatically detonates after a certain period of time, which can damage Snake or even KO him if the player carelessly activates it or loses track of its detonation time frame. Finally, some of Snake's aerial moves  can be punished due to their noticeable landing lag if they fail to hit an opponent.
Snake also has a notoriously poor disadvantage state. As a heavy character he is still vulnerable to combo strings and juggling. Grenade somewhat mitigates this issue as it can be used as a frame one combo breaking tool. However, this tactic does have downsides. If the grenade activates, Snake will receive damage and knockback. At higher percents, he may end up at a greater disadvantage or possibly lose a stock. Some characters can also hit Snake without ever triggering the grenade. Carelessly thrown grenades can also be used by opponents, who will often have better follow-ups at their disposal than Snake. Despite the various uses of his C4, it automatically detonates after a certain period of time, which can damage Snake or even KO him if the player carelessly activates it or loses track of its detonation time frame. Finally, some of Snake's aerial moves  can be punished due to their noticeable landing lag if they fail to hit an opponent.


Snake can also struggle to kill. His two most reliable killing options (up tilt and down throw) can be rather predictable at times. This is especially true for down throw. High level players know that reaching 159% means a 100% guaranteed death to Snake's next grab. Though Nikita missiles are strong for edgeguarding, many characters have a variety of options to deal with Nikita. This issue can be partially mitigated by shield canceling it after the missile gets hit to activate a secondary hitbox. However, this tactic significantly reduces the damage and knockback of the Missile.
Snake can also struggle to kill. Snake's two most reliable killing options (up tilt and down throw) can be rather predictable at times. This is especially true for down throw. High level players know that reaching 159% means a 100% guaranteed death to Snake's next grab. Though Nikita missiles are strong for edgeguarding, many characters have a variety of options to deal with Nikita. This issue can be partially mitigated by shield canceling it after the missile gets hit to activate a secondary hitbox. However, this tactic significantly reduces the damage and knockback of the Missile.


Overall, Snake is a zoning and stage-trapping oriented character with versatile specials and projectiles for forcing the opponent to move into a disadvantageous position. However, this doesn't necessarily mean he is required to stay at a distance to be most effective. He possesses several fast and  strong melee attacks, which can easily rack up damage, and keep the opponent off of him. Throughout the first year of ''Ultimate'', Snake achieved impressive results from players such as {{Sm|Ally}} and {{Sm|MVD}}. However, after Ally was banned from events, Snake's results have gotten slightly worse, but he nonetheless has top level representatives such as {{Sm|Hurt}}, {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, {{Sm|MVD}} and {{Sm|DIO}}.
Overall, Snake is a zoning and stage-trapping oriented character with versatile specials and projectiles for forcing the opponent to move into a disadvantageous position. However, this doesn't necessarily mean he is required to stay at a distance to be most effective. He possesses several fast and  strong melee attacks, which can easily rack up damage, and keep the opponent off of him. Throughout the first year of ''Ultimate'', Snake achieved impressive results thanks to players such as {{Sm|Ally}} and {{Sm|MVD}}. However, after Ally was banned from events, Snake's results have gotten slightly worse, but he nonetheless has top level representatives such as {{Sm|Hurt}}, {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, {{Sm|MVD}} and {{Sm|DIO}}.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
In ''Brawl'', Snake was considered among the best characters in the game (placed 6th out of 38 characters) thanks to his extreme damage output and knockback, huge disjointed hitboxes, excellent endurance due to a combination of very high weight and great momentum canceling, an excellent projectile and zoning game with his explosives, and a chain grab with his down throw which he could tech-chase. Possibly owing to his extreme success, Snake received a large mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to ''Ultimate''; when it comes to direct changes, Snake has seen some significant nerfs to his power and disproportionately large hitboxes, but he greatly benefits from the universal changes, along with having received buffs to his projectiles. All in all, it's difficult to determine whether Snake was buffed or nerfed overall.
In ''Brawl'', Snake was considered among the best characters in the game (placed 6th out of 38 characters) thanks to his extreme damage output and knockback, huge disjointed hitboxes, excellent endurance due to a combination of very high weight and great momentum canceling, an excellent projectile and zoning game with his explosives, and a chain grab with his down throw which he could tech-chase. Possibly owing to his extreme success, Snake received a large mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition to ''Ultimate''; when it comes to direct changes, Snake has seen some significant nerfs to power and his disproportionately large hitboxes, but he greatly benefits from the universal changes, along with having received buffs to his projectiles. All in all, it's difficult to determine whether Snake was buffed or nerfed overall.


Directly, Snake has suffered from several critical nerfs to his moveset. His damage output and KO power from ''Brawl'' have been largely toned down, as his [[neutral attack]], [[forward tilt|forward]] and [[down tilt]]s, [[dash attack]], [[forward smash]], and all of his [[aerial attack]]s deal less damage, knockback, or both; this substantially weakens his damage racking ability and KO potential, putting them more in-line with the rest of the cast despite remaining above average. While he still possesses large disjoints in his attacks, Snake's [[range]] has been significantly neutered, as the infamously large hitboxes on his attacks are now much smaller or have been completely removed; his infamous [[up tilt]], in particular, has had its range drastically reduced. All of his moves' explosions can now be [[absorb]]ed, worsening his matchups against characters with  absorption based moves such as {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Lucas}}, and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}. Most notably, Snake's [[down smash]] no longer involves him placing a landmine, removing one of his main tools for stage control (although it remains deceptively strong) in lieu of a more traditional punish tool. Snake's [[weight]] is also noticeably lighter, now being a heavyweight character instead of a super heavyweight, which is exasperated by the fact that most super heavyweight fighters have had their weight significantly increased from ''Brawl'', while his [[Cypher]] can now be destroyed by opponents if their attack is powerful enough.
Directly, Snake has suffered from several critical nerfs to his moveset. His damage output and KO power from ''Brawl'' have been largely toned down, as his [[neutral attack]], [[forward tilt|forward]] and [[down tilt]]s, [[dash attack]], [[forward smash]], and all of his [[aerial attack]]s deal less damage, knockback, or both; this substantially weakens his damage racking ability and KO potential, putting them more in-line with the rest of the cast despite remaining above average. While he still possesses large disjoints in his attacks, Snake's [[range]] has been significantly neutered, as the infamously large hitboxes on his attacks are now much smaller or have been completely removed; his infamous [[up tilt]], in particular, has had its range drastically reduced. All of his moves' explosions can now be [[absorb]]ed, worsening his matchups against characters with  absorption based moves such as {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Lucas}}, and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}. Most notably, Snake's [[down smash]] no longer involves him placing a landmine, removing one of his main tools for stage control (although it remains deceptively strong) in lieu of a more traditional punish tool. Snake's [[weight]] is also much lighter, now being a heavyweight character instead of a super heavyweight, while his [[Cypher]] can now be destroyed by opponents if their attack is powerful enough.


Some of the indirect changes have also been very detrimental for Snake. The removal of [[chain grab|chain grabbing]] and [[dash attack canceled up smash|DACUS]] have altered Snake's playstyle: the former hinders his [[down throw]]'s damage racking and [[tech chase]] potential (further compounded by its reduced damage), while the latter eliminates one of his best approaching options. The removal of [[hitstun canceling]] now makes Snake much more susceptible to combos, which is especially gruesome considering most of the cast has access to them in one way or another. Lastly, the neutering of [[momentum canceling]], as well as Snake's reduced weight and Cypher's vulnerability to being destroyed, has dramatically watered down his survivability, which is further exacerbated by the changes to [[tech]]ing, as this hinders his bomb recovery by making techs impossible to perform at high enough percents. Altogether, the two latter changes make Snake's disadvantage widely inferior to his appearance in ''Brawl''.
Some of the indirect changes have also been very detrimental for Snake. The removal of [[chain grab|chain grabbing]] and [[dash attack canceled up smash|DACUS]] have altered Snake's playstyle: the former hinders his [[down throw]]'s damage racking and [[tech chase]] potential (further compounded by its reduced damage), while the latter eliminates one of his best approaching options. The removal of [[hitstun canceling]] now makes Snake much more susceptible to combos, which is especially gruesome considering most of the cast has access to them in one way or another. Lastly, the neutering of [[momentum canceling]], as well as Snake's reduced weight and Cypher's vulnerability to being destroyed, has dramatically watered down his survivability, which is further exacerbated by the changes to [[tech]]ing, as this hinders his bomb recovery by making techs impossible to perform at high enough percents. Altogether, the two latter changes make Snake's disadvantage widely inferior to his appearance in ''Brawl''.
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|dairdesc=Snake launches four subsequent stomps below himself. A very fast and powerful damage-racking out-of-shield option, as it has the fastest startup of any down aerial in the series, coming out at frame 3, and like Snake's other aerials and several other attacks, the first three stomps are disjointed, with hitboxes that reach under his legs. The third and fourth kicks add vertical speed, allowing Snake to slow his fall and autocancel the move from a short hop. Oddly, shortly after the first kick, Snake is pushed downwards slightly.
|dairdesc=Snake launches four subsequent stomps below himself. A very fast and powerful damage-racking out-of-shield option, as it has the fastest startup of any down aerial in the series, coming out at frame 3, and like Snake's other aerials and several other attacks, the first three stomps are disjointed, with hitboxes that reach under his legs. The third and fourth kicks add vertical speed, allowing Snake to slow his fall and autocancel the move from a short hop. Oddly, shortly after the first kick, Snake is pushed downwards slightly.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches in front of himself with both of his arms, grabbing and holding his opponent in a restraining chokehold. The grabbing position itself is unique to Snake. Has great range for a non-tether grab, although it is rather slow for one as a trade-off, starting on frame 8. However, since he kneels down and leans forward to grab the opponent, he can be hit by an attack that wouldn't hit him normally. Based on the maneuver available in every ''Metal Gear Solid'' title.
|grabdesc=Reaches in front of himself with both of his arms, grabbing and holding his opponent in a restraining chokehold. The grabbing position itself is unique to Snake. Has decent range for a non-tether grab, although it is rather slow for one as a trade-off, starting on frame 8. However, since he kneels down and leans forward to grab the opponent, he can be hit by an attack that wouldn't hit him normally. Based on a similar maneuver from the ''Metal Gear Solid'' games.
|pummelname=Strangle ({{ja|締め付け|Shimetsuke}})
|pummelname=Strangle ({{ja|締め付け|Shimetsuke}})
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=Tightens his chokehold. Average power and speed. Repeated pummeling is texturally similar to mashing the grab button to choke out or snap the neck of restrained opponents in multiple ''MGS'' games.
|pummeldesc=Tightens his chokehold.
|fthrowname=Throw Down ({{ja|投げ倒し|Nage Taoshi}})
|fthrowname=Throw Down ({{ja|投げ倒し|Nage Taoshi}})
|fthrowdmg=9%
|fthrowdmg=9%
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|bthrowname=Pull Down ({{ja|引き倒し|Hiki Taoshi}})
|bthrowname=Pull Down ({{ja|引き倒し|Hiki Taoshi}})
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdmg=9%
|bthrowdesc=Snake performs a sasae tsurikomi ashi,{{ref|a}} shifting the restrained opponent towards him, trips them with a sweep of his leg, and flips them over, slamming them on the ground behind him. It has very low ending lag, allowing it to combo into dash attack at low percentages, and into an attached C4 as a kill confirm at around 90%. It can also KO middleweights by itself at around 148%. Resembles his primary throw from ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2''.
|bthrowdesc=Snake performs a sasae tsurikomi ashi{{ref|a}}, shifting the restrained opponent towards him, trips them with a sweep of his leg, and flips them over, slamming them on the ground behind him. It has very low ending lag, allowing it to combo into dash attack at low percentages, and into an attached C4 as a kill confirm at around 90%. It can also KO middleweights by itself at around 148%. Resembles his primary throw from ''Metal Gear Solid'' and ''Metal Gear Solid 2''.
|uthrowname=Body Drop ({{ja|体落とし|Tai Otoshi}})
|uthrowname=Body Drop ({{ja|体落とし|Tai Otoshi}})
|uthrowdmg=7% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|uthrowdmg=7% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
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|dthrowname=Silent Takedown ({{ja|拘束解放|Kōsoku Kaihō}}, ''Restrainment Release'')
|dthrowname=Silent Takedown ({{ja|拘束解放|Kōsoku Kaihō}}, ''Restrainment Release'')
|dthrowdmg=9%
|dthrowdmg=9%
|dthrowdesc=Lays the opponent flat on the floor, putting them in a downed status. How soon an opponent can act depends on their damage. At high percents, it gives Snake guaranteed follow-up options, with the most reliable one being up tilt starting at 160%. Resembles a similar maneuver from the series, where Snake can release neutralized enemies after dragging them around.
|dthrowdesc=Lays the opponent on the floor, putting the opponent into a downed status. How soon an opponent can act depends on their damage. At high percents, it gives Snake guaranteed follow-up options, with the most reliable one being up tilt starting at 160%. It resembles a similar CQC maneuver from the ''Metal Gear Solid'' series, in which Snake rendered enemies unconscious by suffocating them.
|floorfname= 
|floorfname= 
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdmg=7%
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===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
*Snake's stealth camouflage disengages to reveal himself to his opponent(s). Snake then says "Kept you waiting, huh?" upon appearing. Taken from the beginning of the Tanker chapter in ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty''.
*Snake's stealth camouflage disengages to reveal himself to his opponent(s). Snake then announces "Kept you waiting, huh?" upon appearing. Taken from the beginning of the Tanker chapter in ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty''.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SnakeOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Snake's on-screen appearance
SnakeOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Snake's on-screen appearance
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===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''All taunts''': Puts a [[Cardboard Box|cardboard box]] over himself, which is removable. All three of his taunts are variations of this, though with slight differences in {{rollover|animation|the "Up" variation has Snake pull out the box from his left side; the "Side" variation has Snake sit down and pull the box over himself; the "Down" variation has Snake kneel down and pull over the box from in front of himself|?}} and cancelability. When he removes it, any nearby enemies will receive damage.  
*'''All taunts''': Puts a [[Cardboard Box|cardboard box]] over himself, which is removable. All three of his taunts are variations of this, though with slight differences in {{rollover|animation|the "Up" variation has Snake pull out the box from his left side; the "Side" variation has Snake sit down and pull the box over himself; the "Down" variation has Snake kneel down and pull over the box from in front of himself|?}} and cancelability. When he removes it, any nearby enemies will receive damage.  
**'''[[Smash Taunt]]''': Snake uses the [[Codec Conversations|codec]] to contact his support team - [[Colonel Roy Campbell|Colonel Campbell]], [[Otacon]] and [[Mei Ling]] (or [[Slippy Toad|Slippy]] when in a match against {{SSBU|Falco}}) - for information on his opponent; if there are multiple fighters, the game will randomly choose one. This is only possible on Snake's home stage, [[Shadow Moses Island]], and only applicable to characters playable in ''Brawl'', as it reuses the same voice lines, and thus also excludes {{SSBU|Ike}} when in his older ''Radiant Dawn'' costume. Snake will take a knee for a few seconds, then the codec will briefly dial and the call will begin. Snake can be hit during the call without interruption, but it will end if he is KO'd, which, in a nod to the ''Metal Gear Solid'' game over sequence, causes the character he was talking with to shout his name in dismay.
**'''[[Smash Taunt]]''': Kneels down and contacts his support team - [[Colonel Roy Campbell]], [[Otacon]], and [[Mei Ling]], and even [[Slippy Toad|Slippy Toad]] (only when in a match with {{SSBU|Falco}}) - via his [[codec]]. This is possible only on Snake's home stage, [[Shadow Moses Island]], can only be done on characters that were playable in ''Brawl'', cannot be done on {{SSBU|Ike}}'s Radiant Dawn costume, and is performed by inputting the down taunt command extremely quickly. Snake will hold a pose for a few seconds, then a conversation between Snake and his support team will begin. This can only be done once each round and if the player is hit while Snake is holding his pose before the conversation starts, it is canceled. However, the player can be hit while the conversation is going, though the conversation ends if Snake is KO'd, which, in a nod to the ''Metal Gear Solid'' game over screens, causes the character Snake was talking with to shout ''"SNAAAAAAAAKE!!"''. It can be done with any number of other players on the screen; if there is more than one opponent, the game will randomly choose one to talk about.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUSnakeTaunt1.gif|Snake's up taunt.
SSBUSnakeTaunt1.gif|Snake's up taunt.
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===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
*'''Left:''' Does a spin kick and sidekick, finishing in an open-hand battle stance, while saying "Not even close!" ("{{ja|まだまだだな。|Mada mada da na.}}", ''Not yet.''). The pose is a reference to when "Old" Snake fights Liquid Ocelot at the end of ''Metal Gear Solid 4'' using CQC, a fighting style only explicitly used by [[Big Boss]] in prior games.
*'''Left:''' Does a spin kick, a sidekick, and then finishes in a CQC stance, all while saying "Not even close!" ("{{ja|まだまだだな。|Mada mada da na.}}", ''Not yet.''). The pose is a reference to the end of ''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'' when Old Snake fights Liquid Ocelot.
*'''Up:''' Uses the codec in a crouching position, reporting "Colonel, mission accomplished." ("{{ja|大佐、任務完了だ。|Taisa, ninmu kanryōda.}}", ''Colonel, mission accomplished.'').
*'''Up:''' Seen in a crouching position from the side, saying "Colonel, mission accomplished." ("{{ja|大佐、任務完了だ。|Taisa, ninmu kanryōda.}}", ''Colonel, mission accomplished.'') into his codec.
*'''Right:''' Crawls forward, then dive rolls into a crouch, saying into his codec "This is Snake. I'm done here." ("{{ja|こちらスネーク、これより帰還する。|Kochira Sunēku, kore yori kikan suru.}}", ''This is Snake, returning from here.'').
*'''Right:''' Crawls forward a step and rolls into a crouching position, saying into his codec "This is Snake. I'm done here." ("{{ja|こちらスネーク、これより帰還する。|Kochira Sunēku, kore yori kikan suru.}}", ''This is Snake, returning from here.'').
[[File:SnakeTheme.ogg|thumb|An excerpt from the main theme of ''Metal Gear Solid''. It is used twice in the original game: a climactic version during a Game Over, and a triumphant version when a VR Mission is completed.]]
[[File:SnakeTheme.ogg|thumb|A small excerpt of the main theme of ''Metal Gear Solid''. In the game, this excerpt is used twice: when VR Training is completed, and when [[Solid Snake]] is caught and the player earns a Game Over.]]
<gallery>
<gallery>
SnakeVictoryPose1SSBU.gif
SnakeVictoryPose1SSBU.gif
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''See also: [[:Category:Snake players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Snake players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|Ally|Canada}} - The best Snake player in the early metagame, spearheading Snake's metagame by winning {{Trn|Pound 2019}}, the only supermajor ever won by a Snake player, and placing 3rd at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} and {{Trn|CEO 2019}}. He was banned from most events after the spring season due to his conduct, though he continued to compete in select tournament series in his region. His achievements remained unmatched until Hurt's rise in late 2023, and as such, he is considered one of the greatest Snake players of all-time in spite of his short tenure in the game and controversial legacy.
*{{Sm|Ally|Canada}} - The best Snake player in the world during the early metagame and was the first Snake player to win a major, doing so at {{Trn|Pound 2019}}. However, following some controversy, he has been mostly inactive.
*{{Sm|AlanDiss|Mexico}} - One of the best Snake players in North America, although he has never competed outside of Mexico. Initially known for his performances in the online metagame, AlanDiss established himself as one of Mexico's strongest hidden bosses after achieving a string of strong performances, frequently placing in the top 3 at Mexican superregionals and defeating foreign invaders, including {{Sm|Glutonny}} at {{Trn|Delfino Maza RETA 2022}} and both {{Sm|Zomba}} and {{Sm|MuteAce}} at {{Trn|Smash Factor X}}, ultimately placing 9th at the latter event. He also regularly trades sets with {{Sm|Sparg0}} at ranked events, though their overall record remains in Sparg0's favor.
*{{Sm|AlanDiss|Mexico}} - One of the best Snake players in North America in the post-online metagame, and is also a top 10 player in Mexico during that period. He has placed top 24 at every post-online major he has attended, including 9th at both the supermajor {{Trn|Smash Factor X}} and the major {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}.
*{{Sm|ApolloKage|USA}} - One of the best Snake players in North America in the post-[[COVID-19 pandemic]] metagame, and the overall best Snake player in the world in 2022, known throughout the community for his positive attitude in competition. He was first known for placing 13th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} after defeating {{Sm|ESAM}}, a player proficient in the Snake matchup due to his experience with MVD. ApolloKage has since placed top 8 at several majors, including 5th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} and {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}}, and has won several other large events, including {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2022}} and the {{Trn|Watch The Throne}} qualifier {{Trn|GENESIS: BLACK at Guildhouse}}.
*{{Sm|ApolloKage|USA}} - One of the best Snake players in the world in the post-online metagame, placing top 8 at several majors including 5th at the supermajors {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}} and {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}}. His highest ranking is 20th on the [[UltRank 2022]].
*{{Sm|DIO|Japan}} - The second-best Snake player in Japan, with several top 8 performances at majors from the early metagame to 2023, which includes finishing 4th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}} and 7th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 5}}. His performances in the first half of 2023 were especially noteworthy, as he placed 7th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}} and {{Trn|UltCore}}, in addition to a win over {{Sm|Riddles}} at {{Trn|Kagaribi 10}}. These performances placed him in contention for the best Snake player in the world during this time, although he eventually fell out of contention following Hurt's rise in the second half of the year.
*{{Sm|DIO|Japan}} - One of the best Snake players in the post-online metagame, placing top 8 at several majors including 4th at the supermajor {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}} and 7th at the supermajor {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}}. His highest ranking is 27th on the [[LumiRank Mid-Year 2023]].
*{{Sm|Hurt|Japan}} - Widely considered the greatest Snake player of all-time. Though active prior, he rose substantially throughout 2023, winning a slew of superregionals and placing 2nd at {{Trn|DELTA 5}}, before eventually becoming one of the best players in the world in first half of 2024 after winning {{Trn|Battle of BC 6}}, {{Trn|Sumabato SP 48}}, and {{Trn|UltCore Third}}, becoming the only Snake player with more than one major win. In addition to his meteoric rise, he is known for being one of {{Sm|acola}}'s toughest opponents.
*{{Sm|Hurt|Japan}} - Began seriously competing offline in 2023 and has since established himself as the best Snake main in the post-online metagame, most notably winning {{Trn|Battle of BC 6}}, becoming the second Snake player to win a major. He has also won a multitude of other events, including the superregionals {{Trn|KOWLOON 6}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13.5 "U-22"}}.
*{{Sm|Mr.R|Netherlands}} - Although better known for being one of the greatest {{SSBU|Chrom}} players of all-time, he prominently used Snake  throughout the early metagame, and was considered the best Snake player from Europe. Whilst using Snake, he is best known for defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Pound 2019}}, where he used Snake to win the final two games. In addition, he used Snake in several noteworthy sets to place 5th at both {{Trn|Albion 4}}, {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}}, and {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}}. He eventually dropped Snake in the post-pandemic metagame.
*{{Sm|Mr.R|Netherlands}} - Although more known for his {{SSBU|Chrom}} in the early metagame, he was also considered the best Snake player in Europe at the time. He notably used Snake to defeat {{Sm|MkLeo}} and place 9th at the supermajor {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, and has also placed 5th at both the majors {{Trn|Albion 4}} and {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}} with Snake.
*{{Sm|MVD|USA}} - One of the best Snake players from North America, being an active threat at the highest level since the beginning after winning {{Trn|Don't Park on the Grass 2018}}, the first large ''Ultimate'' event. He went on to place highly at several majors throughout the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]] season, including 5th at {{Trn|Albion 4}} and 7th at both {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} and {{Trn|Pound 2019}}. Though he saw a decline in the rest of the early metagame, he saw a resurgence in 2021 by placing 4th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} and 5th at {{Trn|CEO 2021}}, becoming the best Snake player in the world for that year. He was eventually dethroned by other Snake players, but has nevertheless seen many noteworthy performances since then, including placing 7th at {{Trn|Don't Park on the Grass 2024}}.
*{{Sm|MVD|USA}} - One of the most prominent Snake players in ''Ultimate'', and was considered the best Snake player in the world in 2021, ranking 20th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]]. He has placed top 8 at several majors, including 4th at the major {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} and 5th at the supermajor {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}.
*{{Sm|Salem|USA}} - Known for playing a variety of characters in the early metagame, but by far used Snake the most, and was considered one of the best Snake players in the early metagame. He is best known for defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} to finish 5th at {{Trn|Pound 2019}}, and has also notably placed 7th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}} and {{Trn|Mainstage}} with predominantly Snake. He eventually dropped Snake in the online metagame before being banned from competing online following controversy, and he has remained inactive since.
*{{Sm|Salem|USA}} - He was known for playing a variety of characters, with his most prominent character being Snake. He was considered one of the best Snake players in the world in the early metagame, with his highest global ranking being 17th on the [[OrionRank 2019]], and notably defeated {{Sm|MkLeo}} at the supermajor {{Trn|Pound 2019}} to finish 5th. However, following controversies, he has since been banned from several tournaments, and has effectively retired.
*{{Sm|ScAtt|USA}} - One of the best Snake players in North America in the early metagame, co-maining the character alongside {{SSBU|Mega Man}}. Though less active on a global scale compared to other Snake players during this time, he has seen several noteworthy performances, including placing 9th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} and {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, using Snake more often in the latter event. His activity declined in the post-pandemic metagame, and he only appears in events in [[Georgia]], though he predominantly plays Snake at these events.
*{{Sm|ScAtt|USA}} - Co-mains Snake with {{SSBU|Mega Man}}, ranking 40th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]] with both characters. He used Snake to place 9th at the supermajors {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} and {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. His activity has since declined, and he has mostly been participating in events in his region.
*{{Sm|Shogun|Japan}} - One of the best Snake players in the second half of the early metagame, countering inconsistent results with incredible peaks such as placing 9th at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} and {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}}, as well as 17th at both {{Trn|EVO 2019}} and {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}}, the latter two being some of the largest events of the entire early metagame, in addition to strong superregional performances such as 7th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 9}} and {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 1}}. He remained a notable Snake player in Japan for the rest of his tournament career, placing 9th at {{Trn|Wave 2}} and {{Trn|Seibugeki 13}}, and retired in 2023.
*{{Sm|Shogun|Japan}} - Although inconsistent throughout his career, he was the best Snake player in the world from mid-2019 until the start of the online metagame, placing 9th at the major {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} and 17th at the supermajors {{Trn|EVO 2019}} and {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} during this time. He retired from competitive play in 2023.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
In the early metagame, Snake was an incredibly popular character. His multiple strengths, including a frame 1 option to break combos, great edgeguarding tools, and guaranteed kill setups at higher percents, enabled mains to develop a vibrant metagame. These strengths gave Snake one of the highest representations in the metagame: he placed 2nd in representation for the first half of 2019,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJs-mj5TTdkmkl7nhj4twJymVPTLTUdT0MBToL1cxDs/edit#gid=0|title=OrionRank 2019 mid-year character score}}</ref> while he was one of the most common characters used by power ranked players in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/LoopBarnard/status/1252705963557208064|title={{Sm|Barnard's Loop}}'s PR data}}</ref> The high reception to Snake was backed up by strong major results coming from players such as {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|MVD}}, and {{Sm|Salem}}. This overwhelmingly positive reception led many players to consider Snake as one of the best characters in the game.
In the early metagame, Snake was an incredibly popular character. The character's multiple strengths, including a frame 1 option to break combos, great edgeguarding tools, and guaranteed kill setups at higher percents, enabled mains to develop a vibrant metagame. These strengths gave the character one of the highest representations in the metagame: Snake placed 2nd in representation for the first half of 2019,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AJs-mj5TTdkmkl7nhj4twJymVPTLTUdT0MBToL1cxDs/edit#gid=0|title=OrionRank 2019 mid-year character score}}</ref> while Snake was one of the most common characters used by power ranked players in 2019.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/LoopBarnard/status/1252705963557208064|title={{Sm|Barnard's Loop}}'s PR data}}</ref> The high reception to the character was backed up by strong major results coming from players such as {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|MVD}}, and {{Sm|Salem}}. This overwhelmingly positive reception led many players to consider Snake as one of the best characters in the game.


This high perception, however, would not last, as players began learning how to play around Snake's strengths while using his lacking disadvantage state in their favor. Furthermore, Snake's top-level representation also began to suffer mid-2019 due to Ally's ban, MVD's decline in results, and Salem picking up other characters to use alongside Snake. Although Snake continued to have high representation going into, during, and out of the online metagame, players began wondering whether he was starting to fall out of the metagame.
This high perception, however, wouldn't last as players began learning how to play around Snake's strengths while using Snake's lacking disadvantage state in their favor. Furthermore, Snake's top-level representation also began to suffer mid-2019 due to Ally's ban, MVD's decline in results, and Salem picking up other characters to use alongside Snake. Although Snake continued to have high representation going into, during, and out of the online metagame, players began wondering whether Snake was starting to fall out of the metagame.


Doubts on Snake, however, eventually faded as his popularity remained. Old mains such as MVD, {{Sm|Shogun}}, and {{Sm|DIO}} continued to see strong, yet somewhat inconsistent, results on a major level, while new names, most notably {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, appeared on the national scene. This has allowed Snake to maintain his high representation in the metagame, and players in the current metagame still consider him to be a top tier, making him ranked 15th on the first tier list. Opinions on Snake only continued to improve as he remained one of the most popular characters in competitive play. In addition, the rise of {{Sm|Hurt}} in 2023 gave Snake yet another representative at the top level, while the metagame favoring a campier, more patient playstyle was beneficial to Snake. As such, he rose significantly on the second tier list to 4th, ranking as one of the best characters in the game.
Doubts on Snake, however, eventually faded as Snake's popularity remained. Old mains such as MVD, {{Sm|Shogun}}, and {{Sm|DIO}} continued to see strong, yet somewhat inconsistent, results on a major level, while new names, most notably {{Sm|ApolloKage}}, appeared on the national scene. This has allowed Snake to maintain his high representation in the metagame, and players in the current metagame still consider Snake to be a top tier, making him ranked 15th on the first. Opinions on Snake only continued to improve as he remained one of the most popular characters in competitive play. In addition, the rise of {{Sm|Hurt}} in 2023 gave Snake yet another representative at the top level, while the metagame favoring a campier, more patient playstyle was beneficial to Snake. As such, Snake rose significantly on the second tier list to 4th, ranking as one of the best characters in the game.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Weapons and Equipment OSP==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Weapons and Equipment OSP==
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!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
!Round!!Opponent!!Stage!!Music!!Notes
|-
|-
|1||{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} {{SSBU|Inkling}} (x2)||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''||A possible reference to [https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Laughing_Octopus Laughing Octopus] from ''[https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_4:_Guns_of_the_Patriots Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]''.
|1||{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} {{SSBU|Inkling}} (x2)||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''||
|-
|-
|2||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Theme of Tara}}''||Based on the [https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Snake_vs._Monkey Snake vs. Monkey] minigame from ''[https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_3:_Snake_Eater Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater]''.
|2||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Theme of Tara}}''||
|-
|-
|3||{{CharHead|Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Shadow Moses Island]] ([[Battlefield form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Theme of Solid Snake}}''||
|3||{{CharHead|Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Shadow Moses Island]] ([[Battlefield form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Theme of Solid Snake}}''||
|-
|-
|4||{{CharHead|Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Snake Eater}}''||The opponent and stage choice reference the battle against [https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/The_Fear The Fear] in ''[https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_3:_Snake_Eater Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater]''.
|4||{{CharHead|Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Snake Eater}}''||
|-
|-
|5||{{Head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} {{SSBU|Samus}} (x2) and {{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{SSBU|R.O.B.}} (x2)||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Main Theme - METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER}}''||Horde Battle (2 at a time)<br>The two Samuses are likely a reference to the [https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Powered_suit powered suit] soldiers from ''[https://metalgear.fandom.com/wiki/Metal_Gear_Solid_4:_Guns_of_the_Patriots Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots]''.
|5||{{Head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}} {{SSBU|Samus}} (x2) and {{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Grey}}{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{SSBU|R.O.B.}} (x2)||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Main Theme - METAL GEAR SOLID PEACE WALKER}}''||Horde Battle.
|-
|-
|6||{{CharHead|Snake|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Green}}||Shadow Moses Island||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|MGS4 ~Theme of Love~}}''||A possible reference to Les Enfants Terribles, a government project in the ''Metal Gear'' series that creates clones of Big Boss, including Solid Snake himself. The CPU will be the {{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}} default Snake if the player chooses the green alternate costume.
|6||{{CharHead|Snake|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Green}}||Shadow Moses Island||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|MGS4 ~Theme of Love~}}''||A possible reference to Les Enfants Terribles, a government project in the ''Metal Gear'' series that creates clones of Big Boss, including Solid Snake himself. The CPU will be the {{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}} default Snake if the player chooses the green alternate costume.
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*Snake is the least common opponent for Classic Mode routes, as he appears in 3 different routes.
*Snake is the least common opponent for Classic Mode routes, as he appears in 3 different routes.
**He appears in {{SSBU|Wolf}}'s route in Round 6, {{SSBU|Pac-Man}}'s route in Round 5, and his own route in the penultimate round.
**He appears in {{SSBU|Wolf}}'s route in Round 6, {{SSBU|Pac-Man}}'s route in Round 5, and his own route in the penultimate round.
*Oddly enough, unlike other characters, holding the special move button while [[shield]]ing as Snake does not allow him to angle the shield without triggering dodges (or [[jump]]ing if [[tap jump]] is turned on); he can only do this by holding multiple shield buttons. While this also applies to {{SSBU|Inkling}} and {{SSBU|Steve}}, it is because of the special move input while shielding being designated for refilling their [[Ink Tank]] for the former and spawning a crafting table for the latter.
*Oddly enough, unlike other characters, holding the special move button while [[shield]]ing as Snake does not allow him to angle the shield without triggering dodges (or [[jump]]ing if [[tap jump]] is turned on); he can only do this by holding multiple shield buttons. While this also applies to {{SSBU|Inkling}}, it is because of the special move input while shielding being designated for refilling their [[Ink Tank]].
*Snake's stock icon depicts him without facial hair, similar to his appearances in ''Metal Gear 2'' and ''Metal Gear Solid''.
*Snake's stock icon depicts him without facial hair, similar to his appearances in ''Metal Gear 2'' and ''Metal Gear Solid''.
*There's a glitch regarding the use of [[Cypher]] where if Snake gets fired out of [[Barrel Cannon]] or is hit by the tornado in [[Hyrule Castle]], any aerial action performed will leave him helpless. Additionally, if Snake performs a [[tech]], throws an item and lands, or gets knocked down and stands back up, the helplessness will be stored, causing him to lose access to the move while grounded and will become helpless once he leaves the ground by either jumping or falling off the stage. This glitch is a carryover from ''Brawl''.
*There's a glitch regarding the use of [[Cypher]] where if Snake gets fired out of [[Barrel Cannon]] or is hit by the tornado in [[Hyrule Castle]], any aerial action performed will leave him helpless. Additionally, if Snake performs a [[tech]], throws an item and lands, or gets knocked down and stands back up, the helplessness will be stored, causing him to lose access to the move while grounded and will become helpless once he leaves the ground by either jumping or falling off the stage. This glitch is a carryover from ''Brawl''.

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