Editing Sonic (SSB4)

|ranking = 7-8

'''Sonic''' ({{ja|ソニック|Sonikku}}, ''Sonic'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. His return to the series was announced on October 1st, 2013 during a [[Nintendo Direct]].<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdk6IKbIJa0 Nintendo Direct - 10/1/2013]</ref> Sonic is one of the six third-party characters in the game, alongside fellow [[Sega]] fighter {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}; [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}; [[Bandai Namco]]'s {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}; and [[Square Enix]]'s {{SSB4|Cloud}}. He was the second third-party character to be revealed in the game, and is the first third-party [[veteran]] in the series.

In the English version, Sonic is now voiced by {{s|wikipedia|Roger Craig Smith}}, albeit via recycled voice clips from games such as ''Sonic Generations'', ''Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games'', and ''Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games''. This reflects his succession of {{s|wikipedia|Jason Griffith}} as Sonic's voice actor, who voiced Sonic from 2005 until 2010. {{s|wikipedia|Jun'ichi Kanemaru}} reprises his role in the Japanese version, albeit through recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. For the first time, Sonic has alternate voices for the French, Spanish, German, and Italian versions, as ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' games from ''Sonic Generations'' onward were dubbed into those languages; he is voiced by Alexandre Gillet, Jonatán López, Marc Stachel, and Renato Novara respectively.

Sonic is ranked 7th/8th out of 54 on the [[tier list]], placing him in the A tier and tying him with {{SSB4|Fox}}. This is a significant improvement over his mid-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 22nd out of 38. Sonic unsurprisingly boasts the fastest [[dash]]ing speed in the game; when coupled with his [[special move]]s allowing him to attack while in motion with little fear of reprisal, Sonic's [[approach]] and [[neutral game]] are both impressive. The majority of Sonic's moveset also has improved utility, most notably in regard to his KO potential.

Thanks to his newfound and retained strengths outweighing his flaws, Sonic has attained a large playerbase that has consistently achieved excellent results in high-level play.

Sonic is a [[Weight|middleweight]] that, like in his home series, possesses outstanding mobility. He fittingly boasts the fastest [[dash]]ing speed in the game, yet also possesses the seventh fastest [[walk]]ing speed and ninth fastest [[air speed]], the latter of which is tied with {{SSB4|Mario}} and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}}'s. When coupled with his above average [[gravity]] and jumps, he has high omnipresence and can move around the stage at incredible speeds, despite having below average [[falling speed]] and one of the worst [[air acceleration]]s in the game. These traits, in turn, make Sonic able to easily and effectively utilize a hit-and-run playstyle. To round out his outstanding mobility, Sonic is capable of [[wall jump]]ing.

Sonic has many beneficial [[Character customization|custom moves]] at his disposal. Stomp can meteor smash opponents, making it more useful for edge-guarding. Hammer Spin Dash can [[bury]] opponents during start-up, allowing for follow-ups that Spin Dash would not permit. In comparison, Burning Spin Dash deals much more damage and its lower jumps leave Sonic less vulnerable after landing a hit. Auto-Spin Charge removes the need for button mashing in order to charge and has a deceptive charging animation that does not reveal when the move starts losing power, the latter of which makes it suitable for mindgames. Lastly, Gravitational Charge has a [[windbox]] that [[Windbox#Pulling attacks|pulls]] opponents in front of Sonic toward him, making it easier for him to hit them. However, it also [[Windbox#Pushing attacks|pushes]] away opponents behind him, which can make it more difficult for them to punish him directly.

Overall, Sonic is a character with incredible offensive prowess that must force opponents to make a mistake in order to safely rack up damage and use his excellent mobility to avoid heavy punishment.

Sonic has been heavily [[buff]]ed in his transition from ''Brawl'' to ''Smash 4''. The most noticeable improvement he received was to his KO potential, which was his most glaring weakness in ''Brawl''. A decent number of Sonic's attacks have had their knockback increased, most notably his forward smash, up smash, and clean back aerial, all of which are much more viable kill options. His back throw also now possesses KO potential.

Sonic's moveset in general has also been improved in various ways. Notably, two of his moves (dash attack and down smash) have been completely overhauled. Sonic's new dash attack hits multiple times, which is further supplemented by the weakening of [[SDI]], and it possesses very high knockback growth; altogether, these traits make it better than his previous dash attack in regard to [[punish]]ing and [[tech-chasing]]. In comparison, Sonic's new down smash is generally more useful than his previous one, thanks to it being a [[semi-spike]] that has a consistent damage output and much less overall lag.

Outside of these two instances, some of Sonic's moves also benefit from both direct changes and modifications to gameplay mechanics. Neutral aerial and up throw's angles have been altered, although the latter move also deals less damage and has compensated knockback which hinders its damage racking potential and does not grant it significantly greater combo potential which it otherwise would have if its knockback were unchanged. When coupled with the changes to [[hitstun canceling]], they, alongside [[Spin Charge]], have improved combo potential. Due to its angle being altered, down aerial's clean hitbox is now a [[meteor smash]] against aerial opponents; when coupled with the removal of [[meteor canceling]], clean down aerial is a much more potent edge-guarding option. Lastly, up smash and forward aerial are much more difficult to escape from due to the aforementioned weakening of SDI.

However, Sonic has received some nerfs, mainly to his speed, both in terms of mobility and frame data. A number of his moves have become laggier to varying degrees, with a good example being his back aerial, which incurs drastically more landing lag and has a worse auto-cancel window, which significantly harms its utility despite its increased power. Some moves (such as his forward smash, down smash, up aerial, and down aerial) also have shorter durations. Despite his overall higher KO potential, some of his moves have reduced KO potential, such as up aerial and down smash, and his overall damage output is lower, reducing his damage racking capabilities, although this was the case for most returning veterans.

Sonic's mobility has also taken a hit relative to the cast, although this is mainly due to the changes to ''Smash 4''{{'}}s mechanics combined with the general increase other characters received to their mobility. While Sonic still has the fastest dashing speed by a huge margin, it is nevertheless lower relative to the cast, as he was one of the few characters whose dashing speed was left unchanged. His walking speed was also slightly decreased. The removal of [[DACUS]] also hinders up smash's versatility, as it hinders its approach potential, and to make matters worse, his running up smash covers significantly less distance. The removal of [[glide toss]]ing also hinders Sonic’s approach with items.

Although remaining very respectable, Sonic's recovery has nevertheless worsened in two particular ways: [[Spring Jump]] covers less vertical distance, its [[intangibility]] has increased startup lag, and Sonic cannot act as soon out of it, not only making it a worse recovery option, but also making it a less effective combo breaker. Homing Attack can also no longer be used repeatedly without landing on the ground again, removing Sonic's ability to infinitely [[stall]] with it. Lastly, [[Spin Dash]]'s damage racking potential was toned down via update [[1.0.6]], and it can no longer be used with [[momentum canceling]], which significantly hinders Sonic's endurance. 1.0.6 also notably made his back throw weaker.

*{{change|Sonic's design is now based on his appearances in ''Sonic Unleashed'' onwards. His quills are slightly shorter and significantly more rigid, his mouth is now positioned on the side of his muzzle by default, and his irises are spread slightly further away from each other. Additionally, Sonic's fur and skin are slightly more vibrant, and his eye color is slightly more subdued. Lastly, his shoes now have a polished finish.}}

**{{change|Sonic's mouth is now a texture by default rather than a modeled part of his body. However, he still uses a modeled animated mouth in his [[victory pose]]s.}}

*{{change|Sonic has received three new [[alternate costume]]s, which brings his total up to eight.}}

*{{change|Sonic's red alternate costume from ''Brawl'' has been slightly altered. His cuffs and shoes are now orange instead of red, likely to better differentiate it from his default costume.}}

*{{change|Sonic's eyes now appear half-closed when he is in a downed state instead of appearing completely closed like in ''Brawl''.}}

*{{change|[[Idle pose]]s' animations have slightly changed. Sonic's expression now remains unchanged throughout their duration, unlike in ''Brawl'', where he would grow impatient while tapping his foot and grin while wiggling his finger.}}

*{{change|Side [[taunt]]'s animation has slightly changed. Sonic now grins throughout its entire duration instead of grinning and then assuming a stern expression.}}

**{{change|Because of Sonic’s voice actor change, his side and down taunts also have new lines: he says "Sonic SPEED!" instead of "You're too slo-ow!" during his side taunt, and "Come on!" instead of "C'mon, step it up!" during his down taunt.}}

*{{change|Sonic’s [[victory pose]] involving the blue Chaos Emerald has slightly changed. The Chaos Emerald now levitates in Sonic's hand after he grabs it instead of directly making contact with his hand.}}

*{{change|Due to Sonic’s voice actor change, his victory poses use new lines. He says "That was almost too easy!" instead of "Sonic’s the name, speed’s my game!" during his side-to-side sprint victory pose, "Let’s do that again sometime!" instead of "Hey, we should do this again sometime!" during his breakdancing victory pose, and just "Piece of cake!" instead of "Too easy! Piece of cake!" during his victory pose involving the blue Chaos Emerald. The formermost also has him smirking upon striking his final pose instead of grinning.}}

*{{change|In the Japanese language, Sonic's previously unused damage yells from ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[Sound Test]] are now heard when taking high knockback.}}

*{{buff|Sonic's [[fast fall]]ing speed is faster (2.0 → 2.32) although relative to the cast, it has gone from the 16th highest out of 39 characters to the 37th highest out of 58.}}

*{{nerf|Sonic is slightly [[Weight|lighter]] (95 → 94).}}

*{{buff|Rolls have less ending lag (FAF 32 → 28).}}

*{{nerf|Rolls have a shorter duration (frames 4-19 → 4-15).}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has less startup (frame 4 → 2) and ending lag (FAF 49 → 31).}}

*{{nerf|Air dodge has a shorter duration (frames 4-29 → 2-25).}}

*{{buff|[[Spot dodge]] has less ending lag (FAF 26 → 25).}}

*{{nerf|Spot dodge has a shorter duration (frames 2-20 → 2-15).}}

*{{nerf|Sonic's [[item]] throw is slower (1 → 0.98). When combined with the removal of [[glide toss]]ing, this noticeably hinders Sonic's item game.}}

**{{buff|The first two hits of neutral attack have increased set knockback (10 → 18).}}

**{{change|The angles of the first two hits have been altered (361° (both) → 92°/60°/361° (hit 1), 80°/60°/48° (hit 2)). These changes allow neutral attack to connect more reliably and improve its [[jab cancel]]ing potential but removes the second hit's ability to [[lock]] and the first hit can only lock when used at close range, making jab locking slightly harder.}}

***{{nerf|However, the mid and close hits have also been moved further forwards, reducing the move's range behind Sonic.}}

**{{buff|The third hit deals more damage (3% → 4%) and its knockback was not fully compensated (24 (base), 130 (scaling) → 50/110), improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|The third hit has more ending lag (FAF 31 → 36).}}

**{{nerf|The third hit launches opponents at a higher angle (361° → 50°).}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt deals much less less damage (3% (hit 1)/4% (hit 2)/7% (hit 3)/14% (total) → 2% (hit 1)/6% (hit 2)/8% (total)), with the second hit only receiving a slight increase to its base knockback (35 → 40), hindering its KO potential.}}

***{{nerf|Additionally, the first kick's hitboxes have a lower part value (1 → 0) meaning that Sonic can no longer connect both the ground hit and the kick hit. This results in the move now only having two hits instead of three.}}

**{{change|The ground hitbox has increased set knockback (80 → 100).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit's upper hitboxes are smaller (5u/7u → 4u/5u) and the foot hitbox is positioned lower (y offset: 8 → x offset: 7), noticeably reducing its range.}}

**{{buff|The second hit launches opponents at a higher angle (70° → 78°). When combined with up tilt's reduced ending lag along with the changes the [[hitstun canceling]] and [[Directional Influence|DI]], this improves up tilt's combo potential and makes it less susceptible to DI.}}

**{{buff|The second hit's body hitbox is larger (3u → 4u).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit's foot hitbox is positioned lower (y offset: 8 → x offset: 7), reducing its range.}}

**{{change|Down now only has one extended hitbox rather than three normal hitboxes, with this new hitbox functioning like the previous foot hitbox. This gives the move consistent base knockback (40/30 → 30) and it makes the move consistently launch opponents horizontally (80°/70°/361° → 361° (all)).}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has a shorter duration (frames 6-8 → 6-7).}}

**{{nerf|Sonic does not slide as far forward during the move (only doing so after he attacks, with the distance being much shorter), hindering its range and making it less effective as a pseudo crawl.}}

***{{buff|However, this also makes it a safer poking tool.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has a lower extra trip chance (40% → 20%).}}

**{{change|Sonic has a new dash attack. He still performs a Spin Attack but it now ends with a flying kick. The move acts as a multi hit, rather than having a clean hit and a late hit (6% (clean)/4% (late) → 1% (hits 1-3)/3% (hit 4)/6% (total)).}}

**{{buff|Dash attack has larger hitboxes (3u (clean)/2.5u (late) → 3u/3u (hits 1-3)/5u/3.5u/3.5u (hit 4)).}}

**{{buff|The final hit deals more knockback compared to the previous clean hit (70 (base), 50 (scaling) → 80/125), greatly improving its KO potential despite its lower damage.}}

**{{nerf|Dash attack has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 4-7 (clean)/8-24 (late) → 5-15 (hits 1-3)/17-20 (hit 4)).}}

**{{nerf|Dash attack has much more ending lag (FAF 44 → 62).}}

**{{nerf|Due to it now being a multi hit, dash attack is overall less reliable, as opponents can fall out of the multi hits before the final hit connects.}}

**{{nerf|The final hit launches opponents at a less favorable angle compared to the previous clean hit (80° → 70°), hindering its KO potential and making it more susceptible to DI.}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash has a shorter duration (frames 18-21 → 18-20).}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash has more ending lag (FAF 44 → 48).}}

**{{nerf|Sonic no longer lunges farther when performing a pivoted forward smash, significantly hindering its approach and whiff punishment potential.}}

**{{buff|The changes to knockback stacking means that the knockback from the multi-hits now completely cancel out the knockback of the first hit at higher percents. This drastically improves up smash's reliability at higher percents, as the opponent will no longer fly too far away after the first hit to fall out of the move before the final hit can connect.}}

**{{buff|The last hit deals more knockback (70 (base), 153 (scaling) → 80/165) and launches opponents at a higher angle (75° → 82°), significantly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Up smash does not cover as much distance when performed out of a dash. When combined with the removal of [[DACUS]], this significantly hinders its approach potential.}}

**{{change|Sonic has a new down smash, a split kick, similar to {{SSB4|Fox}} and {{SSB4|Falco}}'s down smashes.}}

***{{nerf|Due to this new animation, Sonic now stays completely still when performing the move, reducing its range and making it easier to punish Sonic.}}

**{{buff|Down smash has less startup lag (frame 17 → 12).}}

***{{nerf|However, its total duration was unchanged, giving it more ending lag.}}

**{{buff|Down smash is now a [[semi-spike]] (361° → 30°).}}

**{{buff|Down smash has larger hitboxes (4u/3u → 5u/5u) which are now extended and they are positioned further away from Sonic (y/z offsets: 4/(0/3) → 2/(13/-11), giving it much more range relative to Sonic.}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has a much shorter duration (frames 17-20 (clean)/21-26 (mid)/27-32 (mid late)/33-41 (late) → 12-13), with the move losing its late hit.}}

**{{nerf|Down smash deals less knockback (40 (base), 100 (scaling) → 55/63 (front), 50/80 (back)), considerably hindering its KO potential, especially when hit from the front.}}

**{{buff|Clean neutral aerial deals more damage (11% → 12%).}}

**{{buff|Neutral aerial has a larger hitbox, especially the late hit (4u (clean)/3u (mid)/2u (late) → 5u/4.5u/4u).}}

**{{change|Neutral aerial now launches opponents vertically (361° → 75°). This improves its combo potential, especially when combined with the changes to [[hitstun canceling]] and DI however, this also removes its edgeguarding and locking potential.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial has more landing lag (12 frames → 16).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (1%/2% (hits 1-5)/4% (hit 6)/9%-14% (total) → 0.8%/3%/7%) and the final hit's knockback scaling was not fully compensated (120 → 135), hindering its damage racking and KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has more ending lag (FAF 36 → 46) and a longer animation (41 frames → 55).}}

**{{nerf|The loop hits have smaller hitboxes (3u → 2u).}}

**{{nerf|The final hit's near hitboxes have been removed, giving it less range inside Sonic.}}

**{{nerf|The final hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1x → 1.5x), making it easier to DI. As forward aerial cannot be [[frame cancel]]ed, this hinders the move overall.}}

**{{buff|Back aerial's hitboxes have been repositioned, with the move now being slightly disjointed, rather than failing to cover Sonic's foot.}}

**{{buff|The clean hit deals more damage (13% → 14%), improving its KO potential despite its decreased knockback scaling (94 → 90).}}

**{{buff|The clean hit has larger hitboxes (5u/5.5u/6u → 6u/6.5u).}}

**{{buff|The late hit deals more damage (9% → 10%) and has increased knockback scaling (90 → 100).}}

**{{change|Back aerial now always launches opponents in the opposite direction Sonic is facing, as with most back aerials.}}

**{{change|The clean hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1x → 1.2x).}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial has much more landing lag (9 frames → 30), greatly hindering its safety and removing its followup potential.}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial auto-cancels later (frame 29 → 33).}}

**{{nerf|Back aerial has a longer animation (37 frames → 46), increasing the amount of time Sonic cannot grab ledges after performing the move.}}

**{{nerf|The near hitbox has been removed.}}

**{{change|Up aerial's animation has slightly changed. Sonic no longer twirls while performing the kick, instead, he performs a sharp scissor kick while facing the screen during the entirety.}}

**{{buff|Up aerial has less landing lag (22 frames → 21).}}

**{{buff|The first hit has altered set knockback (70 (near)/130 (far) → 90/120), making it connect more reliably into the second hit.}}

**{{buff|The second hit launches opponents at a higher angle (80° → 91°).}}

**{{change|The second hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1x → 1.2x).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit has smaller hitboxes (4u/5u → 3u/4u) which are positioned closer to Sonic, especially the far hit (z offset: 4/9/-4/-9 → 3/7/-3/-7).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit has a shorter duration (frames 14-18 → 14-15).}}

***{{buff|However, this also makes the move auto-cancel earlier (frame 19 → 16). When combined with the increase to shieldstun, this noticeably improves up aerial's safety}}

**{{nerf|The second hit deals less knockback (63 (base), 90 (scaling) → 66/82), hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Down aerial's late hit has a larger hitbox (5.8u → 7u).}}

**{{buff|The mid hit against aerial opponents is now a [[meteor smash]] (32° → 285°). This significantly improves its edgeguarding potential and gives him a better [[kill confirm]] option near the edges of stages.}}

**{{change|Down aerial now has a clean hit, a mid hit and a late hit. The new clean hit essentially functions the same as the previous clean hit's grounded hitbox, except it now works against grounded and aerial opponents.}}

**{{change|The mid hit against aerial opponents has less base knockback but more knockback scaling (70 (base), 60 (scaling) → 30/90). This improves its KO potential at higher percents, but this also reduces its knockback at lower percents. As the move is a meteor smash, this hinders the move's edgeguarding potential at lower percents.}}

**{{change|The mid hit against aerial opponents now always launches opponents in the direction Sonic is facing.}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 16-22 (clean)/23-37 (late) → 17-18/19-22/23-32).}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has more ending lag (FAF 44 → 46) and a longer animation (43 frames → 61).}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has more landing lag (30 frames → 38).}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial auto-cancels later (frame 39 → 41). When combined with its shorter hitbox duration, this makes it much more difficult to land safely with down aerial.}}

**{{nerf|The mid hit against aerial opponents has a much smaller hitbox (6.2u → 3.5u), which is positioned closer to Sonic (y/z offsets: 3/2 → 1.3/2.8). When combined with its shorter duration, this makes it much more difficult to land.}}

**{{nerf|Standing and pivot grabs have more ending lag (FAF 30 → 31 (standing), FAF 36 → 37 (pivot)).}}

**{{nerf|All grabs are smaller (3.5u → 3.3u (standing/pivot)/2.6 (dash)) and they do not extend as far into Sonic (z offset: 3 (standing)/0 (dash/pivot) → 4 (standing/dash)/-4 (pivot)).}}

**{{nerf|Pummel deals less damage (3% → 2%).}}

**{{buff|Forward throw's hitboxes have a longer duration (frame 10 → 10-11).}}

**{{buff|The hitboxes are larger (2.5u/2u → 4u/3u).}}

**{{nerf|The hitboxes deal less damage (3% (hit)/9% (total) → 1% (hit)/7%).}}

**{{nerf|The hitboxes deal more hitlag (1x → 1.5x), making the throw slower to execute and easier to DI.}}

**{{change|Sonic releases his opponent from forward throw one frame later (frame 11 → 12).}}

**{{buff|The throw deals much more knockback (60 (base), 70 (scaling) → 70/100), now being a viable KO option when used on a [[platform]] on tournament legal stages.}}

**{{nerf|Back throw deals less damage (8% → 7%).}}

**{{buff|Back throw has increased knockback scaling (60 → 79), improving its KO potential despite its lower damage.}}

**{{nerf|Up throw deals less damage (3% (hit)/9% (throw)/12% (total) → 1%/5%/6%). The hitbox's knockback scaling was mostly compensated (120 → 180), slightly hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|The hitbox is larger (4u → 5u).}}

**{{nerf|The hitbox has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 21-27 → 22-27).}}

**{{nerf|The throw has increased base knockback (65 → 92), hindering its followup potential at lower percents.}}

***{{nerf|Additionally, while the throw does also have increased knockback scaling (70 → 80), this fails to compensate for the throw's lower damage, hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|The throw launches opponents at a higher angle (100° → 92°). When combined with the changes to hitstun canceling/DI, this noticeably improves its combo potential despite its higher base knockback.}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage (5% (throw)/8% (total) → 4%/7%).}}

**{{buff|Down throw has increased knockback scaling (30 → 35), marginally improving its KO potential despite its lower damage.}}

**{{nerf|Floor attacks have less intangibility (frames 1-25 (front)/1-23 (back) → 1-21 (both)).}}

**{{nerf|Front floor attack has a shorter duration (frames 18-25 → 15-21).}}

**{{buff|The second hit has less startup lag (frame 22 → 20).}}

*[[Edge attack]]:

**{{nerf|Edge attack deals less damage (6% → 7%).}}

**{{nerf|Trip attack has more startup lag (frame 18 → 19).}}

**{{buff|Homing Attack has increased knockback scaling (80 → 90).}}

**{{buff|Homing Attack takes less time to be charged and it can be inputted sooner, reducing its startup lag when uncharged or charged (frame 41 (non-inputted)/frame 25 (inputted) → 34/22).}}

***{{nerf|However, there is now a short delay before Sonic performs the homing attack (frame 1 → 4), giving the homing attack more startup lag if it is inputted between frames 25-30.}}

**{{buff|Homing Attack has less ending lag after hitting an opponent (FAF 50 → 34).}}

***{{change|Because of theses changes, Sonic will now hit opponents from the front most of the time. This improves homing attack's reliably against opponents in front of Sonic, but hinders its reliability against opponents behind Sonic.}}

***{{nerf|However, this makes Sonic fall much faster after the homing attack has finished, hindering its safety.}}

**{{change|Homing Attack no longer deals consistent damage, with its damage now depending on how much it is charged (8% → 5%-12%). This makes the uncharged version weaker but the fully charged version stronger, especially when combined with its increased knockback scaling.}}

**{{change|Sonic does not bounce as high off of opponents.}}

**{{nerf|Homing Attack can only be used once before landing, considerably hindering its utility and safety.}}

**{{buff|Spin Dash's charge can now be held while jumping.}}

***{{nerf|However unlike the previous jump, the jump no longer has a hitbox and it can no longer be cancelled (even by released the Spin Dash), hindering its safety.}}

**{{nerf|If Sonic lands on a platform while Spin Dashing and then slides off it, he can no longer cancel the Spin Dash once he lands again by shielding.}}

**{{change|The hop is significantly faster, with Sonic gaining less height and dropping at a higher speed (falling speed: 1.1 → 2.4, gravity: 0.065 → 0.65). This improves its combo and approach potential, but hinders its anti-air potential, as well as its safety in the air.}}

**{{nerf|The hop has a slightly shorter duration (frames 1-32 → 1-31).}}

**{{nerf|The hop has a smaller hitbox (3.6u → 3u).}}

*Spin Dash roll:

**{{buff|Both variants of the roll and the roll jump now always launch opponents in the direction Sonic is facing, making them more consistent.}}

**{{nerf|The roll deals less damage, especially when charged (7%-10% → 6%-7%).}}

*Spin Dash roll jump/Spin Charge charging jump:

**{{buff|The roll jump has less startup lag with a longer duration (frames 6-34 → 2-33).}}

**{{nerf|The roll jump deals much less damage (7% → 3%) without full compensation on its knockback (60 (base), 73 (scaling) → 66/112).}}

**{{buff|Sonic can now perform a double jump or use his specials (including another Spring Jump) after landing on a grounded spring.}}

**{{buff|Sonic can now grab ledges from the front while ascending from his spring jump, starting on frame 8 of the ascent.}}

**{{buff|Sonic is no longer affected by the [[grab release glitch]] after performing Spring Jump, allowing Sonic to re-use Spring Jump if he has been grab released in midair.}}

**{{change|The spring no longer disappears after it hits an opponent, although this is purely aesthetic.}}

**{{change|{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}}Sonic now scowls while he ascends instead of grinning like in ''Brawl''.}}

**{{nerf|Sonic gains less height from Spring Jump (8.4 → 8.2).}}

**{{change|Rather than sharing Spin Dash's hitboxes, Spin Charge now hits multiple times. The move can hit around four times and each hit deals around 2%-2.5%, with the final hit acting as a weaker version of Spin Dash's downhill hitbox.}}

***{{buff|This allows uncharged Spin Dash to deal more damage (7% → 10%).}}

***{{nerf|However, this also hinders Spin Charge's reliability, as opponents can often fall out of the multi hits.}}

**{{buff|Spin Charge and both of its jump variants now always launch opponents in the direction Sonic is facing, making them more consistent.}}

*{{nerf|Back throw has lower knockback scaling (90 → 79), significantly hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|[[Spin Dash]]'s roll and jump deal less damage (7%-10% (roll)/7% (jump) → (6%/7%)/3%), hindering its damage racking potential.}}

*{{buff|Spin Dash and all of its custom variants have less ground friction (1.9 → 1.5), causing them to travel more distance.}}

*{{nerf|Burning Spin Dash's [[intangibility]] removed.}}

*{{nerf|Up smash's last hit's knockback has lower knockback scaling (177 → 165), significantly hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|Item toss is slower (0.983333 → 0.98).}}

*{{nerf|Max walk speed while carrying heavy items is slower (1.005 → 0.995).}}

*{{buff|Down aerial has less ending lag (FAF 50 → 46).}}

*{{nerf|Forward smash has less knockback scaling (106 → 101), hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Front floor attack's deals much more [[shield damage]] (1 → 10).}}

|neutralname=P / PP / PPK

|ftiltname=Horse Kick ({{ja|馬キック|Uma Kikku}})

|ftiltdesc=The Horse Kick from ''Sonic the Fighters''. It hits twice, has minimal start-up lag, and can be angled. Altogether, these traits make it useful for spacing, starting [[tech-chase]]s, or as an [[out of shield]] option.

|utiltname=Double Air Kick ({{ja|ダブルエアキック|Daburu Ea Kikku}})

|dtiltname=Leg Hitter ({{ja|レッグヒッター|Reggu Hittā}})

|dashname=Short Spin Dash ({{ja|ショートスピンダッシュ|Shōto Supin Dasshu}})

|fsmashname=Wind-Up Punch ({{ja|ぐるぐるパンチ|Guruguru Panchi}})

|usmashname=Short Spin Attack ({{ja|ショートスピンアタック|Shōto Supin Atakku}})

|dsmashname=Split Kick ({{ja|スプリットキック|Supuritto Kikku}})

|nairname=Air Spin ({{ja|エアスピン|Ea Supin}})

|fairname=Sonic Turn ({{ja|ソニックターン|Sonikku Tān}})

|bairname=Back Spin Kick ({{ja|バックスピンキック|Bakku Supin Kikku}})

|uairname=Air Scissors ({{ja|エアシザース|Ea Shizāsu}})

|dairname=Shooting Star Kick ({{ja|流星キック|Ryūsei Kikku}})

|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})

|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})

|fthrowname=Close Kick ({{ja|クローズキック|Kurōsu Kikku}})

|bthrowname=Spin Throw ({{ja|スピンスルー|Spin Surū}})

|uthrowname=Hedgehog Needle ({{ja|ヘッジホッグニードル|Hejjihoggu Nīdoru}})

|dthrowname=Spinning Gear ({{ja|スピニングギア|Supinning Gia}})

|floorfname=&nbsp;

|floorbname=&nbsp;

|floortname=&nbsp;

|edgename=&nbsp;

|desc-side=Performs the Super Peel Out, a technique that debuted in ''Sonic the Hedgehog CD'', while saying "Sonic SPEED!" ({{ja|遅すぎだぜ！|Oso sugi da ze!}}, ''You're too slow!'').

|desc-down=Performs the {{iw|wikipedia|windmill|b-boy move}}, a breakdancing move, while saying "C'mon!", both in English and Japanese. Resembles a victory animation he does when clearing a level in ''Sonic Advance 3''.

|desc-2=Sprints off-screen and then sprints back on-screen before giving a thumbs up and saying "That was almost too easy!" In Japanese, he says "{{ja|モタモタしてると置いてくぜ!|Motamota shi teru to oite ku ze!}}" (''Lag behind and get left behind!'') It highly resembles the SEGA start-up from ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''.

==In [[competitive play]]==

===Most historically significant players===

<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

''See also: [[:Category:Sonic players (SSB4)]]''

*{{Sm|6WX|USA}} - One of the best Sonic players of all-time who was North America's definitive best Sonic player in 2015 and 2016 thanks to placements such as 4th at {{Trn|Apex 2015}}, 7th at {{Trn|Paragon Los Angeles 2015}}, and 9th at both {{Trn|The Big House 5}} and {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2016}}. He is ranked 34th on the [[PGR 100]].

*{{Sm|IxisNaugus|UK}} - The best Sonic player in Europe, dominating the British scene for most of ''Smash 4'' and placing highly at many large European events, including 1st at {{Trn|Tech Republic III}} and 4th at {{Trn|Albion 2}}. Internationally, his best tournament run was at {{Trn|EVO 2017}}, where he double-eliminated {{Sm|ESAM}} to place 33rd. He is ranked 89th on the [[PGR 100]], only one of three Europeans ranked on the list.

*{{Sm|Jakal|USA}} - Came to prominence towards the end of competitive ''Smash 4'' thanks to his 5th-place finish at {{Trn|Shine 2018}} defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} and {{Sm|VoiD}} along the way. His other notable results during this period include 4th at {{Trn|The Legend of Glentendo}} and 5th at {{Trn|Port Priority 3}} defeating {{Sm|ANTi}}.

*{{Sm|KEN|Japan}} - The best Sonic player of all-time as well as one of Japan's greatest players. He is the only Sonic player with a major win, doing so at {{Trn|Umebura S.A.T.}} He is ranked 9th on the [[PGR 100]].

*{{Sm|komorikiri|Japan}} - Uses Sonic as a secondary to his {{SSB4|Cloud}} and is considered one of the best Sonic players of all-time. He used solo-Sonic to place 2nd at {{Trn|Umebura F.A.T.}} and has used both Sonic and Cloud to place top 8 at a multitude of majors and supermajors, most notably 2nd at {{Trn|2GGC: GENESIS Saga}} and 3rd at both {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}} and {{Trn|MomoCon 2018}}. He is ranked 12th on the [[PGR 100]].

===Tier placement and history===

Sonic was initially perceived as a high-tier character, thanks to his buffs largely mitigating most of the weaknesses he had in ''Brawl''. While his newfound KOing options would be nerfed in game updates, Sonic's playerbase has nevertheless managed to display many different and effective playstyles. In addition to enriching Sonic's metagame, the likes of {{Sm|6WX}}, {{Sm|KEN}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Seagull Joe}}, and {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}} have also resulted in him achieving very strong tournament results leading the general consensus to believe that Sonic is one of the best characters in the game.

Sonic's highly favorable perception and continued success resulted in him being ranked 6th on the first and second iterations of the [[tier list]] and then 5th on the third tier list as he continued to perform well at most tournaments with {{Sm|KEN}} placing 2nd at [[2GGC: MkLeo Saga]] while defeating top players such as {{Sm|T}}, {{Sm|Raito}}, {{Sm|Elegant}}, {{Sm|Captain L}}, {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, {{Sm|Lima}}, {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, and {{Sm|MkLeo}} as well as {{Sm|Manny}}, {{Sm|Wrath}}, {{Sm|6WX}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Sonido}}, {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}}, and {{Sm|Jakal}} continuing to perform well with him.

Although Sonic dropped to 7th/8th on the fourth and final tier list and is now tied with Fox, his ranking is debatable. Some players, such as {{Sm|MKLeo}} {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|ZeRo}} and {{Sm|Dabuz}}, believe that he should be ranked slightly higher. Conversely, {{Sm|Salem}} and others view Sonic as overrated to the point of not being a top-tier character in spite of his tournament success in the tournament, with a primary argument being his unfavorable matchup with {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}. Regardless, Sonic remains a massive threat in competitive play and continues to gain consistent results.

In All-Star Mode, Sonic is fought in Stage 4 in both versions alongside {{SSB4|Kirby}}, {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}, {{SSB4|Wario}}, and {{SSB4|King Dedede}}.

* '''[[All-Star Battle: Secret]]''': Sonic is one of the opponents fought in this event. All of the opponents have been unlockable characters in previous ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.

* '''[[The FINAL Final Battle]]''': The player must defeat Sonic, {{SSB4|Mario}}, {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, and {{SSB4|Mega Man}}.

* '''[[Up to Speed]]''': Sonic must defeat {{SSB4|Fox}}, {{SSB4|Falco}}, and {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}} in a high-speed, one stock battle.

* '''[[Full Speed Ahead]]''': Sonic and Captain Falcon must defeat another Sonic and Captain Falcon in a high-speed, one stock battle.

* '''[[The Ultimate Battle]]''': Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

SSB4-3DS Congratulations Classic Sonic.png|Classic Mode

SSB4-3DS Congratulations All-Star Sonic.png|All-Star Mode

====Wii U====

SSB4-Wii U Congratulations Classic Sonic.png|Classic Mode

SSB4-Wii U Congratulations All-Star Sonic.png|All-Star Mode

==[[Trophies]]==

Sonic's default trophy is obtained by clearing Classic Mode as Sonic. His alternate trophy is obtained by clearing All-Star Mode as Sonic in the 3DS version or purchasing it in the Trophy Shop for 1000G in the Wii U version. The Super Sonic trophy is obtained only in the Wii U version by clearing All-Star Mode as Sonic.

|desc-3ds-ntsc=The main star of the Sonic the Hedgehog series. He's an easygoing hedgehog who blows past the competition with his speed. Seriously, on the ground he's faster than anyone else in Smash Bros. Use this to your advantage, avoiding blows while landing lightning-fast attacks.

|desc-wiiu-ntsc=The star of the Sonic The Hedgehog series. He's an easygoing hedgehog who blows past the competition with his speed. Seriously, on the ground he's faster than anyone else in Smash Bros. Use this to your advantage, avoiding blows while landing lightning-fast attacks.

|desc-pal=A certain hedgehog from a certain series you just might have heard of. Unlike most hedgehogs, he's incredibly fast. Like most hedgehogs, however, he can't swim. He's by far the fastest runner of all the fighters, so take advantage of that by making sure no one gets the chance to hit him. (Just try not to end up in the water.)

|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=Sonic The Hedgehog|release1=06/1991|console2=WiiU|game2=Sonic Lost World|release2=10/2013}}

}}

{{clrl}}

|name=Sonic (Alt.)

|image-3ds=SonicTheHedgehogAltTrophy3DS.png

|image-wiiu=SonicTheHedgehogAltTrophyWiiU.png

|mode=Alt

|desc-ntsc=Sonic's up special Spring Jump lets him reach great heights by jumping on a spring, becoming invincible for a moment. He can't use any other specials during the jump, but he can attack or dodge. This move's great for returning from a long launch. Other fighters can use the spring, though!

|desc-pal=Sonic's Spring Jump up special lets you bounce to great heights and briefly makes you invincible at the start. You can't use other specials while in the air, but you can use normal attacks, dodge and so on. It's great for getting both back to the stage and out of tough spots, but just remember that everyone else can use the spring too!

|gamelist={{Trophy games|game1=Sonic The Hedgehog|release1=06/1991|console2=WiiU|game2=Sonic Lost World|release2=10/2013}}

 

|desc-ntsc=The Chaos Emeralds are said to hold enough power to control the whole world. It's that power that turns Sonic into Super Sonic. He turns a glorious golden color and can fly at nearly the speed of light. In his Final Smash, this high-speed flight damages anyone who gets in its way and can even launch them!

|desc-pal=The Chaos Emeralds are said to hold enough power to control the whole world. It's that power that turns Sonic into Super Sonic. He turns a glorious golden colour and can fly almost at the speed of light. In his Final Smash, this high-speed flight damages anyone who gets in its way and can even launch them!

*''SSB4'' marks the only time a third-party character returns as a starter.

*Sonic is the only third-party character with an exclusive piece of equipment, the ring.

[[Category:Third-party characters]]