Editing Sonic (SSBU)

'''Sonic''' ({{ja|ソニック|Sonikku}}, ''Sonic'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was confirmed as a playable character on June 12th, 2018. As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', he is [[unlockable character|unlockable]], instead of being available from the [[starter character|start]]. Sonic is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #38]].

As in ''Smash 4'', Sonic's voice clips from ''Brawl'' were repurposed for the Japanese version of ''Ultimate'', while his voice clips from ''Sonic Generations'' and the ''{{iw|mariowiki|Mario & Sonic|series}}'' series were repurposed in the other languages.

*Jonatán López in Spanish, in place of his current Spanish voice actor Ángel De Gracia. This was the former's last game as Sonic's Spanish voice actor before he passed away in February 2020.

Sonic is a [[weight|lightweight]] who, staying true to his home series, has outstanding mobility. He unsurprisingly possesses the fastest [[dash]]ing speed in the game by default (surpassed only by {{SSBU|Hero}} under the effects of [[Command Selection|Acceleratle]] which is technically using a Special Move), the 7th fastest [[walk]]ing speed, the 12th fastest [[air speed]] (tied with {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}}, and {{SSBU|Inkling}}), and the highest [[traction]] in the game (surpassed only by {{SSBU|Sephiroth}} under the effects of [[Winged Form]]). When combined with his above average [[falling speed]] and jumps, this allows him to move across the stage at the speed of sound, despite his only average [[gravity]] and slow [[air acceleration]]. As a cherry on top, he can even [[wall jump]].

Sonic's special moves are quite useful. [[Spin Dash]] and [[Spin Charge]] allow him to not only move across stages at varying speeds, but also do damage on contact, and both can follow up into an aerial attack or uncharged Homing Attack. Despite their very similar-looking appearances in functions, they both have different strengths and uses for various different situations.

Spin Dash allows Sonic to jump around the stage while charging or holding the charge of the move and can be released in the air, and the hop at the start of the move allows Sonic to "spinshot" on ground as well as in the air, with it being the side special making it more ideal for aiming the spin shot to recover. The initial jump can also help Sonic avoid certain things like projectiles by hopping over them, it, however, loses this initial hop if fully charged. Spin Dash also has a moment of intangibility on startup, which can bypass even Wonderwing. The intangible fully charged version can pass through most grounded attacks but will clank with projectiles and aerial attacks. The non-fully-charged version with the hop though can bypass if not beat out almost anything due to being aerial. The fully-charged version of Spindash will also be intangible whenever Sonic turns the move around. Due to the number of branching choices Sonic has when starting Spin Dash, it is his most reliable attack in neutral and one of his best approach options overall. From jumping into cancellation, charging it to alter its timing, switching directions after releasing, and utilizing the spin shot, Spin Dash plays an extremely important role when attempting to play mind games versus Sonic's opponent.

While Spin Dash is a one-hit move that mostly knocks opponents into the air, Spin Charge, on the other hand, hits multiple times, carrying the opponent, and moves a little faster, making it a good alternative for dashing. Jumping out of Spin Charge also has Sonic hop while spinning, making him a jumping hitbox. Also, due to charging up by pushing the Special Move button repeatedly, it can be charged up to full power faster than Spin Dash. Spin Charge can also perform a "spinshot", although it can only be done while airborne and can't be reversed.

Both give Sonic additional protection when recovering and combo into other moves. The mobility of both in tandem with Sonic's already impressive speed makes him capable of quickly adding on damage to unprepared opponents from anywhere on the stage, and they can clank and cancel out the effects of certain moves, such as Snake's [[C4]] or Yoshi's Egg Roll. Both moves also have Sonic's hurtbox extend beyond the attack's hitbox. Both moves can be blocked by shield, making them a bit unsafe and committal or predictable, as Spin Dash can only be canceled with a jump and Spin Charge can only be canceled by jumping or stopping pressing the Special Move button. However, they can bypass shields if fully-charged and jump over them on initial contact.

[[Homing Attack]] deals a varying amount of damage, homes in on the nearest opponent and is good for punishing laggy moves and [[edge-guard breaking]]. Its uncharged state also has the potential to combo and its charged state has a small amount of KO potential at higher percents. [[Spring Jump]] is a useful recovery that grants intangibility at the start, goes very high, and is one of few recovery moves that do not cause a [[helpless]] state, enabling Sonic to attack and dodge during his descent and even extend his recovery with a directional air dodge. The spring that is dropped can be useful both on-stage and off-stage by allowing him to pressure and [[gimp]] opponents, respectively.

Sonic also has a powerful air game. Neutral aerial is a great combo starter when [[SHFF]]'d, as a result of its long-lasting hitbox, low landing lag, and launching angle. Forward aerial is useful for [[edgeguarding]] and, in certain instances, it can combo into itself on-stage at low percentages, thanks to its generous [[auto-cancel]] window and Sonic's fast air speed. Up aerial possesses KO potential near the upper [[blast line]] and is great for combos, while its auto-canceling window makes it deceptively safe. Back aerial's clean hitbox is very powerful, making it one of his few reliable kill moves like his up aerial, and coupled with its strength within Sonic's kit, also makes it his best aerial finisher. Lastly, down aerial is a [[stall-then-fall]]; although it is Sonic's least effective aerial, it has noticeably less ending lag compared to other stall-then-falls, and its initial hitbox [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents, allowing him to meteor smash an opponent near the edge of the stage and still be able to recover, even if he misses.

Sonic's neutral attack, tilts, and throws have decent damage outputs and good speed, making them hard to [[punish]]. His grab game is decent overall: While none of Sonic's grabs excel in speed and each of them has average ranges, they are still fairly easy to land thanks to his outstanding speed. Sonic's [[pummel]] is also quick and has an average damage output, allowing him to rack up a fair amount of damage before throwing an opponent. Down throw is a [[semi-spike]] that has high base knockback, which makes it excellent for setting up edge-guards and [[tech-chase]]s. Back throw also has high base knockback and KOs much earlier than his other throws, especially if it is used while near the edge. It also moves Sonic backward, which makes it useful for setting up an immediate edge-guard attempt. Up tilt can be reversed on startup and hit opponents through platforms above Sonic, and his Forward Smash has a bit of a deceptively large range due to him stepping forward during the punch.

Up throw is a reliable combo starter, having decently damaging combos beginning at 0%, as well as Spring Jump-assisted aerial combos beginning at medium percentages. It also has KO potential, although it only KOs reliably at very high percentages when used on high platforms, such as {{SSBU|Battlefield}}'s top platform, as well as stages with low upper blast zones. Lastly, forward throw is his least useful throw, as its primary utility is for forcing the opponent away from him. Like up throw, it can also function as a KOing option, albeit only when used on the edge at very high percentages.

Mastering Sonic's running game is crucial to Sonic's ability to perform at high-level play; thanks to Sonic having the fastest dashing speed, Sonic mains can take advantage of a variety of dash or dash-related techniques. Dash-dancing is extremely useful for mindgames, such as by running in one direction and then quickly turning the other way around to bait an opponent or catch them off-guard. The ability to use any attack out of a dash further compliments this strategy, as Sonic can retaliate almost immediately to an opponent’s attack after dash-dancing. As such, it is often regarded by Sonic players that it is better to run away from the opponent and run back than to use roll-dodges to avoid opponents. This allows the player to avoid damage, not be as easily punished, have more control over their actions, and be able to punish their opponent's attacks. Dash-dance pivots (consisting of fox-trotting away from the opponent, then quickly dash-dancing backward) are particularly effective for this, as they can cause almost immediate turnarounds and allow for easy grabs. In general, Sonic arguably has the easiest time winning the neutral game due to his unmatched speed and maneuverability on-stage, and attacks that not only come out fast but can also be used to approach with.

Sonic has some weaknesses however, the most noticeable being his KO potential. It is held back by his best kill moves (his smash attacks and clean back aerial) requiring good positioning and having noticeable startup and ending lag. His forward and up smashes are also burdened with low base knockback, which forces them to be used for KO attempts later instead of earlier, and his down smash, although it has decent startup, has high ending lag, making it easy to punish if missed. While Sonic’s damage-racking ability is formidable, his actual ability to take stocks is among the worst in the game, which oftentimes results in his opponents surviving beyond 150% and even 200%. Despite his outstanding mobility, Sonic may struggle to land due to his very slow air acceleration, leaving him susceptible to [[juggling]].

In all, Sonic has a great offensive play, a strong [[neutral game]], a good off-stage presence, and can very rapidly damage his opponents. However, like other characters of his archetype, he has some trouble killing and can be difficult to keep track of, even for the player using him, which sometimes leads to accidentally putting him at a disadvantage or even SDing. Although Sonic’s attributes make him a hit-and-run character most of the time, his prowess for using mindgames and switching up tactics encourage multiple playstyles to succeed, which give him a higher learning curve but allows him to match up well against nearly every character in the cast. As such, Sonic commands a strong playerbase at top-level play, with dedicated mains such as {{Sm|Sonix}} and {{Sm|KEN}} achieving great results with him.

Like most other top-tier characters, Sonic was often regarded as one of the most potent characters in ''Smash 4'', which was reflected in its latest tier list (tied with Fox for 7th out of 55th). His phenomenal ground movement and [[Spin Dash]] not only granted him a powerful [[neutral game]], but also encouraged a borderline oppressive hit-and-run playstyle, to a point where Sonic players would often utilize [[time out]] strategies after having a stock/percentage lead to win games. Likely as a result of this, Sonic was given a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition to ''Ultimate'', but was nerfed overall.

Several of Sonic's key strengths and moves from ''SSB4'' have been toned down considerably. Arguably his biggest nerf was towards his Spin Dash: it can no longer be shield canceled and can no longer go through shields unless it is fully charged; this noticeably hinders Sonic's infamous camping ability and mindgames from ''Smash 4'', and it also forces Sonic to rely more on his pure speed to play defensively. [[Up aerial]], known for its status as a strong KO option off of moves like [[Spring Jump]] and Spin Dash, has received angle and knockback adjustments to the first hit that worsen its ability to connect into the second hit as reliably, no longer managing to follow Sonic's momentum when he jumps and hindering its effectiveness and consistency for combos. This is further compounded by [[up throw]]'s nerf; known for being a potential finisher due to its ability to combo into Spring Jump-assisted setups, it now has increased endlag, effectively removing most of Sonic's Spring Jump-assisted combos off of it. Lastly, Spring Jump's spring now sends opponents at a more horizontal angle, toning down its edge-guarding potency, and has much less intangibility frames, making it easier to intercept Sonic during his recovery. His much lighter weight and increased falling speed also worsen his disadvantage state, making him easier to combo and KO if the opponent is able to catch him.

However, Sonic has been granted notable buffs as well, particularly towards his less impressive attacks. In particular, [[Homing Attack]] has been buffed significantly: it has faster startup, less endlag upon hitting an opponent, better accuracy, and the ability to be charged for longer; this has lead to the move becoming a much more viable combo tool as well as a potential option in the neutral game. His [[down tilt]] launches opponents at a higher angle now, granting it combo potential. All of his smash attacks were improved, with [[forward smash]] gaining more range, and [[up smash|up]] and [[down smash]] having better KO potential. Additionally, some of Sonic's better moves have been buffed in various ways. Despite having been worsened overall, Spin Dash now has the ability to be jump canceled, alleviating some of Sonic's potential mix-up options, albeit they remain less effective than previously. Spring Jump now grants Sonic slightly more distance, buffing his already impressive recovery. Several of Sonic multi-hitting attacks (sans up aerial) now link into each other more reliably, including [[Spin Charge]], up smash, [[forward aerial]], and [[forward tilt]].

Sonic also benefits incredibly from ''Ultimate's'' universal mechanic changes. Known for having high landing lag on his attacks in ''Smash 4'', Sonic now possesses much less landing lag on all of his aerials, although still above average relative to the cast; this grants neutral aerial increased combo potential, improves back aerial's safety as a spacing option, and makes down aerial a slightly safer (albeit still unsafe) landing option. Sonic's already unmatched ground mobility has been improved even further, with his initial dash now being among the fastest in the game, heightening his camping abilities via simply running away. The ability to [[run cancel|use any attack out of a run]] allows Sonic to take advantage of his phenomenal ground movement more than most other characters in ''Ultimate'', granting him powerful mix-up options he previously didn't have access to. Finally, the changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics improve Sonic's edgeguarding game while not compromising him much thanks to his great recovery, while the reintroduction of directional air dodges allows Sonic to gain a little extra distance after using Spring Jump.

Overall, while Sonic still retains his powerful attributes and combo game, several of Sonic's most powerful tools from ''SSB4'' have either been worsened or have been removed altogether. This has lead to a generally less effective character than in ''SSB4'', as Sonic is now forced to make greater use of his standard moveset instead of relying on Spin Dash and Spin Charge to compensate for his underwhelming attacks, and must now take advantage of ''Ultimate's'' reworked mechanics and gear towards a more creative and offensive playstyle than in ''SSB4''. Regardless, although Sonic initially had a below-average perception, it has become more positive over time, with smashers like {{Sm|KEN}}, {{Sm|Sonix}}, {{sm|Sonido}} and {{Sm|Wrath}} achieving some solid results in tournament play, albeit not to the same degree as in ''SSB4''. In the end, in spite of his initial mediocre perception, Sonic remains a viable, high tier character in competitive play once mastered, and as a result, he is one of the few ''SSB4'' top tier veterans to keep placing well in tournament play in ''Ultimate'', alongside {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}, and {{SSBU|Cloud}}.

*Sonic continuously receives damage while [[swimming]]. This trait is shared with {{SSBU|Charizard}}, {{SSBU|Inkling}}, and {{SSBU|Incineroar}}. This is a reference to the classic ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' games where Sonic is unable to swim and needs to constantly collect air bubbles or else he would drown and die instantly.

|neutraldesc=The Punch + Punch + Kick combo from ''Sonic the Fighters''. Its first and second hit are capable of [[jab lock]]ing. Holding the attack button will have Sonic perform the first hit repeatedly.

|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, and as an [[out of shield]] option.

|utiltdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|540 kick}}, similar to {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}'s up smash. Its decent vertical range makes it a fairly useful anti-air attack, although it has poor horizontal range. It resembles the Skip Kick from ''Sonic the Fighters''.

|dtiltdesc=A legsweep. Unlike in ''SSB4'', it launches opponents diagonally, which enables it to start combos at lower percentages. It resembles the Leg Throw from ''Sonic the Fighters'', and the Foot Sweep from ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' (2006) and ''Sonic Unleashed''.

|dashdesc=A flying kick. A decent follow-up from a down throw, although this requires a read. While its very minimal start-up lag can allow it to pressure unwary opponents, it is quite punishable thanks to its considerable ending lag.

|fsmashdesc=The Wind-Up Punch from ''Sonic the Fighters''. It has high knockback growth and deceptive range, and it can be angled. Altogether, these traits make it one of Sonic's best KO moves, if not his absolute best one. However, it has low base knockback, and thus should be used for KO attempts later instead of earlier. It also has noticeable start-up, at frame 18, and ending lag (28 frames), making it risky if used unwisely.

|usmashdesc=A jumping Spin Dash. Coming out on frame 14, it has moderate start-up and noticeable ending lag, making it risky if used unwisely. It hits multiple times, with the last hit having extremely high knockback scaling but merely average base knockback. As a result, it should be used for KO attempts later instead of earlier. It is also excellent at shield poking, thanks to its somewhat large hitboxes.

|dsmashdesc=A split kick, similar to {{SSBU|Fox}} and {{SSBU|Falco}}'s down smashes. It has the lowest amount of start-up lag out of Sonic's smash attacks, at frame 12, and hits on both sides, which make it useful for punishing rolls. It is also a [[semi-spike]], which makes it very useful for edge-guarding. However, it lasts for only 2 frames and, like his other smash attacks, has considerable ending lag.

|nairdesc=The Air Spin from ''Sonic the Fighters''. In addition to being a reliable follow-up from [[Spin Dash]], [[Spin Charge]], and [[Spring Jump]]-assisted combos, its launch angle makes its clean and late hitboxes useful combo starters at low to medium percentages when [[SHFF]]'d.

|fairdesc=A corkscrew [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling attacks#Battering ram|battering ram]], similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}'s forward aerial. It is tied with up aerial for the lowest amount of start-up lag out of Sonic's aerials, coming out on frame 5. When coupled with the last hit's very high knockback growth, it is quite useful for spacing and edge-guarding. It can also combo into itself in certain instances, thanks to Sonic's very fast air speed and the move's fairly large [[auto-cancel]] window. It resembles the Emerald Dive from ''Sonic the Fighters''.

|bairdesc=A hook kick. Its clean hitbox's impressive damage output and high knockback growth make it one of Sonic's best KO moves, especially while edge-guarding. The move is also one of the more powerful of its type when hit clean. However, it does have moderately high start-up lag for a back air, at frame 13, making it somewhat tough to land.

|uairdesc=A scissor kick. Its very large auto-cancel window and fairly low landing lag make it deceptively safe. In addition to being a reliable follow-up from Spin Dash and Spin Charge, it is a useful combo starter when SHFF'd. Due to its first hit's adjusted launching angles and its second hit's much lower knockback growth, it is noticeably less effective than it was in ''SSB4'' as a follow-up from Spring Jump and as a KO option.

|dairdesc=A diagonal flying kick. It is a [[stall-then-fall]], but unlike the majority of other stall-then-falls, it is relatively safe to use off-stage thanks to its noticeably lower ending lag in comparison. Its clean hit also [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents at the beginning of the attack, but not grounded opponents. It resembles the Stomp Dive from ''Sonic the Fighters'' and the Sonic Rocket from ''Sonic Battle''.

|pummeldesc=A knee strike. A fairly fast pummel.

|fthrowdesc=A stretch kick. Due to its launching angle and overall knockback being noticeably lower than in ''SSB4'', it now functions as a serviceable edge-guard set-up at the very negligible cost of its almost nonexistent KO potential. It resembles the Top Kick from ''Sonic Battle''.

|uthrowdesc=Heaves the opponent overhead and then stabs them with his quills to launch them upwards. It can be followed up with a neutral aerial, up aerial and inputted [[Homing Attack]] at low percentages. Due to its ending lag being increased since ''SSB4'', its Spring Jump-assisted follow-ups less consistent. It also has KO potential, albeit only at very high percentages and when used on highly positioned platforms, such as Battlefield's top platform.

|dthrowdesc=Pins the opponent to the ground and then Spin Dashes onto them. Due to being a semi-spike, it is reliable for tech-chasing and setting up edge-guards. It resembles the Double Spin from ''Sonic the Fighters''.

|edgedesc=Spin Dashes forward while climbing up. It resembles the Cliffhanger Flip from ''Sonic the Hedgehog Spinball''.

|nsdesc=Curls up into a ball while briefly ascending, homes onto the nearest opponent, and then rams into them. Pressing the special button will execute the move earlier, albeit dealing less damage. It can be used as a follow-up combo from various moves if executed early.

|ssdesc=Curls up into a ball, performs a short jump, and then starts rolling toward the opponent at a fast speed. Holding the special button [[charge]]s it up and increases its speed. In addition to granting intangibility at the start, it boasts impressive combo potential, thanks to its ability to be followed up with any aerial attack. However, if uncharged, it stops when it hits a shield, making it very unsafe if shielded. It also boasts horizontal recovery potential when it is [[jump-cancel]]ed immediately upon releasing the special button; this turns the dash into a "Spin Shot", a quick, long-ranged short hop that can be performed either on the ground or in the air.

|usdesc=Sonic is sent upwards by a spring. When used on the ground, it remains in place for a few seconds, allowing Sonic and any other character to keep bouncing off of it until it vanishes. Although this move is primarily used for recovering, it is also useful for partaking in combos. It grants intangibility at the start, while the spring itself can also be used to [[gimp]] recovering opponents underneath Sonic.

|dsdesc=A Spin Dash that hits multiple times and has more momentum. It also has slightly different aesthetics compared to Spin Dash, and requires button mashing in order to charge. However, it lacks a short jump at its beginning, cannot be canceled in any way, and it can only become a "Spin Shot" when used in the air.

</gallery>''

*Spin Dashes onto the stage from the foreground and strikes a pose.

SonicOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Sonic's on-screen appearance

*'''Up taunt''': Somersaults and then crosses his arms with his index finger pointing out, one of his signature poses (most notably from ''{{s|wikipedia|Sonic Adventure}}'') while making a "tsk" sound three times.

*'''Side taunt''': Performs the [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Super_Peel_Out Super Peel Out], a technique that debuted in ''{{s|wikipedia|Sonic CD}}'', while grinning.

*'''Down taunt''': Performs the {{iw|wikipedia|windmill|b-boy move}}, a breakdancing move.

Sonic's taunt quotes in each language are:

|"¡Velocidad sónica!"<br>(''Sonic Speed!'') || "¡Vamos!" <br> (''Let's go!'')

*Looks at the camera and wiggles his finger in a patronizing manner while smirking. It resembles the animation he performs after clearing an Act or defeating a boss in ''Sonic the Hedgehog 3'' and ''Sonic Mania'' or his introduction in many 2D ''Sonic the Hedgehog'' games and in the three American DIC Entertainment cartoons.

SSBUSonicIdle1.gif|Sonic's first idle pose

SSBUSonicIdle2.gif|Sonic's second idle pose

|[[File:Sonic Cheer English SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sonic Cheer Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sonic Cheer Italian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sonic Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Sonic Cheer French NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Sonic Cheer French PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]

|[[File:Sonic Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Sonic Cheer Spanish NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Sonic Cheer Spanish PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sonic Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Sonic Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]

*'''Left:''' Sprints off-screen and then sprints back on-screen before giving a thumbs up. It is possibly a reference to the Sega logo at the opening of the 16-bit version of ''Sonic the Hedgehog 2''.

*'''Up:''' Runs up to the camera and grabs the blue [[Chaos Emerald]], then poses with it. His Japanese line comes from ''Sonic Heroes'' after battles.

*'''Right:''' Performs the Sonic Flare from ''Sonic Battle'', a backflip, then strikes a pose. His Japanese line comes from ''Sonic Adventure'' after defeating a boss.  

Sonic victory quotes in each language are:

''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''

''See also: [[:Category:Sonic professionals (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|Daige|Mexico}} - The best Sonic in Mexico, placed 5th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 6}}, {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 9}} and {{Trn|Guerras Regias!}}, and 65th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}} with wins over {{Sm|Ang}}, {{Sm|Maister}}, and {{Sm|Nanon}}. Currently ranked 37th on the [[Mexican Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|KEN|Japan}} (#16) - One of the two best Sonic players in the world, co-mains with {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP 6}}, {{Trn|Kagaribi}}, and {{Trn|Battle of BC 4}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}}, and 3rd at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{sm|Zackray}}. Currently ranked 3rd in the [[Japan Player Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Rankings|Japan Player Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Peli|UK}} - The best Sonic player in Europe. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|DAT BlastZone 31}} and {{Trn|VCA 2021}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Invasion}}, 5th at {{Trn|SWT: Europe Ultimate Regional Finals}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Kings of Fields 95}} with a win over {{Sm|Glutonny}}.

*{{Sm|Sonido|USA}} - One of the best Sonic players in the United States. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Buccaneer Brawl}}, 5th at {{Trn|Come to Papa 3}}, 7th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}}, 9th at {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}} with wins over players such as wins over {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{sm|Mr E}}, and {{sm|Salem}}. Currently ranked 5th on the [[Georgia Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rankings|Georgia Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Sonix|Dominican Republic}} - One of the two best Sonic players in the world and the best solo Sonic in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|CEO 2022}}, 3rd at both {{Trn|SWT: Central America Ultimate Regional Finals}} and {{Trn|Edgeguard}}, 5th at {{Trn|Pound 2022}} and {{Trn|MomoCon 2022}}, 9th at {{Trn|CEO 2021}} and {{Trn|Smash World Tour 2021 Championships}} and 25th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Tweek}}, {{Sm|Maister}}, and {{Sm|Dabuz}}. Currently ranked 1st on the  [[Dominican Republic Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Rankings|Dominican Republic Power Rankings]]. He is also one of the best players online, winning {{Trn|The Quarantine Series: Major Tournament 1}} and {{Trn|The Airlock}}. Currently ranked 2nd on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v7]].

*{{Sm|SuperGirlKels|Canada}} - The best Sonic player in Canada. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Terry Christmas}}, 5th at {{Trn|LAN ETS 2019}}, 7th at both {{Trn|ICARUS V}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2019}}, and 65th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}. Currenrly ranked 21st on the [[Smash Canada Rankings Ultimate]].

*{{Sm|TonyZTank|USA}} - Placed 4th at both {{Trn|Spotlight}} and {{Trn|Frosty Faustings XII 2020}}, 17th at {{Trn|Riptide}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Low Tide City 2021}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Fatality}}, {{Sm|Ned}} and {{Sm|LeoN}}. Currently ranked 1st on the [[Nebraska Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|VaLoR|USA}} - Placed 1st at {{Trn|Speedy Summit 3}}, 9th at {{Trn|LAN King Smash Royale XI}}, 13th at {{Trn|GameTyrant Expo 2019}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|GENESIS 7}} and {{Trn|Super Ascension}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Salem}} and {{Sm|Sinji}}. Currently ranked 3rd on [[Utah Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rankings|Utah Ultimate Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Wrath|USA}} (#51) - The best Sonic player in the United States.  Placed 1st at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 12}}, 5th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}}, 7th at {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}, 17th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} with wins over players like {{sm|Glutonny}},  {{Sm|kameme}}, and {{sm|Tweek}}.

Sonic's opponents in Classic Mode are a mix between the game's fastest characters as well as references to characters in other ''Sonic'' titles. The references to his games in Sonic's Classic Mode go in chronological order from each console generation starting from the 4th (Sega Genesis) to the 8th (Wii U). The title references Sonic's high speed and part of the lyrics of "Escape from the City" from ''Sonic Adventure 2''.

|1||{{CharHead|Fox|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Green Hill Zone]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Green Hill Zone}}''||Fox represents Sonic’s sidekick, [[Miles "Tails" Prower]].

|2||{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Figure-8 Circuit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Super Sonic Racing}}''||The stage, music, and opponent all reference ''Sonic R'', a racing game.

|3||Giant Metal {{Head|Sonic|g=SSBU|s=20px}} Sonic||[[Fourside]] ([[Ω form]])||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Open Your Heart}}''||''Open Your Heart'' being played during the battle and the city setting likely reference the boss battles against Chaos in ''Sonic Adventure'', particularly the one against Chaos 0; the stage and opponent could also reference the Metal Sonic boss fight at the end of Stardust Speedway Zone in ''Sonic CD''. Although the costume is revealed to be the default costume, the enemy will always have the default costume regardless of what costume the player has.

|4||{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Yellow}}{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Blue}}{{Head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=20px|cl=Red}} {{SSBU|Kirby}} (x3)||[[Halberd]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Sonic Heroes}}''||The Kirbys represent the three character types from ''Sonic Heroes'': Speed (Blue), Flight (Yellow), and Power (Red). The stage choice likely references Final Fortress, the final level of said game.

|5||{{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Mushroomy Kingdom]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Seven Rings in Hand}}''||The stage, music, and opponent all reference ''Sonic and the Secret Rings'', which has an Arabian setting.

|6||Giant {{CharHead|Incineroar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Windy Hill Zone]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Wonder World}}''||Incineroar represents Zavok, the leader of The Deadly Six, who debuted in ''Sonic Lost World''.

During the opening cutscene, Sonic was present on the cliffside when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. While attempting to run away, Sonic noticed {{SSBU|Pikachu}} doing the same and reached his hand towards Pikachu in an attempt to save it. However, he and Pikachu were vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment.

Sonic was one of the many fighters that fell under [[Dharkon]]'s control upon Galeem's first defeat. He appears in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-area as one of the fighters that block the [[Master Sword]], making him one of the obligatory unlocks. His location could potentially be a reference to ''Sonic & the Black Knight'' and/or the ''Zelda''-themed level in ''Sonic Lost World''.

He is later seen standing next to {{SSBU|Mario}}, as the heroes prepare their last stand against Galeem and Dharkon.

Sonic's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Sonic has been unlocked. Unlocking Sonic in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in ''Ultimate''.

==In Spirit battles==

|Dillon

|Rayman

***It could, however, mean that no landing lag persists from the aerial move itself, and only occurs from Spring Jump, which was possibly added due to the universal landing lag reductions in ''Ultimate''.

*Sonic's stock icon in ''Ultimate'' bears a striking resemblance to several logos and icons in the ''{{uv|Sonic}}'' series, namely:

**Sonic's [[mariowiki:File:MyS emblem Sonic.png|character icon]] in some ''Sonic'' spin-off games.

***It is also one of six to show the character's eyes, the others being {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBU|Kirby}}, {{SSBU|Meta Knight}}, [[Steve (SSBU)|Zombie and Enderman]]. This is not counting {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}} and [[Bowser Jr. (SSBU)|Larry]], as the eyes depicted for the former are not his actual eyes, and the latter lacks his irises.

*Sonic is one of three third-party characters in ''Ultimate'' with more than one [[Green Hill Zone|home]] [[Windy Hill Zone|stage]] representing their series, the others being {{SSBU|Cloud}} and {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}.

**Sonic is the only sole third-party fighter with this distinction.

*Sonic, alongside {{SSBU|Mega Man}}, is one of two third-party characters with more than one [[Knuckles the Echidna|assist]] [[Shadow the Hedgehog|trophy]] representing their series.

*Sonic's shoes and cuffs in his 7th and 8th alternate costumes were swapped in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', but his fur color was not.

*''Ultimate'' is the first game where Sonic was the first third-party character announced, as {{SSBB|Snake}} was announced before him in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', while {{SSB4|Mega Man}} was announced before him in ''SSB4''.

*Sonic is one of only four characters to face a metal opponent in Classic Mode, facing a giant metal version of himself. The others are [[Bowser]], who faces [[Metal Mario]] upon normal Mario's defeat in the final round, {{SSBU|Kazuya}}, who faces a metal version of himself upon defeating his normal self in the final round, and [[Sora]], who faces a metal version of himself in the sixth round.

*Interestingly, {{SSBU|Little Mac}} is absent from Sonic's Classic Mode route, despite possessing the 3rd fastest dashing speed in the game.

*Sonic is the only character who travels to [[Green Hill Zone]] and [[Figure-8 Circuit]] in Classic Mode.

*Prior to version 2.0.0, there was a glitch that allowed {{SSBU|Ridley}} to instantly KO Sonic. On 2D stages, if Ridley grabbed Sonic with his [[Space Pirate Rush]] while Sonic was recovering from a Homing Attack near the ledge, Sonic would be instantly sent into the horizontal blast line.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyylKx0Jgg8</ref>

*As is the case with ''SSB4'', Sonic's snoring and surfacing voice clips are taken directly from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', in which he was voiced by Jason Griffith, despite otherwise being voiced by Roger Craig Smith.

**Also, like in ''SSB4'', Jason Griffith is uncredited in the credits.

*Sonic is the only third-party veteran to have his [[victory theme]] changed in some way, being slightly sped up and abridged at the end.

*The Chaos Emerald that appears in Sonic's victory pose is oddly more solid and less crystalline than the models used for his Final Smash and the [[Shadow]] Assist Trophy.

*Sonic's pose that he does in his official render in ''Ultimate'' has been [[List of Super Smash Bros. references in other franchises|referenced]] in at least three later sources of media:

**In the 2020 film, ''{{iw|wikipedia|Sonic the Hedgehog|film}}'', Sonic avoids one of Dr. Robotnik's attacks while striking a similar pose to his official render in ''Ultimate''. According to Sonic's actor {{iw|wikipedia|Ben Schwartz}}, this was an intentional reference.<ref>https://comicbook.com/gaming/2020/02/16/sonic-the-hedgehog-super-smash-bros-ultimate-easter-eggs/</ref>

**In a promotional image of the collaboration between ''Sonic'' and the 2020 action game ''{{iw|wikipedia|Ninjala}}'', Berecca (who wears a Sonic costume) strikes a pose identical to Sonic's official render in ''Ultimate''.<ref>https://www.sonicstadium.org/2020/09/sonic-x-ninjala-collaboration-details-revealed-costumes-eggman-utsusemi-and-more/</ref>

*In World of Light, Sonic is the only character unlocked in the Dark Realm with a power level lower than 10,000.

*When Sonic gets KO'd in Stamina battles, his "down" pose is similar to how he poses when hit by an enemy with no rings in 3D games from his series.

*In {{SSBU|Steve}}'s reveal trailer, Sonic's forward smash launches {{SSBU|Mario}} through blocks into a ''Minecraft'' cave (transitioning to a cinematic), which led to many jokes and memes about Sonic being able to "punch people into ''Minecraft''". The official Sonic Twitter page [https://twitter.com/sonic_hedgehog/status/1407383749377945602?s=20 referenced this meme] when an official ''Minecraft'' collaboration with the ''Sonic'' series took place.