Jigglypuff (SSBU): Difference between revisions

Jigglypuff was infamous for being one of the worst characters in the two previous games, due to its high amount of weaknesses, such as being the lightest and floatiest character (which gives it among the shortest-lived, yet worst disadvantage states), having a predictable and linear approach, its short range, lack of projectile, and being prone to projectile and mobility camping. These issues were made much more apparent in ''SSB4'', due to the game's polarized balance and universal mechanics adversely working against Jigglypuff, the most notable being [[rage]] and [[ledge trump]]ing. Most likely owing to its consistently poorly regarded status, Jigglypuff has been noticeably buffed in the transition to ''Ultimate''.

Jigglypuff's most notable direct changes are to its aerial attacks and its special moveset. Like with most other veterans, Jigglypuff's aerial attacks have greatly reduced landing lag, which when combined with its faster air speed allows Jigglypuff to more easily string its aerial attacks into one another, once again significantly strengthening some of its lost combo game from ''Melee''. In addition, [[Pound]] has less ending lag than in ''SSB4'', giving it combo potential as well as helping with vertical recovery; [[Rest]] is now interruptible significantly earlier, being 20 frames faster than previous games, and an additional 25 frames earlier if it connects; and [[Sing]] is notably faster with more range, along with its sleep time being increased, making it a viable tool for the first time in the series, although it still remains risky and easily punishable if not used in specific setups.

Jigglypuff also significantly benefits from a few of the reworked game mechanics in ''Ultimate''. The changes to [[air dodge]]s and the reduction of [[edge]] sizes on most stages have virtually restored Jigglypuff's strong edgeguarding capabilities, exponentially improving its already large offstage presence when combined with its improved aerial kit and mobility, which allows Jigglypuff to perform techniques like its renowned [[Wall of Pain]] more effectively. The reintroduction of directional air dodges also grants Jigglypuff an additional recovery option, improving its offstage survivability. In addition, Jigglypuff arguably benefits the most from the weakening of the [[rage]] mechanic, which slightly improves its otherwise abysmal endurance.

However, Jigglypuff is not without some minor nerfs. Although Jigglypuff did gain a more useful forward throw, its already bad grab game was made worse, as its grabs, while among the fastest, were made slightly more laggy, along with its up throw doing less damage. However, buffs Jigglypuff received later in game significantly improved its grabs. Pound's recovery potential was also nerfed, as Jigglypuff will no longer immediately accelerate in the air during its startup, making consecutive usage of the move a less effective recovery tactic.

Although Jigglypuff does benefit from the aerial-based changes to gameplay mechanics for ''Ultimate'', some of the other gameplay changes have also hurt Jigglypuff. While the changes to air dodges overall benefit it, they also make Jigglypuff more vulnerable in the air, as they render it even more susceptible to [[juggling]] and now force it to mix up its recovery (though the latter point is slightly counterbalanced by the reintroduction of directional air dodging). In addition, the changes to [[jostle|jostling]] mechanics make Jigglypuff unable to pass through other fighters while running, making Rest much harder to land via running into opponents. Of note is that many of Jigglypuff's primary flaws that have plagued it in previous games are still present in ''Ultimate'', such as a ludicrously low endurance (and being instantly KO'd if its shield is broken), and highly polarized neutral game as a result of its poor ground mobility and limited ground game, its short range, no projectile, and highly limited grab game. ''Ultimate'' also includes many more viable swordfighters and zoners compared to previous games, both archetypes that Jigglypuff still struggles against.

Overall, Jigglypuff's buffs heavily outweigh its nerfs, and in result, it is significantly more effective than in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', becoming once again a proper "glass cannon". Jigglypuff has also received some very notable buffs in game updates; improving its viability in competitive play dramatically. However, Jigglypuff still notably falls behind when compared to its appearance in ''Melee'', as its positive traits, while notably improved, are still not nearly as strong as in said game, while its drawbacks still remain intact from previous appearances. Jigglypuff's perception within the community is much better compared to ''SSB4'': while Jigglypuff's tournament representation in ''Ultimate'' still remains small, it is agreed to no longer be one of the worst characters in the game, and it has achieved some success thanks to players such as {{Sm|Arika}}, {{Sm|Senra}}, {{Sm|Cannon Red}}, and most notably, {{Sm|BassMage}}. This has led to many professional players to consider Jigglypuff to be a mid-tier character, although whether or not it has room to rise remains to be seen. In the end, Jigglypuff's competitive viability remains a high topic of debate.