Editing Wolf (SSBU)

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==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
Wolf has received some of the most noticeable changes of any returning [[veteran]], similarly to {{SSBU|Link}} and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}. In ''Brawl'', Wolf's moveset was rather unpolished compared to the rest of the cast, most likely due to his late inclusion, which Sakurai acknowledges was possible thanks to his popularity and similarities to the ''Star Fox'' cast. Likely because of this, most of Wolf's moveset has been significantly reworked to be more polished and further distinguish him from {{SSBU|Fox}}. This has led to a much larger overhaul in Wolf's moveset compared to other veterans, as several of his attacks either have altered or completely new animations alongside mechanical changes. As a result, Wolf has received a large mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from ''Brawl'', but has been considerably buffed overall.
Wolf has received some of the most noticeable changes of any returning [[veteran]], similarly to {{SSBU|Link}} and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}. In ''Brawl'', Wolf's moveset was rather unpolished compared to the cast, most likely due to his late inclusion, which Sakurai acknowledges was possible thanks to his popularity and similarities to the ''Star Fox'' cast. Likely because of this, most of Wolf's moveset has been significantly reworked to be more polished and further distinct him from {{SSBU|Fox}}. This has led to a much larger overhaul in Wolf's moveset compared to other veterans, as several of his attacks either have altered or completely new animations alongside mechanical changes. As a result, Wolf has received a large mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from ''Brawl'', but has been considerably buffed overall.


Like most of the returning veterans, Wolf's [[initial dash]] is much faster, while his dash and [[air speed]] have been slightly increased. In addition to this, however, his [[fast falling]] speed is significantly faster, no longer providing the smallest falling speed increase out of the cast by a considerable margin, greatly enhancing his aerial approach and landing ability. Coupled with his superior mobility are the buffs to his {{b|Blaster|Wolf}}, already an effective projectile in his previous appearance, and his new [[dash attack]]; the former's blasts deal more damage and knockback, while the latter covers much more horizontal range and is stronger. Both of these changes improve his [[neutral game]], now boasting one of the most respectable ones among the cast.
Like most of the returning veterans, Wolf's [[initial dash]] is much faster, while his dash and [[air speed]] have been slightly increased. In addition to this, however, his [[fast falling]] speed is significantly faster, no longer providing the smallest falling speed increase out of the cast by a considerable margin, greatly enhancing his aerial approach and landing ability. Coupled with his superior mobility are the buffs to his {{b|Blaster|Wolf}}, already an effective projectile in his previous appearance, and his new [[dash attack]]; the former's blasts deal more damage and knockback, while the latter covers much more horizontal range and is stronger. Both of these changes improve his [[neutral game]], now boasting one of the most respectable ones among the cast.
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|dairdesc=A two-handed downward slash below himself. It has the most startup (hitting on frame 16), ending lag, and landing lag (19 frames) out of Wolf's aerials, making it particularly risky to use offstage due to Wolf's poor recovery. However, it meteor smashes opponents consistently throughout the move, instead of requiring to land a specific part of it like most other meteor smashing down aerials. This essentially turns it into a high risk, high reward edge-guarding option. Against grounded opponents, it can combo into a variety of attacks, even up to high percentages.
|dairdesc=A two-handed downward slash below himself. It has the most startup (hitting on frame 16), ending lag, and landing lag (19 frames) out of Wolf's aerials, making it particularly risky to use offstage due to Wolf's poor recovery. However, it meteor smashes opponents consistently throughout the move, instead of requiring to land a specific part of it like most other meteor smashing down aerials. This essentially turns it into a high risk, high reward edge-guarding option. Against grounded opponents, it can combo into a variety of attacks, even up to high percentages.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his right arm. Wolf's grab range is short.
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his right arm.
|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})
|pummelname=Grab Kneebutt ({{ja|つかみニーバット|Tsukami Nībatto}})
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldmg=1.3%
|pummeldesc=A knee strike. Average power and speed.
|pummeldesc=A knee strike.
|fthrowname=Short Scratch ({{ja|ショートスクラッチ|Shōto Sukuratchi}})
|fthrowname=Short Scratch ({{ja|ショートスクラッチ|Shōto Sukuratchi}})
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 4% (throw)
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*{{Sm|Oryon|France}} - First known for defeating {{Sm|Abadango}} to place 4th at {{Trn|Stunfest 2019}}, and has since become Europe's premier Wolf player, with notable placements such as 4th at {{Trn|ICARUS 2023}}, 7th at {{Trn|King Con}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and a notable win over {{Sm|Tea}} at {{Trn|L'Odyssée - Chant I}}. He has also seen some success outside of Europe, with his best placements being 13th at {{Trn|GENESIS 8}} and 25th at {{Trn|GENESIS X}}.
*{{Sm|Oryon|France}} - First known for defeating {{Sm|Abadango}} to place 4th at {{Trn|Stunfest 2019}}, and has since become Europe's premier Wolf player, with notable placements such as 4th at {{Trn|ICARUS 2023}}, 7th at {{Trn|King Con}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and a notable win over {{Sm|Tea}} at {{Trn|L'Odyssée - Chant I}}. He has also seen some success outside of Europe, with his best placements being 13th at {{Trn|GENESIS 8}} and 25th at {{Trn|GENESIS X}}.
*{{Sm|Ouch!?|Canada}} - First known for his dominance in the [[Pacific Northwest]] region which began the same year. He gained further recognition after placing 3rd at {{Trn|Battle of BC 4}}, with a massive Loser's run that saw him eliminate {{Sm|Riddles}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Kome}}. He has since established himself as one of the best Wolf players in the world, placing 7th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 6}} and 9th at both {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}.
*{{Sm|Ouch!?|Canada}} - First known for his dominance in the [[Pacific Northwest]] region which began the same year. He gained further recognition after placing 3rd at {{Trn|Battle of BC 4}}, with a massive Loser's run that saw him eliminate {{Sm|Riddles}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Kome}}. He has since established himself as one of the best Wolf players in the world, placing 7th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 6}} and 9th at both {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}.
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - The best Wolf player in the early metagame, and Wolf's primary representative during this time, using him to win {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}} and place 2nd at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}, and 7th at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}. His victory at Umebura SP 2 remains the only major win for a player who primarily played Wolf. Following {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, he began playing other characters over Wolf, and ultimately dropped the character by the end of 2019.
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - The best Wolf player in the early metagame, and Wolf's primary representative during this time, using him to win {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}} and place 2nd at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}, and 7th at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}. His victory at Umebura SP 2 remains the only major win for a Wolf player. Following {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, he began playing other characters over Wolf, and ultimately dropped the character by the end of 2019.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
For most of competitive ''Ultimate'', Wolf has been considered one of the most popular characters in the metagame. This was especially true in the game's first few months, where players recogonized that Wolf's buffs from ''[[Brawl]]'', which gave him a powerful projectile courtesy of his Blaster, effective combos due to his modified physics, and a notorious [[edgeguard]]ing tool in his down smash, allowed him to dictate the flow of battle through use of his Blaster, overall speed, and combo ability. As such, Wolf was arguably the most popular character in the early metagame, ranking 1st for January-June 2019 and 2nd for July-December 2019 for character representation by [[OrionRank]], and was regularly one of the most used characters at majors, including being the most used character in {{Trn|Pound 2019}}'s top 128<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/apr/21/wolf-pack-came-out-full-force-super-smash-bros-ultimate-during-pound-2019-here-are-top-128-character-usage-stats/|title=The Wolf pack came out in full force for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during Pound 2019, here are the top 128 character usage stats}}</ref> and the third-most used character in {{Trn|EVO 2019}}'s top 256.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/aug/04/super-smash-bros-ultimate-usage-stats-evo-2019/|title=Yoshi, Fox, and Wolf were the three most used characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate top 256 at EVO 2019}}</ref> Spearheading Wolf's huge playerbase was {{Sm|Zackray}}, who regularly finished top 8 at majors. Wolf's strengths and popularity led many to consider him as one of the best characters in the game.  
For most of competitive ''Ultimate'', Wolf has been considered one of the most popular characters in the metagame. This was especially true in the game's first few months, where players recogonized that Wolf's buffs from ''[[Brawl]]'', which gave him a powerful projectile courtesy of his Blaster, effective combos due to his modified physics, and a notorious [[edgeguard]]ing tool in his down smash, allowed him to dictate the flow of battle through use of his Blaster, overall speed, and combo ability. As such, Wolf was arguably the most popular character in the early metagame, ranking 1st for January-June 2019 and 2nd for July-December 2019 for character representation by [[OrionRank]], and was regularly one of the most used characters at majors, including being the most used character in {{Trn|Pound 2019}}'s top 128<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/apr/21/wolf-pack-came-out-full-force-super-smash-bros-ultimate-during-pound-2019-here-are-top-128-character-usage-stats/|title=The Wolf pack came out in full force for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate during Pound 2019, here are the top 128 character usage stats}}</ref> and the third-most used character in {{Trn|EVO 2019}}'s top 256.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/aug/04/super-smash-bros-ultimate-usage-stats-evo-2019/|title=Yoshi, Fox, and Wolf were the three most used characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate top 256 at EVO 2019}}</ref> Spearheading Wolf's huge playerbase was {{Sm|Zackray}}, who regularly finished top 8 at majors. Wolf's strengths and popularity led many to consider him as one of the best characters in the game.  


Despite this popularity, as time went on, Wolf's weaknesses became more apparent: his linear recovery left him vulnerable to edgeguards and gimping, while his falling speed left him vulnerable to combos. In addition, subsequent patches nerfed his down smash's knockback, which further hurt Wolf's KO ability, as his other best KO options often had high starting lag. Initially, this led several of his best players to drop him, most notably Zackray; however, other Wolf players were ultimately able to fill that void, such as {{Sm|Atelier}}, {{Sm|Jakal}}, and {{Sm|Ouch!?}}, and as such, Wolf's representation remained in the top 10 for the following few years. However, none of these players were able to reach the top-level consistency that Zackray had; in fact, Atelier and Jakal themselves were notoriously inconsistent in competitive play. As such, opinions on Wolf mellowed out significantly, with some players believing he was overrated. This was reflected in Wolf's ranking on the first tier list, where he was ranked 11th in the upper half of S- tier. Although he remained a top tier, he was no longer considered one of the best characters in the game.
Despite this popularity, as time went on, Wolf's weaknesses became more apparent: his linear recovery left him vulnerable to edgeguards and gimping, while his falling speed left him vulnerable to combos. In addition, subsequent patches nerfed his down smash's knockback, which further hurt Wolf's KO ability, as his other best KO options often had high starting lag. Initially, this led several of his best players to drop him, most notably Zackray; however, other Wolf players were ultimately able to fill that void, such as {{Sm|Atelier}}, {{Sm|Jakal}}, and {{Sm|Ouch!?}}, and as such, Wolf's representation remained in the top 10 for the following few years. However, none of these players were able to reach the top-level consistency that Zackray had; in fact, Atelier and Jakal themselves were notoriously inconsistent in competitive play. As such, opinions on Wolf mellowed out significantly, with some players believing he was overrated. This was reflected in Wolf's ranking on the first tier list, where he was ranked 12th in the upper half of S- tier. Although he remained a top tier, he was no longer considered one of the best characters in the game.


As time went on, Wolf's position in the metagame further weakened, with his best players remaining inconsistent and his playerbase becoming stagnant. Wolf's decline during this time was the most apparent by the end of 2023, which saw him leave the top 10 for the first time representation-wise, ranking 15th for July-December 2023, and despite having four players who primarily played Wolf on [[LumiRank 2023]]'s top 100, not a single one of them was ranked in the top 50. This decline led to Wolf dropping 10 spots on the second tier list to 21st, now ranking in the bottom half of A tier and tied for the second-largest drop from the first tier list.
As time went on, Wolf's position in the metagame further weakened, with his best players remaining inconsistent and his playerbase becoming stagnant. Wolf's decline during this time was the most apparent by the end of 2023, which saw him leave the top 10 for the first time representation-wise, ranking 15th for July-December 2023, and despite having four players who primarily played Wolf on [[LumiRank 2023]]'s top 100, not a single one of them was ranked in the top 50. This decline led to Wolf dropping 10 spots on the second tier list to 21st, now ranking in the bottom half of A tier and tied for the second-largest drop from the first tier list.

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