Editing Wolf (SSBU)

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|ssbgame1 = SSBB
|ssbgame1 = SSBB
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = A
|tier = S-
|ranking = 21
|ranking = 11
}}
}}
'''Wolf''' ({{ja|ウルフ|Urufu}}, ''Wolf'') is a playable fighter in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.  He was officially revealed on June 12th, 2018 alongside the rest of the returning roster during the [[E3 2018]] Nintendo Direct. Wolf is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #44]], the last fighter number of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' [[veteran]]s.
'''Wolf''' ({{ja|ウルフ|Urufu}}, ''Wolf'') is a playable fighter in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''.  He was officially revealed on June 12th, 2018 alongside the rest of the returning roster during the [[E3 2018]] Nintendo Direct. Wolf is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #44]], the last fighter number of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' [[veteran]]s.


Jay Ward, Wolf's English voice actor from ''Brawl'' and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Starlink: Battle for Atlas}}'', reprises his role with new voice clips that mimic his portrayals from ''Starlink''. In the Japanese version, Wolf's ''Brawl'' voice actor, Mahito Ōba, has been succeeded by Kōsuke Takaguchi, who reprises his role from ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox 64 3D}}'' and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}'', and also voices {{SSBU|Falco}}.
Jay Ward, Wolf's English voice actor from ''Brawl'' and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Starlink: Battle for Atlas}}'', reprises his role albeit with new voice clips that make Wolf sound akin to his appearance in ''Starlink''. In the Japanese version, Wolf's ''Brawl'' voice actor, Mahito Ōba, has been succeeded by Kōsuke Takaguchi, who reprises his role from ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox 64 3D}}'' and ''{{iw|lylatwiki|Star Fox Zero}}''.


Wolf is ranked 21st out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing him in the A tier. This is a moderate improvement over his 14th out of 38 placement in ''Brawl''. Wolf is an all-around fighter with many different playstyles to choose from. He has a solid fundamental combo game with up throw and down throw as good combo starters. His moveset offers a lot of versatility, with his tilts functioning as safe pokes or kill options and his smash attacks as solid finishers. His aerials are all useful for both starting and extending combos, as well as edgeguarding. His back aerial, in particular, is one of the strongest in the game when sweetspotted and can be confirmed from a forward aerial. His specials are also crucial to his gameplan: his {{b|Blaster|Wolf}} is a strong projectile that can force approaches and apply chip damage from a distance, acting as his primary tool in neutral, [[Wolf Flash]] and [[Fire Wolf]] offer quick recovery to the stage and serve as powerful finishers, and his {{b|Reflector|Wolf}}  is effective for extending combos as well as serving as his primary defense against zoning. Wolf also has excellent air mobility, allowing him to chase his opponents in the air with ease.
Wolf is ranked 11th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing him in the S- tier. This is a notable improvement over his 14th out of 38 placement in ''Brawl''. Wolf is an all-around fighter with many different playstyles to choose from. He has a solid fundamental combo game with up throw and down throw as good combo starters. His moveset offers a lot of versatility, with his tilts functioning as safe pokes or kill options and his smash attacks as solid finishers. His aerials are all useful for both starting and extending combos, as well as edgeguarding. His back aerial, in particular, is one of the strongest in the game when sweetspotted and can be confirmed from a forward aerial. His specials are also crucial to his gameplan: his {{b|Blaster|Wolf}} is a strong projectile that can force approaches and apply chip damage from a distance, acting as his primary tool in neutral, [[Wolf Flash]] and [[Fire Wolf]] offer quick recovery to the stage and serve as powerful finishers, and his {{b|Reflector|Wolf}}  is effective for extending combos as well as serving as his primary defense against zoning. Wolf also has excellent air mobility, allowing him to chase his opponents in the air with ease.


Despite all these strengths, Wolf has some weaknesses. Wolf is a fast-faller middleweight, which makes him fairly easy to combo despite having a frame 2 air dodge. His recovery is also fairly linear and easy to intercept as it gets 2 framed fairly easily or loses to counterattacks which can leave vulnerable to gimps and edgeguards. While Wolf has good range in many of his attacks, he can have trouble against characters who have longer disjoints than him. Finally, Wolf can sometimes struggle taking stocks at higher percents, as his best finishers, including up smash and back aerial, are burdened with excessive startup lag.
Despite all these strengths, Wolf has some weaknesses. Wolf is a fast-faller middleweight, which makes him fairly easy to combo despite having a frame 2 air dodge. His recovery is also fairly linear and easy to intercept as it gets 2 framed fairly easily or loses to counterattacks which can leave vulnerable to gimps and edgeguards. While Wolf has good range in many of his attacks, he can have trouble against characters who have longer disjoints than him, such as {{SSBU|Roy}}, {{SSBU|Chrom}}, and {{SSBU|R.O.B.}} Finally, Wolf can have difficulty scoring KO's since his most potent finishers have long startup.


Overall, Wolf has a solid fundamental gameplan for players to pick up. He functions like a glass cannon, being able to dish out damage with a strong neutral and advantage while having poor offstage survivability, struggling taking stocks from time to time, and being easy to juggle. Wolf has historically been a very popular character in competitive play, especially in the early metagame where his results were primarily spearheaded by {{Sm|Zackray}} and several other top players who had a pocket Wolf. As such, he was considered one of the best characters in the early metagame. However, his representation and reputation declined as the metagame progressed as a result of nerfs and his weaknesses becoming more apparent, though he remains relatively popular in competitive play thanks to loyal mains such as {{Sm|Atelier}}, {{Sm|Jakal}}, and {{Sm|Ouch!?}}.
Overall, Wolf has the tools to deal with every character in the game and a solid fundamental gameplan for players to pick up. He functions like a glass cannon, being able to dish out damage with a strong neutral and advantage while having poor offstage survivability and being easy to juggle. His strengths significantly outweigh his weaknesses, however, and Wolf has attained a lot of representation across the board through ''Ultimate'''s lifespan; he was among one of the most-played characters in tournaments in 2019, resorting to several top players having a pocket Wolf. He is still relatively popular in today's meta, mainly piloted by players such as {{Sm|Jakal}}, {{Sm|Ouch!?}}, {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, and {{Sm|Oryon}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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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}}. Aesthetically, most of his moveset has been reanimated to look more polished and further differentiated 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 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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Despite ''Ultimate''{{'}}s new mechanics heavily benefiting Wolf, he has also seen a few nerfs from the changes to the mechanics, most notably the removal of [[DACUS]] which hinders his grounded approach. Lastly, Wolf is much [[weight|lighter]], worsening his survivability (especially horizontally, due to the changes to [[momentum canceling]]), while he remains an easy combo target due to his high falling speed and the changes to hitstun canceling.
Despite ''Ultimate''{{'}}s new mechanics heavily benefiting Wolf, he has also seen a few nerfs from the changes to the mechanics, most notably the removal of [[DACUS]] which hinders his grounded approach. Lastly, Wolf is much [[weight|lighter]], worsening his survivability (especially horizontally, due to the changes to [[momentum canceling]]), while he remains an easy combo target due to his high falling speed and the changes to hitstun canceling.


Overall, Wolf's buffs have drastically altered his playstyle for the better, though he now possesses a higher learning curve. He is now able to take advantage of his less polarized moveset and has gained a varied combo game that makes up for the loss of his previous damage racking options in ''Brawl'', but his higher frailty means he must keep playing carefully to avoid opponents from taking advantage of him. Wolf's buffs and benefits from the revamped game engine eclipse his nerfs, and he is widely agreed to be significantly better than he was in ''Brawl'' and a fairly strong contender in competitive play.
Overall, Wolf's buffs have drastically altered his playstyle for the better, though he now possesses a higher learning curve. He is now able to take advantage of his less polarized moveset and has gained a varied combo game that makes up for the loss of his previous damage racking options in ''Brawl'', but his higher frailty means he must keep playing carefully to avoid opponents from taking advantage of him. Wolf's buffs and benefits from the revamped game engine eclipse his nerfs, and he is widely agreed to be significantly better than he was in ''Brawl'' and a strong contender in competitive play.


{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Wolf}}
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Wolf}}
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|game=SSBU
|game=SSBU
|neutralcount=3
|neutralcount=3
|neutralname=Snap Claw ({{ja|スナップクロー|Sunappo Kurō}}) / Follow Claw ({{ja|フォロークロー|Forō Kurō}}) / Wild Scratch ({{ja|ワイルドスクラッチ|Wairudo Sukuratchi}})
|neutralname=Snap Claw ({{ja|スナップクロー|Sunappo Kurō}}) / Follow Claw ({{ja|フォロークロー|Forō Kurō}}) / Wild Scratch ({{ja|ワイルドスクラッチ|Wairudo Sukurachi}})
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral2dmg=2%
|neutral3dmg=4%
|neutral3dmg=4%
|neutraldesc=A left-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed outward slash. Fairly quick, coming out on frame 4, and can [[jab lock]] opponents. However, the last hit has short range compared to other neutral attacks, which can cause it to fail to connect from the previous hits at high percentages.
|neutraldesc=A left-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed outward slash. Fairly quick, coming out on frame 4, and can [[jab lock]] opponents. However, the last hit has short range compared to other neutral attacks, which can cause it to fail to connect from the previous hits at high percentages.
|ftiltname=Dual Burst ({{ja|デュアルバースト|Duaru Bāsuto}})
|ftiltname=Dual Burst ({{ja|デュアル|Duaru Bāsuto}})
|ftiltdmg=5% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2)
|ftiltdmg=5% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2)
|ftiltdesc=A lunging, two-handed outward slash. Overall considered one of Wolf's best moves because of its consistent ability to [[2 frame punish]] opponents, as well as its utility in neutral. The first hit produces a large amount of [[freeze frame]]s. It can KO at around 115%-140% while near the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}} depending on the opponent, and even earlier as a 2 frame punish.
|ftiltdesc=A lunging, two-handed outward slash. Overall considered one of Wolf's best moves because of its consistent ability to [[2 frame punish]] opponents, as well as its utility in neutral. The first hit produces a large amount of [[freeze frame]]s. It can KO at around 115%-140% while near the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}} depending on the opponent, and even earlier as a 2 frame punish.
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|dtiltdmg=6%
|dtiltdmg=6%
|dtiltdesc=A crouching, low-level roundhouse kick. The move has rather decent range and quick speed, which make it useful for poking, pressuring, and denying approaches. Can be used to 2 frame punish the opponent, but is generally overshadowed by forward tilt in that regard. It also has the chance to [[trip]] at low percentages, which can lead into a grab or other attacks. However, it is Wolf's least damaging tilt attack.
|dtiltdesc=A crouching, low-level roundhouse kick. The move has rather decent range and quick speed, which make it useful for poking, pressuring, and denying approaches. Can be used to 2 frame punish the opponent, but is generally overshadowed by forward tilt in that regard. It also has the chance to [[trip]] at low percentages, which can lead into a grab or other attacks. However, it is Wolf's least damaging tilt attack.
|dashname=Shooting Kick ({{ja|シューティングキック|Shūtingu Kikku}})
|dashname=Shooting Kick ({{ja|シューティングキック|Shūttingu Kikku}})
|dashdmg=11% (clean), 8% (late)
|dashdmg=11% (clean), 8% (late)
|dashdesc=A front kick. Has decent start-up, but most importantly, it propels Wolf forward a considerable distance. This allows it to function as a reliable burst option to punish landings and whiffed moves, as well as follow up from other attacks. Hitting opponents close to Wolf launches them upward, allowing for up tilt at 0% and aerial follow-ups at low percentages. Conversely, hitting them near his foot launches them horizontally. Depending on which hitbox is landed, the clean hit can KO under 150% from center stage, and under 120% while near the edge. It is also a reliable follow-up from down throw at low percentages. Due to its versatility, it is one of the most useful dash attacks in the game.
|dashdesc=A front kick. Has decent start-up, but most importantly, it propels Wolf forward a considerable distance. This allows it to function as a reliable burst option to punish landings and whiffed moves, as well as follow up from other attacks. Hitting opponents close to Wolf launches them upward, allowing for up tilt at 0% and aerial follow-ups at low percentages. Conversely, hitting them near his foot launches them horizontally. Depending on which hitbox is landed, the clean hit can KO under 150% from center stage, and under 120% while near the edge. It is also a reliable follow-up from down throw at low percentages. Due to its versatility, it is one of the most useful dash attacks in the game.
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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)
|fthrowdesc=An inward slash. While it deals decent damage, it is extremely weak, not KOing opponents under 300% even at the edge, and its ending lag is too high for reliable follow-ups. However, its low launching angle makes it an extremely potent tech-chasing move at higher percentages.
|fthrowdesc=An inward slash. While it deals decent damage, it is extremely weak, not KOing opponents under 300% even at the edge, and its ending lag is too high for reliable follow-ups. However, its low launching angle makes it an extremely potent tech-chasing move at higher percentages.
|bthrowname=Scratch Upper ({{ja|スクラッチアッパー|Sukuratchi Appā}})
|bthrowname=Scratch Upper ({{ja|スクラッチアッパー|Sukurachi Appā}})
|bthrowdmg=6% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
|bthrowdmg=6% (hit 1), 5% (throw)
|bthrowdesc=Sets the opponent behind himself and launches them away with an ascending slash. Deals the most damage out of Wolf's throws, and has remarkable knockback, allowing it to KO middleweights at around 185% from center stage, and around 130% near the edge. However, its launching angle is mostly diagonal, making it somewhat easy to DI.
|bthrowdesc=Sets the opponent behind himself and launches them away with an ascending slash. Deals the most damage out of Wolf's throws, and has remarkable knockback, allowing it to KO middleweights at around 185% from center stage, and around 130% near the edge. However, its launching angle is mostly diagonal, making it somewhat easy to DI.
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|-
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Wolf Cheer English SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Italian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer French SSBU.ogg|center]]
|{{NTSC}} [[File:Wolf Cheer English NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Wolf Cheer English PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Japanese SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Italian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Dutch SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer French SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Description
! scope="row"|Description
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|-
|-
! scope="row"|Cheer
! scope="row"|Cheer
|[[File:Wolf Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Spanish SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]
|[[File:Wolf Cheer German SSBU.ogg|center]]||{{NTSC}} [[File:Wolf Cheer Spanish NTSC SSBU.ogg|center]] <br> {{PAL}} [[File:Wolf Cheer Spanish PAL SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Russian SSBU.ogg|center]]||[[File:Wolf Cheer Korean SSBU.ogg|center]]
|-
|-
! scope="row"|Description
! scope="row"|Description
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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
Initial opinions of Wolf were mixed before the release of ''Ultimate'', with players noting the loss of his renowned back aerial and powerful [[DACUS]], reduced invincibility from {{b|Reflector|Wolf}}, and [[Wolf Flash]] still causing helplessness, which was a big detriment compared to {{SSBU|Fox}} and {{SSBU|Falco}}'s respective side specials. However, players began to realize the effectiveness of Wolf's buffs past the game's release, as it gave him a powerful projectile courtesy of his Blaster, effective combos due to his modified physics, and a notorious [[edgeguard]]ing tool in down smash, which kept its high power despite being nerfed twice through game updates. This caused Wolf to gain a renowned, controllable [[neutral game]], allowing him to dictate the flow of battle through use of his Blaster, overall speed, and combo ability.
As a result, Wolf has consistently been a very popular pick in competitive play since ''Ultimate'''s early lifespan; he has been the most used character in many competitive events, including {{Trn|Pound 2019}}<ref>[https://web.e-gsol.in/2019/04/22/the-wolf-pack-came-out-in-full-force-for-super-smash-bros-ultimate-during-pound-2019-here-are-the-top-128-character-usage-stats-eventhubs/]</ref>, {{Trn|EVO 2019}}, <ref>[https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2019/aug/04/super-smash-bros-ultimate-usage-stats-evo-2019/]</ref> and {{Trn|Valhalla III}}<ref>[https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2020/jan/12/wolf-chrom-and-peach-were-frequent-picks-valhalla-3s-super-smash-bros-ultimate-event-while-fox-and-falco-were-picks-melee/]</ref>. In addition, many professional players have attained strong results with the character, and players in general have agreed that Wolf is potentially one of the best characters in the game, with players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} believing the character is top 3 in the game.
However, Wolf's weaknesses have become more exploitable as the meta evolved, with his strongest mains either dropping him ({{Sm|Zackray}}) or moving to other characters (Tweek). In addition, due to the additions of strong characters such as {{SSBU|Pyra}}/{{SSBU|Mythra}} and {{SSBU|Steve}}, Wolf's position in the metagame began to drop as many players left Wolf out of conversations on the best character in the game. Despite these issues, however, Wolf continues to be a popular character following the pandemic, with players such as {{Sm|Charliedaking}}, {{Sm|Jakal}}, and {{Sm|Ouch!?}} achieving strong results at major events. Despite having slipped in players' tier lists, many players and professionals such as {{Sm|Dabuz}} and {{Sm|MkLeo}} still consider the character to be top tier, making him ranked 11th on the first and current tier list.
===Most historically significant players===
===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 -->
<!--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 -->
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''See also: [[:Category:Wolf players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Wolf players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|Atelier|Japan}} - One of the first successful Wolf players, thanks his victory at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 3}} and his 7th-place finish at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 6}}. Although he later picked up {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} as a co-main, he remains a prominent Wolf player and has been one of the best Wolf players since 2022, placing 7th at both {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}} (where he primarily played Wolf) and {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}} (with only Wolf).
*{{Sm|Atelier|Japan}} - One of the best Wolf players in Japan. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 3}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 2}}, 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 19}}, 7th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 9}}, and 17th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|Nietono}}, and {{Sm|Kome}}. Ranked 32nd on the [[PGRU v3 NA]].
*{{Sm|Charliedaking|USA}} - One of the best Wolf players in the world in 2020 and 2021, raking in several high major placements including 7th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}} and 9th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}} and {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}}; and defeating {{Sm|Dabuz}} and {{Sm|Cosmos}} at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 3}}. Since then, he has largely disappeared from the global scene, only appearing at [[SoCal]] weeklies and regionals.
*{{Sm|Charliedaking|USA}} - One of the best Wolf players in the world in 2021. Placed 7th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}, 9th at both {{Trn|GENESIS 7}} and {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}}, 17th at {{Trn|2GG: SwitchFest 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2020}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Cosmos}}, and {{Sm|Elegant}}. He was listed in the C-tier on the [[PGRUContenders North America]].
*{{Sm|Jakal|USA}} - One of the best Wolf players in the world since 2021. His most notable accomplishment was finishing 2nd at {{Trn|Crown the Third}} defeating {{Sm|Sparg0}}, {{Sm|MkLeo}}, and {{Sm|Shuton}}, the best Wolf placement since the early months of ''Ultimate''. Outside of Crown the Third, his best results also include 5th at both {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} and {{Trn|MAJOR UPSET}}.
*{{Sm|Jakal|USA}} - One of the current three best Wolf players in the world. Placed 5th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}}, 7th at {{Trn|Double Down 2022}}, 9th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}}, {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Crown the Third}}, and {{Trn|Pound 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Sparg0}}, {{Sm|Tweek}}, and {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}. Ranked 23rd on the [[PGRU v3 NA]].
*{{Sm|Larry Lurr|USA}} - Began playing Wolf alongside {{SSBU|Falco}} in mid-2019 and was one of the best Wolf players in North America from then until early-2022. With Wolf, he most notably double-eliminated {{Sm|MkLeo}} to place 2nd at {{Trn|G4 Smash Ultimate Invitational}}, and placed 9th at both {{Trn|2GG: SwitchFest 2019}} and {{Trn|Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas}}, defeating {{Sm|VoiD}} in the former and {{Sm|Marss}} in the latter.  
*{{Sm|Keen|Chile}} - The best Wolf player in South America. Placed 4th at both {{Trn|Smash Chile - Civil War}} and {{Trn|Iwanna Torneo Nacional!}} as well as 25th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}} with wins over {{Sm|Javi}}, {{Sm|Chag}}, and {{Sm|Frido}}. Currently ranked 5th on the [[Chilean Power Rankings]]. Online, placed 4th at {{Trn|SWT: South America Ultimate Online Qualifier}} and 7th at {{Trn|White Phoenix}}.
*{{Sm|Masha|Japan}} - A hidden boss in Japan up until 2022, with his most notable accomplishment as a hidden boss being placing 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}. Since then, he has been considered one of the best Wolf players in the world, placing 7th at both {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}} and {{Trn|JAPAN 24}} as well as 9th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 11}}, and frequently placing top 8 at superregionals, most notably winning {{Trn|Chūbu Smash Chronicle 2}}.
*{{Sm|Larry Lurr|USA}} - Co-mains Wolf alongside {{SSBU|Falco}} and is one of the best Wolf players in the United States. Placed 1st at {{Trn|DreamHack Anaheim 2020}}, 7th at {{Trn|The Kid, the Goat, and the Mang0}}, 9th at {{Trn|Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas}}, 17th at {{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Mainstage}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Nairo}}. Ranked 40th on the [[PGRU v3 NA]].
*{{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|Masha|Japan}} - One of the current three best Wolf players in the world. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Karisuma SP 5}}, 4th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 5}}, 5th at {{Trn|Karisuma SP 6}}, 7th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 9}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 7}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}, {{Sm|Kameme}}, and {{Sm|Gackt}}. Ranked 40th on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].
*{{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|Oryon|France}} - The best Wolf player in Europe. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}}, 5th at both {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} and {{Trn|VCA 2021}}, 9th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and 13th at {{Trn|GENESIS 8}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Abadango}}, and {{Sm|Tea}}. Ranked 8th on the [[PGRU v3 EU]].
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - The best Wolf player of all time, and Wolf's primary representative during the early metagame, 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|Ouch!?|Canada}} - One of the current three best Wolf players in the world. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Battle of BC 4}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 9}}, and 13th at both {{Trn|Port Priority 5}} and {{Trn|Port Priority 7}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Riddles}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Kameme}}. Ranked 20th on the [[PGRU v3 NA]].
 
*{{Sm|Zackray|Japan}} - The best Wolf player in the world during the early metagame but has since dropped the character. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}} and {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 5}}, 5th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}, and 7th at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}.
===Tier placement and history===
For most of competitive ''Ultimate'', Wolf was considered an incredibly popular pick in competitive play. 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 and even won {{Trn|Umebura SP 2}}, the only major win from a player who primarily played Wolf. In addition, several top players also had pocket Wolves that they used on occasion, including {{Sm|MkLeo}} and {{Sm|Tweek}}, the two best players in the world at that time. Tweek especially used both {{SSBU|Wario}} and Wolf to win {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}. Wolf's strengths and popularity led many to consider him as one of the best characters in the game.
 
Despite his 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 still 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 would mellow out significantly as time went on, with more and more 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.
 
Following the second tier list, Wolf's position in the metagame weakened even more, 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, where for the first time ever Wolf's representation was not among the top 10, instead ranking 15th for July-December 2023. In addition, despite having four players who mained 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.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Reunited Roster==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Reunited Roster==
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==[[Spirit]]==
==[[Spirit]]==
Wolf's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} as Wolf. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Wolf has been unlocked. Unlocking Wolf 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''.
Wolf'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 Wolf has been unlocked. Unlocking Wolf 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''.


<center>
<center>
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**Whose English voice actor from ''Brawl'' reprises his role in ''Ultimate'', while Fox and Falco's voice actors were changed from ''Brawl'' to ''Smash 4'', which is retained in ''Ultimate''.
**Whose English voice actor from ''Brawl'' reprises his role in ''Ultimate'', while Fox and Falco's voice actors were changed from ''Brawl'' to ''Smash 4'', which is retained in ''Ultimate''.
***Wolf (in English) is also the only ''Star Fox'' character in ''Ultimate'' (in either English or Japanese) whose voice actor reprises his role from a previous ''Smash'' game, as his, Fox, and Falco's Japanese voice actors were all changed in ''Ultimate'' from previous games.
***Wolf (in English) is also the only ''Star Fox'' character in ''Ultimate'' (in either English or Japanese) whose voice actor reprises his role from a previous ''Smash'' game, as his, Fox, and Falco's Japanese voice actors were all changed in ''Ultimate'' from previous games.
*Wolf is the only returning ''Brawl'' veteran who does not have a palette swap of his design from that game in ''Ultimate''.
*The visual effects for all of Wolf's claw-based attacks display three slash trails, despite attacking with four fingers.
*The visual effects for all of Wolf's claw-based attacks display three slash trails, despite attacking with four fingers.
*Prior to update 8.0.0, Wolf's unique voice clip when winning against Fox ("Playtime's over, Star Fox!") was not present in the [[Sound Test]]. Fox, {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}} also shared this distinction.
*Prior to update 8.0.0, Wolf's unique voice clip when winning against Fox ("Playtime's over, Star Fox!") was not present in the [[Sound Test]]. Fox, {{SSBU|Simon}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}} also shared this distinction.
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*Wolf's [https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/wolf-amiibo-super-smash-bros-series/ description] from the North American [[amiibo]] website is based on his trophy description from ''Smash 4''.
*Wolf's [https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/detail/wolf-amiibo-super-smash-bros-series/ description] from the North American [[amiibo]] website is based on his trophy description from ''Smash 4''.
*Interestingly, Wolf's up taunt finishes faster when facing left if uninterrupted. A similar situation occurs with both {{SSBU|Hero}} (up and down taunts) and {{SSBU|Kazuya}} (up taunt).
*Interestingly, Wolf's up taunt finishes faster when facing left if uninterrupted. A similar situation occurs with both {{SSBU|Hero}} (up and down taunts) and {{SSBU|Kazuya}} (up taunt).
*While Wolf's design in ''Ultimate'' was based on his appearance in ''Star Fox Zero'', his outfit is entirely original, most likely because he lacks any full-body appearance in-game, with both his headshot while speaking and the view of him in the cockpit of his Wolfen only showing his head and a small part of his outfit.
*While Wolf's design in ''Ultimate'' was based on his appearance in ''Star Fox Zero'', his outfit is almost entirely original. That's most likely because the only time he was ever visible was in his in-game headshot when he's speaking, in which only his head and part of his outfit can be seen.
**However, the design of his outfit in ''Ultimate'' does not appear to match with the small amount of his outfit that is visible in ''Star Fox Zero''.
*Masahiro Sakurai showed an early version of Wolf's taking damage animation in a [[YouTube]] video, notably with a different facial expression that was changed to be more exaggerated.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUHL7Ex-RH8 Facial Animations [Animation]]</ref>
*Masahiro Sakurai showed an early version of Wolf's taking damage animation in a [[YouTube]] video, notably with a different facial expression that was changed to be more exaggerated.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUHL7Ex-RH8 Facial Animations <nowiki>[Animation]</nowiki>]</ref>


==References==
==References==

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