Villager (SSBU): Difference between revisions

Villager possesses a strong [[camping]] game. His forward and backward aerials are long-ranged slingshot attacks which, in combination  with [[Lloid Rocket]], are great for harassing opponents from a distance. Opposing projectiles can either be [[Pocket]]ed or blocked by a [[Timber|tree]]; Pocket can also be used to "steal" character-generated [[item]]s such as {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}'s [[Gyro]], preventing them from being used as long as Villager keeps them and thus further weakening the opponent's ability to compete with him at range. One caveat, though, is that Villager is a character of below-average mobility; in particular, he has the fourth slowest [[dash]]ing speed in the game (albeit still noticeably faster than the bottom three), so once the opponent closes the gap it can be difficult for Villager to create space again. Despite this, Villager possesses three [[sex kick]]s out of his five aerial moves of which all have quick startups, giving him a relatively easy time knocking away an enemy if they approach to point blank range.

Should camping not be desirable, Villager's projectiles can also serve as good [[approach]] tools. In particular, launching Lloid Rocket and then running behind it is a strategy that limits the opponent's options and provides a chance to [[punish]] their reaction. Using his down aerial in a [[short hop]] is also a good approach option, as it is a [[disjointed]] attack with little [[lag]].

Despite being a middleweight character, Villager's [[recovery]] is  one of the best in the game thanks to {{b|Balloon Trip|move}}. This move allows him to fly a great distance at a respectable speed, and is surprisingly difficult to [[gimp]]; although the balloons can be popped to render Villager [[helpless]], doing so requires two separate hits, and hitting Villager himself will allow him to simply use the move again. Lloid Rocket further bolsters Villager's recovery, as launching it stalls his descent while threatening edgeguarders. Alternatively, Villager can ride Lloid back to the stage, although this is punishable and can be [[reflect]]ed.

Villager is also a very potent [[edgeguard]]er, with a wealth of options to finish recovering foes. His forward smash allows him to drop a bowling ball from the ledge; this is a powerful attack that can be difficult for an opponent recovering low to avoid. If the opponent's recovery is slow enough or a tree is set up beforehand, [[Timber]] can also be used from the ledge for an even more devastating attack, or to reduce an opponent's options should they grab the ledge. Alternatively, Villager can jump offstage and pursue with an aerial attack; his down aerial is a powerful [[meteor smash]] should it produce three turnips, while a clean hit from his slingshot has enough knockback to be deadly near the [[blast line]], and is generally the best choice against an opponent recovering high. Many of his aerials are [[sex kick]]s as well which, when combined with his extremely long-ranged recovery, allows him to [[gimp]] opponents pretty easily.

However, Villager's ability to set up edgeguards in the first place is hampered by his slow [[grab]]. Although his net has relatively long range, it is one of the laggiest grabs in the game, making it very punishable. As such, attempting to throw an opponent offstage is a risky prospect, and Villager's ability to shield-grab is quite limited, although he does have other good [[out of shield]] options, such as his neutral aerial.

Outside of edgeguarding, Villager has multiple powerful KO moves, but none of them are easy to land from a [[neutral game|neutral situation]]. His forward smash, while powerful, is a laggy and short-ranged attack when used onstage. Lloid Rocket has KO power when ridden, but this is slow and predictable. Timber's axe requires a tree to be present and has considerable ending lag, while using the tree itself is slow and requires staying in one place. Villager's up aerial is a strong [[juggling]] move and can score KOs off the upper blast line, but only if luck permits. Pocketing and throwing back a sufficiently strong projectile makes for a deadly attack, generally enough to KO at mid percentages and even instantly shatter full [[shield]]s, but this is matchup-dependent and will not be easily allowed by a smart opponent. Overall, if the opponent maintains control of center stage, Villager can have trouble finding KO opportunities.