Meta Knight (SSBU): Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Character | {{Infobox Character | ||
|name = Meta Knight | |name = Meta Knight | ||
|image = [[File:Meta Knight SSBU.png| | |image = {{tabber|title1=Normal|content1=[[File:Meta Knight SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Dark Meta Knight|content2=[[File:Dark Meta Knight SSBU.png|x247px]]|title3=Galacta Knight|content3=[[File:Galacta Knight SSBU.png|x247px]]}} | ||
|game = SSBU | |game = SSBU | ||
|ssbgame1 = SSBB | |ssbgame1 = SSBB | ||
| Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | |availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | ||
|tier = B- | |tier = B- | ||
|ranking = | |ranking = 50 | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Meta Knight''' ({{ja|メタナイト|Meta Naito}}, ''Meta Knight'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially confirmed on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018, alongside {{SSBU|Mewtwo}} and the rest of the returning roster. Meta Knight is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #27]], the first fighter number of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' [[veteran]]s. | '''Meta Knight''' ({{ja|メタナイト|Meta Naito}}, ''Meta Knight'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was officially confirmed on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018, alongside {{SSBU|Mewtwo}} and the rest of the returning roster. Meta Knight is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #27]], the first fighter number of the ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' [[veteran]]s. | ||
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As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', {{s|mariowiki|Eric Newsome}} and {{s|wikipedia|Atsushi Kisaichi}}'s portrayals of Meta Knight from ''Brawl'' were repurposed for the English and Japanese versions of ''Ultimate'', respectively. | As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', {{s|mariowiki|Eric Newsome}} and {{s|wikipedia|Atsushi Kisaichi}}'s portrayals of Meta Knight from ''Brawl'' were repurposed for the English and Japanese versions of ''Ultimate'', respectively. | ||
Meta Knight is ranked | Meta Knight is ranked 50th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing him at the bottom of the B- tier. This is a significant drop from his 16th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4'' and is his worst placement in the series. Meta Knight's strength centers around his amazing ground and air mobility, granting him a strong neutral game, advantage and disadvantage state. He retains excellent frame data, which combined with his mobility grants him an amazing combo game and edgeguarding ability, including his signature up aerial [[ladder combo]]s which, while nerfed, still has effective setups. Said combos have also been retooled to give him options for combos that KO vertically ([[Shuttle Loop]]) or horizontally ([[Mach Tornado]]) depending on the opponent's reaction. He also boasts a long, safe recovery which makes it very unlikely for him to be KO'd while recovering, as he has multiple double jumps and all of his special moves function as [[recovery]] moves with large or lingering hitboxes, making Meta Knight one of the hardest characters to [[edgeguard]]. | ||
However, Meta Knight's main weakness is his poor endurance. He is a lightweight character, and combined with his fast falling speed makes him susceptible to combos and early KOs. He also possesses a relatively small shield, which leaves him vulnerable to shield stabbing. While he can work his way through projectiles and zoners with his relatively small size, quick ground speed and Mach Tornado, his approach options are fairly predictable, so they often carry the risk of losing neutral. He also has lackluster range and below average damage output for a swordfighter which makes it difficult for him to space his attacks, and requires him more effort to rack up damage. His grab game, while better than most other swordfighters, is still mediocre: his standing grab range is one of the worst in the game, and his up throw is his only consistent KO throw that KOs at reasonable percents without [[rage]], while his other throws do not have consistent combo ability beyond mid percents. He also struggles in KOing opponents due to having finishers that are difficult to land, and most of his attacks have very few active frames (with his most useful attacks having only 1-3 frame hitboxes). This forces Meta Knight to rely on precision to hit opponents and especially to finish them off. Finally, his combos are very susceptible to SDI, forcing him to mix up his combos and kill confirms and keep track of the opponent's reaction, and his best combo tools are very prone to [[staling]] due to their low base damage (with some such as up aerial able to drop to as low as 2% per hit even with the [[1v1 multiplier]]). | |||
Meta Knight's drastic decline in the tier list is based more on his below-average representation throughout ''Ultimate'''s lifespan rather than the character not being very capable of viability. Despite that, Meta Knight still retains a fairly noticeable playerbase, with players such as [[Abadango]], [[BONK!]], and [[Metara]] achieving commendable results with the character. | |||
==How to unlock== | ==How to unlock== | ||
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==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''== | ||
Meta Knight was infamous for being the best character in ''Brawl'', to the point where he was universally considered to be [[broken]]. Although ''SSB4'' nerfed him significantly at launch, Meta Knight managed to secure a spot as a high tier character (16th out of | Meta Knight was infamous for being the best character in ''Brawl'', to the point where he was universally considered to be [[broken]]. Although ''SSB4'' nerfed him significantly at launch, Meta Knight managed to secure a spot as a high tier character (16th out of 54 characters), thanks to the combination of his excellent mobility and recovery, great edge-guarding potential, numerous buffs from game updates and, most notoriously, his deadly punish game that allowed him to perform zero-to-death combos with his up aerial and [[Shuttle Loop]]. Possibly as a result of these strengths, Meta Knight has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', though despite his comparatively numerous buffs, he has been objectively nerfed overall. | ||
Meta Knight benefits from some of the gameplay changes to the engine. His already quick mobility has improved even further, and his aerials have considerably decreased [[landing lag]], even compared to most other characters' aerials, improving his [[neutral game]] and [[combo]] game. The changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics | Meta Knight benefits from some of the gameplay changes to the engine. His already quick mobility has improved even further, and his aerials have considerably decreased [[landing lag]], even compared to most other characters' aerials, improving his [[neutral game]] and [[combo]] game. The changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics highly benefit Meta Knight, as they further strengthen his already scary offstage game, and he isn't as affected by these changes thanks to his excellent recovery; moreover, he can now extend his own or escape combos in a pinch with a directional air dodge. | ||
Some of Meta Knight's moves such as his [[tilt]]s and [[aerial]]s also have increased range, with his down tilt notably no longer possessing blind spots, and his neutral attack is more effective as a close-range option to rack up damage, due to having faster startup and linking much more reliably. His special moves have also seen improvements, as [[Shuttle Loop]] conserves more momentum at the end and thus improves his already outstanding recovery, [[Mach Tornado]] now consists of a single hit that deals higher knockback when clean, and [[Drill Rush]] sends at a lower, more desirable angle. The latter two moves have also become powerful, if risky moves for edgeguarding. | Some of Meta Knight's moves such as his [[tilt]]s and [[aerial]]s also have increased range, with his down tilt notably no longer possessing blind spots, and his neutral attack is more effective as a close-range option to rack up damage, due to having faster startup and linking much more reliably. His special moves have also seen improvements, as [[Shuttle Loop]] conserves more momentum at the end and thus improves his already outstanding recovery, [[Mach Tornado]] now consists of a single hit that deals higher knockback when clean, and [[Drill Rush]] sends at a lower, more desirable angle. The latter two moves have also become powerful, if risky moves for edgeguarding. | ||
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Gameplay mechanics also hurt Meta Knight as much as they help him. Like {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, Meta Knight's increased traction hinders his dash grab as an effective approach, punish, and burst option, and has virtually removed his forward throw's combo potential. Furthermore, Meta Knight does not benefit from the expanded [[dash-canceling]] mechanic as much as other characters, since none of his tilts are reliable for KOing, down tilt is only decent at best for starting combos, and his smash attacks are unsafe. The nerfs to [[rage]], while slightly improving Meta Knight's endurance, hinder his capability to abuse the mechanic and secure early vertical KOs due to Shuttle Loop's first hit now having [[set knockback]]. While the changes to air dodges are a boon to Meta Knight, many returning veterans have also benefitted from these changes, often improving their edgeguarding potential to be just as strong as his. Finally, Meta Knight's generally low damage output means he is unable to take advantage of the [[1v1 multiplier]] as much as other characters, allowing other characters to keep up with him. | Gameplay mechanics also hurt Meta Knight as much as they help him. Like {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, Meta Knight's increased traction hinders his dash grab as an effective approach, punish, and burst option, and has virtually removed his forward throw's combo potential. Furthermore, Meta Knight does not benefit from the expanded [[dash-canceling]] mechanic as much as other characters, since none of his tilts are reliable for KOing, down tilt is only decent at best for starting combos, and his smash attacks are unsafe. The nerfs to [[rage]], while slightly improving Meta Knight's endurance, hinder his capability to abuse the mechanic and secure early vertical KOs due to Shuttle Loop's first hit now having [[set knockback]]. While the changes to air dodges are a boon to Meta Knight, many returning veterans have also benefitted from these changes, often improving their edgeguarding potential to be just as strong as his. Finally, Meta Knight's generally low damage output means he is unable to take advantage of the [[1v1 multiplier]] as much as other characters, allowing other characters to keep up with him. | ||
Overall, Meta Knight's changes have generally toned down his most powerful tools and setups from ''SSB4'', with a harder time comboing and finishing off opponents in general, thus heightening his learning curve noticeably in the transition to ''Ultimate''. This is made worse by other characters with similar game plans to him (such as {{SSBU|Mario}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}) benefitting more from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s mechanics than he has. In addition, several returning veterans that once struggled against Meta Knight | Overall, Meta Knight's changes have generally toned down his most powerful tools and setups from ''SSB4'', with a harder time comboing and finishing off opponents in general, thus heightening his learning curve noticeably in the transition to ''Ultimate''. This is made worse by other characters with similar game plans to him (such as {{SSBU|Mario}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}) benefitting more from ''Ultimate''{{'}}s mechanics than he has. In addition, several returning veterans that once struggled against Meta Knight have received variable buffs that allow them to fight on par with him, or even overwhelm him outright. Due to the combination of these hindrances and a lack of noticeable buffs from game updates, Meta Knight is considered to be noticeably worse than he was in ''SSB4''. | ||
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Meta Knight}} | {{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Meta Knight}} | ||
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|ssname=Drill Rush | |ssname=Drill Rush | ||
|ssdmg=1.1% (hits 1-11), 3% (hit 12) | |ssdmg=1.1% (hits 1-11), 3% (hit 12) | ||
|ssdesc=Rushes forward to perform a corkscrewing thrust. The flight path can be maneuvered up or down, allowing it to function as a recovery option (although it will render him helpless) and drag opponents to the nearest blast zone. Meta Knight will also bounce backward or upwards if he lands the last hit on an opponent or onto the terrain. It is based on the attack same name from Kirby's {{iw|wikirby|Master}} ability. | |ssdesc=Rushes forward to perform a corkscrewing thrust. The flight path can be maneuvered up or down, allowing it to function as a recovery option (although it will render him helpless) and drag opponents to the nearest blast zone. Meta Knight will also bounce backward or upwards if he lands the last hit on an opponent or onto the terrain. It is based on the attack of the same name from Kirby's {{iw|wikirby|Master}} ability. | ||
|usname=Shuttle Loop | |usname=Shuttle Loop | ||
|usdmg=9% (grounded hit 1, clean), 6% (grounded hit 1, late; grounded hit 2; aerial hits 1-2) | |usdmg=9% (grounded hit 1, clean), 6% (grounded hit 1, late; grounded hit 2; aerial hits 1-2) | ||
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Although initial opinions on Meta Knight were high thanks to leaked gameplay, opinions on Meta Knight have remained rather low since the early metagame. This is due to his nerfs which gave him a weaker combo and punish game than in previous iterations. As a result, although Meta Knight saw some success from players such as {{Sm|Abadango}} and {{Sm|Yei}}, this success was largely complemented with the usage of other, stronger characters, and Abadango eventually dropped Meta Knight by mid-2019. On the other hand, Meta Knight's overall representation was below-average, ranking in the bottom 20 by the end of 2019. This led many players to believe that Meta Knight was a low-mid tier character and a shadow of his former self. | Although initial opinions on Meta Knight were high thanks to leaked gameplay, opinions on Meta Knight have remained rather low since the early metagame. This is due to his nerfs which gave him a weaker combo and punish game than in previous iterations. As a result, although Meta Knight saw some success from players such as {{Sm|Abadango}} and {{Sm|Yei}}, this success was largely complemented with the usage of other, stronger characters, and Abadango eventually dropped Meta Knight by mid-2019. On the other hand, Meta Knight's overall representation was below-average, ranking in the bottom 20 by the end of 2019. This led many players to believe that Meta Knight was a low-mid tier character and a shadow of his former self. | ||
However, Meta Knight's results were able to pick up in the post-online metagame as more players began placing more focus on his strengths, primarily his strong ladder combo game at earlier percents. While Yei continued to place well with Meta Knight, the first few months of the post-online metagame saw a few notable runs from {{Sm|BONK!}} while Abadango readded Meta Knight into his roster by mid-2022, most notably using primarily Meta Knight to place 2nd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 8}} and 3rd at {{Trn|VCA 2022}}. Finally, mid-2023 saw the rise of {{Sm|Metara}}, who saw a consistent top 64 presence at majors and even had a few top player upsets under his sleeve. Although Meta Knight's overall representation remained below-average, many players still recognized the dedication from Meta Knight players, and as a result the general consensus had shifted in a more positive light. This is reflected in Meta Knight's position on the current tier list, where he is ranked | However, Meta Knight's results were able to pick up in the post-online metagame as more players began placing more focus on his strengths, primarily his strong ladder combo game at earlier percents. While Yei continued to place well with Meta Knight, the first few months of the post-online metagame saw a few notable runs from {{Sm|BONK!}} while Abadango readded Meta Knight into his roster by mid-2022, most notably using primarily Meta Knight to place 2nd at {{Trn|Kagaribi 8}} and 3rd at {{Trn|VCA 2022}}. Finally, mid-2023 saw the rise of {{Sm|Metara}}, who saw a consistent top 64 presence at majors and even had a few top player upsets under his sleeve. Although Meta Knight's overall representation remained below-average, many players still recognized the dedication from Meta Knight players, and as a result the general consensus had shifted in a more positive light. This is reflected in Meta Knight's position on the current tier list, where he is ranked 50th in the B- tier as the lowest-ranked character in the B tiers. | ||
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Two Sides of the Same Coin== | =={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: Two Sides of the Same Coin== | ||
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==Trivia== | ==Trivia== | ||
*Meta Knight's stock icon is one of six to show the character's eyes, the others being | *With [[Giant Punch]], [[PK Flash]] and [[PK Freeze]] no longer invoking [[helpless]]ness, Meta Knight is the only character in ''Ultimate'' whose [[neutral special move]] still puts him in helpless, and consequently making it the only move that can render {{SSBU|Kirby}} helpless (aside from sliding off an edge during [[Final Cutter]] or touching the red trampoline from [[Pac-Jump]]). | ||
*Meta Knight's stock icon is one of six to show the character's eyes, the others being Kirby, {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBU|Sonic}}, [[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. | **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. | ||
**Additionally, Meta Knight's stock icon resembles his [https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/e/ef/KRtDL_Meta_Knight_icon.png/revision/latest?cb=20181231192038&path-prefix=en HUD icon] from ''{{iw|wikirby|Kirby's Return to Dream Land}}'', albeit with the small indented sections of his mask. | **Additionally, Meta Knight's stock icon resembles his [https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/kirby/images/e/ef/KRtDL_Meta_Knight_icon.png/revision/latest?cb=20181231192038&path-prefix=en HUD icon] from ''{{iw|wikirby|Kirby's Return to Dream Land}}'', albeit with the small indented sections of his mask. | ||
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*Meta Knight is the only fighter whose eyes glow a color other than yellow when [[perfect shield]]ing or while capable of using a [[Final Smash]]. In his case, they glow red; this may be a reference to ''{{iw|wikirby|Kirby: Right Back at Ya!}}'', in which Meta Knight's eyes turn red when he is angry. This also makes Meta Knight's P5 and {{iw|wikirby|Galacta Knight}} alternate costumes his only costumes in which his eye color does not change via perfect shielding or while capable of using a Final Smash. | *Meta Knight is the only fighter whose eyes glow a color other than yellow when [[perfect shield]]ing or while capable of using a [[Final Smash]]. In his case, they glow red; this may be a reference to ''{{iw|wikirby|Kirby: Right Back at Ya!}}'', in which Meta Knight's eyes turn red when he is angry. This also makes Meta Knight's P5 and {{iw|wikirby|Galacta Knight}} alternate costumes his only costumes in which his eye color does not change via perfect shielding or while capable of using a Final Smash. | ||
*When Meta Knight is [[poison]]ed or [[curse]]d, his eyes become slightly smaller than usual. This may suggest that he is alarmed in a similar vein to {{SSBU|Yoshi}}, Kirby, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBU|Olimar}}, or {{SSBU|Pac-Man}}. | *When Meta Knight is [[poison]]ed or [[curse]]d, his eyes become slightly smaller than usual. This may suggest that he is alarmed in a similar vein to {{SSBU|Yoshi}}, Kirby, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBU|Olimar}}, or {{SSBU|Pac-Man}}. | ||
*Meta Knight, {{SSBU|Inkling}}, {{SSBU|Hero}}, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, {{SSBU|Pyra}}, {{SSBU|Mythra}}, and {{SSBU|Sora}} are the only fighters who use their walking animations when navigating through the map in [[World of Light]]. | *Meta Knight, {{SSBU|Inkling}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Hero}}, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}, {{SSBU|Pyra}}, {{SSBU|Mythra}}, and {{SSBU|Sora}} are the only fighters who use their walking animations when navigating through the map in [[World of Light]]. | ||
**Out of all of them, Meta Knight is the only one who is a [[veteran]]. | **Out of all of them, Meta Knight is the only one who is a [[veteran]]. | ||
*Excluding Sephiroth, who is a DLC fighter, Meta Knight and {{SSBU|Wario}} are the only playable antagonists that are not fought by their respective main protagonists in {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}. Unlike Sephiroth, Wario has been an anti-hero following ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins}}'', and Meta Knight has been a hero by default following {{iw|wikirby|Revenge of Meta Knight}}. | *Excluding Sephiroth, who is a DLC fighter, Meta Knight and {{SSBU|Wario}} are the only playable antagonists that are not fought by their respective main protagonists in {{SSBU|Classic Mode}}. Unlike Sephiroth, Wario has been an anti-hero following ''{{iw|mariowiki|Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins}}'', and Meta Knight has been a hero by default following {{iw|wikirby|Revenge of Meta Knight}}. | ||