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A '''neutral infinite''' (often called a '''rapid jab''', and officially known as a '''flurry attack''' in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'') is a constantly-looping flurry of incredibly fast and weak attacks that link into each other. Once this attack is launched, it can be indefinitely looped by pressing the attack button repeatedly in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', or by simply holding it from ''Brawl'' onward. Despite their indefinite nature, neutral infinites can be escaped relatively quickly with proper [[DI]] and [[SDI]], especially prior to ''Smash 4''. Later games mitigate this by speeding up their hit rate and lowering their [[SDI multiplier]]s (as well as weakening SDI itself), as well as slightly pushing the attacker back each hit after landing a certain number of hits.
A '''neutral infinite''' (often called a '''rapid jab''', and officially known as a '''flurry attack''' in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'') is a constantly-looping flurry of incredibly fast and weak attacks that link into each other. Once this attack is launched, it can be indefinitely looped by pressing the attack button repeatedly in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'', or by simply holding it from ''Brawl'' onward. Despite their indefinite nature, neutral infinites can be escaped relatively quickly with proper [[DI]] and [[SDI]], especially prior to ''Smash 4''. Later games mitigate this by speeding up their hit rate and lowering their [[SDI multiplier]]s (as well as weakening SDI itself), as well as slightly pushing the attacker back each hit after landing a certain number of hits.


The neutral infinite ends once the attack button is released. Prior to ''[[Smash 4]]'', this causes the character to simply stop attacking – however, from ''Smash 4'' onwards, neutral infinites have a final hit known as a '''finisher''' that is designed to launch opponents away, and is used once the attack button is released. Since no new button input is made to activate this final hit, it is not its own stage of the natural combo.
The neutral infinite ends once the attack button is released. Prior to ''[[Smash 4]]'', this causes the character to simply stop attacking, which in consequence would leave the opponent close enough to potentially punish the user – however, from ''Smash 4'' onwards, neutral infinites have a final hit known as a '''finisher''' that is designed to launch opponents away, and is used once the attack button is released. Since no new button input is made to activate this final hit, it is not its own stage of the natural combo. While most finishers are designed to simply create space between the user and victim, some infinites have KO potential, with notable ones including [[Bowser Jr.]] and [[Bayonetta]].


Characters like [[Kirby]], [[Fox]], [[Sheik]] and [[Bowser Jr.]] are known for possessing neutral infinites. [[Meta Knight]] is unique for having ''only'' a neutral infinite, and no standard neutral attack beforehand. Instead, his [[forward tilt]] is a three-part attack.
Characters like [[Kirby]], [[Fox]], and [[Sheik]] and are known for possessing neutral infinites. [[Meta Knight]] is unique for having ''only'' a neutral infinite, and no standard neutral attack beforehand. Instead, his [[forward tilt]] is a three-part attack.


===Choosables===
===Choosables===
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|[[Bayonetta]]||4||Unique||{{n|16}}||Performs three pistol whips, then leans forwards and rapidly thrusts her guns forwards before throwing a downwards gun-spinning punch for a final hit. Unlike most neutral infinites, it ends automatically after a set number of hits. Hits 1-3 and the infinite finisher can be extended with Bullet Arts, while holding attack button during the multi-hit as opposed to mashing will use Bullet Arts to deal more damage.
|[[Bayonetta]]||4||Unique||{{n|16}}||Performs three pistol whips, then leans forwards and rapidly thrusts her guns forwards before throwing a downwards gun-spinning punch for a final hit. Unlike most neutral infinites, it ends automatically after a set number of hits. Hits 1-3 and the infinite finisher can be extended with Bullet Arts, while holding attack button during the multi-hit as opposed to mashing will use Bullet Arts to deal more damage.
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|[[Bowser]]||2||Standard||{{n|16}}|| Throws an open hand strike the opponent and then follows up with a punch.
|[[Bowser]]||2||Standard||{{n|16}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}} Performs a left-handed claw swipe, followed by a second one with his right hand.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSB4}} Throws a left punch, followed by a right.<br/>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} Throws an open hand palm strike at the opponent and then follows up with a punch.  
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|[[Bowser Jr.]]||3||Infinite||{{y|16}}||Deploys a pair of boxing gloves from the Koopa Clown Car, then uses them to throw a jab, a cross, and then a flurry of rapid punches ending in an uppercut.
|[[Bowser Jr.]]||3||Infinite||{{y|16}}||Deploys a pair of boxing gloves from the Koopa Clown Car, then uses them to throw a jab, a cross, and then a flurry of rapid punches ending in an uppercut.
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==Notable neutral attacks==
==Notable neutral attacks==
[[File:Brawl Meta Knight Jab.gif|thumb||250px|{{SSBB|Meta Knight}}'s infinite in ''Brawl''.]]
[[File:Brawl Meta Knight Jab.gif|thumb||250px|{{SSBB|Meta Knight}}'s infinite in ''Brawl''.]]
*[[Pikachu]], [[Pichu]], [[Isabelle]] and [[Steve]] all have incredibly fast neutral attacks that hit once and, from ''[[Brawl]]'' onwards, are consecutive. Each one is easily capable of chaining into itself, especially at low damage percentages. This may lead to the false conception that they are neutral infinites. [[Villager]]'s neutral attack in ''[[SSB4]]'' also had a similar effect, over two hits instead of one, but it was changed to a true neutral infinite in Ultimate.
*The fastest neutral attacks come out on frame 1, making them some of the fastest moves in the game. The only two fighters who possess frame 1 neutral attacks are [[Zero Suit Samus]] and [[Little Mac]], with Little Mac's neutral attack in ''Smash 4'' also having [[Priority#Moves_that_cannot_rebound|anti-rebounding priority]].
*[[Meta Knight]] is the only character with no "normal" neutral attacks before he begins the infinite. Even pressing the attack button once causes him to commit to at least one full cycle of the attack, leading an in-game [[tip]] to humorously state that Meta Knight "doesn't do 'standard attacks'." In ''Brawl'', it is also one of only two neutral attacks in the series to hit all around the character instead of just in front of them.
*[[Pikachu]], [[Pichu]], [[Isabelle]] and [[Steve]] all have incredibly fast neutral attacks that hit once and, from ''[[Brawl]]'' onwards, are consecutive. Each one is easily capable of chaining into itself, especially at low damage percentages. This may lead to the false conception that they are neutral infinites.
*[[Ganondorf]], [[Roy]] and [[Chrom]] have the distinction of possessing single-hit neutral attacks that, unlike the characters mentioned above, are not designed to chain into themselves.
**In Ganondorf's case, his neutral attack in ''Melee'' is based off the first hit of [[Captain Falcon]]'s neutral attack, with it having a larger hitbox, an [[electric]] effect, and more base knockback and damage, but higher ending lag; its fast startup of frame 3 and decent knockback makes it commonly used to start combos. Starting from ''Brawl'', it has been retooled into a strong palm strike with the ability to KO at high percents, at the cost of very slow startup (frame 7-8), which significantly weakens its ability as a defensive option, although it is typically one of Ganondorf's fastest attacks.
**Roy's neutral attack in ''Melee'' is similarly based on his base character [[Marth]], only dealing a single hit with adjusted knockback angles for the purposes of starting combos, although it is rather poor for this purpose. Hitbox and knockback changes to the move from ''Smash 4'' onwards have improved its combo ability significantly, with the version in ''Ultimate'' commonly considered one of the best neutral attacks in the game thanks to its speed and ability to combo into almost any option, along with its hitbox being wide enough to hit ledge-hanging opponents. Chrom's version lacks a sweetspot or sourspot, although it is generally considered better due to its consistency and slightly higher horizontal range.
*[[Samus]]' neutral attack is infamous for being the only one where the first hit does not combo into the second at any reasonable percent, allowing an opponent to always shield the second hit, or even interrupt it with a neutral attack (or similarly fast attack) of their own. Unlike other attacks that have unintentional interactions due to coding or hitbox problems, her neutral attack is deliberately designed to be unreliable, as the ingame [[tip]]s in ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' mention that it is "safer to just hit with the first attack and then flee".
*[[Meta Knight]] is the only character with no "normal" neutral attacks before he begins the infinite. Even pressing the attack button once causes him to commit to at least one full cycle of the attack, leading an in-game tip to humorously state that Meta Knight "doesn't do 'standard attacks'." In ''Brawl'', it is also one of only two neutral attacks in the series to hit all around the character instead of just in front of them.
*[[Olimar]]'s neutral attack in ''Brawl'' consists of two headbutts that deal direct [[damage]] and [[knockback]]; however, the resultant flicks from his antenna have their own hitboxes which strike for extra damage, but deal no knockback. This makes it the only neutral attack in the series to have a damaging hitbox which does not make opponents flinch.
*[[Olimar]]'s neutral attack in ''Brawl'' consists of two headbutts that deal direct [[damage]] and [[knockback]]; however, the resultant flicks from his antenna have their own hitboxes which strike for extra damage, but deal no knockback. This makes it the only neutral attack in the series to have a damaging hitbox which does not make opponents flinch.
*[[Ike]]'s neutral attack in ''Brawl'' is notable for being used for combos by only using the first and second part via crouch-cancelling the third. This allows for easy damage multipliers and combos. The attack also has a powerful knockback at high percent which will KO characters around 170%.
*[[Ike]]'s neutral attack in ''Brawl'' is notable for its multiple strengths: it has high range (especially the second hit), has high knockback which can KO characters around 140%, and is well-known for being used for combos by [[jab cancel]]ing the first and second hits with a crouch, allowing it to combo into itself or other moves. These strengths make it considered one of the best neutral attacks in ''Brawl''. While its range and KO potential were nerfed in future installments (with its jab cancel properties being outright removed), Update 13.0.1 of ''Ultimate'' restored its power back to its original state, once again making it a KO option.
*[[Mega Man]]'s neutral attack is the only one that is a [[projectile]]. It also flows freely with his near-identical forward tilt and neutral aerial, effectively allowing Mega Man to fire his Mega Buster while walking and jumping without interruption.
*[[Mega Man]]'s neutral attack fires three pellets from his Mega Buster; it is the only neutral attack that is a [[projectile]]. It also flows freely with his near-identical forward tilt and neutral aerial, effectively allowing Mega Man to fire his Mega Buster while walking and jumping without interruption.
*The first hit of [[Wii Fit Trainer]]'s neutral attack combines a spear hand with a back kick for an attack that hits on both sides of their body, being one of three neutral attacks to do so&mdash;the others being {{SSBM|Ness}}' in ''Melee'' and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}'s in ''Brawl'', though Meta Knight's doesn't hit both sides simultaneously. Also unique to Wii Fit Trainer's neutral attack is that the third hit, when sweetspotted at the foot, can [[bury]] opponents. It is the only neutral attack capable of burying or inflicting any movement-inhibiting effect for that matter.
*The first hit of [[Wii Fit Trainer]]'s neutral attack combines a spear hand with a back kick for an attack that hits on both sides of their body, being one of three neutral attacks to do so&mdash;the others being {{SSBM|Ness}}' in ''Melee'' and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}'s in ''Brawl'', though Meta Knight's doesn't hit both sides simultaneously. Also unique to Wii Fit Trainer's neutral attack is that the third hit, when sweetspotted at the foot, can [[bury]] opponents. It is the only neutral attack capable of burying or inflicting any movement-inhibiting effect for that matter.
*Both [[Robin]]'s standard finisher and neutral infinite involve the use of tomes, and thereby have the unique ability both to affect their special moves and be affected by them. [[Arcfire]] and Robin's standard finisher ender draw from the same durability meter, as do [[Elwind]] and their infinite. The longer the infinite is held, the more durability will be sapped from Elwind. If a tome is broken, the relevant neutral attack part will not be usable until the tome respawns.
*Both [[Robin]]'s standard finisher and neutral infinite involve the use of tomes, and thereby have the unique ability both to affect their special moves and be affected by them. [[Arcfire]] and Robin's standard finisher ender draw from the same durability meter, as do [[Elwind]] and their infinite. The longer the infinite is held, the more durability will be sapped from Elwind. If a tome is broken, the relevant neutral attack part will not be usable until the tome respawns.
*[[Ryu]] has two different attacks which can be achieved through a neutral attack input; in ''Ultimate'', he and his new echo fighter [[Ken]] each have three. For both characters, quickly pressing the attack button instead of holding it results in a three-stage combo. However, the second and third stages can only be accessed upon a successful hit. Otherwise, repeatedly tapping the button will simply cause the first hit to be used repeatedly, in a modified form of consecutiveness. Both of these properties are unique to Ryu and Ken. Holding the button results in a different attack altogether, which is not a natural combo. In ''Ultimate'', Ryu and Ken are also the only fighters to have proximity normals, of which their neutral attacks are an example. Holding the attack button while close to opponents results in them performing an attack similar to their held [[up tilt]], but with virtually no knockback.
*[[Ryu]] has two different attacks which can be achieved through a neutral attack input; in ''Ultimate'', he and his Echo Fighter [[Ken]] each have three, as a result of them being the only characters with proximity-based neutral attacks.
**For both characters, quickly pressing the attack button instead of holding it results in a three-stage combo; however, the second and third stages can only be accessed upon a successful hit, as repeatedly tapping the button without connecting with anything will simply cause the first hit to be repeated. Both of these properties are unique to Ryu and Ken.  
**Holding the button results in a different attack altogether, which cannot be special-canceled. Ryu performs his standing heavy kick from ''Street Fighter II'', which has good range and is a capable KO option, although its high hitbox means it can miss smaller opponents. Ken performs the Inazuma Kick, a two-hit axe kick which deals high damage and shield damage, but sometimes has trouble connecting both hits.
**In ''Ultimate'', holding the attack button while close to opponents results in them performing a proximity neutral attack: its animation is identical to their held [[up tilt]], but with high damage and virtually no knockback. This can be special-canceled, which grants them an accessible KO combo into their special moves at any percent.
*[[Inkling]]'s neutral infinite covers opponents in {{b|ink|status}}. If Inkling runs out of ink, it can still be used, but it will possess no hitboxes.
*[[Inkling]]'s neutral infinite covers opponents in {{b|ink|status}}. If Inkling runs out of ink, it can still be used, but it will possess no hitboxes.
*If the attack button is held instead of pressed during [[Simon]] and [[Richter]]'s neutral attack, they will hold the Vampire Killer forwards in front of themselves and remain stationary. Input from the control stick, while the button is being held, will cause them to rotate their whip, loosely flinging a short section of it in the held direction. This can destroy small projectiles, and its weak knockback can be used for unusual [[gimp]]s, but its overall utility is rather limited. It is overall similar to Sheik's [[Chain]] in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''.
*If the attack button is held instead of pressed during [[Simon]] and [[Richter]]'s neutral attack, they will hold the Vampire Killer forwards in front of themselves and remain stationary. Input from the control stick, while the button is being held, will cause them to rotate their whip, loosely flinging a short section of it in the held direction. This can destroy small projectiles, and its weak knockback can be used for unusual [[gimp]]s, but its overall utility is rather limited. It is overall similar to Sheik's [[Chain]] in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''.
*Particularly in ''[[SSB4]]'', [[Villager]]'s neutral attack functions quite unlike any other in the series. It is a two-hit [[natural combo]] whose second hit can be canceled back into the first hit, allowing for an endless volley of repeating punches. It is also a consecutive move that uniquely repeats both hits instead of just the first one. Both of these factors may lead players to the conclusion that it is an infinite, but this is inaccurate, as it lacks a finishing hit. Its nature as a repeating and consecutive natural combo also means the time between hits can be shortened by rapidly pressing the attack button instead of holding it, which cannot be done for any true neutral infinite. In ''[[Ultimate]]'', a true infinite was added as a third stage of the natural combo, giving it a proper final hit, but its unique two-hit consecutiveness remains.
*In ''[[SSB4]]'', [[Villager]]'s neutral attack functions as a two-hit [[natural combo]] with a unique function: its second hit can be canceled back into the first hit, allowing for an endless volley of repeating punches. It is also a consecutive move that uniquely repeats both hits instead of just the first one. Both of these factors may lead players to the conclusion that it is an infinite, but this is inaccurate, as it lacks a finishing hit. Its nature as a repeating and consecutive natural combo also means the time between hits can be shortened by rapidly pressing the attack button instead of holding it, which cannot be done for any true neutral infinite. In ''[[Ultimate]]'', a true infinite was added as a third stage of the natural combo, giving it a proper final hit, but its unique two-hit consecutiveness remains.
*In all games, there is only one character with a four-stage neutral attack: [[Captain Falcon]] prior to ''SSB4'', and [[Bayonetta]] from ''SSB4'' onwards. Both are unique in other ways, as well.
**Particularly in ''[[Melee]]'', the third hit of Captain Falcon's neutral attack—a knee strike—is quick, safe, highly damaging, and overall an excellent way to end close-range strings. However, on the NTSC version of the game, it is notoriously difficult to trigger this attack without also using the notoriously slow and ineffective infinite that follows it. Because of the difficulty in utilizing this attack, combined with its importance in Captain Falcon's moveset, this portion of the attack became well-known enough to garner its own nickname, the [[Gentleman]].
**Bayonetta's neutral infinite is the only one in the series that cannot be held indefinitely. After being held for sufficiently long, even if it is not hitting anything, the final hit will come out with no input from the player, and the attack will end.
*[[Samus]]' neutral attack is infamous for being the only one where the first hit does not combo into the second at any reasonable percent, allowing an opponent to always shield the second hit, or even interrupt it with a neutral attack (or similarly fast attack) of their own.
*[[Bowser Jr.]]'s neutral infinite finisher is notable for having the most knockback of any neutral attack and by far the most of any neutral infinite, able to KO at around 120% near the ledge. This is in addition to having a large [[disjoint]], making it a relatively safe, reliable KO move.
*[[Bowser Jr.]]'s neutral infinite finisher is notable for having the most knockback of any neutral attack and by far the most of any neutral infinite, able to KO at around 120% near the ledge. This is in addition to having a large [[disjoint]], making it a relatively safe, reliable KO move.
**In ''Ultimate'', [[Bayonetta]]'s neutral infinite finisher is similarly one of the strongest in the game as of Update 12.0.0, giving it potent KO potential near the ledge. This is hampered by it being one of the slowest neutral attacks in the game at frame 9, although it is still Bayonetta's fastest grounded KO option.
*[[Kazuya]] has one of the most unique neutral attacks in the series, with two variations depending if the third button press is delayed or not. If the button press is delayed, Kazuya performs the Flash Punch Combo, which functions as a standard three hits jab, but deals significantly more damage (15% base) and knockback than other moves of this kind. Otherwise, if the third press is not delayed, Kazuya transitions to the 10-Hit Combo, an unique series of 10 attacks that moves Kazuya forward. If all hits connect, the combo deals an impressive 38% base damage, and the last hit is [[unblockable]]. However, because of its high [[SDI]] multiplier, it's very difficult to connect the entire 10-Hit Combo without the opponent falling out. As such, Kazuya players usually prefer to use the Flash Punch Combo, while the 10-Hit Combo is used mostly as a mixup to push opponents off the edge and interrupting it early to capitalize on sloppy escape options.
*[[Kazuya]] has one of the most unique neutral attacks in the series, with two variations depending if the third button press is delayed or not. If the button press is delayed, Kazuya performs the Flash Punch Combo, which functions as a standard three hits jab, but deals significantly more damage (15% base) and knockback than other moves of this kind. Otherwise, if the third press is not delayed, Kazuya transitions to the 10-Hit Combo, an unique series of 10 attacks that moves Kazuya forward. If all hits connect, the combo deals an impressive 38% base damage, and the last hit is [[unblockable]]. However, because of its high [[SDI]] multiplier, it's very difficult to connect the entire 10-Hit Combo without the opponent falling out. As such, Kazuya players usually prefer to use the Flash Punch Combo, while the 10-Hit Combo is used mostly as a mixup to push opponents off the edge and interrupting it early to capitalize on sloppy escape options.


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