Ivysaur (SSBU): Difference between revisions
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|shareslot = {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}<br>{{SSBU|Charizard}}<br>{{SSBU|Squirtle}} | |shareslot = {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}<br>{{SSBU|Charizard}}<br>{{SSBU|Squirtle}} | ||
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | |availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]] | ||
|tier = A | |tier = A- | ||
|ranking = | |ranking = 24 | ||
}} | }} | ||
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*Inuko Inuyama in Japanese, succeeding Tomoko Kawakami's portrayal also from ''Brawl''. | *Inuko Inuyama in Japanese, succeeding Tomoko Kawakami's portrayal also from ''Brawl''. | ||
*Jean-Marc Delhausse in French. | *Jean-Marc Delhausse in French. | ||
* | *Unknown in German. | ||
==How to unlock== | ==How to unlock== | ||
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Ivysaur's grab game is also useful. While all of its grabs are active on frame 13, they are among the longest-reaching in ''Ultimate'' and are decently fast overall, which further adds to Ivysaur's already strong range. To boot, all of its throws deal at least 7% damage. While its forward throw is ironically unsuitable for both combos and KOs due to its high base knockback and low knockback growth, its back throw is a good KO option at the edge, and its up throw is a decent low-percentage combo tool. However, of particular note is its down throw: despite its low damage, its has strong combo potential until around 100%, while its knockback scaling also makes it the strongest down throw in the game, allowing it to KO in situations where back throw cannot. | Ivysaur's grab game is also useful. While all of its grabs are active on frame 13, they are among the longest-reaching in ''Ultimate'' and are decently fast overall, which further adds to Ivysaur's already strong range. To boot, all of its throws deal at least 7% damage. While its forward throw is ironically unsuitable for both combos and KOs due to its high base knockback and low knockback growth, its back throw is a good KO option at the edge, and its up throw is a decent low-percentage combo tool. However, of particular note is its down throw: despite its low damage, its has strong combo potential until around 100%, while its knockback scaling also makes it the strongest down throw in the game, allowing it to KO in situations where back throw cannot. | ||
Finally, Ivysaur has a useful array of special moves. [[Bullet Seed]] is a fast, multi-hitting attack that hits foes directly above Ivysaur with decent damage, allowing it to work well as an anti-air. [[Razor Leaf]] is a projectile that despite its slow startup, lingers for a short time and has low knockback, allowing it to be used effectively for stage control | Finally, Ivysaur has a useful array of special moves. [[Bullet Seed]] is a fast, multi-hitting attack that hits foes directly above Ivysaur with decent damage, allowing it to work well as an anti-air. [[Razor Leaf]] is a projectile that despite its slow startup, lingers for a short time and has low knockback, allowing it to be used effectively for stage control, combo setup, or general spacing. Lastly, [[Vine Whip]] is Ivysaur's primary recovery move and a strong KO option when sweetspotted, and like other tethers in ''Ultimate'', has a very long range. Notably, it can hit below the ledge and its animation is very fast, leading to tricky mix-ups for unsuspecting opponents. | ||
However, Ivysaur is held back by various flaws. Perhaps Ivysaur's most prominent issue is its ground game: while its tilt attacks have strong range, they are also equally lacking in power. Down tilt serves as a quick "get-off-me" option, and is his fastest grounded option at frame 4. Up tilt hits directly above Ivysaur and can lead into up air at certain percentages, though it does not have a scoop hitbox, leading to it being a niche move at best. While its smash attacks possess high power, they are generally predictable due to slow startup. Its up smash is among the strongest in the game, but it has very slow startup at 26 frames, while its horizontal range renders it hard to approach with against grounded opponents. Down smash suffers from the opposite problem: while decently fast, it fails to KO until very high percentages, a fact made worse by its sourspots. Arguably its most useful smash attack is forward smash, which when timed correctly can cover all ledge options and is generally safe on shield at full range. Its dash attack is a good burst option, but also suffers from low knockback scaling and cannot KO reliably. Finally, due to said problems, Ivysaur is very susceptible to stale-move negation, meaning it will almost constantly rely on its ranged attacks, all of which deal low damage. | However, Ivysaur is held back by various flaws. Perhaps Ivysaur's most prominent issue is its ground game: while its tilt attacks have strong range, they are also equally lacking in power. Down tilt serves as a quick "get-off-me" option, and is his fastest grounded option at frame 4. Up tilt hits directly above Ivysaur and can lead into up air at certain percentages, though it does not have a scoop hitbox, leading to it being a niche move at best. While its smash attacks possess high power, they are generally predictable due to slow startup. Its up smash is among the strongest in the game, but it has very slow startup at 26 frames, while its horizontal range renders it hard to approach with against grounded opponents. Down smash suffers from the opposite problem: while decently fast, it fails to KO until very high percentages, a fact made worse by its sourspots. Arguably its most useful smash attack is forward smash, which when timed correctly can cover all ledge options and is generally safe on shield at full range. Its dash attack is a good burst option, but also suffers from low knockback scaling and cannot KO reliably. Finally, due to said problems, Ivysaur is very susceptible to stale-move negation, meaning it will almost constantly rely on its ranged attacks, all of which deal low damage. | ||
Ivysaur also has a problematic recovery. While its up and down aerials provide different vertical movement options, they are only useful when close to the stage due to their ending lag. Vine Whip has long range as a tether, but only works if Ivysaur is sufficiently close to a ledge, where it is susceptible to stage spikes. Altogether, this makes it infeasible for Ivysaur to recover when above the stage, where any sufficiently strong semi-spike or meteor smash can potentially keep it away from ledges. | Ivysaur also has a problematic recovery. Its [[air speed]] is mediocre, ranking 60th in Smash Ultimate. While its up and down aerials provide different vertical movement options, they are only useful when close to the stage due to their ending lag. Vine Whip has long range as a tether, but only works if Ivysaur is sufficiently close to a ledge, where it is susceptible to stage spikes. Altogether, this makes it infeasible for Ivysaur to recover when above the stage, where any sufficiently strong semi-spike or meteor smash can potentially keep it away from ledges. | ||
Finally, due to a lackluster air speed and falling speed, Ivysaur is highly susceptible to juggle situations and has a poor overall disadvantage state. Although Ivysaur has a plethora of amazing aerials, none of them are particularly effective in disadvantage and without a jump Ivysaur has few options to get back on the ground. Ivysaur has the opportunity to switch to Charizard for better air speed and another jump, but such options are committal and can lead to an even further punish. | Finally, due to a lackluster air speed and falling speed, Ivysaur is highly susceptible to juggle situations and has a poor overall disadvantage state. Although Ivysaur has a plethora of amazing aerials, none of them are particularly effective in disadvantage and without a jump Ivysaur has few options to get back on the ground. Ivysaur has the opportunity to switch to Charizard for better air speed and another jump, but such options are committal and can lead to an even further punish. | ||
Altogether, Ivysaur fills the "zoner" role for Pokemon Trainer's lineup, with its long range, disjointed attacks, and projectile allowing it to excel at keeping opponents out. It is the middle of the three in weight, and is usually used around mid-high percent because of its strong advantage state, combos, and zoning ability. | Altogether, Ivysaur fills the "zoner" role for Pokemon Trainer's lineup, with its long range, disjointed attacks, and projectile allowing it to excel at keeping opponents out. It is the middle of the three in weight, and is usually used around mid-high percent because of its strong advantage state, combos, and zoning ability. | ||
If the player wishes to centralize their gameplan around Ivysaur, knowledge of Charizard is recommended. Charizard's immense power in combination with their similar range to Ivysaur's allows a player to switch between a defensive zoner and offensive aerial gameplan that allows them to keep control over the pace of a battle with ease. Additionally, Charizard's wealth of recovery options and additional mid-air jump covers Ivysaur's lackluster recovery, and their super heavyweight status gives them an edge when staying alive for as long as possible is required. | |||
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''== | ==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''== | ||
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A large part of Ivysaur's moveset has been modified and is significantly more useful overall. The addition of a finisher and the changes to neutral infinites makes its [[neutral attack]] more reliable for racking up damage, while [[down tilt]] consists of a single hit that [[semi-spike]]s. Some of Ivysaur's notoriously weak attacks, such as [[down smash]] and [[back aerial]], have had their damage and knockback considerably increased, with down smash gaining a sweetspot that can KO at realistic percents. Tying in with its improved air physics, Ivysaur's aerial game has received several enhancements: it has a new, disjointed [[neutral aerial]] that performs much better than its old one, due to its [[autolink angle]] and the weakening of [[SDI]] from ''Brawl'' enabling it to connect much more reliably. [[Up aerial|Up]] and [[down aerial]]s' momentum changes are less extreme, and down aerial has been heavily buffed, as its small meteor smash sweetspot deals more damage and is slightly larger, and its large sourspot now meteor smashes as well, turning the move into a powerful edgeguarding tool. | A large part of Ivysaur's moveset has been modified and is significantly more useful overall. The addition of a finisher and the changes to neutral infinites makes its [[neutral attack]] more reliable for racking up damage, while [[down tilt]] consists of a single hit that [[semi-spike]]s. Some of Ivysaur's notoriously weak attacks, such as [[down smash]] and [[back aerial]], have had their damage and knockback considerably increased, with down smash gaining a sweetspot that can KO at realistic percents. Tying in with its improved air physics, Ivysaur's aerial game has received several enhancements: it has a new, disjointed [[neutral aerial]] that performs much better than its old one, due to its [[autolink angle]] and the weakening of [[SDI]] from ''Brawl'' enabling it to connect much more reliably. [[Up aerial|Up]] and [[down aerial]]s' momentum changes are less extreme, and down aerial has been heavily buffed, as its small meteor smash sweetspot deals more damage and is slightly larger, and its large sourspot now meteor smashes as well, turning the move into a powerful edgeguarding tool. | ||
In addition, Ivysaur's throw game is vastly more useful; it now has a more reliable KO throw in its [[back throw]], alongside reliable combos from [[up throw]] and [[down throw]], while it is also one of the characters to be the least affected by the universal nerfs to [[grab]]s, as only its pivot grab's lag was increased, and all grabs except its dash grab have more range. Lastly, its entire special moveset has been improved in several ways: [[Bullet Seed]] has gained a finisher (though the move remains situational overall), [[Razor Leaf]] is noticeably more useful as a [[projectile]] due to its previously unreliable trajectory being more consistent and the changes to | In addition, Ivysaur's throw game is vastly more useful; it now has a more reliable KO throw in its [[back throw]], alongside reliable combos from [[up throw]] and [[down throw]], while it is also one of the characters to be the least affected by the universal nerfs to [[grab]]s, as only its pivot grab's lag was increased, and all grabs except its dash grab have more range. Lastly, its entire special moveset has been improved in several ways: [[Bullet Seed]] has gained a finisher (though the move remains situational overall), [[Razor Leaf]] is noticeably more useful as a [[projectile]] due to its previously unreliable trajectory being more consistent and the changes to hitstun canceling granting it extreme combo potential, and Vine Whip has faster startup, can be angled, and no longer causes helplessness, giving Ivysaur a powerful combo finisher and more opportunities to recover. Altogether, these changes immensely improve Ivysaur's neutral game, damage racking, and zoning abilities, putting them more in line with the rest of the cast. | ||
However, Ivysaur did receive a few notable nerfs. Ivysaur's [[weight]] has been decreased, which combined with the removal of [[momentum canceling]] hinders its survivability. Although [[forward tilt]] connects much more reliably due to the weakening of SDI, it has noticeably more startup, while it retains high ending lag and a lack of KO power. Some of Ivysaur's KO options were toned down as well, such as [[dash attack]], [[forward smash]], [[forward aerial]], and its notorious up aerial and [[up smash]], with the latter no longer being the strongest in the game. Most importantly, however, Bullet Seed has slower startup with no intangibility, and racks up a significantly lower amount of damage due to its shortened duration, greatly reducing its utility despite the new finisher. As a result, Ivysaur is more reliant on racking up damage with its various buffed moves to KO effectively, which is exacerbated by all its aerials except neutral and down aerial launching at upward angles that are ineffective for edgeguarding, often compelling the player to switch to Charizard and utilize its greater KO potential once opponents are at high percents. | However, Ivysaur did receive a few notable nerfs. Ivysaur's [[weight]] has been decreased, which combined with the removal of [[momentum canceling]] hinders its survivability. Although [[forward tilt]] connects much more reliably due to the weakening of SDI, it has noticeably more startup, while it retains high ending lag and a lack of KO power. Some of Ivysaur's KO options were toned down as well, such as [[dash attack]], [[forward smash]], [[forward aerial]], and its notorious up aerial and [[up smash]], with the latter no longer being the strongest in the game. Most importantly, however, Bullet Seed has slower startup with no intangibility, and racks up a significantly lower amount of damage due to its shortened duration, greatly reducing its utility despite the new finisher. As a result, Ivysaur is more reliant on racking up damage with its various buffed moves to KO effectively, which is exacerbated by all its aerials except neutral and down aerial launching at upward angles that are ineffective for edgeguarding, often compelling the player to switch to Charizard and utilize its greater KO potential once opponents are at high percents. | ||
All in all, Ivysaur has become a drastically better character since its introduction in ''Brawl'', especially relative to the rest of the cast. While it has been retooled to fit more in line as the zoner the Pokémon Trainer's party, and it has received nerfs in game updates, Ivysaur is now considered to be the most useful Pokémon of the three, with traits like decent weight, disjointed attacks, a conventional projectile, and combos and setups into its most powerful moves, allowing Ivysaur to fill | All in all, Ivysaur has become a drastically better character since its introduction in ''Brawl'', especially relative to the rest of the cast. While it has been retooled to fit more in line as the zoner the Pokémon Trainer's party, and it has received nerfs in game updates, Ivysaur is now considered to be the most useful Pokémon of the three, with traits like decent weight, disjointed attacks, a conventional projectile, and combos and setups into its most powerful moves, allowing Ivysaur to fill in the gaps its partners lack, namely Squirtle's lack of power at the cost of attack speed, Charizard's slow moveset in detriment of power, and both Pokemon's melee range in exchange for slower movement speed. | ||
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Ivysaur}} | {{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Ivysaur}} | ||
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|dairname=Rear Exploding Flower ({{ja|うらばくれつフラワー|Ura Bakuretsu Furawā}}) | |dairname=Rear Exploding Flower ({{ja|うらばくれつフラワー|Ura Bakuretsu Furawā}}) | ||
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10}} | |dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|10}} | ||
|dairdesc=Turns upside-down and expels a burst of spores downwards from its bulb, similarly to its up aerial. Ivysaur's descent is stalled slightly when this move is used. Like up aerial, it is a powerful aerial, dealing decent knockback for a [[meteor smash]], while having fast startup and an extremely large disjointed hitbox. The move has a sweetspot closer to the bulb that deals much more knockback, though the sourspot still meteor smashes. It is capable of hitting opponents easily out of a short hop, even from above platforms; at higher percents, it will cause grounded opponents to launch off the floor, allowing Ivysaur to punish missed techs and/or tech-chase with a multitude of moves, including any ground move or [[Bullet Seed]]. At even higher percents, up aerial will work as a KO combo at 130%, while up smash can act as a potent hard read from a wide range of percentages. Its enormous hitbox allows it to hit most characters below the stage before they can even sweetspot the ledge. As a result, down aerial is one of Ivysaur's most useful aerial moves. | |dairdesc=Turns upside-down and expels a burst of spores downwards from its bulb, similarly to its up aerial. Ivysaur's descent is stalled slightly when this move is used. Like up aerial, it is a powerful aerial, dealing decent knockback for a [[meteor smash]], while having fast startup on frame 11 and an extremely large disjointed hitbox. The move has a sweetspot closer to the bulb that deals much more knockback, though the sourspot still meteor smashes. It is capable of hitting opponents easily out of a short hop, even from above platforms; at higher percents, it will cause grounded opponents to launch off the floor, allowing Ivysaur to punish missed techs and/or tech-chase with a multitude of moves, including any ground move or [[Bullet Seed]]. At even higher percents, up aerial will work as a KO combo at 130%, while up smash can act as a potent hard read from a wide range of percentages. Its enormous hitbox allows it to hit most characters below the stage before they can even sweetspot the ledge. As a result, down aerial is one of Ivysaur's most useful aerial moves. However, it only lasts for 2 frames, and due to its extreme ending lag of 51 frames, it's very punishable when missed or shielded. | ||
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}}) | |grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}}) | ||
|grabdesc=Extends its vines forward to grab an opponent with them. | |grabdesc=Extends its vines forward to grab an opponent with them. High range for a non-tether grab, but slow startup and high ending lag for a standard grab. | ||
|pummelname=Grab Headbutt ({{ja|つかみずつき|Tsukami Zutsuki}}) | |pummelname=Grab Headbutt ({{ja|つかみずつき|Tsukami Zutsuki}}) | ||
|pummeldmg=1.3% | |pummeldmg=1.3% | ||
|pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent while holding them with its vines. | |pummeldesc=Headbutts the opponent while holding them with its vines. Average power and speed. | ||
|fthrowname=Vine Sling ({{ja|つるスリング|Tsuru Suringu}}) | |fthrowname=Vine Sling ({{ja|つるスリング|Tsuru Suringu}}) | ||
|fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1 and throw) | |fthrowdmg=5% (hit 1 and throw) | ||
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<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
Pokémon Trainer English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese | Pokémon Trainer English Announcer SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese | ||
Pokémon Trainer French Announcer SSBU.wav|French | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Latest revision as of 23:54, October 4, 2024
- This article is about Ivysaur's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For other uses, see Ivysaur. Also, for information about Ivysaur in regards to Pokémon Trainer, see Pokémon Trainer (SSBU), Squirtle (SSBU), and Charizard (SSBU).
Ivysaur in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | |
---|---|
Universe | Pokémon |
Shares character slot with | Pokémon Trainer Charizard Squirtle |
Other playable appearance | in Brawl |
Availability | Unlockable |
Final Smash | Triple Finish |
Tier | A- (24) |
Ivysaur (フシギソウ, Fushigisou) is a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It was confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Along with the Pokémon Trainer, Ivysaur is classified as Fighter #34.
As with other playable characters from the Pokémon franchise, Ivysaur is voiced by several voice actors in different languages, each of them reprising their roles from the respective dubs for Pokémon the Series: XY. The voice actors are as follows:
- Justin Anselmi in English, succeeding Craig Blair's portrayal from Brawl.
- Inuko Inuyama in Japanese, succeeding Tomoko Kawakami's portrayal also from Brawl.
- Jean-Marc Delhausse in French.
- Unknown in German.
How to unlock[edit]
Unlocked as part of Pokémon Trainer alongside Charizard and Squirtle.
Attributes[edit]
Ivysaur is one of the characters made playable from Pokémon Trainer, alongside the likes of Squirtle and Charizard. It is a middleweight fighter, having a below average dash and gravity, an average jump height, and high traction. While Squirtle will automatically be the first Pokémon on-screen if Pokémon Trainer is selected, pressing the Y button on the character select screen will toggle Ivysaur as first. In relation to Pokémon change, the order is always Ivysaur-Charizard-Squirtle. If Squirtle is KO'd, Ivysaur will always appear on the next revival platform.
One of Ivysaur's biggest strengths is its range, as its vine-based attacks (neutral attack, up tilt, down tilt, down smash, forward aerial, back aerial, and Vine Whip) all have very generous range that allow Ivysaur to keep foes at a distance with relative ease. Among said attacks, they all either synergize as get-off-me options (down tilt/down smash), mix-up options (up tilt/neutral aerial) or niche KO moves (forward aerial and Vine Whip), which grant Ivysaur a decently effective ranged toolkit. Altogether, this mix gives Ivysaur among the most effective range in the game, made more effective by said moves all having at most 15 frames of startup.
Another strength that Ivysaur has is its strong air game. Every aerial Ivysaur has is either a powerful KO move or a potent combo tool and serves as the basis of its powerful advantage state. While its back aerial is among the weakest of aerial attacks in the game, its aforementioned range allows it to keep foes at a distance. Its weak nature allows it to combo into itself at low percentages and at higher percentages can lead into Vine Whip in certain situations. Its neutral aerial has use as a combo extender due to its looping hits using the autolink angle, although its low power makes it easy to intercept. Its up and down aerials are notorious for their KO power and large hitboxes, while its forward aerial, despite its slow startup, is a reliable combo starter into Vine Whip due to its diagonal knockback. Additionally, none of its aerial attacks have more than 17 frames of landing lag, making them good for air-to-ground approaches.
Ivysaur's grab game is also useful. While all of its grabs are active on frame 13, they are among the longest-reaching in Ultimate and are decently fast overall, which further adds to Ivysaur's already strong range. To boot, all of its throws deal at least 7% damage. While its forward throw is ironically unsuitable for both combos and KOs due to its high base knockback and low knockback growth, its back throw is a good KO option at the edge, and its up throw is a decent low-percentage combo tool. However, of particular note is its down throw: despite its low damage, its has strong combo potential until around 100%, while its knockback scaling also makes it the strongest down throw in the game, allowing it to KO in situations where back throw cannot.
Finally, Ivysaur has a useful array of special moves. Bullet Seed is a fast, multi-hitting attack that hits foes directly above Ivysaur with decent damage, allowing it to work well as an anti-air. Razor Leaf is a projectile that despite its slow startup, lingers for a short time and has low knockback, allowing it to be used effectively for stage control, combo setup, or general spacing. Lastly, Vine Whip is Ivysaur's primary recovery move and a strong KO option when sweetspotted, and like other tethers in Ultimate, has a very long range. Notably, it can hit below the ledge and its animation is very fast, leading to tricky mix-ups for unsuspecting opponents.
However, Ivysaur is held back by various flaws. Perhaps Ivysaur's most prominent issue is its ground game: while its tilt attacks have strong range, they are also equally lacking in power. Down tilt serves as a quick "get-off-me" option, and is his fastest grounded option at frame 4. Up tilt hits directly above Ivysaur and can lead into up air at certain percentages, though it does not have a scoop hitbox, leading to it being a niche move at best. While its smash attacks possess high power, they are generally predictable due to slow startup. Its up smash is among the strongest in the game, but it has very slow startup at 26 frames, while its horizontal range renders it hard to approach with against grounded opponents. Down smash suffers from the opposite problem: while decently fast, it fails to KO until very high percentages, a fact made worse by its sourspots. Arguably its most useful smash attack is forward smash, which when timed correctly can cover all ledge options and is generally safe on shield at full range. Its dash attack is a good burst option, but also suffers from low knockback scaling and cannot KO reliably. Finally, due to said problems, Ivysaur is very susceptible to stale-move negation, meaning it will almost constantly rely on its ranged attacks, all of which deal low damage.
Ivysaur also has a problematic recovery. Its air speed is mediocre, ranking 60th in Smash Ultimate. While its up and down aerials provide different vertical movement options, they are only useful when close to the stage due to their ending lag. Vine Whip has long range as a tether, but only works if Ivysaur is sufficiently close to a ledge, where it is susceptible to stage spikes. Altogether, this makes it infeasible for Ivysaur to recover when above the stage, where any sufficiently strong semi-spike or meteor smash can potentially keep it away from ledges.
Finally, due to a lackluster air speed and falling speed, Ivysaur is highly susceptible to juggle situations and has a poor overall disadvantage state. Although Ivysaur has a plethora of amazing aerials, none of them are particularly effective in disadvantage and without a jump Ivysaur has few options to get back on the ground. Ivysaur has the opportunity to switch to Charizard for better air speed and another jump, but such options are committal and can lead to an even further punish.
Altogether, Ivysaur fills the "zoner" role for Pokemon Trainer's lineup, with its long range, disjointed attacks, and projectile allowing it to excel at keeping opponents out. It is the middle of the three in weight, and is usually used around mid-high percent because of its strong advantage state, combos, and zoning ability.
If the player wishes to centralize their gameplan around Ivysaur, knowledge of Charizard is recommended. Charizard's immense power in combination with their similar range to Ivysaur's allows a player to switch between a defensive zoner and offensive aerial gameplan that allows them to keep control over the pace of a battle with ease. Additionally, Charizard's wealth of recovery options and additional mid-air jump covers Ivysaur's lackluster recovery, and their super heavyweight status gives them an edge when staying alive for as long as possible is required.
Changes from Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]
Ivysaur was previously considered the worst Pokémon in the Pokémon Trainer's party and one of the worst characters in Brawl (especially if judged as a standalone fighter), due to its large amount of significant weaknesses, namely poor damage outputs on its attacks, notable KO problems due to laggy finishers, bad aerial game, even worse recovery, and one of the worst special movesets in the game. Most likely in an attempt to create a higher balance within the team, Ivysaur has been heavily buffed in the transition to Ultimate, and is by far the most buffed Pokémon in the Pokémon Trainer's party.
Ivysaur's biggest buffs come from the adjustments to the Pokémon Trainer's mechanics alongside universal gameplay changes. The type effectiveness mechanic, which previously gave Ivysaur a disproportionate weakness to the common flame-type attacks throughout the cast, has been removed, while the elimination of stamina allows Ivysaur to stay in the fight without weakening its moves. The universal increase to mobility benefits Ivysaur, significantly improving its air speed. The universally decreased landing lag on aerials fixes its poor aerial approach, and now grants its moves combo potential, which is especially bolstered by the changes to hitstun canceling. However, and most notably, the removal of edgehogging in favor of ledge trumping considerably improves its exploitable recovery, allowing Vine Whip to grab the ledge. This is further helped by the ability to use Pokémon Change in the air, allowing Ivysaur to gain access to Charizard's better recovery in case it's not able to teturn to the stage.
A large part of Ivysaur's moveset has been modified and is significantly more useful overall. The addition of a finisher and the changes to neutral infinites makes its neutral attack more reliable for racking up damage, while down tilt consists of a single hit that semi-spikes. Some of Ivysaur's notoriously weak attacks, such as down smash and back aerial, have had their damage and knockback considerably increased, with down smash gaining a sweetspot that can KO at realistic percents. Tying in with its improved air physics, Ivysaur's aerial game has received several enhancements: it has a new, disjointed neutral aerial that performs much better than its old one, due to its autolink angle and the weakening of SDI from Brawl enabling it to connect much more reliably. Up and down aerials' momentum changes are less extreme, and down aerial has been heavily buffed, as its small meteor smash sweetspot deals more damage and is slightly larger, and its large sourspot now meteor smashes as well, turning the move into a powerful edgeguarding tool.
In addition, Ivysaur's throw game is vastly more useful; it now has a more reliable KO throw in its back throw, alongside reliable combos from up throw and down throw, while it is also one of the characters to be the least affected by the universal nerfs to grabs, as only its pivot grab's lag was increased, and all grabs except its dash grab have more range. Lastly, its entire special moveset has been improved in several ways: Bullet Seed has gained a finisher (though the move remains situational overall), Razor Leaf is noticeably more useful as a projectile due to its previously unreliable trajectory being more consistent and the changes to hitstun canceling granting it extreme combo potential, and Vine Whip has faster startup, can be angled, and no longer causes helplessness, giving Ivysaur a powerful combo finisher and more opportunities to recover. Altogether, these changes immensely improve Ivysaur's neutral game, damage racking, and zoning abilities, putting them more in line with the rest of the cast.
However, Ivysaur did receive a few notable nerfs. Ivysaur's weight has been decreased, which combined with the removal of momentum canceling hinders its survivability. Although forward tilt connects much more reliably due to the weakening of SDI, it has noticeably more startup, while it retains high ending lag and a lack of KO power. Some of Ivysaur's KO options were toned down as well, such as dash attack, forward smash, forward aerial, and its notorious up aerial and up smash, with the latter no longer being the strongest in the game. Most importantly, however, Bullet Seed has slower startup with no intangibility, and racks up a significantly lower amount of damage due to its shortened duration, greatly reducing its utility despite the new finisher. As a result, Ivysaur is more reliant on racking up damage with its various buffed moves to KO effectively, which is exacerbated by all its aerials except neutral and down aerial launching at upward angles that are ineffective for edgeguarding, often compelling the player to switch to Charizard and utilize its greater KO potential once opponents are at high percents.
All in all, Ivysaur has become a drastically better character since its introduction in Brawl, especially relative to the rest of the cast. While it has been retooled to fit more in line as the zoner the Pokémon Trainer's party, and it has received nerfs in game updates, Ivysaur is now considered to be the most useful Pokémon of the three, with traits like decent weight, disjointed attacks, a conventional projectile, and combos and setups into its most powerful moves, allowing Ivysaur to fill in the gaps its partners lack, namely Squirtle's lack of power at the cost of attack speed, Charizard's slow moveset in detriment of power, and both Pokemon's melee range in exchange for slower movement speed.
Aesthetics[edit]
- Ivysaur's design and proportions have changed. Its flower bud now has multiple layers of petals and a smoother texture. Its pupils and ears are slightly larger, and its toes are much less pronounced. Its patches have also been re-positioned. It is more vibrantly colored overall, with its skin being a lighter shade of blue and its flower bud being a lighter shade of pink with its leaves being a lighter shade of green. In addition, Ivysaur's teeth and toes are white instead of beige. Due to these changes, it now matches match its appearance in more recent Pokémon games.
- Ivysaur is much more expressive than it was in Brawl. It smiles when taunting, has a determined smirk when selected by the Trainer, and scowls during multiple attacks, grabbing an opponent, or shielding.
- Ivysaur always faces the screen regardless of which direction it turns, causing all of its animations to be mirrored.
- Ivysaur has a new air dodge animation, where it no longer twirls horizontally.
- Opponents now grab Ivysaur by its body, instead of its flower bud.
- The grass type and effect of Ivysaur's moves have been removed and replaced with a weapon or typeless and normal effects.
- Ivysaur's victory animations are slightly changed.
- Ivysaur has a new victory animation, where it performs Vine Whip in front of itself a couple of times. This replaces the victory pose where it walks in place a few times.
- The victory pose where Ivysaur backflips now has it land upright, as opposed to landing on its belly.
- The Pokémon Trainer's animation with Ivysaur's backflip and Vine Whip victory animations are swapped from Brawl, with the one where he tosses and catches a Poké Ball being paired with the backflip animation, and him cheering being paired with the Vine Whip one.
- Ivysaur has been updated with universal features introduced in Smash 4.
- Ivysaur has a Boxing Ring title, a Palutena's Guidance conversation, and three new alternate costumes, though the formermost is shared by the group.
- Ivysaur has voice clips for suffering high knockback.
- Ivysaur now has an individual Sound Test section, rather than being grouped together with the other Pokémon as well as the Trainer.
Attributes[edit]
- Like all characters, Ivysaur's jumpsquat animation takes 3 frames to complete (down from 5).
- Ivysaur walks faster (1.05 → 1.1103).
- Ivysaur runs faster (1.5 → 1.595). However, it is slower relative to the rest of the cast, going from average (17th fastest out of 39 characters) to below-average (59th fastest out of 82 characters).
- Its initial dash is much faster (1.4 → 1.903).
- Ivysaur's air speed is much faster (0.752 → 0.998), going from the 3rd slowest in Brawl to the 58th fastest out of 81 characters in Ultimate.
- Ivysaur's crawling speed is slower.
- Ivysaur's traction is much higher (0.0532 → 0.121), allowing it to punish more easily out of shield.
- Ivysaur's fall speed is slightly higher (1.35 → 1.38).
- Its fast falling speed is significantly higher (1.89 → 2.208), leaving it much less vulnerable to juggling.
- Ivysaur's gravity is higher (0.07 → 0.082).
- Ivysaur is lighter (100 → 96), reducing its survivability.
- The Stamina mechanic has been removed, eliminating the necessity of switching out Pokémon to restore their power.
- The removal of type effectiveness benefits Ivysaur significantly more than the rest of the Pokémon Trainer's party, as it previously had a disproportionate weakness to the common flame attacks of the cast. This also increases the power of its grass attacks against Charizard.
- However, this also hinders Ivysaur's endurance against water based attacks (which are slightly more prevalent than in Brawl), and reduces the power of its grass attacks against Squirtle.
- The removal of edgehogging improves Ivysaur's tether-dependent recovery.
- The removal of meteor canceling both helps and hinders Ivysaur. While it improves the reliability of its buffed down aerial, it also leaves Ivysaur significantly more vulnerable to meteor smashes, as it had one of the most lenient meteor cancel windows in Brawl.
- Forward roll has less ending lag (FAF 33 → 31).
- Forward roll grants less intangibility (frames 4-19 → 4-15).
- Back roll has more startup with less intangibility (frames 4-19 → 5-16), and more ending lag (FAF 33 → 36).
- Spot dodge has more startup with less intangibility (frames 2-20 → 3-16), and more ending lag (FAF 26 → 27).
- Air dodge has less startup and grants more intangibility (frames 4-29 → 3-29).
- Air dodge has much more ending lag (FAF 40 → 57).
Ground attacks[edit]
- Neutral attack:
- The first hit transitions into the second hit faster (frame 13 → 10 (hit), 16 → 13 (no hit)), which transitions into the neutral infinite faster (frame 15 → 8).
- The first two hits have altered angles to keep opponents close to Ivysaur (30° (hit 1), 85° (hit 2) → 361°/180°), and the second hit has altered knockback (10 base/50 scaling → 25/20 base/25/20/15 scaling), allowing them to lock opponents and connect more reliably.
- The second hit has less startup (frame 7 → 5), and can be used without triggering the neutral infinite. If it misses, it can also loop back into the first hit on frame 20 if the button is held, instead of transitioning into the infinite.
- The infinite has a new animation: Ivysaur swings both vines much faster in front of itself, instead of alternatingly slamming them down at a moderate pace.
- The infinite has less startup (frame 6 → 4), a much shorter gap between hits (10 frames → 3), a lower hitlag multiplier (1× → 0.5×) and SDI multiplier (1× → 0.4×), keeps opponents on the ground (30° → 361°), and deals less knockback (20 base/20/0 scaling → 7/30). Combined with the weakening of SDI, this allows it to connect much more reliably. Additionally, like all neutral infinites since Smash 4, it has gained a finisher in the form of a double vine slap, making it significantly safer.
- The first two hits have smaller hitboxes (3u/4u/4u/3u → 2.3u/2.3u/2.3u/2.8u (hit 1), 3u/3u/3u/3u (hit 2)).
- The first two hits have a shorter hitbox duration (frames 7-9 → 7-8 (hit 1), 5-6 (hit 2)).
- The first hit and the infinite deal less damage (3% → 2% (hit 1), 2%/1% → 0.5% (infinite)).
- The first hit no longer uses set knockback (8 set/100 scaling → 25/20 base/25/20/15 scaling), causing it to connect less reliably at high percents.
- The first hit has a higher hitlag multiplier (1× → 1.3×); however, it remains harder to SDI than in Brawl due to the weakening of the mechanic.
- The infinite has gained a shieldstun multiplier of 3×. This allows it to lock opponents into their shields between each hit, and thus pressure them more effectively, but also allows them to cancel shieldstun and punish Ivysaur more easily if they shield 10 hits or more.
- Forward tilt:
- Forward tilt's looping hits have a lower hitlag multiplier (1× → 0.7×) and SDI multiplier (1.2× → 1×). Combined with the weakening of SDI, this allows them to connect more reliably.
- The looping hits are placed farther horizontally (Z offset: 11u/5.3u/0u/15u → 11.5u/6u/1u/16u), increasing their range.
- The last hit deals more knockback (40/30/20 base/100 scaling → 55/136).
- Due to the changes to the jostle mechanics, Ivysaur can no longer cross-up opponents at point blank range and cause them to fall out of the move.
- It has more startup (frame 6 → 10), with its total duration increased as well (FAF 42 → 46).
- The last hit has a much higher hitlag multiplier (1× → 2.1×), making it easier to DI.
- The looping hits deal consistent damage (2%/1% → 1.5%; 14%-8% total → 11%).
- Up tilt:
- Up tilt has less startup (frame 9 → 7), with its total duration reduced as well (FAF 35 → 33).
- Due to the changes to the jostle mechanics, it is harder to connect against grounded opponents.
- It has more base knockback (50/60 → 85), but much less knockback scaling (100/90 → 61), removing its KO potential at very high percents.
- It has an altered animation, with Ivysaur looking more towards the screen and no longer performing a frontflip.
- Down tilt:
- Down tilt hits once instead of twice.
- It has less ending lag (FAF 38 → 32).
- It keeps the angle of the previous first hit rather than the second hit's (361° → 30°), increasing its effectiveness for gimping and setting up edgeguards.
- It deals less damage (2% (hit 1), 5% (hit 2) → 5.5%) and knockback (60 base/100 scaling → 50/65).
- It has a longer duration than the previous first hit, but still a shorter overall duration due to the removal of the second hit (frames 4-5, 9-10 → 4-6).
- Dash attack:
- The hitbox is placed farther horizontally (Z offset: 3u → 5.6u/6.4u/6.2u/6u/5.5u (clean), 1u → 3.6u/2.8u/2.5u/1.5u (late)), increasing its range.
- The clean hit has less knockback scaling (70 → 57), greatly hindering its KO potential, despite launching at a slightly higher angle (70° → 74°).
- The late hit launches at a slightly higher angle (70° → 73°).
- It has an altered animation, with Ivysaur performing a tackle rather than a headbutt.
- Forward smash:
- Forward smash has a longer duration (frames 15-18 → 15-20), although with a late hit during the last two frames that deals less damage (16% → 14%) and has smaller hitboxes (6u/5u → 5u/4u).
- The clean hit deals less knockback (20 base/99 scaling → 45/78), and can no longer lock or trip opponents at lower percents due to its higher base knockback.
- It starts charging earlier (frame 14 → 10), no longer having immediate startup when released.
- The sweetspot launches at a slightly higher angle when angled up (361° → 44°).
- Up smash:
- The topmost hitbox is larger (11u → 13u) and placed farther vertically (Y offset: 15u → 17u), increasing its already impressive range.
- It deals much less knockback (80 base/90 scaling → 78/78), no longer being the strongest in the game.
- It no longer grants intangibility to the bottom of Ivysaur's bulb while the hitboxes are out.
- It has an altered animation, with Ivysaur raising its front legs before unleashing the spores.
- Down smash:
- Down smash has less startup (frame 16 → 13) and ending lag (FAF 54 → 46).
- All hitboxes except the innermost one deal more damage (8% → 8%/10%/12%), giving the move a ranged middlespot and sweetspot.
- The middlespot and sweetspot launch at lower angles (361° → 34°/30°) and deal more knockback (40 base/80 scaling → 45/50 base/84/77 scaling). Combined with their increased damage, this significantly improves the move's KO potential, no longer being the weakest down smash in the game.
Aerial attacks[edit]
- All aerials except neutral aerial have less landing lag (28 frames → 13 (forward), 10 → 7 (back), 22 → 11 (up), 28 → 13 (down)). In combination with the higher shieldstun for aerials compared to Brawl, this makes them much safer on shield.
- Neutral aerial:
- Ivysaur has a new neutral aerial: it points its bud towards the screen and spins its leaves. It hits eight times, up from seven.
- The looping hits are consistently active throughout and use a faster rehit rate, instead of possessing gaps between each hit (frames 4-5, 8-9, 12-13, 16-17, 20-21, 24-25 → 7-26; rehit rate: 3). They also have a lower hitlag multiplier (1× → 0.7×), and aside from the innermost hitbox, they use the autolink angle (90°/270° → 361°/367°). In combination with the weakening of SDI, this allows them to connect much more reliably, despite having a higher SDI multiplier (0.2× → 1.2×).
- The hitboxes are spread better around Ivysaur, more disjointed due to the new animation, and larger for the last hit (3u/6u/6u → 6.5u/6.5u/6.5u/6.5u), improving the move's range and coverage, despite the looping hits' smaller hitboxes overall (3u/6u/6u → 4.5u/4.5u/4.5u/4.5u).
- The last hit has altered knockback (10 base/220 scaling → 30/200), increasing its safety on hit at low percents. In combination with the changes to hitstun canceling, this also allows it to combo into a forward or back aerial from low to mid percents if Ivysaur does not land during it.
- It deals much less damage (2% (hits 1-7) → 1% (hits 1-7), 2% (hit 8); 14% total → 9%).
- It has more startup (frame 4 → 7) and landing lag (11 frames → 16).
- It auto-cancels later (frame 35 → 41), no longer doing so in a short hop.
- The last hit launches at a different angle (361° → 43°), removing its ability to lock opponents.
- Forward aerial:
- Forward aerial deals consistent damage (12%/10% → 12%).
- One of its hitboxes launches at a higher angle (80°/70°/60°/60° → 80°/70°/70°/60°), improving its consistency for KOing.
- The changes to hitstun canceling coupled with its reduced landing lag allow it to start combos from low to mid percents.
- It deals less knockback (35 base/103 scaling → 51/46/45 base/76/81/90 scaling), hindering its KO potential.
- It has smaller hitboxes (4u/4u/4u/2.5u → 3.6u/3.2u/3u/2u), slightly reducing its range despite the hitboxes being placed a bit farther horizontally (Z offset: 3.7u/3u/2.8u/2.8u → X offset: 0u/2u/3.8u/4u).
- Back aerial:
- Back aerial deals much more damage (2% → 3% (hit 1), 3%/2% → 6% (hit 2); 5%/4% total → 9%), no longer being the least damaging back aerial in the game. The second hit's knockback was not fully compensated (10 base/160/170 scaling → 25 base/118 scaling), improving its utility for edgeguarding.
- The first hit has more startup (frame 4 → 7).
- However, the second hit's startup remains unchanged, thus reducing the gap between both hits. This allows the move to connect more reliably, despite the first hit's increased knockback (20 base/20 scaling → 30/27).
- It can no longer auto-cancel in a short hop due to Ivysaur's higher gravity and faster falling speed.
- It has higher hitlag multipliers (0.5× → 0.8× (hit 1), 1× → 1.2× (hit 2)), making it easier to DI.
- Ivysaur does not extend its vines as far, reducing the move's range despite having slightly larger hitboxes (3u/4u/4u/2.5u → 4.2u/3.8u/3.4u/3u (hit 1), 4u/4u/4u/3u → 4.8u/4.4u/4u/3u (hit 2)).
- The first hit launches at a slightly lower angle (80° → 76°).
- Up aerial:
- Up aerial gives Ivysaur a weaker vertical boost downward (-1.8 → -0.3), making it less risky to use offstage. Ivysaur can still fall fast manually when using up aerial, allowing it to mix up its positioning when using the move.
- The hitboxes are placed higher (Y offset: 14u/9u → 20u/20u), improving its vertical range.
- The changes to hitstun canceling coupled with its reduced landing lag allow it to start combos from low to mid percents.
- It deals less damage (16% → 15%), and has altered knockback (32 base/97 scaling → 64/72). While this further aids in the move's combo potential at lower percents, it most significantly hinders its KO potential, despite launching at a higher angle (83° → 90°).
- The second hitbox is much larger (6u → 13u), matching the first hitbox, but due to its altered Y offset, both hitboxes now occupy the same space, the only difference being that the first one only affects grounded opponents and the second one only affects aerial opponents.
- Down aerial:
- Down aerial's sweetspot deals more damage (8% → 10%), dealing as much as the sourspot, in addition to dealing more knockback (20 base/80 scaling → 27/80 (grounded), 9/98 (aerial)). This significantly improves its KO potential
- The sweetspot is larger (2.2u → 4u) and placed lower (-9u → -13.5u), improving its range.
- The sourspot meteor smashes opponents like the sweetspot (50° → 270°). This now allows the move to lock opponents, and combined with the removal of meteor canceling, this significantly improves its effectiveness for edgeguarding.
- It halts Ivysaur's horizontal momentum for a significantly shorter time (frames 12-51 → 12-13), making the move much safer to use.
- The changes to hitstun canceling combined with its reduced landing lag allow it to start combos onstage even up to high percents.
- The sourspot deals much less knockback (32 base/92 scaling → 17/62 (grounded), 8/62 (aerial)), significantly hindering its KO potential onstage, especially when combined with its new angle.
- The move gives Ivysaur a weaker vertical boost (0.8 → 0.3). Combined with Ivysaur's higher gravity and faster falling speed, this allows it to land faster after using the move, but makes it riskier to use offstage.
- This notably now prevents the move from auto-canceling in a full hop.
Throws and other attacks[edit]
- Grabs:
- Standing and pivot grab have larger hitboxes against grounded opponents (3u → 3.3u).
- Standing grab has less ending lag (FAF 50 → 43).
- Dash grab has smaller hitboxes against grounded opponents (3u → 2.6u), and all grabs have smaller hitboxes against aerial opponents (3u → 1.65u (standing, pivot), 1.3 (dash)).
- Pivot grab has more ending lag (FAF 36 → 45).
- Pummel:
- Ivysaur has a new pummel: it headbutts the opponent, rather than squeezing them with its vines.
- It deals more hitlag (5 frames → 14), but has less startup (frame 6 → 1) and much less ending lag (FAF 25 → 7), shortening its effective duration.
- It deals much less damage (3% → 1.3%).
- The speed of Ivysaur's throws is no longer weight-dependent.
- Forward throw:
- Ivysaur has a new forward throw: it tackles the opponent away, rather than tossing them with its vines.
- It has gained a hitbox before the throw, allowing it to hit bystanders.
- It deals more damage (8% → 5% (hit 1 and throw); 10% total).
- It releases opponents later (frame 16 → 17) and has more ending lag (FAF 34 → 38).
- The throw's knockback was not fully compensated for its reduced individual damage output (60 base/55 scaling → 80/60).
- Back throw:
- Back throw deals more damage (10% → 12%) with no compensation on knockback. This greatly improves its KO potential, allowing it to KO at around 130% near the edge.
- It releases opponents later (frame 18 → 20), with its total duration increased as well (FAF 34 → 36), making it easier to DI.
- Ivysaur no longer spins around once before the throw, but it has a more pronounced animation.
- Up throw:
- Up throw has a different animation, where Ivysaur jumps and bumps the opponent upward with its bud.
- It has gained a hitbox before the throw, allowing it to hit bystanders.
- It releases opponents later (frame 13 → 21) and has more ending lag (FAF 28 → 40).
- The changes to hitstun canceling and Ivysaur's faster jumpsquat allow up throw to combo into a neutral or up aerial from low to mid percents, and Vine Whip even up to high percents, despite its increased ending lag.
- It deals less damage (10% → 4% (hit 1), 5% (throw); 9% total), with knockback not fully compensated on the throw (70 base/72 scaling → 75/95). This greatly hinders its KO potential, no longer KOing at around 150% from ground level.
- Down throw:
- Down throw deals less damage (10% → 7%).
- It has altered knockback (83 base/50 scaling → 44/122). Combined with its lower damage and Ivysaur's faster jumpsquat, this turns it into an excellent combo starter until up to high percents, even gaining a KO setup into Vine Whip's sweetspot near the edge, while also granting it KO potential at very high percents.
- Floor attacks:
- Floor attacks deal more damage (6% → 7%) and shield damage (1 → 8) per hit, with minimally compensated knockback scaling (50 → 48).
- Their angles have been altered (361° → 48°).
- Edge attack:
- Edge attack less startup (frame 24 → 21) and one more frame of intangibility (frames 1-22 → 1-23).
- It deals more damage (8%/6% → 9%), and no longer uses set knockback (110 set/100 scaling → 90 base/20 scaling), making it stronger at higher percents.
- It has less range (6u/6u/6u → 5u).
Special moves[edit]
- Bullet Seed:
- Bullet Seed has less ending lag (FAF 86 → 80).
- It fires a finishing seed when ended, which deals more damage (2% (clean), 1% (late) → 3%) with much more knockback (10 base/40 scaling → 100/46). Coupled with its reduced ending lag, this makes it less punishable.
- The seeds have altered knockback (10 base/40 scaling → 15/30) and launch at slightly higher angles (86°/80° → 90°/88°), allowing them to connect more reliably at higher percents.
- The seeds' late hits deal more damage (1% → 1.3%).
- It has more startup lag (frame 4 → 7).
- It no longer grants Ivysaur full intangibility on frames 1-3.
- It has a significantly shorter maximum duration, with Ivysaur firing a drastically smaller amount of seeds (35 → 11), lasting only around one second instead of four.
- The first hit and the seeds' clean hits deal less damage (4% → 3% (hit 1), 2% → 1.5% (clean seed)). Combined with the move's much shorter maximum duration, its maximum damage output has been dramatically reduced (74% → 21%).
- The seeds have smaller hitboxes (6.2u → 4.5u (clean), 5u → 3.5u (late)).
- The seeds have a lower hitlag multiplier (1× → 0.5× (near), 0.8× (far)), but a a higher SDI multiplier (0.1× (near), 0.28× (far) → 0.5×).
- The finishing seed launches at a lower angle (86°/80° → 70°).
- Razor Leaf:
- Razor Leaf has less ending lag on the ground (FAF 51 → 49).
- Its random trajectory has been made significantly less variable, improving its consistency.
- It deals more knockback (30/18/5 base/50/50/30 scaling → 54/38/30 base/50/40/32 scaling), allowing it to keep opponents away more effectively.
- The universal increase to hitlag in Ultimate benefits Razor Leaf, as it uses the average hitlag multiplier of 1× unlike most other projectiles, increasing its advantage on hit.
- It has more startup (frame 22 → 24).
- It has more ending lag in the air (FAF 46 → 49).
- It has received negative shield damage (0 → -4/-3/-2), effectively dealing half its usual damage to shields.
- The mid and late hits have altered angles (70°/30° → 55°/40°).
- Vine Whip:
- Vine Whip no longer causes helplessness in the air, allowing Ivysaur to use it much more safely offensively, and to reattempt a failed recovery by using the move again or a directional air dodge.
- It can be angled upward and forward, increasing its versatility and making the sweetspot easier to land.
- The grounded version's sourspots deal more and consistent damage (7%/8%/9%/10% → 11%), matching the aerial version.
- It has less startup (frame 22 (grounded), 21 (aerial) → 15). In combination with its new ability to be angled, and the changes to hitstun canceling, this greatly improves its utility as a combo finisher.
- It has a shorter hitbox duration (frames 22-24 (grounded), 21-25 (aerial) → 15-17), and its total duration was not compensated for its faster startup, increasing its ending lag.
- The aerial version's sweetspot has less base knockback (80 → 70), no longer being stronger than the grounded version.
- It tethers the ledge slightly later (frame 9 → 13).
- Pokémon Change:
- Pokémon Change executes much faster, and no longer requires the game to load the next Pokémon with every switch. This significantly increases its safety, and allows it to potentially string into another Pokémon's moves.
- It can now be used in the air. This allows the player to mix up their recovery between different Pokémon, and to utilize its intangibility frames as an alternative air dodge, with the notable advantage of coming out on frame 1. As a result, it poses much less of a risk than in Brawl as a defensive option.
- The two second cooldown can be skipped by using another special move.
- It no longer resets stale-move negation, effectively weakening Charizard when Ivysaur switches.
- It can no longer skip the ending lag of the switch if performed near the edge of a moving platform, although it still grants Ivysaur an extra midair jump.
- Triple Finish:
- Triple Finish deals less total damage (58% → 44.3%).
- It has a different text box, more closely resembling its appearance in the Generation VII games.
Update history[edit]
Ivysaur was the most nerfed out of all three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon. Its biggest nerfs were to its infamously potent down aerial: in addition to its sweetspot becoming smaller, its sourspot's already low knockback was decreased even further. Additionally, Razor Leaf is slower and aerial Vine Whip deals less knockback, weakening it as a combo finisher. As a result of these nerfs and simultaneous buffs to Charizard, Pokémon Trainer's playstyle has become significantly less Ivysaur centric, with some even believing that Ivysaur is now the worst Pokémon within the trio rather than the best.
- Razor Leaf deals less shield damage (0 → -4/-3/-2 (early/mid/late)).
- Bullet Seed's first hit connects more reliably (FKB: 110 → 100.
- Down aerial's sweetspot is significantly smaller (7u → 4u).
- Down aerial's sourspot deals less knockback against airborne opponents (9 base/68 scaling → 8/62), hindering its spiking capabilities.
- Razor Leaf has more startup lag (frame 22 → 24) with its total duration increased as well (FAF 47 → 49).
- Aerial Vine Whip's sweetspot has less base knockback (80 → 70), hindering its KO potential, especially as a follow-up from down throw.
- Fixed a rare glitch in which Vine Whip would not grab ledges properly.
- Rolling techs have one frame more ending lag (FAF 40 → 41), matching the rest of the cast.
- Rapid jab finisher has transcendent priority, preventing it from being canceled out by weak attacks.
Moveset[edit]
- Ivysaur can crawl.
For a gallery of Ivysaur's hitboxes, see here.
Note: All numbers are listed as base damage, without the 1v1 multiplier.
Name | Damage | Description | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Neutral attack | Whip Sweep (ムチはたき) / Whip Combo (ムチムチコンボ) / Whip Barrage (ムチれんだ) / Whip Finish (ムチフィニッシュ) | 2% | Whips its vine forwards, then another if the button is pressed again. If the button is pressed repeatedly or if the first two hits connect, it then begins a series of rapid vine slaps, with a finishing hit at the end. The first two hits can jab reset. Uniquely, if the A button is held, Ivysaur will use hits 1 and 2 repeatedly, whereas most characters will repeat their first jab only. | |
2% | ||||
0.5% (rapid hits), 2% (finisher) | ||||
Forward tilt | Windmill Cutter (ふうしゃカッター) | 1.5% (hits 1-6), 2% (hit 7) | Leans forward and spins the leaves around its bulb like a helicopter blade, hitting multiple times. It has decent range in front of Ivysaur, but contrary to its looks, the move cannot hit behind Ivysaur. Has a slight amount of startup. Hits 7 times, with the last hit dealing decent horizontal knockback, though with low knockback growth. Ivysaur's only tilt with KO potential, though it KOs very late, at around 185% from the edge of Final Destination. | |
Up tilt | Whip Lift (ムチリフト) | 7% | Handstands and thrusts its feet upwards. Decent upwards knockback and good upwards range, but it lacks hitboxes beside Ivysaur, making it difficult to hit grounded opponents. It can lead to aerials at low percents. Due to it lifting Ivysaur's hurtbox upwards, it can dodge certain ground-level attacks. | |
Down tilt | Leg Sweep (あしもとはたき) | 5.5% | Whips its vine quickly along the ground forwards. Very fast, can hit opponents hanging on ledges, and deals semi-spike knockback of mild strength, but deals very low damage while lacking followup options due to its ending lag. Useful as a poking option, or as an approach option out of a dash. | |
Dash attack | Shoulder Tackle (かたタックル) | 12% (clean), 10% (late) | Leaps forward in a sliding tackle. Fast startup with decent base knockback, which sends opponents diagonally upwards; however, it has significant difficulty KOing due to its angle and low knockback growth, only doing so around 185% from the edge of Final Destination. The late hit of the move deals much less knockback, but at the same angle. | |
Forward smash | Whip Charge (ムチチャージ) | 16% (clean), 14% (late) | Plants its vines on the ground before lunging itself forward to headbutt. The move can be angled up or down, though its power does not change. Deals good knockback, is rather fast, and has deceptively good range, although it shifts Ivysaur's hurtbox forward and has noticeable ending lag. The earliest hit deals the most knockback and damage, and can KO at 85% from the edge of Final Destination. | |
Up smash | Exploding Flower (ばくれつフラワー) | 17% | Launches a burst of spores from its bulb above upwards. A very powerful move that does vertical knockback. It is Ivysaur's most damaging regular attack and one of the strongest up smashes in the game, but it has extremely high startup and ending lag, making it suited for hard punishes. Additionally, while it has a large hitbox, it lacks in horizontal range. KOs at 83% on Final Destination. | |
Down smash | Double Whip (ダブルムチ) | 12% (far), 10% (mid), 8% (near) | Quickly whips its two vines across the ground in both sides of it. This is its fastest smash attack both in terms of startup and ending lag. While it has decent range and can two-frame, its forward smash does a better job for KOing. However, it deals relatively low knockback and damage for an attack of its kind. The tips of Ivysaur's vines do the most knockback and damage, and they can hit opponents hanging on ledges. The sweetspot KOs at 127% near the edge of Final Destination. | |
Neutral aerial | Ivy Leaf (フシギリーフ, Fushigi Leaf) | 1% (hits 1-7), 2% (hit 8) | Spins with its bud facing towards the screen, hitting with its leaves. The leaf hitboxes are disjointed. Hits 8 times, with the last hit dealing moderate knockback. Due to its speed, duration, and coverage, it is a good move for aerial contesting or approaching. It has noticeable landing lag and cannot auto-cancel from a short hop, but has deceptively low ending lag, allowing Ivysaur to use another aerial before landing when done from a full hop. | |
Forward aerial | Whip Dunk (ムチダンク) | 12% | Swings its vine forwards. Good overall coverage in front of Ivysaur, though it has some slight startup. Deals diagonal knockback and can true combo into angled Vine Whip at low percents. It can also combo into itself at low percents, though this is not guaranteed. At mid percents, it can potentially chain into an up aerial. Due to its upward angle, it has difficulty KOing offstage, but can KO earlier if the enemy is close to the top blast line. Ivysaur's only aerial that can autocancel in a short hop. | |
Back aerial | Whip Wheel (ムチホイール) | 3% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2) | Backflips and swings its vines backwards. The first hit is very weak and designed to combo into the second hit, which does weak diagonal knockback. The first hit can start guaranteed combos once Ivysaur lands, though this may be difficult due to how fast the attack transitions. It has great horizontal range and low landing lag, making it well-suited for spacing. It can set up into itself and other moves, although this is not guaranteed. Additionally, it is very weak and has significant difficulty KOing due to its angle. | |
Up aerial | Exploding Descent (ばくれつきゅうこうか) | 15% | Expels a burst of spores upwards from its bulb, which causes Ivysaur to move downwards slightly. If done near the peak of a full hop, Ivysaur will not experience much downwards momentum. A damaging move with a large hitbox above Ivysaur alongside powerful vertical knockback and little startup lag; it is one of the strongest up aerials in the game in terms of damage and knockback. Ivysaur's strongest aerial. Autocancels from a full hop, and has low landing lag, allowing it to be used in a short hop fast fall to challenge opponents on platforms. Despite its power, it deals low damage to shields. | |
Down aerial | Rear Exploding Flower (うらばくれつフラワー) | 10% | Turns upside-down and expels a burst of spores downwards from its bulb, similarly to its up aerial. Ivysaur's descent is stalled slightly when this move is used. Like up aerial, it is a powerful aerial, dealing decent knockback for a meteor smash, while having fast startup on frame 11 and an extremely large disjointed hitbox. The move has a sweetspot closer to the bulb that deals much more knockback, though the sourspot still meteor smashes. It is capable of hitting opponents easily out of a short hop, even from above platforms; at higher percents, it will cause grounded opponents to launch off the floor, allowing Ivysaur to punish missed techs and/or tech-chase with a multitude of moves, including any ground move or Bullet Seed. At even higher percents, up aerial will work as a KO combo at 130%, while up smash can act as a potent hard read from a wide range of percentages. Its enormous hitbox allows it to hit most characters below the stage before they can even sweetspot the ledge. As a result, down aerial is one of Ivysaur's most useful aerial moves. However, it only lasts for 2 frames, and due to its extreme ending lag of 51 frames, it's very punishable when missed or shielded. | |
Grab | Grab (つかみ) | — | Extends its vines forward to grab an opponent with them. High range for a non-tether grab, but slow startup and high ending lag for a standard grab. | |
Pummel | Grab Headbutt (つかみずつき) | 1.3% | Headbutts the opponent while holding them with its vines. Average power and speed. | |
Forward throw | Vine Sling (つるスリング) | 5% (hit 1 and throw) | Headbutts the opponent forwards. It can affect bystanders. Has too much base knockback for combos and too little knockback growth to KO, hence its only use is to send opponents offstage. | |
Back throw | Vine Throw (つるとばし) | 12% | Spins around before tossing the opponent away. This causes Ivysaur to turn to face the other direction when it is used. Deals good diagonal knockback, being Ivysaur's most powerful throw in terms of damage and knockback, and KOs rather early at 109% near the edge of Final Destination. | |
Up throw | Vine Thrust (つるつきあげ) | 4% (hit 1), 5% (throw) | Holds the opponent upwards and hits them with its bud. Has combo potential at low percents, allowing combos into Bullet Seed or up aerial at 0%, or up aerial or Vine whip at around 30%. After 45%, it loses combo potential due to its knockback growth. | |
Down throw | Vine Drop (つるおとし) | 7% | Frontflips and slams the opponent against the ground. Ivysaur's best combo throw, which can start combos into up aerial or dash canceled up tilt at 0%. At around 60%, it can lead to Vine Whip, which can KO at around 83% if the sweetspot lands. Surprisingly, this is also the strongest down throw in the game, being able to KO middleweights at around 161%. | |
Forward roll Back roll Spot dodge Air dodge |
— | — | ||
Techs | — | — | ||
Floor attack (front) Floor getups (front) |
7% | Gets up with a horizontal spin, kicking to each side. | ||
Floor attack (back) Floor getups (back) |
7% | Swings both sides with its vines as it gets up. | ||
Floor attack (trip) Floor getups (trip) |
5% | Stands up and hits both sides with its vines. | ||
Edge attack Edge getups |
9% | Climbs up and swings its vine forwards. This is the fastest edge attack of the three Pokémon, coming out on frame 21 (as compared to Squirtle's frame 28 and Charizard's frame 24). | ||
Neutral special | Bullet Seed | 3% (startup), 1.5% (seeds, clean), 1.2% (seeds, late), 2% (contact), 3% (final seed) | Ivysaur sends a barrage of seeds ascending from its bulb. Ivysaur will continue to use the move as long the special button is held, it can be held for up to 2 seconds. The seeds deal less damage the further they travel before hitting. There is a hitbox on Ivysaur's body and at its sides when the move is started, to launch opponents into the seeds, and there is also a hitbox on Ivysaur's body during the move, for the same purpose. The last seed does greater knockback to launch opponents away. The move has a maximum damage output of about 19.4%. Overall, the attack is useful for deterring aerial approaches or racking up damage through combos into it. | |
Side special | Razor Leaf | 8% (clean), 6% (mid), 4% (late) | Ivysaur flings a single spinning leaf forward as a projectile, which can hit multiple opponents. The leaf has a random moderate curve to its trajectory, though this effect is significantly less noticeable than in Brawl. If the move is performed with a tap input, the leaf's distance and speed are increased. It deals low knockback, making it useful for setting up combos and even KO confirms with up aerial and Vine Whip. | |
Up special | Vine Whip | 11% (vine), 13% (tip) | Ivysaur whips a vine diagonally upwards. The move functions as a tether recovery, and does not cause helplessness. The vine can be angled diagonally forward by holding the directional input forward, and will otherwise aim upwards. Ivysaur will gain a slight upwards boost when the move is used in the air, but only once until it grabs an edge or lands. As an attack, the vine has moderate knockback, but there is a sweetspot at the tip of the vine which does powerful knockback. Some of Ivysaur's aerials and throws can lead to the sweetspot, allowing for strong combos. | |
Down special | Pokémon Change | The Pokémon Trainer calls Ivysaur back by throwing a Poké Ball at it, and then sends out Charizard. | ||
Final Smash | Triple Finish | 0.2% (Solar Beam), 5% (Finisher) | The Pokémon Trainer sends out both Squirtle and Charizard, and all three Pokémon perform a combination attack involving powerful trapping attacks with long horizontal range. For Ivysaur's contribution to the attack, it uses Solar Beam, a long beam of solar energy that traps opponents for repeated damage. Serves as the finisher and traps opponents that may be at the far end of the beam. Deals damage every 5 frames. |
Stats[edit]
Stats | Weight | Dash speed | Walk speed | Traction | Air friction | Air speed | Air acceleration | Gravity | Falling speed | Jumpsquat | Jump Height | Double jump Height |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Value | 96 | 1.903 – Initial dash 1.595 – Run |
1.103 | 0.121 | 0.014 | 0.998 | 0.01 – Base 0.085 – Additional |
0.082 | 1.38 – Base 2.208 – Fast-fall |
3 | 32.25 - Base 15.58 - Short hop |
32.25 |
Announcer call[edit]
Unlike in Brawl, Ivysaur no longer has a unique announcer call. Rather, the announcer will always call Pokémon Trainer.
English/Japanese/Chinese
French
On-screen appearance[edit]
- Pokémon Trainer releases Ivysaur from its Poké Ball while saying "Go!" or "Ivysaur!"
Taunts[edit]
- Up taunt: Shakes from side to side, spinning its bud and leaves.
- Side taunt: Stands on its front legs and walks around while saying "Ivy, Ivy, Ivy." Ivysaur briefly falls over before the taunt ends.
- Down taunt: Extends its vines into the air and spins around in a dance, while saying "Saur, Ivy, Ivy."
Idle poses[edit]
- Steps from side to side.
- Looks around, then shakes its body.
Crowd cheer[edit]
Victory poses[edit]
During Ivysaur's victory poses, the Pokémon Trainer says randomly either "You all did great!" (male)/"Everyone did great!" (female) or "Way to go, Ivysaur!" (がんばったな、フシギソウ!, while the female Trainer can say がんばったね、フシギソウ!, You did great, Ivysaur!).
- Left: Runs forward, does a backflip, then strikes a pose.
- Up: Whips two vines forward, then poses with its vines extended.
- Right: Pokémon Trainer pets Ivysaur, and it jumps on him, but Pokémon Trainer puts it back down and continues to pet it.
Classic Mode: The Future Champion[edit]
Pokémon Trainer's route refers to the player's goal of becoming the Pokémon Champion in the Pokémon games. Like in Pikachu's route, the opponents are all Pokémon and all rounds are on Pokémon stages. Each round will start with the Pokémon chosen on the character select screen regardless of which one was active at the end of the previous round.
Round | Opponent | Stage | Music |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Pikachu | Pokémon Stadium | Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Melee) |
2 | Jigglypuff | Pokémon Stadium | Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y |
3 | Lucario | Unova Pokémon League | Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon |
4 | Incineroar | Kalos Pokémon League | Battle! (Elite Four) / Battle! (Solgaleo/Lunala) |
5 | Greninja | Pokémon Stadium 2 | Battle! (Champion) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y |
6 | () Opposite-gender Pokémon Trainer | Pokémon Stadium 2 | The Battle at the Summit! |
Bonus Stage | |||
Final | Mewtwo, then Master Hand | Final Destination | Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley (Mewtwo) Master Hand (Master Hand) |
Note: Items are disabled in every round.
Completing Classic Mode as Pokémon Trainer has Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl) accompanying the credits that roll every time the player finishes a Classic route, with the selected Pokémon playable during the credits minigame rather than the actual Trainer.
Role in World of Light[edit]
The male Pokémon Trainer was among the fighters that were summoned to fight against the army of Master Hands, and he brought his three Pokémon with him, including Ivysaur.
During the opening cutscene, Ivysaur was sent out by Pokémon Trainer, along with Squirtle and Charizard, shortly before Galeem unleashed his beams of light. Under Pokémon Trainer's command, Ivysaur used Solar Beam in an attempt to fight the beams of light, but this attempt failed. Pokémon Trainer, Squirtle, Ivysaur and Charizard were all vaporized and placed under Galeem's imprisonment along with the other fighters, excluding Kirby.
Pokémon Trainer can be found at the southeast near the maze that resembles Pac-Maze. Defeating him allows access to all three Pokémon.
Fighter Battle[edit]
No. | Image | Name | Type | Power | Stage | Music |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
33-35 | Pokémon Trainer | 7,500 | Battlefield (Ω form) | Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl) |
Spirit[edit]
Ivysaur's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing Classic Mode. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Pokémon Trainer has been unlocked. Unlocking Pokémon Trainer in World of Light allows the player to preview the spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. Its fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with its artwork in Ultimate.
In Spirit Battles[edit]
As the main opponent[edit]
Spirit | Battle parameters | Inspiration | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Image | Name | Series | Enemy Fighter(s) | Type | Power | Stage | Rules | Conditions | Music | Character |
125 | Petey Piranha (Super Mario Strikers) Petey Piranha (Mario Strikers) |
Super Mario Strikers Series Mario Strikers Series |
•Giant Ivysaur | 3,900 | Wuhu Island (Swordplay Colosseum) | •Item: Soccer Ball | •The enemy is giant | Country Field: Away Team | |||
181 | Tektite | The Legend of Zelda Series | •Ivysaur | 1,600 | Hyrule Castle (Battlefield form) | N/A | •The enemy loves to jump | Overworld Theme - The Legend of Zelda | |||
275 | Geemer | Metroid Series | •Ivysaur | 2,100 | Brinstar (Battlefield form) | •Item: Unira •Hazard: Sticky Floor |
•The floor is sticky •The enemy is easily distracted by items •The enemy has increased move speed |
Brinstar (Melee) | |||
420 | Venusaur | Pokémon Series | •Giant Ivysaur | 4,500 | Garden of Hope (Battlefield form) | •Hazard: Poison Floor | •The floor is poisonous •The enemy is giant |
Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl) | |||
466 | Chikorita | Pokémon Series | •Ivysaur | 2,200 | Distant Planet (Battlefield form) | •Hazard: Slumber Floor | •The floor is sleep-inducing •The enemy can unleash powerful critical hits at random |
Pokémon Gold / Pokémon Silver Medley | |||
517 | Shaymin (Land Forme) | Pokémon Series | •Ivysaur | 9,300 | Yoshi's Island | •Flowery | •You constantly take minor damage | Route 209 - Pokémon Diamond / Pokémon Pearl | |||
538 | Chespin | Pokémon Series | •Ivysaur ×3 | 1,500 | Kongo Jungle | N/A | •The enemy favors neutral specials •Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Chespin) |
Battle! (Wild Pokémon) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y | |||
551 | Rowlet | Pokémon Series | •Tiny Ivysaur | 1,600 | Dream Land | •Hazard: Heavy Wind | •Dangerously high winds are in effect •The enemy favors side specials |
Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon | |||
1,524 | Sprigatito, Fuecoco, & Quaxly | Pokémon Series | •Ivysaur •Squirtle •Kirby |
3,700 | Delfino Plaza (Courtyard) | N/A | •The enemy favors side specials | Battle! (Trainer) - Pokémon Sun / Pokémon Moon | Sprigatito |
Gallery[edit]
Ivysaur's amiibo.
Ivysaur taunting on Gaur Plain.
With Squirtle, Charizard, and a Burrowing Snagret on The Great Cave Offensive.
With Squirtle and Charizard on Skyworld.
Attacking a Leaf Shielding Mega Man on Tortimer Island.
With Squirtle and a giant golden Pikachu on Pokémon Stadium 2.
Taunting with Sheik on Tomodachi Life.
Fighter Showcase Video[edit]
Trivia[edit]
- Ivysaur, Byleth, and Min Min are the only three playable characters in Ultimate whose up special is solely a tether recovery.
- With Vine Whip no longer causing it to experience helplessness, Ivysaur is now one of the few fighters in the game that is unable to put itself in a helpless state without touching a red trampoline from Pac-Jump.
- Ivysaur's Star KO voice clip seems to have an error at the beginning, as it starts with a noticeable pause. This trait is shared with Young Link.
- If Ivysaur is the fighter with the highest score/stock count at the end of a match in a team battle consisting of three or more fighters, it can still be heard despite not being present.
- Ivysaur and Squirtle are the only characters not to have an announcer voice clip by Xander Mobus.
- Whenever Ivysaur performs a ledge jump, it is briefly seen holding onto the ledge with its right foot (left foot when facing left). This is possibly due to being an animation carryover from Brawl.