Pac-Man (SSBU): Difference between revisions

'''Pac-Man''' ({{ja|パックマン|Pakkuman}}), stylized in-game as '''PAC-MAN''', is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. He was confirmed alongside the rest of the [[veteran]]s on June 12, 2018. Pac-Man is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #55]].  

Like in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', Pac-Man reuses his generic sound effects from various {{uv|Pac-Man}} games and [[Bandai Namco]] arcade games.

Pac-Man is ranked 23rd out of 82 on the ''Ultimate'' [[tier list]], which is a significant improvement over his appearance in ''SSB4'' (where he was ranked 45th out of 54 characters). Pac-Man's greatest strengths lie in his zoning capabilities, thanks to his barrage of projectiles in [[Bonus Fruit]] and [[Fire Hydrant]]. The former is notable for possessing 8 different projectiles with distinguishing properties, with Bell being the most effective one as it confirms into KOs. Meanwhile, the latter is notorious for creating a barrier that a lot of characters can struggle to deal with up close, allowing Pac-Man to continue setting up shop behind it. His [[recovery]] is among one of, if not, the best recoveries in the game due to its outstanding traveling distance of [[Power Pellet]] and mixup potential and [[Pac-Jump]] granting him a high vertical boost. This makes Pac-Man one of the hardest characters to edgeguard due to his amount of options. Pac-Man's normal moveset is also amazing on its own as it benefits from amazing frame-data and safety on shield, which allows him to box out his opponents and rack up damage at ease. Finally, his [[grab]], considered one of the worst in ''Smash 4'', has been buffed significantly to increase its hitbox's detection, allowing it to even beat [[spot dodge]]s.

Despite his abundance of strengths, Pac-Man is not flawless. Pac-Man lacks reliable methods to KO his opponents early, with his [[smash attack]]s being burdened with considerable lag and his moveset being burdened with low base knockback, so [[shield]]ing can be effective against him. In addition, his mediocre mobility can also create problems with dealing with speed demons and/or creating space in order to cycle through Bonus Fruit. His projectiles can also be reflected against him, with Bonus Fruit being able to be caught when shielded and thrown freely against him, as well as Fire Hydrant being able to be hit and sent flying back at him by his opponent via inflicting enough damage on it. His recovery, while amazing, is relatively exploitable, as both moves can be interrupted in their own respective rights: Power Pellet can be canceled if the pellet is hit before Pac-Man dashes, while Pac-Jump allows up to three total bounces, it can be bounces off by opponents to recover themselves, or force Pac-Man into helplessness if the trampoline is bounced off three times.

 

Overall, Pac-Man has all the tools he needs to fare well in the metagame while players who have the knowledge of the matchup can have the advantage to easily overcome his weaknesses. Pac-Man continues to receive strong results and representation in both a major and supermajor level from players, such as {{Sm|Tea}} and {{Sm|JDV}}.

Like {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}, Pac-Man is reliant on his item-producing [[special move]]s to control the flow of a battle and win in the [[neutral game]]. Two special moves, [[Bonus Fruit]] and [[Fire Hydrant]], grant him numerous mix-ups for almost any situation. The fruits and objects generated by Bonus Fruit each have different attributes; in addition to being versatile in multiple applications, including [[spacing]], [[combo]], and [[edgeguarding]]. In addition, some of them (primarily the apple, melon and key) boast surprisingly respectable KO potential as a method to circumvent the sluggishness and short ranges of Pac-Man's [[smash attack]]s. As a result, Bonus Fruit allows Pac-Man to confuse and force movements from his opponents to put them in disadvantageous positions, especially off-stage.

 

Upon performance in the air, [[Fire Hydrant]] has similar functionality to [[Stone]], which makes it useful for covering landings or breaking combos. It is also Pac-Man's most powerful projectile when launched, which makes it a viable KO option from a distance. In addition to its offensive potential, Fire Hydrant has defensive potential, thanks to its bursts of water possessing a [[Windbox#Pushing attacks|push]] effect. As a result, the water can be used to create space, [[gimp]] poor recoveries, and even force opponents into Pac-Man's attacks, such as [[up throw]] into [[up aerial]] when standing on top of the Fire Hydrant.

Aside from his projectiles, Pac-Man also possesses a slow, but potent and [[charge]]able KO option in [[Power Pellet]]. Power Pellet also functions both as a great [[recovery]] and option for [[mindgame]]s: it can be aimed prematurely and made to curve in creative angles using his Fire Hydrant's push effect, and can function as a KO confirm from Bonus Fruit's bell. [[Pac-Jump]] is an outstanding vertical recovery should all of its trampoline jumps be bounced off of, and makes it safe to edge-guard off-stage, as Pac-Man will likely make it back onto the stage. It is also difficult to gimp, especially from an overhead perspective, thanks to Pac-Man's jumps possessing unblockable hitboxes. Due to its quick start-up and aforementioned hitboxes, Pac-Jump also functions as a good [[out of shield]] option with proper usage.

Disregarding his special moveset, Pac-Man boasts an excellent [[combo]] game and a versatile moveset. Though his grounded moveset suffers from low power and moderate ending lag, Pac-Man's [[neutral attack]] and [[tilt attack]]s benefit from quick frame-data. His tilts, in particular, also give him slightly extended hitboxes ([[forward tilt]] and [[up tilt]]) or slide him forward ([[down tilt]]), letting him attack out of shield easily or poke opponents at a safe distance. Although it has poor horizontal coverage, its good vertical range makes up tilt a decent anti-air and [[juggling]] tool that can chain into itself at low percentages and lead into up aerials at medium precents, while his down tilt can reliably combo into his [[dash attack]]. Meanwhile, his forward tilt is a reasonably strong spacing tool with decent range and can KO at around 160% by the edge without [[rage]]. Pac-Man's [[dash attack]] is one of his best approaching options, thanks to it hitting multiple times with essentially the lack of ending lag, the latter of which is what causes it to noticeably rival other dash attacks, allowing Pac-Man to follow up with one of his grounded moves, such as his safe and quick neutral attack.

Complimenting his impressive aerial mobility, Pac-Man's aerial game is excellent. All of his aerial attacks are quick, capable of [[auto-canceling]] out of a short hop (aside from his neutral and [[down aerial]]) and can chain into themselves (especially his [[forward aerial|forward]] and [[up aerial]]s). In addition, his [[neutral aerial|neutral]] and [[back aerial]]s are effective edge-guarding options; their clean hitboxes also make them useful from out of shield and for KOing, respectively. His neutral aerial serves as a viable get-off-me option due to its quick startup. It can also be used to escape combos and kill at higher percents near the horizontal blast zoness due to the clean hit's decent knockback. His forward aerial is versatile for [[wall of pain|walls of pain]] and a quick combo tool, potentially leading into KO moves. The move's speed is comparable to that of {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}'s forward aerials, making it a reliable burst approaching option. Back aerial is Pac-Man's strongest aerial, making it a reliable KO move at around 120% by the edge. Despite its power, it is quite quick as well, and is useful for walls of pain at lower precents in conjunction with [[reverse aerial rush]]ing. [[Up aerial]] is another reliable KO option due to its decent knockback, thus making it viable for killing off the top blast zones. It is also useful for juggling and partaking in combos at lower precents. While it is slightly slower than other comparable up aerials of its own kind, such as {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, it has similar combo potential, being able to combo into itself and up tilt, though it is often useful as a finisher after landing a dash attack. Finally, his [[down aerial]] is useful for edgeguarding or as a combo finisher offstage, especially being able to KO early after a pair of forward aerials, while the final hit's fairly strong knockback allows it to KO at around 130% near the edge.

Unlike in ''SSB4'', Pac-Man has a respectable [[grab]] game; he possesses a rather long-ranged grab with long-lasting hitboxes, giving him a good grab range. His [[pummel]] is also quick, allowing him to inflict decent amount of damage before throwing the opponent. His [[throw]]s have some utility: [[up throw]] has combo potential into neutral and up aerials at low to medium percentages, whereas [[down throw]] inflicts decent damage and can set up [[tech-chase]]s (most notably into Bonus Fruit's key, Power Pellet, dash attack, or a short hopped forward aerial into neutral aerial). Although the lattermost combo does not work on characters whose hurtboxes are low after missing a [[tech]], it is still beneficial, as Pac-Man can instead [[lock]] the opponent with a short hopped forward aerial at low/medium percentages. [[Forward throw]] can be used for mix-ups due to its minimal ending lag and awkward launching angle, whereas [[back throw]] is a reasonably strong KO option.

Pac-Man is not flawless, however. Arguably, his biggest flaw includes his inability to KO effectively early because of the overwhelming majority of his moveset dealing low base knockback, even with the inclusion of [[rage]]. Although his tilts and aerials are quick, only Pac-Man's down and clean back aerials can KO at reasonable percentages and especially while near the left/right [[blast line]]s. While [[back throw]] is a reasonable KO option as well, it requires grabbing the opponent first; this tends to be a challenge, because of Pac-Man's slow and comittal [[grab]]. Although Pac-Man's [[smash attack]]s can KO easily and early while near the edge thanks to their respectable damage outputs and knockback values, they are very punishable and predictable because of their considerable start-up and ending lag.

Although Bonus Fruit's key and a launched Fire Hydrant are viable KO options, but former needs to be charged for 2.37 seconds (specifically 142 frames) in order to be accessible, whereas the latter can be easily launched against Pac-Man just as he is about to launch it. In addition, [[Power Pellet]] is another viable KOing option, but is very predictable and easy to avoid due to the pattern of the pellets. Additionally, Pac-Man's mediocre overall [[range]] and awkward hitboxes not only makes landing hits or spacing difficult against opponents, but also gives him disadvantageous matchups against characters with [[disjointed hitbox]]es (especially swordies), such as {{SSBU|Ike}} and {{SSBU|Marth}}. His mediocre overall mobility can also make it difficult to chase down opponents, create space and/or cycle through Bonus Fruit, especially against rushdown-oriented characters or speed demons, such as {{SSBU|Sonic}} and {{SSBU|Fox}}.

Pac-Man's grab game, while nowhere near as awful as it was in ''SSB4'', is still flawed in some aspects. His grabs, despite being much more consistent, are still somewhat risky due to retaining fairly high ending lag that [[tether grab]]s are known for. Although Pac-Man's up throw now has combo potential and his back throw remains a reasonably strong KO option, his forward and down throws leave a lot to be desired. The former throw's increased damage output and base knockback make it only mediocre at best for mix-ups, whereas the latter throw has all but lost its previously minimal combo potential due to its ending lag being increased. In addition, back throw is considered to be generally inferior compared to {{SSBU|Mario}}'s similar back throw due to lacking collateral hitboxes during the spins and possessing slightly less power, as well as its deceptive ending lag preventing reliable follow-ups.

Despite their perks, Pac-Man's entire [[special move]]set are capable of infamously getting reflected against him. Bonus Fruit's objects are [[item]]s that can only exist once at a time, hence opponents can grab them out of the air, nullifying one of Pac-Man's only projectiles so long as they hold onto it. So long as Bonus Fruit is nullified, Pac-Man is disadvantaged at spacing, KOing and mindgames, while a competent opponent can even utilize Bonus Fruit's items against him. Fire Hydrant can be turned against him as well; it can be knocked back or reflected by opponents, even in the first few frames when it is released, making it possible for Pac-Man to immediately be dealt noticeable damage. Its push effect also affects him, and can inadvertently cost Pac-Man if he is careless.

Despite being a powerful KOing tool, Power Pellet is extremely predictable and can be interrupted by any attack, which drops a healing Power Pellet that can be eaten by the opponent, including Pac-Man himself. [[Pac-Jump]], despite propelling Pac-Man at a considerable vertical height, can also be bounced off by opponents for [[gimp]]ing Pac-Man's own recovery. Due to these possibilities, a professional Pac-Man player must guard the location of where his items are in order to inflict the highest potential knockback at a safer range, and avoid his items' abilities being turned against him.

Overall, Pac-Man is a flexible trapper who excels at mindgames and damage-racking, yet his moveset's overall low base knockback and mediocre range make KOing opponents often a hassle. As a result, he has a dependence on using traps and zoning in order to continually deal damage and set up a KO, such as collectively using his air game, Bonus Fruit, and varied recovery to edge-guard. In addition, his special moves, while versatile, are considered to be a high double-edged sword as well, as while Pac-Man's special moves grant him a uniquely versatile moveset, they can also hinder him in battle, as one careless move can ultimately decide the momentum of not only himself, but even the whole match itself.

Pac-Man was considered to be a low-tier character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' (where he is ranked 45th out of 54 on the final tier list), owing to a somewhat underwhelming normal moveset, over-reliance on his special moves, constant micromanagement of his resources, the potential of all his special moves being reflected against him, poor KO potential and an extremely infamous [[grab]] that was burdened with huge lag and a tendency to miss due to its misleading and intermittent grabboxes. Potentially owing to his poorly regarded status, Pac-Man was dramatically buffed overall in his transition to ''Ultimate''.

One of Pac-Man's biggest buffs involves his previously infamous grab: it is now drastically quicker overall, functions as a single and continuous hitbox instead of separate and short-lasting ones, and is more in-line with the cast due to the universal increase to ending lag within grabs. When combined with his [[up throw]]'s newfound combo potential and his [[back throw]] remaining a reasonably strong KO option, Pac-Man now possesses a much more useful grab game.

Overall, Pac-Man's moveset is more consistent for close-quarters combat, and his tools have been improved to catch up with the quick and aggressive pace of ''Ultimate''. The changes overall make Pac-Man a drastically more formidable fighter, although his playstyle has less of an emphasis over item-stalling and rewards item-positioning and setups more than before. However, he still retains several of his former issues from ''SSB4'', such as mediocre melee-oriented range, a slight dependence on setups to KO, the necessity for micromanagement, and the ease of his special moves potentially being turned against him. Nevertheless, despite the buffs to other characters and the introduction of powerful DLC characters in game updates, Pac-Man has immensely improved from ''SSB4'', and is considered one of the most buffed characters in the transition to ''Ultimate'' and an extremely effective character as opposed to non-viable.

Pac-Man received a mix of buffs, nerfs and glitch fixes via game updates, but was buffed slightly overall. Update 1.2.0 introduced a universal nerf by removing the ability to Z-drop items out of hitstun. This aforementioned change impaired Pac-Man more than all other fighters, as it removed the defensive strategy of opponents getting hit by [[Bonus Fruit]]'s item that Pac-Man is holding while attacking, allowing Pac-Man to run away and potentially punish the opponent, heavily hindering his hit-and-run playstyle. However, update 2.0.0 buffed Pac-Man's combo potential by increasing his forward and down aerials' auto-cancel windows and increasing Bonus Fruit's endurance after making contact, widening the window to follow up and more easily keep opponents in hitstun.

Update 3.0.0's near-universal nerf to projectiles' damage outputs to shields noticeably affected Bonus Fruit and [[Fire Hydrant]], hindering Pac-Man's shield-breaking capabilities. Update 3.1.0 improved up smash's first hit ability to link into its second hit by adjusting its launching angle. Update 4.0.0 fixed a notorious flaw with Pac-Man being forced to drop charging Bonus Fruit while being reversed; this no longer makes Pac-Man vulnerable after being reversed and now potentially allows him to punish the opponent. Update 7.0.0 enlarged Pac-Man's shield as part of a near-universal buff, while update 8.0.0 nerfed his rolls slightly by standardizing their lag with the rest of the cast's rolls.

Overall, Pac-Man fares mildly better than he did at the launch of ''Ultimate''. Although his optimal gameplan has changed from that of a zoner to more of a bait-and-punish playstyle because of the universal item and projectile-oriented nerfs and his combo-oriented buffs, Pac-Man's competitive standing has not changed much and he remains among the most significantly buffed veterans in the game (comparatively like {{SSBU|Palutena}}, {{SSBU|Roy}} and {{SSBU|Pichu}}).

|neutraldesc=A one-two combo followed by a bicycle kick. It has decent range for a neutral attack and thanks to the first and second hits' very minimal start-up lag (frame 4), it is useful as an anti-pressuring option as a follow-up from his dash attack. The first and second hits can [[lock]]. However, the third hit has noticeable ending lag for a neutral attack of its kind while dealing minimal knockback.

|ftiltdesc=A straight side kick. It has quick start-up (frame 5), although it has moderate ending lag. Unlike the majority of forward tilts in ''Ultimate'', it retains minimal base knockback and extremely high knockback growth. As a result, it can KO middleweights at around 160% at the edge of Final Destination, but is unsafe on shield and on hit at low percentages. It can be angled, being capable of [[jab reset]]ting at low percentages if angled down. It is also useful for spacing beginning at 45%.

|utiltdesc=An uppercut. It possesses decent vertical range, low vertical knockback, decent start-up (frame 7) and minimal ending lag. It also grants [[intangibility]] to Pac-Man's fist throughout the duration of the hitbox. Altogether, these traits make it useful for starting and/or extending combos, as well as partaking in juggling. However, it cannot hit in front of and/or behind Pac-Man due to its lack of horizontal range, fundamentally making it suitable to being an anti-air attack, poking tool from a platform, or a niche option for covering the opponent's options out of a ledge.

|dtiltdesc=Transforms into his "wedge" form and chomps below himself at a diagonal angle. It has deceptive range, thanks to Pac-Man chomping forward at a decent distance before retreating, which makes it extremely useful for spacing and safe poking. However, its hitbox has a minimal duration. The move can be performed in quick succession due to its interruptibility.

|dashdesc=Transforms into his "wedge" form and chomps repeatedly while sliding forward, with the last chomp dealing low vertical knockback. Although it hits on frame 10 and has a long animation, it has a windbox that hits on frame 3, which makes it the second-fastest dash attack in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSBU|Little Mac}}'s. When coupled with its very minimal ending lag, it can easily combo into his forward, up, and neutral aerials, or used as a [[cross-up]] to escape pressure. In addition, it is the only dash attack in ''Ultimate'' to not force the player to come to a stop, giving it incredible safety. It also functions as a combo starter into several moves, especially Pac-Man's [[up aerial]] and his Key. While the move does have a windbox at the start, its effect is negligible. Altogether, these traits collectively make it one of Pac-Man's best approaching options in his kit.

|fsmashdesc=Unleashes [[Ghosts|Blinky]], the red ghost, forward to slam into the opponent. Pac-Man's arm is the [[sourspot]], while Blinky himself is the [[sweetspot]]. It is Pac-Man's strongest smash attack, dealing respectable damage and enough knockback to KOs middleweights under 100% while near the edge of Final Destination, and Blinky is a long-lasting and disjointed hitbox. Like Pac-Man's other two smash attacks, it is able to nullify oncoming projectiles. It has moderate start-up lag, hitting on frame 16, however, and is burdened with 26 frames of ending lag, making it punishable without wise usage.

|usmashdesc=Unleashes Inky, the cyan ghost, straight overhead to slam into the opponent. It has a brief hitbox on Pac-Man's clenched fist that deals set knockback, which launches the opponent straight into Inky. Inky is a disjointed hitbox deals respectable damage and knockback, KOing middleweights at around 119% on Final Destination, while also possessing long-lasting late hitbox. It is Pac-Man's fastest smash attack in terms of start-up lag (coming out on frame 11, with Inky coming out on frame 15) and has 24 frames of ending lag.

|dsmashdesc=Crouches while unleashing Pinky and Clyde, the pink and orange ghosts, respectively, in front of and behind himself simultaneously to slam into the opponent. Pinky and Clyde are disjointed hitboxes with impressive ranges and are steep [[semi-spike]]s, making them effective for [[gimp]]s and punishing [[roll]]s, while dealing enough knockback to KO middleweights at around 135% by the center of Final Destination. Like Blinky and Inky, Pinky and Clyde have long-lasting late hitboxes. However, it is Pac-Man's weakest smash attack both in terms of power and damage output, and the move's 29 frames of ending lag is the highest amount among the rest of Pac-Man's smash attacks.

|nairdesc=Transforms into his "wedge" form and backflips repeatedly. It has the properties of a [[sex kick]]. Thanks to it hitting on frame 3, it is his fastest aerial attack, and one of the fastest aerials of all kinds in the game. When combined with its long-lasting hitbox, very minimal landing lag and low knockback, these traits collectively make it useful for starting and breaking out of combos. Its clean hit is also useful for edgeguarding and can KO middleweights at around 188% by the edge of Final Destination, although the move itself has high ending lag in the air. It [[auto-cancel]]s in a full hop.

|fairdesc=A roundhouse kick. It inflicts average damage, possesses high base knockback and minimal knockback scaling. However, it is the fastest forward aerial in the game in regard to start-up (frame 5), and the second-fastest forward aerial (behind {{SSBU|Luigi}}'s) in regard to ending lag. It also has only 10 frames of landing lag and auto-cancels in a fast-fallen short hop. Altogether, these traits collectively make it one of Pac-Man's best tools in his kit, since it can chain into itself or other moves effectively. In addition, it is effective for leading into a [[wall of pain]] at low percentages in conjunction with Pac-Man's high aerial mobility. Thanks to Pac-Man's above-average [[air acceleration]], this move is also a reliable spacing and approaching option, as he can retreat while using it. It also serves as a quick combo tool, potentially into KO moves.

|bairdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|dropkick}}. When combined with dealing the highest damage out of Pac-Man's aerials, it is Pac-Man's strongest aerial, as its clean hitbox KOs middleweights at 121% while near the edge of Final Destination. Despite its power, it is quite quick, as it hits on frame 9, while possessing relatively low ending and landing lag (13 frames) for an aerial of its kind. It also has properties of a sex kick, like his neutral aerial. It is able to auto-cancel out of a short hop, making it an effective spacing tool. The clean hitbox's properties make it Pac-Man's most reliable aerial for KOing, although it boasts rather mediocre power and damage output for an aerial of its kind.

|uairdesc=A bicycle kick. It has decent start-up, a very long duration (frames 9-16), minimal knockback and 20 frames of ending lag. Its long range and almost nonexistent base knockback make it a reliable [[juggling]] option and a decent anti-air tool. The move's hitbox lasts longer than expected while possessing consistent damage throughout, allowing the late hitbox to connect against opponents or Fire Hydrant for unique followups. While it is slightly slower than other comparable up aerials of its own kind, such as {{SSBU|Mario}}, {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, it has similar combo potential, being able to combo into itself and up tilt, though it is often useful as a finisher after landing a dash attack. It KOs middleweights starting around 162% near the top of Final Destination. It can also auto-cancel in a short hop, and is the only aerial in the game that can perform a functional [[drop cancel]]. Resembles Pac-Man's flip kick from ''Pac-Man World 2''.

|dairdesc=A series of [[Stomp (archetype)|stomps]], similar to {{SSB4|Lucas}}' down aerial, although it lacks the ability to [[meteor smash]]. Due to coming out on frame 6, it's one of the fastest down aerials in the game. Its last hit has massive base knockback and launches at a diagonal angle, which allow it to KO reliably below 50% while nearing to the left/right [[blast line]]. In addition, despite its mediocre knockback scaling, the final hit can KO middleweights at around 139% at the edge of Final Destination. Pac-Man's most damaging aerial if all of its hits connect. Outside of KOing, it is also effective for edgeguarding or as a combo finisher offstage, especially being able to KO early after a pair of forward aerials.

|grabdesc=Holds his palm out to emit [[Boss Galaga]]'s tractor beam, drawing opponents in his grip. It has noticeable startup lag, but unlike in ''SSB4'', it consists of a single and long-lasting hitbox that covers the entire beam. It has considerable range and rather low ending lag for an extended grab, but still has rather high overall ending lag similar to [[tether grab]]s.

|pummeldesc=A headbutt. A relatively quick pummel with decent damage to boot.

|fthrowdesc=Reels back before shoving the opponent forward. Its below-average knockback prevents it from being able to KO at reasonable percentages. However, it can be useful for mix-ups, due to it launching at 58° and possessing minimal ending lag.

|bthrowdesc=A [[wikipedia:Professional wrestling throws#Giant swing|giant swing]]. In addition to being Pac-Man's most damaging throw, it is Pac-Man's only reliable KO throw, and is one of the strongest back throws in the game, as it KOs even the heaviest of characters at around 169% at the edge of Final Destination without [[rage]]. Unlike similar throws (such as {{SSBU|Mario}} and {{SSBU|Wario}}), however, it lacks a collateral hitbox during the spins. In addition, its rather deceptive ending lag prevents it from leading into follow-ups.

|uthrowdesc=Hurls the opponent straight into the air. It deals the least damage out of Pac-Man's throws, while it has relatively average base knockback and high knockback growth. When combined with its low ending lag, it can combo into neutral and up aerials at low percentages. If Pac-Man is pushed upwards by the Fire Hydrant's water, it can combo into an up aerial for a KO. It can also KO floaty middleweights at around 192% with rage.

|dthrowdesc=Pins the opponent to the ground and transforms into his "wedge" form to chomp them four times, with the last chomp launching them. It launches at 43°, making it useful for [[tech-chasing]], especially into Bonus Fruit's key at 0% and up to medium percentages. However, its noticeable ending lag prevents it from possessing true follow-ups.

|floorfdesc=Sweep kicks around himself in a circle while getting up.

|floorbdesc=Sweep kicks around himself in a circle while getting up.

|floortdesc=Performs a straight-roundhouse kick in front of himself, then behind himself while getting up.

|nsdesc=Raises his hand to cycle through the 8 different and collectable bonus frouits/items from ''{{b|Pac-Man|game}}''. The fruits, Galaxian, bell and key each have their own damage outputs, knockback values, traveling speeds, and launching angles. All of them can be re-caught once; if Pac-Man has a bonus item in his hand, pressing the special button will continue the cycle from that object's position, also allowing him to re-catch the object again. If charging is interrupted, holding down the special button will make Pac-Man resume charging from the most recent charge. It can be [[charge-cancel]]ed and, while charging in midair, Pac-Man's [[gravity]] will be decreased. The thrown projectile functions as an [[item]], which can be grabbed by Pac-Man or opponents with good timing. Conversely, opponents can hit Pac-Man to forcibly drop his Bonus Fruit, either while he is charging or holding his fruit; the latter can also be done to opponents by hitting those who are holding a Bonus Fruit. Pac-Man can only create a single fruit/object at a time, and cannot create another if it is being held by an opponent. Due to its quick speed and high power, Bonus Fruit's key is one of Pac-Man's most viable KO options, as it KOs middleweights at 143% while near the center of Final Destination.

|ssdesc=Summons a trail of Pac-Dots that concludes with a Power Pellet, and then transforms into his "wedge" form before propelling himself forward to devour them. The trail can be extended to a maximum of six Pac-Dots, while the dash has a controllable trajectory that can allow for [[mindgame]]s and even an incredible recovery since it travels a considerable distance, and can even extend his recovery with [[Pac-Jump]]. Pac-Man is granted 8 frames of [[super armor]] after eating the Power Pellet, giving it impressive safety. Upon extending a full trail, its finishing hit will boast enough power to KO middleweights at 124% while near the center of Final Destination. Pac-Man is able to [[fast fall]] immediately during the move's ending lag, and will not go off ledges during a grounded chomp if the trail does not go past a ledge. Interrupting it during its start-up drops the Power Pellet, which heals 2% and can be eaten by any character. Pac-Man can act out after Power Pellet and is able to automatically ledge-snap throughout its duration, but if he bumps directly into a surface during the chomps, it stops and he goes into a short [[tumbling]] animation that can be interrupted early. The string can be angled in all directions.

|usdesc=Transforms into his "wedge" form and summons a trampoline to bounce off of, which will launch Pac-Man higher as it changes color (blue → yellow → red). Extremely quick, coming out at frame 4. Any character can jump on the trampoline, but only Pac-Man will be rendered helpless by it. Any characters, including Pac-Man, who jumps on the trampoline while it is red will be instantly rendered [[helpless]]. It can be performed at edge to limit the opponent's get-up options and approach. Subsequent bounces grant more height, but the fourth bounce breaks the trampoline and renders the attempted user helpless. Any opponent other than Pac-Man himself can damage the trampoline, which also changes its coloration before completely nullifying it. Pac-Man himself can hit opponents while ascending, and since the trampoline instantly forcing opponents to jump once touched, it is an effective grounded combo breaker. When performed onstage, the trampoline can be used for mindgames and set-ups. It can be used at edge to limit the opponent's get-up options and approach.

|dsdesc=Summons a Fire Hydrant underneath himself. When performed in the air, the Fire Hydrant falls downward until it collides with a solid surface. Once grounded, it spurts water out of its sides twice (or on top, if a character is standing on it). This water pushes opponents and items from it. Upon receiving up to 13% or more, it is launched as a powerful projectile that travels in the trajectory of the move that sent it flying. The launched hydrant will damage opponents by ramming into them, or potentially Pac-Man himself if it is sent flying by an opponent. It is a rather powerful projectile when launched, KOing {{SSBU|Mario}} at the edge of {{SSBU|Final Destination}} at 128% with good DI. The Fire Hydrant's velocity only affects the direction an opponent is launched, and does not affect the strength or the angle of the hit. This is also one of the few non-[[item]] projectiles in the game that is subject to gravity, bouncing along the ground and slowing down after each bounce. If placed on a steep enough slope, it will tumble down the slope until it disappears. The water does not inflict damage, but has a [[push]] effect that can allow for mindgames, mix-ups, and even [[gimp]]s. Due to it functioning as a constantly active hitbox, the hydrant can actually be [[counterattack]]ed and [[Pocket]]ed while it is stationary.

|fsdesc=Simultaneously devours a Power Pellet and a Super Pellet, transforming into his classic 2D "wedge" form, albeit drastically enlarged, before looping around the stage repeatedly. Pac-Man typically traverses in a straight line, but his angle can be altered to catch opponents fleeing. Upon progression, Pac-Man's mobility speeds up, then begins acquiring a red tint, after which, he inflicts more damage to opponents. The final dash deals the most damage at the expense of possessing slow mobility and creates afterimages. Running into opponents chomps them, dealing knockback and turning them into ghost eyes, similarly to consumed ghosts in ''Pac-Man''. Items can also be eaten in this way, which removes them from play. Every "consumed" opponent or item gives 200 points, then 400, then 800, then 1600, then 3200, then all subsequent ones yield 7650. However, the point value is completely aesthetic. Once the final dash is finished, Pac-Man will revert back to his original anthropomorphic incarnation.

*Pops into the stage as his classic 2D "wedge" form, performs a slow chomp, then jumps up into his anthropomorphic 3D form.

*'''Up Taunt''': Performs the "[[Namco Roulette]]", which produces sprites of classic items, characters and antagonists compsed by ''[[Bandai Namco|Namco]]'', comparatively like [[Bonus Fruit]].

*'''Side Taunt''': Transforms into his "wedge" form and chomps to the right and left at varying intervals while emitting his iconic chomping sound from ''{{b|Pac-Man|game}}'', before shifting back to his anthropomorphic form.

*'''Down Taunt''': Lays on the ground as a pair of fairies from ''Pac-Land'' and a few musical notes hover above his head. During this, an arrangement of the first 5 notes of the intermission theme from ''Pac-Man'' plays.

* Rubs his head in a questionable manner.

* Looks at the screen and winks while giving a thumbs-up, comparatively like his official render from ''SSB4''.

*'''Left:''' Curves into the screen while chomping in his "wedge" form, jumps out as his anthropomorphic form, trips onto the floor, before raising his fist up while slouching clumsily.

*'''Up:''' Chases a vulnerable ghost in his "wedge" form, then shifts to his anthropomorphic form and poses akimbo.

*'''Right:''' Lands on the ground in his anthropomorphic form while a sign reading "7650" appears, then winks and gives a thumbs-up alongside Buttercup, a fairy companion of his who debuted in ''Pac-Land''. This pose is based his official artwork for the TurboGrafx-16 version of ''Pac-Land''. Both the sign and Buttercup do not appear in Team Battles.

[[File:Victory! (Pac-Man).ogg|thumb|A remix of the jingle that plays when starting a new game in ''Pac-Man'', as well as completing levels in ''{{s|wikipedia|Pac-Man World 2}}''.]]

*{{Sm|Sinji|USA}} - One of the best Pac-Man players in the world in 2019 thanks to strong major placements such as 7th at both {{Trn|Collision 2019}} and {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}}, leading him to be ranked 25th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]. In the post-online metagmae, he remains one of North America's best Pac-Man players who still sees some strong major results, including 9th at {{Trn|Luminosity Makes BIG Moves 2024}} and 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2022}}.

*{{Sm|Tea|Japan}} - The best Pac-Man player of all-time and the only Pac-Man player who has won major-level events, including {{Trn|Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas}}, {{Trn|Kagaribi 3}}, and {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}. He is one of two players who have won majors in all three ''Ultimate'' superregions.

Ever since the release of ''Ultimate'', opinions on Pac-Man's viability have been given a positive response, thanks to the received buffs to his mobility, KO potential, [[Bonus Fruit]], and grab game, all of which improved his combo potential. As a result of the buffs, Pac-Man has received strong results from players, especially {{Sm|Sinji}} and {{Sm|Tea}}, ever since the early metagame. Tea, in particular, has won several majors and established himself as a top 10 player by 2021. Due to Pac-Man's buffs and strong playerbase, he is often considered a high to top-tier character, which is reflected in his placement on the tier list, where he is ranked 14th as a top-tier character in the first tier list, despite dropping to 23rd in the second and current tier list.

Although Pac-Man is absent from the opening cutscene of World of Light, he was vaporized and later placed under [[Galeem]]'s imprisonment when the latter proceeded to unleash his beams of lights to engulf the world and the universe, along with the rest of the fighters (excluding {{SSBU|Kirby}}).

 

By accessing {{SSBU|Marth}}'s route, the player can find Pac-Man located between the mushroom-filled area and the [[Base]]. Defeating him is necessary to progress through the story, as awakening Pac-Man will result in Galeem creating access to the Base, making Pac-Man's unlock obligatory for the mode.

Later, the fighters prepare their final stand against Galeem and [[Dharkon]], including Pac-Man among them.

*Pac-Man's stock icon, alongside that of the 3 different {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} types, is among the few ones that do not depict the fighter's head. Instead, it takes on the look of Pac-Man's original arcade sprite, which also served as a life-counter in the original ''Pac-Man''.

**Instead of possessing recolored sections of his stock icon for his [[alternate costume]]s, Pac-Man's alternate costumes are indicated by a colored tubular line underneath his stock icon. The line appears similar to the wall-sections from the original ''Pac-Man''.

*Pac-Man is unlockable in {{SSBU|Kirby}}'s Classic Mode column, likely in reference to how they are spherical, easygoing protagonists who are notable primarily for eating antagonists and possessing an extreme appetite.

**Alongside {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} and {{SSBU|Squirtle}}, both fighters appear in the "Ghosts" spirit battle; Kirby represents Blinky, Jigglypuff represents Pinky, Squirtle represents Inky, and Pac-Man himself represents Clyde.

**In addition, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} is another fighter to appear in one of the spirit battles where it involves ghosts from the ''{{uv|Pac-Man}}'' series. In this case, Mr. Game & Watch (using his blue alternate costume) represents [[TURN-TO-BLUE]].

**On the same video, it also shows that attacking the trampoline from [[Pac-Jump]] would turn it green, and it would also put opponents into a helpless state upon jumping on it (regardless of the current level). These also cannot be achieved in the released version of ''Ultimate''.

*If Pac-Man performs his Final Smash during a match and wins the match, and if his "up" victory pose plays, the 2D "wedge" Pac-Man sprite will not appear, causing Pac-Man's anthropomorphic model to appear out of thin air.

*Oddly enough, the initial animation of his Final Smash ([[Super Pac-Man]]) in ''Ultimate'' no longer depicts Pac-Man holding the Power Pellet or Super Pellet, as opposed to how it was in ''SSB4'', although he still has the animation of him eating them from the latter, appearing as he is only eating air in ''Ultimate'' before transforming into Super Pac-Man.

*The damage output of Pac-Man's forward aerial (7.65%) is a subtle Easter egg. The number "765" can be pronounced in Japanese as "na-mu-ko"; this particular number, known as a ''{{s|wikipedia|goroawase}}'' number, commonly makes an appearance in ''Namco'' games and is even referenced through Pac-Man's Final Smash.

*Humorously, the 3D model used for Pac-Man's "wedge" form is labeled internally as "pizzapacman".

*Despite also debuting on the Nintendo Entertainment System or appearing at least once on the NES, {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Bowser}}, {{SSBU|Zelda}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, {{SSBU|Wario}}, {{SSBU|Ridley}}, [[Koopalings]], {{SSBU|Daisy}} and {{SSBU|Meta Knight}} do not appear in Pac-Man's Classic Mode route.