Pikachu (SSBM): Difference between revisions

{{ArticleIcons|ssbm=y}}

{{Infobox Character

|name = Pikachu

}}

<!--

-->

==Attributes==

Pikachu's main strength is its fantastic edgeguarding game. Its up and down aerials are quick and can easily [[gimp]] recovering opponents, as the former acts as a semi-spike when sweetspotted and the latter has decent horizontal knockback, and its forward and down tilts can intercept recovery attempts close to the ledge. Additionally, Pikachu's back throw can easily send opponents off the edge, allowing it to easily set up edgeguards, even at lower percentages. Pikachu, on the other hand, is very resilient to edgeguarding; [[Skull Bash]] can give it significant horizontal distance, and [[Quick Attack]] moves very quickly, grants good distance, and has very unpredictable paths. Most characters do not have options to cover all of these recovery methods at once, and must thus rely on hard reads, rather than reactions, to properly edgeguard Pikachu.

Pikachu's other strength is its solid punish game; although Pikachu is fast and light, it still possesses several ways to combo and KO opponents. Pikachu's jab is quick and weak, giving it some of the most consistent [[jab reset]] followups in the game. Its forward, neutral, and up aerials are quick and can be used for aerial strings or juggling. Pikachu's [[forward smash|forward]] and [[up smash]]es are among the most powerful in the game; its up smash, in fact, is ''the'' most powerful of its kind at realistic KO percentages, and can be used as a powerful [[tech]] chasing tool at all percentages, threatening further up smashes on fast-fallers at lower percentages and KOs at medium to high percentages. Pikachu's grab game helps facilitate its punishes; its up and down throws can be used to set up combos, and the former can [[chaingrab]] fast-fallers and even set up for its powerful up smash at KO percentages.

Pikachu's primary flaw, however, is its poor range. Almost all of its best finishers are very close to its body, making it difficult for Pikachu to secure KOs at times, and forcing Pikachu to constantly approach to keep pressure on the opponent. Additionally, Pikachu's relatively flexible grab and throw game is severely hampered by a very short grab range (the shortest in the game). Because of this, Pikachu struggles to combat [[shield]]ing opponents, and must trick opponents by crossing up their shield in order to get an opening out of them.

===Aesthetics===

*{{change|Pikachu received new voice samples that are higher pitched, sound less aggressive and more energetic.}}

*{{change|Pikachu's taunt was also altered slightly. It no longer taunts facing away from the screen if Pikachu taunts to the right.}}

===Attributes===

*{{nerf|The lower half of Pikachu's tail now has a hurtbox. This makes Pikachu's tail based attacks less disjointed and generally makes Pikachu easier to hit.}}

*{{nerf|Pikachu's upper legs and arms are no longer immune to grabs.}}

*{{buff|Forward [[roll]] has less ending lag (FAF 36 → 32).}}

**{{buff|The lower tail has larger hitboxes (2.66u → 3.515u/3.515u), and up tilt has a new hitbox on the middle of Pikachu's tail.}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt deals less damage (11% → 7% (lower tail)/6% (upper tail)), noticeably hindering its damage racking potential.}}

**{{nerf|The upper tail hitbox is much smaller (5u → 3.125u), with the hitbox now failing to fully cover Pikachu's tail.}}

*[[Down tilt]]:

**{{buff|Down tilt has less ending lag (FAF 26 → 19).}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt deals much less damage (12% → 7%), hindering its KO and edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has smaller hitboxes (2.66u/4.66u → 1.95u/3.12u/3.91u), with the far hitbox also being moved closer to Pikachu (x/z offsets: 3.66/2.17 → 3.91/2).}}

**{{nerf|The clean hit no longer launches opponents behind Pikachu (95° → 85°), hindering its followup potential, which is further exacerbated with the universal decrease to hitstun/introduction of DI.}}

**{{nerf|The clean hit's far hitbox deals less damage (18% → 17%), hindering its KO potential as unlike the near hitboxes, its knockback scaling was unchanged.}}

**{{nerf|The late hit no longer launches opponents vertically (90° → 40°). When combined with its reduced power, along with the universal decrease to hitstun/introduction of DI, this completely removes its combo potential, with the late hit now being easily punishable on hit, even at higher percents.}}

*[[Down smash]]:

**{{buff|Down smash has less startup (frame 10 → 7) and ending lag (FAF 54 → 51).}}

**{{buff|Down smash has a longer duration overall (frames 10-13/25-28 → 7-8/10-11/13-14/16-17/19-20/22-23/25).}}

===Aerial Attacks===

*{{nerf|All aerials [[auto-cancel]] later (frame 29 → 35 (neutral), frame 27 → 34 (forward), frame 22 → 50 (back), frame 1 → 18 (up), frame 26 → 39 (down)). When combined with Pikachu's lower short hop, this means that Pikachu can now only auto-cancel up aerial in a short hop (as opposed to all aerials). These issues are further exacerbated with the weakening of [[L-canceling]].}}

*[[Neutral aerial]]:

**{{change|Pikachu has a new neutral aerial: a somersault.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also gives the move less range, as the hitbox placements were not adjusted in relation to Pikachu.}}

***{{nerf|This new animation is also longer (36 frames → 39), increasing the amount of time Pikachu cannot grab ledges after performing the move.}}

**{{nerf|The body hitbox is smaller (4.33u → 4.21u).}}

**{{buff|Neutral aerial has less landing lag (16 frames → 15).}}

*[[Forward aerial]]:

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has more startup lag (frame 7 → 10).}}

**{{nerf|Each hit of forward aerial deals less damage (3% → 2%).}}

**{{nerf|Due to hitting four times instead of seven:}}

***{{nerf|However, this reduces the move's knockback at higher percents, making it less effective at higher percents.}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial deals much less damage (10% → 4%) which along with the aforementioned change to its knockback, hinders its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial no longer auto-cancels throughout its entire duration now having a rather high 26 frames of landing lag without L-canceling.}}

**{{nerf|The far hitbox has been moved slightly closer to Pikachu (x/y/z offsets: 3.18/5/-1.66 → 0/0/0 (clean)/1.17/1.17/0 (late)), giving up aerial slightly less range (particularly in front of Pikachu due to its shorter duration).}}

*[[Grab]]s:

**{{buff|Grab has a new grabbox inside of Pikachu, giving it more range inside of Pikachu.}}

**{{nerf|Grab has a smaller grabbox (4.82u → 3.51u), it has a new animation where Pikachu does not jump forward and it now uses a static hitbox which is not positioned as far out (z offset: 7.03). This significantly reduces grab's range (reaching about half as far), now being the shortest in ''Melee''.}}

**{{nerf|Grab has more startup lag (frame 6 → 7 (standing)/11 (dash)) and ending lag (FAF 16 → 31 (standing)/41 (dash)), much like with most other returning veterans.}}

**{{nerf|Pikachu will no lo longer auto-snap the ledge if it Quick Attacks into the ledge from above which along with the previous change, removes Quick Attack's use as a powerful ledge stalling option despite the changes to ledge intangibility.}}

*{{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}:

**{{buff|Thunder has slightly larger hitboxes (6.66u (thunder bolt)/11.5u (shockwave) → 7.03u/11.71u).}}

**{{buff|The thunder bolt now uses four hitboxes which are greatly spaced apart from each other (rather than 8 hitboxes lumped on top of each other), giving it much more vertical range.}}

**{{bugfix|Thunder has a new glitch called the ceiling glitch.}}

***{{buff|This glitch improves Thunder's edgeguarding potential.}}

**{{nerf|The thunder bolt can now be [[reflect]]ed and [[absorb]]ed.}}

***{{buff|However, this does improve its utility in doubles.}}

**{{nerf|The thunder bolts hitboxes now shrink when Pikachu connects the shockwave, and when they get close enough to Pikachu.}}

**{{nerf|The shockwave has a shorter duration (10 frames → 9).}}

**{{nerf|Pikachu can no longer connect both the thunderbolt and the shockwave.}}

**{{nerf|The shockwave has more ending lag (FAF 67 → 70).}}

**{{nerf|The universally increased [[falling speed]]s have made Thunderspiking less effective and they have made Thunder a less reliable juggling tool when combined with its higher ending lag.}}

|game=SSBM

|neutralcount=1

|neutral1dmg=2%

|neutraldesc=An extremely quick headbutt. Does very minimal damage, and has short range. This attack can be canceled into itself with two frames between possible inputs, so it can be [[Button mashing|mashed]] for a quick series of headbutts.

|ftiltangles=3

|ftiltupdmg=9%

|ftiltsidedmg=8%

|ftiltdowndmg=7%

|utiltdmg=7% (tail), 6% (tip)

|utiltdesc=Swings its tail above its body in an arc. This attack is hard to set up, as it has low range. The knockback works well for [[juggling]] and [[combo]]s well however, as it sends opponents upward. Low damage, low knockback.

|dtiltdmg=7%

|dashdmg=8%

|dashdesc=Jumps forwards, headbutting. While it does have some knockback, it is rather laggy and leaves Pikachu vulnerable (it is particularly easy to [[shield grab]]).

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|21}} (early), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|19}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|18}} (late)

|fsmashdesc=Rears back, then ejects an attached jolt of electricity in front from its cheeks. A powerful attack that can evade some attacks with the initial animation. Has decent range. The hitbox is [[disjointed]], which makes it a wise choice for [[edgeguarding]]. This attack has [[Priority#Transcendent_priority|transcendent priority]].

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|17}}-{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|19}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|7}} (late)

|usmashdesc=Does a quick backflip, attacking with its tail. This is the strongest [[up smash]] in the game in terms of knockback, is extremely quick with decent range, and is one of the strongest smash attacks. Pikachu's up smash is extremely versatile, whether it be setting up juggles or going for a quick low percent KO. Is also good for [[shield stabbing]]. Capable of KOing at 35%-55% when fully charged.

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|2}} (hits 1-6), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|3}} (hit 7) (≈{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13.83}} total)

|dsmashdesc=Spins around in place repeatedly, while surrounded with electricity. This is a multi-hit attack that comes out very quickly. Easily used from a successful [[crouch cancel]], and sets up for an aerial at lower percentages. This attack has transcendent priority.

|nairdmg=12% (clean), 9% (late)

|nairdesc=Curls up in a ball and does somersaults in the air. This is a versatile aerial, as it does decent damage, decent knockback, and comes out very quickly. A generic use-anywhere aerial.

|fairdmg=2% (hits 1-4) (≈7.46% total)

|fairdesc=Does a barrel roll in the air, emitting sparks. Hits multiple times with minimal damage. This has more horizontal range than any of Pikachu's aerials. The move, however, has little knockback.

|bairdmg=12% (clean), 9% (late), 4% (landing)

|bairdesc=Spins in the air in a manner similar to its down smash, but without electrical effects. Decent range, damage and knockback, however it lags noticeably if missed, especially if Pikachu lands.

|uairdmg=4%

|uairdesc=Swiftly swings its tail above itself in an arc. Extremely quick with low knockback, this can be used to juggle opponents repeatedly. Also, if hit with the tip of the tail at certain points during the arc, this will send opponents far at a nasty [[semi-spike]] angle similar to {{SSBM|Sheik}}'s forward aerial. This trajectory can be achieved even at low percentages. This attack makes edgeguarding a breeze against predictable, linear, and/or slow recoveries. An essential attack for controlling the match.

|dairdmg=12%, 4% (landing)

|dairdesc=Does a barrel roll, like its forward aerial, except it is facing the ground. Unlike the fair, this does one hit in the air, and an extra hit upon landing if the animation is still going when Pikachu lands. The aerial hit does decent damage and has good knockback, more so than the neutral aerial. The hit upon landing has far lower knockback and stun. This attack lags significantly more than the neutral aerial however, and has noticeable startup lag.

|pummeldmg=3%

|pummeldesc=Zaps the opponent.

|fthrowdmg=2% (hits 1-4), 2% (throw)

|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent on its back and shocks them, sending them forward. This throw is multi-hit, and has low knockback. The only use for this throw is to build damage if no other throw setups are available, which is a rare situation.

|bthrowdmg=9%

|bthrowdesc=Does backwards somersaults with the opponent, then flings them behind itself. Has decent knockback, and is best used near an edge so as to get maximum range from the throw.

|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)

|uthrowdesc=Places the opponent on its head, then headbutts them upward. This throw can [[chaingrab]] [[fastfaller]]s, and at high percentages it is a useful combo move, as it can easily lead into an up smash or up aerial.

|dthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw)

|dthrowdesc=Places the opponent on the ground, then jumps on them. This is a good move against lightweights (like {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}) at low percentages, as it can lead into a up smash for a low percent KO. This throw is more easily [[DI]]ed than the up throw.

|dsname=Thunder|dspage=Thunder (Pokémon)

|dsdmg=10% (bolt), 17% (blast)

}}

===[[Taunt]]===

===[[List of idle poses (SSBM)|Idle poses]]===

{{Idle

===[[Crowd cheer]]===

===[[Victory pose]]s===

|char=Pikachu}}

===Tier placement and history===

Pikachu was originally a low-mid to low tier character; many professionals thought Pikachu's heavy power, speed, and combo ability [[nerf]] from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' was unmanageable, and that it had lost all of its viability in the transition to ''Melee''. {{Sm|Axe}} proved this thought wrong, however, as he showed how powerful Pikachu was at [[pressure|pressuring]] the enemy, especially at [[edgeguard]]ing (due to Pikachu's notorious {{mvsub|Pikachu|SSBM|up aerial}} [[semi-spike]]). He also showed how powerful Pikachu was up close, despite its problems in approaching the enemy efficiently. Axe, and a handful of other dedicated Pikachu players such as {{Sm|PikaChad}}, 2framez, Tyler Swift and Kimchi eventually brought Pikachu up to the high-mid tiers, where it ranks now in 9th place.

==={{SSBM|Classic Mode}}===

In Classic Mode, Pikachu can appear as an ordinary opponent, as an ally or opponent in team battles, alongside {{SSBM|Pichu}}, {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}, or {{SSBM|Kirby}}, or as a metal opponent. In Pikachu's appearances, it appears on [[Pokémon Stadium]] as a regular opponent, and on {{SSBM|Battlefield}} as a metal opponent. And on team battles, it appears on [[Green Greens]] with Kirby.

*'''[[Event 13: Yoshi's Egg]]''': As {{SSBM|Yoshi}}, the player must protect the [[Yoshi's Egg]] item from harm for 55 seconds against a team of {{SSBM|Fox}}, {{SSBM|Donkey Kong}}, and Pikachu on [[Rainbow Cruise]].

*'''[[Event 30: All-Star Match 3]]''': Pikachu is the second opponent fought in this series of staged battles. The player battles it on the Pokémon Stadium, which will transition to the next stage if Pikachu gets defeated. With a timer of four minutes, the player must defeat it along with {{SSBM|Kirby}}, {{SSBM|Ness}} and the {{SSBM|Ice Climbers}}.

Pikachu is the only character in the [[Original 12]] from ''[[Smash 64]]'' which does not have an assigned event match.

<center>

<gallery>

</center>

==[[Alternate costume (SSBM)#Pikachu|Alternate costumes]]==

<gallery>

SSBM Pikachu HQ.jpg|Official artwork of Pikachu.

MewtwoClassicMode.jpg|Posing with {{SSBM|Mewtwo}} on {{SSBM|Final Destination}}.

PichuClassicMode.jpg|Posing with {{SSBM|Pichu}} on [[Green Greens]].

YoungLinkAdventureMode.jpg|Posing with {{SSBM|Young Link}} and {{SSBM|Kirby}} on Green Greens.

YoshiAllStarMode.jpg|Jumping towards a giant {{SSBM|Yoshi}} on [[Fourside]].

</gallery>

==Trivia==

*''Melee'' is the only game with [[wall jump]]s where Pikachu isn't able to perform one.

{{SSBMCharacters}}

{{EnemiesAdvSSBM}}

{{Pokémon universe}}

[[Category:Pokémon (SSBM)]]

[[Category:Pikachu (SSBM)| ]]

[[Category:Trophies (SSBM)]]

[[es:Pikachu (SSBM)]]