Isabelle (SSBU): Difference between revisions

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Although Isabelle speaks {{iw|nookipedia|Animalese}} within her home series and reveal trailer, she is completely mute in ''Ultimate''.
Although Isabelle speaks {{iw|nookipedia|Animalese}} within her home series and reveal trailer, she is completely mute in ''Ultimate''.


Isabelle is ranked 69th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her at the end of the D+ tier. Isabelle possesses good defensive play, and excellent [[Ledgetrapping|ledge trapping]]; owing to her slingshot, [[Special move|special moves]], and fast close-range moves. Isabelle also has a good [[juggle]], making it difficult for the opponent’s to safely land via her [[up aerial]], [[up tilt]], and aforementioned traits. Isabelle is considered to have better close-range moves than Villager, such as Jab, Forward Tilt, and Up Tilt, the latter of which is an excellent combo starter. Somewhat akin to [[Sonic]]'s perception in ''Ultimate'', Isabelle is often considered to be frustrating to play against, particularly for her tendency to avoid unsafe interactions in some matchups. This can cause opponent's to make risky approaches, providing opportunities for Isabelle to [[punish]]. Notably, Isabelle's unique [[jab]] gives her the ability to perform the "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap opponents at the ledge up to KO percentages.
Isabelle is ranked 69th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her at the end of the D+ tier. Isabelle possesses good defensive play, and excellent [[ledge trap]]ping; owing to her slingshot, [[special move]]s, and fast close-range moves. Isabelle also has a good [[juggle]], making it difficult for the opponent’s to safely land via her [[up aerial]], [[up tilt]], and aforementioned traits. Some of Isabelle's close-range moves are considered to be better than Villager's, such as neutral attack, forward tilt, and up tilt, the latter of which is an excellent combo starter. Somewhat akin to [[Sonic]]'s perception in ''Ultimate'', Isabelle is often considered to be frustrating to play against, particularly for her tendency to avoid unsafe interactions in some matchups. This can cause opponent's to make risky approaches, providing opportunities for Isabelle to [[punish]]. Notably, Isabelle's unique [[jab]] gives her the ability to perform the "Wobbelle" technique, which can trap opponents at the ledge up to KO percentages.


However, Isabelle has numerous drawbacks. Some include poor offense, low [[damage]] output, sluggish movement, low [[weight]], a slow [[grab]], and a difficulty in closing [[stock|stocks]]. In addition, both [[Lloid Trap]] and [[Fishing Rod]] have significant flaws that hinder their reliability. Isabelle’s Lloid Trap can be easily destroyed by many characters, causing a explosion that uniquely hurts the user. Furthermore, if the trap hasn’t been set off or destroyed within ten seconds, it will disappear entirely. Fishing Rod will sometimes disconnect if a [[platform]] obstructs Isabelle’s ability to reel in her line. In addition, what happens when this occurs is rather unpredictable; ranging from breaking off immediately, to bringing her catch in, without performing a [[throw]]. While the latter can be desirable, the effect is neither common nor controllable. Losing her catch often results in no [[Punishment|punish]], and can leave her vulnerable to a counter attack.
However, Isabelle has numerous drawbacks. Some include poor offense, low [[damage]] output, sluggish movement, low [[weight]], a slow [[grab]], and a difficulty in closing [[stock]]s. In addition, both [[Lloid Trap]] and [[Fishing Rod]] have significant flaws that hinder their reliability. Isabelle’s Lloid Trap can be easily destroyed by many characters, causing a explosion that uniquely hurts the user. Furthermore, if the trap hasn’t been set off or destroyed within ten seconds, it will disappear entirely. Fishing Rod will sometimes disconnect if a [[platform]] obstructs Isabelle’s ability to reel in her line. In addition, what happens when this occurs is rather unpredictable; ranging from breaking off immediately, to bringing her catch in, without performing a [[throw]]. While the latter can be desirable, the effect is neither common nor controllable. Losing her catch often results in no [[Punishment|punish]], and can leave her vulnerable to a counter attack.


Overall, Isabelle's weaknesses hold her back in [[Competitive play|competitive play]] and she is considered unviable in the current metagame. However, her standing and results have nevertheless improved since the launch of the game, due to buffs in balance patches and efforts from players such as {{sm|Jaka}}, {{Sm|Nery}}, and {{Sm|Rokki}}.
Overall, Isabelle's weaknesses hold her back in [[competitive play]] and she is considered unviable in the current metagame. However, her standing and results have nevertheless improved since the launch of the game, due to buffs in balance patches and efforts from players such as {{sm|Jaka}}, {{Sm|Nery}}, and {{Sm|Rokki}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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Many of her special moves have major flaws. While her Fishing Rod is a versatile command grab with a very good range, it is flawed in many ways. Unlike all other grabs in the game, it is unusually capable of being shielded and suffers from a lot of ending lag, making it very punishable. Lloid Trap is also very flawed; planting Lloid leaves her vulnerable and takes 51 frames to be active, it disappears after only 10 seconds and can easily be destroyed due to it only having 8% of HP, and in some cases the resulting explosion will damage Isabelle herself and some characters can even run through it without getting affected. While Isabelle's recovery is very long-distanced, she has no way to defend herself while using Balloon Trip, due to the move lacking a hitbox, and popping the balloons will render her helpless, meaning that despite her recovery being fairly good on paper, it is among the most easily edgeguarded in practice. Finally, Isabelle notably lacks some of Villager's most important tools for zoning in the neutral game, namely [[Lloid Rocket]] and [[Timber]], making her vastly worse at zoning than her counterpart.
Many of her special moves have major flaws. While her Fishing Rod is a versatile command grab with a very good range, it is flawed in many ways. Unlike all other grabs in the game, it is unusually capable of being shielded and suffers from a lot of ending lag, making it very punishable. Lloid Trap is also very flawed; planting Lloid leaves her vulnerable and takes 51 frames to be active, it disappears after only 10 seconds and can easily be destroyed due to it only having 8% of HP, and in some cases the resulting explosion will damage Isabelle herself and some characters can even run through it without getting affected. While Isabelle's recovery is very long-distanced, she has no way to defend herself while using Balloon Trip, due to the move lacking a hitbox, and popping the balloons will render her helpless, meaning that despite her recovery being fairly good on paper, it is among the most easily edgeguarded in practice. Finally, Isabelle notably lacks some of Villager's most important tools for zoning in the neutral game, namely [[Lloid Rocket]] and [[Timber]], making her vastly worse at zoning than her counterpart.


Overall, Isabelle is a more risk adverse character than Villager, having much weaker zoning, but greater punish options and more reliable stage control. This is partially due to her special attacks having notable flaws, as well as possessing inferior endurance due to her lighter weight and slower falling speed. Some of her benefits are directly tied to being in an advantageous game state, despite having a worse neutral than Villager, making her strengths less accessible.
Overall, Isabelle is a more risk adverse character than Villager, having much weaker zoning, but greater punish options and more reliable stage control. This is partially due to her special attacks having notable flaws, as well as possessing inferior endurance due to her lighter weight and slower falling speed. Some of her benefits are directly tied to being in an advantageous game state, despite having a worse neutral than Villager, making her strengths less accessible. This largely contributes to her competitive inviability: many of Isabelle's strengths are situational, dependent on maintaining an advantageous game state or exploiting specific weaknesses in her opponent's toolkit. Combined with her relatively slow movement, weaker offensive options compared to top-tier characters, and below-average damage output, Isabelle sometimes has to rely on opponents' unfamiliarity with the matchup to succeed.


==Update history==
==Update history==
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|game=SSBU
|game=SSBU
|neutralcount=1
|neutralcount=1
|neutralname=Toy Hammer ({{ja|ピコピコハンマー|Pikopiko Hanmā}})
|neutralname=Toy Hammer ({{ja|ピコピコハンマー|Pikopiko Hanmā}}, ''Piko Piko Hammer'')
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutral1dmg=2%
|neutraldesc=Swings a {{iw|nookipedia|toy hammer}} downward. It is very quick overall, but consists of only a single hit that inflicts very minimal damage and knockback both very low. These traits make it a useful [[lock]]ing option, and at low percentages, it can combo into itself multiple times. As of update 4.0.0, it has a [[wobbling]]-inspired technique known as the "Wobbelle", which enables it to reliably trap an opponent at an edge as long as Isabelle walks forward very slightly and immediately following each hit.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08zu6cxI-0 Smash Ultimate - Isabelle's Inescapable Jab Combo (Wobelle)]</ref> As a result, the Wobbelle allows neutral attack to rack up damage even past 200%. It also allows neutral attack to combo reliably into Isabelle's tilt attacks, down smash and Pocket; its forward tilt, clean down tilt and especially down smash combos, in particular, are potent KO confirms. Although the Wobbelle is a useful technique, maintaining it requires precise timing between hits, and it is susceptible to SDI.
|neutraldesc=Swings a {{iw|nookipedia|toy hammer}} downward. It is very quick overall, but consists of only a single hit that inflicts very minimal damage and knockback both very low. These traits make it a useful [[lock]]ing option, and at low percentages, it can combo into itself multiple times. As of update 4.0.0, it has a [[wobbling]]-inspired technique known as the "Wobbelle", which enables it to reliably trap an opponent at an edge as long as Isabelle walks forward very slightly and immediately following each hit.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X08zu6cxI-0 Smash Ultimate - Isabelle's Inescapable Jab Combo (Wobelle)]</ref> As a result, the Wobbelle allows neutral attack to rack up damage even past 200%. It also allows neutral attack to combo reliably into Isabelle's tilt attacks, down smash and Pocket; its forward tilt, clean down tilt and especially down smash combos, in particular, are potent KO confirms. Although the Wobbelle is a useful technique, maintaining it requires precise timing between hits, and it is susceptible to SDI.
|ftiltname=Umbrella ({{ja|かさ|Kasa}})
|ftiltname=Umbrella/Parasol ({{ja|かさ|Kasa}})
|ftiltdmg=9%
|ftiltdmg=9%
|ftiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Candy umbrella (New Horizons)|candy umbrella]] horizontally. Compared to {{SSBU|Villager}}'s, it launches at a slightly lower angle and has higher knockback growth, which make it capable of KOing at reasonable percentages while near the edge. However, it has more ending lag compared to Villager's version.
|ftiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Candy umbrella (New Horizons)|candy umbrella]] horizontally. Compared to {{SSBU|Villager}}'s, it launches at a slightly lower angle and has higher knockback growth, which make it capable of KOing at reasonable percentages while near the edge. However, it has more ending lag compared to Villager's version.
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|utiltdmg=8%
|utiltdmg=8%
|utiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Broom and dustpan (New Horizons)|broom]] in an overhead arcing motion. It has minimal startup (frame 6) and, as of update 8.0.0, it can combo reliably into itself at low percentages, and into neutral, up and forward aerials at low to medium percentages. It can even combo into up smash's second hit at 0%, although this is only effective during its final frames and if the opponent fails to DI properly.
|utiltdesc=Swings a [[nookipedia:item:Broom and dustpan (New Horizons)|broom]] in an overhead arcing motion. It has minimal startup (frame 6) and, as of update 8.0.0, it can combo reliably into itself at low percentages, and into neutral, up and forward aerials at low to medium percentages. It can even combo into up smash's second hit at 0%, although this is only effective during its final frames and if the opponent fails to DI properly.
|dtiltname=Weed Pluck ({{ja|草ぬき|Kusa Nuki}})
|dtiltname=Weed/Grass Pluck ({{ja|草ぬき|Kusa Nuki}})
|dtiltdmg=13% (close), 8% (far)
|dtiltdmg=13% (close), 8% (far)
|dtiltdesc=Uproots some {{iw|nookipedia|weed}}s. It has noticeably less ending lag than Villager's version, but a shorter hitbox duration compared to his. The move's damage output is also more polarized as the sweetspot deals slightly more damage, whereas the sourspot deals much less damage.  
|dtiltdesc=Uproots some {{iw|nookipedia|weed}}s. It has noticeably less ending lag than Villager's version, but a shorter hitbox duration compared to his. The move's damage output is also more polarized as the sweetspot deals slightly more damage, whereas the sourspot deals much less damage.  
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|fsmashname=Cracker ({{ja|クラッカー|Kurakkā}})
|fsmashname=Cracker ({{ja|クラッカー|Kurakkā}})
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|17}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|fsmashdesc=Fires a {{iw|nookipedia|party popper}} forward. Somewhat fast startup (frame 14) for a smash attack, but has noticeable ending lag (27 frames). It also has two hitboxes: a small hitbox close to Isabelle and a bigger one farther away from her. However, it has poor range despite being disjointed. When clean, it is her most reliable KO option, although the clean hit only lasts for 2 frames. In comparison, its late hit fails to KO at reasonable percentages.
|fsmashdesc=Fires a {{iw|nookipedia|party popper}} forward. Somewhat fast startup (frame 14) for a smash attack, but has noticeable ending lag (27 frames). It also has two hitboxes: a small hitbox close to Isabelle and a bigger one farther away from her. However, it has poor range despite being disjointed. When clean, it is her most reliable KO option, although the clean hit only lasts for 3 frames. In comparison, its late hit fails to KO at reasonable percentages.
|usmashname=Sign ({{ja|ひょうしき|Hyōshiki}})
|usmashname=Marker Sign ({{ja|ひょうしき|Hyōshiki}})
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (clean hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (late hit 2)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (clean hit 2), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|10}} (late hit 2)
|usmashdesc=Blows her whistle, causing a [[nookipedia:item:Do-not-enter sign (New Leaf)|do-not-enter sign]] to spring up from the ground in front of her. It has 2 hits that connect into each other; the second hit can combo into up aerial at low percentages and, when clean, KO outright at reasonable percentages.
|usmashdesc=Blows her whistle, causing a [[nookipedia:item:Do-not-enter sign (New Leaf)|do-not-enter sign]] to spring up from the ground in front of her. It has 2 hits that connect into each other; the second hit can combo into up aerial at low percentages and, when clean, KO outright at reasonable percentages.
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|bairdmg=9% (clean), 5% (mid), 3% (late)
|bairdmg=9% (clean), 5% (mid), 3% (late)
|bairdesc=Fires a pellet from a slingshot. Functions identically to Villager's back aerial.
|bairdesc=Fires a pellet from a slingshot. Functions identically to Villager's back aerial.
|uairname=Upward Turnips ({{ja|上カブ|Kabu}})
|uairname=Up Turnips ({{ja|上カブ|Ue Kabu}})
|uairdmg=10% (clean), 5% (late)
|uairdmg=10% (clean), 5% (late)
|uairdesc=Swings a pair of {{iw|nookipedia|turnip}}s upward. Due to swinging 2 turnips, Isabelle's up aerial is overall more consistent than Villager's up aerial. It also has less landing lag compared to Villager's version, which makes it safer to use when landing on the stage.  
|uairdesc=Swings a pair of {{iw|nookipedia|turnip}}s upward. Due to swinging 2 turnips, Isabelle's up aerial is overall more consistent than Villager's up aerial. It also has less landing lag compared to Villager's version, which makes it safer to use when landing on the stage.  
|dairname=Downward Turnips ({{ja|下カブ|Shita Kabu}})
|dairname=Down Turnips ({{ja|下カブ|Shita Kabu}})
|dairdmg=10% (clean), 5% (late)
|dairdmg=10% (clean), 5% (late)
|dairdesc=Swings a pair of turnips downward. Like her up aerial, Isabelle always swings 2 turnips, making it more consistent than Villager's down aerial. Isabelle's version is also safer to use upon landing on the stage, thanks to its lower landing lag. The clean hit will meteor smash opponents if sweetspotted, whereas any other part of the turnips will launch opponents horizontally.
|dairdesc=Swings a pair of turnips downward. Like her up aerial, Isabelle always swings 2 turnips, making it more consistent than Villager's down aerial. Isabelle's version is also safer to use upon landing on the stage, thanks to its lower landing lag. The clean hit will meteor smash opponents if sweetspotted, whereas any other part of the turnips will launch opponents horizontally.
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|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdmg=11%
|bthrowdesc=Turns around to throw the opponent with a horizontal swing. Isabelle's most damaging throw, and one of the strongest back throws in the game, KOing even the heaviest characters reliably at around 150% without rage and with optimal DI from the opponent.
|bthrowdesc=Turns around to throw the opponent with a horizontal swing. Isabelle's most damaging throw, and one of the strongest back throws in the game, KOing even the heaviest characters reliably at around 150% without rage and with optimal DI from the opponent.
|uthrowname=Up Net Throw ({{ja|上あみ投げ|Ami Nage}})  
|uthrowname=Up Net Throw ({{ja|上あみ投げ|Ue Ami Nage}})  
|uthrowdmg=10%
|uthrowdmg=10%
|uthrowdesc=Flips the net over and tosses the opponent upward. Like forward throw, it has very high base knockback and very low knockback growth. As a result, it is best suited for setting up aerial pressure and cannot KO at reasonable percentages.
|uthrowdesc=Flips the net over and tosses the opponent upward. Like forward throw, it has very high base knockback and very low knockback growth. As a result, it is best suited for setting up aerial pressure and cannot KO at reasonable percentages.
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|-
|-
! scope="row"|Description
! scope="row"|Description
| || ¡Canela! ¡Canela! ¡Ra-ra-ra! || Isa - belle!
|Me - lin - da! *bark* || ¡Canela! ¡Canela! ¡Ra-ra-ra! || Isa - belle! || Yeo - ul!
|}
|}
</div>
</div>
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''See also: [[:Category:Isabelle players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Isabelle players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|Axel~|USA}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America, with most of their activity being in the post-online metagame. They have some of the best Isabelle placement at American events, including 25th at the supermajor {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} and 33rd at the major {{Trn|The Big House 10}}.
*{{Sm|Axel~|USA}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America, with most of their activity being in the post-pandemic metagame. They have some of the best Isabelle placement at American events, including 25th at the supermajor {{Trn|Double Down 2022}} and 33rd at the major {{Trn|The Big House 10}}.
*{{Sm|Jaka|Switzerland}} - The best solo-Isabelle player in the world and the first solo-Isabelle ranked globally, ranking 100th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]] due to strong superregional results such as 4th at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}} and 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}. He continues to be a top 50 player in Europe and places highly at many European events, including 17th at the supermajor {{Trn|Tera}}.
*{{Sm|Furararamen|Japan}} - One of the best Isabelle players in Japan since 2024, co-maining the character alongside {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}. He especially used Isabelle at more events in the second half of 2024, where he placed 9th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 53}}, the highest an Isabelle player had placed at a major, and 17th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 54}}, in addition to placing 5th at the superregional {{Trn|Kyokkan 8}}. He was ranked 102nd on the [[LumiRank 2024.2]] as one of two Isabelle mains ranked globally that season.
*{{Sm|kept|Japan}} - Plays Isabelle alongside {{SSBU|Villager}} and {{SSBU|Diddy Kong}} and was the best Isabelle player in Japan until 2023, having defeated players such as {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Tsubotsubo}} with Isabelle. Placement-wise, he notably placed 13th at both {{Trn|VCA 2022}}, using Isabelle to defeat {{Sm|Tarik}}, and {{Trn|DELTA 9}}, using primarily Isabelle. The latter event is the highest placement from an Isabelle player at a major/supermajor.
*{{Sm|Jaka|Switzerland}} - The best solo-Isabelle player in the world and the first Isabelle player ever ranked globally, ranking 100th on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]] due to several notable superregional results such as 4th at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021}} and 7th at {{Trn|VCA 2021}}. Since then, he remains a top 50 player in Europe and has placed highly at many other European events, including placing 5th at {{Trn|Smash Contest: DoKomi 2023}}, 7th at {{Trn|Swiss Dome}} with a win over {{Sm|Luugi}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Tera}}.
*{{Sm|Nery|Mexico}} - One of the best Isabelle players in North America ever since the early metagame, regularly placing highly at Mexican events including 9th at {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, 13th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 6}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}. He has been ranked top 20 in Mexico a few times, with his highest being 14th.
*{{Sm|kept|Japan}} - Plays Isabelle alongside {{SSBU|Villager}} and was the best Isabelle player in Japan for many years, having defeated players such as {{Sm|KEN}} and {{Sm|Tsubotsubo}} with the character. In-tournament, he notably placed 13th at both {{Trn|VCA 2022}} and {{Trn|DELTA 9}} using primarily Isabelle whilst defeating {{Sm|Tarik}} at the former event. Though ranked higher on other rankings when mainly using Villager, he was ranked 98th on the [[LumiRank 2024.2]] with primarily Isabelle, making him the second Isabelle player to rank in the top 100 globally.
*{{Sm|Rokki|Japan}} - Known for having a large character pool and has used Isabelle at several notable events, including winning the superregional {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}}, using Isabelle for all of top 8 and defeating {{Sm|Hero|p=Japan}} along the way. Rokki has also used Isabelle to place 2nd at {{Trn|Midobura SP 3}} and 7th at {{Trn|KOWLOON 11}}.
*{{Sm|Nery|Mexico}} - One of the earliest and best-known Isabelle players in competitive play, achieving notable performances at many of the largest Mexican events in the early metagame, including placing 2nd at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 7}}, 9th at {{Trn|Smash Fest to the Sky}}, and 13th at {{Trn|BIT MASTER MTY 6}}. He remains one of the best Isabelle players in North America in the post-pandemic metagame, notably placing 33rd at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}. He has been ranked top 20 in Mexico a few times, with his highest being 14th.
*{{Sm|Rokki|Japan}} - Though known for possessing a large character pool, he has been playing primarily Isabelle since 2023. He was best known for winning the superregional {{Trn|KOWLOON 8}} using Isabelle for all of top 8 and defeating {{Sm|Hero|p=Japan}} along the way; this event was the first and largest ranked event won by an Isabelle player. Outside of KOWLOON 8, he has also placed 7th at {{Trn|KOWLOON 11}}, 13th at {{Trn|KOWLOON 13}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 53}}, defeating {{Sm|Yone_pi}} at the latter event.


===Tier placement and history===
===Tier placement and history===
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