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Metagame: Difference between revisions
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→Super Smash Bros. 4: also weird that Lucina wasn't mentioned, as she had arguably the greatest rise between the first and last tier list and went from being considered inferior to many believing that she was, at worst, just slightly inferior
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*{{SSB4|Luigi}} was a very prominent character in low- and mid-level play, largely thanks to his effective projectile and his down throw, the latter of which led into highly damaging combos and guaranteed KO set-ups, and he was further aided by balance patches for a while. However, updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] nerfed him; the former patch increased the lag on his [[Fireball]]s, while the latter patch more importantly increased the knockback on his down throw, removing his KO set-ups, and the [[shield stun]] changes brought about by the same update hindered him due to his very poor [[traction]]. He went on to be ranked at 16th on the official tier list, in upper-mid tier, whereas he was considered a contender for top 10 prior to his nerfs. As of version 1.1.6 and the second official tier list, he is ranked 29th, but has risen to 18th on the fourth tier list. | *{{SSB4|Luigi}} was a very prominent character in low- and mid-level play, largely thanks to his effective projectile and his down throw, the latter of which led into highly damaging combos and guaranteed KO set-ups, and he was further aided by balance patches for a while. However, updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] nerfed him; the former patch increased the lag on his [[Fireball]]s, while the latter patch more importantly increased the knockback on his down throw, removing his KO set-ups, and the [[shield stun]] changes brought about by the same update hindered him due to his very poor [[traction]]. He went on to be ranked at 16th on the official tier list, in upper-mid tier, whereas he was considered a contender for top 10 prior to his nerfs. As of version 1.1.6 and the second official tier list, he is ranked 29th, but has risen to 18th on the fourth tier list. | ||
*{{SSB4|Marth}}, for more than a year, was regarded rather poorly due to heavy nerfs coming from ''Brawl'', which included his shorter reach relative to the cast, slower frame data (particular with his renowned forward aerial), worsened damage output, and much less effective grab combos. He eventually ranked at 41st on the tier list in low-tier, a huge drop from his placings in previous games. However, version [[1.1.4]] of ''Smash 4'' gave Marth has been significant buffs in frame data, damage output, and range, and by version [[1.1.6]], Marth was considered a very potent top tier, especially with notable results from {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Pugwest}}, and {{Sm|Mr E}}. He is now 11th on the official tier list, tied with {{SSB4|Ryu}}. | *{{SSB4|Marth}}, for more than a year, was regarded rather poorly due to heavy nerfs coming from ''Brawl'', which included his shorter reach relative to the cast, slower frame data (particular with his renowned forward aerial), worsened damage output, and much less effective grab combos. He eventually ranked at 41st on the tier list in low-tier, a huge drop from his placings in previous games. However, version [[1.1.4]] of ''Smash 4'' gave Marth has been significant buffs in frame data, damage output, and range, and by version [[1.1.6]], Marth was considered a very potent top tier, especially with notable results from {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Pugwest}}, and {{Sm|Mr E}}. He is now 11th on the official tier list, tied with {{SSB4|Ryu}}. | ||
*Similar to Marth, {{SSB4|Lucina}} was widely regarded as not just a poor character, but also inferior to Marth due to her lack of tippers. This led her to rank 47th on the first tier list as a bottom tier character. However, the aforementioned buffs that Marth received were also passed onto Lucina, and as such she rose greatly in subsequent tier lists, eventually rising to 14th on the most recent tier list as a high tier. In addition, Lucina was often used as a secondary by several top players, including {{Sm|ZeRo}} and MkLeo, while {{Sm|Mr E}} saw great success while using her as a solo-main. As such, many players challenged the notion that Lucina was inferior to Marth, with some arguing that Lucina's consistency actually made her superior. This was reflected in the gap between her and Marth on the tier lists, which was 17 on the second tier list but only 3 on the most recent tier list. | |||
*{{SSB4|Roy}} was a high tier and best sword-fighter in the eyes of many players (including {{Sm|ZeRo}}) at his release. This was largely because players would often draw comparisons between Roy and Marth, the latter of whom was surrounded by a negative stigma at the time, along with the notable buffs Roy received to his mobility, damage output, and power in the transition from ''Melee''. However, Roy failed to attain notable results by the end of the game's height of activity, and opinions on him have steadily dropped. With stronger performances from other sword-fighters like Meta Knight, Ike, and Marth himself, and with the inclusion of Cloud and {{SSB4|Corrin}}, Roy is perceived as a low-tier character, as is evident with his rank at 32nd on the tier list (which is generally considered too high), and to some, he is among the worst characters in the game, with the most commonly mentioned reasons being his unsafe attacks, limited combos, difficulty KOing, lackluster recovery, and vulnerability to combos. He fell to 50th place in the second tier list, and currently sits at 41st on the fourth and final tier list. | *{{SSB4|Roy}} was a high tier and best sword-fighter in the eyes of many players (including {{Sm|ZeRo}}) at his release. This was largely because players would often draw comparisons between Roy and Marth, the latter of whom was surrounded by a negative stigma at the time, along with the notable buffs Roy received to his mobility, damage output, and power in the transition from ''Melee''. However, Roy failed to attain notable results by the end of the game's height of activity, and opinions on him have steadily dropped. With stronger performances from other sword-fighters like Meta Knight, Ike, and Marth himself, and with the inclusion of Cloud and {{SSB4|Corrin}}, Roy is perceived as a low-tier character, as is evident with his rank at 32nd on the tier list (which is generally considered too high), and to some, he is among the worst characters in the game, with the most commonly mentioned reasons being his unsafe attacks, limited combos, difficulty KOing, lackluster recovery, and vulnerability to combos. He fell to 50th place in the second tier list, and currently sits at 41st on the fourth and final tier list. | ||
*Though initially viewed as a mid-tier, opinions on {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} plummeted not long after its release, with many eventually regarding it as one of the worst characters in the game. Such negative opinions were generated mainly by its unusual combination of very low [[weight]] and large hurtbox, which made it highly susceptible to both combos and early KO's, its lack of a reliable combo throw, and its generally worsened frame data coming from ''Melee'', along with Mewtwo being adversely affected by the loss of advanced techniques like [[wavedashing]] and [[L-cancelling]]. However, in updates [[1.1.3]] and 1.1.5, Mewtwo received a plethora of buffs to its mobility, frame data, range, and damage output, as well as a slight increase to its weight. Furthermore, it would gain strong results from its mains, with {{Sm|Abadango}} going as far as to win {{trn|Pound 2016}} using mostly Mewtwo. Mewtwo's placement at 37th in the low tier of the tier list was partly a result of its previously poor status, and this is widely thought to be outdated in light of recent results. As of now, many players view Mewtwo as a high-tier character, with some believing it to be a top-tier, and with a few considering it as one of the best characters in the game. In retrospective, some players say Mewtwo's once poorly regarded status was too harsh, and that it was underrated as a whole. These players were eventually successful in their argument, as it is now 10th on the tier list. | *Though initially viewed as a mid-tier, opinions on {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} plummeted not long after its release, with many eventually regarding it as one of the worst characters in the game. Such negative opinions were generated mainly by its unusual combination of very low [[weight]] and large hurtbox, which made it highly susceptible to both combos and early KO's, its lack of a reliable combo throw, and its generally worsened frame data coming from ''Melee'', along with Mewtwo being adversely affected by the loss of advanced techniques like [[wavedashing]] and [[L-cancelling]]. However, in updates [[1.1.3]] and 1.1.5, Mewtwo received a plethora of buffs to its mobility, frame data, range, and damage output, as well as a slight increase to its weight. Furthermore, it would gain strong results from its mains, with {{Sm|Abadango}} going as far as to win {{trn|Pound 2016}} using mostly Mewtwo. Mewtwo's placement at 37th in the low tier of the tier list was partly a result of its previously poor status, and this is widely thought to be outdated in light of recent results. As of now, many players view Mewtwo as a high-tier character, with some believing it to be a top-tier, and with a few considering it as one of the best characters in the game. In retrospective, some players say Mewtwo's once poorly regarded status was too harsh, and that it was underrated as a whole. These players were eventually successful in their argument, as it is now 10th on the tier list. | ||
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===''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''=== | ===''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''=== | ||
*The early metagame favored fast, agile characters who either had disjoints and good reach or could overwhelm opponents, with notable examples being {{SSBU|Wolf}}, {{SSBU|Pichu}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}. As such, competitive play during this period was often populated by these characters, with players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Nairo}} being some of the best players of this era. However, as the metagame progressed, it began shifting towards characters who required more patience to fight against due to having campy or touch-of-death playstyles, with notable examples being {{SSBU|Steve}}, {{SSBU|Sonic}}, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}, and {{SSBU|Snake}}. This shift was attributed to the nerfs of the early metagame's top tier characters, as well as the impact of the online metagame during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], where not only were many of these slower playstyles first developed, but some of the best players of the post-online metagame, notably {{Sm|acola}}, {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}, and {{Sm|Sonix}}, first became notable threats. This metagame shift was the most apparent by 2023, which saw MkLeo's decline and the rise of the [[Four Horsemen]]. | *The early metagame favored fast, agile characters who either had disjoints and good reach or could overwhelm opponents, with notable examples being {{SSBU|Wolf}}, {{SSBU|Pichu}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}}. As such, competitive play during this period was often populated by these characters, with players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Nairo}} being some of the best players of this era. However, as the metagame progressed, it began shifting towards characters who required more patience to fight against due to having campy or touch-of-death playstyles, with notable examples being {{SSBU|Steve}}, {{SSBU|Sonic}}, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}, and {{SSBU|Snake}}. This shift was attributed to the nerfs of the early metagame's top tier characters, as well as the impact of the online metagame during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], where not only were many of these slower playstyles first developed, but some of the best players of the post-online metagame, notably {{Sm|acola}}, {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}, and {{Sm|Sonix}}, first became notable threats. This metagame shift was the most apparent by 2023, which saw MkLeo's decline and the rise of the [[Four Horsemen]]. | ||
*Coming off the previous point, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} was initially seen as potentially one of the worst characters in the game, due to his best tools being weakened or removed from ''Smash 4'', including his up aerial — removing his "Toot-Toot" KO confirm — his up smash having less invincibility frames, and a new forward aerial that lacked priority and was heavily punishable. As a result, his representation was initially worse than his already sub-par representation in ''Smash 4''. However, players later discovered that Mr. Game & Watch's kit was actually incredibly strong, most notably possessing strong combo and juggling potential, with a neutral aerial that covers the area around him; an oppressive up aerial that lasts for a long time and allows him to act as soon as the hitboxes cease; a damage-racking tool at the ledge in [[Chef]]; his new forward aerial being very safe on shield, allowing him to easily punish opponents for shielding; safe and spammable smash attacks, including a down smash that can [[bury]] opponents; mostly low ending lag on his attacks; and the best out-of-shield option in the cast, [[Fire]]. These strengths were showcased extensively by {{Sm|Maister}} in the early metagame, leading many to reassess Mr. Game & Watch as a top tier, which was reflected in his 18th place ranking on the first [[List of SSBU tier lists|tier list]]. Following {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}'s debut on the scene and his list of major victories in the post- | *Coming off the previous point, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} was initially seen as potentially one of the worst characters in the game, due to his best tools being weakened or removed from ''Smash 4'', including his up aerial — removing his "Toot-Toot" KO confirm — his up smash having less invincibility frames, and a new forward aerial that lacked priority and was heavily punishable. As a result, his representation was initially worse than his already sub-par representation in ''Smash 4''. However, players later discovered that Mr. Game & Watch's kit was actually incredibly strong, most notably possessing strong combo and juggling potential, with a neutral aerial that covers the area around him; an oppressive up aerial that lasts for a long time and allows him to act as soon as the hitboxes cease; a damage-racking tool at the ledge in [[Chef]]; his new forward aerial being very safe on shield, allowing him to easily punish opponents for shielding; safe and spammable smash attacks, including a down smash that can [[bury]] opponents; mostly low ending lag on his attacks; and the best out-of-shield option in the cast, [[Fire]]. These strengths were showcased extensively by {{Sm|Maister}} in the early metagame, leading many to reassess Mr. Game & Watch as a top tier, which was reflected in his 18th place ranking on the first [[List of SSBU tier lists|tier list]]. Following {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}'s debut on the scene and his list of major victories in the post-pandemic metagame, Mr. Game & Watch's reputation grew even further, and as such he shot up to 3rd on the following tier list. | ||
*Conversely, {{SSBU|Wolf}} highlights the decline of several meta-relevant characters in the early metagame. Wolf especially was widely considered one of the best characters in the game, courtesy of a strong neutral game and advantage state, incredible combo game, and strong edgeguarding tools. As such, many players used him as a secondary or pocket character and Wolf regularly ranked amongst the most popular characters in competitive play. However, nerfs to some of his strongest moves, most notably down smash, alongside his weaknesses becoming more apparent, primarily his linear recovery and struggle to take stocks at higher percents, weakened his reputation as the metagame progressed. Wolf's decline was the most apparent in the post-pandemic metagame, especially as Wolf could not catch up to other characters who had stronger advantage states and had an easier time taking stocks. As such, Wolf's representation greatly declined and he fell 10 spots between the first and second tier lists. | |||
*Upon his release, {{SSBU|Joker}} saw little tournament representation, due to many noting his short range, low damage output, and lack of KO ability without [[Arsène]] (who mainly requires Joker taking damage to be summoned). However, this general consensus shifted greatly upon {{Sm|MkLeo}}'s numerous first place winnings with the character in tournaments, causing many to quickly take note of Joker's combo game (particularly in his drag down up aerial), edgeguarding potential, ability to quickly fill the [[Rebellion Gauge]] with [[Rebel's Guard]], huge hitboxes when Arsène attacks in tandem with him, and a very generous counterattack and reflector, resulting in many believing that Joker is a top-tier or even potentially the best character, eventually leading him to be ranked 3rd on the first tier list. Since then, MkLeo's decline and precise playstyle has mellowed out opinions on Joker's viability, but he remains a strong and popular character in the metagame. | *Upon his release, {{SSBU|Joker}} saw little tournament representation, due to many noting his short range, low damage output, and lack of KO ability without [[Arsène]] (who mainly requires Joker taking damage to be summoned). However, this general consensus shifted greatly upon {{Sm|MkLeo}}'s numerous first place winnings with the character in tournaments, causing many to quickly take note of Joker's combo game (particularly in his drag down up aerial), edgeguarding potential, ability to quickly fill the [[Rebellion Gauge]] with [[Rebel's Guard]], huge hitboxes when Arsène attacks in tandem with him, and a very generous counterattack and reflector, resulting in many believing that Joker is a top-tier or even potentially the best character, eventually leading him to be ranked 3rd on the first tier list. Since then, MkLeo's decline and precise playstyle has mellowed out opinions on Joker's viability, but he remains a strong and popular character in the metagame. | ||
*{{SSBU|Corrin}} notably had among the worst representation in the early metagame, largely due to his slow mobility, being overshadowed by other swordfighters, and nerfs from ''Smash 4''. Corrin's representation got to the point where he was ranked dead last for metagame representation in the second half of 2022. However, opinions on Corrin would change during and after the online metagame, first due to buffs received from patches, then from dedicated players breaking out onto the scene, most notably {{Sm|SHADIC}} in 2022 and {{Sm|Neo|p=Japan}} in 2023, and finally from {{Sm|MkLeo}}'s brief tenure with the character in mid-2022. This led many to reassess Corrin, and he was ranked 42nd on the first tier list. Since then, his representation has only improved as many of these players established themselves in top level play. This was most apparent during {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2023}}, which featured three Corrin players enter top 24 on the Winner's side, and {{Trn|GENESIS X}}, where featured three different players who used Corrin in at least one notable top 64 set enter top 8. As such, Corrin has since rose to 27th on the second tier list, with many continuing to believe he should be ranked higher. | *{{SSBU|Corrin}} notably had among the worst representation in the early metagame, largely due to his slow mobility, being overshadowed by other swordfighters, and nerfs from ''Smash 4''. Corrin's representation got to the point where he was ranked dead last for metagame representation in the second half of 2022. However, opinions on Corrin would change during and after the online metagame, first due to buffs received from patches, then from dedicated players breaking out onto the scene, most notably {{Sm|SHADIC}} in 2022 and {{Sm|Neo|p=Japan}} in 2023, and finally from {{Sm|MkLeo}}'s brief tenure with the character in mid-2022. This led many to reassess Corrin, and he was ranked 42nd on the first tier list. Since then, his representation has only improved as many of these players established themselves in top level play. This was most apparent during {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2023}}, which featured three Corrin players enter top 24 on the Winner's side, and {{Trn|GENESIS X}}, where featured three different players who used Corrin in at least one notable top 64 set enter top 8. As such, Corrin has since rose to 27th on the second tier list, with many continuing to believe he should be ranked higher. | ||