Super Smash Bros. series

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[[Image:Mario Helpless.png|right|175px|thumb|Mario's helpless animation in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'']][[File:Fox helpless SSBM.png|right|thumb|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Melee]]'']][[Image:Fox helpless.png|right|175|thumb|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Brawl]]'']]
{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
There are certain actions that will cause a character to become '''helpless''' (sometimes called "fallspecial"). In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', air dodging caused a character to become helpless. Most characters also become helpless after using an up-special attack. While helpless, characters cannot perform any action except [[fast-falling]], and characters are vulnerable to attack.  Helpless mode is canceled by hitting the ground, grabbing a ledge, or being hit with an attack that causes the character to [[flinch]].
[[File:Mario Helpless.png|thumb|175px|A frame from Mario's helpless animation in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'']]
Additionally, several other special attacks enter characters into helpless mode after finishing the animations of the attacks while aerial. 
'''Helpless''' (also known as '''freefall''', '''special fall''' and various other names, and called "'''fallspecial'''" in game data) is a state in which characters are unable to take any action, with the exception of grabbing a [[ledge]], maneuvering left/right, [[fastfalling]], or climbing a [[Ladder (stage element)|ladder]], until they land on the ground or pass a [[blast line]]. Helplessness is typically associated with just having used one's [[recovery]] move(s), namely the [[up special]], though some other [[special]] moves that provide additional movement also incur this state. Before ''Ultimate'', many special moves involving controllable projectiles (such as [[Ness]]'s [[PK Flash]] and [[Zelda]]'s [[Din's Fire]]) caused helplessness as well.
These moves include:
*[[Dimensional Cape]]
*[[Din's Fire]]
*[[Drill Rush]]
*[[Egg Roll]]
*[[Falco Phantasm]]
*[[Falcon Dive]] (Unsuccessful contact with enemy)
*[[Dark Dive]] (Unsuccessful contact with enemy)
*[[Fox Illusion]]
*[[Gerudo Dragon]]/[[Flame Choke]]
*[[Giant Punch]]**
*[[Gliding]] after all midair jumps
*[[Mach Tornado]]
*[[PK Flash]]
*[[PK Freeze]]
*[[Quick Draw]]
*[[Raptor Boost]]
*[[Rocketbarrel Barrage]]
*[[Rollout]]*
*[[Squall Hammer]]
*[[Wolf Flash]]


<nowiki>*</nowiki>Only in ''Melee''
Some special moves are programmed to transition to helplessness early upon contact with a platform. In the case of [[soft platform]]s, holding down to drop through them will result in the player becoming helpless before the move is usually over, though it can also be seen if the user breaks the platform it landed on with the landing potion of the attack (where applicable), or if blown off the platform with a [[Windbox|move that deals no hitstun]].


<nowiki>**</nowiki>Only in ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''
Helplessness most commonly ends upon landing on the ground or being [[KO]]'d, although it also ends if characters [[flinch]], allowing them to attack or re-use their triple jump. A helpless character is denoted by both a flickering black overlay and a distinct falling animation.


== Landfallspecial and superdashtechnique ==
A state similar to helplessness exists in falling after having one's [[shield]] broken and then being [[stun]]ned.


In [[debug menu|debug]] mode, the state of the character when landing from this state is referred to as '''land fall special'''. Because airdodging enters this state, and [[wavedash|wavedashing]] involves airdodging into the ground, when wavedashing was tried in debug mode, "land fall special" appeared for the character state. This led some players to believe that the "land fall special" designation was specifically designed for wavedashing and that developers put wavedashing in the game intentionally, further fueling the various debates over wavedashing's legitimacy. At one point, the myth morphed to where, instead of just land fall special, there was purportedly another debug mode designation, cited as "super dash technique", "superdashattack", or other variants, created solely for the wavedashing animation. All incarnations of this story have been proven false and should not be taken as evidence that wavedashing was intentionally put or left in SSBM.
Curiously, the helpless state gives characters an extra ability in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'': the ability to fall through soft platforms without landing on them. Starting in ''Melee'', this can be done at any time (not just when a character is helpless).


==In ''Brawl''==
==Moves that invoke helplessness==
Certain third jumps do not leave characters in a helpless state, and [[air dodge|air dodges]] no longer cause helpless status. This completely changes the strategy of many characters.
{|class="wikitable sortable" align="center"
|-
!Character!!Move!!Type!!Games!!Notes
|-
|[[Sora]]||[[Aerial Sweep]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Sora can input Sonic Blade at the apex of the move for an additional boost to his recovery.
|-
|[[Ike]]||[[Aether]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until Ike lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Ike has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
|-
|[[Pichu]]||[[Agility]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
||All||[[Air dodge]]|||||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||''Melee'' only.
|-
|[[Shulk]]||[[Air Slash]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Swordfighter]]||[[Airborne Assault]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In ''Ultimate'', a half-second window is granted after the move's usage to execute other actions before the helplessness is inflicted.
|-
|[[Mii Gunner]]||[[Arm Rocket]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Villager]], [[Isabelle]]||{{b|Balloon Trip|move}}||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Can happen sooner if balloons are popped by opponents. Villager's helpless animation is based on that of the "defeated" animation from ''Balloon Fight''.
|-
|[[Ice Climbers]]||[[Belay]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Sephiroth]]||[[Blade Dash / Octaslash]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Roy]]||[[Blazer]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Zero Suit Samus]]||[[Boost Kick]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Sheik]]||[[Burst Grenade]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Mii Gunner]]||[[Cannon Uppercut]] (SSB4)/[[Cannon Jump Kick]] (SSBU)||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Functionally identical to one another, with only the animations being any different.
|-
|[[Cloud]]||[[Climhazzard]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||If the follow-up attack is executed, Cloud will fall rapidly; normally, he will plummet until he either hits solid ground, grabs [[Ledge|the edge of a stage]], or bypasses the lower [[blast line]]. However, if the platform Cloud has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless. Additionally, in exceptionally tall stages (such as a [[custom stage]] or [[Smash Run]]), Cloud enters helplessness after one full second.
|-
|[[Wario]]||[[Corkscrew]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Incineroar]]||[[Cross Chop]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Incineroar will only enter helplessness if it fails to hit solid ground again upon rebounding after using the move.
|-
|[[Daisy]]||[[Daisy Parasol]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Daisy only enters helplessness if she decides to fastfall (which retracts the parasol) after using the move — she can also end the helplessness and resume parachuting by pressing up (re-opening it). Additionally, Daisy will automatically enter helplessness after eight full seconds of floating.
|-
|[[Ganondorf]]||[[Dark Dive]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||If the move's grab connects with an opponent, Ganondorf does not become helpless and can use the move again.
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]||[[Dimensional Cape]]||Down Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Zelda]]||[[Din's Fire]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Marth]], [[Lucina]]||[[Dolphin Slash]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Corrin]]||[[Dragon Ascent]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]||[[Drill Rush]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Duck Hunt]]||[[Duck Jump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In ''Ultimate'', the duo can cancel the move into an attack or an [[air dodge]], after which they will still become helpless.
|-
|[[Yoshi]]||[[Egg Roll]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Steve]]||[[Elytra]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In addition to normal helplessness when the move ends, Steve can also cause his glide to stall if he climbs too far.
|-
|[[Lucario]]||[[Extreme Speed]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||If Lucario hits a wall during the move, it will [[wall cling]] instead of becoming helpless. However, it cannot use the move again.
|-
|[[Falco]]||[[Falco Phantasm]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''SSB4'' or ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Captain Falcon]]||[[Falcon Dive]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Like Dark Dive, if the move connects with an opponent, Captain Falcon does not become helpless and can use the move again.
|-
|[[Zelda]]||[[Farore's Wind]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Kirby]]||[[Final Cutter]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until Kirby lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower [[blast line]]. However, if the platform Kirby has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
|-
|[[Mr. Game & Watch]]||[[Fire]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||Only causes helplessness in ''Melee''.
|-
|[[Falco]]||[[Fire Bird]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Fox]]||[[Fire Fox]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Wolf]]||[[Fire Wolf]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Ganondorf]]||[[Flame Choke]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||If the move connects with an opponent, Ganondorf does not become helpless, although he (and his victim) will fall until he hits the ground or bypasses the lower blast line. If the opponent mashes out of the move before hitting the ground, Ganondorf does not become helpless.
|-
|[[Charizard]]||[[Fly]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Fox]]||[[Fox Illusion]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''SSB4'' or ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Ganondorf]]||[[Gerudo Dragon]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||''Melee'' only.
|-
|[[Donkey Kong]]||[[Giant Punch]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''SSB'' or ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Meta Knight]], [[Charizard]], [[Pit]]||[[Gliding]]||||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||If the user has used all their double jumps, they are put into helplessness once the glide ends (either by stalling or by attacking). ''Brawl'' only.
|-
|[[Samus]]||[[Grapple Beam]]||Grab aerial||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||''Melee'' only.
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Headache Maker]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||
|-
|[[Wii Fit Trainer]]||[[Header]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Only causes helplessness if the user airdodges during the move.
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Helicopter Kick]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Swordfighter]]||[[Hero's Spin]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Link]], [[Young Link]]||[[Hookshot]]||Grab aerial||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||''Melee'' only.
|-
|[[Greninja]]||[[Hydro Pump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Little Mac]]||[[Jolt Haymaker]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Palutena]]||[[Jump Glide]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Attacking while under the move's effect cancels the glide and triggers helplessness.
|-
|[[Rosalina|Rosalina & Luma]]||[[Launch Star]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Villager]]||[[Lloid Rocket]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Villager only enters helplessness if he rides then jumps off of the Lloid Rocket, does not hit an opponent during the ride, or if Lloid is destroyed. Based on defeated animation of Balloon Fighter.
|-
|[[Mii Gunner]]||[[Lunar Launch]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]||[[Mach Tornado]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Robin]]||[[Nosferatu]]||Down Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Robin only enters helplessness after Nosferatu finishes dealing damage to an opponent in mid-air or over a temporary platform that is no longer active.
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Onslaught]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Pac-Man]]<br>All||[[Pac-Jump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||All jumps trigger helplessness for [[Pac-Man]]. When the trampoline is red, both Pac-Man or any other character who lands on it will instantaneously enter helplessness.
|-
|[[Peach]]||[[Peach Parasol]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Peach only enters helplessness if she decides to fastfall (which retracts the parasol) after using the move — she can also end the helplessness and resume parachuting by pressing up (re-opening it). However, if Peach is under the effects of items that make her shrink or grow while she fastfalls, she will become helpless, as her parasol disappears once she's back to normal. In ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate'', Peach will automatically enter helplessness after eight full seconds of floating. The [[Parasol]] item allows any character to do this in ''Melee''.
|-
|[[Mythra]]||[[Photon Edge]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Olimar]]||[[Pikmin Chain]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Normally, Pikmin Chain makes Olimar helpless after the move is used in the air. However, if he uses grounded Pikmin Chain and the platform he's standing on disappears (such as falling off a conveyor belt), or he uses ground Pikmin Chain while the stage is rotating, he will become helpless. ''Brawl'' only.
|-
|[[Piranha Plant]]||[[Piranhacopter]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Piston Punch]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Only available in ''SSB4''.
|-
|[[Ness]]||[[PK Flash]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Lucas]], [[Ness]]||[[PK Freeze]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''. Ness's variant is accessible via ''SSB4'' customs only.
|-
|[[Lucas]], [[Ness]]||[[PK Thunder]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Pit]], [[Dark Pit]]||[[Power of Flight]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Pyra]]||[[Prominence Revolt]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until Pyra lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower [[blast line]]. However, if the platform Pyra has landed on disappears or something causes her to slide off while she is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), she will become helpless.
|-
|[[King K. Rool]]||[[Propellerpack]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, when King K. Rool uses the move, he will enter a slow fluttering state when it ends. However, if he [[fastfall]]s during this state, he will enter the helpless animation. While K. Rool is not technically considered helpless during the fluttering state, he cannot perform any action during it.
|-
|[[Pikachu]]||[[Quick Attack]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Ike]]||[[Quick Draw]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate'', a half-second window is granted after the move's usage to execute [[Aether]]. Otherwise, Ike will be sent into a helpless state.
|-
|[[Captain Falcon]]||[[Raptor Boost]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In ''Ultimate'', hitting an opponent with this move won't cause helplessness and Falcon can use the move again.
|-
|[[Mythra]]||[[Ray of Punishment / Chroma Dust]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Terry]]||[[Rising Tackle]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Little Mac]]||[[Rising Uppercut]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Palutena]]||[[Rocket Jump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||
|-
|[[Diddy Kong]]||[[Rocketbarrel Boost]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Diddy Kong]]||[[Rocketbarrel Barrage]]||Final Smash||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''SSB4''.
|-
|[[Jigglypuff]]||[[Rollout]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} (contact {{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}})||Only causes helplessness in ''Melee'', as in the later games, Jigglypuff will keep rolling and won't be able to move if it hits while mid-air (making it ''literally'' helpless until it lands or takes knockback).
|-
|[[Samus]], [[Dark Samus]]||[[Screw Attack]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|All||[[Screw Attack (item)]]||Item||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||When this item is thrown at opponents (''Melee'' only), they will involuntarily execute a Screw Attack and thus become helpless.
|-
|[[Ryu]]||[[Shin Shoryuken]]||Final Smash||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Ryu becomes helpless after he executes the final attack, whether it connects or not.
|-
|[[Meta Knight]]||[[Shuttle Loop]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||In ''Brawl'', while the initial execution of the move does not make Meta Knight helpless, he does become helpless if the glide ends. In ''SSB4'' and ''Ultimate'', gliding does not exist and Meta Knight is made helpless after the move concludes.
|-
|[[Ryu]], [[Ken]]||[[Shoryuken]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||The helpless animation starts after Ryu/Ken falls below his starting point. Before that, Shoryuken is unique in that it allows none of the usual maneuvering after executing it (making Ryu/Ken ''literally'' helpless).
|-
|[[Mii Swordfighter]]||[[Skyward Slash Dash]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Soaring Axe Kick]]||Up special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until the Mii Brawler lands on the ground, grabs the edge of the stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform that the Mii Brawler has landed on disappears or something causes them to slide off while they are in the landing animation (Such as falling off the conveyor belt) they will became Helpless. In ''Ultimate'', helplessness is only inflicted if the downward attack is not executed. If downward attack is executed and they fall during the endlag they will become helpless.
|-
|[[Chrom]]||[[Soaring Slash]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until Chrom lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Chrom has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
|-
|[[Sora]]||[[Sonic Blade]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Link]], [[Young Link]], [[Toon Link]]||[[Spin Attack]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, Spin Attack makes Link, Young Link, or Toon Link helpless after the move was used if in the air. However, if he stands on a platform while using a grounded Spin Attack and the platform disappears (such as falling off a conveyor belt), or he used grounded Spin Attack while the stage is rotating, he will become helpless.
|-
|[[Donkey Kong]]||[[Spinning Kong]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Ice Climbers]]||[[Squall Hammer]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Gunner]]||[[Stealth Burst]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Mii Swordfighter]]||[[Stone Scabbard]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until Mii Swordfighter lands on the ground or grabs the edge of a stage. However, if the platform Mii Swordfighter has landed on disappears or something causes them to slide off while they are still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), they will become helpless.
|-
|[[King Dedede]]||[[Super Dedede Jump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Normally, the move does not end until King Dedede lands on the ground. However, if the platform King Dedede has landed on disappears while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he hits a ceiling while using the move, or the move is cancelled by the user, he will become helpless.
|-
|[[Wii Fit Trainer]]||[[Super Hoop]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Inkling]]||[[Super Jump]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Despite lacking the flashing effect helplessness normally leaves on a character after using a specific action that causes it, Inkling cannot perform any other moves until she lands or grabs a ledge. There is a hitbox upon landing from this animation.
|-
|[[Mario]], [[Luigi]], [[Dr. Mario]]||[[Super Jump Punch]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB64}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Their helpless animations are based on the Mario Bros.' death sprite in games such as ''Super Mario Bros.'' and ''Super Mario Bros. 3'' (in Luigi's case, this applies only in ''SSB'' and ''Melee'').
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Suplex]]||Side special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Only available in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Mewtwo]]||[[Teleport]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Thrust Uppercut]]||Up special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Only available in ''Ultimate''. Replaces Piston Punch from ''SSB4''.
|-
|[[Mii Brawler]]||[[Ultimate Uppercut]]||Neutral Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}||Only available in ''SSB4''.
|-
|[[Simon]], [[Richter]]||[[Uppercut]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Sheik]]||[[Vanish]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Ivysaur]]||[[Vine Whip]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Does not cause helplessness in ''Ultimate''.
|-
|[[Shulk]]||[[Vision]]||Down Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Shulk will only become helpless if he uses the reverse-inputted variant of the attack, and if the platform he’s on disappears before the animation is finished. However, Shulk is granted a brief window of time to execute any other action before the helplessness is inflicted.
|-
|[[Palutena]]||[[Warp]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Squirtle]]||[[Waterfall]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Bowser]]||[[Whirling Fortress]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Ridley]]||[[Wing Blitz]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Olimar]]||[[Winged Pikmin]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Pit]]||[[Wings of Icarus]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||Pit can also avoid becoming helpless by using an [[aerial attack]] when using this move. ''Brawl'' only.
|-
|[[Joker]]||[[Grappling Hook|Wings of Rebellion]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Can only access this move if Arsene is summoned via Joker's Rebellion Gauge.
|-
|[[Wolf]]||[[Wolf Flash]]||Side Special||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||
|-
|[[Hero]]||[[Woosh / Swoosh / Kaswoosh]]||Up Special||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||All three stages of this move cause helplessness.
|}


Characters not put into a fully helpless state after using their Up Special:
==Landfallspecial and "superdashtechnique"==
As a unique animation is used for falling while helpless, characters enter a different animation than usual once they land on the ground. This is called "landfallspecial" internally in ''[[Melee]]''. Because [[air dodging]] enters this state and [[waveland]]ing involves air dodging into the ground, when wavedashing is performed, ''Melee''{{'}}s {{SSBM|debug menu}} shows "landfallspecial" as the character state. This originally led some players to believe that the "landfallspecial" designation was specifically designed for wavedashing and that developers intentionally put wavedashing in the game, further fueling the various debates over wavedashing's legitimacy. At one point, the myth morphed to where, instead of just "landfallspecial", there was purportedly another debug mode designation — cited as "superdashtechnique", "superdashattack", or other supposed variants — created solely for the wavedashing animation. All incarnations of this story have been proven false, and should not be themselves taken as evidence that wavedashing was intentionally put or left in ''Melee''.


*[[Jigglypuff (SSBB)|Jigglypuff]] hitting an opponent with [[Rollout]] in mid-air doesn't cause it to become helpless, but Jigglypuff cannot do anything until it lands.
==Freefall Carryover Drift==
*[[Mr. Game and Watch (SSBB)|Mr. Game and Watch]] does not become helpless after using [[Fire]], his up special, he just can't use the move again if the player manages to stop gliding with the parachute until he lands on a platform, grabs onto the ledge, or if he is attacked.
In ''Ultimate'', if a fighter uses a special move which will put them into freefall, but they land before entering freefall, they may enter a glitched state if the special move's ending lag doesn't transfer from an airborne to a grounded state. Upon entering this state, the next time the character enters the air, they will initially adopt their normal air speed, but after a few frames will revert to the air speed they would have when entering freefall from the special move used, which is usually lower than their normal fall speed. This will persist until they double jump, grab a ledge or land on the ground again.
*[[Meta Knight (SSBB)|Meta Knight]] glides after he uses his [[Shuttle Loop]], his up special. If not attacked out of it, the glide can eventually make him helpless. His other three specials, ([[Mach Tornado]], [[Drill Rush]], and [[Dimensional Cape]]), can also make him helpless.
*[[Peach (SSBB) |Peach]] can enter helpless state by pressing down during her third jump but can cancel it by pressing up again.
*[[Pit (SSBB)|Pit]]'s [[Wings of Icarus |Up Special]] only leaves him helpless if he is not attacked out of it.
*When [[Kirby]] has the ability of any Standard Special Move that makes the player helpless in midair, ([[Giant Punch]], [[Mach Tornado]], [[PK Flash]], [[PK Freeze]], and [[Rollout]] in Melee) the same effect will happen to him. In Brawl, he can [[glitch]] to put in helpless state with his up special when landing on a moving plataform that makes him get out of it before the animation of the landing special has finished.
*[[R.O.B. (SSBB)| R.O.B.]] cannot enter helpless state '''at all'''. But after using [[Robo Burner]], his up special, he cannot air dodge.
*[[Snake (SSBB)|Snake]] still can use all attacks besides [[Cypher]] after his third jump.
*[[Sonic (SSBB)|Sonic]] does not enter helpless after [[Spring Jump]], his up special, although he can't use special moves after using it until he lands.
*[[Yoshi (SSBB)|Yoshi]] reaches helpless state by canceling his [[Egg Roll]] in midair.
*[[Zero Suit Samus (SSBB)|Zero Suit Samus]]'s up speacial is a tether recovery that shoots straight upwards.


With the exception of Pit, Kirby, Yoshi, Peach, and Meta Knight, all the characters above cannot enter helpless state in normal play. With the exception of R.O.B, they can enter helpless by hacking the game; they ''have'' a helpless state, but no action can cause them to enter it. R.O.B. has no helpless state, and hacking the game to force him to enter helpless will cause the game to crash.
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Fox helpless SSBM.png|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Melee]]''.
Image:Fox helpless.png|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Brawl]]''.
File:Helpless Fox SSB4.png|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''.
File:SSBUWebsiteFox1.jpg|Fox's helpless animation in ''[[Ultimate]]''.
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Any character - even those who cannot get their helpless state originally - can get their secret helpless state revealed by hacking, with the exception of R.O.B. Apparently, [[R.O.B. (SSBB)|R.O.B]] has no designed helpless state, and the game will crash if he starts to fall helpless.
*The moves [[Fire]], [[Robo Burner]], [[Spring Jump]], and [[Cypher]] do not cause helplessness in ''Brawl'', although they do restrict the user's choice of moves until they land - Mr. Game & Watch and Snake simply cannot use the recovery move again, while Sonic cannot use any special moves and R.O.B. cannot air dodge. Through [[Grab release glitch|a programming oversight]], this condition prevents them from using their recovery move again if grabbed and released without pummeling before touching the ground (except for R.O.B.).
*Hitting a character with a thrown screw attack in Melee will cause that character to fall helplessly. This is useful if you can hit with the screw attack while an opponent is away from the edge, since it denies them all their remaining jumps and recovery moves.
*If [[Kirby]] copies a move that causes helplessness, he will be affected just as the original character would be. These moves are [[Giant Punch]] (''Melee'' through ''Smash 4''), [[Mach Tornado]], [[PK Flash]] (until ''Ultimate''),  [[PK Freeze]] (until ''Ultimate''), and [[Rollout]] (only ''Melee'').
*In Brawl, nearly every playable character has a unique helpless animation, such as Luigi falling headfirst or Diddy Kong clutching his chest.
*In all games except ''Melee'', some characters are unable to become helpless through their own moveset. These include [[Yoshi]], [[Jigglypuff]], [[Mr. Game & Watch]], [[Snake]], [[Ivysaur]]  (in ''Ultimate''), [[Sonic]], [[R.O.B.]], [[Mega Man]], [[Bowser Jr.]], [[Bayonetta]], [[Banjo]] & [[Kazooie]], [[Byleth]], [[Min Min]], [[Pyra]] and [[Kazuya]].
[[Category:Terms]]
**R.O.B. is not programmed to have a helpless state in ''Brawl'', forcing it to activate via hacking causes the game to crash. All other characters in the game have a helpless state, even if they cannot enter it without hacking.  
[[Category:Game Controls]]
**Moves like [[Final Cutter]], [[Stone Scabbard]] and [[Prominence Revolt]] do put their respective characters into a helpless state, but only when landing on the ground, making this mechanic unnoticable in normal gameplay. If the character is somehow pushed off the stage before exiting landing lag, they will retain their helpless state and fall to their deaths.
**''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' introduced [[Pac-Man]]'s [[Pac-Jump]], which automatically triggers the helpless state to characters that touch the red trampoline. This is the only way to see the helpless animations of the aforementioned characters in normal gameplay.
**Jigglypuff's [[Rollout]] puts Jigglypuff in a similar state where they are unable to perform any actions but drift. This is not technically helpless.
*In ''Brawl'', since Jigglypuff's and Mr. Game & Watch's [[air dodge]] animations carry over from ''Melee'', pausing just before the animation ends allows the player to see their helpless state.
**Additionally, whenever Link, Samus, and Toon Link perform a [[grab aerial]], it's possible to see their helpless animations by pausing just before the end of the animations.
*[[Meta Knight]] is the only character whose entire set of special moves leaves him helpless.
**Meta Knight is also the only character with two different helpless animations; one with his wings, and one without.
*[[Donkey Kong]] is the only character to have a move not result in a helpless state in the first game (being ''Smash 64''), then having it result in a helpless state for the next games (from ''Melee'' to ''Super Smash Bros. 4''), then reverting back to not resulting in such (being ''Ultimate''). In this case, [[Giant Punch]].
*The unique animation caused by landing while helpless is the cause of the [[landing lag glitch]].
*''Melee'' is the only ''Smash'' game in which all characters can become helpless through their own moveset.
* Kirby's helpless pose in each game is the same pose he makes when falling in his home series. Unlike his own games, Kirby only does this pose in ''Smash Bros.'' when using a move that causes helplessness, not by falling normally.
*Every game in the series except ''Smash 64'' and ''Brawl'' has a method in which a character can become helpless as a result of someone else:
**''Melee'' has the {{b|Screw Attack|item}}, which can be thrown at someone to make them perform a move similar to [[Samus]]'s {{b|Screw Attack|move}}, leaving them helpless after it.
**''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' have [[Pac-Man]]'s [[Pac-Jump|trampoline]], which will make a character helpless if they bounce on it while it is red.
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Game controls]]

Latest revision as of 14:19, August 12, 2024

A frame from Mario's helpless animation in Super Smash Bros.

Helpless (also known as freefall, special fall and various other names, and called "fallspecial" in game data) is a state in which characters are unable to take any action, with the exception of grabbing a ledge, maneuvering left/right, fastfalling, or climbing a ladder, until they land on the ground or pass a blast line. Helplessness is typically associated with just having used one's recovery move(s), namely the up special, though some other special moves that provide additional movement also incur this state. Before Ultimate, many special moves involving controllable projectiles (such as Ness's PK Flash and Zelda's Din's Fire) caused helplessness as well.

Some special moves are programmed to transition to helplessness early upon contact with a platform. In the case of soft platforms, holding down to drop through them will result in the player becoming helpless before the move is usually over, though it can also be seen if the user breaks the platform it landed on with the landing potion of the attack (where applicable), or if blown off the platform with a move that deals no hitstun.

Helplessness most commonly ends upon landing on the ground or being KO'd, although it also ends if characters flinch, allowing them to attack or re-use their triple jump. A helpless character is denoted by both a flickering black overlay and a distinct falling animation.

A state similar to helplessness exists in falling after having one's shield broken and then being stunned.

Curiously, the helpless state gives characters an extra ability in Super Smash Bros.: the ability to fall through soft platforms without landing on them. Starting in Melee, this can be done at any time (not just when a character is helpless).

Moves that invoke helplessness[edit]

Character Move Type Games Notes
Sora Aerial Sweep Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Sora can input Sonic Blade at the apex of the move for an additional boost to his recovery.
Ike Aether Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until Ike lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Ike has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
Pichu Agility Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
All Air dodge Super Smash Bros. Melee Melee only.
Shulk Air Slash Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Swordfighter Airborne Assault Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In Ultimate, a half-second window is granted after the move's usage to execute other actions before the helplessness is inflicted.
Mii Gunner Arm Rocket Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Villager, Isabelle Balloon Trip Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Can happen sooner if balloons are popped by opponents. Villager's helpless animation is based on that of the "defeated" animation from Balloon Fight.
Ice Climbers Belay Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sephiroth Blade Dash / Octaslash Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Roy Blazer Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Zero Suit Samus Boost Kick Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sheik Burst Grenade Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Mii Gunner Cannon Uppercut (SSB4)/Cannon Jump Kick (SSBU) Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Functionally identical to one another, with only the animations being any different.
Cloud Climhazzard Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate If the follow-up attack is executed, Cloud will fall rapidly; normally, he will plummet until he either hits solid ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Cloud has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless. Additionally, in exceptionally tall stages (such as a custom stage or Smash Run), Cloud enters helplessness after one full second.
Wario Corkscrew Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Incineroar Cross Chop Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Incineroar will only enter helplessness if it fails to hit solid ground again upon rebounding after using the move.
Daisy Daisy Parasol Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Daisy only enters helplessness if she decides to fastfall (which retracts the parasol) after using the move — she can also end the helplessness and resume parachuting by pressing up (re-opening it). Additionally, Daisy will automatically enter helplessness after eight full seconds of floating.
Ganondorf Dark Dive Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate If the move's grab connects with an opponent, Ganondorf does not become helpless and can use the move again.
Meta Knight Dimensional Cape Down Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Zelda Din's Fire Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Marth, Lucina Dolphin Slash Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Corrin Dragon Ascent Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Meta Knight Drill Rush Side Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Duck Hunt Duck Jump Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In Ultimate, the duo can cancel the move into an attack or an air dodge, after which they will still become helpless.
Yoshi Egg Roll Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl Does not cause helplessness in SSB4 and Ultimate.
Steve Elytra Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In addition to normal helplessness when the move ends, Steve can also cause his glide to stall if he climbs too far.
Lucario Extreme Speed Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate If Lucario hits a wall during the move, it will wall cling instead of becoming helpless. However, it cannot use the move again.
Falco Falco Phantasm Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl Does not cause helplessness in SSB4 or Ultimate.
Captain Falcon Falcon Dive Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Like Dark Dive, if the move connects with an opponent, Captain Falcon does not become helpless and can use the move again.
Zelda Farore's Wind Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Kirby Final Cutter Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until Kirby lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Kirby has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
Mr. Game & Watch Fire Up Special Super Smash Bros. Melee Only causes helplessness in Melee.
Falco Fire Bird Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Fox Fire Fox Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Wolf Fire Wolf Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ganondorf Flame Choke Side Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate If the move connects with an opponent, Ganondorf does not become helpless, although he (and his victim) will fall until he hits the ground or bypasses the lower blast line. If the opponent mashes out of the move before hitting the ground, Ganondorf does not become helpless.
Charizard Fly Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Fox Fox Illusion Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl Does not cause helplessness in SSB4 or Ultimate.
Ganondorf Gerudo Dragon Side Special Super Smash Bros. Melee Melee only.
Donkey Kong Giant Punch Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in SSB or Ultimate.
Meta Knight, Charizard, Pit Gliding Super Smash Bros. Brawl If the user has used all their double jumps, they are put into helplessness once the glide ends (either by stalling or by attacking). Brawl only.
Samus Grapple Beam Grab aerial Super Smash Bros. Melee Melee only.
Mii Brawler Headache Maker Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4
Wii Fit Trainer Header Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Only causes helplessness if the user airdodges during the move.
Mii Brawler Helicopter Kick Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Swordfighter Hero's Spin Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Link, Young Link Hookshot Grab aerial Super Smash Bros. Melee Melee only.
Greninja Hydro Pump Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Little Mac Jolt Haymaker Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Palutena Jump Glide Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Attacking while under the move's effect cancels the glide and triggers helplessness.
Rosalina & Luma Launch Star Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Villager Lloid Rocket Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Villager only enters helplessness if he rides then jumps off of the Lloid Rocket, does not hit an opponent during the ride, or if Lloid is destroyed. Based on defeated animation of Balloon Fighter.
Mii Gunner Lunar Launch Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Meta Knight Mach Tornado Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Robin Nosferatu Down Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Robin only enters helplessness after Nosferatu finishes dealing damage to an opponent in mid-air or over a temporary platform that is no longer active.
Mii Brawler Onslaught Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Pac-Man
All		 Pac-Jump Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate All jumps trigger helplessness for Pac-Man. When the trampoline is red, both Pac-Man or any other character who lands on it will instantaneously enter helplessness.
Peach Peach Parasol Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Peach only enters helplessness if she decides to fastfall (which retracts the parasol) after using the move — she can also end the helplessness and resume parachuting by pressing up (re-opening it). However, if Peach is under the effects of items that make her shrink or grow while she fastfalls, she will become helpless, as her parasol disappears once she's back to normal. In SSB4 and Ultimate, Peach will automatically enter helplessness after eight full seconds of floating. The Parasol item allows any character to do this in Melee.
Mythra Photon Edge Side Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Olimar Pikmin Chain Up Special Super Smash Bros. Brawl Normally, Pikmin Chain makes Olimar helpless after the move is used in the air. However, if he uses grounded Pikmin Chain and the platform he's standing on disappears (such as falling off a conveyor belt), or he uses ground Pikmin Chain while the stage is rotating, he will become helpless. Brawl only.
Piranha Plant Piranhacopter Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Brawler Piston Punch Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Only available in SSB4.
Ness PK Flash Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Lucas, Ness PK Freeze Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate. Ness's variant is accessible via SSB4 customs only.
Lucas, Ness PK Thunder Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Pit, Dark Pit Power of Flight Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Pyra Prominence Revolt Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until Pyra lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Pyra has landed on disappears or something causes her to slide off while she is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), she will become helpless.
King K. Rool Propellerpack Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, when King K. Rool uses the move, he will enter a slow fluttering state when it ends. However, if he fastfalls during this state, he will enter the helpless animation. While K. Rool is not technically considered helpless during the fluttering state, he cannot perform any action during it.
Pikachu Quick Attack Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ike Quick Draw Side Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In SSB4 and Ultimate, a half-second window is granted after the move's usage to execute Aether. Otherwise, Ike will be sent into a helpless state.
Captain Falcon Raptor Boost Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In Ultimate, hitting an opponent with this move won't cause helplessness and Falcon can use the move again.
Mythra Ray of Punishment / Chroma Dust Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Terry Rising Tackle Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Little Mac Rising Uppercut Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Palutena Rocket Jump Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4
Diddy Kong Rocketbarrel Boost Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Diddy Kong Rocketbarrel Barrage Final Smash Super Smash Bros. Brawl Does not cause helplessness in SSB4.
Jigglypuff Rollout Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. Melee (contact Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate) Only causes helplessness in Melee, as in the later games, Jigglypuff will keep rolling and won't be able to move if it hits while mid-air (making it literally helpless until it lands or takes knockback).
Samus, Dark Samus Screw Attack Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
All Screw Attack (item) Item Super Smash Bros. Melee When this item is thrown at opponents (Melee only), they will involuntarily execute a Screw Attack and thus become helpless.
Ryu Shin Shoryuken Final Smash Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Ryu becomes helpless after he executes the final attack, whether it connects or not.
Meta Knight Shuttle Loop Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate In Brawl, while the initial execution of the move does not make Meta Knight helpless, he does become helpless if the glide ends. In SSB4 and Ultimate, gliding does not exist and Meta Knight is made helpless after the move concludes.
Ryu, Ken Shoryuken Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate The helpless animation starts after Ryu/Ken falls below his starting point. Before that, Shoryuken is unique in that it allows none of the usual maneuvering after executing it (making Ryu/Ken literally helpless).
Mii Swordfighter Skyward Slash Dash Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Brawler Soaring Axe Kick Up special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until the Mii Brawler lands on the ground, grabs the edge of the stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform that the Mii Brawler has landed on disappears or something causes them to slide off while they are in the landing animation (Such as falling off the conveyor belt) they will became Helpless. In Ultimate, helplessness is only inflicted if the downward attack is not executed. If downward attack is executed and they fall during the endlag they will become helpless.
Chrom Soaring Slash Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until Chrom lands on the ground, grabs the edge of a stage, or bypasses the lower blast line. However, if the platform Chrom has landed on disappears or something causes him to slide off while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he will become helpless.
Sora Sonic Blade Side Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Link, Young Link, Toon Link Spin Attack Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, Spin Attack makes Link, Young Link, or Toon Link helpless after the move was used if in the air. However, if he stands on a platform while using a grounded Spin Attack and the platform disappears (such as falling off a conveyor belt), or he used grounded Spin Attack while the stage is rotating, he will become helpless.
Donkey Kong Spinning Kong Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ice Climbers Squall Hammer Side Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Gunner Stealth Burst Side Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Mii Swordfighter Stone Scabbard Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until Mii Swordfighter lands on the ground or grabs the edge of a stage. However, if the platform Mii Swordfighter has landed on disappears or something causes them to slide off while they are still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), they will become helpless.
King Dedede Super Dedede Jump Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Normally, the move does not end until King Dedede lands on the ground. However, if the platform King Dedede has landed on disappears while he is still in the landing animation (such as falling off a conveyor belt), he hits a ceiling while using the move, or the move is cancelled by the user, he will become helpless.
Wii Fit Trainer Super Hoop Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Inkling Super Jump Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Despite lacking the flashing effect helplessness normally leaves on a character after using a specific action that causes it, Inkling cannot perform any other moves until she lands or grabs a ledge. There is a hitbox upon landing from this animation.
Mario, Luigi, Dr. Mario Super Jump Punch Up Special Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Their helpless animations are based on the Mario Bros.' death sprite in games such as Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 3 (in Luigi's case, this applies only in SSB and Melee).
Mii Brawler Suplex Side special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Only available in Ultimate.
Mewtwo Teleport Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Mii Brawler Thrust Uppercut Up special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Only available in Ultimate. Replaces Piston Punch from SSB4.
Mii Brawler Ultimate Uppercut Neutral Special Super Smash Bros. 4 Only available in SSB4.
Simon, Richter Uppercut Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Sheik Vanish Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ivysaur Vine Whip Up Special Super Smash Bros. Brawl Does not cause helplessness in Ultimate.
Shulk Vision Down Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Shulk will only become helpless if he uses the reverse-inputted variant of the attack, and if the platform he’s on disappears before the animation is finished. However, Shulk is granted a brief window of time to execute any other action before the helplessness is inflicted.
Palutena Warp Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Squirtle Waterfall Up Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Bowser Whirling Fortress Up Special Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Ridley Wing Blitz Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Olimar Winged Pikmin Up Special Super Smash Bros. 4Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Pit Wings of Icarus Up Special Super Smash Bros. Brawl Pit can also avoid becoming helpless by using an aerial attack when using this move. Brawl only.
Joker Wings of Rebellion Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Can only access this move if Arsene is summoned via Joker's Rebellion Gauge.
Wolf Wolf Flash Side Special Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Hero Woosh / Swoosh / Kaswoosh Up Special Super Smash Bros. Ultimate All three stages of this move cause helplessness.

Landfallspecial and "superdashtechnique"[edit]

As a unique animation is used for falling while helpless, characters enter a different animation than usual once they land on the ground. This is called "landfallspecial" internally in Melee. Because air dodging enters this state and wavelanding involves air dodging into the ground, when wavedashing is performed, Melee's debug menu shows "landfallspecial" as the character state. This originally led some players to believe that the "landfallspecial" designation was specifically designed for wavedashing and that developers intentionally put wavedashing in the game, further fueling the various debates over wavedashing's legitimacy. At one point, the myth morphed to where, instead of just "landfallspecial", there was purportedly another debug mode designation — cited as "superdashtechnique", "superdashattack", or other supposed variants — created solely for the wavedashing animation. All incarnations of this story have been proven false, and should not be themselves taken as evidence that wavedashing was intentionally put or left in Melee.

Freefall Carryover Drift[edit]

In Ultimate, if a fighter uses a special move which will put them into freefall, but they land before entering freefall, they may enter a glitched state if the special move's ending lag doesn't transfer from an airborne to a grounded state. Upon entering this state, the next time the character enters the air, they will initially adopt their normal air speed, but after a few frames will revert to the air speed they would have when entering freefall from the special move used, which is usually lower than their normal fall speed. This will persist until they double jump, grab a ledge or land on the ground again.

Gallery[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • The moves Fire, Robo Burner, Spring Jump, and Cypher do not cause helplessness in Brawl, although they do restrict the user's choice of moves until they land - Mr. Game & Watch and Snake simply cannot use the recovery move again, while Sonic cannot use any special moves and R.O.B. cannot air dodge. Through a programming oversight, this condition prevents them from using their recovery move again if grabbed and released without pummeling before touching the ground (except for R.O.B.).
  • If Kirby copies a move that causes helplessness, he will be affected just as the original character would be. These moves are Giant Punch (Melee through Smash 4), Mach Tornado, PK Flash (until Ultimate), PK Freeze (until Ultimate), and Rollout (only Melee).
  • In all games except Melee, some characters are unable to become helpless through their own moveset. These include Yoshi, Jigglypuff, Mr. Game & Watch, Snake, Ivysaur (in Ultimate), Sonic, R.O.B., Mega Man, Bowser Jr., Bayonetta, Banjo & Kazooie, Byleth, Min Min, Pyra and Kazuya.
    • R.O.B. is not programmed to have a helpless state in Brawl, forcing it to activate via hacking causes the game to crash. All other characters in the game have a helpless state, even if they cannot enter it without hacking.
    • Moves like Final Cutter, Stone Scabbard and Prominence Revolt do put their respective characters into a helpless state, but only when landing on the ground, making this mechanic unnoticable in normal gameplay. If the character is somehow pushed off the stage before exiting landing lag, they will retain their helpless state and fall to their deaths.
    • Smash 4 and Ultimate introduced Pac-Man's Pac-Jump, which automatically triggers the helpless state to characters that touch the red trampoline. This is the only way to see the helpless animations of the aforementioned characters in normal gameplay.
    • Jigglypuff's Rollout puts Jigglypuff in a similar state where they are unable to perform any actions but drift. This is not technically helpless.
  • In Brawl, since Jigglypuff's and Mr. Game & Watch's air dodge animations carry over from Melee, pausing just before the animation ends allows the player to see their helpless state.
    • Additionally, whenever Link, Samus, and Toon Link perform a grab aerial, it's possible to see their helpless animations by pausing just before the end of the animations.
  • Meta Knight is the only character whose entire set of special moves leaves him helpless.
    • Meta Knight is also the only character with two different helpless animations; one with his wings, and one without.
  • Donkey Kong is the only character to have a move not result in a helpless state in the first game (being Smash 64), then having it result in a helpless state for the next games (from Melee to Super Smash Bros. 4), then reverting back to not resulting in such (being Ultimate). In this case, Giant Punch.
  • The unique animation caused by landing while helpless is the cause of the landing lag glitch.
  • Melee is the only Smash game in which all characters can become helpless through their own moveset.
  • Kirby's helpless pose in each game is the same pose he makes when falling in his home series. Unlike his own games, Kirby only does this pose in Smash Bros. when using a move that causes helplessness, not by falling normally.
  • Every game in the series except Smash 64 and Brawl has a method in which a character can become helpless as a result of someone else:
    • Melee has the Screw Attack, which can be thrown at someone to make them perform a move similar to Samus's Screw Attack, leaving them helpless after it.
    • Smash 4 and Ultimate have Pac-Man's trampoline, which will make a character helpless if they bounce on it while it is red.
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