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{{ArticleIcons|ssb64=y}}
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{{disambig2|Donkey Kong's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros''.|the character in other contexts|Donkey Kong}}
{{disambig2|Donkey Kong's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros''|the character in other contexts|Donkey Kong}}
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name         = Donkey Kong  
|name = Donkey Kong  
|image       = [[File:Donkey Kong SSB.png|Donkey Kong]]
|image = [[File:Donkey Kong SSB.png]]
|symbol       = preBrawl
|symbol = preBrawl
|game         = SSB
|game = SSB
|ssbgame1     = SSBM
|ssbgame1 = SSBM
|ssbgame2     = SSBB
|ssbgame2 = SSBB
|ssbgame3     = SSB4
|ssbgame3 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSBU
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier         = C
|tier = C
|ranking     = 9
|tierJP = ?
|ranking = 9
|rankingJP = 12
}}
}}
{{cquote|''Mario's former enemy, this mighty ape is bestowed with tremendous power and overwhelming attacks.''
'''Donkey Kong''' ({{ja|ドンキーコング|Donkī Kongu}}, ''Donkey Kong''), written as '''DK''', is a [[starter character]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' He has slow, yet powerful attacks, like his trademark move: the [[Giant Punch]]. Due to this, his archetype has also inspired the archetype for most of the heavyweight characters in subsequent games, in which he has also appeared. His voice clips mostly use gorilla grunts and sounds.
|cite=Super Smash Bros<nowiki>'</nowiki>s instruction manual}}
'''Donkey Kong''' ({{ja|ドンキーコング}}, ''Donkey Kong''), written as '''DK''', is a [[starter character]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' He is known as a slow (in terms of attacks) yet powerful character, with his trademark move being the [[Giant Punch]], which, when fully charged, deals 36% damage.


Donkey Kong is ranked 9th on the [[tier list]]. He has powerful moves and an infamously abusable [[grab release]]; however he is somewhat slow, and is the largest and heaviest character in ''Super Smash Bros.'', making him an easy target for combos. Donkey Kong was indirectly [[buff]]ed in the international release thanks to the changes to the [[smash DI]] system as well as the decreased shield stun. As a result, Donkey Kong is ranked 12th in the Japanese tier list, having a losing matchup vs. every character in the game, especially vs. Kirby, which is considered to be virtually unwinnable.
Donkey Kong is currently ranked 9th out of 12 on the [[tier list]]. He has powerful moves such as his aforementioned Giant Punch which when fully charged, deals 36% damage. He also sports an infamously abusable [[grab release]], remarkable reach throughout his moveset, and is the heaviest character in the game, making him very difficult to KO, especially vertically. Donkey Kong also benefits from the [[buff|buffs]] in international releases thanks to the changes to [[SDI]] system as well as the decreased shield stun. However, he is somewhat slow, and is also the largest character in the game, which coupled with his heavy weight makes him an easy target for combos. Despite his incredible endurance, his off-stage survivability is almost non-existent, as his recovery has among the worst vertical distance in the game. In the Japanese tier list, Donkey Kong is ranked 12th, as he does not have the changes from the SDI system and the decreased shield stun, causing him to struggle even more there.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
[[File:Donkeykongending.jpg|thumb|250px|Donkey Kong's ending picture in Super Smash Bros.]]
[[File:SSB64 Congratulations DK.png|thumb|250px|Donkey Kong's [[congratulations screen]].]]
Donkey Kong is the [[weight|heaviest]] and largest character in ''Super Smash Bros.'' This means he gets hit quite easily, and he also has a poor [[shield]] cover, making him vulnerable to [[shield break]] combos such as {{SSB|Yoshi}}'s Z-canceled [[DJC]] neutral aerial performed repeatedly. However, he can take many hits and high [[damage]] before being [[KO]]'d. Like most heavyweights, Donkey Kong has attacks that deal lots of damage and have strong [[knockback]]. He also has two [[spike]]s (forward and down aerials), and he has some extremely powerful finishers, including his forward smash and Giant Punch when fully charged or close to fully charged. However, his attacks are generally slow and laggy, and most of his KOs still require setup.
[[File:Ssb64donkeykong.jpg|thumb|Donkey Kong using Hand Slap in the ''SSB'' instruction booklet.]]
Donkey Kong is the [[weight|heaviest]] and largest character in ''Super Smash Bros.'' This means he gets hit quite easily, and he also has a poor [[shield]] game, making him vulnerable to [[shield break]] combos such as {{SSB|Yoshi}}'s Z-canceled [[DJC]] neutral aerial performed repeatedly. However, he can take many hits and high [[damage]] before being [[KO]]'d. Like heavyweight characters in subsequent games, Donkey Kong has attacks that deal lots of damage and have strong [[knockback]]. He also has two [[meteor smash]]es (forward and down aerials), and some extremely powerful finishers, including his forward smash and Giant Punch when fully charged or close to fully charged. However, his attacks are generally slow and laggy, and most of his KOs still require setup.


Contrary to popular belief, Donkey Kong has slightly above-average [[dashing|dash]] speed (although he does have a relatively slow [[air speed]]). Donkey Kong has a great [[grab]] and [[throw]] game due to having the longest non-tether [[grab]]bing horizontal range, terrific throw combos (especially when there are walls), and the infamous [[infinite throw trap]] that allows him to rack up damage and easily and effectively. He also has a KO throw in his back throw. Donkey Kong has good [[reach]], which allows for decent [[combo]]s despite slow attack speed, but he lacks a [[projectile]] and a reliable way to deal with them, making his [[approach]] poor and unvaried. His Up B however also breaks projectiles, outside of [[Fox (SSB)|Fox]]'s laser.
Contrary to popular belief, Donkey Kong has slightly above-average [[dash]]ing speed (although he does have a relatively slow [[air speed]]). Donkey Kong has a great [[grab]] and [[throw]] game due to having the longest non-tether [[grab]]bing horizontal range, terrific throw combos (especially when there are walls), and the infamous [[infinite throw trap]] that allows him to rack up damage easily and effectively. He also has a KO throw in his back throw. Donkey Kong has good [[reach]], which allows for decent [[combo]]s despite slow attack speed, but he lacks a [[projectile]] and a reliable way to deal with them, making his [[approach]] poor and unvaried. His Up B however also breaks projectiles, outside of {{SSB|Fox}}'s laser.


For recovery, Donkey Kong's up special move, [[Spinning Kong]], travels great horizontal distance, but has poor vertical gain, with no options to extend it. This makes him very vulnerable to [[meteor smash]]es. It should be noted that Donkey Kong is extremely vulnerable to [[combo]]s due to being very large, very heavy, and falling somewhat quickly. It is however quite powerful for how fast it is, being a reliable get out of danger move.
For recovery, Donkey Kong's up special move, [[Spinning Kong]], travels great horizontal distance, but has poor vertical gain, with no options to extend it. This makes him very vulnerable to meteor smashes. It should be noted that Donkey Kong is extremely vulnerable to [[combo]]s due to being very large, very heavy, and falling somewhat quickly. It is however quite powerful for how fast it is, being a reliable get out of danger move.


In high level play, Donkey Kong is known for his incredible Spinning Kong and back throw gimps. On platforms, it is possible for DK to [[platform cancel]] up airs into Giant Punch or up smash. His Up B, Spinning Kong, is an amazing gimping move, with strong knockback as well as being able to out-prioritize every recovery in the game. It also has some invincibility (at the edge of his fists) which makes it quite useful to out-space opponents in the neutral game. Donkey Kong is a hard counter to {{SSB|Jigglypuff}}, as he can grab, forward throw, cargo release, and re-grab into a Giant Punch for a low [[percentage]] KO. With good timing, it is also possible to cancel his Down B after one hit, allowing him to combo into a forward air as well as a fully charged Giant Punch on all characters except for Falcon, Fox, and Yoshi. Donkey Kong however has problems with [[projectile]]s, and the top characters in the game (including {{SSB|Pikachu}}, {{SSB|Kirby}}, {{SSB|Fox}}, and {{SSB|Captain Falcon}}) combo him too heavily for him to rise on the tier list. His poor mobility also gives him a disadvantage against fast characters like Fox and Captain Falcon. Donkey Kong is usually considered to be among the best low tier characters in [[low tier tournament]]s due to his Giant Punch combos and the fact that there are not many projectile users in the low tiers (as well as his Up B being able to out-prioritize all of their projectiles.) In short, DK's main strategies in competitive play are gimps using throws, outspacing with Spinning Kong, Down B combos, grab combos into spikes and otherwise, and up air chains.
In high level play, Donkey Kong is known for his incredible Spinning Kong and back throw gimps. On platforms, it is possible for DK to [[platform cancel]] up airs into Giant Punch or up smash. His Up B, Spinning Kong, is an amazing gimping move, with strong knockback as well as being able to out-prioritize every recovery in the game. It also has some invincibility (at the edge of his fists) which makes it quite useful to out-space opponents in the neutral game. Donkey Kong is a hard counter to {{SSB|Jigglypuff}}, as he can grab, forward throw, cargo release, and re-grab into a Giant Punch for a low [[percentage]] KO. With good timing, it is also possible to cancel his Down B after one hit, allowing him to combo into a forward air as well as a fully charged Giant Punch on all characters except for Falcon, Fox, and Yoshi. Donkey Kong however has problems with [[projectile]]s, and the top characters in the game (including {{SSB|Pikachu}}, {{SSB|Kirby}}, Fox, and {{SSB|Captain Falcon}}) combo him too heavily for him to rise on the tier list. His poor mobility also gives him a disadvantage against fast characters like Fox and Captain Falcon. Donkey Kong is usually considered to be among the best low tier characters in [[low tier tournament]]s due to his Giant Punch combos and the fact that there are not many projectile users in the low tiers (as well as his Up B being able to out-prioritize all of their projectiles.) In short, DK's main strategies in competitive play are gimps using throws, outspacing with Spinning Kong, Down B combos, grab combos into a meteor smash and otherwise, and up aerial chains.


====In doubles====
===In doubles===
Donkey Kong is considered to be slightly better for doubles than singles, mainly because he is better at KO'ing as some characters are forced to approach. His great reach also helps. Another good thing is that if he has a fast partner, they will be able to easily save him from large combos. He is one of the few characters with relatively good recovery. Donkey Kong is also excellent at [[edgeguard]]ing and [[gimp]]ing, especially on {{SSB|Dream Land}}. However, his problem matchups, especially with Kirby and Pikachu, hinder many doubles matchups.
Donkey Kong is also considered to be slightly better for doubles than singles, mainly because he is better at KOing as some characters are forced to approach. His great reach also helps. Another good thing is that if he has a fast partner, they will be able to easily save him from large combos. He is one of the few characters with relatively good recovery. Donkey Kong is also excellent at [[edgeguard]]ing and [[gimp]]ing, especially on {{SSB|Dream Land}}. However, his problem matchups, especially with Kirby and Pikachu, hinder many doubles matchups.
 
==Difference between game versions==
Donkey Kong has been buffed in the NTSC-U version. Donkey Kong is heavier and his [[Spinning Kong]] grants more height, improving his endurance and recovery. His back and down aerials are also stronger making it even easier for him to close out stocks. In terms of universal changes, Donkey Kong gets adversely affected by the removal of [[momentum sliding]] however, he also benefits from the higher [[SDI]] presence, which allows him to escape combos better. As a result of these changes, he is overall better than in the Japanese version.
 
===Attributes===
*{{nerf|The removal of [[momentum sliding]] slightly hinders Donkey Kong's approach.}}
*{{buff|Donkey Kong is heavier (0.84 → 0.83).}}
 
===Aerial attacks===
*{{buff|Clean back aerial has increased base knockback (0 → 10).}}
*{{buff|Down aerial deals more knockback (10 (base), 80 (scaling) → 15/90).}}
 
===Throws===
*{{nerf|Opponents require six less button inputs to escape from forward throw.}}
 
===Special attacks===
*{{buff|[[Spinning Kong]] has more vertical lift (676.32 → 809.72).}}


==Moveset==
==Moveset==
[[File:SSB64 DK.gif|right]]
''For a gallery of Donkey Kong's hitboxes, see [[Donkey Kong (SSB)/Hitboxes|here]].''
[[File:DK SSB Air Attacks.PNG|thumb|150px|Donkey Kong's aerial attacks]]
 
[[File:Ssb64donkeykong.jpg|thumb|Donkey Kong in the ''SSB'' instruction booklet.]]
{{MovesetTable
{{MovesetTable
|game=SSB
|game=SSB
|neutralcount=2
|neutralcount=2
|neutralname=&nbsp;
|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|ジャブ|Jyabu}}) / Upper ({{ja|アッパー|Appā}})
|neutral1dmg=2-4%
|neutral1dmg=4%
|neutral2dmg=2-4%
|neutral2dmg=4%
|neutraldesc=A jab followed by an uppercut. Comes out fast, but short range. It also does not give DK the ability to jab grab due to its slow speed.
|neutraldesc=Donkey Kong performs a jab with the first hit, followed by an uppercut for the second hit. It is one of Donkey Kong's faster ground moves although it is relatively slow for a jab. The first hit can lead into a grab at higher percents although it is unsafe on shield and it fails to lead into the second hit in various situations. The second hit is no stronger than the first hit and it is very laggy, making it very unsafe and not very effective overall.
|ftiltname=&nbsp;
 
|ftiltdmg=12%
Jab is overall a situational move for Donkey Kong, with his grab being a far better option overall.
|ftiltdesc=A somewhat slow punch forward with decent range and good knockback. It is considered to be semi-useless due to its slow startup but it can be used in certain situations vs. Falcon's recovery. It appears to be based off the first two hits in his attack combo in ''Donkey Kong 64''.
|ftiltangles=3
|utiltname=&nbsp;
|ftiltname=Kong Straight ({{ja|コングストレート|Kongu Sutorēto}})
|ftiltupdmg=13%
|ftiltsidedmg=12%
|ftiltdowndmg=11%
|ftiltdesc=Donkey Kong punches forwards. The move is slow and not particularly powerful either, although it can be angled up or down and it does have long range (although its range doesn't quite match Donkey Kong's hand). It is unsafe on shield but it can be spaced to be made safe. It is overall a very situational move, with a dash grab being the superior option in most situations, although forward tilt can be used to edgeguard in certain situations due to its ability to be angled.
|utiltname=Spider Web Clearing ({{ja|くもの巣はらい|Kumonosu Wa Rai}})
|utiltdmg=13%
|utiltdmg=13%
|utiltdesc=Swings his hands in an arch above him. Hitbox is the arch above him and foes standing on the ground close to him. Can chain into itself, but opponent can DI. Sets up aerial combos. KOs at around 130%. Good anti-air move if timed right. Some ending lag (highest amount of ending lag in the game of an u-tilt). Can also lead into a d-smash at lower damage percentages. In terms of start-up, it is the fastest u-tilt in the game, along with {{SSB|Kirby}}'s.
|utiltdesc=Donkey Kong swings his hand in an arch above him, with the move having strong vertical knockback. It comes out on frame 4, making it tied with {{SSB|Kirby}}'s up tilt for the fastest in the game in terms of startup. It also has great range above and behind Donkey Kong although its range in front of him is lacking. It is also the strongest up tilt in the game, KOing {{SSB|Mario}} at 118% on [[Dream Land]].  
|dtiltname=&nbsp;
 
However, it has a lot of ending lag, having the highest ending lag out of any tilt in the game. The move is not only very punishable on whiff and even on shield but it is also unsafe on hit at lower percents, making it very risky to use. At mid percents, the move does not reliably combo into anything if hit from the front, although Donkey Kong does get followups if it hits from the back.
 
Up tilt is overall a very situational move for Donkey Kong as while it hits hard, it is far too risky to use, and the reward for landing it usually isn't particularly high, especially at lower percents.
|dtiltname=Slouch Slap ({{ja|ロースラップ|Rō Surappu}}, ''Low Slap'')
|dtiltdmg=8%
|dtiltdmg=8%
|dtiltdesc=A quick hand swipe aimed downwards with a little start-up. Spacing move, combos into grab at lower percents and can help with gimping low recoveries.
|dtiltdesc=Donkey Kong performs a quick hand swipe while crouching. It comes out slowly on frame 11 but it has very little ending lag and it has decent range. It can combo into grab at lower percents and at higher percents, it can set up tech chases and edgeguards. It is also very safe on shield, with Donkey Kong having just enough time to get a guaranteed grab on shield from a fresh down tilt.
|dashname=&nbsp;
 
Down tilt is overall Donkey Kong's most useful tilt due to its low ending lag.
|dashname=Iron Kick ({{ja|アイアンキック|Aian Kikku}})
|dashdmg=12%
|dashdmg=12%
|dashdesc=A very awkward move where DK sticks his foot out and stops. Bad range and duration, high amount of lag, and easily [[Shield|shielded]]. Has very low [[set knockback]]. Will not hit foes that are floored. Competitively, this is considered to be the '''worst move in the game''' as it is ''unsafe'' even on hit vs. the majority of the cast. It is also impossible to combo into and out of.
|dashdesc=Donkey Kong sticks his foot out and slowly advances forward before stopping completely. Possibly a reference to the ending of the arcade version of ''Donkey Kong Jr.''. The move launches opponents up and towards Donkey Kong with set knockback. It comes out very quickly on on frame 3 although this is the only positive with the move.  
|fsmashname=&nbsp;
 
|fsmashdmg=19-21%
Dash attack has incredibly high ending lag, it covers a short amount of distance and while it technically has a lot of active frames, its hitboxes end before Donkey Kong stops moving, giving it a deceptively short amount of range, especially during the later parts of the animation. These factors make the move difficult to land and incredibly unsafe if it does not connect. It can even be unsafe on hit in some cases, especially if the opponent [[crouch cancel]]s the move and even when it is safe on hit, it is too laggy to lead into anything (although it can lead into followups if it is interrupted by a weaker attack). It can set up tech chases on Dream Land platforms but even in this case, Donkey Kong might not have a significant enough frame advantage to punish the opponent's tech options. It can also be used to [[clang]] with other attacks due to its quick speed but this is overall very risky and not reliable, as a mistimed dash attack can be fatal for Donkey Kong.  
|fsmashdesc=Reels his hand back and thrusts it forward. Very noticeable start-up, but good range and excellent knockback. Can be angled. Useful vs. Falcon/Fox's recovery when Up B isn't possible. Possible to combo into using n-air.
 
|usmashname=&nbsp;
Dash attack is overall considered to be one of the worst moves in the game, as it is far too laggy, hard to land and the reward for landing it is not high at all, regardless of the opponent's percent. It is a move which is almost never used intentionally at high levels of play.
|fsmashangles=3
|fsmashname=Power Slap ({{ja|パワースラップ|Pawā Surappu}})
|fsmashupdmg=21%
|fsmashsidedmg=20%
|fsmashdowndmg=19%
|fsmashdesc=Donkey Kong reels his hand back and thrusts it forward. It comes out very slowly, not coming out until frame 27, which makes it very difficult to land in neutral or as a followup. Forward smash does have good range, damage and knockback however, being one of the strongest forward smashes in the game. It can be angled up or down, with the up angled version being the strongest forward smash in the game (barring {{SSB|Link}}'s forward smash in the European version). Donkey Kong can set up into his forward smash with certain moves and it can be used to edgeguard some characters. It is also very safe on shield, with the up angled version even being able to lead into a guaranteed grab if the opponent is close enough.
 
Forward smash is overall a situational yet rewarding move for Donkey Kong when used in the right situations.
|usmashname=Jumbo Press ({{ja|ジャンボプレス|Janbo Puresu}})
|usmashdmg=21%
|usmashdmg=21%
|usmashdesc=Claps directly above him, with some start-up lag. Very large hitbox. Grounded enemies are occasionally affected. Best used under a platform where an opponent is standing or a well timed anti-air attack. Very powerful. Can be comboed into using a platform cancelled up air.
|usmashdesc=Donkey Kong claps directly above him. The move deals 21% and very high vertical knockback, being one of the strongest up smashes in the game. It has a very large hitbox, easily hitting opponents on Dream Land platforms and Donkey Kong's head and arms are intangible while the hitboxes are out, making it a powerful anti-air. Donkey Kong can also combo into it using an up or down aerial for a KO and Donkey Kong can combo into a forward aerial out of it at specific percent ranges.
|dsmashname=&nbsp;
 
The move comes out slowly on frame 16 however, it has high ending lag and it has limited horizontal range. It also cannot hit shorter characters on the ground (if they are on the same ground level as Donkey Kong). The move is safe on shield against most characters but it does leave Donkey Kong at a frame disadvantage.
 
Up smash is overall a situational yet powerful move for Donkey Kong when used in the right situations.
|dsmashname=Ground Roll ({{ja|グランドロール|Gurando Rōru}})
|dsmashdmg=19%
|dsmashdmg=19%
|dsmashdesc=He does a 360° spin while doing a split, which comes out surprisingly fast, for a move of Donkey Kong, and hits on both sides at the same time. However, it does have some ending lag. Useful for catching [[roll]]s.
|dsmashdesc=Donkey Kong performs a 360° spin while doing a split. It deals 19% and high diagonal knockback, having above average KO power for a down smash. It also has a long hitbox duration and hits on both sides of Donkey Kong, making it effective at catching rolls. The move does come out slowly on frame 12 but it is Donkey Kong's fastest smash attack. It also has very high ending lag, which makes it very unsafe and easily punishable. It also has an unfavorable launch angle which makes it ineffective at both edgeguarding and setting up combos, especially when combined with its ending lag.  
|nairname=&nbsp;
 
|nairdmg=15%
Down smash is overall a situational move for Donkey Kong as while it has utility in some areas, the move is often too risky for the reward it can give.
|nairdesc=Spins around with his arms out. Somewhat long duration, decent defensive move. Can combo into giant punch at mid percents as well as f-air. Is safe on shield and leads to a free grab.
|nairname=Donkey Lariat ({{ja|ドンキーラリアット|Donkī Rariatto}})
|fairname=&nbsp;
|nairdmg=15% (clean), 12% (late)
|fairdmg=12%
|nairdesc=Donkey Kong spins around with his arms out. It starts off dealing 15% but after its first four active frames, it deals less damage and knockback. It comes out quickly on frame 4 and it has a somewhat long hitbox duration, making it a decent defensive move. It has above average damage for a neutral aerial although its knockback is below average. It can lead into followups at lower percents but its utility is limited at higher percents and it does not hit below Donkey Kong very well, making him easy to hit from below. It also has high ending lag which can make it quite unsafe to use off stage.
|fairdesc=Does a front flip with his fists clasped together, smashing them into opponents. A powerful [[meteor smash]] if the foe is hit near the end of the animation. Comes straight from ''Donkey Kong 64''.: Can be comboed into out of a cargo throw or n-air. Possible to link out of if it hits a grounded opponent into a Grab, another f-air to spike, or even a giant punch depending on percent. Semi-safe on shield (except vs. characters with 3 [[frame]]s or less grounded moves such as Fox's shine or Pikachu's Up B.)
|fairname=Hammer Knuckle ({{ja|ハンマーナックル|Hanmā Nakkuru}})
|bairname=&nbsp;
|fairdmg=16%
|bairdmg=14%
|fairdesc=Donkey Kong does a front flip with his fists clasped together, smashing them into opponents. It is a powerful [[meteor smash]] although it does also have strong horizontal knockback if Donkey Kong's arms connect rather than his hand, which naturally makes it a strong edgeguarding tool. This move inspired Donkey Kong's air attack in ''Donkey Kong 64''. It comes out fairly quickly on frame 8 and lasts until frame 16, and while it does have a considerable amount of ending lag, it does have the shortest total duration out of all of Donkey Kong's aerials. The move can easily be used as a combo starter, extender or ender at a wide variety of percent ranges, with Donkey Kong having multiple followups out of the move against grounded opponents and he has multiple ways to combo into it for a KO at fairly low percents. It is Donkey Kong's most damaging aerial which also makes it his safest aerial on shield, giving him slightly more time to punish shielding opponents than his other aerials.
|bairdesc=Puts his feet together and thrusts them out behind him, his body moving sideways with them. Some long duration, but good range. This attack is Donkey Kong's [[sex kick]], since it not only has long duration, but gets weaker as it stays out. Donkey Kong's nair is the only one in the game that isn't a sex kick, and him and {{SSB|Fox}} being the only characters to have a bair sex kick. Weak hit combos into d-smash awkwardly, strong hit has no combo potential but is quite powerful as a spacing move. Safe on shield.
 
|uairname=&nbsp;
Interestingly, the move has a very long initial [[auto-cancel]] window, with the move auto-canceling for the first 19 frames of the animation. As the move's hitboxes are active from frames 8-15, this means that if the player lands while the hitboxes are active, they will auto-cancel, removing the need to Z-cancel. The move will go into its landing lag animation from frames 20-35 of its animation although the move is generally used in situations where it will automatically auto-cancel. This is the only aerial in the entire series where its initial auto-cancel outlasts the hitbox, while still not auto-canceling for the entire animation.
 
Forward aerial is overall a very strong and useful aerial for Donkey Kong due to its speed, arching range, combo and edgeguarding potential.  
|bairname=Kong Rocket ({{ja|コングロケット|Kongu Roketto}})
|bairdmg=15% (clean), 10% (late)
|bairdesc=Donkey Kong puts his feet together and thrusts them out behind him, his body moving sideways with them. It deals 15% with the clean hitbox but during its later active frames, it deals 10%. It comes out on frame 8 and the hitboxes are fairly large and have a long duration. It has combo potential at lower percents and is highly effective on shield, but is burdened by considerable ending lag and has below average KO potential for a back aerial, making it one of the less effective back aerials overall. Nevertheless, it is still a solid and useful move overall.
 
In the Japanese version, back aerial dealt less knockback, having the same power as neutral aerial. This made it a worse KO move but this did also allow it to combo into other moves for longer.  
|uairname=Mid-air Spider Web Clearing ({{ja|空中くもの巣はらい|Kūchū Kumo no su Harai}})
|uairdmg=12%
|uairdmg=12%
|uairdesc=Swings his hands in an arch almost exactly like his up tilt. However, it is weaker than his up tilt, in fact barely KO'ing above 150% in most cases. Its main use is for [[juggling]]. Also has some ending lag. It is also possible to platform cancel this move into up smash and giant punch which is quite powerful on Dreamland and Hyrule.
|uairdesc=Donkey Kong swings his hands in an arch, similarly to his up tilt. The move deals 12% and launches opponents up and towards Donkey Kong with below average vertical knockback for an up aerial. It typically cannot KO and has very high ending lag and landing lag, which can make it quite unsafe and punishable (although the landing lag can be mostly eliminated with Z-canceling, which also makes the move very safe on landing). It has extremely low startup on frame 3 however, and it has a long hitbox duration, with the move covering both in front and behind Donkey Kong, in addition to above him. When combined with its weak vertical knockback and Z-canceling, this makes the move a useful juggling tool. It can be awkward to utilize in some situations, but it can be a strong combo tool when used in the right scenarios, with the move being able to lead into itself multiple times as well as Donkey Kong's up smash, forward aerial, and Giant Punch for KOs at certain percentages.
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairname=Air Stampede ({{ja|エアスタンピード|Ea Sutanpīdo}})
|dairdmg=13%
|dairdmg=13% (clean), 10% (late)
|dairdesc=A simple near-instantaneous [[meteor smash]] where Donkey Kong thrusts his feet down. His feet grow slightly as he's doing so, and slightly longer hitbox than most spikes. A grounded hit freely combos into up smash and throw. Safe on most characters shield and leads to a grab outside of Pikachu (who can up b out of it.)
|dairdesc=Donkey Kong thrusts his feet down, with the move meteor smashing opponents. It comes out on frame 6 and its hitboxes last for a very long time while retaining its meteor angle for its entire duration, although it does become weaker during its later frames. It is naturally effective for edgeguarding and against grounded opponents, it can lead into many followups, with up smash working in some scenarios for a KO. In scenarios where up smash will not work, forward aerial will typically be strong enough for a KO and Giant Punch is a viable followup at a wide percent range as well. The move does have high ending lag and landing lag however so it can be unsafe to use off stage depending on Donkey Kong's position and the move is very unsafe if Donkey Kong does not Z-cancel the move. Nevertheless, down aerial is a very useful aerial for Donkey Kong if he can land it.
|grabname=
 
|grabdesc=
In the Japanese version, down aerial dealt less knockback, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on when it is used.
|fthrowname=&nbsp;
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Donkey Kong clenches his hands forwards. Donkey Kong has the longest normal grab range out of any character in the game, with his grab also being just as fast as other characters' grabs. This makes Donkey Kong's grab very easy to land, especially since Donkey Kong has multiple ways to confirm into grab. When combined with his very potent throws, Donkey Kong's grab is one of the best in the game (and one of his most useful tools in general), with its only notably weakness being that Donkey Kong grabs fairly high, which can allow shorter characters to low profile under the grab.
|fthrowname=Kong Karry ({{ja|リフティング|Rifutingu}}, ''Lifting'')
|fthrowdmg=8% (carry), 8% (throw)
|fthrowdmg=8% (carry), 8% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=Trap throw; holds his opponent on his back. He can then move around before throwing them forward. This throw is based on his ability in Donkey Kong Country to effortlessly carry barrels on his back. However, foes will eventually automatically escape from his grasp. The throw has good knockback, although it can be DI'd. Can be used to perform the [[infinite throw trap]] (covered below). It is possible to combo it into a f-air or giant punch.
|fthrowdesc=Donkey Kong picks up his opponent and holds them on his back. He can then move around and jump before throwing them forward or backwards, although it is possible for the opponent to mash out of the throw. This throw is based on his ability in Donkey Kong Country to effortlessly carry barrels on his back. After throwing the opponent, Donkey Kong can go for a punish attempt to try and catch the opponent's recovery attempt. If the opponent breaks out of the grab, they receive some knockback and they end up close to Donkey Kong. This can lead into followups/mixups for Donkey Kong, with his most powerful option being another grab to reset the situation. This is not guaranteed at lower percents but it is difficult for some characters to avoid and it does become guaranteed at higher percents. It is overall a unique yet useful throw for Donkey Kong.
|bthrowname=&nbsp;
 
In the Japanese version, forward throw required more inputs to break out of, which made it a more useful throw overall.
|bthrowname=Direct Throw ({{ja|ダイレクトスロー|Dairekuto Surō}})
|bthrowdmg=18%
|bthrowdmg=18%
|bthrowdesc=Turns around and tosses the opponent. Powerful in terms of both damage and knockback. Effective for both gimping and KO'ing.
|bthrowdesc=Donkey Kong turns around and tosses the opponent backwards. The throw is very fast and very strong, dealing very high damage and knockback. It is overall the strongest throw in the game, KOing Mario under 100% from the middle of Dream Land, although some throws are stronger at the ledge. At lower percents, it can put opponents onto one of Dream Land's side platforms for a tech chase scenario and if the opponent ends up off stage, they can end up getting KOed if Donkey Kong successfully edgeguards them. At slightly higher percents, it either sends the opponent very far off stage where Donkey Kong can go for an edgeguard for a KO or it just flat out KOes the opponent. Donkey Kong's back throw is overall one of the best in the game due to its incredible strength and speed.
|floorbname=
|floorbname=
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdmg=6%
|floorbdesc=Kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
|floorbdesc=Donkey Kong kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
|floorfname=
|floorfname=
|floorfdmg=6%
|floorfdmg=6%
|floorfdesc=Kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
|floorfdesc=Donkey Kong kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
|edgefname=
|edgefname=
|edgefdmg=5-6%
|edgefdmg=6%
|edgefdesc=Hoists himself onto the stage back-first, ramming into opponents. Long range, low knockback but very fast. Considered to be a useful edge attack
|edgefdesc=Donkey Kong hoists himself onto the stage back-first, ramming into opponents. It comes out on frame 9, making it the fastest edge attack in the game by quite a margin and it has long range, making it practical to land. Donkey Kong is also intangible for the first 10 frames of the edge attack, making it impossible to intercept during its startup. The move does whiff against characters close to the edge however and while it does have a decent amount of active frames, its hitboxes do end before Donkey Kong finishes advancing forward, giving it less range than its animation suggests. It also has very high ending lag for a fast edge attack, making it easily punishable.  
 
Donkey Kong's fast edge attack is overall considered to be one of the better edge attacks in the game.
|edgesname=
|edgesname=
|edgesdmg=5-6%
|edgesdmg=6%
|edgesdesc=Climbs back onto the stage slowly, slapping opponents in front of him. Very short range, low knockback. Mostly useless and unsafe on shields or hit at low percent.
|edgesdesc=Donkey Kong climbs back onto the stage slowly, slapping opponents in front of him. It comes out very slowly on frame 49, although Donkey Kong is intangible for the move's first 50 frames. It also has high ending lag, low damage and very short range, with the move even whiffing against opponents close to the edge.  
 
In quite a contrast to his fast edge attack, Donkey Kong's slow edge attack is considered to be one of the worst in the game, especially in comparison to his fast edge attack.
|nsname=Giant Punch
|nsname=Giant Punch
|nsdmg=14-36%
|nsdmg=14% (uncharged), 36% (fully charged)
|nsdesc=When B if pressed, he starts charging up a punch. Pressing Z stores the charge, and it can then be continued by pressing B. The longer the move is charged, the more powerful it is. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it is a very powerful KO move.
|nsdesc=When B is pressed, he starts charging up a punch. Pressing Z stores the charge, and it can then be continued by pressing B. The longer the move is charged, the more powerful it is. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it is a very powerful KO move.
|usname=Spinning Kong
|usname=Spinning Kong
|usdmg=
|usdmg=12% (startup), 8% (loop), 3% (final hit)
|usdesc=A recovery move that gains very little vertical recovery height, but gives quite a large amount of horizontal distance. Contains many hits that can do high damage, but it is very difficult to land all the hits. Has very high set knockback at the edge of the fists as well as invincibility in the same region which makes it quite useful at gimping.
|usdesc=A recovery move that gains very little vertical recovery height, but gives quite a large amount of horizontal distance. Contains many hits that can do high damage, but it is very difficult to land all the hits. He is invincible for the first 5 frames. Has very high set knockback at the edge of the fists as well as invincibility in the same region which makes it quite useful at gimping.
|dsname=Hand Slap
|dsname=Hand Slap
|dsdmg=10% (one slap)
|dsdmg=10%
|dsdesc=Delivers an earth-shaking blow to the ground, sending nearby enemies skyward. It has considerable power, consistent and repetitive damage, and a large [[quake]] hitbox. Cannot be used in midair. It is possible to combo this move by only using one hit of it (and then moving the stick back to [[neutral]]) into a giant punch vs. everyone other than fast fallers.
|dsdesc=Delivers an earth-shaking blow to the ground, sending nearby enemies skyward. It has considerable power, consistent and repetitive damage, and a large hitbox. Cannot be used in midair. It is possible to combo this move by only using one hit of it into a giant punch vs. everyone other than {{SSB|Jigglypuff}}.
}}
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
<gallery>
File: Donkey Kong Announcer SSB.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
File: Donkey Kong French Announcer SSB.wav|French
File: Donkey Kong German Announcer SSB.wav|German
</gallery>
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
{{Appearance
|desc=Breaks out of a ''Donkey Kong Country''-style DK Barrel.
|char=DonkeyKong
|game=SSB}}


===[[Taunt]]===
===[[Taunt]]===
*Turns to his right, raises his arms so that his palms are facing upwards, shrugs, and makes a confused growl while shaking his head. Oddly causes his head to become invincible to projectiles (as it turns it on it's Z-axis as if it was a roll.)
{{Taunt/SSB|char=DonkeyKong|desc=Turns to his right, raises his arms so that his palms are facing upwards, shrugs, and makes a confused growl while shaking his head. Oddly causes his head to become invincible to projectiles (as it turns it on its Z-axis as if it was a roll.)}}
 
===[[Crowd cheer]]===
{{Crowd
|char=Donkey Kong
|game=SSB
|desc-us=*clap* Donk- *clap* -ey *clap* Kong
|desc-jp=Donk-ey Kong
|pitch-us=Crowd Chant
|pitch-jp=Crowd Chant}}


==={{SSB|Cheer}}===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
"Donkey Kong!" <ref>[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g35Tqm_w5Jc]]</ref>
{{Victory/SSB
|victory-theme=DKTheme64.ogg
|victory-desc=A flourish originating from ''Donkey Kong Country'' that played whenever a Kong defeated a boss or completed a bonus level.
|desc-1=Holds his hands and shakes them above his head in self-congratulation to the left, then to the right, then forward (reference to when he completes a Bonus Stage or defeats a boss in ''Donkey Kong Country'', only without clapping his hands, and shaking them in front of him first).
|desc-2=Hops and flexes (also his character selection animation).  
|desc-3=Beats his chest.
|char=DK}}


===[[Victory Theme]]===
==In [[competitive play]]==
A flourish originating from ''Donkey Kong Country'' that played whenever a Kong defeated a boss or completed a bonus level.
===Most historically significant players===
<gallery>
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->
DKTheme64.ogg
:''See also: [[:Category:Donkey Kong players (SSB)]]''
</gallery>
 
*{{Sm|Allgreen|Japan}} - A North Carolina player that commonly competed in Japanese tournaments. While he doesn't play Donkey Kong at every tournament, co-maining the character with {{SSB|Kirby}}, he placed 17th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, 25th at {{Trn|Kansai 2020}}, and was considered a hidden boss on the [[2019-2020 Smash 64 Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Amasawa|Japan}} - Was one of the best Japanese players in the early meta while maining Donkey Kong, a character considered significantly worse in the Japanese version of ''Smash 64''. He holds wins over {{Sm|Red}}, {{Sm|Sekirei}}, and {{Sm|Rinko}}.
*{{Sm|Darkhorse|USA}} - While he mains {{SSB|Captain Falcon}}, he has gone solo Donkey Kong at a few events such as 9th at {{Trn|Hitstun 5}} and 17th at {{Trn|Keystoned II}} with wins over {{Sm|Wookiee}} and {{Sm|Roman}}. He also used the two characters to place 5th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}} and 7th at {{Trn|Shine 2017}}. Was previously ranked 33rd on the [[2019-2020 Smash 64 Power Rankings]] with Captain Falcon and Donkey Kong being his primary characters listed.
*{{Sm|Lorenzo|Brazil}} - The best solo Donkey Kong player in South America and one of the best in 2017, being ranked 61st on the [[2017 64 League Rankings]]. In 2017, he placed 7th at {{Trn|Boss Battle 2}}, which marked the first time a solo-Donkey Kong player made top 8 at a ''Smash 64'' major. He continued to give the character's best solo results with 13th at {{Trn|UFSmash 3}} and 17th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2017}}, being able to secure wins over {{Sm|Shalaka}}, {{Sm|Dext3r}}, and {{Sm|Shears}}. He has been inactive since early 2019.
*{{Sm|tacos|USA}} - The current best Donkey Kong player in the world, albeit as a secondary at many tournaments. Notably placed 2nd at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}} and {{Trn|Operation Desert Smash III}} using Donkey Kong in a few of his sets and beating {{Sm|Josh Brody}} and {{Sm|Wangera}}. During 2021-2022, he was ranked 28th on the [[2021-2022 Smash 64 Power Rankings]] as the highest and only player to use Donkey Kong.


==In [[Competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
===Matchups===
Donkey Kong has historically been considered a low to lower-middle tier character. The character was very unpopular throughout the heyday of ''Smash 64'' due to his major disadvantages being the largest character in the game with sluggish normals compared to almost every other character who had combo routes that can take advantage of the game's hitstun mechanics. This was hindered further by the fact that in Japan, a country where even lower-tier characters had notable representation, Donkey Kong was very uncommon and Japanese players considered him the worst character in the game. In North America, the character did not far much better, placing 9th on the first official tier list.
====International versions====
{{SSB64MatchupTable|donkeykong=y}}


====Japanese version====
Despite his placement not being much better, Donkey Kong is a vastly more popular character in North America, seen with {{Sm|Lorenzo}} who became one of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time, placing high in South America and boasting the character's best wins and placements in the United States with a 7th place at {{Trn|Boss Battle 2}}. Additionally, Donkey Kong was seen as a popular character for top players to use in pools in less serious matches, seen with players such as {{Sm|SuPeRbOoMfAn}} and {{Sm|Darkhorse}}, with the latter becoming one of the character's best representatives despite primarily being a {{SSB|Captain Falcon}} player. He used both characters to place 5th at major {{Trn|The Big House 9}} and supermajor {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}. The character also found some counterpick potential with some players such as {{Sm|tacos}}, who is Donkey Kong's best representative in recent years, using him at a few major tournaments in specific moments, defeating {{Sm|wangera}} at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}} and {{Sm|Josh Brody}} at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}}. SuPeRbOoMfAn has also made occasional returns to the character, most notably winning the regional [https://www.start.gg/tournament/frame-14/event/smash-64-singles FRAME 14] with Donkey Kong, taking the tournament over players such as {{Sm|KD3}}.
{{SSB64MatchupTable-JPN|donkeykong=y}}


===Notable players===
Overall, Donkey Kong remains a uncommon character despite his occasional moments of success, due to his glaring flaws as a heavyweight character in a game where top tiers and even characters that rank below him can oppress him with combos or stuff him out with moves with better frame data. As such, his feats in North America did place him at 7th during the second and third tier lists, but now remains at 9th on the current tier list. While counterpicking has worked with the character before, his chances of being a consistent threat as a solo-main or as a primary character is very difficult and unlikely to be seen due to his history as a character in the metagame.
:''See also: [[:Category:Donkey Kong professionals (SSB)]]''
*{{sm|Amasawa|Japan}}
*{{sm|Annex|USA}}
*{{sm|Herbert Von Karajan|USA}}
*{{Sm|I Love Smash|USA}}
*{{sm|KeroKeroppi|USA}}
*{{sm|Near|USA}}
*{{sm|Morgen|Sweden}}
*{{Sm|tacos|USA}}
*{{Sm|The Z|Canada}}


==In single-player==
==In single-player==
In the game's single-player mode, the player and two randomly chosen allies will fight a Giant Donkey Kong on [[Congo Jungle|Kongo Jungle]].
In the game's single-player mode, the player and two randomly chosen allies will fight a [[Giant Donkey Kong]] on [[Congo Jungle]].


==Techniques==
==Techniques==
Line 149: Line 227:
{{main|Infinite throw trap}}
{{main|Infinite throw trap}}


Donkey Kong has the ability to use his forward throw as a means of nigh-inescapably racking up damage on characters. In order to do this, Donkey Kong must use the forward throw, but not any other throw. If the opponent escapes, they will likely still be within Donkey Kong's grab range whereupon they can be grabbed again. This throw trap can be broken if the opponent can shake towards Donkey Kong and his grab. {{SSB|Yoshi}} and {{SSB|Ness}} have the most difficulty escaping the throw trap due to their unique double jumps. {{SSB|Pikachu}} has the least difficulty due to it being able to escape using the invincibility frames of its [[Quick Attack|up special]].
Donkey Kong has the ability to use his forward throw as a means of nigh-inescapably racking up damage on characters. In order to do this, Donkey Kong must use the forward throw, but not any other throw. If the opponent escapes, they will likely still be within Donkey Kong's grab range whereupon they can be grabbed again. This throw trap can be broken if the opponent can shake towards Donkey Kong and his grab. {{SSB|Yoshi}} and {{SSB|Ness}} have the most difficulty escaping the throw trap due to their unique double jumps. {{SSB|Pikachu}}, {{SSB|Samus}}, {{SSB|Mario}}, and {{SSB|Luigi}} have the least difficulty escaping due to their up specials.


===Ledge dropping===
===Amasawa Loop===
 
Due to Donkey Kong's laggy aerials, Donkey Kong has very little combo ability with his aerials except a down aerial or forward aerial into a throw. However, if Donkey Kong shield drops from a ledge, he can quickly use an up aerial and then [[Z-cancel]]. Donkey Kong can also jump, use an aerial, and Z-cancel on a ledge for a similar effect. As a result, on [[ledge]]s, Donkey Kong can juggle characters with up aerials whom he would otherwise be unable to combo.
Due to Donkey Kong's laggy aerials, Donkey Kong has very little combo ability with his aerials except a down aerial or forward aerial into a throw. However, if Donkey Kong drops from a ledge, he can quickly use an up aerial and then [[Z-cancel]]. Donkey Kong can also jump, use an aerial, and Z-cancel on a ledge for a similar effect. As a result, on [[ledge]]s, Donkey Kong can juggle characters with up aerials whom he would otherwise be unable to combo.


===Down special resets and down aerial usage===
===Down special resets and down aerial usage===
Donkey Kong can also cancel the first slap of [[Hand Slap]] by moving the [[control stick]] back after the first slap, enabling him to combo it into a virtually any move to KO the majority of the cast outside of {{SSB|Luigi}} and {{SSB|Jigglypuff}}. Donkey Kong's other main KO'ing setup outside of grab-based gimps is a Down Aerial into an Up Smash or a Down Air into a Down Smash.
Donkey Kong can also cancel the first slap of [[Hand Slap]] by only pressing B once, enabling him to combo it into a virtually any move to KO the majority of the cast outside of {{SSB|Jigglypuff}}. It also makes him invincible for the first 2 frames. Donkey Kong's other main KO'ing setup outside of grab-based gimps is a Down Aerial into an Up Smash or a Down Air into a Down Smash.


==Description==
==Description==
===Trophy description===
===From the Game===
''Donkey Kong and [[Mario]] started out as arch-rivals, but they've patched things up in recent years. These days DK spends his time searching the jungle for bananas instead of kidnapping beautiful maidens. In the past few years, other members of the Kong family have cashed in on DK's fame as well, including his favorite nephew, [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]].''
''Donkey Kong and [[Mario]] started out as arch-rivals, but they've patched things up in recent years. These days DK spends his time searching the jungle for bananas instead of [[Pauline|kidnapping beautiful maidens]]. In the past few years, other members of the Kong family have cashed in on DK's fame as well, including his favorite nephew, [[Diddy Kong|Diddy]].''


Works:
Works:
Line 168: Line 245:


==[[Alternate costume (SSB)#Donkey Kong|Alternate costumes]]==
==[[Alternate costume (SSB)#Donkey Kong|Alternate costumes]]==
[[Image:Donkey Kong Palette (SSB).png|350px|frame|center|Donkey Kong's changeable palette swaps in SSB]]
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|colspan=5|[[File:Donkey Kong Palette (SSB).png]]
|-
|{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSB|s=25px}}
|{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSB|s=25px|cl=Black}}
|{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSB|s=25px|cl=Red}}
|{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSB|s=25px|cl=Blue}}
|{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSB|s=25px|cl=Green}}
|}
 
==Gallery==
<gallery>
SSB64 DK.gif|Image of Donkey Kong from ''[[Smabura-Ken!!]]''.
DK SSB Air Attacks.PNG|Donkey Kong's aerial attacks.
</gallery>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
Line 174: Line 266:
*Donkey Kong, along with {{SSB|Yoshi}}, is one of two characters in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' to never be portrayed with headwear in-game.
*Donkey Kong, along with {{SSB|Yoshi}}, is one of two characters in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' to never be portrayed with headwear in-game.
*Donkey Kong is the only character without a [[sex kick]] as his neutral aerial.
*Donkey Kong is the only character without a [[sex kick]] as his neutral aerial.
*Both {{SSB|Samus}} and Donkey Kong had their official artworks flipped horizontally on the official English website.
*Donkey Kong is oddly able to avoid projectiles from hitting his head if he taunts at the precise moment.
*Donkey Kong is oddly able to avoid projectiles from hitting his head if he taunts at the precise moment.
*Donkey Kong's portrait on the [[Character selection screen]] greatly resembles some of his official artwork from ''[[donkeykongwiki:Donkey Kong Country|Donkey Kong Country]]''.
*This is the only game where Donkey Kong is the heaviest. In future installments, he would be replaced by [[Bowser]].
**This is also the only game in which a protagonist is the heaviest character.
**Not counting [[Final Smash]]es and [[Boss]]es, the ''Smash 64'' NTSC and PAL iteration of Donkey Kong is the heaviest playable character in the entire franchise, weighing over 140 units (though ''64'' weight units are listed differently).
*Donkey Kong's portrait on the [[Character selection screen]] greatly resembles a piece of [[mariowiki:File:DonkeyDKC.png|official artwork]] from ''{{iw|mariowiki|Donkey Kong Country}}''.


==References==
{{reflist}}
{{SSBCharacters}}
{{SSBCharacters}}
{{Donkey Kong universe}}
{{Donkey Kong universe}}
[[Category:Characters (SSB)]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (SSB)| ]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong (SSB)| ]]
[[Category:Donkey Kong universe]]
[[es:Donkey Kong (SSB)]]

Latest revision as of 20:01, December 4, 2024

This article is about Donkey Kong's appearance in Super Smash Bros. For the character in other contexts, see Donkey Kong.
Donkey Kong
in Super Smash Bros.
Donkey Kong SSB.png
DKSymbol(preBrawl).svg
Universe Donkey Kong
Other playable appearances in Melee
in Brawl
in SSB4
in Ultimate
Availability Starter
Tier C (9) (North America)
? (12) (Japan)
Donkey Kong (SSB)

Donkey Kong (ドンキーコング, Donkey Kong), written as DK, is a starter character in Super Smash Bros. He has slow, yet powerful attacks, like his trademark move: the Giant Punch. Due to this, his archetype has also inspired the archetype for most of the heavyweight characters in subsequent games, in which he has also appeared. His voice clips mostly use gorilla grunts and sounds.

Donkey Kong is currently ranked 9th out of 12 on the tier list. He has powerful moves such as his aforementioned Giant Punch which when fully charged, deals 36% damage. He also sports an infamously abusable grab release, remarkable reach throughout his moveset, and is the heaviest character in the game, making him very difficult to KO, especially vertically. Donkey Kong also benefits from the buffs in international releases thanks to the changes to SDI system as well as the decreased shield stun. However, he is somewhat slow, and is also the largest character in the game, which coupled with his heavy weight makes him an easy target for combos. Despite his incredible endurance, his off-stage survivability is almost non-existent, as his recovery has among the worst vertical distance in the game. In the Japanese tier list, Donkey Kong is ranked 12th, as he does not have the changes from the SDI system and the decreased shield stun, causing him to struggle even more there.

Attributes[edit]

Donkey Kong's congratulations screen.
Donkey Kong using Hand Slap in the SSB instruction booklet.

Donkey Kong is the heaviest and largest character in Super Smash Bros. This means he gets hit quite easily, and he also has a poor shield game, making him vulnerable to shield break combos such as Yoshi's Z-canceled DJC neutral aerial performed repeatedly. However, he can take many hits and high damage before being KO'd. Like heavyweight characters in subsequent games, Donkey Kong has attacks that deal lots of damage and have strong knockback. He also has two meteor smashes (forward and down aerials), and some extremely powerful finishers, including his forward smash and Giant Punch when fully charged or close to fully charged. However, his attacks are generally slow and laggy, and most of his KOs still require setup.

Contrary to popular belief, Donkey Kong has slightly above-average dashing speed (although he does have a relatively slow air speed). Donkey Kong has a great grab and throw game due to having the longest non-tether grabbing horizontal range, terrific throw combos (especially when there are walls), and the infamous infinite throw trap that allows him to rack up damage easily and effectively. He also has a KO throw in his back throw. Donkey Kong has good reach, which allows for decent combos despite slow attack speed, but he lacks a projectile and a reliable way to deal with them, making his approach poor and unvaried. His Up B however also breaks projectiles, outside of Fox's laser.

For recovery, Donkey Kong's up special move, Spinning Kong, travels great horizontal distance, but has poor vertical gain, with no options to extend it. This makes him very vulnerable to meteor smashes. It should be noted that Donkey Kong is extremely vulnerable to combos due to being very large, very heavy, and falling somewhat quickly. It is however quite powerful for how fast it is, being a reliable get out of danger move.

In high level play, Donkey Kong is known for his incredible Spinning Kong and back throw gimps. On platforms, it is possible for DK to platform cancel up airs into Giant Punch or up smash. His Up B, Spinning Kong, is an amazing gimping move, with strong knockback as well as being able to out-prioritize every recovery in the game. It also has some invincibility (at the edge of his fists) which makes it quite useful to out-space opponents in the neutral game. Donkey Kong is a hard counter to Jigglypuff, as he can grab, forward throw, cargo release, and re-grab into a Giant Punch for a low percentage KO. With good timing, it is also possible to cancel his Down B after one hit, allowing him to combo into a forward air as well as a fully charged Giant Punch on all characters except for Falcon, Fox, and Yoshi. Donkey Kong however has problems with projectiles, and the top characters in the game (including Pikachu, Kirby, Fox, and Captain Falcon) combo him too heavily for him to rise on the tier list. His poor mobility also gives him a disadvantage against fast characters like Fox and Captain Falcon. Donkey Kong is usually considered to be among the best low tier characters in low tier tournaments due to his Giant Punch combos and the fact that there are not many projectile users in the low tiers (as well as his Up B being able to out-prioritize all of their projectiles.) In short, DK's main strategies in competitive play are gimps using throws, outspacing with Spinning Kong, Down B combos, grab combos into a meteor smash and otherwise, and up aerial chains.

In doubles[edit]

Donkey Kong is also considered to be slightly better for doubles than singles, mainly because he is better at KOing as some characters are forced to approach. His great reach also helps. Another good thing is that if he has a fast partner, they will be able to easily save him from large combos. He is one of the few characters with relatively good recovery. Donkey Kong is also excellent at edgeguarding and gimping, especially on Dream Land. However, his problem matchups, especially with Kirby and Pikachu, hinder many doubles matchups.

Difference between game versions[edit]

Donkey Kong has been buffed in the NTSC-U version. Donkey Kong is heavier and his Spinning Kong grants more height, improving his endurance and recovery. His back and down aerials are also stronger making it even easier for him to close out stocks. In terms of universal changes, Donkey Kong gets adversely affected by the removal of momentum sliding however, he also benefits from the higher SDI presence, which allows him to escape combos better. As a result of these changes, he is overall better than in the Japanese version.

Attributes[edit]

  • Nerf The removal of momentum sliding slightly hinders Donkey Kong's approach.
  • Buff Donkey Kong is heavier (0.84 → 0.83).

Aerial attacks[edit]

  • Buff Clean back aerial has increased base knockback (0 → 10).
  • Buff Down aerial deals more knockback (10 (base), 80 (scaling) → 15/90).

Throws[edit]

  • Nerf Opponents require six less button inputs to escape from forward throw.

Special attacks[edit]

Moveset[edit]

For a gallery of Donkey Kong's hitboxes, see here.


  Name Damage Description
Neutral attack Jab (ジャブ) / Upper (アッパー) 4% Donkey Kong performs a jab with the first hit, followed by an uppercut for the second hit. It is one of Donkey Kong's faster ground moves although it is relatively slow for a jab. The first hit can lead into a grab at higher percents although it is unsafe on shield and it fails to lead into the second hit in various situations. The second hit is no stronger than the first hit and it is very laggy, making it very unsafe and not very effective overall.

Jab is overall a situational move for Donkey Kong, with his grab being a far better option overall.

4%
Forward tilt Kong Straight (コングストレート) 13% Donkey Kong punches forwards. The move is slow and not particularly powerful either, although it can be angled up or down and it does have long range (although its range doesn't quite match Donkey Kong's hand). It is unsafe on shield but it can be spaced to be made safe. It is overall a very situational move, with a dash grab being the superior option in most situations, although forward tilt can be used to edgeguard in certain situations due to its ability to be angled.
12%
11%
Up tilt Spider Web Clearing (くもの巣はらい) 13% Donkey Kong swings his hand in an arch above him, with the move having strong vertical knockback. It comes out on frame 4, making it tied with Kirby's up tilt for the fastest in the game in terms of startup. It also has great range above and behind Donkey Kong although its range in front of him is lacking. It is also the strongest up tilt in the game, KOing Mario at 118% on Dream Land.

However, it has a lot of ending lag, having the highest ending lag out of any tilt in the game. The move is not only very punishable on whiff and even on shield but it is also unsafe on hit at lower percents, making it very risky to use. At mid percents, the move does not reliably combo into anything if hit from the front, although Donkey Kong does get followups if it hits from the back.

Up tilt is overall a very situational move for Donkey Kong as while it hits hard, it is far too risky to use, and the reward for landing it usually isn't particularly high, especially at lower percents.

Down tilt Slouch Slap (ロースラップ, Low Slap) 8% Donkey Kong performs a quick hand swipe while crouching. It comes out slowly on frame 11 but it has very little ending lag and it has decent range. It can combo into grab at lower percents and at higher percents, it can set up tech chases and edgeguards. It is also very safe on shield, with Donkey Kong having just enough time to get a guaranteed grab on shield from a fresh down tilt.

Down tilt is overall Donkey Kong's most useful tilt due to its low ending lag.

Dash attack Iron Kick (アイアンキック) 12% Donkey Kong sticks his foot out and slowly advances forward before stopping completely. Possibly a reference to the ending of the arcade version of Donkey Kong Jr.. The move launches opponents up and towards Donkey Kong with set knockback. It comes out very quickly on on frame 3 although this is the only positive with the move.

Dash attack has incredibly high ending lag, it covers a short amount of distance and while it technically has a lot of active frames, its hitboxes end before Donkey Kong stops moving, giving it a deceptively short amount of range, especially during the later parts of the animation. These factors make the move difficult to land and incredibly unsafe if it does not connect. It can even be unsafe on hit in some cases, especially if the opponent crouch cancels the move and even when it is safe on hit, it is too laggy to lead into anything (although it can lead into followups if it is interrupted by a weaker attack). It can set up tech chases on Dream Land platforms but even in this case, Donkey Kong might not have a significant enough frame advantage to punish the opponent's tech options. It can also be used to clang with other attacks due to its quick speed but this is overall very risky and not reliable, as a mistimed dash attack can be fatal for Donkey Kong.

Dash attack is overall considered to be one of the worst moves in the game, as it is far too laggy, hard to land and the reward for landing it is not high at all, regardless of the opponent's percent. It is a move which is almost never used intentionally at high levels of play.

Forward smash Power Slap (パワースラップ) 21% Donkey Kong reels his hand back and thrusts it forward. It comes out very slowly, not coming out until frame 27, which makes it very difficult to land in neutral or as a followup. Forward smash does have good range, damage and knockback however, being one of the strongest forward smashes in the game. It can be angled up or down, with the up angled version being the strongest forward smash in the game (barring Link's forward smash in the European version). Donkey Kong can set up into his forward smash with certain moves and it can be used to edgeguard some characters. It is also very safe on shield, with the up angled version even being able to lead into a guaranteed grab if the opponent is close enough.

Forward smash is overall a situational yet rewarding move for Donkey Kong when used in the right situations.

20%
19%
Up smash Jumbo Press (ジャンボプレス) 21% Donkey Kong claps directly above him. The move deals 21% and very high vertical knockback, being one of the strongest up smashes in the game. It has a very large hitbox, easily hitting opponents on Dream Land platforms and Donkey Kong's head and arms are intangible while the hitboxes are out, making it a powerful anti-air. Donkey Kong can also combo into it using an up or down aerial for a KO and Donkey Kong can combo into a forward aerial out of it at specific percent ranges.

The move comes out slowly on frame 16 however, it has high ending lag and it has limited horizontal range. It also cannot hit shorter characters on the ground (if they are on the same ground level as Donkey Kong). The move is safe on shield against most characters but it does leave Donkey Kong at a frame disadvantage.

Up smash is overall a situational yet powerful move for Donkey Kong when used in the right situations.

Down smash Ground Roll (グランドロール) 19% Donkey Kong performs a 360° spin while doing a split. It deals 19% and high diagonal knockback, having above average KO power for a down smash. It also has a long hitbox duration and hits on both sides of Donkey Kong, making it effective at catching rolls. The move does come out slowly on frame 12 but it is Donkey Kong's fastest smash attack. It also has very high ending lag, which makes it very unsafe and easily punishable. It also has an unfavorable launch angle which makes it ineffective at both edgeguarding and setting up combos, especially when combined with its ending lag.

Down smash is overall a situational move for Donkey Kong as while it has utility in some areas, the move is often too risky for the reward it can give.

Neutral aerial Donkey Lariat (ドンキーラリアット) 15% (clean), 12% (late) Donkey Kong spins around with his arms out. It starts off dealing 15% but after its first four active frames, it deals less damage and knockback. It comes out quickly on frame 4 and it has a somewhat long hitbox duration, making it a decent defensive move. It has above average damage for a neutral aerial although its knockback is below average. It can lead into followups at lower percents but its utility is limited at higher percents and it does not hit below Donkey Kong very well, making him easy to hit from below. It also has high ending lag which can make it quite unsafe to use off stage.
Forward aerial Hammer Knuckle (ハンマーナックル) 16% Donkey Kong does a front flip with his fists clasped together, smashing them into opponents. It is a powerful meteor smash although it does also have strong horizontal knockback if Donkey Kong's arms connect rather than his hand, which naturally makes it a strong edgeguarding tool. This move inspired Donkey Kong's air attack in Donkey Kong 64. It comes out fairly quickly on frame 8 and lasts until frame 16, and while it does have a considerable amount of ending lag, it does have the shortest total duration out of all of Donkey Kong's aerials. The move can easily be used as a combo starter, extender or ender at a wide variety of percent ranges, with Donkey Kong having multiple followups out of the move against grounded opponents and he has multiple ways to combo into it for a KO at fairly low percents. It is Donkey Kong's most damaging aerial which also makes it his safest aerial on shield, giving him slightly more time to punish shielding opponents than his other aerials.

Interestingly, the move has a very long initial auto-cancel window, with the move auto-canceling for the first 19 frames of the animation. As the move's hitboxes are active from frames 8-15, this means that if the player lands while the hitboxes are active, they will auto-cancel, removing the need to Z-cancel. The move will go into its landing lag animation from frames 20-35 of its animation although the move is generally used in situations where it will automatically auto-cancel. This is the only aerial in the entire series where its initial auto-cancel outlasts the hitbox, while still not auto-canceling for the entire animation.

Forward aerial is overall a very strong and useful aerial for Donkey Kong due to its speed, arching range, combo and edgeguarding potential.

Back aerial Kong Rocket (コングロケット) 15% (clean), 10% (late) Donkey Kong puts his feet together and thrusts them out behind him, his body moving sideways with them. It deals 15% with the clean hitbox but during its later active frames, it deals 10%. It comes out on frame 8 and the hitboxes are fairly large and have a long duration. It has combo potential at lower percents and is highly effective on shield, but is burdened by considerable ending lag and has below average KO potential for a back aerial, making it one of the less effective back aerials overall. Nevertheless, it is still a solid and useful move overall.

In the Japanese version, back aerial dealt less knockback, having the same power as neutral aerial. This made it a worse KO move but this did also allow it to combo into other moves for longer.

Up aerial Mid-air Spider Web Clearing (空中くもの巣はらい) 12% Donkey Kong swings his hands in an arch, similarly to his up tilt. The move deals 12% and launches opponents up and towards Donkey Kong with below average vertical knockback for an up aerial. It typically cannot KO and has very high ending lag and landing lag, which can make it quite unsafe and punishable (although the landing lag can be mostly eliminated with Z-canceling, which also makes the move very safe on landing). It has extremely low startup on frame 3 however, and it has a long hitbox duration, with the move covering both in front and behind Donkey Kong, in addition to above him. When combined with its weak vertical knockback and Z-canceling, this makes the move a useful juggling tool. It can be awkward to utilize in some situations, but it can be a strong combo tool when used in the right scenarios, with the move being able to lead into itself multiple times as well as Donkey Kong's up smash, forward aerial, and Giant Punch for KOs at certain percentages.
Down aerial Air Stampede (エアスタンピード) 13% (clean), 10% (late) Donkey Kong thrusts his feet down, with the move meteor smashing opponents. It comes out on frame 6 and its hitboxes last for a very long time while retaining its meteor angle for its entire duration, although it does become weaker during its later frames. It is naturally effective for edgeguarding and against grounded opponents, it can lead into many followups, with up smash working in some scenarios for a KO. In scenarios where up smash will not work, forward aerial will typically be strong enough for a KO and Giant Punch is a viable followup at a wide percent range as well. The move does have high ending lag and landing lag however so it can be unsafe to use off stage depending on Donkey Kong's position and the move is very unsafe if Donkey Kong does not Z-cancel the move. Nevertheless, down aerial is a very useful aerial for Donkey Kong if he can land it.

In the Japanese version, down aerial dealt less knockback, which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on when it is used.

Grab Grab (つかみ) Donkey Kong clenches his hands forwards. Donkey Kong has the longest normal grab range out of any character in the game, with his grab also being just as fast as other characters' grabs. This makes Donkey Kong's grab very easy to land, especially since Donkey Kong has multiple ways to confirm into grab. When combined with his very potent throws, Donkey Kong's grab is one of the best in the game (and one of his most useful tools in general), with its only notably weakness being that Donkey Kong grabs fairly high, which can allow shorter characters to low profile under the grab.
Forward throw Kong Karry (リフティング, Lifting) 8% (carry), 8% (throw) Donkey Kong picks up his opponent and holds them on his back. He can then move around and jump before throwing them forward or backwards, although it is possible for the opponent to mash out of the throw. This throw is based on his ability in Donkey Kong Country to effortlessly carry barrels on his back. After throwing the opponent, Donkey Kong can go for a punish attempt to try and catch the opponent's recovery attempt. If the opponent breaks out of the grab, they receive some knockback and they end up close to Donkey Kong. This can lead into followups/mixups for Donkey Kong, with his most powerful option being another grab to reset the situation. This is not guaranteed at lower percents but it is difficult for some characters to avoid and it does become guaranteed at higher percents. It is overall a unique yet useful throw for Donkey Kong.

In the Japanese version, forward throw required more inputs to break out of, which made it a more useful throw overall.

Back throw Direct Throw (ダイレクトスロー) 18% Donkey Kong turns around and tosses the opponent backwards. The throw is very fast and very strong, dealing very high damage and knockback. It is overall the strongest throw in the game, KOing Mario under 100% from the middle of Dream Land, although some throws are stronger at the ledge. At lower percents, it can put opponents onto one of Dream Land's side platforms for a tech chase scenario and if the opponent ends up off stage, they can end up getting KOed if Donkey Kong successfully edgeguards them. At slightly higher percents, it either sends the opponent very far off stage where Donkey Kong can go for an edgeguard for a KO or it just flat out KOes the opponent. Donkey Kong's back throw is overall one of the best in the game due to its incredible strength and speed.
Forward roll
Back roll
Techs
Floor attack (front)
Floor getups (front)
6% Donkey Kong kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
Floor attack (back)
Floor getups (back)
6% Donkey Kong kicks while on his back, forcing his body down, then picks himself up and kicks on the other side.
Edge attack (fast)
Edge getups (fast)
6% Donkey Kong hoists himself onto the stage back-first, ramming into opponents. It comes out on frame 9, making it the fastest edge attack in the game by quite a margin and it has long range, making it practical to land. Donkey Kong is also intangible for the first 10 frames of the edge attack, making it impossible to intercept during its startup. The move does whiff against characters close to the edge however and while it does have a decent amount of active frames, its hitboxes do end before Donkey Kong finishes advancing forward, giving it less range than its animation suggests. It also has very high ending lag for a fast edge attack, making it easily punishable.

Donkey Kong's fast edge attack is overall considered to be one of the better edge attacks in the game.

Edge attack (slow)
Edge getups (slow)
6% Donkey Kong climbs back onto the stage slowly, slapping opponents in front of him. It comes out very slowly on frame 49, although Donkey Kong is intangible for the move's first 50 frames. It also has high ending lag, low damage and very short range, with the move even whiffing against opponents close to the edge.

In quite a contrast to his fast edge attack, Donkey Kong's slow edge attack is considered to be one of the worst in the game, especially in comparison to his fast edge attack.

Neutral special Giant Punch 14% (uncharged), 36% (fully charged) When B is pressed, he starts charging up a punch. Pressing Z stores the charge, and it can then be continued by pressing B. The longer the move is charged, the more powerful it is. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it is a very powerful KO move.
Up special Spinning Kong 12% (startup), 8% (loop), 3% (final hit) A recovery move that gains very little vertical recovery height, but gives quite a large amount of horizontal distance. Contains many hits that can do high damage, but it is very difficult to land all the hits. He is invincible for the first 5 frames. Has very high set knockback at the edge of the fists as well as invincibility in the same region which makes it quite useful at gimping.
Down special Hand Slap 10% Delivers an earth-shaking blow to the ground, sending nearby enemies skyward. It has considerable power, consistent and repetitive damage, and a large hitbox. Cannot be used in midair. It is possible to combo this move by only using one hit of it into a giant punch vs. everyone other than Jigglypuff.

Announcer call[edit]

On-screen appearance[edit]

  • Breaks out of a Donkey Kong Country-style DK Barrel.
DonkeyKongOnScreenAppearanceSSB.gif

Taunt[edit]

  • Turns to his right, raises his arms so that his palms are facing upwards, shrugs, and makes a confused growl while shaking his head. Oddly causes his head to become invincible to projectiles (as it turns it on its Z-axis as if it was a roll.)
Taunts-SSB-DonkeyKong.gif

Crowd cheer[edit]

English Japanese
Cheer
Description *clap* Donk- *clap* -ey *clap* Kong Donk-ey Kong
Pitch Crowd Chant Crowd Chant

Victory poses[edit]

A flourish originating from Donkey Kong Country that played whenever a Kong defeated a boss or completed a bonus level.
  • Holds his hands and shakes them above his head in self-congratulation to the left, then to the right, then forward (reference to when he completes a Bonus Stage or defeats a boss in Donkey Kong Country, only without clapping his hands, and shaking them in front of him first).
  • Hops and flexes (also his character selection animation).
  • Beats his chest.
DKPose1SSB.gif DKPose2SSB.gif DKPose3SSB.gif

In competitive play[edit]

Most historically significant players[edit]

See also: Category:Donkey Kong players (SSB)

Tier placement and history[edit]

Donkey Kong has historically been considered a low to lower-middle tier character. The character was very unpopular throughout the heyday of Smash 64 due to his major disadvantages being the largest character in the game with sluggish normals compared to almost every other character who had combo routes that can take advantage of the game's hitstun mechanics. This was hindered further by the fact that in Japan, a country where even lower-tier characters had notable representation, Donkey Kong was very uncommon and Japanese players considered him the worst character in the game. In North America, the character did not far much better, placing 9th on the first official tier list.

Despite his placement not being much better, Donkey Kong is a vastly more popular character in North America, seen with Lorenzo who became one of the best Donkey Kong players of all-time, placing high in South America and boasting the character's best wins and placements in the United States with a 7th place at Boss Battle 2. Additionally, Donkey Kong was seen as a popular character for top players to use in pools in less serious matches, seen with players such as SuPeRbOoMfAn and Darkhorse, with the latter becoming one of the character's best representatives despite primarily being a Captain Falcon player. He used both characters to place 5th at major The Big House 9 and supermajor GENESIS 6. The character also found some counterpick potential with some players such as tacos, who is Donkey Kong's best representative in recent years, using him at a few major tournaments in specific moments, defeating wangera at Super Smash Con 2018 and Josh Brody at Get On My Level 2019. SuPeRbOoMfAn has also made occasional returns to the character, most notably winning the regional FRAME 14 with Donkey Kong, taking the tournament over players such as KD3.

Overall, Donkey Kong remains a uncommon character despite his occasional moments of success, due to his glaring flaws as a heavyweight character in a game where top tiers and even characters that rank below him can oppress him with combos or stuff him out with moves with better frame data. As such, his feats in North America did place him at 7th during the second and third tier lists, but now remains at 9th on the current tier list. While counterpicking has worked with the character before, his chances of being a consistent threat as a solo-main or as a primary character is very difficult and unlikely to be seen due to his history as a character in the metagame.

In single-player[edit]

In the game's single-player mode, the player and two randomly chosen allies will fight a Giant Donkey Kong on Congo Jungle.

Techniques[edit]

Infinite throw trap[edit]

Main article: Infinite throw trap

Donkey Kong has the ability to use his forward throw as a means of nigh-inescapably racking up damage on characters. In order to do this, Donkey Kong must use the forward throw, but not any other throw. If the opponent escapes, they will likely still be within Donkey Kong's grab range whereupon they can be grabbed again. This throw trap can be broken if the opponent can shake towards Donkey Kong and his grab. Yoshi and Ness have the most difficulty escaping the throw trap due to their unique double jumps. Pikachu, Samus, Mario, and Luigi have the least difficulty escaping due to their up specials.

Amasawa Loop[edit]

Due to Donkey Kong's laggy aerials, Donkey Kong has very little combo ability with his aerials except a down aerial or forward aerial into a throw. However, if Donkey Kong shield drops from a ledge, he can quickly use an up aerial and then Z-cancel. Donkey Kong can also jump, use an aerial, and Z-cancel on a ledge for a similar effect. As a result, on ledges, Donkey Kong can juggle characters with up aerials whom he would otherwise be unable to combo.

Down special resets and down aerial usage[edit]

Donkey Kong can also cancel the first slap of Hand Slap by only pressing B once, enabling him to combo it into a virtually any move to KO the majority of the cast outside of Jigglypuff. It also makes him invincible for the first 2 frames. Donkey Kong's other main KO'ing setup outside of grab-based gimps is a Down Aerial into an Up Smash or a Down Air into a Down Smash.

Description[edit]

From the Game[edit]

Donkey Kong and Mario started out as arch-rivals, but they've patched things up in recent years. These days DK spends his time searching the jungle for bananas instead of kidnapping beautiful maidens. In the past few years, other members of the Kong family have cashed in on DK's fame as well, including his favorite nephew, Diddy.

Works:

Alternate costumes[edit]

Donkey Kong Palette (SSB).png
Donkey Kong (SSB) Donkey Kong (SSB) Donkey Kong (SSB) Donkey Kong (SSB) Donkey Kong (SSB)

Gallery[edit]

Trivia[edit]

  • Donkey Kong is one of four characters, along with Kirby, Mario, and Captain Falcon, in Super Smash Bros. to have a green costume not normally accessible via character select, only being available if Donkey Kong is in on the Green Team in Team Battle.
  • Donkey Kong, along with Yoshi, is one of two characters in the original Super Smash Bros. to never be portrayed with headwear in-game.
  • Donkey Kong is the only character without a sex kick as his neutral aerial.
  • Both Samus and Donkey Kong had their official artworks flipped horizontally on the official English website.
  • Donkey Kong is oddly able to avoid projectiles from hitting his head if he taunts at the precise moment.
  • This is the only game where Donkey Kong is the heaviest. In future installments, he would be replaced by Bowser.
    • This is also the only game in which a protagonist is the heaviest character.
    • Not counting Final Smashes and Bosses, the Smash 64 NTSC and PAL iteration of Donkey Kong is the heaviest playable character in the entire franchise, weighing over 140 units (though 64 weight units are listed differently).
  • Donkey Kong's portrait on the Character selection screen greatly resembles a piece of official artwork from Donkey Kong Country.