Dash attack canceled up smash

Falco performing a perfect charging DACUS as he slides across Pictochat.

The dash attack canceled up smash (abbreviated to DACUS, also referred to as Boost Smashing) is an advanced technique in Super Smash Bros. Brawl which allows a character to cancel their dash attack with an up smash, while retaining the momentum from the dash attack. It is similar to techniques such as a slide smash, a running up smash or a jump-canceled up smash, but a DACUS is executed differently and with some characters, it has the potential to cover much more distance than their other approaching up smash options.

DACUS was briefly possible in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, although it was removed in patch 1.0.4 and it was never possible in the Wii U version, although Shulk is able to perform a similar technique named MonaDACUS by using the momentum of a canceled Speed Monado Art to boost himself forward.

Performing the technique

As its name implies, a dash attack canceled up smash is performed by inputting a dash attack and then quickly inputting an up smash. There are multiple ways to perform a DACUS but the simplest way is to input a dash attack with the C-Stick (or D-Pad if the player is using the Nunchuk) and then inputting an up smash with the normal control stick and an attack button. Pressing down on the C-stick/D-pad is the best way to start a DACUS (assuming the C-stick/D-pad is set to smash attacks) as if the player hits forward during the beginning of the dash, they will perform a forward smash instead. This makes hitting down rather than forward both easier and more optimal. The up smash must be performed on at least frame 3 of the dash attack's animation although most characters can perform it slightly later than frame 3. However, the up smash can be buffered on the previous frame, or alternatively be replaced with a grab to perform a Boost grab.

Any character can perform a DACUS, but only certain characters can take advantage of it, as the distance a DACUS travels depends on the character. Each character has a different window where they can DACUS, with the exact length of the window being 1 frame shorter than the length of their jumpsquat. For example, Snake has a very large DACUS window from frames 3-8 (due to his 9 frame jumpsquat), making his easier to perform than a character like Sheik who has a short DACUS window on only frame 3 (due to her 4 frame jumpsquat). A thing to note is that the window is based on the coded length of a character's jumpsquat and not the length of their jumpsquat in game. Ike and Charizard for example have 7 frame jumpsquats in game but their jumpsquats are only coded to be 6 frames long, making their DACUS windows last from frames 3-5, rather than frames 3-6. The exact frame a character initiates a DACUS can also affect how much distance it gains. For example, Falco can DACUS from frame 3-5 of his dash attack but he gains less distance the later he inputs his up smash. Link can DACUS from frame 3-6 of his dash attack but he gains the most distance when he inputs his up smash on frame 5.

If a character increases in size (with a Super Mushroom or a Lightning Bolt), their DACUS window will be extended (due to their jumpsquats becoming longer), making it easier for them to perform a DACUS. The opposite applies if the character decreases in size.

Most notoriously, Lucas is the only character with a DACUS that stops all of his sideways momentum when performed. It is not known why he's the only one with this problem.

Dash attack canceled up smash windows

Window length:	Characters
Frame 3
Frames 3-4
Frames 3-5
Frames 3-6
Frames 3-7
Frames 3-8

The end of the DACUS window is based on the character's jumpsquat duration minus 1.

Uses

The uses a DACUS has are largely identical to that of a slide smash, a running up smash or a jump-canceled up smash although its potential greater distance makes it more applicable in more situations. It is mainly used as a punishment or an approach option, particularly from far distances. The great amount of distance it can cover with some characters makes it an excellent whiff punishment option or as an option to punish landings, especially since the player can charge the up smash to make it stronger and cover more distance.

A DACUS can also be used as a followup in some scenarios. An example of this is that if Sheik aerial grab releases her opponent, she can then followup with a DACUS to hit or even potentially KO the opponent. As another example, Falco can use his DACUS as a followup in multiple situations including after a landing laser, after a laser lock or after a down throw (although the latter is not guaranteed).

Some characters cover less distance with a DACUS than a running up smash although this does actually have a use with certain characters. Captain Falcon's and Charizard's running up smashes for example cover a lot of distance and it can often result in their up smashes either whiffing completely or they land the first hit but the opponent falls out before the second hit can connect. When they DACUS however, they cover much less distance, which can allow them to more reliably connect their up smash at close distances.

Gatling Combo

Falco performing a Gatling Combo.

The Gatling Combo involves using a DACUS, but the dash attack is cancelled after the hitbox comes out, meaning that both the dash attack and the up smash have the potential to hit. The Gatling Combo is performed by inputting a dash attack and then performing an up smash while the opponent is in hitlag, which makes it easier to perform than a regular DACUS. It functions in a very similar way to the jab grab technique in Smash 64, except the player is performing a dash attack into an up smash, rather than a jab into grab. The technique only works with characters who have a dash attack which comes out at least two frames before their DACUS window ends. Falco, Snake, and Wario are the only characters who can perform the Gatling Combo; as their dash attacks are fast enough and they have a long enough DACUS window to perform it.

The combo is usually used to rack up some early percent damage or to pressure shielding opponents. Its overall utility varies between the three characters who can perform it. Wario's is the least useful as his only works at very low percents and even then, his opponent can easily fall out of or escape his up smash, especially floatier characters. Falco's works for a longer period of time than Wario's and his up smash is far more rewarding overall. Snake's slides too far for both the dash attack and the up smash to reliably hit (even when he dash attacks into the ledge) although Snake's extremely long slide distance makes it an excellent cross-up and approach tool, especially since it covers more distance than his dash attack on its own.

More characters gain access to the Gatling Combo if they increase in size due to their extended DACUS windows and likewise, the few characters who can perform the Gatling Combo will lose the ability to do so if they shrink although this has no effect in competitive play.

The Gatling Combo derives its name from the gameplay mechanic first seen in Guilty Gear and has appeared in several other fighting game titles. In its game of origin, Gatling involves the ending lag of a successfully connected weak attack being canceled into a stronger attack if said strong attack is pressed during the opponent's hitstun. This process can be repeated as long as their is a stronger attack to use, allowing for simple combos with no escape windows. Since all characters in Guilty Gear have attacks of different strengths, each have varied and more optimal Gatling routes, unlike the Smash version which only involves dash attack into up smash.

Characters with a sliding DACUS

Snake's DACUS as performed in Brawl.

• Falco: Falco's best DACUS (performed on frame 3) will slide halfway across Final Destination, and gives him yet another follow-up option to consider after connecting with a silent laser shot, laser lock, or his down throw. Falco can also easily chain the actual dash attack into the up-smash, although it can be performed with a different set of commands. Falco's BDACUS with perfect timing additionally goes even further than his regular furthest DACUS.
• Link: Useful in its ability to make the normally slow Link move much faster while attacking, and excellent when combined with Link's strong projectile game. Link has a wide DACUS window and interestingly enough, he has to perform his up smash later on into his dash attack's animation on frame 5 to cover the most distance.
• Jigglypuff: Like Link, Jigglypuff's DACUS assists its slow ground game by giving it this sliding smash. One of the easier DACUSes to perform.
• Sheik: The most useful DACUS for KOing, as Sheik's up smash is her strongest KOing move, but is unfortunately difficult to sweetspot under normal, stationary circumstances. It is one of the more difficult DACUSes, but it is also tied with Snake's for being the farthest and fastest.
• Snake: The most useful DACUS for stage control, as well as the easiest one to connect both the dash attack and the up smash, as Snake has the widest DACUS window from frames 3-8. A well-known maneuver for any advanced Snake player, as its speed and range are excellent at both interrupting and launching yet another explosive into the battleground. This one, even if it does not connect, is still very easy to time with. It also gives the generally slow Snake great speed, and is one of his best approach strategies.
• Wolf: Wolf's DACUS covers a fairly long distance and has decent power. Very useful for KOing, and it helps him to approach.
• Wario: Covers a great amount of distance but it is somewhat limited by Wario's lacking up smash. The initial frames of his dash attack can also cancel into his up smash. At low percentages, Chomp can combo into a DACUS.
• Sonic: Can slide three quarters across Final Destination with his DACUS and can be used for a mix-up game. However, as his up smash is weak in terms of knockback, it is slow and it is very unreliable, it is not very useful. It also does not cover much more distance than his running up smash unless performed out of an initial dash.
• Fox: If performed, Fox's DACUS will only cover a slightly larger distance than his running up smash. While Fox's up smash is stronger than Falco's, it has higher ending lag. Fox has a shorter window to perform his DACUS than Falco, making it much harder to perform and preventing him from being able to perform a gatling combo. This combined with its low distance increase, makes it rather situational, with its main uses being to optimise punishes, particularly after shielding attacks from a long distance or to followup after a shine.
• Mario: Mario's DACUS covers slightly more distance than his running up smash. Not very useful due to the small amount of distance is gains but can still be used.
• Luigi: Similar to Mario's, although if Luigi charges his up smash, he will cover a lot more distance due to his lower traction.
• Squirtle: While Squirtle's DACUS covers a slightly larger distance than its running up smash, it is not very useful as it is not only difficult to perform and it barely covers more distance than a running up smash but Squirtle's pump slide covers a significantly larger amount of distance.
• Ike: Ike's DACUS gains slightly more distance than his running up smash, slightly improving its approach potential. The difference is quite small however.
• Olimar: Olimar's DACUS can cover nearly twice as much distance compared to his running up smash. Olimar's up smash is a strong move with good range and his DACUS improves its approach potential aiding Olimar's poor approach. The distance increase is not large, making Olimar's DACUS situational but it can help Olimar occasionally.
• R.O.B.: R.O.B.'s DACUS covers a slightly larger distance compared to his running up smash. His DACUS slightly improves his up smash's approach potential and makes it slightly easier to land, especially on grounded opponents.

Buffered dash attack canceled up smash

Falco performing a BDACUS after retreating with a roll.

The buffered dash attack canceled up smash (shortened to BDACUS) is another variant of DACUS. A BDACUS basically involves buffering a dash attack out of another action (during the 10 frame buffer window) and then cancelling the dash attack with an up smash. Buffering a dash attack allows the player to perform a dash attack immediately, rather than having to run for a frame before being able to input a dash attack. A BDACUS allows the player to cancel the dash attack during its first or second frame which is normally not possible. In order to perform a buffered dash attack, the player has to quickly tap the stick forward, let go and then press attack, all within the 10 frame buffer window. In order to do a BDACUS, the player then has to input an up smash during the buffered dash attack. The easiest way to perform a BDACUS is to quickly tap the stick forward, let go and then tap the C-stick up twice (if the C stick is set to smash attacks). This works because when an up smash is buffered out of a buffered dash input, the game will strangely buffer a dash attack instead.

When the dash attack is cancelled on the first possible frame (which can be buffered by buffering the up smash after the dash attack), it has a similar effect to a running up smash. This is naturally useful as a punishment option, especially for characters with long running up smashes but this is not what is referred to as a BDACUS.

A perfect BDACUS occurs when the dash attack is cancelled on the second frame. This is very difficult to achieve due to its frame perfect nature. Inputting up smash too early will result in the aforementioned instant running up smash and inputting the up smash too late will either lead to a regular DACUS (albeit performed out of a buffered dash attack) or a standard buffered dash attack depending on the timing. A perfect BDACUS is 2 frames faster than a perfectly executed regular DACUS. The distance a perfect BDACUS covers can vary from a regular DACUS. For most characters, it either covers less distance or a similar distance compared to a normal DACUS, although there are a few characters who gain more distance from a perfect BDACUS.

For the most part, the only characters who gain any significant millage out of a BDACUS are characters who already have a strong DACUS. A BDACUS is particularly useful for Falco and Jigglypuff since their perfect BDACUS covers more distance than their regular DACUS. Even for characters who get less out of a perfect BDACUS (such as Wolf), they can still buffer a dash attack and wait for the appropriate window to do their DACUS, which is overall slightly faster than performing a standard DACUS albeit at the cost of covering slightly less distance. The only character who solely benefits from BDACUS over a regular DACUS is Diddy Kong. Diddy Kong's regular DACUS covers less distance than his running up smash but his BDACUS covers much more distance, covering more than half of Final Destination.

BDACUS was never possible in any version of Super Smash Bros. 4 due to the altered buffer system removing the ability to perform buffered dash attacks.

In Super Smash Bros. 4

Prior to patch 1.0.4, DACUS was still possible in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. It overall functioned the same way, with the window to perform a DACUS being based on the length of the character's jumpsquat. However, the execution was considerably harder, due to the altered functionality of the C-stick in the game (assuming the player even had access to a C-stick, via a "New Nintendo 3DS" or an external controller). Sheik, Wario, Donkey Kong, Villager, Robin, Bowser, Jigglypuff and Rosalina & Luma were a handful of characters who notably benefitted from the technique. Wario could additionally still perform his gatling combo. As of version 1.0.4, however, no characters can perform DACUS at all and the technique was never possible in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the DACUS continues to remain absent from the game, which notably hinders Snake, as his DACUS is a vital part of his metagame in Brawl.