Tips

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Super Smash Bros. 4 includes a list of tips. These tips appear in two different locations - their own specialized menu in the Vault, or on the loading screens of the game.

List of tips

The many tips in the game are categorized into different types.

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Fighters

Fighter-based tips mainly provide information about characters' special moves.

• Bowser Jr.: Abandon Ship! – Bowser Jr. abandons his Junior Clown Car and performs a massive leap. After a short delay, the abandoned vehicle will self-destruct.
• Bowser Jr.: Clown Cannon – This move fires a cannonball from the Junior Clown Car. The longer this attack is charged, the faster and more powerful it will be.
• Bowser Jr.: Clown Kart Dash – The Junior Clown Car becomes a kart and charges forward. The higher the speed, the more damage it will deal.
• Bowser Jr.: Mechakoopa – The Junior Clown Car spits out a Mechakoopa, which explodes on contact with an enemy. It'll explode if you just leave it alone for a while, too.
• Bowser: Bowser Bomb – Bowser will leap into the air hornsfirst. Hitting an opponent on the way up makes it much easier to clobber them again on the way down.
• Bowser: Fire Breath – Fire Breath loses power the longer it is used. Waiting a short time between bursts will allow it to recharge.
• Bowser: Tough Guy – Bowser's a real tough guy. When he's only lightly damaged, weaker attacks won't make him flinch.
• Bowser: Whirling Fortress – Repeatedly pressing the button while using this in midair will give you a small boost in how high you fly.
• Captain Falcon: Falcon Dive – A leaping grab that sends the opponent flying with explosive force. If it connects, you're free to use the same attack again without landing.
• Captain Falcon: Falcon Punch – After pressing the attack button, quickly turn around to make Captain Falcon unleash an even more powerful attack as he turns.
• Captain Falcon: Front Air Attack – There's a violent knee jab at the start of this move. Connect with that for some serious launching power.
• Charizard: Flamethrower – Charizard will keep breathing fire as long as you hold the button down, but it'll get weaker and weaker as you use it.
• Charizard: Flare Blitz – This move engulfs Charizard in flames. It's extremely powerful, but it hurts Charizard too.
• Charizard: Flare Blitz – There's a big explosion when Charizard hits a fighter or an obstacle. This can hit other nearby fighters, too!
• Charizard: Rock Smash – The rock shards will fly in random directions. Get close to your target to maximize damage.
• Charizard: Rock Smash – Right before smashing a rock, Charizard gets super armor, meaning it won't even flinch if it's attacked!
• Charizard: Strong Up Attack – Charizard's wings won't take damage, making this good for overpowering foes striking from overhead.
• Dark Pit: Electroshock Arm – Dark Pit charges forward and launches foes upward at a lower angle than Pit's Upperdash Arm. This move also deals electrical damage.
• Dark Pit: Silver Bow – This move fires an arrow from Dark Pit's bow, either to the side or upward. Its shots are more powerful than Pit's Palutena Bow, but they curve less.
• Diddy Kong: Banana Peel – You can't whip out another Banana Peel if one of yours is still in play, but each one will vanish after being thrown twice.
• Diddy Kong: Banana Peel – In this move, Diddy throws a banana peel behind him. Foes who step on it fall clumsily to the ground. Have a nice trip!
• Diddy Kong: Monkey Flip – If you grab someone in the air, you'll release them more quickly than if you grab them on the ground. Be ready to use a speedy follow-up attack.
• Diddy Kong: Monkey Flip – While performing this move, you can press the attack button to launch a flying kick that deals considerable damage and has good launching power.
• Diddy Kong: Monkey Flip – After grabbing on to an opponent with this move, press the attack button to launch them sideways or press up to jump off their head!
• Diddy Kong: Peanut Popgun – Overcharging the Peanut Popgun makes it backfire, but it'll do a ton of damage to foes that it hits!
• Diddy Kong: Peanut Popgun – While charging, watch for when Diddy grabs his hat! That's the sign that the Peanut Popgun's about to backfire.
• Diddy Kong: Rocketbarrel Boost – If someone attacks Diddy Kong when he's wearing his Rocketbarrel Pack, it'll break free and fly off on its own.
• Diddy Kong: Rocketbarrel Pack – You can indicate a direction while this is charging to fly in that direction. You can even steer while flying!
• Donkey Kong: Forward Throw – Donkey Kong can pick up opponents and carry them around! Try to throw them before they shake free, though.
• Donkey Kong: Hand Slap – DK's Hand Slap affects a large area around him. However, it won't hit airborne fighters.
• Donkey Kong: Headbutt – Use this move to bury your opponents if they're on the ground or meteor-smash them in midair.
• Donkey Kong: Spinning Kong – This move doesn't offer a lot of lift, but it can carry Donkey Kong a fair distance left or right.
• Duck Hunt: Clay Shooting – Press the button once to throw a clay pigeon forward, and then press again to shoot. The third shot will hit, breaking the clay and hurting foes.
• Duck Hunt: Duck Jump – The duck grabs the dog and carries him through the air. Once started, this move can't be stopped.
• Duck Hunt: Trick Shot – This move kicks an exploding can toward your enemies. Keep pressing the button to fire shots and lead it toward its target.
• Falco: Blaster – Unlike Fox's blaster, Falco's blaster can make opponents flinch. It fires faster when airborne.
• Falco: Falco Phantasm – Falco Phantasm can send an airborne enemy straight down—use it to dunk them into the abyss!
• Falco: Reflector – Falco kicks his Reflector forward, making it possible to both reflect projectiles and hit foes at the same time!
• Fox: Blaster – The blaster fires quickly, and its shots go a long way, but enemies won't flinch when they're hit, so use this at a safe distance.
• Fox: Fox Illusion – When you use this move on the ground, Fox will always stop if he reaches an edge. When used in the air, you need to be a little more careful.
• Fox: Reflector – This move can reflect projectiles, and it also damages nearby opponents when activated.
• Ganondorf: Flame Choke – After being grabbed by this move, it's possible to recover just before being slammed to the ground.
• Ganondorf: Strong Down Attack – A crouching kick that sends opponents flying upward. It has good reach and is one of Ganondorf's faster attacks.
• Ganondorf: Warlock Punch – After pressing the attack button, quickly turn around to make Ganondorf unleash an even more powerful attack as he turns.
• Ganondorf: Wizard's Foot – Used on the ground, this move is a horizontal flying kick. In the air, it goes downward instead and has a meteor effect at the very start.
• Greninja: Hydro Pump – Aim the water jets by pressing in a particular direction. You can then quickly press a different direction to go that way with the second burst.
• Greninja: Hydro Pump – The water flow doesn't just cause damage—it can also push your foes if you hit them just right.
• Greninja: Substitute – This move makes an enemy attack hit a substitute instead of you. You then reappear somewhere else and attack!
• Ike: Aether – Ike will be protected from flinching while he prepares this attack. This move can send foes flying upward!
• Ike: Aether – During the downward strike, this attack has a meteor effect. You'll fall straight down until you hit solid ground, so make sure you aim well!
• Ike: Eruption – A downward stab that summons raging flames around you. Gets stronger the longer you charge it, and the tip of the blade has a meteor effect.
• Ike: Standard Attack – There are three levels of attack: a punch, a kick, and a sword swing. All pretty handy, since they're quicker than Ike's other moves!
• Jigglypuff: Pound – A simple punch that travels horizontally. You can use it repeatedly in midair—combine it with jumps to stay aloft for a very long time.
• Jigglypuff: Rest – Opponents launched by Rest will get a flower on their heads. Talk about insult to injury.
• Jigglypuff: Rest – This move is hard to hit with but can really send opponents flying! You'll need to get very close or use it right when your opponent tries to attack.
• Jigglypuff: Shield – If Jigglypuff's shield is shattered, it'll get launched and KO'd no matter its damage.
• Jigglypuff: Sing – Enemies on the ground who hear this song will fall asleep. The more damage they have, the longer they'll nap.
• King Dedede: Gordo Throw – Choose up, middle, or down right after starting this move to hit the Gordo in three different ways, changing how it bounces.
• King Dedede: Inhale – Dedede is already perfect, so his inhale won't copy abilities. Instead, it has a longer range than Kirby's.
• King Dedede: Inhale – After inhaling an opponent, press the button again to spit them out as a projectile. This way, you can hit your opponents with each other!
• King Dedede: Jet Hammer – It's possible to charge this move to deal more damage, but charging for too long will start to hurt Dedede too!
• King Dedede: Strong Down Attack – He can attack while prone by cartwheeling forward. This lets him attack while moving, like a dash attack.
• King Dedede: Super Dedede Jump – After leaping up high, Dedede crashes down to attack. This move can be canceled partway through by pressing up.
• Kirby: Final Cutter – Kirby slices up into the air and then slices straight down again. The shock wave that appears when you land can also damage your opponents.
• Kirby: Hammer – If fully charged, this move becomes very powerful, but Kirby will begin to take damage at full charge.
• Kirby: Inhale – If you press the attack button after sucking an enemy in, you'll spit them back out. Use enemies to attack other enemies!
• Kirby: Inhale – In addition to enemies, Kirby can inhale some items. You'll recover a little damage this way, but sucking in explosives will hurt!
• Kirby: Jump – Kirby's light body lets him jump five times—more than most other fighters. If Kirby gets launched but not cleared, you can almost bet he's coming back!
• Kirby: Stone – While falling, you can cancel the attack by entering the move a second time. It's a perfect way to trick other players!
• Kirby: Stone – Kirby's form is different each time he uses this, but the move's effect is the same.
• Kirby: Taunt – Taunt to discard your current copy ability. Find the most opportune moment to change your abilities!
• Link: Bomb – Your bombs are special ones—the explosion from hitting an enemy won't hurt you.
• Link: Dash Attack – Link's dash attack strikes with almost as much force as a smash attack. The point of his sword is especially painful.
• Link: Hero's Bow – The longer Link charges his bow, the farther the arrows will fly and the more powerful they'll be. At maximum charge, they'll fly perfectly straight.
• Link: Hylian Shield – Link's Hylian Shield can block projectiles, but it won't block anything while you're attacking.
• Link: Hylian Shield – Link's Hylian Shield blocks all projectiles, no matter how powerful. Link won't take any damage at all.
• Link: Side Smash Attack – Press the button again to attack a second time. The second attack has more launching power.
• Little Mac: Jolt Haymaker – You get a window of invincibility if you start this move on the ground, but not in the air, so be careful!
• Little Mac: KO Uppercut – Little Mac's Power Meter builds up when he deals or receives damage. Once it's full, he can use the KO Uppercut to deal some serious hurt!
• Little Mac: Rising Uppercut – Little Mac zooms upward with a powerful uppercut. It travels farther when used on the ground than when used in the air.
• Little Mac: Side Smash Attack – If you press up when performing Little Mac's side smash, it will change into an uppercut that sends enemies flying upward.
• Little Mac: Slip Counter – Just when you think you've got him, Little Mac socks you with a nasty counter. He's invincible during the attack, so there's no stopping him!
• Lucario: Aura – Lucario's launching potential is directly related to how much damage this Pokémon has taken. The power of Lucario's Aura radiates off its hands.
• Lucario: Aura Sphere – Other fighters can be damaged by the Aura Sphere as Lucario charges it. The size of the sphere is affected by Lucario's Aura.
• Lucario: Extreme Speed – This move will send Lucario flying in the direction you indicate. The more damage Lucario has taken, the farther it will fly.
• Lucario: Force Palm – Force Palm deals more damage and has a greater range if Lucario's Aura is stronger.
• Luigi: Down Taunt – If your foe's clinging to an edge for dear life, try using Luigi's down taunt. That meteor smash will be VERY satisfying!
• Luigi: Green Missile – This move can end with Luigi's head stuck in a wall. That leaves him vulnerable, so be careful!
• Luigi: Green Missile – This move has a 1-in-10 chance to hit REALLY hard and fly REALLY far. Too far, in some cases.
• Luigi: Green Missile – Charge this for too long, and he'll get worn out and give up. Let him catch his breath, and then try again.
• Mario: F.L.U.D.D. – A blast of water is an effective way to disrupt your opponents. It doesn't hurt, but it can slide them around.
• Mario: Front Air Attack – It's a slow attack, but Mario swings his fist down hard enough for a meteor smash as it begins.
• Mario: Up Smash Attack – A powerful upward headbutt. Mario's head is invulnerable while performing it. Useful against opponents moving in to attack from above.
• Marth: Counter – The counter depends on the attack it is countering. A countered smash attack may KO an opponent!
• Marth: Dancing Blade – Keep pressing the button to turn this into a four-hit combo. Holding different directions will change the angle of the strike!
• Marth: Dancing Blade – Marth's sword leaves a trail as he swings it, and the color reflects the attack's height. Blue is high, red is middle, and green is low.
• Marth: Dancing Blade – Press down on the fourth swing to finish your combo with a powerful blow to your opponent's feet!
• Marth: Dancing Blade – Press up on the fourth swing for a slice that will launch your foes. This swing is excellent for netting some KOs!
• Marth: Dancing Blade – Hold toward the foe you're attacking on the fourth swing for an attack that launches foes much farther than the up or down versions.
• Marth: Shield Breaker – This move leaves you wide open, but if you charge it to maximum, it can break an enemy's shield in a single hit.
• Mega Man: Crash Bomber – This bomb is incredibly clingy, latching on to walls, floors, and even fighters! It can be given to another fighter by bumping into them.
• Mega Man: Leaf Shield – Grab someone while the Leaf Shield's up, and you can do a combo attack: a throw plus the damage from the leaves.
• Mega Man: Metal Blade – If a Metal Blade gets stuck in a wall or floor, other fighters can pick it up and use it.
• Mega Man: Rush Coil – Summoning Rush into battle will help Mega Man reach even greater heights. Unfortunately, foes can use him as well!
• Mega Man: Side Smash Attack – Mega Man unleashes a powerful Charge Shot. The damage and distance increases the longer you charge it!
• Mega Man: Up Air Attack – Mega Man can launch a little tornado upward. If an opponent gets caught in this minigale, it'll carry them up into the air!
• Meta Knight: Dimensional Cape – Meta Knight wraps himself in his cape and disappears. Keep holding the button, and he'll strike when he's back!
• Meta Knight: Drill Rush – While Meta Knight's rushing through the air like a drill, you can adjust his direction.
• Meta Knight: Flurry Attack – Press the attack button to unleash a flurry of strikes. Meta Knight doesn't do "standard attacks."
• Meta Knight: Mach Tornado – The tornado created around Meta Knight can destroy any weak projectiles it hits.
• Meta Knight: Shuttle Loop – Meta Knight thrusts his sword upward, loops in midair, and then thrusts upward once more. A swift and powerful attack, useful against falling foes.
• Meta Knight: Strong Side Attack – The third strike of Meta Knight's side strong attack is powerful enough to launch opponents.
• Mii Brawler: Burning Dropkick – This move combines a big forward leap with a dropkick. Also it's on fire. Charge it up for some serious power, distance, and speed.
• Mii Brawler: Exploding Side Kick – Input in the opposite direction right after pressing the button to turn around and deliver this kick the other way! It'll also deal more damage.
• Mii Brawler: Feint Jump – A long leap forward while turning upside down. If you hit the attack button on the way down, you'll perform a jump kick.
• Mii Brawler: Foot Flurry – On the ground, this flurry of kicks will move forward, ending with an upward kick. In the air, you'll hover in place and kick downward.
• Mii Brawler: Headache Maker – After a big jump, the Mii Brawler swings down with both arms. At that exact moment, this move has a meteor effect.
• Mii Brawler: Head-On Assault – This downward headbutt has a meteor effect, and it will bury opponents on the ground who get caught beneath it.
• Mii Brawler: Helicopter Kick – When performing this move, pressing left or right will let you change the direction of the kick.
• Mii Brawler: Onslaught – A flurry of kicks, followed by a powerful uppercut. This move hits the opponent quite some distance and might even KO them if it connects in midair!
• Mii Brawler: Piston Punch – This series of upward punches isn't so great for recovering. However, it's a powerful move to use against opponents.
• Mii Brawler: Shot Put – Throws a metal ball diagonally upward, just like the real shot-put event. It's effective at blocking opponents' attempts at recovery.
• Mii Brawler: Soaring Axe Kick – A leap up with a somersault kick, and then a swift heel-kick drop. If that falling kick connects, it delivers a powerful meteor effect.
• Mii Brawler: Ultimate Uppercut – This fierce uppercut can be charged. When fully charged, it's super strong and has an extra-long super-armor effect at the start.
• Mii Brawler: Up Smash – An upward-kicking backflip. Your legs are invulnerable while you perform it, so it's perfect for countering enemy attacks from above.
• Mii Gunner: Absorbing Vortex – A barrier that absorbs energy-based projectiles. When you deactivate the barrier, it will push nearby enemies back a bit.
• Mii Gunner: Arm Rocket – This move fires a rocket jet from your arm cannon, carrying you upward. You can adjust the direction by pressing left or right just before liftoff.
• Mii Gunner: Bomb Drop – This move rolls a bomb forward that will blow up after a set period of time or when it hits a foe. Drop one on an opponent trying to recover!
• Mii Gunner: Cannon Uppercut – Fires a blast downward, using the recoil to power an uppercut. If you're up close, you can hit your foe with both the uppercut and the blast!
• Mii Gunner: Charge Blast – This move is super powerful when fully charged. Use it in midair, and it'll fire without charging at all.
• Mii Gunner: Echo Reflector – This move creates a Reflector that sends projectiles back the way they came. They'll be stronger than they were before, too!
• Mii Gunner: Flame Pillar – If you make a pillar of fire on the ground, it'll deliver a single hit to anyone who comes close, pushing them back.
• Mii Gunner: Grenade Launch – These grenades fly in an arc, exploding after a set time or when they hit an opponent. Hold down the button to throw them farther.
• Mii Gunner: Gunner Missile – Use this move normally to fire a missile that homes in on opponents. Deliver it like a smash attack to fire a stronger missile that flies straight.
• Mii Gunner: Laser Blaze – This move fires a beam from your arm cannon. It won't make enemies flinch, but it can be fired repeatedly to build up damage.
• Mii Gunner: Lunar Launch – The Mii fires straight down, using the recoil to gain height. How fortunate if an opponent gets caught in the blast as well!
• Mii Gunner: Stealth Burst – Fires a stealth explosive forward, which detonates when you release the button. Hold the button down to get more distance and power.
• Mii Swordfighter: Airborne Assault – The Mii performs a somersault leap forward in a large arc. If it strikes a foe, they will be blasted back and the user will jump upward.
• Mii Swordfighter: Blade Counter – This move counters an enemy attack. The attack has slightly greater launching power than a normal attack.
• Mii Swordfighter: Blade Flurry – A flurry of sword slashes right in front of you, followed by a stab forward. Good for keeping your opponents at a safe distance!
• Mii Swordfighter: Chakram – Throws a ring-shaped projectile. If it hits the stage, it'll stick there. You can adjust the angle of the throw by pressing up and down.
• Mii Swordfighter: Chakram – Perform this move like a smash attack to throw stronger and farther. Perform it normally, and the chakram will hover and hit multiple times.
• Mii Swordfighter: Gale Strike – A large swing of the sword that summons a damaging tornado. The tornado's path sinks slightly just after it appears.
• Mii Swordfighter: Gale Strike – The tornado will become weaker as time passes, but the force of the wind will still push opponents even after it stops dealing damage.
• Mii Swordfighter: Hero's Spin – A spinning sword slice that attacks enemies on both sides. When used in midair it makes you rise upward, so you can use it for recovery.
• Mii Swordfighter: Hero's Spin – When using this move on the ground, you can hold down the button to charge it up. It's also stronger in general on the ground than in the air.
• Mii Swordfighter: Power Thrust – This dashing thrust will travel sideways on the ground but diagonally down in the air. The sword's tip is especially powerful.
• Mii Swordfighter: Reversal Slash – A gust of wind from the Mii character's sword sends projectiles back the way they came. It can also flip opponents around if they get too close.
• Mii Swordfighter: Shuriken of Light – The farther the shurikens travel, the more damage they deal. Throwing them at nearby foes won't even make them flinch.
• Mii Swordfighter: Skyward Slash Dash – Slash repeatedly while dashing in the direction you've pressed. Use it in the air to ambush opponents waiting below!
• Mii Swordfighter: Slash Launcher – A swift dash forward ending in a decisive slash, with the sword held in a reverse grip. The longer you charge it, the farther it will travel.
• Mii Swordfighter: Stone Scabbard – A rising upward slice followed by a plummeting stab down. The falling stab has a meteor effect.
• Mii Swordfighter: Stone Scabbard – At the end of this move, the sword sticks right through the ground. You can use it to attack unsuspecting enemies below the platform.
• Mr. Game & Watch: Chef – Food jumps out of Mr. Game & Watch's frying pan in all directions. Use this to protect yourself.
• Mr. Game & Watch: Fire – A pair of firemen launch Mr. Game & Watch high into the air. Nearby opponents will also be pushed back a bit.
• Mr. Game & Watch: Judge – This move's power depends on the number displayed. Swinging a 1 is nearly useless, but a 9 has incredible launching power!
• Mr. Game & Watch: Oil Panic – This bucket can hold all manner of projectiles. Once filled, unleash the contents on an unsuspecting foe.
• Mr. Game & Watch: Oil Panic – This will only absorb energy-style projectiles. It won't affect physical ones like Link's arrows.
• Ness: PK Fire – If this attack connects, a big pillar of fire appears. "I feel the burn!" your foes will yell.
• Ness: PK Thunder – You can guide the bolt of lightning around and hit yourself for propulsion—but this leaves you defenseless, so be careful!
• Ness: PSI Magnet – This move absorbs energy-type projectiles and heals Ness as a result.
• Ness: Side Smash Attack – Ness's bat leaves him open to attack, but it has epic launching power. He can even hit projectiles with it!
• Ness: Up Smash Attack – Ness's yo-yo flies forward and then swings up and around to the back for a wide-ranging, heavy-hitting attack.
• Olimar: Lead Pikmin – Olimar always attacks with the Pikmin at the front of the line. You can tell which one this is by the arrow pointing to it.
• Olimar: Pikmin Order – This move will change the order of your Pikmin. Use it to plan your attack strategy.
• Olimar: Pikmin Order – Olimar's whistle calls back his scattered Pikmin. Even the ones that are goofing off.
• Olimar: Pikmin Pluck – Olimar will always pluck the Pikmin in this order: red, yellow, blue, white, purple.
• Olimar: Pikmin Pluck – You can have up to three Pikmin in tow at any time. Plucking for more while three are already active is, sadly, futile.
• Olimar: Pikmin Throw – Most Pikmin latch on to opponents and attack them repeatedly. Purple Pikmin, though, deal one heavy blow and then bounce off.
• Olimar: Pikmin Throw – The less damage an opponent has accumulated, the longer the Pikmin can hang on to it.
• Olimar: Pikmin's Stamina – When separated from Olimar, Pikmin are very vulnerable to enemy attacks.
• Olimar: Winged Pikmin – Two Winged Pikmin carry Olimar. The more Pikmin he has, the harder it is to pull him up.
• Olimar: Yellow Pikmin – The Yellow Pikmin has a wide attack range but deals low damage. Electric attacks won't hurt it.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – Cherries fly in a low arc. After hitting the floor, they'll only bounce once.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – Oranges don't deal much damage, but they fly straight and at high speed, making it pretty easy to hit foes with them.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – Keys fly forward at high speed while spinning. They deal the most damage out of all the Bonus Fruit items.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – PAC-MAN's strawberry flies a little farther than other fruit and bounces twice when it lands.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – PAC-MAN's melon moves slowly through the air, so it's harder to hit opponents with. But when it does hit home, it deals quite some damage.
• PAC-MAN: Bonus Fruit – PAC-MAN's apple bounces repeatedly across the ground. It travels quite a distance!
• PAC-MAN: Fire Hydrant – PAC-MAN places a fire hydrant on the ground. The water that it spurts will push fighters back.
• PAC-MAN: Fire Hydrant – Use this attack in the air, and the falling hydrant itself becomes a form of attack. Try dropping it on an opponent trying to return to the stage!
• PAC-MAN: Pac-Jump – This move sets up a trampoline for PAC-MAN to jump on. If you jump on it repeatedly, you'll go higher with each bounce!
• Palutena: Angelic Missile – Palutena fires herself forward like a spinning torpedo. This move travels a long way, so be careful not to fire yourself right off a cliff!
• Palutena: Autoreticle – Targets an opponent ahead of you and fires shots at them. No shots will be fired if obstacles prevent you from finding a target.
• Palutena: Celestial Firework – There's a moment of invincibility just after firing the firework. Use it well, and you might be able to nullify an enemy attack and then strike back!
• Palutena: Celestial Firework – This move shoots fireworks upward to attack. Besides the obvious anti-air applications, it can also be used to hit downed opponents.
• Palutena: Counter – This move raises Palutena's shield, preparing to counter an enemy attack. The counterattack itself covers a surprisingly wide range.
• Palutena: Explosive Flame – This move causes an explosion a short distance away from Palutena. It deals multiple hits to any opponents in its vicinity and then sends them flying.
• Palutena: Heavenly Light – This move damages anyone who touches the rays of light. It's not particularly powerful, but it can hit repeatedly.
• Palutena: Heavenly Light – Palutena's Heavenly Light doesn't cause opponents to flinch, but it does gradually push them out of its area of effect.
• Palutena: Heavenly Light – Palutena's Heavenly Light covers a wide area. If you hit someone with it while they're flying off the screen, you can steal the KO for yourself.
• Palutena: Jump Glide – After leaping upward, Palutena glides down slowly. You can make use of this glide to cover a lot of distance in the air.
• Palutena: Lightweight – This move temporarily allows Palutena to move faster and jump farther. However, it also makes her easier to damage and launch.
• Palutena: Reflect Barrier – This move creates a barrier that reflects enemy projectiles. It also pushes opponents away, so it can be useful if you want to keep your distance.
• Palutena: Rocket Jump – Palutena propels herself with an explosion at her feet, damaging enemies nearby. It's a little more powerful on the ground than in the air.
• Palutena: Super Speed – Palutena charges forward at speed and sends anyone in her way flying. The farther she travels, the more damage she deals on impact.
• Palutena: Warp – Palutena disappears and then warps to a location a short distance away. Warp will take Palutena in the direction you press.
• Peach: Gliding – Holding the jump button will let Peach hover in the air for a short time. She can even attack as she floats!
• Peach: Low Gliding – Jump while crouching to float just above the ground. You can use air attacks quickly that way!
• Peach: Peach Parasol – Press up and down to open and close your parasol and adjust your fall speed.
• Peach: Side Smash Attack – Peach pulls out a tennis racket, a golf club, and then a frying pan. Remember that order!
• Peach: Side Smash Attack – The tennis racket launches farthest, the golf club has the best reach, and the frying pan hurts the most.
• Peach: Vegetable – The vegetables' emotions are picked at random. The sort-of-wrinkled-looking ones deal the most damage.
• Pikachu: Thunder – The bolt of lightning has a meteor effect. Use it after throwing a foe upward for a powerful combo.
• Pikachu: Thunder Jolt – Pikachu's Thunder Jolt bounces along the surface of the stage. It can even attack foes who are hanging from edges.
• Pit: Guardian Orbitars – These handy items will block enemy attacks as well as reflect projectiles. They'll even push back foes who touch them!
• Pit: Palutena Bow – Press up before firing to aim the arrow that way. Also, you can guide the arrow while it's in the air.
• Pit: Power of Flight – Pit's wings glow and then send him flying in the direction you choose. This move travels a long way, making it an excellent recovery.
• Pit: Upperdash Arm – A dash forward followed by an uppercut. While Pit is dashing, the Upperdash Arm deflects projectiles! Cool!
• R.O.B.: Arm Rotor – The spinning arms can deflect enemy projectiles. Also, press the button repeatedly for a slightly longer attack!
• R.O.B.: Back Air Attack – When R.O.B. fires the burner on his base, the force of the attack will move him forward a bit.
• R.O.B.: Robo Beam – After charging, R.O.B. fires a beam from his eyes. The red light on his head shows the charge level.
• R.O.B.: Robo Beam – The beam can be angled up or down. Also, if it hits the ground, it'll reflect and change direction.
• R.O.B.: Robo Burner – The Robo Burner's fuel slowly replenishes while R.O.B. is on the ground. Be careful if you find yourself in the air a lot—it won't refill there.
• R.O.B.: Robo Burner – R.O.B. will use his burner to fly up. Don't jump—just press the special-move button repeatedly to save fuel and let yourself fly longer.
• Robin: Thunder – Robin will use one of four magic spells, depending on how long you charge Thunder. The color the tome glows indicates which spell will be used.
• Robin: Thunder – It's difficult to notice in the middle of a battle, but the cover of the tome Robin uses actually changes depending on the spell being used.
• Robin: Thunder – If you launch this move without charging it up, Robin will cast Thunder. It's not very powerful, but its fast speed can take foes by surprise.
• Robin: Thunder – Once the tome starts glowing yellow, you can cast Elthunder. It's more powerful than Thunder and travels farther, but it's not quite as fast.
• Robin: Thunder – When casting Thoron, you can hold down the button to make the beam extend farther.
• Robin: Thunder – A red glow means that Thunder has charged into Arcthunder! A current with very high launching power will appear when this move connects.
• Robin: Thunder – When Thunder is fully charged, it becomes Thoron! The high-speed beam can deal damage to multiple opponents at once.
• Rosalina & Luma: Star Bits – Luma fires Star Bits that can scatter in three directions: high, middle, and low.
• Rosalina: Controlling Luma – Luma can attack even if Rosalina is stunned or sleeping. This can save you in a pinch.
• Rosalina: Luma Shot – This sends Luma hurtling forward with a high chance of launching opponents. Charge up this move to send Luma flying farther.
• Samus: Bomb – Samus morphs into a ball and drops a bomb. You can use the explosion to gain a little height.
• Samus: Charge Shot – This is devastating when fully charged. It can be unleashed instantly if you fire it while airborne.
• Samus: Missile – Holding a direction will fire a Homing Missile, while quickly inputting a direction will fire a Super Missile!
• Shulk: Back Slash – Shulk leaps forward and performs a vertical slice downward. As the name implies, it deals more damage if you hit the enemy from behind.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – Shulk switches between five modes—Jump, Speed, Shield, Buster, and Smash—that change his abilities for a short time.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – In Speed mode, you'll sacrifice damage and jump height in order to move faster.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – In Shield mode, the power of your shield is boosted but you can't move as fast, jump as high, or deal as much damage.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – In Buster mode, you deal more damage than usual but you can't launch opponents as far and you'll receive more damage.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – In Smash mode, you can launch opponents more effectively but you deal less damage and can be launched more easily yourself.
• Shulk: Monado Arts – Jump mode increases your jumping ability. You'll be able to move more quickly in the air, but you'll also take more damage from attacks.
• Sonic: Spin Charge – Jump while spinning forward, and you'll keep spinning in the air. You can hit opponents like that or use other attacks.
• Sonic: Spin Charge – If you hold down and keep tapping the button, you can charge up this move, making it faster and stronger.
• Sonic: Spring Jump – Use this in midair to drop a spring on someone below. Give yourself a boost while disrupting your rivals!
• Villager: Balloon Trip – Your balloons can be popped by your foes. Lose one and you'll lose lift. Lose both and down you go!
• Villager: Down Air Attack – One to three turnips will appear. More turnips means more damage. Three has a meteor effect.
• Villager: Lloid Rocket – Hold the button when using this move to ride on the Lloid Rocket.
• Villager: Lloid Rocket – The Lloid Rocket is more powerful when you're riding it, but you can bail at any time just by pressing the button.
• Villager: Pocket – The Villager uses this move to put items or incoming projectiles into his pocket. Then he can press the button again to take them out.
• Villager: Timber – The axe is surprisingly powerful! You can swing it at your rivals as long as the tree is standing.
• Villager: Timber – A three-stage move: planting a seed, watering it, and then chopping down the tree. Don't use the first stage in the air—it'll just leave you wide open.
• Wario: Chomp – Can be used to bite opponents or eat items. If he eats food, it'll restore more health than usual!
• Wario: Chomp – Eating items will make Wario more gassy. The gassier he is, the stronger his down special will be.
• Wario: Chomp – Wario's hunger knows no bounds, but eating explosives will cause him a bit of damage. The blast will hurt those around him, too!
• Wario: Taunt – Leave it to Wario to taunt while riding a motorcycle. Don't try this at home! Or anywhere else! Not safe!
• Wario: Wario Bike – Wario's motorcycle can break into parts. Throw them at others, or eat them to fill Wario's...gas tank.
• Wario: Wario Waft – When Wario's bursting at the seams with gas, he'll glow. Getting KO'd won't release any gas, either—there's only one way to let it out...
• Wii Fit Trainer: Deep Breathing – Deep Breathing can reduce stress. Oh, and it also increases your attack and launch power and heals a small amount of damage.
• Wii Fit Trainer: Deep Breathing – Press the button again just as the outer circle meets the red inner circle, and you'll boost your attack and launching power for a while.
• Wii Fit Trainer: Header – Shield before hitting the ball to cancel your serve and let the ball fall, dejected, to the ground.
• Wii Fit Trainer: Standard Attack – Land three weak attacks in a row, and you'll bury your opponents in the ground for a time.
• Wii Fit Trainer: Sun Salutation – Fully charge the attack before striking to recover a bit of health. Talk about flexible!
• Wii Fit Trainer: Up Smash Attack – You're invincible for a moment just before unleashing this. Try using it to launch foes attacking from above.
• Yoshi: Egg Lay – The more damage Yoshi's foe has accumulated, the longer they'll be stuck as an egg. They can escape faster by wiggling around.
• Yoshi: Egg Lay – This move grabs opponents with Yoshi's tongue and traps them in an egg. They'll take less damage while trapped, but you can hit them all you like!
• Yoshi: Egg Roll – You can start this move in the air, but you won't deal any damage until you hit the ground.
• Yoshi: Egg Roll – This move turns Yoshi into an egg that rolls along the ground. The faster it goes, the more powerful it'll be. Just beware of getting grabbed!
• Yoshi: Egg Throw – The angle Yoshi's egg travels depends on the direction you press just before the egg is thrown. Push backward to throw straight up.
• Yoshi: Egg Throw – How hard Yoshi throws the egg depends on how long you hold the button down. Tap for a light throw or hold for a powerful one.
• Yoshi: Front Air Attack – Yoshi charges up for a moment and then delivers a powerful headbutt. Hit an opponent from above, and they'll fly down with a meteor effect.
• Yoshi: Yoshi Bomb – The damage and launching power of the Yoshi Bomb are both a little higher when used on the ground.
• Zelda: Din's Fire – This explodes when you release the button. Hold it longer to get more range and a stronger explosion.
• Zelda: Farore's Wind – Zelda will deal damage to those nearby when she disappears and reappears. Hold a direction to control where she teleports to.
• Zelda: Nayru's Love – This move summons a magical barrier that reflects enemy projectiles. It's not just for defense, either—it also deals direct damage!
• Zelda: Phantom Slash – Zelda's Phantom can take some damage, but if it's destroyed, she can't summon another for a while.
• Zelda: Phantom Slash – Charge this attack to make the Phantom travel farther. It'll attack differently based on the distance traveled.
• Zero Suit Samus: Down Smash Attack – This attack fires Zero Suit Samus's Paralyzer diagonally down. Its victim will be stunned for a moment, leaving them open to another attack!
• Zero Suit Samus: Flip Jump – Fighters struck while on the ground will be buried, while airborne fighters will be meteored.
• Zero Suit Samus: Flip Jump – Press the attack button during this move to launch a kick. This kick deals a lot of damage and has a powerful meteor effect, too.
• Zero Suit Samus: Paralyzer – Attack with this to paralyze foes for just a moment. When they can't move, that's your chance to strike!
• Zero Suit Samus: Plasma Whip – This move swings a whiplike stream of plasma directly in front of Zero Suit Samus. Opponents struck by the very tip of it will be blasted away.
• Zero Suit: Attacking from Above – This move sends Zero Suit Samus diagonally downward while attacking. When she lands, the impact damages enemies around her.

Stages

Stage-based tips give notes about stages.

• 3D Land: Note Blocks Note Blocks appear at the beginning of the stage. Jumping on them will send fighters flying into the sky!
• 3D Land: Protruding Rocks The mountain range partway through the stage has rocks that poke out, pushing fighters and tilting platforms. Watch out!
• 3D Land: Rotating Platforms Don't stay on the rotating platforms too long or you'll slip off! And then where will you be?
• 3D Land: Spike Pillars Spike Pillars will pop out of the ocean at the random. they can break lifts and deal a lot of damage to unlucky fighters.
• Distant Planet The Red Bulborb will appear on the right, opening its mouth and looking for food. Being eaten by the Red Bulborb counts as a KO.
• Gerudo Valley Sometimes the wooden bridge will break if you stand on it or attack it. It's a flimsy bridge and will break over time, too.
• Golden Plains Touch the red ring to make eight red coins appear. One red coin is worth five regular coins!
• Green Hill Zone The object with the blue ball on top is called a Point Marker. A Point Marker will twirl when the ball is hit, dealing damage to anyone too close.
• Living Room Five kinds of puppies appear in the background. The breed will change randomly. Sometimes a kitten will appear instead!
• Rainbow Road When Shy Guys drive past, they can cause you damage. Pay attention to the warnings!
• Spirit Train The Armored Train is pointy in front and will try and push the train you are on off the stage. Don't get pushed off during their conflict!
• Tomodachi Life Normally, only rooms that fighters are currently in will be visible. If you throw an X Bomb, though, a lot will be revealed!
• Unova Pokémon League Reshiram's Fusion Flare move will unleash a burst of flames and then destroy the stairs, so be careful!
• Unova Pokémon League Stairs will appear and connect to N's Castle. The stairs will make the stage larger - change up your tactics with this new space!
• Unova Pokémon League Sometimes Milotic, Whimsicott, and Shaymin will appear. Don't worry - these three are only here to watch.
• Yoshi's Island Shy Guys sometimes appear from the sky, carrying yummy food. Attack them to make them drop their tasty snacks!

Items

Item-based tips document items, Pokémon, and Assist Trophies.

• Assist Trophy: Chain Chomp If a Chain Chomp falls off the stage, it'll just jump straight back up!
• Assist Trophy: Color TV-Game 15 The paddles that appear to the left and right will try to keep the ball in play. You'll take damage and be launched if you touch them.
• Assist TrophyL Dillon Watch out! This armadillo will attack without fear. His Arma-Charge is super powerful, so get to dodging if you see him spinning up!
• Assist Trophy: Dr. Kawashima Numbers will fly in from off-screen. Attack them to make them change direction.
• Assist Trophy: Elec Man Elec Man will move swiftly across the stage, firing Thunder Beam at the fighters. A hit from this attack will leave a fighter stunned for a time.
• Assist Trophy: Ghosts Pinky will try to catch her target out by getting in front and ambushing them. Clyde doesn't have a target - he just does whatever he likes.
• Assist Trophy: Isabelle Isabelle cares how the fight is going! If the fighter who summoned her gets a KO, she'll be happy! She'll flinch if the fighters get close.
• Assist Trophy: Lakitu Lakitu's Spiny Eggs will have a meteor effect on anyone they hit. Lakitu is perfect for stages that have small platforms.
• Assist Trophy: Midna Midna won't be abandoned in battle - she'll teleport to chase foes. She also uses her teleport to return if she gets launched.
• Assist Trophy: Mother Brain Mother Brain will send colorful lasers shooting up and down the screen. They can't be absorbed or reflected, so you'll just have to avoid them!
• Assist Trophy: Phosphora Phosphora can't be defeated when she arrives on the battlefield, only made to flinch. However, her thunder attacks can be reflected or absorbed.
• Assist Trophy: Phosphora Phosphora will teleport around the stage, dodging attacks and shooting lightning at everyone not fortunate enough to have summoned her.
• Assist Trophy: Saki Amamiya Depending on the location of his target, Saki may shoot or slash with his weapon. The slash is very powerful at close ranges, so watch out!
• Assist Trophy: Sheriff Sheriff fires high-speed, powerful shots at the fighters. These shots can be reflected, but absorbing them is not an option.
• Assist Trophy: Skull Kid Skull Kid calls on a variety of mystical powers when he appears in the battle. Unfortunately, these powers affect whoever summoned him, too.
• Assist Trophy: Tingle Every so often, Tingle will send down a shower of Hammers. Even more rarely, he'll rain Golden Hammers on the battlefield!
• Assist Trophy: Waluigi Luigi's purple-clothed rival. He only ever jumps directly up, so leaping left and right is a good way to avoid him.
• Beetle Attack an incoming Beetle and it'll do a U-turn. Beat the person who threw it at their own game!
• Fire Bar You can use the Fire Bar both at short range and long range. The fireballs at the base of the weapon do the most damage.
• Golden Hammer This sometimes turns into a Squeaky Hammer. It doesn't hurt much, but that sound sure is cute, eh?
• Pokémon: Arceus The attack Gravity will pull fighters out of the air. Anyone caught out beyond the edge will fall straight down.
• Pokémon: Eevee Eevee will use Take Down on any fighters nearby. If there aren't any, it'll just stand around looking a bit confused.
• Pokémon: Fennekin Incinerate creates a fire pillar reaching out in front of Fennekin. If it connects, it'll do repeated damage to fighters.
• Pokémon: Gardevoir Gardevoir uses a barrier that reflects projectiles. If you summoned it, your own projectiles won't be affected. Nice!
• Pokemon: Goldeen If damage was dealt from enthusiasm, then Goldeen would KO everyone with Splash. But it isn't. Not even when Goldeen comes from a Master Ball.
• Pokémon: Goldeen No matter how enthusiastically it splashes, nothing ever happens. Not even on those rare instances you find it in a Master Ball.
• Pokémon: Inkay Inkay's Topsy-Turvy move knocks over nearby fighters. It doesn't work on anybody in the air though, so try jumping!
• Pokémon: Meloetta Meloetta's song will bounce off walls and platforms. In smaller stages, the song will bounce unpredictably, making it tough to avoid.
• Pokemon: Mew Mew is so rare, you'll be lucky to see one at all - but when you do, it'll drop rare items onto the battlefield.
• Pokémon: Moltres Moltres slowly rises after appearing. Even barely touching this Legendary Pokémon will send a fighter flying.
• Pokémon: Oshawott Surf sweeps up anybody in its path - adjust your aim to catch fighters who try to get out of the way!
• Pokémon: Staryu Staryu will pursue a target and shoot stars at high speed. For fighters with projectile-absorbing moves, this is like an early birthday present!
• Pokémon: Swirlix Anyone who strays too close to Swirlix will have their movement reduced. Take advantage of this if you brought Swirlix into battle!
• Pokémon: Victini Victini will use Victory Star to give the fighter who summoned it a boost. In a team battle, it will boost your teammates as well.
• Pokémon: Xerneas Everyone's launching power will get a boost when Xerneas is around. It'll be much easier to launch rivals who have low damage.
• Screw Attack You can deliver air attacks while using the Screw Attack item. This can lead to powerful combos.

Modes

Mode-based tips provide notes about the various modes, including Smash Run.

• Classic: Route Map The paths are marked with a color to show their difficulty: blue, green or red. The harder the path, the better the reward!
• Items on Floating Platforms In Multi-Man Smash, items occasionally float by on a platform. These aren't random - the same items appear at the same time in every battle.
• Smash Run: Powers The number of Powers a fighter can carry depends on the fighter's weight - the heavier the fighter, the more they can manage.

Smash Run

Smash Run-based tips focus on enemies encounter in Smash Run, as well as its other unique features.

• Area Lockdown The number in the top left is your target number of enemies to beat. Hit that mark, and you'll get an especially large stat boost!
• Cannonball Effect When you defeat an enemy, it will fly off like a cannonball and deal damage to other enemies it hits.
• Challenge Doors Behind the special doors lie all kinds of challenges. Complete them to get yourself some rewards.
• Challenges: Crystal Smash! Break all the crystals in the time allotted. Breaking them gets you stat boosts!
• Challenges: Crystal Smash! When you're attacking crystals, sometimes large cracks will appear. Aim your attacks at these to destroy the crystals more efficiently.
• Enemies: Bronto Burt Bronto burts fly around and try to hit you with their spin attack. The attack doesn't do much damage but has high launching power.
• Enemies: Bumpety Bomb Bumbety Bombs flash more and more quickly as they get closer to exploding. The blast hurts other enemies, too, so use that to your advantage!
• Enemies: Bumpety Bomb You can't hit a Bumpety Bomb through the armor on its front. Instead, attack from behind or try to throw it.
• Enemies: Clubberskull When a Clubberskull's on a revenge, it'll come after fighters relentlessly. It'll even jump over walls and other obstacles!
• Enemies: Devil Car These cars are the most inconsiderate drivers, trying to ram right at you! If one hits you at high speed, it'll hurt.
• Enemies: Flame Chomp Don't touch the Flame Chomp's fireballs! That means both the ones it fires at you and the ones that are still attached to its tail.
• Enemies: Fly Guy A type of Shy Guy that flies around, dangling items. Sometimes they even carry custom parts!
• Enemies: Geemer Geemers can crawl along the ground, the walls... even the ceiling! Those spikes will hurt any fighter who touches them.
• Enemies: Generator Generators disappear after they've finished spawning enemies. Defeat them before they finish to get a big bounty as a reward!
• Enemies: Iridescent Glint Beetle These golden bugs stay underground until a fighter comes near. They're bonus enemies, and often when you launch one, it'll drop some gold.
• Enemies: Lethinium These floral fiends shoot lasers that can go through the terrain. If the beam doesn't hit, the next shot will be at a different angle.
• Enemies: Megonta Hit a Megonta's weak point - the stomach - and you can topple it over. It can't do anything until it gets back up, so you have a chance to strike.
• Enemies: Metroid These alien creatures float around and then try to clamp down on you with their sharp fangs. Quickly struggle to break free from their grasp.
• Enemies: Nutski These airborne enemies from the Forces of Nature fire either a burst of weak seeds or a single big seed that deals more damage.
• Enemies: Octorok When you get close to an Octorok, it'll hide in the grass. You won't be able to hit it with attacks, but you can still throw it.
• Enemies: Pooka Pookas can chase after you by burrowing through walls and the ground. While doing this, you can't hit them, only look at their goggles.
• Enemies: Reapette These Reaper minions can pass right through walls. They'll disappear in one hit, so it's easy to clear them out with some careful aim.
• Enemies: Roturret Roturrets hang in the air and fire three shots from each od their two cannons. The last pair of shots has extra lunching power.
• Enemies: Shotzo Depending on the type, these indestructible cannons will either fire three shots in a fixed position or one shot aimed at you.
• Enemies: Skuttler Cannoneer The color of the cannon shows which type it is. Blue = beam, green = bazooka, and red = missile.
• Enemies: Starman Starmen are aliens that move by teleporting and unleash PK Beam attacks. They will paralyse you briefly if they hit you.
• Enemies: Types of Shy Guys Shy Guys come in four colors: red, blue, yellow, and green. They have different abilities and tend to drop different stat boosts.
• Enemies: Zuree These ghosts with big claws are impossible to hit before they take physical form. When they attack, that's your chance to strike back.
• Event: Fast Learner One stat will be easier to upgrade for a while. Stat boosts for it will appear more frequently, and it'll upgrade more quickly from play, too.
• Event: Heavenly Light A light engulfs the fighters, causing damage to nearby enemies. The effect is just like the Power of the same name.
• Powers and Speed Slower fighters can equip more Powers. Put on equipment that makes you faster or slower to influence this.
• Stat Boosts: Special Some special moves won't just deal more damage, they'll also take less time to charge or cover a longer range.
• Using Powers Using Powers aggressively at the start will let you b eat enemies easily for some early stat boosts. That'll make later foes easier too.

Other

Other tips document game terminology and otherwise-unsorted notes.

• Breaking Your Fall When you hit the wall, floor or ceiling after being launched, press the shield button to break your fall and avoid follow-up attacks.
• Catching Items You can catch items thrown at you by pressing the attack button at just the right time.
• Custom Special Moves Each of the custom special moves have different attributes. Choose carefully to create the perfect fighter for your play style!
• Equipment Fighters can carry up to three pieces of equipment. Depending on the equipment combination, the fighter's characteristics and play style vary greatly.
• Magnifying Glass Damage When you move off-screen, you'll be shown in a magnifying glass. You'll gradually take damage while in this state, so be careful!
• Meteor Smash Launching an opponent straight downward is known as a Meteor Smash. Doing this when there isn't a platform below is a good one-hit KO method.
• Shield Break While your shield is up, it'll gradually get smaller. When it finally breaks, you'll become dizzy.
• Super Armor This is a state where you won't flinch even while taking damage. Some specials will trigger this.
• Low Jump Press the jump button very briefly and you'll jump lower than usual, letting you use air attacks against ground-level foes.
• Easy Final Smash Fighters who are really lagging behind will sometimes be ready to use a Final Smash as soon as they return from being KO'd.