Super Smash Bros. 4

Bowser (SSB4): Difference between revisions

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*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[dash attack]], a dashing side kick, that covers significantly more ground, with significantly faster start-up and cool down.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[dash attack]], a dashing side kick, that covers significantly more ground, with significantly faster start-up and cool down.}}
*{{nerf|New dash attack deals 1% less damage and is weaker.}}
*{{nerf|New dash attack deals 1% less damage and is weaker.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[forward smash]], a powerful dropkick. It has faster start-up, significantly improved reach and hitbox placement, and much more powerful knockback than his previous one, to the point that it is now on par with {{SSB4|King Dedede}}'s forward smash as the strongest in the game (although Dedede's does 1% more damage). Since it also now consists of a single hit instead of two, there is no longer the possibility of an opponent getting hit out of the main KOing hitbox by the weaker initial hit.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[forward smash]], a dropkick. It has faster start-up, significantly improved reach and hitbox placement, and much more powerful knockback compared to his previous one, to the point that it is now on par with {{SSB4|King Dedede}}'s forward smash as the strongest in the game (although Dedede's deals 1% more damage). Since it also now consists of a single hit instead of two, there is no longer the possibility of an opponent getting hit out of the main KOing hitbox by the weaker initial hit.}}
*{{nerf|Forward smash has more ending lag, and has significantly less damage potential due to the removal of its initial hit, dealing 23% (uncharged) damage rather than the 33% of his old headbutt.}}
*{{nerf|Forward smash has more ending lag, and has significantly less damage potential due to the removal of its initial hit, dealing 23% (uncharged) damage rather than the 33% of his old headbutt.}}
*{{buff|[[Up smash]] has faster start-up and ending lag, its sweetspot can now hit grounded opponents, and it can now [[clang]] with aerial attacks, allowing Bowser to hit through aerial attacks with it without being interrupted. Its sourspot is also more powerful, dealing 3% more damage with increased knockback.}}
*{{buff|[[Up smash]] has faster start-up and ending lag, its sweetspot can now hit grounded opponents, and it can now [[clang]] with aerial attacks, allowing Bowser to hit through aerial attacks with it without being interrupted. Its sourspot is also more powerful, dealing 3% more damage with increased knockback.}}
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===Aerial attacks===
===Aerial attacks===
*{{buff|Bowser's new [[neutral aerial]], an airborne cartwheeling attack that hits multiple times, has a larger and longer-lasting hitbox with lower ending and landing lag. It also has significantly improved damage potential, being capable of dealing up to 20% damage, whereas the old neutral aerial dealt 13%.}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[neutral aerial]], an airborne cartwheeling attack. It hits multiple times, has lower ending lag and landing lag, and has a larger and longer lasting hitbox. It also has significantly improved damage potential, being capable of dealing up to 20% damage, whereas the previous neutral aerial dealt 13%.}}
*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]]'s sweetspot takes up a much larger portion of Bowser's arm, and the attack has less ending and landing lag, making it useful for edgeguarding. The move's hitboxes also reach farther above and below Bowser. It can now be auto-canceled in a short hop.}}
*{{buff|[[Forward aerial]]'s sweetspot takes up a much larger portion of Bowser's arm, and the attack has less ending lag and landing lag, making it useful for edgeguarding. The move's hitboxes also reach farther above and below Bowser. It can now be [[auto-cancel]]ed in a short hop.}}
*{{change|Forward aerial has an altered animation, where Bowser slashes diagonally instead of straight down.}}
*{{change|Forward aerial has an altered animation, where Bowser slashes diagonally instead of straight down.}}
*{{buff|Bowser's new [[back aerial]], a reverse dropkick, is significantly more powerful, dealing 4% more damage, and has enough knockback to now KO below 100% from the center of Final Destination. It also has faster start-up and ending lag, and can [[auto-cancel]] in a [[short hop]].}}
*{{buff|Bowser has a new [[back aerial]], a reverse dropkick. It is significantly more powerful than his previous back aerial, dealing 4% more damage. It also has faster start-up, lower ending lag, and has enough knockback to KO below 100% from the center of Final Destination. It can also auto-cancel in a [[short hop]].}}
*{{nerf|The new back aerial has slightly decreased range behind him (though its range is still very high).}}
*{{nerf|The new back aerial has slightly decreased range behind him, though its range is still very high.}}
*{{buff|[[Up aerial]] has significantly faster start-up.}}
*{{buff|[[Up aerial]] has significantly faster start-up.}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial is weaker, dealing 2% less damage with weaker knockback, now KOing in the 100-120% range instead of in the 80-100% range.}}
*{{nerf|Up aerial is weaker, dealing 2% less damage with weaker knockback, now KOing in the 100-120% range instead of in the 80-100% range.}}
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]] is functionally altered to now become a quick [[stall-then-fall]] that hits opponents once with very powerful knockback. It [[meteor smash]]es during the first few frames and hits all opponents with diagonal upwards knockback during the later frames. This overhaul replaces Bowser's old rarely useful drill with a very powerful anti-juggle move that can double as an effective KO move. The shockwave it produces on landing also sends opponents farther back, making it more difficult to punish its landing.}}
*{{buff|[[Down aerial]] is functionally altered to now become a quick [[stall-then-fall]] that hits opponents once with very powerful knockback. It [[meteor smash]]es during the first few frames and hits all opponents with diagonal upwards knockback during the later frames. This overhaul replaces the rarely useful [[drill]] feature with a very powerful anti-juggle move that can double as an effective KO move. The shockwave it produces upon landing also sends opponents farther back, making it more difficult to punish its landing.}}
*{{nerf|Down aerial's new function does not allow it to be cancelled until the move ends and does not [[edge sweetspot]], making it very unsafe to use off-stage.}}
*{{nerf|Down aerial's new function does not allow it to be cancelled until the move ends and does not [[edge sweetspot]], making it very unsafe to use off-stage.}}


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*{{change|Forward throw has an altered animation, where Bowser now places the opponent on his head and tosses his head horizontally.}}
*{{change|Forward throw has an altered animation, where Bowser now places the opponent on his head and tosses his head horizontally.}}
*{{change|Back throw has a new animation, where Bowser uses one arm in a side-ways motion to throw opponents behind, similar looking to Donkey Kong's back throw.}}
*{{change|Back throw has a new animation, where Bowser uses one arm in a side-ways motion to throw opponents behind, similar looking to Donkey Kong's back throw.}}
*{{change|Bowser has a new edge attack, where Bowser crawls up onto the stage and slashes forward.}}
*{{change|Bowser has a new edge attack, where he crawls up onto the stage and slashes forward.}}


===Special moves===
===Special moves===

Revision as of 10:10, August 8, 2015

This article is about Bowser's appearance in Super Smash Bros. 4. For the character in other contexts, see Bowser.
Bowser
in Super Smash Bros. 4
Bowser
MarioSymbol.svg
Universe Mario
Other playable appearances in Melee
in Brawl

Availability Starter
Final Smash Giga Bowser
Bowser (SSB4)

Bowser (クッパ, Koopa) was confirmed as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4 on June 11th, 2013 during E3 2013, and in fact was the last veteran confirmed during the event.[1] He was also one of the main subjects of the Developer Direct for Smash Bros. later during E3 2013.[2] Bowser reuses some of his sound clips from Super Smash Bros. Brawl (albeit edited to sound deeper), while using some new sound clips.

Attributes

As expected, Bowser is one of the strongest characters in SSB4, if not the strongest, in terms of damage and knockback, as well as the heaviest and largest. Surprisingly enough, Bowser is among the fastest of the heavyweights, making him a dangerous fighter to be reckoned with.

As aforementioned, Bowser greatest strength is his damage and knockback output; not only are his attack able to deal damage that would normally require comboing from other characters to attain, nearly all of them can KO at low to mid damage percentages, granting Bowser the most KO options of all characters. An example of his power is his side smash, which can KO any fighter from the center of Final Destination at 36-40% at full charge, and deals 32% of damage at full charge itself. His forward and back throws are among the strongest in the game, being equally capable of KOing at around 120% near the edge, similar to Donkey Kong's back throw. Even his jab can KO around 150% near the edge. Thanks to being the heaviest fighter, Bowser himself can survive more KOs than all other characters, and KOing Bowser is more difficult than in previous installment as Bowser now possesses a minimal amount of universal launch resistance that prevents him from taking any knockback from attacks that deal negligible knockback (such as the first hit of a weak jab) until reaching a certain damage percentage (which is often around the 70s to 100s). Because of all this, Bowser is perhaps the fighter who benefits the most from the new rage mechanic, which grants Bowser even greater launching power than he already boasts with the more damage he takes and his survivability can ensure that he makes longer use of it than any other characters.

Despite his raw strength and heavy weight, Bowser is a rather fast character for a heavyweight, as a number of his attacks come out quickly and end much faster than most other heavyweights, and he possesses the 15th fastest running speed in the game. This, along with having the greatest physical reach in the game, allows Bowser to perform combos and rack up damage more easily than in past games, and further aids his already outstanding damage output.

Bowser's specials are also useful for his damage and KOing games; Fire Breath can rack up damage quickly and opponents too close to Bowser while he's performing the move on them will constantly push himself back, allowing distance for follow-ups. Bowser Bomb can break full shields if all of its hitboxes connect, allowing Bowser to stun opponents and dish out serious punishment. The special itself is also one of Bowser's greater finishers and even when used in the air it can leave fighters with barely any shield energy left. Flying Slam is another of his greater finishers and can aid in his recovery (though using it as a means of recovery is situational at best). As it is acknowledged as a grab, Flying Slam can also ignore shields. Lastly, Whirling Fortress can both rack up damage and act as a great out of shield option. Its main use is for horizontal recovery however, and while its vertical distance is lackluster, repeatedly pressing the special button while performing it in the air will give Bowser a small but noticeable boost at the end of it.

For all his power and survivability, however, Bowser has a couple of weaknesses that can be quite glaring. His large size is one of his biggest weaknesses: being the largest fighter among the cast also makes Bowser the largest and easiest target in the games, thus allowing other fighters to rack up damage on Bowser quite easily. His heavy weight, one of his greatest strengths, is also one of his greatest weaknesses as it can make him susceptible to juggling, which is made even more glaring when one takes into account of his decent falling speed and low air speed (which can hinder his escape from being juggled). His lack of a low knockback move outside of his first jab can also hinder whatever combo game he may have. His moveset, while still much faster than the other heavyweights, is one of the more laggy movesets in the games, such as the high end lag of Bowser Bomb, his down aerial, and his side smash. One of Bowser's worst flaws is his difficulty getting back onstage after being knocked up into the air; he has severe landing lag on all his aerials, and none of them autocancel particularly early. His two stall-then-falls (Bowser Bomb and down aerial) are very predictable and have higher ending lag than most others, meaning that his only real reliable method of escaping juggles is through aerial maneuvering and fastfalling, neither of which are fast enough for Bowser to reliably use against lighter characters. His specials can also hinder him as his Fire Breath can potentially push him back off the stage, his Whirling Fortress is a somewhat subpar recovery move with slow gain that can be easily acted upon, his Bowser Bomb is an inescapable self-destruct if used off-stage if not used near a ledge, and his Flying Slam has lost its Bowsercide ability as attempting to do so will result in Bowser getting KOed first and his victim being released from the grab, allowing them to potentially recover back on to the stage.

Overall, Bowser is a tank of a fighter, boasting dangerous power and defense along with moderate speed and great recovery, but is very well open to attack from all sides and tends to give out opportunities to be attacked, as well as being easy to juggle due to his very predictable anti-juggling moves and extreme landing lag on all his aerials. Nonetheless, Bowser is undoubtedly much better than in previous installments and is vitually guaranteed to be able to handle and survive against any character he faces more easily than before.

Changes from Brawl

Due to Bowser's major flaws in both Melee and Brawl, in which he was ranked in the bottom tier in both games, he has been heavily buffed in the transition to SSB4. Most of his moveset and animations have been completely revamped for the better; he is much more mobile overall, his recovery has been greatly improved, and he possesses even faster and better attacks with farther reach than he did in Brawl while being even more powerful than he was in Melee, allowing him to punish enemies more harshly and safely than he could in previous games. Giga Bowser, however, is exempt from the general changes that Bowser had received, and instead retains all animations and moves that he had in Brawl. The general physics and mechanics changes brought about by SSB4 also significantly aid Bowser, with the universal nerfing of campable projectiles making projectile camping much less of an issue for Bowser, the inability to immediately re-grab an opponent after throwing them eliminating the zero-death or otherwise heavily damaging chain throws that plagued Bowser in previous Super Smash Bros. games, and the introduction of rage resulting in Bowser's immense endurance and power becoming even more useful than ever before. These drastic improvements saw Bowser secure many of the top spots in promotional tournaments held for SSB4; while he is no longer considered a top tier character after several months of metagame evolution, he is still considered a viable character and a much better fighter compared to how he was in Melee and Brawl.

Aesthetics

  • Change Bowser has a more cartoonish and more brightly colored appearance that is more inline with his look in the Mario games, rather than the realistic look he had in Brawl.
  • Change Bowser has a new fighting stance, where he now always stands upright instead of hunching over. He also has a new dashing animation, where he runs upright instead of scuttling along the ground, and a new mid-air jump animation, where he jumps while remaining upright instead of retreating into his shell. He also has an altered crouching and crawling animation, where he keeps his hands enclosed as fists instead of clawing the ground, and he no longer retreats into his shell when performing his rolling and air dodges.

Attributes

  • Buff Like other large characters, such as Donkey Kong and King Dedede, Bowser's general size in proportion to the other playable characters is also greater than in previous installments,[3] giving his attacks greater reach.
  • Nerf Bowser's increased size also increases his hurtbox, making him easier to hit.
  • Buff Bowser is significantly heavier (120 → 128), improving his survivability and his ability to effectively utilize rage.
  • Buff Bowser walks slightly faster (0.8 → 0.858).
  • Buff Bowser dashes significantly faster, even being slightly above Marth's running speed (1.527 → 1.792).
  • Nerf Bowser has slightly decreased air speed (1.034 → 0.98).
  • Buff Bowser's double jump gains significantly increased height.
  • Buff Bowser now has universal armor against attacks that deal a negligible amount of knockback, such as the first hit of many jabs.
  • Buff Bowser's walking speed while carrying heavy items now surpasses Donkey Kong's, though he remains unable to match DK's ability to jump or fall with them.

Ground attacks

  • Buff The second hit of Bowser's jab deals 1% more damage with increased knockback, being able to KO at 150% near the edge.
  • Change Neutral attack is now a pair of punches instead of claw swipes, so it no longer has a slash effect.
  • Buff Forward tilt deals 1% more damage with slightly increased knockback.
  • Buff Up tilt now reaches in front of Bowser, and has significantly increased reach overall. It also has slightly less start-up and considerably less ending lag.
  • Nerf Up tilt deals 3% less damage with decreased knockback, though it still reliably KOs below 150%.
  • Buff The second hit of down tilt has increased reach, now reaching slightly farther than the initial hit.
  • Change Down tilt is now a pair of swiping punches instead of claw swipes. This animation change also now fully matches the hitboxes of the move, whereas in Brawl the hitboxes did not cover Bowser's entire hands.
  • Buff Bowser has a new dash attack, a dashing side kick, that covers significantly more ground, with significantly faster start-up and cool down.
  • Nerf New dash attack deals 1% less damage and is weaker.
  • Buff Bowser has a new forward smash, a dropkick. It has faster start-up, significantly improved reach and hitbox placement, and much more powerful knockback compared to his previous one, to the point that it is now on par with King Dedede's forward smash as the strongest in the game (although Dedede's deals 1% more damage). Since it also now consists of a single hit instead of two, there is no longer the possibility of an opponent getting hit out of the main KOing hitbox by the weaker initial hit.
  • Nerf Forward smash has more ending lag, and has significantly less damage potential due to the removal of its initial hit, dealing 23% (uncharged) damage rather than the 33% of his old headbutt.
  • Buff Up smash has faster start-up and ending lag, its sweetspot can now hit grounded opponents, and it can now clang with aerial attacks, allowing Bowser to hit through aerial attacks with it without being interrupted. Its sourspot is also more powerful, dealing 3% more damage with increased knockback.
  • Change Bowser now spins when performing his up smash.
  • Buff Down smash is significantly harder to SDI out of.
  • Nerf Down smash deals 7% less damage when all hits connect.
  • Change Down smash knockback angle was altered (60° → 48°).
  • Change Like in Melee, Bowser remains in place when performing his down smash.

Aerial attacks

  • Buff Bowser has a new neutral aerial, an airborne cartwheeling attack. It hits multiple times, has lower ending lag and landing lag, and has a larger and longer lasting hitbox. It also has significantly improved damage potential, being capable of dealing up to 20% damage, whereas the previous neutral aerial dealt 13%.
  • Buff Forward aerial's sweetspot takes up a much larger portion of Bowser's arm, and the attack has less ending lag and landing lag, making it useful for edgeguarding. The move's hitboxes also reach farther above and below Bowser. It can now be auto-canceled in a short hop.
  • Change Forward aerial has an altered animation, where Bowser slashes diagonally instead of straight down.
  • Buff Bowser has a new back aerial, a reverse dropkick. It is significantly more powerful than his previous back aerial, dealing 4% more damage. It also has faster start-up, lower ending lag, and has enough knockback to KO below 100% from the center of Final Destination. It can also auto-cancel in a short hop.
  • Nerf The new back aerial has slightly decreased range behind him, though its range is still very high.
  • Buff Up aerial has significantly faster start-up.
  • Nerf Up aerial is weaker, dealing 2% less damage with weaker knockback, now KOing in the 100-120% range instead of in the 80-100% range.
  • Buff Down aerial is functionally altered to now become a quick stall-then-fall that hits opponents once with very powerful knockback. It meteor smashes during the first few frames and hits all opponents with diagonal upwards knockback during the later frames. This overhaul replaces the rarely useful drill feature with a very powerful anti-juggle move that can double as an effective KO move. The shockwave it produces upon landing also sends opponents farther back, making it more difficult to punish its landing.
  • Nerf Down aerial's new function does not allow it to be cancelled until the move ends and does not edge sweetspot, making it very unsafe to use off-stage.

Throws/other attacks

  • Change Bowser has a new grabbing animation for all his grabs, where he now grabs and holds opponents with one arm, similar to the Koopa Klaw grab from Melee. Bowser also no longer falls over when he whiffs a dash grab.
  • Buff All of Bowser's grabs have improved reach, now being among the farthest reaching non-tether grabs in the game, and they all have faster start-up and ending lag.
  • Buff Forward and back throws are significantly more powerful, both dealing 2% more damage and now being equally capable of KOing at reasonably low damages, at around 120%, similar to Donkey Kong's back throw.
  • Change Forward throw has an altered animation, where Bowser now places the opponent on his head and tosses his head horizontally.
  • Change Back throw has a new animation, where Bowser uses one arm in a side-ways motion to throw opponents behind, similar looking to Donkey Kong's back throw.
  • Change Bowser has a new edge attack, where he crawls up onto the stage and slashes forward.

Special moves

  • Buff Fire Breath's flames are bigger and cover farther range. The move also has faster start-up and ending lag.
  • Nerf Fire Breath cannot flinch at its furthest range.
  • Change Like all rapidly-hitting attacks, connecting with Fire Breath repeatedly on the same opponent will push Bowser back at the same time the opponent is pushed away. This reduces the move's damage output as opponents will not stay trapped for as long as before, but makes the move safer as opponents will no longer be able to SDI through the flames to punish Bowser for using the move.
  • Buff Flying Slam deals more powerful knockback, KOing about 20% sooner and reliably below 120%. The grab also autocancels upon landing during its entire ending lag. Bowser also has more control over the trajectory of Flying Slam.
  • Nerf Flying Slam grab has less vertical reach, making it more difficult to grab opponents from the air, and Koopa hopping is no longer possible. It also now has start-up lag after a successful grab. Bowser is also always KO'd first during Bowsercide, meaning Bowser will lose instead of winning or tying if he performs it when him and his opponent are on their last stocks; this also releases the opponent and allows them to potentially recover back to the stage.
  • Buff Airborne Whirling Fortress can now be special button mashed, which gives it significantly more vertical height, and also gains height at a faster speed, significantly improving Bowser's recovery. Grounded Whirling Fortress is now a multi-hitting attack, making it an even more effective out of shield punish as Bowser no longer needs to be in range to hit with the initial hitbox to deal significant knockback.
  • Buff Bowser Bomb deals drastically more shield damage, now being capable of breaking full shields if all its hitboxes connect. It also descends faster, and Bowser performs it much faster when initiated from the ground.

Update history

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS 1.0.4

  • Nerf Self-destructs using Flying Slam now KO Bowser first instead of the opponent. When Bowser is KO'd, the opponent is released from the grab, potentially allowing them to recover back onto the stage.

Super Smash Bros. 4 1.0.6

  • Buff Bowser has more control over the trajectory of Flying Slam.

Super Smash Bros. 4 1.0.8

  • Buff Up tilt start-up: 12 frames → 11 frames
  • Buff Up tilt ending lag: 51 frames → 41 frames
  • Nerf Up tilt damage: 10% → 9%

Super Smash Bros. 4 1.1.0

  • Change Down smash knockback angle altered (60° → 48°).

Moveset

  Name Damage Description
Neutral attack   5% Bowser quickly punches forward with one arm, then quickly follows it up with the other.
6.5%
Forward tilt   12% Bowser performs a backhanded punch while leaning his body forward.
Up tilt   9% Bowser slashes the air above him.
Down tilt   14% (hit 1), 11% (hit 2) While crouching, Bowser quickly punches one arm forward along the ground, then quickly follows it up with the other. First hit does not link well into second hit at mid-high percentages.
Dash attack   10% (clean), 8% (late) A dashing side kick, where Bowser leaps forward while kicking sideways with one leg. Similar to Meta Knight's dash attack.
Forward smash   23% (clean feet), 20% (clean body), 17% (late feet), 14% (late body) Bowser jumps forward and does a dropkick. On par with Dedede's for the strongest forward smash in the game, and surprisingly fast for its power. Full-power shields can barely hold up against the attack.
Up smash   20% (hit 1 center), 15% (hit 1 sides), 6% (hit 2) Bowser gets down on all fours and thrusts his spiked shell upwards by hopping. Can protect Bowser quite well by clanging with aerials (and outprioritizing them most of the time).
Down smash   2% (hit 1), 1% (hits 2-6), 9% (hit 7) Bowser spins around in his shell, doing worthwhile damage with multiple hits from his spikes. Fairly reliable KO move under 150%.
Neutral aerial   5% (hits 1-4) Bowser does an aerial cartwheeling attack. A mechanically unusual attack, as both the third and fourth hits are present at once (on Bowser's top and bottom half respectively) and connecting with the fourth hit will mean the third hit cannot strike that opponent.
Forward aerial   13% (hand), 12% (arm), 11% (body) Bowser slashes forward in a diagonal arc. Good range and can KO reliably at 100% offstage.
Back aerial   19% Bowser does a reverse dropkick. Similar to his forward smash. Very powerful and can KO at around 100% from the center of Final Destination, and as low as 60% at the edge, but not much vertical range.
Up aerial   15% Bowser quickly swings his head upwards. Very powerful (though not as strong as in Brawl), KOing near the upper blast line at around 100%.
Down aerial   16% (attack), 2% (landing) Bowser retracts into his shell, turns upside down, and propels himself downward. A stall-then-fall. It has a small hitbox slightly to the left and right when he lands. Meteor smashes during the first few frames.
Grab   —
Pummel   3.1% Bowser headbutts the opponent.
Forward throw   12% Bowser charges back with the hand he grabbed the opponent with, places them in between his horns, and then throws them with his head. Can KO at reasonably low percents, around 120%.
Back throw   12% Holding onto the opponent with one arm, Bowser throws them backwards in a sideways motion. Can KO at reasonably low percents, around 120%.
Up throw   1% (hits 1-8), 2% (throw) Bowser throws the opponent slightly up, withdraws into his shell, and spins, damaging them against his spikes. It can true combo into a forward air, though it is difficult to do so.
Down throw   10% (hit 1), 2% (throw) Bowser places the opponent on the floor and body slams them. Not effective for comboing, making it a less than useful throw.
Forward roll
Back roll
Spot dodge
Air dodge 		— —
Techs — —
Floor attack (front)
Floor getups (front) 		  7% Bowser stumbles to his feet and claws at opponents behind and in front of him.
Floor attack (back)
Floor getups (back) 		  7% Bowser gets up and swipes while spinning.
Floor attack (trip)
Floor getups (trip) 		  5% Bowser attacks surrounding foes in one wide slash.
Edge attack
Edge getups 		  7% Bowser climbs onto the stage and slashes.
Neutral special Default Fire Breath 1.2% Bowser breathes intense fire that gradually gets weaker and less ranged. The move slowly regains its strength when not in use, and the flames at the very end of the stream cannot cause opponents to flinch.
Custom 1 Fire Shot 5% (clean), 4% (late) A large fireball with noticeable startup lag that appears to go straight through enemies. Unlike Fire Breath, it will not weaken over time when used in rapid succession.
Custom 2 Fire Roar 2.7% (clean), 1.8% (late) Stronger and more ranged than Bowser's Fire Breath, but loses range quickly and takes longer to recharge.
Side special Default Flying Slam 18% (throw), 15% (bystanders) Bowser grabs an opponent, jumps with them into the air, and violently body-slams them against the ground, dealing immense vertical knockback that can KO at 120%.
Custom 1 Dash Slam 12% (throw), 10% (bystanders) Bowser dashes forward (increasing its range) and slams someone with less vertical distance at the cost of damage. Inflicts horizontal knockback instead of vertical knockback.
Custom 2 Dash Slash 8% (clean), 6% (late) Bowser dashes forward and slashes opponents instead of grabbing them, dealing high knockback. Similar to the Koopa Klaw.
Up special Default Whirling Fortress 1% (ground loop), 4% (ground last), 10% (air hit 1), 3% (air hits 2-6), 2% (air hits 7-11) Bowser enters his shell and spins rapidly, being able to move forward and backwards while doing so. It acts as a recovery when performed in the air, propelling Bowser forward and upwards, but Bowser remains grounded when he performs it on the ground. Very versatile, and a great OoS move.
Custom 1 Flying Fortress 4% Increased vertical recovery at cost of horizontal distance. Only hits once, but can launch foes that are hit.
Custom 2 Sliding Fortress 6% Increased horizontal distance, but only hits once, inflicts less knockback, and has longer end lag.
Down special Default Bowser Bomb 4% (hop), 20% (drop), 11% (landing) Bowser leaps into the air, hitting any opponents up with him in the vicinity of the leap, and then thrusts his body downwards in a ground pound motion, dealing immense vertical knockback to anyone hit that can KO under 100%. If performed in the air, Bowser thrusts down immediately instead of leaping first. Emits a shockwave upon landing. Can break full shields if all grounded hitboxes connect.
Custom 1 Turbulent Bomb 4% (hop), 9% (drop), 9% (landing) A gale at the move's impact pushes away anyone next to Bowser's landing spot, but removes the shockwave hitbox and inflicts less knockback.
Custom 2 Slip Bomb 18% (drop), 13% (landing), 2% (trip) Makes those standing near Bowser trip when he lands. However, it deals no damage when rising.
Final Smash Giga Bowser — Bowser transforms into the much larger and more powerful Giga Bowser, with infinite flinch resistance during the duration of the move. Like Bowser, Giga Bowser also has more of a cartoonish appearance. However, Giga Bowser retains all of Bowser's old replaced moves and animations, instead of using Bowser's new ones, likely to fit more with his "beastly" motif. His smash attacks now inflict elemental damage.

Taunts

  • Throws his head back, spinning it in a circle, and roars.
  • Chomps his jaws furiously forward five times.
  • Balances precariously on one leg, as if teetering.

On-Screen Appearance

Bowser enters the stage through a wall of flames. He is hunched over as he does so, but when he fully enters the stage he stands upright.

Idle Poses

  • Clenches his fists and releases steam from his nose.
  • Leans back and exhales steam.

Victory Fanfare

An original rock-based remix of the sound clip that would play when Mario reaches the end of a level in Super Mario Bros. He shares this with his son, Bowser Jr.

Victory Poses

  • BowserPose1WiiU.png
  • BowserPose2WiiU.png
  • BowserPose3WiiU.png
  • Takes two steps forward while swiping with his claws twice.
  • Steps up, builds up a little and roars.
  • Spins around in his shell and comes out grinning.

In Competitive Play

Official Custom Moveset Project

Character Custom sets available
Bowser (SSB4) Bowser 1211 1311 3211 3311 1212
1213 1312 1313 2211 2311


Notable Players

Trophies

Bowser
Ntsc Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS The archenemy of Mario and the reason Peach spends more time kidnapped than in her own castle. His plans aren't always the best, and occasionally he even finds himself on Mario's side. In Smash Bros., he's a serious heavyweight who laughs off weaker attacks. Hit him hard to send him flying!
Ntsc Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Mario's archnemesis and the reason Peach spends more time in "another castle" than in her own. His plans almost never work out, and occasionally he even finds himself on Mario's side. In Smash Bros., he's a serious heavyweight who laughs off weaker attacks. You've gotta hit him hard to send him flying!
Pal Mario's princess-kidnapping arch-enemy. Yes, he's quite the villain, but he can also be a bit of a buffoon, too. And sometimes, he even ends up on Mario's side! As a serious heavyweight, he's tough to launch, and using standard attacks on him will only make him laugh. If you want to send him flying, make sure to whack him really hard!
NES: Super Mario Bros. (10/1985)
N64: Super Mario 64 (09/1996)
Bowser (Alt.)
Ntsc Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS Bowser makes good use of his heavy physique with his down special Bowser Bomb, slamming down with his bottom. If he's on the ground, he'll jump into the air before crashing down. Also, he can gain a bit of altitude if you press the special button repeatedly while executing Whirling Fortress, his up special.
Ntsc Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Bowser makes good use of his heavy physique with his down special Bowser Bomb, slamming down with his backside. If he's on the ground, he'll jump into the air before crashing down. Also, he can gain a bit of altitude if you press the special button repeatedly while executing his up special Whirling Fortress.
Pal Down special Bowser Bomb makes good use of Bowser's bulky physique to crush opponents. If you use it on the ground, he'll jump first, hitting anyone on the way up with his horns, then hit for a combo on the way down. When you use his Whirling Fortress up special in the air, press the button repeatedly to climb higher.
NES: Super Mario Bros. (10/1985)
N64: Super Mario 64 (09/1996)
Giga Bowser
Ntsc Prepare to behold Bowser in all his Koopa glory. This fearsome form first appeared all the way back in Melee. While transformed, Bowser deals extra damage, is better at launching foes, and even gains special effects on some of his attacks. He won't flinch and can't be thrown, but he does still take damage.
Pal The definitive way to prove that Bowser's the king. This fearsome form made its debut all the way back in Melee. While transformed, Bowser deals more damage, launches foes further, and certain attacks have extra effects like freezing opponents. He won't flinch, and he can't be thrown either, but he will still take damage.

In Event Matches

Solo Events

Co-op Events

Alternate costumes

Palette swap (SSB4)
Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4) Bowser (SSB4)

Gallery

Trivia

  • Although Bowser was the last veteran confirmed during the E3 2013 event, he was the first veteran to debut in Melee to be confirmed.
  • Bowser is the only character to have his victory theme change between Brawl and SSB4.

References

  1. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvudMu-5kIU
  2. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQD1yJinzeQ
  3. ^ https://miiverse.nintendo.net/posts/AYMHAAACAADMUKlhFSRn7g


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Fighters in Super Smash Bros. 4
Veterans Bowser · Captain Falcon · Charizard · Diddy Kong · Donkey Kong · Dr. Mario · Falco · Fox · Ganondorf · Ike · Jigglypuff · King Dedede · Kirby · Link · Lucario · Lucas · Luigi · Mario · Marth · Meta Knight · Mewtwo · Mr. Game & Watch · Ness · Olimar · Peach · Pikachu · Pit · R.O.B. · Roy · Samus · Sheik · Sonic · Toon Link · Wario · Yoshi · Zelda · Zero Suit Samus
Newcomers Bayonetta · Bowser Jr. · Cloud · Corrin · Dark Pit · Duck Hunt · Greninja · Little Mac · Lucina · Mega Man · Mii Fighter (Mii Brawler · Mii Gunner · Mii Swordfighter) · Pac-Man · Palutena · Robin · Rosalina & Luma · Ryu · Shulk · Villager · Wii Fit Trainer
v • d • e
Mario (universe) Mario universe
Fighters Mario (SSB · SSBM · SSBB · SSB4 · SSBU) · Luigi (SSB · SSBM · SSBB · SSB4 · SSBU) · Peach (SSBM · SSBB · SSB4 · SSBU) · Bowser (SSBM · SSBB · SSB4 · SSBU) · Dr. Mario (SSBM · SSB4 · SSBU) · Rosalina & Luma (SSB4 · SSBU) · Bowser Jr. (SSB4 · SSBU) (Koopalings) · Daisy (SSBU) · Piranha Plant (SSBU)
Assist Trophies Hammer Bro · Waluigi · Lakitu & Spinies · Chain Chomp · Thwomp · Flies & Hand
Bosses Metal Mario and Luigi · Petey Piranha
Stages Peach's Castle · Mushroom Kingdom (SSB) · Princess Peach's Castle · Rainbow Cruise · Mushroom Kingdom (SSBM) · Mushroom Kingdom II · Delfino Plaza · Mushroomy Kingdom · Figure-8 Circuit · Luigi's Mansion · Mario Bros. · 3D Land · Golden Plains · Rainbow Road · Paper Mario · Mushroom Kingdom U · Mario Galaxy · Mario Circuit · Super Mario Maker · New Donk City Hall
Mushroom Kingdom (Adventure Mode)
Items Bob-omb · Fire Flower · Green Shell · Red Shell · Super Star · Super Mushroom · Poison Mushroom · Freezie · Metal Box · Golden Hammer · Lightning Bolt  · Hothead · Banana Peel · Boomerang · Fire Bar · POW Block · Bullet Bill · Spiny Shell · Super Leaf · Grass · Super Launch Star
Enemies Banzai Bill · Bill Blaster · Bullet Bill · Chain Chomp · Flame Chomp · Goomba · Giant Goomba · Hammer Bro · Koopa Paratroopa · Koopa Troopa · Lakitu & Spinies · Magikoopa · Shy Guy · Spike Top
Other Birdo · Boo · Cappy · F.L.U.D.D. · Geno · Ghosts · Kamek · Koopa Clown Car · Molten Fortress · Nabbit · Pauline · Pidgit · Shellcreeper · Shy Guy · Sidestepper · Toad · Warp Pipe
Trophies, Stickers and Spirits Trophies (SSBM · SSBB · SSB4) · Stickers · Spirits
Music Brawl (Mario Kart) · SSB4 · Ultimate (Mario Kart)
Masterpieces Super Mario Bros. · Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels · Super Mario Bros. 2 · Dr. Mario · Super Mario World · Super Mario Kart
Related universes Donkey Kong · Yoshi · Wario · Wrecking Crew
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