Fox (SSB4)

Fox in Super Smash Bros. 4
Universe	Star Fox
Other playable appearances	in SSB in Melee in Brawl
Availability	Starter
Final Smash	Landmaster

Fox (フォックス, Fox) returns as a playable character in Super Smash Bros. 4. He was one of the characters confirmed to return in the game during the E3 2013 trailers.

In Japanese, Fox is once again voiced by Kenji Nojima. In English, he is now voiced by Mike West, his voice actor from Star Fox 64 and its 3DS remake.

Changes from Brawl

Fox was objectively nerfed overall from Brawl to Smash 4, although he did receive some buffs as well. Fox's neutral game is less effective overall, with increased lag on his aerials and less effective laser camping due to the removal of autocanceling on his Blaster. This means Fox can no longer safely bait bad approaches from his opponents. Additionally, some of his finishers (such as up smash and back aerial) have been weakened, although other finishers previously considered situational (such as forward smash) have been strengthened. Fox also benefits from a better jab cancel, which can set up KOs more reliably. His recovery has also improved, with Fox Illusion no longer leaving him helpless and Fire Fox traveling farther. His Reflector can no longer allow him to stall in the air effectively due to its ending lag and has a worse launch angle, making it completely ineffective for edgeguarding.

However, Fox benefits from the general changes of Smash 4, most notably from the removal of chaingrabbing, which was a prime reason for his mid tier placement in Brawl. Additionally, while Fox's neutral game was nerfed, it still remains better than most due to the universal nerf in mobility options. As a result, he is considered to be better relative to the cast than in Brawl.

Appearance

• Due to the new visual aesthetics in SSB4, Fox's overall color scheme is lighter in comparison to his appearance in Brawl. Additionally, his fur is of a higher visual quality than before, much like Donkey Kong's and Diddy Kong's, and his teeth are more pronounced than in previous installments.
• Fox's Blaster has a redesigned appearance, and the lasers appear to have a lighter hue to them, being more pink in color.
• Landmaster is now light blue instead of dark blue.

Attributes

• Fox is lighter than in Brawl hindering his survival.
• Dashing speed is slightly faster (from 2.08 in Brawl to 2.184 in SSB4).
• Fox's air speed is slightly increased (from 0.89 in Brawl to 0.96 in SSB4).
• Fox's falling speed is faster (from 1.831 in Brawl to 2.05 in SSB4) making him more susceptible to combos.
• The removal of chain grabs is a significant benefit for Fox in his matchups against other characters.

Ground attacks

• Neutral attack now links into a finisher, and is able to jab cancel into itself, grabs, forward tilts, or up smashes more reliably.
• Neutral attack infinite pushes the opponent further away from Fox, making it possible to powershield the finisher at low to mid percents.
• Dash attack, up tilt, down tilt, up smash, and forward smash deal 1% less damage (7/5%, 10/8%, 9/7%, 17%, and 15% respectively → 6/4%, 9/6%, 8/6%, 16%, and 14%).
• Forward smash is slightly stronger (10 base/96 growth → 20 base/98 growth).
• Up smash has lower knockback scaling (96 growth → 94). It also has slightly less horizontal range, less vertical range, and more cooldown (IASA 44 frames → IASA 51 frames).
• Down smash has much less base knockback (50 → 30) but higher scaling (65 → 75) making it overall weaker.

Aerial attacks

• Neutral air has an added 2 frames of landing lag.
• Forward aerial is harder to SDI out of and is easier to combo into. It can now send opponents at the autolink angle, which when combined with fast falling in the middle of the attack can lead into a footstool, potentially gimping characters with poor vertical recoveries such as Little Mac, Donkey Kong, and even Charizard.
• Forward aerial gives a shorter "hover" effect than in Brawl. It deals drastically less damage (23% → 7%), and can no longer auto cancel in a short hop. Its start-up is also one frame slower and has significantly increased landing lag (18 frames → 27 frames).
• Back aerial deals 2% less damage and is weaker despite its added knockback growth (85 → 88).
• Down aerial deals significantly less damage (21% → 11%), can no longer meteor smash and has significantly more landing lag (12 frames → 25 frames) meaning it can't followup into grabs, up tilts, or up smashes on grounded opponents anymore.

Special moves

• Short hop lasers have lag upon landing and can only be fired twice during the short hop, lessening their utility.
• Fox Illusion no longer leaves Fox helpless after the move is performed in the air (though it can still only be used once in the air) and no longer dashes over the edge when used on the ground. It is also quicker and safer when used in a short hop as an approach option.
• Fox Illusion can no longer be shortened, removing its mix up potential.
• Fire Fox travels a greater distance, now nearly as much as it does in Melee (NTSC), and deals greater damage when fully connected.
• Reflector has far more cool down and can no longer semi-spike aerial opponents, removing shine spikes entirely.
• Landmaster is less powerful and lasts a shorter duration.
• Landmaster's cannon can fire while airborne.

Moveset

		Name	Damage	Description
Neutral attack			2%	Punches twice, then attacks with a flurry of kicks.
			1%
			0.7% (loop), 2% (final hit)
Forward tilt	↗		8%	Kicks his leg out. Can be angled up or down with the control stick. Below-average knockback.
	→		6%
	↘		7%
Up tilt			9% (clean) or 6% (late)	Fox does a fast scorpion kick that covers his back.
Down tilt			8% (close), 7%, or 6% (far)	Fox swipes at the opponent with his tail.
Dash attack			6% (clean) or 4% (late)	Fox jumps slightly off the ground while running and performs a kick.
Forward smash			14%	Fox does a powerful spinning jump kick.
Up smash		Flip Kick	16% (clean) or 11% (late)	Fox flip kicks the opponent, losing strength the farther it is into the animation.
Down smash			14%	Fox does a split to attack both sides of him.
Neutral aerial			9% (clean) or 6% (late)	Fox does a sex kick that loses power the longer it's out. If the weak of auto-canceled nair lands against opponent at high percentage, he can combo into a running up smash for a KO.
Forward aerial			2% (hit 1), 1% (hit 2), 0.6% (hit 3), 0.8% (hit 4), 3% (last hit)	Five kicks in succession. Good for building up damage, as foes will "stick" to Fox for the duration of the attack.
Back aerial			13%	Fox spins to kick behind himself.
Up aerial			5% (hit 1), 11% (last hit)	Fox flips himself upward for a tail whip and follow-up kick.
Down aerial			1.4% (hits 1-5), 3% (last hit), 1% (landing hit)	A spinning drill kick that hits multiple times in succession.
Grab			—
Pummel			1.2%	A quick knee strike.
Forward throw			4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)	Fox releases his foe and knocks them away with a punch.
Back throw			2% (throw), 2% (3 lasers each)	Fox throws his foe backwards and shoots them with three rapid shots from his blaster.
Up throw			2% (throw), 2% (3 lasers each)	Fox throws his foe upwards and fires three rapid shots from this blaster.
Down throw			2% (3 lasers each), 1% (throw)	Fox forces his foe onto the floor and fires three point-blank shots at them with his blaster.
Forward roll Back roll Spot dodge Air dodge		—	—
Techs		—	—
Floor attack (front) Floor getups (front)			7%	Fox does a kick in front and in back.
Floor attack (back) Floor getups (back)			7%	Fox punches forwards, and kicks backwards.
Floor attack (trip) Floor getups (trip)			5%	Fox spins around, hitting foes with his tail.
Edge attack Edge getups			7%	Fox twirls at his opponent, doing a long range kick.
Neutral special	Default	Blaster	1.4% (far), 2%, or 3% (close)	Fox fires his blaster, which can fire rapidly but doesn't stun the opponent. The lasers lose power as they travel.
	Custom 1	Impact Blaster	2% (far), 3%, 4% or 4.3% (close)	Fox fires slower blaster shots that deal more damage and knock opponents back.
	Custom 2	Charge Blaster	10.5%	Fox fires a single, powerful laser. Has a slower startup time but has considerable hitstun and good knockback.
Side special	Default	Fox Illusion	3%	Fox becomes invisible and suddenly dashes through opponents, leaving behind after-images. Fox will send opponents at an upwards angle on contact.
	Custom 1	Fox Burst	13%	Fox cannot hit opponents with the dash itself, but will generate a large explosion wherever he stops. It can also be used to stall in midair.
	Custom 2	Wolf Flash	3% (dash), 9% (end of the move), 10% (sweetspot hitting airborne opponents)	Fox dashes at an upwards angle, meteor smashing opponents at a downwards angle if it hits with the sweet spot at the move's end. Based on Wolf's side special move from Brawl.
Up special	Default	Fire Fox	2% (charging hits 1-7), 14% (clean dash), 8% (late dash)	Fox charges up and suddenly fires himself in one of many directions, depending on what direction is held.
	Custom 1	Flying Fox	0%	A variation that is faster and travels further, but deals no damage.
	Custom 2	Twisting Fox	1% (charging hits 1-3), 1.2% (hits 1-7), 2% (last hit)	Fox spins rapidly, dragging opponents in as he fires himself off, dealing rapid damage.
Down special	Default	Reflector	2% (activation), 1.4x damage (reflected projectiles)	Fox activates a Reflector around him. All projectiles are deflected and do more damage than they normally would. The Reflector damages nearby foes upon activation.
	Custom 1	Big Reflector	1.2x damage (reflected projectiles)	A larger Reflector that has a smaller increase to the power of reflected projectiles, but it has a slightly larger reflecting hitbox. It pushes back enemies at close range instead of damaging them.
	Custom 2	Amplifying Reflector	2.1x damage (reflected projectiles)	Has a longer startup time, but doubles the power and speed of reflected projectiles. It cannot deal damage or pushback at close range and does not stall in midair.
Final Smash		Landmaster	5% (activation), 5-17% (ram), 13% (turning around), 11% (roll), 12 (landing) 8% (cannon while firing), 15% (cannon projectile)	Fox calls in a Landmaster. The Landmaster lasts longer than Falco's, but has a lower air speed.

Taunts

• Fox charges fire and himself and says "Here I come!".
• Like in Melee, Fox backs up, bends down a bit, and says "Come on!".
• Fox throws his blaster into the air, then allows it to land back into its holster.

On-Screen Appearance

Ejects from an Arwing.

Victory Fanfare

This victory theme is based upon the main theme of Star Fox 64, most specifically the title screen theme. It is also reminiscent of the music that would play when a mission was completed or accomplished. He shares this with Falco.

In Event Matches

Solo Events

• All-Star Battle: Regulars: Fox is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are starters from the original Super Smash Bros. game.
• Behind Enemy Lines: Fox must survive against Bowser Jr. and Mega Man for 1 minute. All characters start at 200% damage.
• Up to Speed: Sonic must defeat Fox, Falco, and Captain Falcon in a high-speed 1 stock battle.

Co-op Events

• Keep 'Em off the Ship!: Fox and Falco must prevent a group of Mr. Game & Watches from landing on the stage. The opponents have more stock on higher difficulties.
• Visiting Onett: Fox is one of the opponents fought in this event. All opponents are space characters or characters from other planets.
• The Ultimate Battle: Two players choose a character and must defeat the entire roster.

Alternate costumes

Update History

1.0.6

• Rapid jab combo has less visual whiffs.

Trophies

Fox

Fox is the leader of the mercenary unit Star Fox, often enlisted to defeat the evil Andross. His piloting skills are top notch, but in Smash Bros. he brings speed and fast attacks to the battle. His Reflector move allows him to turn projectile attacks against his foes, increasing their power for a punishing blow.

Leader of the Star Fox team, Fox is a skilled pilot with a strong sense of justice. In this game, he's quick on his feet and can use his speed to toy with opponents, attacking relentlessly and giving them no room to breathe. Even if they try to attack him from afar with projectiles, his Reflector move just sends them flying right back!

: Star Fox (03/1993)

: Star Fox 64 (07/1997)

Fox (Alt.)

Fox is at home in the air, and many of his moves, like his up smash, Flip Kick, will send foes up there. It's great for KO'ing a damaged opponent. Another handy move is his up special Fire Fox. The flames that surround Fox deal damage to nearby foes, and you can launch yourself in any direction once charged.

The Flip Kick that Fox does for his upward smash can really send foes flying. It's well worth pulling out this attack in combos against airborne opponents. Try following it up with his red-hot Fire Fox special to hammer them repeatedly. The fact that you an fly in any direction with this move is a real bonus too!

: Star Fox (03/1993)

: Star Fox 64 (07/1997)

Landmaster (Fox)

Originally designed for exploration, the Landmaster in Fox's Final Smash has been converted into an ultra-high-performance, anti-air, rolling combat vehicle. When Fox hops aboard, he can drive or roll into foes and blast them with cannon fire. It can even fire in midair. And best of all, Fox is safe from damage inside this metal beast!

Originally designed for exploration, the Landmaster in Fox's Final Smash has been converted into an ultra-high-performance, anti-air, rolling combat vehicle. When Fox gets on board, he can drive or roll into foes and blast them with cannon fire. It can even fire in mid-air. And best of all, Fox won't take any damage while inside!

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  Classic (3DS)

• FoxAllStarTrophy3DS.png

  Alt. (3DS)

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  Classic (Wii U)

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  Alt. (Wii U)

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  Landmaster

Gallery

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  Fox in the Nintendo Direct from April 8th, 2014.

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  Fox's amiibo.

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  Fox's appearance in the 3DS version of the game.

• 

  Fox's appearance during E3 2013.

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  Fox using his dash attack.

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  His Blaster.

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  Fox using Fox Illusion.

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  Fox using his Reflector to reflect Samus's attack.

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  Fox, surrounded by flames.

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  Fox taunting in the Wii U version.

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  Fox using his up smash in the Wii U version.

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  One of Fox's aerial attacks in the 3DS version.

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  Fox being grabbed by Peach.

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  Fox and Toon Link on the 3DS version of Battlefield.

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  Being kicked by Sonic.

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  The new finishing kick of Fox's jab.

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  Fox jumping at Mario.

Trivia

• Fox's Alt. trophy in the Wii U version resembles his All-Star trophy from Melee. Both these trophies also uses Fox in his green costume.
• Fox is one of five characters to lose an alternate palette that had been present in previous apperances, along with Mario, Bowser, Wario, and Link. In Fox's case, he lost his blue palette - this also makes him the only character in the game without a dedicated blue alternate palette.
• Fox has three English voice actors in both versions of Super Smash Bros. 4. He has Mike West for his battle voice and the Orbital Gate Assault Smash taunts, Jim Walker for the Lylat Cruise Smash taunts, and Steve Malpass for the Corneria Smash taunts.
• Super Smash Bros. 4 is the only Smash Bros. game where Fox is not holding his blaster in his official art.
• Interestingly, the custom move set for his neutral special, Blaster will actually influence the throws in which Fox uses it. The same applies to Falco.
• Fox is believed to use the fighting style of Tae-Kwon-Do, as in his idle stance he is hopping similar to the style and his attacks mainly consist of kicks.