Wolf (SSBU)

Wolf in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Universe	Star Fox
Other playable appearance	in Brawl
Availability	Unlockable
Final Smash	Team Star Wolf

Wolf (ウルフ, Wolf) is a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He was officially revealed on June 12th, 2018 alongside the rest of the returning roster during the E3 2018 Nintendo Direct. Wolf is classified as Fighter #44, the last fighter number of the Super Smash Bros. Brawl veterans.

Jay Ward, Wolf's English voice actor from Brawl and Starlink: Battle for Atlas, reprises his role albeit with new voice clips that make Wolf sound akin to his appearance in Starlink. In the Japanese version, Wolf's Brawl voice actor, Mahito Ōba, has been succeeded by Kōsuke Takaguchi, who reprises his role from Star Fox 64 3D and Star Fox Zero.

How to unlock

Complete one of the following:

• Play VS. matches, with Wolf being the 51st character to be unlocked.
• Clear Classic Mode with Fox or any character in his unlock tree, being the 7th character unlocked after Bowser Jr.
• Have Wolf join the player's party in World of Light.

Wolf must then be defeated on Lylat Cruise (the Ω form is used in World of Light).

Attributes

Wolf's attributes and moveset give him a versatile gameplan, somewhere in the middle ground between Fox's focus on pressure and Falco's focus on punishes. This is reflected in his attributes: he has a slow dashing speed (though his initial dash is quite fast), an above-average walking speed, the 11th fastest falling speed, above-average air acceleration, and high gravity, most of which are not uncharacteristic of the Star Fox characters. Unlike the other "space animals", however, Wolf has the 6th fastest air speed in the game. This grants him mobility that is fairly average overall, but relatively balanced compared to Fox and Falco. Additionally, Wolf is also significantly heavier than them, as he is a middleweight (tied with the Ice Climbers, Lucario, Villager, Mythra, and Steve). Although Wolf's special moveset and vertical mobility are derived from his fellow Star Fox fighters, the similarities end there, with Wolf's being the most unique of the trio.

Wolf's Blaster is the centerpiece of his neutral game. With the lasers causing higher knockback (and therefore hitstun) than the average projectile, and having a long duration with transcendent priority, they grant him the ability to disrupt opponents' approaches, even when their grounded mobility is superior to his own, and its unique close-range hitbox on the bayonet give it some utility in close combat, dealing substantial damage if it connects. Lasers can often force opponents to jump over them, leaving them vulnerable to Wolf's fast aerial attacks; these are comprised of a neutral aerial sex kick with a powerful clean hit, a disjointed forward aerial that can combo into itself and his other aerials, a back aerial with moderate startup offset by its impressive power and hitboxes, an up aerial with fast startup and a wide arc well-suited to juggling, and a down aerial that consistently meteor smashes opponents.

Wolf also possesses large hitboxes on several of his attacks with many of them being disjointed, greatly aiding his devastating punish game as he can easily combo and deal massive damage from very few openings. While he can apply pressure from a distance, Wolf's close range options are not lacking either. Forward tilt and down tilt are decent poking tools, the latter of which can trip at low percents. Forward smash has slow startup, but is very powerful and has deceptively low ending lag, while up smash deals high damage, covers a wide area around him, and has decent knockback. His neutral and forward aerials are quite fast and difficult to punish even if shielded, while his standing grab is tied for the fastest in the game. Further augmenting his strong neutral game are his dash attack and Reflector, the former which is useful for punishing aerial approaches and KOing at high percents, and the latter which allows him to deal with opposing camping while also having a close range hit that can be followed up with aerials.

Once Wolf has won the neutral exchange, he has several options to rack up damage. Forward aerial can combo into itself, other aerials and into a grab at very low percents, from which up throw can lead into another forward or up aerial until mid to high percents. Down throw can lead into a dash attack at low percents, while dash attack can extend the combo by chaining into up tilt or up aerial at very low percents. Should an opponent air dodge in an attempt to escape pressure, Wolf's aerial mobility allows him to chase them down and punish them, usually with up tilt or up aerial to continue juggling them, or with a back aerial to send them offstage.

After Wolf has inflicted a sufficient amount of damage, he can then attempt to score a KO via his numerous KO options. The most reliable one is his back aerial: its quick autocancel and decent range allow it to be spaced safely, and it can KO relatively early if sweetspotted (at around 110% from center-stage), while still possessing respectable power with its sourspots. His side special, Wolf Flash, can either meteor smash or semi-spike opponents at the end of the dash depending on which hitbox connects, both of which are incredibly powerful. Wolf's up special, Fire Wolf, consists of looping hits and a deceptively strong final hitbox.

Other notable finishers are his forward smash and down smash: the former is safe on shield and potentially when whiffed thanks to it possessing deceptively low ending lag in spite of its high startup, whereas the latter posseses a powerful sweetspot that enables it to KO as low as 50% at the edge and makes it an effective 2 frame punish. At higher percents, Wolf has several other moves (forward tilt, sweetspotted up tilt, dash attack, clean neutral aerial, up smash, and back throw) that each sport respectable KO potential in the event he is unable to land his primary KO options.

However, Wolf does possess noticeable weaknesses, the most notable of which is his recovery. Wolf Flash and Fire Wolf are both linear and offer unremarkable travel distance compared to other recovery options. Unlike Fox and Falco, Wolf's side special renders him helpless; this essentially restricts him to using only of his specials as a recovery option, which leaves him with a much shorter recovery distance overall. This also leaves Wolf highly vulnerable to gimps and edgeguarding, with meteor smashes in particular being deadly against him even at low percents, to the point where exploiting his recovery offsets the increased horizontal endurance his higher weight would otherwise provide.

Though he is not short of finishers, Wolf can frequently have difficulty landing his most powerful ones due to their slow startup (with back aerial and all his smash attacks having more than 12 frames of startup), his below-average dashing speed, and his lack of guaranteed setups into them. Although he possesses true setups into Wolf Flash, such as from his forward aerial or down throw at medium percents, they are very risky to pull off, as he can either end up offstage after its use and thus inadvertently self-destruct (since it renders him helpless) or miss the sweetspots and end up vulnerable due to its high landing lag. Lastly, Wolf is, like Fox and Falco, very susceptible to combos because of his high falling speed and gravity. However, Wolf's heavier weight and lack of sufficiently fast options to escape pressure (his fastest aerial attacks start on frame 7) make this weakness even more apparent compared to Fox and Falco.

Overall, Wolf is a non-traditional glass cannon. He sacrifices the power of other glass cannons like Mewtwo and Mr. Game & Watch for sheer versatility, due to his combination of an effective projectile for disrupting and forcing approaches, fast approach options of his own, and an abundance of combo and KO options, which allow him to keep up the pressure on his opponent even after winning the neutral game. As such, Wolf is able to adapt to nearly any playstyle. However, due to his vulnerability to combos, poor recovery, and trouble securing KOs, Wolf must also be well aware of his opponents, as a single mistake can cause him to sustain heavy damage from combos and end up in a position where he in turn can easily be KO'd.

Changes from Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Wolf received some of the most noticeable changes of any returning veteran, similarly to Link and Mr. Game & Watch. Aesthetically, most of his moveset has been reanimated to look more polished and further differentiated from Fox. Mechanically, Wolf received a mix of buffs and nerfs in his transition from Brawl, but has been buffed significantly overall.

Like most of the returning veterans, Wolf's initial dash is much faster, while his dash and air speed have been slightly increased. In addition to this, however, his fast falling speed is significantly faster, no longer providing the smallest falling speed increase out of the cast by a considerable margin, greatly enhancing his aerial approach and landing ability. Coupled with his superior mobility are the buffs to his Blaster, already an effective projectile in his previous appearance, and his new dash attack; the former's blasts deal more damage and knockback, while the latter covers much more horizontal range and is stronger, both of which improve his neutral game.

Wolf's aerial attacks have also seen improvements: his new neutral aerial gives Wolf a vastly more effective approach option, his forward aerial has become an excellent combo starter due to its reduced ending and landing lag, and his back and up aerials have had their knockback noticeably increased (most notably the former). Wolf's grab game also received some noteworthy buffs, now having a KO option in his back throw, and useful combo starters in his up throw and down throw. Finally, Wolf Flash and Fire Wolf are far stronger, giving him two more powerful, albeit risky, KO options; the former in particular can now be aimed up or down, slightly improving his horizontal recovery and making the clean hit easier to land.

Wolf also heavily benefits from the changes to gameplay mechanics. The new air dodge mechanics, as well as the changes to hitstun canceling, allow him to combo and juggle his opponents for a longer period of time, especially paired with his improved mobility; he has gained not only several more ways to start combos (such as with a landing up aerial, or a down aerial on grounded opponents), but also KO setups into his powerful Wolf Flash. The drastic weakening of momentum canceling allows his moves to KO earlier and overall put his survivability more in line with the cast. Lastly, the new ledge mechanics and the removal of chain grabbing and meteor canceling also significantly improve his survivability, while the latter change makes his down aerial and Wolf Flash more effective for KOing offstage.

However, Wolf has received a few significant nerfs as well. Some of his moves have received increased lag, such as his forward smash, down smash, and his renowned back aerial from Brawl, in exchange for more power; the latter two are particularly noteworthy due to their previous speed and already decent power. Because of this, he has a more difficult time scoring KOs as his finishers are much harder to land in general, forcing him to either time them precisely or lure the opponent into them; while he does possess KO setups into Wolf Flash offstage, they are extremely risky, as Wolf will self-destruct more often than not and the opponent can DI to avoid them.

Additionally, several of Wolf's moves have less range to varying degrees. For example, his new forward smash does not move him a considerable distance forward, while his forward aerial has lost its deceptively large disjoint. His recovery has also worsened due to both Fire Wolf and Wolf Flash's travel distances being shortened, making him more susceptible to edgeguarding than in Brawl. Wolf's neutral and forward aerials, while possessing greater combo ability and safety, are also weaker, with the former also having slower startup, and the latter no longer being a reliable KO option. Finally, Wolf's new down throw is less effective for tech-chasing and setting up edgeguards because of its higher launch angle.

Despite Ultimate's new mechanics heavily benefiting Wolf, he has also seen a few nerfs from the changes to the mechanics, most notably the removal of DACUS which hinders his grounded approach. Lastly, his lower weight worsens his survivability, especially horizontally (which is also hindered by the changes to momentum canceling), while he remains an easy combo target due to his high falling speed and the changes to hitstun canceling.

Overall, Wolf's nerfs are offset by the new game mechanics and the buffs he has received, which has currently allowed him to fare better than he did in Brawl during Ultimate's early meta. So far, Wolf has managed to achieve excellent representation and results thanks to Zackray winning multiple Japanese majors with him, as well as numerous other top players such as MkLeo and Tweek placing favorably with him in tournaments. However, Wolf's results have become worse over time as Zackray (who was his strongest player) and MkLeo have both dropped him. However, Tweek has continued to use him alongside Wario and Pokémon Trainer. As such, Wolf's viability has been questionable as players are debating on whether Wolf is as good as originally imagined. Regardless, his playerbase continues to achieve great results, and he is widely agreed to be significantly better than he was in Brawl.

Aesthetics

• Wolf's design takes some elements from his appearance in Star Fox Zero. He now sports a traditional eye patch instead of a visor, and his normal eye is red instead of purple. His fur is also more detailed and fluffier due to the game's graphical improvements.
• Wolf's jacket is now purple with heliotrope accents and has a more traditional appearance: it has a collar, buttons, a zipper, and a belt; it also appears to have more depth, and his necklace and choker have been replaced with a hop bush bandana (also wears one on his left leg). His gloves match his jacket and are wrapped around in bands. Wolf's boots are less metallic and instead have metallic detailing protruding from his heels and toe boxes; he also wears shin guards that possess similar metallic details, and his knee pads are asymmetrical. The spikes on his shoulder pads and knee pad are significantly more protruding and are now old gold instead of gray. Lastly, Wolf no longer carries his reflecting device around. These changes make Wolf's design largely unique to Ultimate.
• Wolf has been updated with features introduced in Smash 4.
  • Wolf has a Boxing Ring title, a Palutena's Guidance conversation, and three new alternate costumes. All of his alternate costumes are completely renewed, with two of them being based on his teammates Andrew Oikonny and Pigma Dengar.
  • Wolf has voice clips for suffering high knockback, and waking up from sleep status when not suffering from any knockback similar to a few other characters such as Palutena and Cloud. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf also share similar additions for the latter.
• Like many other characters, Wolf is more expressive. He now smirks in an evil manner on certain occasions, like his side taunt, spotdodging, when grabbing opponents, and his up victory pose.
• Wolf's landing sounds have been changed, with the loud metallic boot "clinks" from Brawl being replaced with softer ones.
• All of Wolf's claw-based attacks now sport purple claw trails.
• The majority of Wolf's animations are more fluid and polished with a majority of them (air dodge, rolls, spot dodge, shielding, etc.) now being unique to him rather than being borrowed from Fox's.
• Walking, dashing, and falling animations have all been altered.
• Crouching animation has been altered. He now kneels akin to the other spacies instead of laying on all four limbs. However, he transitions to his crouching animation from Brawl when holding a small item.
  • Wolf's new crouching animation doesn't lower his hurtboxes as much as before, making it easier to hit him vertically.
• Wolf's fur has physics-based movement.
• Wolf's ears now have unique animations, such as bending while dashing and twitching during his Brawl idle animation.
• Wolf's up taunt has him face the screen, regardless of which side he's currently facing.
  • The howling voice clip has been sped up to match the new animation.
• Wolf has a new side taunt, a beckoning gesture with two fingers while asking "Are you scared?". This replaces his taunt from Brawl, in which he kicked the air three times and said "What's the matter, scared?".
• Wolf's crowd cheer only has the audience howling, instead of going "Wooolf! - *howl*".
• All of Wolf's victory poses have been given either updated animations or dialogues.
  • He has a new left-inputted victory pose where he claws the air and poses, replacing the victory pose where he snarls, crosses his arms, and then laughs.
  • His up-inputted victory pose now has him saying "You're good, but I'm better.", one of his famous lines from Star Fox 64. This replaces his "I will be the one to...take you down!" line from Brawl, which remains unchanged in Japanese.
  • His right-inputted victory pose ending animation has been altered as he now extends his right arm, keeping his left arm closer to his face as the camera zooms in. In addition, he now says "Weaklings, the lot of you." instead of "Weaklings, the bunch of you.".
• Wolf's specific victory dialogue against Fox ("Playtime's over, Star Fox!") has a chance of being used on any of his three victory poses rather than solely on the left-inputted victory pose.
• Wolf's tumbling animation no longer detaches his left arm from his elbow.

Attributes

• Wolf stands in an upright, much less awkward posture, similar to Yoshi and Bowser in their transitions from Brawl. This translates to his moveset, be it through a tweaked animation or a completely new move. However, he transitions to his idle animation from Brawl when holding a small item.
  • Wolf's new upright posture makes him harder to hit horizontally, but easier to hit vertically.
• The changes to hitstun canceling both help and hinder Wolf: they allow him to combo his opponents much better than in Brawl, but make him more susceptible to combos due to his fast falling speed.
• The 19% damage increase to shields, higher shieldstun and more limited out of shield options allow Wolf to pressure shields much more effectively, with many of his attacks now being safe on shield with proper spacing.
• The changes to momentum canceling both help and hinder Wolf: it makes his stronger moves more likely to KO and renders his vertical endurance more in line with the rest of the cast, but also worsens his horizontal endurance.
• The removal of meteor canceling benefits Wolf far more than any other character, as he is equally as vulnerable to meteor smashes as the rest of the cast instead of having a significantly longer meteor cancel delay, while making his own meteor smashes much more effective.
• The removal of chain grabbing significantly improves Wolf's survivability and matchups against several characters, most notably no longer being vulnerable to guaranteed zero-to-death combos.
  • However, it also slightly hinders Wolf's damage racking game, as he could chain grab with his down throw in Brawl.
• The removal of glide tossing and super glide tossing hinders Wolf's approach while holding items.
• Like all characters, Wolf's jumpsquat animation takes 3 frames to complete (down from 5).
• Wolf is significantly lighter (102 → 92), going from a semi-heavyweight to a lighter middleweight (weighing the same as the Ice Climbers, Lucario and Villager). This significantly hinders his endurance, while not making him much less susceptible to combos from other characters due to the changes to hitstun canceling.
• Wolf walks slower (1.3 → 1.208).
• Wolf runs faster (1.4 → 1.54).
  • Wolf's initial dash speed is much faster (1.7 → 2.09).
• Wolf's air speed is faster (1.222 → 1.281).
• Wolf's fast fall speed is much higher and more in line with the rest of the roster (1.9 → 2.88), being far more useful than before.
• Wolf's traction is higher (0.07 → 0.11).
• Forward roll has less ending lag (FAF 32 → 30).
• Forward roll grants less intangibility (frames 4-19 → 4-15).
• Back roll has more startup with less intangibility (frames 4-19 → 5-16), and more ending lag (FAF 32 → 35).
• Spot dodge has more startup and grants less intangibility (frames 2-20 → 3-17).
• Air dodge has less startup (frame 4 → 2) and ending lag (FAF 50 → 45).
• Air dodge grants less intangibility (frames 4-29 → 2-26).
• The changes to air dodging help Wolf overall, as they allow him to juggle his opponents more easily than in Brawl when coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling. They also give Wolf an effective way to mix up his recovery and landing options, the latter due to his fast falling speed.

Ground attacks

• Neutral attack:
  • The first and second hits both transition into the next hits faster (frame 9 → 7).
  • The first hit deals less damage (3% → 2%).
  • All hits have smaller hitboxes (4u/3u/3u → 1.6u/1.8u/2.2u/2.2u (hit 1), 3u/3.5u/4u → 2u/2.5u/3u (hit 2), 5u/4u/4u → 2.5u/2.8u/4u (hit 3)) with a shorter duration (2 frames → 1 frame).
  • The first two hits have higher hitlag multipliers (1× → 1.6× (hit 1), 1.2× (hit 2)) and SDI multipliers (0.5× (hit 1), 0.3× (hit 2) → 1×).
  • The third hit no longer deals extra shield damage (6 → 0).
  • The first two hits have altered angles (80°/35°/30° → 361°/180° (hit 1), 20°/15°/45° → 361° (hit 2)) and knockback (22/26/28 base/30 scaling (hit 1), 35/50/15/25 (hit 2) → 25/20 base/25/20 scaling) to keep opponents close to Wolf, akin to other neutral attacks. This allows them to connect better and jab lock, but worsens their jab cancel setups.
  • Neutral attack has a much cleaner look overall. The ending hit is a third claw swipe instead of a lunging bite.
• Forward tilt:
  • The changes to shield hitlag from Brawl make forward tilt safer on shield, as shielding opponents now experience the same hitlag as Wolf from the first hit instead of much less, preventing them from punishing him before the second hit comes out.
  • The first hit has less knockback scaling (110 → 70), allowing it to connect more reliably into the second hit.
  • Forward tilt has more ending lag (FAF 33 → 35).
  • The first hit is no longer impossible to SDI (0× → 1×).
  • The first hit has a different angle (361° → 60°) and a lower hitlag multiplier (3× → 1.8×).
  • The second hit has more base knockback (40 → 55), but less knockback scaling (120 → 106). This slightly worsens its KO ability from center stage, but improves it near edges.
  • The move has an updated animation where Wolf forcefully brings his claws together.
• Up tilt:
  • Up tilt's hitboxes that affect both grounded and aerial opponents have reversed priority (10%/9%/8% → 8%/9%/10%), making the sweetspot harder to land.
  • All hitboxes except the grounded-and-aerial sweetspot are smaller (6u/5u/5u → 4.5u).
  • The grounded sweetspot launches at a lower angle (88° → 80°).
  • It has a new ending animation where Wolf flicks his nose with his thumb while smirking.
• Dash attack:
  • Wolf has a new dash attack: a lunging kick instead of a backflip.
  • It no longer halts Wolf's momentum, instead boosting him forward a considerable distance. This drastically increases its horizontal range, despite its hitboxes being smaller (3.5u/4.5u/5u → 2.5u/3.5u/4u). It can also cross-up opponents despite the changes to the jostle mechanics.
  • It has a longer hitbox duration with a clean hit and late hit, though with the former still lasting longer than the previous dash attack's hitboxes (frames 11-13 → 11-14 (clean), 15-18 (late)).
  • The clean hit deals more damage (9% → 11%) and has increased knockback (50 base/80 scaling → 40/40/45 base/92/91/85 scaling), noticeably improving its KO potential. Combined with its previous buffs, this allows it to punish landings and whiffed attacks much more effectively.
  • Due to its new animation and smaller hitboxes, dash attack has less vertical range.
  • It no longer deals extra shield damage (1 → 0), although it is still more damaging against shields due to its increased damage output.
• Forward smash:
  • Wolf has a new forward smash: a forceful standing palm strike that deals one hit instead of two.
  • Due to dealing one hit with the same damage as the total of the previous hits (5% (hit 1), 10% (hit 2) → 15%), and its knockback values being unchanged, it is more consistent and much stronger, allowing it to KO middleweights at 100% from the center of Final Destination, compared to being unable to KO below 140% under the same circumstances.
  • It has double the startup lag (frame 10 → 20), no longer being one of the fastest forward smashes in the game.
    • However, it has less ending lag (FAF 46 → 42), especially given the slower startup. Coupled with its increased damage and much higher shieldstun, it is now safe on shield and can be used to bait approaches.
  • It does not have Wolf lunge as far forward, and its hitboxes are smaller (4.5u/4u/3u (hit 1), 6.5u/5u (hit 2) → 3.5u/3u), significantly decreasing its range.
• Up smash:
  • The second hit has a longer duration (frames 20-22 → 20-23).
  • Up smash has more ending lag (FAF 44 → 48).
  • The removal of DACUS significantly hinders its utility for approaching.
  • The second hit has a consistent angle (95°/361° → 95°), with the hitboxes on Wolf's body no longer launching horizontally, and has different knockback values (40/50 base/85/100 scaling → 85 base/65 scaling), strengthening the leg hitboxes, but weakening the body hitboxes. This improves its vertical KO power, but removes its ability to KO earlier horizontally.
  • The move has an altered animation: a breakdance-style rotation followed by an upward dropkick. The hits are also clearly highlighted by trails.
• Down smash:
  • Down smash deals more damage (14%/12% → 16%/14% (hit 1), 13%/10% → 14%/12% (hit 2)). The sweetspots also deal increased and consistent knockback (40/50 base/50 scaling → 37/93 (hit 1), 40/50 base/90 scaling → 50/90 (hit 2).
  • The sourspots deal increased knockback scaling (60 → 80), significantly improving their KO potential.
  • The hitboxes launch at a lower angle (35°/361° → 30°/35°), allowing them to semi-spike. Combined with their knockback increase, they can KO opponents near edges at much lower percents, especially if Wolf has rage.
  • Down smash has noticeably more startup (frame 8 → 14 (hit 1), 14 → 21 (hit 2)), and more ending lag (FAF 35 → 44).
  • The second hit has considerably smaller hitboxes (5.5u/4.4u/4.4u → 2.5u/3u/3.5u).
  • The move's animation has been altered: Wolf swipes both sides with one hand.

Aerial attacks

• Neutral aerial:
  • Wolf has a new neutral aerial: a sex kick similar to Fox's.
  • It has one frame less landing lag (10 frames → 9).
  • It deals more damage (8% → 12% (clean), 3%/1% → 8% (late)).
  • The clean hit uses three hitboxes instead of only one (4u → 4.2u/4.2u/3.5u), while the late hit has larger hitboxes (4u/2.5u/2.5u → 4u/4u/3u), and both cover a larger area in front of Wolf due to the move's new animation. This greatly improves its utility as an approach option.
  • The late hit no longer has weak set knockback (5 set/100 scaling → 0 base/100 scaling) or a rehit rate, increasing its safety and preventing it from overriding the knockback of the stronger clean hit. Combined with the changes to hitstun canceling, this also increases the move's combo potential on landing.
  • Neutral aerial has more startup and a shorter hitbox duration (frames 4-34 → 7-26).
    • However, the clean hit has a longer duration (frames 4-5 → 7-9).
  • The clean hit deals less knockback (40 base/100 scaling → 30/75), slightly weakening its KO potential.
• Forward aerial:
  • Forward aerial has less ending lag (FAF 52 → 41), making it safer to use offstage.
  • It has significantly less landing lag (30 frames → 10), which alongside the changes to hitstun canceling turns it into an excellent combo starter from low to mid percents, with followups including tilts, a grab, aerials (including more forward aerials), and Wolf Flash. This also makes it much safer on shield.
  • It deals less damage (11% → 9%) and knockback (40 base/95 scaling → 45/85), drastically hindering its KO potential.
  • Its hitboxes are much smaller (7u/5u/4u → 4.5u/4u/3.5u), no longer possessing a large disjoint.
  • Forward aerial sends opponents at a less vertical angle (75° → 60°).
• Back aerial:
  • Back aerial's weakest hitbox has been removed, while all its other hitboxes deal more damage (13%/11%/10% → 15%/13%/11%) and have increased base knockback (20 → 37). This drastically improves its KO potential, with the sweetspot KOing middleweights under 110% from center stage, and the middlespot doing so under 130%.
    • However, its increased knockback removes its ability to lock opponents at lower percents.
  • Back aerial is noticeably slower overall, possessing twice as much startup with a shorter duration (frames 6-9 → 13-15), and more ending (FAF 30 → 45) and landing lag (9 frames → 15). This hinders its utility for challenging opponents' approaches and starting combos, and makes it riskier to use offstage.
    • However, due to the move's auto-cancel window remaining unchanged, its slower startup makes it harder to punish if used in a short hop.
  • The sourspots are smaller (5.3u/4.7u → 4.5u/4u) and now take priority over the sweetspot, requiring more careful spacing to KO efficiently with the move.
• Up aerial:
  • Up aerial has more knockback scaling (75 → 85), improving its KO potential.
  • The changes to hitstun canceling noticeably improve its combo potential.
  • It has one frame more landing lag (9 frames → 10).
  • The outermost hitbox is smaller (5.5u → 5u).
• Down aerial:
  • Down aerial has less ending lag (FAF 60 → 54), making it safer to use offstage.
  • The removal of meteor canceling improves its reliability for edgeguarding, while the changes to hitstun canceling allow it to start combos against grounded opponents beyond low percents.
  • The sourspot has a lower SDI multiplier (1.50× → 1.00×).
  • The sourspot is smaller (6u → 5u) and takes priority over the sweetspot.
  • The sweetspot and sourspot are positioned higher (Y-offset: -5 (sweetspot)/-1.5 (sourspot) → 2/6.5), giving down aerial less range below Wolf.
  • The move has a slightly altered animation, where Wolf swipes downwards instead of plunging his fists down.

Throws and other attacks

• Grabs:
  • All grabs have more ending lag (FAF 30 → 37 (standing), 40 → 45 (dash), 35 → 40 (pivot)).
  • Dash grab has less startup lag (frame 11 → 8).
• Pummel:
  • Pummel deals more damage (1% → 1.3%).
  • It deals significantly more hitlag (4 frames → 14), lengthening its duration. Combined with the majority of other characters receiving similar pummel durations, it is no longer the fastest in the game.
• Forward throw:
  • Forward throw's first hit now has has a slash effect instead of a neutral effect. Its animation has also been slightly altered to have Wolf slash downward in a more exaggerated manner.
  • It has one frame less ending lag (FAF 34 → 33).
  • It deals more damage (4% → 5% (hit 1), 3% → 4% (throw); 7% → 9% (total)).
  • It has significantly decreased knockback (35 base/130 scaling → 55/57), no longer KOing under 350% even at the edge.
• Back throw:
  • Back throw has a different animation, where Wolf performs a jumping slash from below, instead of fully somersaulting and slashing the opponent from above.
  • It has less startup (frame 26 (hit 1), 27 (throw) → 23, 24), with its total duration reduced as well (FAF 50 → 47).
  • It deals more damage (4% → 6% (hit 1), 3% → 5% (throw); 7% → 11% (total)) with no compensation on knockback, improving its KO potential.
  • It launches opponents at a lower angle (68° → 50°), allowing it to set up edgeguards and KO near edges much more effectively.
• Up throw:
  • Up throw has a different animation, where Wolf jumps and slashes the opponent with one claw, instead of two like in Brawl. The animation is also cleaner overall.
  • It has less ending lag (FAF 56 → 46) and the changes to hitstun canceling allow up throw to combo into a forward or up aerial until high percents, improving its utility.
• Down throw:
  • Wolf has a new down throw: he grabs the opponent by the head, jumps while spinning around once, and chokeslams them into the ground.
  • It has less ending lag (FAF 51 → 41), allowing it to combo into dash attack at low percents.
  • It deals less damage (6% (hit 1 and throw); 12% (total) → 8.5%), with knockback compensated (30 base/86 scaling → 50/65). The first hit has been removed, meaning the move can no longer hit bystanders.
  • Wolf can no longer chain grab with down throw, hindering its damage racking potential.
  • It launches at a different angle (0° → 44°), no longer being a semi-spike. This hinders its tech-chasing and edgeguarding abilities, but combined with its lower ending lag and the changes to hitstun canceling, this allows it to combo into Wolf Flash at mid percents.
• Floor attacks:
  • Floor attacks deal more damage (6% → 7%) and shield damage (1 → 8) per hit, with minimally compensated knockback scaling (50 → 48).
    • They have less startup (frame 19 (front), frame 17 (back) → 16 (both)) and ending lag (FAF 50 → 46).
  • Their angles have been altered (361° → 48°).
• Edge attack:
  • Wolf has a new edge attack, an inward slash.
  • It deals more damage than his previous under 100% edge attack (8%/6% → 9%), and no longer has set knockback (110 set/100 scaling → 90 base/20 scaling), making it stronger at higher percents.
  • It has less startup (frame 25 → 24) and grants more intangibility (frames 1-23 → 1-26).
  • It has more ending lag (FAF 55 → 56), while its hitboxes have a shorter duration (frames 25-32 → 24-26) and are smaller (5.76u → 5u).
  • Its angle has been altered (361° → 45°).

Special moves

• Blaster:
  • Both the bayonet's hitbox and the lasers deal more damage (4% → 7% (bayonet), 5% early/6% clean/5% late → 6%/8%/7% (laser)) and knockback (70 base/40 scaling → 80/37 (bayonet), 20/24/20 set/100 scaling → 35/40/30/120 (laser)).
  • The lasers have a longer duration (frames 16-48 → 16-50).
  • Blaster has more ending lag (FAF 45 → 53), hindering its camping ability, while the bayonet's hitbox has more startup (frame 11 → 15).
  • The lasers have received negative shield damage (0 → -3/-4/-3.5), effectively dealing half their usual damage to shields.
  • Wolf can no longer control his horizontal aerial momentum while firing a laser with his Blaster.
  • The bayonet's hitbox launches at a higher angle (20° → 60°), no longer being a semi-spike. This hinders its edgeguarding potential, but allows it to set up juggles.
  • Wolf has an altered animation for firing lasers: it is a thrust forward before a firing animation that causes the Blaster to recoil upwards, instead of Brawl's downwards draw animation.
  • The lasers fired from Wolf's Blaster are colored purple instead of green. The blaster itself has a new design and updated sound effects.
• Wolf Flash:
  • Wolf Flash can be angled by tilting up or down on the control stick, giving it more recovery mixups and allowing the clean hit to land more easily, despite having smaller hitboxes overall (3u/10u → 4u/7u). In particular, it can hit several tall characters on the ground when angled down.
  • The clean hit deals more damage (15%/10% → 20%/15%), and the meteor hitbox has more knockback scaling (80 → 100), while the semi-spike hitbox's scaling has not been fully compensated (106 → 85). This makes the move much more powerful and rewarding to land, especially with the removal of meteor canceling.
  • The aerial version has faster startup (frame 21 → 19), matching that of the grounded version.
  • The changes to hitstun canceling give Wolf several ways to combo into Wolf Flash, allowing for risky, yet deadly KO confirms.
  • The move can no longer be shortened, and travels less horizontal and vertical distance when not angled.
  • Scarring is harder to perform, as Wolf no longer hugs the ledge as much when using the move, which can result in a self-destruct.
  • It has been given updated visual effects: its trail features three long, red slash-marks. Another shorter, identical trail also appears in front of Wolf, which indicates the sweetspot.
• Fire Wolf:
  • Fire Wolf has less startup lag (frame 23 → 18), and Wolf gains control sooner after the move has ended.
  • It has five hits, down from nine, but deals more total damage (2% → 4% (hit 1), 1% (hits 2-8) → 2.5% (hits 2-4), 3%/4% (hit 9) → 5%/6% (hit 5); 12%/13% → 16.5%/17.5% (total)).
  • The looping hits use a different type of autolink angle (45°/365°/45°/361° → 40°/367°/40°/367°), allowing them to connect more reliably.
  • The first hit and looping hits deal more base knockback with minimal knockback scaling, rather than using set knockback (15 set/100 scaling → 50 base/10 scaling (hit 1), 60/0/70/70 set/70/12/70/50 scaling → 60/35/60/40 base/20 scaling (looping hits)), which may cause opponents to get hit out of range at very high percents, but overall helps them link better.
  • The last hit has increased knockback scaling (131 → 148 (grounded), 115 → 136 (aerial)), and launches at a lower angle for the grounded version (65° → 361°). Combined with its higher damage outputs, this makes the last hit powerful enough to KO reliably under 100% near edges, giving Wolf a new finisher.
  • The grounded version's last hit has larger hitboxes (6u/6u/5u → 6u/8u/5u).
  • The move travels less distance, worsening its recovery potential.
  • All hits except the grounded version's last hit have smaller hitboxes (8u → 7u (hit 1), 7u/9u/3.5u/3.5u → 5u/6u/3.5u/3.5u (looping hits), 9u → 6u (aerial, last hit)).
  • The first hit uses a different angle (100° → 93°).
  • Fire Wolf has Wolf enveloped in blue aura. The animation itself has been changed, as Wolf performs the multi-hitting kicks with his left foot and the final kick with his right foot. Additionally, Wolf delivers the final kick aimed in the direction he traveled rather then performing a horizontal kick.
• Reflector:
  • Reflector deals more damage (3% → 4%).
  • It has less startup with a longer duration (frames 8-9 → 6-8).
  • Reflected projectiles have a higher damage multiplier (1.3x → 1.5x).
  • It has been given a hitbox once a projectile has been successfully reflected, which deals 5% damage.
  • Due to explosive hitboxes now being reflectable, it protects Wolf from most (though not all) types of explosives when active.
  • The ending lag of the held variant has been reduced (FAF 18 → 13). Additionally, the aerial version no longer has 1 additional frame of lag, matching the grounded version.
    • A 10-frame window has been added where Wolf is locked in his reflection hitbox before he can cancel out of the move, resulting in the move having increased ending lag (FAF 27 grounded/28 aerial → 31).
  • Its intangibility has more startup with a shorter duration (frames 1-9 → 5-8), making it less effective for escaping combos.
  • It has one hitbox fully covering Wolf instead of 2 smaller hitboxes on each side of Wolf (6u/6u → 9u).
  • Reflector sends opponents at a higher angle (10° → 65°), and no longer has set knockback (40 set/100 scaling → 60 base/85 scaling). This allows it to be followed up with aerials, but weakens its gimping potential.
  • Reflector has updated visual effects, resembling a force field. It also has unique sound effects that are no longer shared with Fox's Reflector.
  • It has an altered animation, where Wolf holds out his reflecting device. He also always faces the screen while Reflector is active.
• Final Smash:
  • Wolf has a new Final Smash, Team Star Wolf, replacing the Landmaster from Brawl. It functions similarly to Team Star Fox, Fox's and Falco's new Final Smash. Upon activating, Wolf yells, "Wolf Pack!" and summons a large aiming reticle in front of him. If the crosshair successfully catches a target, a cutscene is initiated where Wolf yells, "Grahaha! The hunt is on, boys!" with it captioned on screen. The target is then fired at with the Wolfen's lasers, and then launched horizontally with an explosion at the end.
    • If Team Star Wolf is used against Fox or Falco, Wolf will say, "I've got you now, Star Fox!"
  • Team Star Wolf can potentially deal more damage compared to Landmaster, and the single hit has increased KO power, making it more consistent.
  • Due to being a cutscene Final Smash, Wolf can no longer accidentally self-destruct like he could in the Landmaster.
  • Team Star Wolf is much easier to avoid compared to Landmaster and is overall less versatile.
  • Due to being a cutscene Final Smash, the regenerating terrain glitch is no longer possible to perform.

Update history

Wolf received a mix of buffs and nerfs via game updates, but was nerfed slightly overall. In update 3.0.0, the sweetspot of his down smash's front hit, infamous among the community for its extreme power (especially near edges), was weakened slightly. Blaster was also affected by the near-universal nerf to projectiles' shield damage outputs, while an exploit that allowed Wolf to reduce Wolf Flash's landing lag with a directional air dodge was removed. These nerfs were negligible, however, as Wolf retained his strengths and continued to perform very well in tournaments.

Update 3.1.0 granted Wolf a few buffs and nerfs, although the latter were more impactful than the former. Blaster's ending lag was increased, which slightly worsened its renowned utility as a safe neutral tool that could counter approaches with relatively low risk. Down smash's front sweetspot was weakened slightly once again, while Fire Wolf's final hitbox was shrunken noticeably to compensate for its looping hits' improved consistency. Conversely, neutral attack's hits connect together more reliably, and Reflector's overall lag was decreased by 1 frame. Lastly, update 7.0.0 enlarged Wolf's shield as part of a near-universal buff.

Overall, Wolf fares mildly worse than he did at the launch of Ultimate. However, his sizeable player base and consistent success in tournaments have both remained largely intact regardless.

A comparison of the knockback dealt against Mario by Wolf's sweetspotted down smash, in each version which changed it.

3.0.0

• The sweetspotted front hit of down smash deals less knockback scaling with its base knockback not fully compensated, weakening it overall (50 base/90 scaling → 56/82).
• Blaster's lasers have received negative shield damage (0 → -3/-4/-3.5 (early/clean/late)), effectively dealing half their usual damage to shields.
• Using a directional air dodge before Wolf Flash no longer reduces its landing lag. However, the reduced landing lag still persists if Wolf lands while helpless.

3.1.0

• Neutral attack has received various changes to connect more reliably.
  • The first hit's second hitbox has been moved closer to Wolf (Z offset: 6.5u → 8u), with the third and fourth hitboxes instead covering a larger horizontal area (Z offset: 11u → 10u-11u) and having more knockback scaling (15 → 20), better dragging opponents towards Wolf.
  • The second and third hit's outermost hitboxes are displaced further horizontally (Z offset: 11u → 12u (hit 2), 9.5u → 11u (hit 3)). As a result, the third hit is less likely to miss opponents after the second hit at higher percents.
• The sweetspotted front hit of down smash deals noticeably less base knockback, but has more knockback scaling (56 base/82 scaling → 37/93), causing it to KO later near edges and from center stage.
  • However, this allows it to KO slightly earlier from across the stage.
• Blaster has more ending lag (FAF 50 → 53).
• Fire Wolf's first hit and looping hits deal less knockback (40 base/25 scaling → 50/10 (hit 1), 60/98/60/88 base → 60/35/60/40 (looping hits)), allowing them to connect more reliably.
• The last hit of Fire Wolf has smaller hitboxes (9u → 6u).
• Reflector has less startup lag (frame 7 → 6) with identical ending lag (FAF 32 → 31), shortening its minimum duration.
• Reflector grants intangibility earlier (frame 6 → 5).
• Reflector reflects projectiles earlier (frame 10 → 9).

7.0.0

• Overall shield size has been increased.

Moveset

• Wolf can wall jump.

For a gallery of Wolf's hitboxes, see here.

Note: All numbers are listed as base damage, without the 1v1 multiplier.

		Name	Damage	Description
Neutral attack		Snap Claw (スナップクロー) / Follow Claw (フォロークロー) / Wild Scratch (ワイルドスクラッチ)	2%	A left-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed inward slash, followed by a right-handed outward slash. Fairly quick, coming out on frame 4, and can jab lock opponents. However, the last hit has short range compared to other neutral attacks, which can cause it to fail to connect from the previous hits at high percentages.
			2%
			4%
Forward tilt		Dual Burst (デュアル)	5% (hit 1), 6% (hit 2)	A lunging, two-handed outward slash. Overall considered one of Wolf's best moves because of its consistent ability to 2 frame punish opponents, as well as its utility in neutral. The first hit produces a large amount of freeze frames. It can KO at around 115%-140% while near the edge of Final Destination depending on the opponent, and even earlier as a 2 frame punish.
Up tilt		Kick Up (キックアップ)	10% (foot), 9% (leg), 8% (body)	A stretch kick. It has fast startup and high power when hitting with the sweetspot at Wolf's foot, KOing middleweights under 130% from ground level. It is especially useful to read edge jumps and to poke platforms, as the sweetspot will sometimes KO earlier than both the second hit of up smash and up aerial. However, unlike the majority of up tilts, its ending lag prevents it from being used to start combos.
Down tilt		Low Kick (ローキック)	6%	A crouching, low-level roundhouse kick. The move has rather decent range and quick speed, which make it useful for poking, pressuring, and denying approaches. Can be used to 2 frame punish the opponent, but is generally overshadowed by forward tilt in that regard. It also has the chance to trip at low percentages, which can lead into a grab or other attacks. However, it is Wolf's least damaging tilt attack.
Dash attack		Shooting Kick (シューティングキック)	11% (clean), 8% (late)	A front kick. Has decent start-up, but most importantly, it propels Wolf forward a considerable distance. This allows it to function as a reliable burst option to punish landings and whiffed moves, as well as follow up from other attacks. Hitting opponents close to Wolf launches them upward, allowing for up tilt at 0% and aerial follow-ups at low percentages. Conversely, hitting them near his foot launches them horizontally. Depending on which hitbox is landed, the clean hit can KO under 150% from center stage, and under 120% while near the edge. It is also a reliable follow-up from down throw at low percentages. Due to its versatility, it is one of the most useful dash attacks in the game.
Forward smash		Wolf Crash (ウルフクラッシュ)	15%	A palm thrust. While it has slow startup (comes out on frame 20), it has notoriously low ending lag (interruptible on frame 42), making it to be relatively safe on shield and difficult to punish even if missed. It also has remarkable power, KOing middleweights at around 70% while near the edge of the stage. As a result, it is one of Wolf's safest KO options on the ground.
Up smash		Spinning Leg Scissors (スピニングレッグシザース)	6% (hit 1), 12% (hit 2)	A butterfly kick performed from a variation of the 2000 (a breakdancing move) followed by an upward scissor kick. It has the fastest startup of his smash attacks (coming out on frame 13). The first hit offers surprisingly long horizontal range which makes it a versatile out of shield option (albeit a bit slow, coming out at frame 13). It deals high damage when both hits connect, hits in front of and behind Wolf, and provides wide coverage above Wolf. Altogether, these traits make it useful to quickly punish opponents close to him and set up juggles. However, its KO potential is slightly below-average for a smash attack because of its second hit's below-average knockback. As a result, it will not KO middleweights reliably until around 130% when uncharged, whereas heavyweights will not be KO'd reliably even around 140%.
Down smash		Gust Slash (ガストスラッシュ)	14%/16% (hit 1), 12%/14% (hit 2)	A kneeling, one-handed slash in front of himself and then behind himself. Both hits have sweetspots at the tips of Wolf's claws, which launch at a semi-spike angle with higher power. The move has moderate startup (hitting on frame 14 at the front), but has very little ending lag for a smash attack (interruptible on frame 44), making it safe on shield if spaced. The move can reliably 2 frame punish opponents, and the sweetspots are extremely powerful, with the front hit's sweetspot being among the strongest down smashes in the game, both KOing them near edges at around 60% and 70%, respectively. As a result, it is Wolf's most dangerous edge-guard tool, as well as a reliable finisher when reading an opponent's tech options out of forward throw or neutral aerial. Considered to be one of the best down smashes in the game.
Neutral aerial		Wolf Kick (ウルフキック)	12% (clean), 8% (late)	A flying kick. Compared to other sex kick neutral aerials, it has slower startup (hitting on frame 7), but deals higher damage and knockback with its clean hit. It is one of Wolf's fastest aerials, tied with his forward and up aerials. Compared to them, it hits lower, has a longer duration, and covers a consistent area. Combined with its low landing lag (9 frames), this makes it very useful for air-to-ground transitioning, as well as starting combos at a variety of percentages, with the clean hit being more effective at low percentages and the late hit being more effective at high percentages. The clean hit is also a decent finisher near the edge, KOing at around 145%. Due to its versatility, it is Wolf's overall most useful aerial.
Forward aerial		Quick Slash (クイックスラッシュ)	9%	A downward arcing slash. It is a staple of Wolf's neutral game, with its fast startup (tied with neutral and up aerial), wide vertical arc, and low landing lag (10 frames) making it a safe approach option, and combined with its 60° launch angle, allowing it to combo into a multitude of moves, such as jab, any tilt, or grab at low percentages, any aerial attack from low to mid percentages (including itself to extend combos), and even Wolf Flash as a KO setup at high percentages. However, it has poor edge-guarding potential due to its more vertical angle. It also deals the least damage and knockback out of Wolf's aerials, which is exacerbated further by stale-move negation due to its typically frequent usage in his neutral game.
Back aerial		Behind Kick (ビハインドキック)	11% (body), 13% (leg), 15% (foot)	A back kick. It has noticeable startup (hitting on frame 13), ending lag (FAF 45), and landing lag (15 frames), making it Wolf's second-slowest aerial (behind down aerial). To compensate, its autocancel frames come out very quickly after the hitboxes (on frame 18), effectively giving it little to no ending lag with proper timing, allowing it to poke shields and bait opponents. It is also one of Wolf's main KO moves: it deals high damage and significant knockback if sweetspotted, KOing at around 110% from center stage and as early as 65% near the edge. The sourspot is much weaker but is still a reliable KO move near the edge.
Up aerial		Air Slice (エアスライス)	12%	An overhead arcing slash. Its fast startup, wide arc, low landing lag (10 frames) and vertical knockback allow it to juggle opponents very effectively. It can also set up combos into itself and other attacks from low to mid percents, though not as reliably as forward aerial. Additionally, it possesses enough knockback to KO starting from around 120%-130% near the top blast line.
Down aerial		Meteor Crash (メテオクラッシュ)	13% (body), 15% (arms)	A two-handed downward slash below himself. It has the most startup (hitting on frame 16), ending lag, and landing lag (19 frames) out of Wolf's aerials, making it particularly risky to use offstage due to Wolf's poor recovery. However, it meteor smashes opponents consistently throughout the move, instead of requiring to land a specific part of it like most other meteor smashing down aerials. This essentially turns it into a high risk, high reward edge-guarding option. Against grounded opponents, it can combo into a variety of attacks, even up to high percentages.
Grab		Grab (つかみ)	—	Reaches out with his right arm.
Pummel		Grab Kneebutt (つかみニーバット)	1.3%	A knee strike.
Forward throw		Short Scratch (ショートスクラッチ)	5% (hit 1), 4% (throw)	An inward slash. While it deals decent damage, it is extremely weak, not KOing opponents under 300% even at the edge, and its ending lag is too high for reliable follow-ups. However, its low launching angle makes it an extremely potent tech-chasing move at higher percentages.
Back throw		Scratch Upper (スクラッチアッパー)	6% (hit 1), 5% (throw)	Sets the opponent behind himself and launches them away with an ascending slash. Deals the most damage out of Wolf's throws, and has remarkable knockback, allowing it to KO middleweights at around 185% from center stage, and around 130% near the edge. However, its launching angle is mostly diagonal, making it somewhat easy to DI.
Up throw		Throw Scratch (スルースクラッチ)	5% (hit 1), 2% (throw)	Brings the opponent above himself and slashes them upward. One of Wolf's most reliable combo starters along with down throw, and leads into a forward aerial or up aerial until around 10%-20%, which can then keep the opponent in a disadvantageous state.
Down throw		Bottom Down (ボトムダウン)	8.5%	A spinning chokeslam. It launches opponents horizontally with low ending lag, allowing it to combo into a dash attack until around 15%-20%, or potentially set up tech-chases if the opponent does not DI enough to act out of hitstun before hitting the ground. At around the 60%-100% range, it can also combo into Wolf Flash depending on character and DI (most notably works on floaty characters), though doing this close to an edge will cause Wolf to self-destruct in the process, making it a high risk, high reward combo.
Forward roll Back roll Spot dodge Air dodge		—	—
Techs		—	—
Floor attack (front) Floor getups (front)			7%	Gets up and kicks backward, then forward.
Floor attack (back) Floor getups (back)			7%	Gets up and punches forward, then kicks backward.
Floor attack (trip) Floor getups (trip)			5%	Sweeps one leg around himself, starting from the front.
Edge attack Edge getups			9%	Gets up and slashes inward.
Neutral special		Blaster	7% (bayonet), 6%/8%/7% (blast close-far)	Shoots a purple, arrowhead-shaped energy blast from his Blaster. It is reliable at both disrupting and forcing approaches, thanks to its decent lag and the energy blast's moderately large size and transcendent priority. Unlike most projectiles, it also has great utility in close-quarters combat, thanks to the Blaster's bayonet possessing its own hitbox. As a result, the bayonet is capable of inflicting damage alongside the energy blast. Altogether, these traits make it the centerpiece of Wolf's neutral game, and it is widely considered to be one of the best projectiles in the game.
Side special		Wolf Flash	3% (dash), 20% (meteor smash), 15% (semi-spike)	Dashes quickly at a diagonal angle, leaving a claw-shaped trail behind, alongside another trail in front of himself at the end of the dash. It can be slightly aimed up or down, the latter which allows it to hit most grounded opponents. The dash itself is very weak, but at the end, it possesses two, much stronger hitboxes; one closer to Wolf's center that meteor smashes aerial opponents, and another more in front of him that semi-spikes both grounded and aerial ones. The meteor hitbox deals extremely high damage with enough knockback to KO opponents at around 10% at ground level offstage, while the semi-spike can KO at around 120% from center stage and 75% near edges; as a result, it is one of Wolf's strongest finishers. However, it renders him helpless, and has high landing lag (30 frames), making it very risky to use and requiring Wolf to choose between it or Fire Wolf for recovery.
Up special		Fire Wolf	4% (hit 1), 2.5% (hits 2-4), 5% (grounded hit 5), 6% (aerial hit 5)	An energy-infused flying kick followed by a wheel kick. It propels Wolf in the chosen direction, though it is generally sub-par as a recovery option, due to its slow startup and short travel distance compared to other recovery options that can be aimed. The distance traveled is increased when traveling straight up over traveling at an angle. However, it works decently as an attack: it deals a high amount of damage if all of its hits connect, and its last hit can KO at around 150% from center stage and 95% at the edge, all of which make it a potent edgeguarding option when used correctly.
Down special		Reflector	4% (Reflector), 5% (reflection), 1.5× damage (reflected projectiles)	Activates his Reflector to create an electrical force field around himself that reflects incoming projectiles. Reflected projectiles deal more damage and travel at almost twice their original speed. Upon activation, the Reflector also grants Wolf brief intangibility (frames 5-8), and damages opponents in addition to launching them at a mostly vertical angle (65°), granting it some combo potential. There's also another hitbox that comes out once Wolf reflects a projectile that deals 5%. Unlike Fox's Reflector, Wolf's version does not stall him upon first use in the air.
Final Smash		Team Star Wolf	3% (reticle), 35% (lasers), 10% (ending)	Upon activation, Wolf shouts "Wolf Pack!" as a large red reticle appears in front of him that launches opponents and is immediately followed by a Wolfen flying from behind the screen where the reticle is located. Upon hitting an opponent, Wolf leaps upward to board his Wolfen and a cutscene begins with him joining the rest of Star Wolf. Wolf then says, "Grahaha! The hunt is on, boys!" (or "I've got you now, Star Fox!" if he hits Fox or Falco), as he and rest of Star Wolf fire their Wolfens' laser cannons at the trapped opponents. It deals a considerable amount of damage and launches the opponent horizontally after the cutscene ends.

Announcer call

This article could use additional or higher-quality audio files. The editor who added this tag suggests: Needs announcer calls from other languages. If you have a good audio file for this article, upload it here.

• English/Japanese/Chinese

On-screen appearance

• Ejects from a Wolfen.

• 

  Wolf's on-screen appearance

Taunts

• Up taunt: Leans his head back and howls.
• Side taunt: Does a beckoning gesture with his fingers while smirking and asking "Are you scared?" (どうした、どうした?, What's wrong, what's wrong?).
• Down taunt: Kneels down, slaps the ground with one hand, and makes a howling-esque noise.
  • Smash Taunt: Kneels down before contacting Team Star Wolf. This can only be done on Lylat Cruise and is performed by tapping the down taunt command. Wolf will hold a pose for a few seconds, then a conversation will begin. This can only be done once each round and if the player is hit while Wolf is holding his pose before the conversation starts, it is canceled.

• 

  Wolf's up taunt.

• 

  Wolf's side taunt.

• 

  Wolf's down taunt.

Idle poses

• Claws at the air.
• Pretends to howl.

• 

  Wolf's first idle pose

• 

  Wolf's second idle pose

Crowd cheer

	Cheer (English)	Cheer (Japanese/Chinese)	Cheer (Italian)	Cheer (Dutch)	Cheer (French)
Cheer
Description	*howl*	Uru - fu! (Wol - f!)	Wolf! Wolf!	Wolf! Wolf! *claps 3 times*	Wo - lf! *howl* Wo - lf!

	Cheer (German)	Cheer (Spanish)	Cheer (Russian)	Cheer (Korean)
Cheer
Description	Wolf! Wolf! *howl*	Wolf! -- Wolf! -- *howl*	Wolf! *howl*	Uru - feu!

Victory poses

In any victory pose, there's a chance Wolf will say "Playtime's over, Star Fox!" (遊びは終わりだ、スターフォックス！, Playtime is over, Star Fox!) if Fox was present during the match.

• Left: Raises his right hand towards his face. He then moves his arms in alternating circular motions before bringing his left arm towards his right side. He then concludes by swinging out his left arm while raising his right, assuming a martial arts stance. This may be in reference to his idle stance in Brawl.
• Up: Performs two alternating slashes and then a wheel kick, saying "You're good, but I'm better." (貴様を倒すのはこの俺様だ！, You will be defeated by the very me!). After the kick, Wolf assumes a low-postured stance in which he raises his right arm behind himself while he holds out his left while smirking.
• Right: While facing away from the camera, Wolf raises his right arm. He then turns quickly toward the camera, gesturing towards the screen with his claws. During the entirety of the pose, he scoffs and says "Weaklings, the lot of you." (弱者どもめ。, Such weak ones.)

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

• 
• 
• 

In competitive play

Initial opinions of Wolf were mixed before the release of Ultimate, with players noting the loss of his renowned back aerial and powerful DACUS, reduced invincibility from Reflector, and Wolf Flash still causing helplessness, which was a big detriment compared to Fox and Falco's respective side specials. However, players began to realize the effectiveness of Wolf's buffs past the game's release, as it gave him a powerful projectile courtesy of his Blaster, effective combos due to his modified physics, and a notorious edgeguarding tool in down smash, which kept its high power despite being nerfed twice through game updates. This caused Wolf to gain a renowned, controllable neutral game, allowing him to dictate the flow of battle through use of his Blaster, overall speed, and combo ability.

As a result, Wolf has consistently been a very popular pick in competitive play since Ultimate's early lifespan; he has been the most used character in many competitive events, including Pound 2019, EVO 2019, and Valhalla III. In addition, many professional players have attained strong results with the character, and players in general have agreed that Wolf is potentially one of the best characters in the game, with players such as Tweek believing the character is top 3 in the game.

However, Wolf's weaknesses have become more exploitable as the meta evolved, with his strongest mains either dropping him (Zackray) or moving to other characters (Tweek). In addition, due to the additions of strong characters such as Pyra/Mythra and Steve, Wolf's position in the metagame began to drop as many players left Wolf out of conversations on the best character in the game. Despite these issues, however, Wolf continues to be a popular character following the pandemic players, with players such as Charliedaking, Jakal, and Ouch!? achieving strong results at major events, and despite having slipped in players' tier lists, many players and professionals such as Dabuz and MkLeo still consider the character to be top tier.

Most historically significant players

See also: Category:Wolf professionals (SSBU)

•  Atelier - Co-mains Pokémon Trainer with Wolf and is one of the best Wolf players in Japan. Placed 1st at Sumabato SP 3, 2nd at Maesuma TOP 2, 5th at Sumabato SP 19 using mostly Wolf, and 17th at EVO Japan 2020 with wins over players such as Abadango, Nietono, and Kome. Ranked 32nd on the PGRU v3 NA.
•  Charliedaking - One of the best Wolf players in the world in 2021. Placed 7th at Temple: Hermès Edition, 9th at both GENESIS 7 and Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code, 17th at 2GG: SwitchFest 2019, and 25th at Frostbite 2020 with wins over players such as Dabuz, Cosmos, and Elegant. He was listed in the C-tier on the PGRUContenders North America.
•  Jakal - One of the best Wolf players in the world. Placed 5th at Super Smash Con: Fall Fest, 7th at Double Down 2022 and 9th at Shine 2019, Glitch 7 - Minus World, and Pound 2022 with wins over players such as Tweek, Dabuz, and Light. Ranked 23rd on the PGRU v3 NA.
•  Keen - The best Wolf player in South America. Placed 4th at both Smash Chile - Civil War and Iwanna Torneo Nacional! as well as 25th at Smash Factor 8 with wins over Javi, Chag, and Frido. Currently ranked 5th on the Chilean Power Rankings. Online, placed 4th at SWT: South America Ultimate Online Qualifier and 7th at White Phoenix.
•  Larry Lurr - Co-mains Wolf alongside Falco and is one of the best Wolf players in the United States. Placed 1st at DreamHack Anaheim 2020, 7th at The Kid, the Goat, and the Mang0, 9th at Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas, 17th at 2GG: Prime Saga, and 25th at Mainstage with wins over players such as MkLeo, Marss, and Nairo. Ranked 40th on the PGRU v3 NA.
•  Masha - One of the best Wolf players in Japan. Placed 3rd at Karisuma SP 5, 4th at Sumabato SP 5, 5th at Karisuma SP 6, 7th at Maesuma TOP 9, and 13th at Sumabato SP 7 with wins over players such as Abadango, T, and Shogun. Ranked 40th on the Japan Player Rankings.
•  Oryon - The best Wolf player in Europe. Placed 1st at Smash Contest: DoKomi 2021, 5th at both Syndicate 2019 and VCA 2021, 9th at Albion 4, and 13th at GENESIS 8 with wins over players such as Glutonny, Abadango, and Tea. Ranked 8th on the PGRU v3 EU.
•  Ouch!? - One of the best Wolf players in the world. Placed 1st at Pinnacle 2021, 3rd at Battle of BC 4, 9th at Get On My Level 2022, and 13th at both Port Priority 5 and Port Priority 7 with wins over players such as Shuton, Kome, and Riddles. Ranked 20th on the PGRU v3 NA.
•  Tweek (#3) - Formerly considered the best Wolf player in the world but has since dropped the character. Placed 1st at both Frostbite 2019 and Glitch 8 - Missingno, 2nd at 2GG: Kongo Saga, 5th at The Big House 9, and 9th at GENESIS 6.
•  Zackray (#7) - Formerly considered the best Wolf player in the world during the early metagame but has since dropped the character. Placed 1st at both Umebura SP 2 and The Big House 9, 2nd at Umebura SP 5, 5th at GENESIS 6, and 7th at EVO 2019.

Classic Mode: Reunited Roster

Wolf's congratulations screen.

Wolf's opponents, like himself, are characters who are once again playable after being absent from Super Smash Bros. 4 or, in the case of Pichu and Young Link, were also absent from Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Final Round also fits with this theme by featuring Galleom, who was absent from SSB4.

Round	Opponent	Stage	Music	Notes
1	Ice Climbers	Summit	Ice Climber (Melee)
2	Young Link	Great Bay	Overworld Theme - The Legend of Zelda (Melee)
3	Pichu	Pokémon Stadium	Pokémon Gold / Pokémon Silver Medley
4	Squirtle	Pokémon Stadium 2	Pokémon Gym/Evolution - Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue	Squirtle's Pokémon Trainer is absent.
5	Ivysaur	Spear Pillar	Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar	Ivysaur's Pokémon Trainer is absent.
6	Snake	Shadow Moses Island	Theme of Tara
Bonus Stage
Final	Galleom	Base	Boss Battle - Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Note: All stages Wolf travels to are Melee and Brawl stages.

Credits roll after completing Classic Mode. Completing it as Wolf has Star Wolf accompany the credits.

Role in World of Light

Finding Wolf in World of Light

Although Wolf does not appear in the World of Light opening cutscene, he was vaporized and later imprisoned alongside the rest of the fighters (except for Kirby) when Galeem unleashed his beams of light.

Wolf was one of the many fighters that fell under Dharkon's control upon Galeem's first defeat. He is unlocked in the Mysterious Dimension in The Dark Realm. The player must defeat the Andross (Star Fox 64 3D) spirit, which is the answer to a given question ("Who among these spirits is a scientist?"), to reveal a path leading to a wrecked airplane. His unlock battle is on the plane's tail, just to the left of the Krystal spirit.

Fighter Battle

No.	Image	Name	Type	Power	Stage	Music
44		Wolf	Attack	11,800	Lylat Cruise (Ω form)	Star Wolf (Brawl)

Spirit

Wolf's fighter spirit can be obtained by completing Classic Mode. It is also available periodically for purchase in the shop for 300 Gold, but only after Wolf has been unlocked. Unlocking Wolf in World of Light allows the player to preview the first spirit below in the Spirit List under the name "???". As a fighter spirit, it cannot be used in Spirit Battles and is purely aesthetic. His fighter spirit has an alternate version that replaces it with his artwork in Ultimate.

• 

  384. Wolf O'Donnell

In Spirit Battles

As the main opponent

Spirit				Battle parameters							Inspiration
No.	Image	Name	Series	Enemy Fighter(s)	Type	Power	Stage	Rules	Conditions	Music	Character
398		Panther Caroso	Star Fox Series	•Wolf		1,800	Corneria	N/A	•The enemy has increased move speed	Star Wolf
399		Wolfen	Star Fox Series	•Wolf		9,200	Venom (Battlefield form)	N/A	•The enemy's FS Meter charges quickly •The enemy has increased attack power •The enemy has increased move speed	Star Wolf (Brawl)
446		Cubone	Pokémon Series	•Wolf		1,700	Luigi's Mansion	•Item: Boomerang	•Take your strongest team into this no-frills battle •The enemy starts the battle with a Boomerang	Road to Viridian City - Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue
479		Houndoom	Pokémon Series	•Curry Wolf		4,100	Kalos Pokémon League (Blazing Chamber only)	N/A	•The enemy breathes fire	Pokémon Gold / Pokémon Silver Medley
492		Absol	Pokémon Series	•Wolf		2,000	Spear Pillar (hazards off)	N/A	•The enemy starts the battle with a Death's Scythe	Battle! (Wild Pokémon) - Pokémon Ruby / Pokémon Sapphire
522		Zoroark	Pokémon Series	•Wolf •Lucario ×3		3,500	Prism Tower	N/A	•Only certain Pokémon will emerge from Poké Balls (Zoroark) •Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd	Battle! (Reshiram / Zekrom)
600		Bio Rex	F-Zero Series	•Wolf		1,900	Port Town Aero Dive	•Item Tidal Wave	•The enemy becomes more powerful after eating •Certain items will appear in large numbers after a little while	Fire Field (Remix)
672		Gangrel	Fire Emblem Series	•Wolf •Bayonetta		3,700	Find Mii (Ω form)	N/A	•Defeat the main fighter to win •The enemy has increased attack power	Id (Purpose) (Remix)
796		Sonic the Werehog	Sonic The Hedgehog Series	•Wolf		4,200	Luigi's Mansion	•Move Speed ↓ •Attack Power ↑ •Hazard: Fog	•The stage is covered in fog •The enemy's physical attacks have increased power •The enemy has increased attack power	Knight of the Wind
959		Mumkhar	Xenoblade Chronicles Series	•Wolf (140 HP)		3,800	Gaur Plain (hazards off)	•Metal Shift •Giant	•The enemy is giant when the enemy's at high damage •The enemy will occasionally turn metal when the enemy's at high damage •Stamina battle	You Will Know Our Names
976		Gangster, Lady, & Policeman	Hogan's Alley	•Wolf •Peach •Ike		1,700	Tomodachi Life (Battlefield form)	N/A	•Defeat the main fighter to win	Duck Hunt Medley	Gangster
1,073		Werewolf	Castlevania Series	•Wolf		3,600	Luigi's Mansion (Battlefield form)	N/A	•The enemy's physical attacks have increased power •The enemy has increased move speed	Crash in the Dark Night
1,254		Toy Poodle	Nintendogs Series	•Wolf ×3 •Ally: Duck Hunt		3,900	Living Room	•Assist Trophy Enemies (Nintendog)	•Join forces with a CPU ally •Hostile assist trophies will appear •The enemy has increased move speed	Bathtime Theme
1,363		Iori Yagami	THE KING OF FIGHTERS Series	•Wolf (140 HP) (60 HP)		9,500	Reset Bomb Forest (forest)	•Jump Power ↓	•Stamina battle •Reinforcements will appear after an enemy is KO'd •All fighters have reduced jump power	Stormy Saxophone 2 - KOF '96	Orochi Iori (default costume)
1,447		Vincent	FINAL FANTASY Series	•Wolf		3,500	Luigi's Mansion	•Defense ↑ •Giant	•The enemy is giant when the enemy's at high damage •The enemy has increased defense when the enemy's at high damage •The enemy favors neutral specials	Nothing to Lose	Galian Beast

As a minion

Spirit				Battle parameters							Inspiration
No.	Image	Name	Series	Enemy Fighter(s)	Type	Power	Stage	Rules	Conditions	Music	Character
395		Leon Powalski	Star Fox Series	•Yoshi •Wolf •Ally: Falco		3,700	Venom (Ω form)	N/A	•You lose if your CPU ally is KO'd	Star Wolf's Theme / Sector Z (for 3DS / Wii U)	Wolf O'Donnell
396		Pigma Dengar	Star Fox Series	•Wario •Wolf		4,300	Lylat Cruise (Battlefield form)	•Move Speed ↑	•Defeat the main fighter to win •The enemy has increased move speed when the enemy's at high damage •The enemy tends to avoid conflict	Star Wolf (Brawl)	Wolf O'Donnell
916		Geo Stelar & Omega-Xis	Mega Man Star Force Series	•Richter •Wolf		3,900	Moray Towers	•Hazard: Zap Floor	•The floor is electrified	Shooting Star	Omega-Xis
1,368		Zacian & Zamazenta	Pokémon Series	•Fox •Wolf		13,900	Spear Pillar (Ω form)	N/A	•The enemy starts the battle with a Killing Edge •The enemy starts the battle with a Back Shield	The Battle at the Summit!	Zamazenta
1,423		H'aanit & Ophilia	OCTOPATH TRAVELER	•Palutena •Wolf •Pit		9,200	Summit (Battlefield form)	•Health Recovery	•The enemy's ranged weapons have increased power •The enemy can unleash powerful critical hits at random •The enemy is healed significantly when the enemy's at high damage	Battle Start - Fossil Fighters: Frontier	Linde

Alternate costumes

Gallery

• 

  Wolf's amiibo.

• 

  Wolf's fighter card.

• 

  Wolf's unlock notice.

• 

  Wolf taunting on Corneria.

• 

  Posing with his Blaster in Skyloft.

• 

  Taunting on Skyworld.

• 

  Wolf attacking Duck Hunt with his neutral attack on Spear Pillar.

• 

  Wolf crouching near the Nintendog on The Great Cave Offensive.

• 

  Grabbing Fox on Skyworld.

• 

  Wolf, Lucario and Fox sleeping around Chrom with Super Leaf equipped on Living Room.

• 

  Firing his Blaster on Corneria.

Trivia

Wolf's left foot being twisted around during his
forward tech rolling animation (left) and on his
"Up" victory pose on the Results Screen (right).

• Early gameplay footage of Wolf in Ultimate contains a few inconsistencies between his official render and his in-game model. The soles of his boots are blue in his official render while they were red in his in-game model, the straps behind his right shin guard were white instead of black, and his jacket and gloves were a dark purple color instead of light purple.
  • Oddly, in his showcase video, the inconsistencies only appear in the final part of the video, when he attacks Fox.
  • They are also present in Fox, Mewtwo, and Corrin's character showcase videos.
  • Additionally, the inconsistencies are used for his model in the first five screenshots of his character page on the Ultimate official website.
  • The black bootstraps in his render are themselves an inconsistency, as they are purple in his in-game model.
• Wolf is the only playable Star Fox character:
  • Whose neutral attack does not transition into a rapid jab.
  • Whose down smash doesn't hit simultaneously on both sides.
  • Whose forward aerial does not hit multiple times.
  • Who does not use his Blaster for any of his throws.
  • Whose side special still puts him in helpless.
  • Who does not face Master Hand and/or Crazy Hand as the final boss in Classic Mode.
  • Whose fighter spirit does not use artwork from Star Fox Zero; in Wolf's case, it is his artwork from Star Fox: Assault, which was previously used for Wolf's design in Brawl.
  • Whose English voice actor from Brawl reprises his role in Ultimate, while Fox and Falco's voice actors were changed from Brawl to Smash 4, which is retained in Ultimate.
    • Wolf (in English) is also the only Star Fox character in Ultimate (in either English or Japanese) whose voice actor reprises his role from a previous Smash game, as his, Fox, and Falco's Japanese voice actors were all changed in Ultimate from previous games.
• Wolf is the only returning Brawl veteran who does not have a palette swap of his design from that game in Ultimate.
• The visual effects for all of Wolf's claw-based attacks display three slash trails, despite attacking with four fingers.
• Prior to update 8.0.0, Wolf's unique voice clip when winning against Fox ("Playtime's over, Star Fox!") was not present in the Sound Test. Fox, Simon, Palutena, and Lucina also shared this distinction.
• There's been a change in Wolf's in-game model that's not present on either his official artwork or amiibo. Additional straps were added to his shin guards that match the color of the bands on his gloves.
• Unlike in Brawl, looking through Wolf's eyepatch reveals that the eye socket is empty.
• Wolf uses his left hand for his forward smash but uses his right hand to fire his Blaster. This shows that Wolf has some kind of cross-dominance.
• Navigating the camera around Wolf's model reveals that there are a few gaps in some parts of his body including:
  • Between the bandana and collar in the back.
  • Between the left side of his waist and jacket. It's more noticeable to see in this video.
  • Underneath between his jacket and lower waist.
    • Additionally, Wolf's zipper disconnects from his jacket when performing certain animations such as his idle pose or hanging on an edge. This also happens with Falco.
    • Certain animations will also cause the nape of Wolf's neck to detach from his bandanna, exposing a gap.
• There's currently an animation error with Wolf's forward teching animation, his left foot will be twisted the other way when rolling.
  • The same thing happens for exactly 1 frame during the roundhouse kick segment of his up-inputted victory pose.
• When Wolf walks off a platform with his left leading foot, his body becomes slightly disfigured. This is better seen when playing the game in slow motion.
  • Additionally, if he throws an item upward while airborne, both his arms will be dis-positioned before snapping back to normal.
• Wolf, Marth, Lucina, Young Link, Roy, and Chrom are the only characters that use their crouching animation from their previous Super Smash Bros. game when holding a small item (in Chrom's case, he uses Roy's previous crouching animation).
  • This makes Wolf, Marth, and Lucina the only characters to have both updated idle and crouching animations, but will transition to their previous animations when holding a small item.
• Much like in Brawl, Wolf's supine floor attack is the only arm-based attack that involves him punching rather than using his claws.
• Despite Wolf's design changing from Brawl, the Star Fox Smash Taunt reuses his design from Brawl. This is also the case with Fox and Falco.
• If Fox is present in the match, the lasers fired from Wolf's Blaster generate a black smoke effect when hitting an opponent, an item, or a wall, much like the lasers fired from Fox's Blaster.
• Wolf's description from the North American amiibo website is based on his trophy description from Smash 4.
• Interestingly, Wolf's up taunt finishes faster when facing left if uninterrupted. A similar situation occurs with both Hero (down taunt) and Kazuya (up taunt).
• While Wolf's design in Ultimate was based on his appearance in Star Fox Zero, his outfit is almost entirely original. That's most likely because the only time he was ever visible was in his in-game headshot when he's speaking, in which only his head and part of his outfit can be seen.