Beetle
BeetleWiiU.png
Beetle as it appears in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
Universe The Legend of Zelda
Appears in SSB4
Ultimate
Item class Grappling
Article on Zelda Wiki Beetle (Item)

The Beetle (ビートル, Beetle) is an item in Super Smash Bros. 4 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate from The Legend of Zelda series.

In Super Smash Bros. 4

 
Link using the Beetle on Marth.

The Beetle is a throwable item. It is one of the two new items introduced in Smash 4 (the second being the Boss Galaga) that can potentially OHKO opponents by sending them to the upper blast line. It can be picked up and thrown at an opponent: it will fly in a straight line in the direction it is thrown (including up or down). If an opponent gets hit by it, the Beetle then grabs its target and flies up quickly, attempting to carry them above the upper blast line for an instant KO. For the victim, the Beetle is fortunately treated as a grab and can be escaped by button mashing, as seen in this video. However, it is almost impossible to shake out of the Beetle once the victim is over 50%, and it takes some time to escape at 0% as well. This item is affected by other items such as the Metal Box in which the player will be too heavy to be quickly carried off-screen and eventually let go and disappear or fighters may not be affected at all when under the effects of a Super Mushroom, Poison Mushroom, or Lightning (including backfire) thus when the Beetle hits a player with one of these effects, it'll bounce back and if it lands on the ground it'll be ready for use again. Players launched into a moving Beetle will be caught by it as they fly sideways.

Attacking a thrown Beetle causes it to reverse direction and potentially attack the original thrower instead.

Trophy information

The Beetle trophy appear in both versions. In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U it is part of the Skyward Sword Trophy Box.

 
Trophy in for 3DS.
 
Trophy in for Wii U.
Beetle

  A remote-controlled item shaped like a little bug, Link used this item in his adventures to collect far-off items. In Smash Bros., tossed Beetles will fly straight ahead, grab foes, and carry them into the sky. If one grabs you, wiggle with all your might to break free!

  A small, automated insect-like item. Throw it and it'll fly straight ahead, grab whichever opponent it finds, and carry them high into the air. If one flies at you, try to dodge it - your shield won't help. If that doesn't work, just wriggle around as much as you can to try to free yourself.

 : The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (11/2011)

In Ultimate

The Beetle makes a return in this game and functions like it did in the predecessor. However, a new detail was added that if a character gets Screen KO'd by the Beetle, it will remain latched on to them as they get KO'd.

Origin

 
Official artwork of the Beetle from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.

The Beetle first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It is effectively a replacement for the Boomerang, in that it is capable of cutting ropes, dealing minor damage to or stunning weaker enemies, and collecting items for Link. Unlike the Boomerang, it can be upgraded to pick up bombs and drop them, and it cannot be used directly in battle to stun larger enemies; it can also be maneuvered after release, unlike a thrown boomerang.

Trivia

  • In Skyward Sword, the Beetle in its base form was unable to pick up items and merely dealt damage until it was upgraded (which replaced its blade for pincers). The Beetle's design in SSB4 is this initial one, and thus its ability to grab onto and carry enemies in this game is inaccurate.