| Failnaught | |
|---|---|
 Failnaught in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. | |
| User | Byleth |
| Universe | Fire Emblem |
| Article on Fire Emblem Wiki | Failnaught |
Failnaught (魔弓 フェイルノート, Demon Bow, Failnaught) is Byleth's neutral special move in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Overview
When the move is used, Byleth pulls out the bow and charges up an arrow to fire. Unlike Link's bow, once the move is inputted, he will go through with the attack rather than prematurely release the arrow. If the button is held, the arrow becomes more powerful, but the attack can no longer be reversed or shield-canceled, locking Byleth's movement until they fire the arrow. A fully charged arrow seems to gain properties of an energy projectile, as it can be absorbed. Also, while it can be reflected, the fully charged arrow cannot be inhaled, or pocketed.
The fully charged arrow, while being hampered with one of the slowest startups in the game, is also one of the strongest projectiles in the game, able to KO middleweights around 50% at the ledge. Additionally, both the charged and uncharged versions of the arrow deal unusually hefty shield damage, with the charged version nearly being able to break a full-sized shield all by itself.
Byleth may occasionally say "Failnaught!" while using this move.
Neutral aerial
Failnaught is one of Byleth's four weapons utilized throughout his moveset, with only neutral aerial and neutral special causing Byleth to wield it. Unlike the prior weapons, Failnaught does not feature any particular traits.
Byleth utilizes Failnaught in his neutral aerial, where he spins Failnaught around himself, hitting multiple times. It's his fastest aerial attack at frame 6. It is useful for edgeguarding and approaching, has some combo potential, and it also possesses a landing hitbox, making it a useful multi-purpose aerial attack.
Instructional quote
 Move List |
 |
Draw and hold the bow for a set amount of time to fire an arrow. Hold the button to charge a powerful shot with greater range. |
Origin
Failnaught is one of the 12 Heroes' Relics in Three Houses, regalia weapons forged from the bones and hearts of the Nabateans by "those who slither in the dark", and the personal weapon of Claude von Riegan. While it is in his possession, it grants him the Fallen Star combat art, which is effective against dragon enemies and lets the user avoid all other attacks during the enemy's next round of combat. Failnaught can be wielded by other characters, but it will not grant Fallen Star to those without the Crest of Riegan and those without a Crest will take damage after attacking with it.
Though the act of charging the bow to fire a beam of light is largely unique to the Super Smash Bros. series, Claude is shown to be able to charge an arrow with Failnaught in the animated cutscene "A New Dawn", where he charges an arrow and fires it upward as he and Byleth are fighting Nemesis. As Byleth distracts Nemesis, the charged arrow falls and pierces Nemesis' arm, allowing Byleth to land the final blow. Unlike in the Super Smash Bros. series, the arrow had a jagged pinkish-red glow more akin to Areadbhar's effects, instead of producing a golden beam.
Gallery
Failnaught's appearance in Ultimate.
Byleth using Failnaught as shown by a Skill Preview in Ultimate.
