Shadow Bug
SSBU spirit Shadow Bug.png

Official Render of Shadow Bugs.
Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary

Universe Super Smash Bros.

Shadow Bugs are snowflake-like violet spheres of which the forces of the Subspace Army are made from in The Subspace Emissary. They are apparently embodiments of a primordial substance that can come into existence by extracting a mysterious substance that Mr. Game & Watch embodies, leading Tabuu to have him captured to become the source of the Subspace Army's forces.

They first appeared in a Smash Bros. DOJO!! update called "This World", which introduced the main plot of The Subspace Emissary, shown being dropped down from the Halberd, as well as surrounding a single Primid.

Additionally, Shadow Bugs are mentioned in Palutena's Guidance for Mr. Game & Watch, in which Pit says, "Hey, it's a Shadow Bug!", referencing how they can be extracted from him.

Shadow Bug Clones

Main article: False character
 
The false Bowser pictured on the right was created from the Shadow Bugs.

Shadow Bugs are capable of copying a fighter's trophy and assuming their appearance, but are also capable of altering certain qualities such as size, as seen with the false Diddy Kong. A clone of a fighter created by the Shadow Bugs will have a purple tinge, be surrounded by a matching smoky aura and possess solid and glowing yellow irises. Bowser himself has his own clone, which serves him as both a decoy and subordinate.

Trophy

 
Shadow Bugs's trophy in Brawl
Shadow Bugs
Embodiments of a primordial substance that can take the form of any number of lesser Subspace foes. They can also copy the forms of trophies to create evil doppelganger versions of them. The mysterious substance inside Mr. Game & Watch can be extracted endlessly. Once Tabuu discovered this, he used Mr. Game & Watch to create the Subspace Army.
 : Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Spirit

The Shadow Bug appears in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an Advanced-class support spirit. It can be purchased at Beedle's Tent.

The Spirit Battle for Shadow Bug uses an army of Mr. Game & Watch puppet fighters and is fought on the Pokémon Stadium stage. During the battle, the stage will be covered in a poisonous cloud, referencing the Shadow Bugs' signature purple coloration and their ability to swarm.

No. Image Name Type Class Cost Ability Series
1,112 Shadow Bug
 
★★ 1 Trade-Off Attacks ↑ Super Smash Bros. Series

Names in other languages

Language Name
  Japanese 影虫
  English Shadow Bug
  French Matière d'ombre
  German Dämmer-Partikel
  Spanish Peste violeta
  Italian Cellule ombra
  Chinese (Simplified) 影虫
  Chinese (Traditional) 影蟲
  Korean 영충
  Dutch Shadow Bug
  Russian Мракожук

Trivia

  • Bowser is the only character not seen as a trophy prior to the debut of his false character counterpart.