Tips

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Super Smash Bros. 4 includes a list of tips. These tips appear in two different locations - their own specialized menu in the Vault, or on the loading screens of the game.

List of tips

The many tips in the game are categorized into different types.

Fighters

It has been suggested that this article or section be split into multiple pages or sections.
The reason given for the split is: This section alone is half the page, and may get longer once more tips are added. (Discuss)

Fighter-based tips mainly provide information about characters' special moves.

Stages

Stage-based tips give notes about stages.

3D Land: ? Blocks – ? Blocks give you items! Super Leaves will appear slightly more often than usual.
3D Land: Blocks – The Brick Blocks that appear in the beginning can be easily broken by hitting them once from below.
3D Land: Donut Blocks – As tasty as they may sound, the Donut Blocks are not for eating. You can, however, jump on top of them for a bit before they collapse from your weight.
3D Land: Flip Panels – The Flip Panels at the beginning of this stage will flip, gradually creating more places for you to stand.
3D Land: Lifts on Rails – During the ocean scene, the lift will travel along rails. Look ahead to spot where lifts are going next! Find the premium fighting spot!
3D Land: Note Blocks – Note Blocks appear at the beginning of the stage. Jumping on them will send fighters flying into the sky!
3D Land: Protruding Rocks – The mountain range partway through the stage has rocks sticking out from it. The platform tilts and pushes fighters, so watch out!
3D Land: Rotating Platforms – This rotating platform may seem like a good place to fight, but it'll toss anyone who's still on it when it rotates!
3D Land: Shrinking and Growing Pipes – Pipes that shrink and grow will appear throughout the stage. Time your jumps so you don't fall down!
3D Land: Spike Pillars – Spike Pillars will pop out of the ocean at random. They can break lifts and deal a lot of damage to unlucky fighters.
Arena Ferox – Four types of platforms appear on this stage. Some of them can be destroyed! The statues too!
Balloon Fight – This stage loops back on itself if you run to the left or right. However, getting launched can still KO you.
Balloon Fight – Beware the fish lurking beneath those pixelated waves—they'll surface and try to get a mouthful of Smash Bros. fighter.
Boxing Ring – Use the ropes around the ring to jump high into the air. These ropes let fighters who have no ups reach the lights overhead!
Boxing Ring – Reach those lights hanging above the ring! Damage them enough and they'll come crashing down, launching anyone caught beneath them.
Distant Planet – The Red Bulborb will appear on the right, opening its mouth and looking for food. Being eaten by the Red Bulborb counts as a KO.
Distant Planet – The slanted hill on the left side of the stage will flood with water when it rains. The strong current can sweep you off the edge. Watch out!
Distant Planet – The objects labeled with numbers that blossom in the center of the flowers are called Pellets. Bigger numbers deal more damage when thrown.
Distant Planet – Occasionally you might see Onions fly by. Hit them with Pellets to get items!
Find Mii – The Dark Emperor is capable of destroying the platforms in this stage. There are only two, so watch out!
Find Mii – The faster you can rescue the Mii trapped in the cage, the faster the Dark Emperor will leave the battle.
Find Mii – The Dark Emperor uses random magic during the battle. What effect his magic will have is displayed on the bottom screen.
Flat Zone 2: Chef – You can launch the Chef off the stage by continuously hitting him. Once the Chef is gone, the stage will change to a new scene.
Flat Zone 2: Fire – If you leave items on the ground, a diver might appear and take them away.
Gerudo Valley – Sometimes the wooden bridge will break if you stand on it or attack it. It's a flimsy bridge and will break over time, too.
Golden Plains – Collect 100 coins and you'll turn to gold! You'll become generally more powerful and won't flinch at all.
Golden Plains – Touch the red ring to make eight red coins appear. One red coin is worth five regular coins!
Golden Plains – The scalelike platforms will tilt and fall if there is no one on the other side. Get two fighters on there to see who weighs more!
Golden Plains – Step on the P Switch (or just hit it) to make blue coins appear. They won't stay around for long, so look lively!
Green Hill Zone – The object with the blue ball on top is called a Point Marker. A Point Marker will twirl when the ball is hit, dealing damage to anyone too close.
Jungle Japes – The river below the stage flows very quickly, so don't fall in! Try to knock foes into it instead!
Living Room – Five different kinds of puppies appear in the background. The breed will change randomly. Sometimes a kitten will appear instead!
Living Room – The falling blocks are really painful if they land on you. Avoid damage by watching the shadows and moving before the blocks land.
Magicant – Flying Man will fight alongside the first person who touches him. Get to him before anyone else has a chance!
Magicant – There are only five Flying Men. If all five are defeated, no more will appear in the battle.
Magicant – A giant tomato or iron octopus will fall into the clouds, slowly sinking in until it falls out the other side.
Magicant – Standing on a giant tomato or an iron octopus will cause it to sink through the clouds faster.
Mute City – This fight takes place on F-Zero machines in the middle of a race! Falling onto the course will hurt and send you flying through the air!
PAC-MAZE – Collect 100 Pac-Dots, and a Power Pellet will appear just for you. You can destroy ones that appear for your rivals, too!
Paper Mario – Watch out for the gigantic fan on the part of the stage that is on land. It's much easier to be launched to the right when it spins!
Paper Mario – Bowser's metal face will appear and spin in the sky. If his eyes turn red, it's a good time to run!
Paper Mario – A Big Blooper will appear on the ocean stage. Don't worry—it won't attack. It will rock the ship, though, generating some waves.
PictoChat 2 – The stage changes as the background changes. Adjust your tactics depending on the drawing shown in the background.
Rainbow Road – Sometimes Shy Guys drive by in karts. There is plenty of warning before the Shy Guys cruise by.
Rainbow Road – The floor of the tunnel rotates; don't get caught standing in one spot, or you'll be sent flying off the screen!
Spirit Train – If Link or Toon Link is busy in the battle, Alfonzo will handle being the train's conductor.
Spirit Train – The Spirit Train can have several different cabooses. It could be Linebeck's shop, a coal car, a steel-frame car, or other cars!
Spirit Train – Keep an eye on the black smoke from the Dark Train! It will jump before exploding, landing in a random place on the stage.
Spirit Train – The Armored Train is pointy in front and will try to push the train you are on off the stage. Don't get pushed off during their conflict!
Spirit Train – This train travels left at extremely high speed. You'll need more luck than any one fighter has if you want to survive falling off the back.
Tomodachi Life – Normally, only rooms that fighters are currently in will be visible. If you throw an X Bomb, though, a lot will be revealed!
Tomodachi Life – The apartments and the Mii characters living in them will change every time you play. You might even see your friends!
Tortimer Island – The shallow waters around the island are home to some vicious sharks. They'll swim close and try to make a meal of an unsuspecting fighter.
Tortimer Island – Kapp'n's boat will sail out to sea after some time has passed. Disembark before he sails you off the stage!
Tortimer Island – Durians and coconuts have no healing power, but sometimes they can explode when thrown.
Tortimer Island – Beehives will occasionally fall from the trees. Unless you like swarms of bees attacking you, be careful not to hit those beehives...
Unova Pokémon League – Stairs will appear and connect to N's Castle. The stairs will make the stage larger—change up your tactics with this new space!
Unova Pokémon League – Sometimes Milotic, Whimsicott, and Shaymin will appear. Don't worry—these three are only here to watch.
Unova Pokémon League – Reshiram and Zekrom will attack when they appear on this stage. You might see some other Pokémon, too!
Unova Pokémon League – Reshiram's Fusion Flare move will unleash a burst of flames and then destroy the stairs, so be careful!
Unova Pokémon League – Zekrom, the Dragon/Electric-type Legendary Pokémon, charges in using Fusion Bolt, which breaks the stairs or leaves platforms askew.
WarioWare, Inc. – When the microgame starts, follow the instructions to get items or other bonuses!
Wily Castle – The Yellow Devil explodes when defeated, which counts as your attack if you defeated it. Use this to KO other fighters!
Yoshi's Island – Shy Guys sometimes appear from the sky, carrying yummy food. Attack them to make them drop their tasty snacks!

Items

Item-based tips document items, Pokémon, and Assist Trophies.

Assist Trophy: Ashley – A dark field will appear around Ashley. Any foes inside the field will move more slowly and take continuous damage.
Assist Trophy: Ashley – Unless you summoned Ashley, eating food while within her dark field will cause damage instead of healing it. It's Pit's worst nightmare!
Assist Trophy: Ashley – Ashley causes an effect at random. She'll make attacks miss, limit movement, flip the controls, or bury, shrink, or make invisible all the fighters.
Assist Trophy: Chain Chomp – If a Chain Chomp falls off the stage, it'll just jump straight back up!
Assist Trophy: Chain Chomp – If a platform that can break is broken with one of these chained to it, the Chain Chomp will fall off the stage, as well.
Assist Trophy: Chain Chomp – A Chain Chomp's chomp will deal more damage than just touching one. Be careful, though; even chained up, they've got a long range.
Assist Trophy: Color TV-Game 15 – The paddles that appear to the left and right will try to keep a ball in play. You'll take damage and be launched if you touch them.
Assist Trophy: Dark Samus – This energy-based life-form looks a lot like Samus. Dark Samus fires homing missiles and rapid-fire rounds at fighters on the stage.
Assist Trophy: Dark Samus – Dark Samus can be defeated by dealing enough damage. However, anyone who gets too close to her may receive a burst of Phazon energy.
Assist Trophy: Devil – The Devil will begin pointing in various directions, and the stage will shift that way. If you get slid off the screen, you'll get KO'd!
Assist Trophy: Dillon – Watch out! This armadillo will attack without fear. His Arma-Charge is super powerful, so get to dodging if you see him spinning up!
Assist Trophy: Dr. Kawashima – Numbers will fly in from off-screen. Attack them to make them change direction.
Assist Trophy: Elec Man – Elec Man will move swiftly across the stage, firing Thunder Beam at fighters. A hit from this attack will leave a fighter stunned for a time.
Assist Trophy: Elec Man – Attacking Elec Man will make him flinch, but you'll have to launch him off the screen if you want to stop his lightning attacks.
Assist Trophy: Ghirahim – Ghirahim moves gracefully through the battle, using swords and knives. He can't be defeated—he'll simply teleport back if you launch him.
Assist Trophy: Ghirahim – Ghirahim will use a dash attack at foes straight ahead. He moves swiftly—making it hard to dodge—and strikes hard enough to launch you.
Assist Trophy: Ghosts – Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde will all appear on the stage! They each have their own movement patterns and will hurt opponents who touch them.
Assist Trophy: Ghosts – Blinky will always take the quickest route to a foe. Inky, meanwhile, prefers to move randomly in a direction opposite the foe.
Assist Trophy: Ghosts – Pinky will try to catch her target out by getting in front and ambushing them. Clyde doesn't have a target—he just does whatever he likes.
Assist Trophy: Hammer Bro – Hammer Bros. won't move from side to side, so you can move around them and out of range.
Assist Trophy: Isabelle – Isabelle is here to support whichever fighter summoned her into the battle. She'll throw healing fruit that's used just by touching it.
Assist Trophy: Isabelle – Isabelle cares how the fight is going! If the fighter who summoned her gets a KO, she'll be happy! She'll flinch if the fighters get close.
Assist Trophy: Isabelle – Isabelle will do her best to throw the fruit she brought to the fighter who summoned her. This doesn't mean other fighters can't steal it.
Assist Trophy: Knuckle Joe – A fighter sporting a bandanna. After a rapid-fire attack, Knuckle Joe will unleash Smash Punch or Rising Break, both very powerful moves.
Assist Trophy: Lakitu – Lakitu's Spiny Eggs will have a meteor effect on anyone they hit. Lakitu is perfect for stages that have small platforms.
Assist Trophy: Lyn – Right before she strikes, Lyn will move slightly—this is your cue to dodge and avoid her attack!
Assist Trophy: Lyn – Lyn is a swordfighter who has perfected her Quick Draw. After she has drawn her sword, she'll attack the nearest opponent.
Assist Trophy: Midna – Watch out for Midna's hand-shaped hair. She'll reach out and grab nearby fighters no matter how badly you wish your shield could stop it.
Assist Trophy: Midna – Midna won't be abandoned in battle—she'll teleport to chase foes. She also uses her teleport to return if she gets launched.
Assist Trophy: Mother Brain – Attack Mother Brain to defeat her! The glass around her will shatter after she fires lasers—that's your chance to strike!
Assist Trophy: Mother Brain – Mother Brain will fire ring-shaped projectiles called Rinkas from off-screen. These are energy based, so they can be absorbed or reflected.
Assist Trophy: Mother Brain – Mother Brain will send colorful lasers shooting up and down the screen. They can't be absorbed or reflected, so you'll have to just avoid them!
Assist Trophy: Mother Brain – It's totally fine to use Mother Brain to shield yourself from the attacks of your rivals.
Assist Trophy: Nightmare – When Nightmare has changed from his Power Orb to his true form, the screen will go completely black, obscuring the stage.
Assist Trophy: Phosphora – Phosphora can't be defeated when she arrives on the battlefield, only made to flinch. However, her thunder attacks can be reflected or absorbed.
Assist Trophy: Phosphora – Phosphora will teleport around the stage, dodging attacks and shooting lightning at everyone not fortunate enough to have summoned her.
Assist Trophy: Saki Amamiya – Depending on the location of his target, Saki may shoot or slash with his weapon. The slash is very powerful at close range, so watch out!
Assist Trophy: Sheriff – Sheriff fires high-speed, powerful shots at fighters. These shots can be reflected, but absorbing them is not an option.
Assist Trophy: Skull Kid – Skull Kid calls on a variety of mystical powers when he appears in the battle. Unfortunately, these powers affect whoever summoned him, too!
Assist Trophy: Skull Kid – Skull Kid has three different moves: he can reverse the directional inputs, make everyone invisible, or flip the stage upside down.
Assist Trophy: Starman – He will shoot either a PK Beam γ or a PK Beam Ω, stunning fighters. PK Beam γ targets one fighter, but Ω is less discerning.
Assist Trophy: Starman – If you can keep up with his teleporting, Starman can be defeated. Reflecting or absorbing the PK Beams is a good strategy, too.
Assist Trophy: Tingle – Every so often, Tingle will send down a shower of Hammers. Even more rarely, he'll rain Golden Hammers on the battlefield!
Assist Trophy: Tingle – Tingle may sometimes become engulfed in flames! If this happens, everyone in the battle will suddenly act like they've consumed Superspicy Curry.
Assist Trophy: Tingle – Sometimes Tingle will emerge from the Assist Trophy with a big balloon on his back. He'll rise into the sky, leaving the battle without helping.
Assist Trophy: Tingle – Tingle, a man with a stubby red nose and wearing an entirely green suit, randomly selects one of five different effects when summoned.
Assist Trophy: Waluigi – Luigi's purple-clothed rival. He only ever jumps directly up, so leaping left or right is a good way to avoid him.
Beetle – Attack an incoming Beetle and it'll do a U-turn. Beat the person who threw it at their own game!
Blast Box – This item can be risky, since fire attacks will detonate it straight away. However, it's safe to hit or throw it.
Boomerang – If you time it right and catch this on the way back, it'll deal more damage next time you throw it.
Boss Galaga – If you get caught up in Boss Galaga's tractor beam, you'll be pulled right up off the stage. Wiggle back and forth quickly to escape!
Boss Galaga – It's possible to defeat Boss Galaga! He'll change color as he takes damage. The bluer he gets, the weaker he's becoming!
Daybreak – After completing it, press the attack button to fire a beam. Getting hit before firing it can KO you, so be careful!
Fairy Bottle – This heals your damage by 100...unless you're below 100% at the time, in which case you can't use it.
Fire Bar – Five fireballs are linked to the hilt of this weapon. As you attack with it, the number of fireballs decreases.
Fire Bar – You can use the Fire Bar both at short range and long range. The fireballs at the base of the weapon do the most damage.
Golden Hammer – This sometimes turns into a Squeaky Hammer. It doesn't hurt much, but that sound sure is cute, eh?
Hocotate Bomb – While flying upward, it can hit enemies above it repeatedly and even launch them right off the screen.
Hocotate Bomb – The bomb detonates when it hits the ground. It has a big blast range, but the fighter who launched it is immune.
Lip's Stick – If you're hit by one of these, a flower blooms on your head and slowly does damage. It's so pretty, it's a shame it hurts...
Lip's Stick – Using Lip's Stick to damage a foe will make a flower bloom. The flower grows as you continue to deal damage.
Master Ball – A purple ball with the letter M on it. Unlike a regular Poké Ball, there's almost always a Legendary inside.
Pokémon: Abomasnow – Abomasnow's Blizzard move will pull you toward the Pokémon. Once Blizzard ends, Abomasnow will unleash Ice Punch!
Pokémon: Arceus – The attack Gravity will pull fighters out of the air. Anyone caught out beyond the edge will fall straight down.
Pokémon: Bellossom – Getting close to it will put you right to sleep! The more damage you've taken, the longer you'll be counting sheep.
Pokémon: Chespin – Chespin will use Seed Bomb, causing explosions all around it that deal a large amount of damage to anyone hit by the attack.
Pokémon: Darkrai – Its Dark Void move has a strong gravitational pull and puts anyone who touches it to sleep. If you're caught in midair, you'll fall to the ground, sound asleep.
Pokémon: Dedenne – Its Discharge attack creates an electrical burst with Dedenne in the center. Fighters caught in this will take multiple hits.
Pokémon: Deoxys – Hyper Beam draws in fighters, but it won't hurt for you to launch them toward Deoxys, too.
Pokémon: Eevee – Eevee will use Take Down on any fighters nearby. If there aren't any, it'll just stand around looking a bit confused.
Pokémon: Electrode – Right before an Electrode explodes, its body goes red and shrinks. That's when you can grab it and throw it at your opponents!
Pokémon: Entei – Fire Spin has a gravitational effect, sucking in anyone who touches it. Once you're trapped in the fiery pillar, it'll do huge damage.
Pokémon: Fennekin – Incinerate creates a fire pillar reaching out in front of Fennekin. If it connects, it'll do repeated damage to fighters.
Pokémon: Fletchling – Once Fletchling settles on a target, it can be a real pest. Strike while your foes are distracted by this little Pokémon's attacks!
Pokémon: Gardevoir – Gardevoir uses a barrier that reflects projectiles. If you summoned it, your own projectiles won't be affected. Nice!
Pokémon: Genesect – Both Genesect's laser and its Techno Blast can penetrate walls, so all you can do is stay out of its line of sight.
Pokémon: Giratina – Giratina launches a massive gust of wind that hits multiple times. Be careful—this move is tough to avoid and can send you off the screen.
Pokémon: Gogoat – Gogoat will let you ride on its back. Charge down opponents to deal damage!
Pokémon: Goldeen – If damage was dealt from enthusiasm, then Goldeen would KO everyone with Splash. But it isn't. Not even when Goldeen comes from a Master Ball.
Pokémon: Inkay – Inkay's Topsy-Turvy move knocks over nearby fighters. It doesn't work on anybody in the air, though, so try jumping!
Pokémon: Keldeo – When it uses Secret Sword, it will rush up to a fighter and deliver a powerful, wide-range slash attack with its extended horn.
Pokémon: Kyogre – Hydro Pump pushes fighters off the stage. It's very difficult to escape the power of this current.
Pokémon: Kyurem – Icy Wind freezes fighters in just one hit. Not only does the attack have a wide range, but Kyurem can keep it going for a long time.
Pokémon: Lugia – Lugia will launch Aeroblast, a wide-range attack, from the back of the stage. This attack can't be blocked—do all you can to get clear!
Pokémon: Meloetta – Meloetta's song will bounce off walls and platforms. In smaller stages, the song will bounce unpredictably, making it tough to avoid.
Pokémon: Meowth – Meowth can use Pay Day to throw coins at enemy fighters. They don't do much damage, but the attack has a wide range.
Pokémon: Metagross – Only touch Metagross if you like being buried. Anyone too slow to flee will suffer this Pokémon's Earthquake attack.
Pokémon: Mew – Mew is so rare, you'll be lucky to see one at all—but when you do, it'll drop rare items onto the battlefield.
Pokémon: Moltres – Moltres slowly rises after appearing. Even barely touching this Legendary Pokémon will send a fighter flying.
Pokémon: Oshawott – Surf sweeps up anybody in its path—adjust your aim to catch fighters who try to get out of the way!
Pokémon: Palkia – Everything gets flipped 180 degrees, changing the battlefield. The controls don't change though, so don't accidentally fall off!
Pokémon: Snivy – Snivy's Razor Leaf rapidly fires at short range, but anyone caught in it will be hit over and over and over.
Pokémon: Snorlax – Snorlax grows as it rises into the air. If the timing's right, you can get every other fighter in one fell swoop!
Pokémon: Spewpa – If attacked, it'll react with a blast of Stun Spore, so...you leave Spewpa alone, Spewpa leaves you alone.
Pokémon: Staryu – Staryu will pursue a target and shoot stars at high speed. For fighters with projectile-absorbing moves, this is like an early birthday present!
Pokémon: Suicune – Getting hit by Aurora Beam will give you a chance to cool off. Literally. Even touching Suicune right when it appears will freeze you.
Pokémon: Swirlix – Anyone who strays too close to Swirlix will have their movement reduced. Take advantage of this if you brought Swirlix into battle!
Pokémon: Victini – Victini will use Victory Star to give the fighter who summoned it a boost. In a team battle, it will boost your teammates as well.
Pokémon: Xerneas – Everyone's launching power will get a boost when Xerneas is around. It'll be much easier to launch rivals who have low damage.
Pokémon: Zoroark – Zoroark's Fury Swipes will smack foes down to the ground. If it gets ahold of its target again, it can use a follow-up attack.
Sandbag – Sandbag takes damage just like a fighter. The more it takes, the easier it is to launch.
Screw Attack – You can deliver air attacks while using the Screw Attack item. This can lead to powerful combos.

Modes

Mode-based tips provide notes about the various modes, including Smash Run.

All-Star: Rest Area – In the rest area between matches in All-Star, moves that normally heal you...won't.
Classic: Route Map – The paths are marked with a color to show their difficulty: blue, green, or red. The harder the path, the better the reward!
Items on Floating Platforms – In Multi-Man Smash, items occasionally float by on a platform. These aren't random—the same items will appear at the same time in every battle.
Smash Run: Participants and Prizes – The more people you play with in Smash Run, the more prizes you'll all receive at the end.
Smash Run: Powers – The number of Powers a fighter can carry depends on the fighter's weight—the heavier the fighter, the more they can manage.
Smash Run: Ranks and Prizes – After the final fight, you'll find out your ranking. You'll earn better and rarer items by placing higher!

Smash Run

Smash Run-based tips focus on enemies encounter in Smash Run, as well as its other unique features.

Area Lockdown – When the screen locks in place and swarms of enemies start to appear, hold your ground. Leaving the screen then will count as a KO.
Area Lockdown – The number in the top left is your target number of enemies to beat. Hit that mark, and you'll get an especially large stat boost!
Cannonball Effect – When you defeat an enemy, it will fly off like a cannonball and deal damage to other enemies it hits.
Cannonball Effect – When you defeat a large foe, the cannonball effect can take out other enemies, too. However, the other enemies won't fly off like cannonballs.
Challenge Doors – Go into the red door if you are ready for a challenge! If you clear the challenge, you can get great rewards!
Challenge Doors – Sometimes there won't be a challenge behind the door at all. Just a bonus room full of treasure chests and stat boosts!
Challenges: Crystal Smash! – Break all the crystals in the time allotted. Breaking them gets you stat boosts!
Challenges: Crystal Smash! – When you're attacking crystals, sometimes large cracks will appear. Aim your attacks at these to destroy the crystals more efficiently.
Challenges: Defeat them all! – Defeat all the enemies in the time allotted. Be careful not to fall off the narrow platforms as you fight!
Challenges: Defeat them all! – If you touch the floor under the platforms when it's red, you'll be KO'd immediately. That applies to foes, too, so try to send them to their doom!
Enemies: Bacura – Bacuras are invincible spinning boards that can reflect projectiles. Touching one will launch you downward.
Enemies: Banzai Bill – These enormous versions of Bullet Bills have a LOT of health. They also explode with a big blast radius after getting stuck in the terrain.
Enemies: Big Goomba – Its health and attack power may be high, but you can stomp on it to do massive damage. A Goomba's still a Goomba!
Enemies: Bill Blaster – These fire Bullet Bills (and sometimes other enemies). Destroy a Bill Blaster before it's out of ammo, and you might just get extra items.
Enemies: Blue Shy Guy – Blue Shy Guys have slightly more health than other Shy Guys. They tend to drop Defense boosts.
Enemies: Bonkers – This gorilla-like foe uses a hammer to strike with a variety of attacks. When he charges up Hammer Flip, it can hit you for serious pain.
Enemies: Bonkers – Bonkers is so tough that your attacks won't make him flinch at all. However, he does leave himself wide open after swinging his hammer.
Enemies: Boom Stomper – Don't expect your attacks to do a lot to a Boom Stomper's rock-solid body. Aim for its weak point: the leaf on its head.
Enemies: Bronto Burt – Bronto Burts fly around and try to hit you with their spin attack. The attack doesn't do much damage but has high launching power.
Enemies: Bubble – Red Bubbles are weak to water and electricity, blue ones to fire. Attack accordingly to extinguish their colored flame and weaken them.
Enemies: Bubble – These flying skulls with wings come in two varieties. Red flames indicate a fire element, while blue flames indicate ice.
Enemies: Bulborb – Bulborbs will use a slam attack if there's a fighter behind them. It can hurt a lot, but it also leaves the Bulborb open to counterattacks.
Enemies: Bullet Bill – These bullets with angry eyes and angry fists will either fly in a straight line or chase after fighters.
Enemies: Bumpety Bomb – Bumpety Bombs flash more and more quickly as they get closer to exploding. The blast hurts other enemies, too, so use that to your advantage!
Enemies: Bumpety Bomb – You can't hit a Bumpety Bomb through the armor on its front. Instead, attack from behind or try to throw it.
Enemies: Chain Chomp – You can't defeat a Chain Chomp—just the post it's chained to. Once free, it will run off and leave behind an item.
Enemies: Clubberskull – Once freed, a Clubberskull will swing its arms in wide circles, dealing a lot of damage if it lands hits. Best to fight at a distance if you can.
Enemies: Clubberskull – When a Clubberskull's on a rampage, it'll come after fighters relentlessly. It'll even jump over walls and other obstacles!
Enemies: Cryogonal – This Ice-type Pokémon floats in the air and fires an Ice Beam. If the beam hits you, you'll be frozen.
Enemies: Cryogonal – Sometimes Cryogonals will fire an Ice Beam that mows down everything around them. This takes longer to charge than the usual beam.
Enemies: Cucco – When a Cucco gets hurt—even by defeated enemies cannonballing toward it—it'll call upon its flock to strike back at you.
Enemies: Daphne – Looks can be deceiving! These cute, flowery foes float along dropping mines that will flash and then explode when a fighter comes near.
Enemies: Daphne – A Daphne's mines will explode if you attack them. Best to use projectiles to take them out from a comfortable distance.
Enemies: Darknut – Breaking a Darknut's armor changes its attack pattern and raises its speed, but your attacks will now make it flinch.
Enemies: Darknut – Darknuts attack by swinging their large swords around. Their shields deflect attacks, so try to hit them from behind!
Enemies: Devil Car – If you're close by when a Devil Car has stopped moving, it'll spout exhaust fumes that paralyzeyou. It's enough to drive anyone crazy...
Enemies: Devil Car – These cars are the most inconsiderate drivers, trying to ram right into you! If one hits you at high speed, it'll hurt.
Enemies: Flage – This slimy green foe disappears and moves closer to you. Its shadow will give away where it is heading.
Enemies: Flame Chomp – Don't touch the Flame Chomp's fireballs! That means both the ones it fires at you and the ones that are still attached to its tail.
Enemies: Flame Chomp – When a Flame Chomp's tail is gone, its eyes will droop and it will flash. Defeat it quickly or it will explode!
Enemies: Fly Guy – A type of Shy Guy that flies around, dangling items. Sometimes they even carry custom parts!
Enemies: Gastly – A Ghost-type Pokémon unaffected by punches and kicks. You'll have to use projectiles to defeat it.
Enemies: Geemer – Geemers can crawl along the ground, the walls...even the ceiling! Those spikes will hurt any fighter who touches them.
Enemies: Generator – Generators disappear after they've finished spawning enemies. Defeat them before they finish to get a big bounty as a reward!
Enemies: Glice – An icy enemy that's weak to fire. Its attack range is small, but you'll freeze if it hits you.
Enemies: Glire – A fiery enemy that's weak to ice. It attacks slowly but deals a lot of damage.
Enemies: Glunder – An electrical enemy with no particular weakness but fairly low health. Its attacks are wide ranging but deal little damage.
Enemies: Goomba – The classic Mario enemy. Punches and kicks will work, but jumping on it delivers a one-hit KO in trademark Mario style.
Enemies: Gordo – These spiky little balls are invincible, and just touching one will hurt and send you reeling.
Enemies: Green Shy Guy – Green Shy Guys move slightly faster than other Shy Guys. They tend to drop Speed boosts.
Enemies: Hammer Bro – Hammer Bros. jump up and down while throwing hammers. The hammers bounce off the walls and floor, so watch out!
Enemies: Iridescent Glint Beetle – These golden bugs stay underground until a fighter comes near. They're bonus enemies, and often when you launch one, it'll drop some gold.
Enemies: Iridescent Glint Beetle – The farther you launch one of these, the more gold it'll drop. It'll go back underground if it gets launched five times or if enough time passes.
Enemies: Kamek – Kamek flies around and teleports, making an air battle all but inevitable. Try to ground this goof with a strong attack.
Enemies: Kihunter – These insectoid enemies spit acid at you from the air. Touching the acid will paralyze you for a short time.
Enemies: Kihunter – Kihunters won't spit acid at you if they're below you. Fighting them from above is an excellent strategy.
Enemies: Koffing – Get too close, and you'll be sprayed with an extra-powerful Poison Gas that reduces your stats more than regular Poison Gas.
Enemies: Koffing – This Pokémon fills its body up with toxic gases like a balloon. If its Poison Gas move hits you, it'll reduce your stats.
Enemies: Kritter – Green Kritters will try to bite you, while blue Kritters will use their claws in a spinning jump attack.
Enemies: Lakitu – Lakitus ride on a cloud and throw down Spiny Eggs. These turn into Spinies when they hit the ground.
Enemies: Lethinium – These floral fiends shoot lasers that can go through the terrain. If the beam doesn't hit, the next shot will be at a different angle.
Enemies: Lurchthorn – These fishlike foes pull five cannons along behind them. Each cannon takes damage on its own, but defeating the head can save you some time.
Enemies: Lurchthorn – Each of a Lurchthorn's cannons will drop items and stop shooting if you destroy it. However, the other cannons will get stronger as a result.
Enemies: Mahva – These fishlike foes with six eyes can protect other enemies with their barriers. Break down the barrier first—then you can hit the Mahva.
Enemies: Megonta – This pill bug look-alike attacks by rolling at you. It's invincible while balled up, so strike wisely.
Enemies: Megonta – Hit a Megonta's weak point—the stomach—and you can topple it over. It can't do anything until it gets back up, so you have a chance to strike.
Enemies: Metroid – These alien creatures float around and then try to clamp down on you with their sharp fangs. Quickly struggle to break free from their grasp.
Enemies: Mettaur – When a Mettaur's hiding under its helmet, attacking it won't accomplish anything. However, you can still grab and throw it.
Enemies: Mimicutie – Lures you in disguised as a treasure chest, and then comes after you. Often drops Powers and other rarities.
Enemies: Monoeye – These enormous eyeballs fly around above you, occasionally targeting you with energy blasts.
Enemies: Nutski – These airborne enemies from the Forces of Nature fire either a burst of weak seeds or a single big seed that deals more damage.
Enemies: Octorok – Octoroks will fire rocks at distant fighters. Deflecting an Octorok's own rock back at it is a one-hit KO!
Enemies: Octorok – When you get close to an Octorok, it'll hide in the grass. You won't be able to hit it with attacks, but you can still throw it.
Enemies: Orne – Ornes are dangerous foes. Just touching one will KO you instantly. When you hear that eerie music, run! Run away!
Enemies: Parasol Waddle Dee – Attack a Waddle Dee to make it let go of its parasol. As the parasol floats into the air, it can snag you and carry you with it. Watch out!
Enemies: Peahat – Peahats will keep sending Peahat Larvae at you. These are hard to avoid because of their scattered flight patterns.
Enemies: Peahat Larva – These weak enemies are thrown by Peahats. You can even defeat them with moves that don't deal any damage, like Mario's F.L.U.D.D.
Enemies: Petilil – This Grass-type Pokémon's Sleep Powder move will only affect fighters on the ground.
Enemies: Plasma Wisp – When these glowing foes have fully charged their attack to its third level, they become immune to projectiles and direct attacks.
Enemies: Polar Bear – Polar bears are weak to fire attacks. They'll flinch when struck by fire, making them far easier to defeat.
Enemies: Polar Bear – When a polar bear jumps, you should jump too. The earthquake from their landing won't affect you if you're in the air.
Enemies: Pooka – These red little enemies with goggles will walk up to fighters and tackle them.
Enemies: Pooka – Each time a Pooka takes damage, it'll puff up like a balloon. When it finally pops, the blast will damage surrounding enemies.
Enemies: Pooka – Pookas can chase after you by burrowing through walls and the ground. While doing this, you can't hit them, only look at their goggles.
Enemies: Poppant – Poppants store candy and gift-wrapped boxes in their bucket-like lower bodies. Defeat these bonus enemies for some sweet rewards!
Enemies: Poppant – Poppants will run away if you get too close or attack them. They'll also throw stones and Bob-ombs in their wake! Watch out!
Enemies: Reaper – If a Reaper spots you, its special music will play and it'll go berserk. It'll also summon Reapettes, making it hard to even get close.
Enemies: Reaper – An angry Reaper won't move around—it'll just turn to the left and right. If you're right in front of it, it'll swing its scythe.
Enemies: Reapette – These Reaper minions can pass right through walls. They'll disappear in one hit, so it's easy to clear them out with some careful aim.
Enemies: ReDead – Fighters on the ground will be left shaking if a ReDead's screech hits them, but airborne fighters will keep their wits about them.
Enemies: ReDead – These shambling creatures made from magically animated clay will let out a hideous screech if you come near, leaving you shaking.
Enemies: Reo – These enemies swoop down from above to tackle fighters. However, they can't actually hit you if you're directly below them. Give it a try!
Enemies: Roturret – Roturrets hang in the air and fire three shots from each of their two cannons. The last pair of shots has extra launching power.
Enemies: Shotzo – Depending on the type, these indestructible cannons will either fire three shots in a fixed direction or one shot aimed at you.
Enemies: Shy Guy – Red Shy Guys have more attack power than other Shy Guys. They tend to drop Attack stat boosts.
Enemies: Skuttler Cannoneer – The color of the cannon shows which type it is. Blue = beam, green = bazooka, and red = missile.
Enemies: Skuttler Mage – These one-eyed enemies use magic to lower your stats. They're tough, but that only means a greater bounty of stat boosts once you defeat them.
Enemies: Sneaky Spirits – These rhythmic spooks pop up at regular intervals. Defeat one of these bonus enemies to get great rewards, like stat boosts for all stats.
Enemies: Souflee – These cake-shaped enemies like to run away from the player. In typical bonus-enemy fashion, they drop excellent stat boosts if you catch them.
Enemies: Spike Top – Projectiles have no effect on Spike Tops, and these shelled beasts don't flinch easily either. Give them a toss instead.
Enemies: Spike Top – Hitting Spike Tops can flip them over. That's the only time projectiles can hurt them.
Enemies: Starman – Starmen are aliens that move by teleporting and unleash PK Beam attacks. These beams will briefly paralyze you if they hit, so watch out!
Enemies: Starman – Reflect a PK Beam back at a Starman to defeat it in one satisfying hit. However, this trick won't work on a Starman summoned as an Assist Trophy.
Enemies: Tac – Tac will fire his hand at you to try and steal your stat boosts. If he gets them, defeat him before he runs away or they'll be gone for good!
Enemies: Tiki Buzz – From time to time, one of these drumlike enemies will swoop down to attack you. Jump on its head midswoop to take it out in one hit.
Enemies: Tiki Buzz – Bounce off one of these for a big jump. It might even let you reach places you couldn't get to before!
Enemies: Types of Shy Guys – Shy Guys come in four colors: red, blue, yellow, and green. They have different abilities and tend to drop different stat boosts.
Enemies: Yellow Shy Guy – Yellow Shy Guys jump slightly higher than other Shy Guys. They tend to drop Jump boosts.
Enemies: Zuree – These ghosts with big claws are impossible to hit before they take physical form. When they attack, that's your chance to strike back.
Event: Bonus Time – During this event, enemies will drop more stat boosts. This is a good chance to really raise those numbers!
Event: Fast Learner – One stat will be easier to upgrade for a while. Stat boosts for it will appear more frequently, and it'll upgrade more quickly from play, too.
Event: Heavenly Light – A light engulfs the fighters, causing damage to nearby enemies. The effect is just like the Power of the same name.
Event: Treasure Trove – This event unlocks a treasure trove full of...you guessed it...treasure! Check your map to see where it is.
Events: Amped Up! – For a short time, your Speed and Jump stats will be maxed out. This lets you reach all kinds of places—but be careful not to go too far!
Events: Fests – Loads of a single enemy will appear. The name of the fest tells you which one. A Souflee Fest is a chance to get tons of stat boosts!
Glunders, Glices, and Glires – They all roll along the ground, but they're based on different elements. Glire is red, Glice is blue, and Glunder is yellow.
Launching Foes Off-Screen – Launching enemies off the screen will defeat them even if they haven't taken much damage. However, you won't get as many stat boosts.
Powerful Enemies – Strong enemies like Reapers drop lots of items. These can include rare rewards.
Powers and Speed – Slower fighters can carry more Powers. Putting on equipment that makes you faster or slower will affect this, too!
Rare Items – Looking for cool stuff like trophies and custom parts? Try defeating bonus enemies and opening treasure chests.
Smash Run: Edge of the Stage – There are a lot of challenge doors and treasure chests around the edges of the labyrinth—but lots of strong enemies, too.
Star-Shaped Stat Boosts – These star-shaped stat boosts will improve all six stats. You'll get them from treasure chests or by defeating special enemies.
Stat Boosts – Just running and attacking will slowly boost your speed and attack stats.
Stat Boosts: Arms – Arms stat boosts will improve throwing moves and attacks using items. They also make healing items more effective.
Stat Boosts: Arms – One effect of Arms stat boosts is to increase your grabbing range. They also make you less likely to drop items when attacked.
Stat Boosts: Defense – Improving your Defense means you'll take less damage and your shield will be more durable. It'll also be easier to achieve a perfect shield.
Stat Boosts: Special – Some special moves won't just deal more damage—they'll also take less time to charge or have an expanded range.
Stat Megaboost – These items will double the effectiveness of stat boosts for a short time. You'll power up twice as fast while moving around, too!
Using Powers – Using Powers aggressively at the start will let you beat enemies easily for some early stat boosts. That'll make later foes easier too.
Using Powers – If you get KO'd in Smash Run, your stats will go down. Try to keep some good Powers in reserve to help you stay in the game!

Other

Other tips document game terminology and otherwise-unsorted notes.

Bonus Effects – You can equip multiple pieces of equipment with the same bonus effect to make that effect stronger.
Breaking Your Fall – When you hit the wall, floor, or ceiling after being launched, press the shield button to break your fall and avoid follow-up attacks.
Catching Items – You can catch items thrown at you by pressing the attack button at just the right time.
Clinging to Walls – Some fighters can temporarily stick to walls if you keep holding in the direction of the wall. Not every wall is good for this move, though...
Crouch Walking – Some fighters can move while crouched if you input diagonally down to the left or right.
Custom Special Moves – Each of the custom special moves have different attributes. Choose carefully to create the perfect fighter for your play style!
Easy Final Smash – Fighters who are really lagging behind will sometimes be ready to use a Final Smash as soon as they return from being KO'd.
Eating While Prone – Press the attack button while you're prone to eat a food item that's fallen nearby.
Equipment – Fighters can carry up to three pieces of equipment. Carrying different equipment can really change the way you play a fighter!
Footstool Jump – You can jump on an opponent's head and use them as a springboard. If they're airborne, they'll fall down, too.
Grab – You have to wait at least a second between letting go of an opponent and grabbing them again, so be patient!
Grab an Item While Airborne – You can grab an item in midair by dodging or attacking at just the right time.
Grabbing Edges – If you grab an edge that someone else is grabbing, you'll steal it from them. So much for first come, first served!
Hitstun Shuffling – Input in a direction while taking damage, and you'll shift slightly in that direction.
Interacting with Equipment – Using equipment that raises attack will lower defense at the same time. You know what they say—the best defense is a good offense!
Letting Go of Items – Press the grab button to drop the item you're holding. Even an item dropped like this deals a small amount of damage.
Low Jump – Press the jump button very briefly and you'll jump lower than usual, letting you use air attacks against ground-level foes.
Magnifying-Glass Damage – When you move off-screen, you'll be shown in a little circle. You'll gradually take damage while off the screen, so don't linger!
Meteor Smash – Launching an opponent straight downward is known as a Meteor Smash. Doing this when there isn't a platform below is a good one-hit KO method.
Mii Fighters' Physiques – The physique of the Mii your Mii Fighter was based on will affect it! A big Mii is stronger, while a smaller Mii is faster.
Perfect Shield – Shielding right before an attack results in a perfect shield. You'll be able to strike back immediately after guarding.
Shield Break – While your shield is up, it'll gradually get smaller. When it finally breaks, you'll become dizzy.
Shieldstun Shuffling – Angling to one side or the other while blocking with your shield will move it very slightly in that direction.
Shifting Your Shield – You can gently input a direction while shielding to move your shield. This lets you block effectively, even with a small shield.
Smash Throw – When you throw an item, quickly press in the same direction as your throw. You'll throw it farther than usual that way.
Stale Moves – Using the same attack constantly will decrease its power. Add a little variety to your fighting, and spice up your game!
Strong Equipment – Taking on higher intensity levels in Classic mode or achieving high scores in minigames can hugely affect the power of the equipment you pick up.
Super Armor – This is a state where you won't flinch even while taking damage. Some specials will trigger this.
Throwing Items – Drop items by pressing the grab button. Input a direction when you drop an item to throw the item in that direction.
Turning and Grabbing – If you turn around while running and then grab, your grabbing range will be longer than usual.
Types of Equipment – Equipment can affect either attack, defense, or speed. You can equip more than one piece of the same type.
Wall Jumping – Some fighters can jump off walls. Input in the opposite direction while touching the wall to do this.