List of CPU modes

This article is about the different CPU modes used throughout the series. For a more general look at the AI, see Artificial intelligence.

"AIR" redirects here. For the Japanese smasher, see Smasher:AIR

CPU modes are different sets of AI behaviors used by computer players in different games throughout the series. Several are intended for use in Training Mode, while other actions can only be seen performed in various Melee event matches. A few modes are only accessible through the use of Melee's debug menu.

Name	Description	Availability*	Melee Debug menu name
Stand / Stop	The CPU will not move and will not make any inputs to defend itself or upon getting hit, barring some exceptions: It will still attempt to recover if hit away from the stage, use a standard floor recovery after being knocked down (in SSB, the CPU will always wait until the maximum length, then use a floor attack), use a ledge jump edge recovery when hanging onto a ledge, and jump off of revival platforms. When recovering, they will still make an attempt to avoid attacks, i.e. delaying a double jump or jumping extra early. In some cases, they may even attack while recovering, such as with R.O.B's neutral aerial. When put to sleep in SSB, it will attack nearby foes right after the sleep ends. When put in an egg in SSB, it will use an aerial after breaking out, even if no one is nearby. In Melee, a CPU Zelda or Sheik will use Transform periodically if not attacked, allowing players to practice against either alter-ego form. In Brawl, a CPU will still air dodge after being launched in tumbling state when set to high levels, and will participate in the WarioWare, Inc. microgames. They may also occasionally react to non-flinching attacks.	Training Mode	CPTP_STAY
Walk	The CPU will walk back and forth across the stage. Upon encountering obstacles that it cannot traverse, the CPU will reverse directions. Other than this, it retains the same properties as "Stand".	Training Mode, Event 16: Kirby's Air-raid (Melee), Event 19: Peach's Peril (Melee)	CPTP_WALK
Jump	The CPU will constantly single jump in place. In Smash 4, the CPU will also fast fall after every jump. Starting with Brawl, the CPU will always jump when hanging on a ledge. Otherwise, it retains the same properties as "Stand".	Training Mode, Event 21: Ice Breaker (Melee)	CPTP_JUMP
Evade / Run	The CPU will actively run away from and avoid interaction with the player. Other than this, it retains the same properties as "Stand".	Training Mode	CPTP_ESCAPE
Attack	The CPU will behave normally, throwing out attacks and maneuvers. The level of the CPU is chosen at the character select screen, and can only be adjusted afterwards in Brawl. If the player has placed multiple Training CPUs on the stage, they will be considered on the same team and will not attack each other. In Smash 4, CPUs set to this mode in Training spam projectiles and many approach attacks (such as Falcon Kick) more often than in other game modes, also being more aggressive at low levels.	Training Mode, Versus Mode, the majority of single-player modes	CPTP_NORMAL
Neutral Special	The CPU will stand in place and repeatedly use their neutral special. Other than this, it retains the same properties as "Stand".	Training Mode	N/A
Side Smash	The CPU will stand in place and repeatedly use their forward smash, charged for 1 second. It will always use an edge attack or floor attack when hanging on a ledge or after landing from a tumble, respectively. Other than this, it retains the same properties as "Stand".	Training Mode	N/A
Human/ Control	The CPU will be controlled by human players using extra controllers. If multiple Training CPUs are placed on the stage, they will all need separate controllers. As with Attack mode, CPUs cannot hit each other. In Ultimate, default controls will always be used for the CPUs, and are unaffected by changes to global control settings.	Training Mode (Melee onward only, excluding Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS)	CPTP_MANUAL
Special Low Link, Special Low Samus	The CPU will constantly and only use their down special move. Characters set to this mode via the debug menu will even use Counter, PSI Magnet, and Rest, which they never use in any other situations.	Event 3: Bomb-fest (Melee). Additionally, a very similar mode is used for various Spirit Battles in Ultimate.	CPTP_SPLWLINK, CPTP_SPLWSAMUS
Freak	The CPU will stay where they are, but attack when an opponent comes near.	Event 6: Kirbys on Parade (Melee)	CPTP_FREAK
Item	The CPU will attempt to grab all items that appear. Otherwise, the CPU is normal.	Event 7: Pokémon Battle (Melee)	CPTP_ITEM
Event Zelda	When set to Zelda, the CPU will Transform into Sheik more often.	Event 9: Hide 'n' Sheik (Melee)	CPTP_EVZELDA
Only Item	The CPU will only use items, as opposed to using any other attacks.	Event 37: Legendary Pokémon (Melee)	CPTP_ONLYITEM
Nana	The CPU will follow the leader, attack with the leader, etc. As the name implies, this is the default mode for the partner Ice Climber.	Ice Climbers partner	CPTP_NANA
Defensive	The CPU will escape and use defensive tactics, such as shields and rolls, and occasionally fend off nearby enemies with grabs and normals.	Melee debug menu only	CPTP_DEFENSIVE
Struggle	The CPU will attack the nearest opponent, regardless of whether they are a human or a CPU. This is different from normal CPU behavior, as a normal CPU will dedicate its attention to human opponents, unless a CPU stands between it and a human, or if there are no human opponents in the match.	Melee debug menu only	CPTP_STRUGGLE
Cooperate	In team matches, the CPU will follow teammates and otherwise attack opponents. If the match is a free-for-all or all teammates have been knocked out, the CPU will act much the same as in "Attack", except that the CPU will now dash when the enemy is out of reach.	Melee debug menu only	CPTP_COOPERATE
No Action	The CPU will do absolutely nothing.	Melee debug menu only	CPTP_NOACT
Air	The CPU will use only short hops instead of full jumps on grounded opponents. It will also use them more often when approaching. On top of that, it will edgeguard more aggressively, now using aerials offstage.	Melee debug menu only	CPTP_AIR