Samus (SSBM)/Down aerial

Down aerial

Hitbox visualization showing Samus's down aerial.

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Overview[edit]

Samus sweeps her arm cannon underneath her. A Meteor Smash, this attack does 16% and has a large hitbox, both quite wide and large. This makes it a popular option for controlling space in the air and for applying pressure to a grounded opponent. It is also very safe on block, at best +2, making it a common choice against shielding opponents if Samus has committed to a jump. However, it has a long 17 frame startup window, which, coupled with Samus's high shorthop, makes the move highly reactable and risky to put out against opponents who have not committed to shielding or who haven't whiffed a move. Due to its good properties against shield and Meteor Smash properties, it is a committal but rewarding opener. On hit, it is a great combo starter which can directly combo into several of Samus's strongest KO moves, such as Charge Shot, and her best combo starters, like Up tilt.