Bowser's up special in SSB4 is Whirling Fortress. When this move is used, Bowser tucks into his shell and travels upwards a moderate distance before he slows his ascent and goes into a helpless state. Mashing the special button towards the beginning of the move decreases the vertical distance travelled, while mashing the special button towards the end of the move increases the distance travelled. When used from the ground, Bowser will not travel upwards, but instead spins on the ground, sliding in the direction the player inputs. When used in the air, the move's first hit launches players, while the following hits do not. On the ground, only the last hit will launch players. This move is often Bowser's most frequently used out of shield option, as it comes out on frame 6 and can carry Bowser away from the enemy if needed.