Franchise: Pokémon
Debut Game: 1996-02-27
Fighter Type: Speedster
Weight Class: Light
Speed: Fast
Height: Short
Neutral Attack: A quick electric jab.
Tilt Attack: A quick tail whip.
Smash Attack: A charged electric burst.
Aerial Attack: Pikachu performs a quick electric spin.
Special Moves: Thunder Jolt, Quick Attack, Thunder, Skull Bash
Throws and Grabs: Pikachu uses its tail to grab and throw opponents.
Voice Actor: Ikue Ōtani
Release Date in Game: 2018-12-07
DLC: No
Pikachu, the iconic electric mouse from the Pokémon series, is one of the most beloved and recognizable characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Known for its speed, agility, and versatility, Pikachu is a formidable opponent in the hands of skilled players. This review will delve into Pikachu's strengths, weaknesses, effective play strategies, and matchups against other characters.
Pikachu is one of the fastest characters in the game, boasting quick movement both on the ground and in the air. This allows Pikachu to easily evade attacks and quickly close the distance to opponents, making it an excellent choice for players who favor aggressive playstyles.
Pikachu's moveset is versatile and effective at different ranges. Its neutral special, Thunder Jolt, is a great zoning tool that can harass opponents from a distance. Pikachu's aerial attacks, such as its neutral air (Nair) and forward air (Fair), are fast and have good combo potential.
Pikachu's up special, Quick Attack, is one of the best recovery moves in the game. It offers great distance, can be angled in two directions, and is difficult to intercept. This makes Pikachu particularly hard to edgeguard, allowing for more aggressive off-stage play.
Pikachu has some of the best combo potential in the game. Moves like down tilt, up tilt, and down throw can lead into devastating combos and rack up damage quickly. Pikachu can also chain aerials effectively, leading to creative and unpredictable strings.
With its quick aerials and powerful down special, Thunder, Pikachu excels at edgeguarding. It can easily chase opponents off-stage and disrupt their recovery attempts, often leading to early stocks.
Pikachu is one of the lighter characters in the game, making it susceptible to early KOs. Players must be cautious and avoid getting hit by strong attacks, especially at higher percentages.
While Pikachu has excellent mobility and combo options, its range is relatively short. Characters with disjointed hitboxes or longer reach can pose a challenge, as they can keep Pikachu at bay.
To make the most of Pikachu's potential, players need to master its complex movement options and combos. Quick Attack's precise angles and the timing of Pikachu's aerials require practice and precision, making it a character that is difficult to play at top levels without significant dedication.
Quick Attack is not only a recovery tool but also a movement option that can confuse opponents and lead to setups. Learning to use it effectively both on and off the stage is crucial for Pikachu players.
Thunder Jolt can pressure opponents, disrupt their approach, and cover Pikachu's recovery. Use it to control space and force opponents into unfavorable positions.
Understand Pikachu's combo paths and practice them. Down throw and up tilt are often the starting points for Pikachu's combos, leading into aerial juggles and edgeguarding opportunities.
Pikachu's ability to edgeguard is one of its greatest assets. Use aerials and Thunder to intercept opponents off-stage. Quick Attack can also be used to quickly reposition and continue the pressure.
Pikachu generally has an advantage against slower characters or those with poor recovery, such as Ganondorf and Little Mac. Pikachu's speed and edgeguarding abilities can exploit these characters' weaknesses effectively.
Characters with similar speed and combo potential, like Fox and Mario, can lead to even matchups. In these cases, player skill and adaptation often determine the outcome.
Pikachu may struggle against characters with long range or disjointed hitboxes, such as Marth or Simon Belmont. These characters can keep Pikachu at a distance, making it difficult to approach and initiate combos.
Pikachu is a top-tier character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate due to its speed, combo potential, and edgeguarding prowess. While it requires significant skill to master, players who invest the time in learning Pikachu's intricacies will find a character capable of dominating opponents in the right hands. By leveraging its strengths and mitigating its weaknesses, Pikachu can be a powerful addition to any player's roster.