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Piranha Plant in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Detailed Review

Piranha Plant is one of the most unique and surprising additions to the roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Released as a DLC character, this iconic enemy from the Mario franchise brings a quirky yet effective fighting style to the game. Below, we'll delve into the character's strengths, weaknesses, strategies for effective play, and matchup considerations.

Strengths

1. Versatile Moveset:

   • Piranha Plant boasts a diverse array of attacks that cater to both zoning and close-quarters combat. Moves like "Ptooie" (neutral special) allow for effective spacing, while "Long-Stem Strike" (down special) can punish opponents from a distance.

2. Great Recovery:

   • The character's "Piranhacopter" (up special) provides exceptional vertical and horizontal recovery, making it hard to edgeguard Piranha Plant. This move can also be used offensively to surprise opponents with its wide hitbox.

3. Heavyweight Class:

   • Piranha Plant falls into the heavyweight category, allowing it to survive longer on the battlefield. This durability is a significant advantage in outlasting lighter characters.

4. Deceptive Hitboxes:

   • Many of Piranha Plant's moves have surprising hitboxes, catching opponents off-guard. "Ptooie" and "Long-Stem Strike" are particularly noted for their unexpected reach and angles.

Weaknesses

1. Limited Mobility:

   • Piranha Plant's ground speed is below average, which can make it difficult to chase down opponents or retreat quickly from unfavorable situations.

2. Predictable Recovery Path:

   • Despite its excellent recovery distance, "Piranhacopter" follows a predictable path, making it vulnerable to well-timed edgeguarding if the opponent anticipates it.

3. Lag on Some Moves:

   • Certain moves, such as the "Long-Stem Strike," have significant startup or end lag, making Piranha Plant vulnerable if the attack misses or is blocked.

Effective Play Strategies

1. Zone with Precision:

   • Utilize "Ptooie" to control space and dictate the pace of the match. This move is highly effective for keeping opponents at bay and forcing them into unfavorable positions.

2. Mix-Up Approaches:

   • Use a combination of aerials and specials to mix up your approaches. Moves like the forward aerial and down aerial can be used to pressure shields or create openings.

3. Edgeguarding Mastery:

   • Leverage Piranha Plant's range and deceptive hitboxes to edgeguard effectively. Moves like "Ptooie" and "Long-Stem Strike" can punish opponents attempting to recover.

4. Bait and Punish:

   • Due to some laggy moves, adopt a bait-and-punish playstyle. Lure opponents into committing to actions and punish their mistakes with strong attacks like the forward smash or up smash.

Matchup Considerations

1. Favorable Matchups:

   • Piranha Plant tends to fare well against characters that struggle against zoning, such as Little Mac or Ganondorf. Its ability to control space can neutralize their close-range strengths.

2. Challenging Matchups:

   • Fast, agile characters like Pikachu or Sheik can pose a challenge due to their speed and ability to exploit Piranha Plant's limited mobility. These matchups require careful spacing and strategic use of Piranha Plant's range.

3. Projectile Heavy Characters:

   • Against characters with strong projectile games, such as Samus or Link, focus on using "Ptooie" to disrupt their setups and close the gap when possible.

Conclusion

Piranha Plant is a character that rewards careful planning, strategic zoning, and intelligent punishes. While it faces challenges due to mobility issues and some laggy moves, its unique toolkit and deceptive hitboxes make it a formidable opponent in the right hands. Mastering Piranha Plant involves understanding its strengths and weaknesses and adapting your playstyle to counter various opponents effectively. Whether you're a fan of heavyweight characters or enjoy a quirky playstyle, Piranha Plant offers a refreshing and competitive option in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.