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|tier = E
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|ranking = 45
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:{{cquote|Palutena Alights!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
:{{cquote|''Palutena Alights!''|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
'''Palutena''' ({{ja|パルテナ|Parutena}}, ''Palutena'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. She was revealed on June 10th, 2014 during Nintendo's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] Digital Event.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U&ab_channel=Nintendo Play Nintendo - Nintendo E3 Digital Event]</ref>
'''Palutena''' ({{ja|パルテナ|Parutena}}, ''Palutena'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. She was revealed on June 10th, 2014 during Nintendo's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3]] Digital Event.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GisRY6h100U&ab_channel=Nintendo Play Nintendo - Nintendo E3 Digital Event]</ref>


Due to {{s|wikipedia|Ali Hillis}} being unavailable to reprise her role from ''{{s|icaruspedia|Kid Icarus: Uprising}}'', Palutena is instead voiced by Brandy Kopp in the English version.<ref>[https://twitter.com/missalihillis/status/482589658623143936 I loved working for @NintendoAmerica as #palutena on #kidicarus- I wasn't available for #SuperSmashBros BUT my BFF @brandykopp was!! #FF]</ref> However, the Japanese version features {{s|wikipedia|Aya Hisakawa}} reprising her role from ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.
Due to {{s|wikipedia|Ali Hillis}} being unavailable to reprise her role from ''{{s|icaruspedia|Kid Icarus: Uprising}}'', Palutena is instead voiced by Brandy Kopp in the English version.<ref>[https://twitter.com/missalihillis/status/482589658623143936 I loved working for @NintendoAmerica as #palutena on #kidicarus- I wasn't available for #SuperSmashBros BUT my BFF @brandykopp was!! #FF]</ref> However, the Japanese version features {{s|wikipedia|Aya Hisakawa}} reprising her role from ''Kid Icarus: Uprising''.


Palutena is ranked 45th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing her at the bottom the E tier. This also renders her as the lowest ranking mid-tier character. Palutena has good overall mobility, which is especially noticeable on the ground, thanks to her fast [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds and high [[traction]]. She also boasts a potent air game, thanks to her aerial attacks' utility: neutral aerial is useful for pressuring and damage racking; forward aerial is very useful for starting combos when [[SHFF]]'d and for spacing; back aerial grants partial [[invincibility]] and its clean hitbox KOs reliably; up aerial hits multiple times and its last hit KOs rather early; and down aerial is a fairly quick [[meteor smash]].
Palutena is ranked 44th out of 54 on the [[tier list]], placing her at the bottom the E tier. Palutena has good overall mobility, which is especially noticeable on the ground, thanks to her fast [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds and high [[traction]]. She also boasts a potent air game, thanks to her aerial attacks' utility: neutral aerial is useful for pressuring and damage racking; forward aerial is very useful for starting combos when [[SHFF]]'d and for spacing; back aerial grants partial [[invincibility]] and its clean hitbox KOs reliably; up aerial hits multiple times and its last hit KOs rather early; and down aerial is a fairly quick [[meteor smash]].


Palutena's ground game also has some utility. Her grab game, in particular, is very effective: her overall grab range is long-ranged; her pummel deals impressive damage and has average speed; and her down throw is an excellent combo starter at low to high percentages. Outside of this, Palutena's neutral attack is very reliable for damage racking and [[jab cancel]]ing, while her smash attacks possess impressive ranges and considerable power.
Palutena's ground game also has some utility. Her grab game, in particular, is very effective: her overall grab range is long-ranged; her pummel deals impressive damage and has average speed; and her down throw is an excellent combo starter at low to high percentages. Outside of this, Palutena's neutral attack is very reliable for damage racking and [[jab cancel]]ing, while her smash attacks possess impressive ranges and considerable power.


However, Palutena's weaknesses are quite glaring. She has very sluggish frame data in relation to her power and weight, which is especially noticeable in regard to her grounded moves. As a result, her [[neutral game]] is predictable, and her grounded [[approach]] is almost nonexistent. Palutena's KO potential is also inconsistent, since her smash attacks' ranges and power are offset by their awkward hitbox placements and extremely high amounts of overall lag.
However, Palutena's weaknesses are quite glaring. She has very sluggish frame data in relation to her power and weight, which is especially noticeable in regard to her grounded moves. As a result, her [[neutral game]] is predictable, and her grounded [[approach]] is abysmal. Palutena's KO potential is also inconsistent, since her smash attacks' ranges and power are offset by their awkward hitbox placements and extremely high amounts of overall lag.


Palutena's [[special move]]s also have poor synergy with the rest of her moveset and, in some cases, minimal utility. In addition, Palutena's tall height, below-average weight and high gravity collectively make her susceptible to [[combo]]s, [[juggle]]s and early KOs. Although her [[Character customization|custom moves]] significantly remedy the problems involving her approach and bolster her mobility, damage racking potential and combo game, the ban on custom movesets prevents Palutena from taking advantage of them in tournaments.
Palutena's [[special move]]s also have poor synergy with the rest of her moveset and, in some cases, minimal utility. In addition, Palutena's tall height, below-average weight and high gravity collectively make her susceptible to [[combo]]s, [[juggle]]s and early KOs. Although her [[Character customization|custom moves]] significantly remedy the problems involving her approach and bolster her mobility, damage racking potential and combo game, the ban on custom movesets prevents Palutena from taking advantage of them in tournaments.


As a result of these factors, Palutena has a very small playerbase, which has been reflected in representation and results being very sparse. Despite this, her playerbase has managed to achieve success: {{Sm|TLTC}} has achieved several top 64 placings at regional and national tournaments; {{Sm|Iceninja}} and {{Sm|El Pitikla}} have each achieved a handful of top 10 placings at national tournaments; and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}} placed 33rd at [[CEO 2016]] after scoring a major upset against {{Sm|ZeRo}} at said tournament.
As a result of these factors, Palutena has a very small playerbase, which has been reflected in representation and top-level results being very sparse. Nevertheless, her playerbase has managed to achieve decent amounts of national and regional-level success thanks to the likes of {{Sm|TLTC}}, {{Sm|Iceninja}} and {{Sm|El Pitikla}} and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}}.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Palutena possesses a unique blend of archetypes: she is tall like {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}, {{SSB4|Zelda}}, {{SSB4|Peach}} and [[Rosalina & Luma (SSB4)|Rosalina]], yet is tied with {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}} as the third lightest [[Weight|middleweight]]. Palutena also boasts fast [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds; the seventh highest [[traction]]; a high [[jump]] and [[double jump]]; and is tied with Rosalina, {{SSB4|Peach}} and {{SSB4|Mega Man}} for the fastest [[air acceleration]] in the game. On the other hand, she has below-average [[falling speed]], slow [[air speed]] and high [[gravity]].
Palutena possesses a unique blend of archetypes: she has a tall frame, yet is tied with {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}} as the third lightest [[Weight|middleweight]]. Palutena also boasts fast [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds; the seventh highest [[traction]]; a high [[jump]] and [[double jump]]; and is tied with Rosalina, {{SSB4|Peach}} and {{SSB4|Mega Man}} for the fastest [[air acceleration]] in the game. On the other hand, she has below-average [[falling speed]], slow [[air speed]] and high [[gravity]].


These attributes grant Palutena quick grounded movement, make her very capable at ground-to-air transitions, and allow her to quickly change direction in midair. However, they also make her susceptible to heavy pressure unless mastered, and she can sometimes have difficulty at resetting the [[neutral game]] against some characters. Palutena's reliance on [[shield]]ing at close range can also result in her shield being whittled down more often than not. This is further compounded by her poor out of shield potential, in spite of her high traction. By extension, Palutena's attributes make her unreliable at air-to-ground transitions, and render her susceptible to [[juggling]], [[combo]]s and being KO'd early from strong vertical attacks.
These attributes grant Palutena quick grounded movement, make her very capable at ground-to-air transitions, and allow her to quickly change direction in midair. However, they also make her susceptible to heavy pressure, and she can sometimes have difficulty at resetting the [[neutral game]] against some characters. Palutena's reliance on [[shield]]ing at close range can also result in her shield being whittled down often. This is further compounded by her poor out of shield options in spite of her high traction. Therefore, Palutena's attributes make her unreliable at air-to-ground transitions, and render her susceptible to [[juggling]], [[combo]]s and being KO'd early from strong vertical attacks.


Palutena's air game is impressive, thanks to her aerial moves' utility, minimal start-up lag and, aside from her neutral and up aerials, low landing lag. Neutral aerial has a large hitbox that uses the [[Autolink angle|auto-link angle]], which makes it a useful damage racking option. When coupled with its fairly long duration, it is also capable of pressuring the opponent while they are on a platform, or from out of their air dodge. Its last hit's extremely high knockback scaling also makes it decent for [[edge-guarding]], and even capable of setting up combos at low percentages. Forward aerial has the longest horizontal range of Palutena's aerial moves, the lowest amount of landing lag, and the ability to [[auto-cancel]] when [[SHFF]]'d. Altogether, these traits make it very useful for spacing and allow it to reliably start combos at low to medium percentages, with follow-ups including neutral attack, standing/dash grab, her tilts or her other aerials.
Palutena's air game is impressive, thanks to her aerial moves' utility, minimal start-up lag and, aside from her neutral and up aerials, low landing lag. Neutral aerial has a large hitbox that uses the [[Autolink angle|auto-link angle]], which makes it a useful damage racking option. When coupled with its fairly long duration, it is also capable of pressuring the opponent while they are on a platform, or from out of their air dodge. Its last hit's extremely high knockback scaling also makes it decent for [[edge-guarding]], and even capable of setting up combos at low percentages. Forward aerial has the longest horizontal range of Palutena's aerial moves, the lowest amount of landing lag, and the ability to [[auto-cancel]] when [[SHFF]]'d. Altogether, these traits make it very useful for spacing and allow it to reliably start combos at low to medium percentages, with follow-ups including neutral attack, standing/dash grab, her tilts or her other aerials.
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In comparison, back aerial grants partial [[invincibility]] around Palutena's body throughout its duration, while its shield hitbox is strong enough to reliably KO either on-stage or via edge-guarding. Up aerial has good vertical range, hits multiple times, and uses the auto-link angle, which make it ideal for juggling. Most notably, its final hit's extremely high knockback growth also makes it arguably her most viable KOing option. However, some of her aerial moves have rather high ending lag in proportion to their power, durations and ranges, which means that they must be spaced accordingly. Lastly, down aerial will always [[meteor smash]] aerial opponents thanks to its consistent hitbox, although it can also be used as to [[punish]] opponents from [[out of shield]] when it is SHFF'd.
In comparison, back aerial grants partial [[invincibility]] around Palutena's body throughout its duration, while its shield hitbox is strong enough to reliably KO either on-stage or via edge-guarding. Up aerial has good vertical range, hits multiple times, and uses the auto-link angle, which make it ideal for juggling. Most notably, its final hit's extremely high knockback growth also makes it arguably her most viable KOing option. However, some of her aerial moves have rather high ending lag in proportion to their power, durations and ranges, which means that they must be spaced accordingly. Lastly, down aerial will always [[meteor smash]] aerial opponents thanks to its consistent hitbox, although it can also be used as to [[punish]] opponents from [[out of shield]] when it is SHFF'd.


Palutena's grounded moveset also has some interesting options. This is most obvious with her grab game: Palutena's standing grab is the fourth longest ranged in the game despite not being a [[tether grab]], whereas her pivot grab also has impressive range. Her [[pummel]]'s average speed and high damage output make it one of the best pummels in the game. Like {{SSB4|Luigi}}, Palutena's down throw is the most essential aspect of her offense: its high base knockback, very low knockback scaling, and diagonal launching angle collectively grant it impressive combo potential into her neutral, up, forward, and back aerials, although latter requires the usage of a [[reverse aerial rush]]. By extension, its up aerial combo boasts KO potential on almost the entirety of the cast at high percentages, while its back aerial combo also has decent KO potential.
Palutena's grounded moveset also has some interesting options. This is most notable with her grab game: Palutena's standing grab is the fourth longest ranged in the game despite not being a [[tether grab]], whereas her pivot grab also has impressive range. Her [[pummel]]'s average speed and high damage output make it one of the best pummels in the game. Like {{SSB4|Luigi}}, Palutena's down throw is the most essential aspect of her offense: its high base knockback, very low knockback scaling, and diagonal launching angle collectively grant it impressive combo potential into her neutral, up, forward, and back aerials, although latter requires the usage of a [[reverse aerial rush]]. By extension, its up aerial combo boasts KO potential on almost the entirety of the cast at high percentages, while its back aerial combo also has decent KO potential.


Outside of this, down throw can even combo into down aerial and up smash if the opponent's reaction is read properly. Forward and back throws are useful for launching the opponent off-stage to set up an edge-guard, although back throw also has KO potential at very high percentages. Up throw has the least amount of utility, although it can be used to pressure the opponent with aerial attacks at low percentages.
Outside of this, down throw can even combo into down aerial and up smash if the player correctly predicts the foe’s action. Forward and back throws are useful for launching the opponent off-stage to set up an edge-guard, although back throw also has KO potential at very high percentages. Up throw has the least amount of utility, although it can be used to pressure the opponent with aerial attacks at low percentages.


Neutral attack is a very reliable damage racking option and has excellent [[jab cancel]] potential, thanks to its very quick [[interruptibility]]. Like {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, Palutena's tilt attacks boast [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]], while up and down tilts also possess distinct strengths. Up tilt has the lowest amount of start-up lag out of her tilts; a very long duration; lowers her hurtbox even more than her [[crouch]] does; is a useful anti-air attack thanks to its deceptive vertical range; and is a situational KOing option thanks to its very strong final hit. In comparison, down tilt's very low ending lag makes it a good spacing option at long range, while its fairly long duration allows it to punish sidesteps rather easily. Dash attack is fast thanks to it hitting on frame 6 and, like her back aerial, it grants partial invincibility. Lastly, forward and especially up smashes possess excellent ranges and high power, the latter of which is among the strongest when sweetspotted.
Neutral attack is a very reliable damage racking option and has excellent [[jab cancel]] potential, thanks to its very quick [[interruptibility]]. Like {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, Palutena's tilt attacks boast [[Priority#Moves that cannot rebound|anti-rebounding priority]], while up and down tilts also possess distinct strengths. Up tilt has the lowest amount of start-up lag out of her tilts; a very long duration; lowers her hurtbox even more than her [[crouch]] does; is a useful anti-air attack thanks to its deceptive vertical range; and is a situational KOing option thanks to its very strong final hit. In comparison, down tilt's very low ending lag makes it a good spacing option at long range, while its fairly long duration allows it to punish sidesteps rather easily. Dash attack is fast thanks to it hitting on frame 6 and, like her back aerial, it grants partial invincibility. Lastly, forward and especially up smashes possess excellent ranges and high power, the latter of which is among the strongest when sweetspotted.


Despite these advantages, Palutena's weaknesses are very noticeable, to the point that they counterbalance them. Her most glaring flaw is her extremely poor frame data in relation to her power and weight class, which is overall the laggiest in the entire game. When coupled with an overall below-average damage output, Palutena's offense has major issues that are distinct from her fellow middleweights. This is most apparent with her grounded moveset, which is unfitting for a character with great grounded mobility. Aside from down tilt, Palutena's other grounded moves have disproportionately high ending lag. Neutral infinite's finisher has 21 frames of ending lag; dash attack, forward tilt and up tilt have more than 25 frames of ending lag; her smash attacks have more than 40 frames of ending lag; and her special moveset is fairly sluggish in regard to overall lag. These traits result in Palutena's missed attacks being very susceptible to punishment, even if the opponent is a fair distance away from her, and results in her having an almost nonexistent grounded [[approach]] by extension.
Despite these advantages, Palutena's weaknesses are very noticeable. Her most glaring flaw is her awful frame data in relation to her power and weight class, which is overall the laggiest in the entire game. When coupled with below-average damage output on most of her attacks, Palutena's offense has major issues that are distinct from her fellow middleweights. This is most apparent with her grounded moveset, which is unfitting for a character with great grounded mobility. Aside from down tilt, Palutena's other grounded moves have disproportionately high ending lag. Neutral infinite's finisher has 21 frames of ending lag; dash attack, forward tilt and up tilt have more than 25 frames of ending lag; her smash attacks have more than 40 frames of ending lag; and her special moveset is fairly sluggish in regard to overall lag. These traits result in Palutena's missed attacks being very susceptible to punishment, even if the opponent is a fair distance away from her, and results in her having an almost nonexistent grounded [[approach]] by extension.


In addition to considerable ending lag, Palutena's grounded KOing options are risky in other ways: her smash attacks have considerable start-up lag, whereas up tilt and clean dash attack are situational at best. As such, accuracy is crucial when using Palutena's grounded moves, and can often make a player instead rely solely on her safest grounded moves to set-up KO opportunities via edge-guarding or her down throw-initiated KO combos.
In addition to considerable ending lag, Palutena's grounded KOing options are risky in other ways: her smash attacks have considerable start-up lag, whereas up tilt and clean dash attack are situational at best. As such, accuracy is crucial when using Palutena's grounded moves, and can often make a player instead rely solely on her safest grounded moves to set-up KO opportunities via edge-guarding or her down throw-initiated KO combos.
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Although Palutena's air game is potent, it nevertheless has a few flaws. Down aerial, in particular, is her worst aerial: it lasts for only 1 frame, is short-ranged, and has very high ending/landing lag. Forward aerial also has a very short duration and high ending lag, whereas up aerial has minimal horizontal range, fairly high landing lag, and can only be interrupted before it can auto-cancel. By extension, down throw's KO set-ups can potentially fail if she is affected by [[rage]] and/or the opponent uses proper [[directional influence]].
Although Palutena's air game is potent, it nevertheless has a few flaws. Down aerial, in particular, is her worst aerial: it lasts for only 1 frame, is short-ranged, and has very high ending/landing lag. Forward aerial also has a very short duration and high ending lag, whereas up aerial has minimal horizontal range, fairly high landing lag, and can only be interrupted before it can auto-cancel. By extension, down throw's KO set-ups can potentially fail if she is affected by [[rage]] and/or the opponent uses proper [[directional influence]].


Palutena's default special moves are also infamously unimpressive because of their limited utility, poor synergy with her regular moves, and their aforementioned sluggishness. Warp is considered to be Palutena's best default special move: it is a quick and rather safe recovery move that improves her neutral game, allows for swift re-positioning, and can easily be [[Ledge-canceling|edge-canceled]]. However, it lacks hitboxes and does not grant invincibility or [[intangibility]], which can leave her open to attacks before and just after she uses it. Autoreticle can outright stop or force an approach; be used for [[mindgame]]s when [[B-reversing|B-reversed]]; and is reliable for [[lock]]ing. However, its projectiles move only toward the fixed reticle and have a slow start-up, with the first projectile coming out on frame 29.
Palutena's default special moves are also infamously unimpressive because of their limited utility, poor synergy with her regular moves, and their aforementioned sluggishness. Warp is considered to be Palutena's best default special move: it is a quick and rather safe recovery move that improves her neutral game, allows for swift re-positioning, and can easily be [[Ledge-canceling|edge-canceled]]. However, it lacks hitboxes and does not grant invincibility or [[intangibility]], which can leave her open to attacks before and just after she uses it. Autoreticle can deter or force an approach; be used for [[mindgame]]s when [[B-reversing|B-reversed]]; and is reliable for [[lock]]ing. However, its projectiles move only toward the fixed reticle and have a slow start-up, with the first projectile coming out on frame 29.


[[Reflect Barrier]] has an [[unblockable]] hitbox, a weak [[push]] effect, a long duration, and can be reused immediately after breaking. However, it is still the weakest [[reflect]]or of its kind, neither covers her entirely or accompanies her in midair, and has noticeable start-up lag for a reflector. Lastly, {{b|Counter|Palutena}} has a high damage multiplier, but is the least effective counterattack in the game because of its overall low knockback, overall high lag, very short counter window, and dubious distinction of being one of the very few counterattacks to have a sourspot.
[[Reflect Barrier]] has an [[unblockable]] hitbox, a weak [[push]] effect, a long duration, and can be reused immediately after breaking. However, it is still the weakest [[reflect]]or of its kind, neither covers her entirely or accompanies her in midair, and has noticeable start-up lag for a reflector. Lastly, {{b|Counter|Palutena}} has a high damage multiplier, but is the least effective counterattack in the game because of its overall low knockback, overall high lag, very short counter window, and dubious distinction of being one of the very few counterattacks to have a sourspot.


As the Goddess of Light, Palutena fights using {{s|icaruspedia|Powers}} she grants {{s|icaruspedia|Pit}} and {{s|icaruspedia|fighter}}s in ''{{s|icaruspedia|Kid Icarus: Uprising}}''. As such, her custom moves are rivaled only by the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s' in regard to variety and versatility, and they in turn benefit her tremendously in comparison to the majority of her default special moves. [[Super Speed]] has immense utility: it allows Palutena to move faster than even an uncharged [[Spin Charge]], it can either be jump-canceled into any aerial move and an up smash, or perform a ramming attack, the latter of which can also lead into the aforementioned attacks, but only as long as it is not telegraphed or interrupted with a disjointed [[hitbox]]. The move can also be used for huge horizontal recovery if jump-cancelled. As a trade-off, Super Speed has a cooldown mechanic like [[Monado Arts]], with its cooldown duration lasting approximately 3 seconds.
Her custom moves’ utility are rivaled only by the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s' in regard to versatility, and they benefit her tremendously in comparison to the majority of her default special moves. [[Super Speed]] has immense utility: it allows Palutena to move faster than even an uncharged [[Spin Charge]], it can either be jump-canceled into any aerial move and an up smash, or perform a ramming attack, the latter of which can also lead into the aforementioned attacks, but only as long as it is not telegraphed or interrupted with a disjointed [[hitbox]]. The move can also be used for huge horizontal recovery if jump-cancelled. As a trade-off, Super Speed has a cooldown mechanic like [[Monado Arts]], with its cooldown duration lasting approximately 3 seconds.


[[Lightweight]] amplifies her movement speed and jump height to the point that she [[dash]]es faster than {{SSB4|Sonic}} and [[jump]]s higher than {{SSB4|Falco}}. This drastically improves Palutena's mobility and by extension her recovery, yet also makes her off-stage presence and already good combo game become among the best in the game; the latter of which is particularly notable, as it includes a guaranteed combo into her up or down aerials that both KO reliably after 80%. As a trade-off, it lasts for approximately 12.5 seconds, doubles the damage (but not knockback) she receives, and halves her default speed for approximately 5 seconds upon expiring while her damage vulnerability and jump height return to their original values. Regardless of their weaknesses, Super Speed and Lightweight are unarguably Palutena's most effective custom moves, as they improve her KO potential and grant her various mix-ups, set-ups, mindgames, combos and edge-guards that her default moveset otherwise does not possess.
[[Lightweight]] amplifies her movement speed and jump height to the point that she [[dash]]es faster than {{SSB4|Sonic}} and [[jump]]s higher than {{SSB4|Falco}}. This drastically improves Palutena's mobility and by extension her recovery, yet also makes her off-stage presence and already good combo game become among the best in the game; the latter of which is particularly notable, as it includes a guaranteed combo into her up or down aerials that both KO reliably after 80%. As a trade-off, it lasts for approximately 12.5 seconds, doubles the damage (but not knockback) she receives, and halves her default speed for approximately 5 seconds upon expiring while her damage vulnerability and jump height return to their original values. Regardless of their weaknesses, Super Speed and Lightweight are unarguably Palutena's most effective custom moves, as they improve her KO potential and grant her various mix-ups, set-ups, mindgames, combos and edge-guards that her default moveset otherwise does not possess.
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Overall, Palutena is a frail, yet defensive character who has a surprisingly high learning curve in spite of her default moveset being rudimentary. Her optimal playstyle is similar to {{SSB4|Ike}}'s: her grab game and punishment options are potent, yet she must rely on spacing and shielding to circumvent her moveset's sluggishness and lack of reliable approach options. Although Palutena's default moveset ultimately renders her as a "high-risk, medium-reward" character, she can be fairly threatening when mastered. As such, Palutena is most rewarding for players with good fundamentals, as a single opening can allow her to quickly rack up damage with her most reliable moves, use her mobility and spacing options to evade and maintain a strong defense, or even KO early with her down throw-initiated KO combos.
Overall, Palutena is a frail, yet defensive character who has a surprisingly high learning curve in spite of her default moveset being rudimentary. Her optimal playstyle is similar to {{SSB4|Ike}}'s: her grab game and punishment options are potent, yet she must rely on spacing and shielding to circumvent her moveset's sluggishness and lack of reliable approach options. Although Palutena's default moveset ultimately renders her as a "high-risk, medium-reward" character, she can be fairly threatening when mastered. As such, Palutena is most rewarding for players with good fundamentals, as a single opening can allow her to quickly rack up damage with her most reliable moves, use her mobility and spacing options to evade and maintain a strong defense, or even KO early with her down throw-initiated KO combos.


Due to her flaws and learning curve, Palutena initially received a poor reception within the Western scene. However, thanks to buffs from game updates, the expansion of her metagame, and notable tournament results from the likes of {{Sm|TLTC}}, {{Sm|Iceninja}} and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}}, the competitive community's reception toward Palutena has improved over time, even in spite of her continually sparse representation. Although [[Lightweight]] and [[Super Speed]] greatly amplify her strengths and are readily available instead of being unlockable, it is currently unknown if she will ever have the option to use them or her other custom moves in the tournament scene following the current universal ban of [[character customization]] established at [[EVO 2015]].
Due to her flaws and learning curve, Palutena initially received a poor reception within the Western scene. However, thanks to buffs from game updates, the expansion of her metagame, and notable tournament results from the likes of {{Sm|TLTC}}, {{Sm|Iceninja}} and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}}, the competitive community's reception toward Palutena has improved over time, even in spite of her continually sparse representation.


==Update history==
==Update history==
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Update [[1.0.4]] made up and down tilts faster, to the point that the latter is now one of her safest grounded attacks. However, it also fixed a useful glitch on Counter that effectively removed its mindgame potential, and shortened her pivot grab's range. Update [[1.0.6]] removed another beneficial glitch on Super Speed, where the momentum would be maintained after [[Jump-canceling|jump-canceled]] attacks. Update [[1.0.8]] further improved up tilt by increasing its damage output and improving its hitbox placements. Update [[1.1.0]] brought a mix of buffs and nerfs: it increased down tilt and neutral aerial's hitbox sizes, increased forward aerial's damage output, and decreased her grabs' ending lag, yet effectively significantly hindered forward tilt's damage racking potential by removing its re-hit rate.
Update [[1.0.4]] made up and down tilts faster, to the point that the latter is now one of her safest grounded attacks. However, it also fixed a useful glitch on Counter that effectively removed its mindgame potential, and shortened her pivot grab's range. Update [[1.0.6]] removed another beneficial glitch on Super Speed, where the momentum would be maintained after [[Jump-canceling|jump-canceled]] attacks. Update [[1.0.8]] further improved up tilt by increasing its damage output and improving its hitbox placements. Update [[1.1.0]] brought a mix of buffs and nerfs: it increased down tilt and neutral aerial's hitbox sizes, increased forward aerial's damage output, and decreased her grabs' ending lag, yet effectively significantly hindered forward tilt's damage racking potential by removing its re-hit rate.


However, update [[1.1.1]] brought an indirect, yet immense nerf: the changes to shield mechanics worsened Palutena's already poor [[out of shield]] potential even further, as they neutralized the crux of her defense and make it more difficult for her to shield against characters with moves that possess high [[hitlag]], such as {{SSB4|Ryu}}. While these changes also make spacing Palutena's aerial moves more of an option for her, it is also important to note that the disproportionate amount of ending lag compared to her damage output results in her remaining one of the the easiest characters to punish out of shield. The same update also buffed Explosive Flame's damage output and hitbox sizes, but largely counterbalanced these buffs by making its last hit blockable. Another glitch was also removed, in which she could instantly renew Lightweight on [[platform]]s.
However, update [[1.1.1]] brought an indirect, yet immense nerf: the changes to shield mechanics worsened Palutena's already poor [[out of shield]] potential even further, as they neutralized the crux of her defense and make it more difficult for her to shield and punish her opponent. While these changes also make spacing Palutena's aerial moves more of an option for her, it is also important to note that the disproportionate amount of ending lag compared to her damage output results in her remaining one of the easiest characters to punish out of shield. The same update also buffed Explosive Flame's damage output and hitbox sizes, but largely counterbalanced these buffs by making its last hit blockable. Another glitch was also removed, in which she could instantly renew Lightweight on [[platform]]s.


Lastly, update [[1.1.5]] brought some other useful buffs by increasing the damage outputs of her neutral attack, neutral aerial and forward aerial, which improved her damage racking potential and combo game. Ultimately, Palutena's abundant buffs are arguably counterbalanced by the few nerfs she received. As a result, her position relative to the cast is debatable, mostly because of other characters also receiving very useful buffs from game updates, such as {{SSB4|Samus}}, {{SSB4|Charizard}}, {{SSB4|Lucina}}, and {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}.
Lastly, update [[1.1.5]] brought some other useful buffs by increasing the damage outputs of her neutral attack, neutral aerial and forward aerial, which improved her damage racking potential and combo game. Ultimately, Palutena's abundant buffs are arguably counterbalanced by the few nerfs she received. As a result, her position relative to the cast is debatable, mostly because of other characters also receiving very useful buffs from game updates, such as {{SSB4|Samus}}, {{SSB4|Charizard}}, {{SSB4|Lucina}}, and {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}.
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|dashdmg=9% (clean), 5% (late)
|dashdmg=9% (clean), 5% (late)
|dashdesc=Rams into the opponent with her shield. Due to it hitting on frame 6, it is one of the fastest dash attacks in the game. It also has deceptive range, thanks to it slightly boosting Palutena. Thanks to its clean hitbox's high knockback scaling, it can function as a situational KOing option; it KOs middleweights at 157%/145% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Its clean hitbox also grants partial [[invincibility]] to Palutena's body on frames 4-15. However, its high ending lag makes it very punishable.
|dashdesc=Rams into the opponent with her shield. Due to it hitting on frame 6, it is one of the fastest dash attacks in the game. It also has deceptive range, thanks to it slightly boosting Palutena. Thanks to its clean hitbox's high knockback scaling, it can function as a situational KOing option; it KOs middleweights at 157%/145% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Its clean hitbox also grants partial [[invincibility]] to Palutena's body on frames 4-15. However, its high ending lag makes it very punishable.
|fsmashname=Goddess Wings
|fsmashname=Goddess Wings ({{ja|女神の翼|Megami no Tsubasa}})
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (far), — (tip)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (far), — (tip)
|fsmashdesc=Conjures ethereal wings and flaps them forward. It has impressive horizontal range, while its respectable damage output and high knockback scaling make it very strong. Its sweetspot covers the majority of the wings, whereas its sourspot is on their tips. Its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 84%/74% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Conversely, its sourspot latter KOs them at 108%/97% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. It also has a windbox near the tips of the wings that can [[push]] away opponents and potentially [[gimp]] recoveries. Due to it hitting on frame 18 and having 47 frames of ending lag, however, it is very punishable and thus best suited as a punishment option.
|fsmashdesc=Conjures ethereal wings and flaps them forward. It has impressive horizontal range, while its respectable damage output and high knockback scaling make it very strong. Its sweetspot covers the majority of the wings, whereas its sourspot is on their tips. Its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 84%/74% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Conversely, its sourspot latter KOs them at 108%/97% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. It also has a windbox near the tips of the wings that can [[push]] away opponents and potentially [[gimp]] recoveries. Due to it hitting on frame 18 and having 47 frames of ending lag, however, it is very punishable and thus best suited as a punishment option.
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|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}} (base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (middle), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|9}} (top)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}} (base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (middle), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|9}} (top)
|usmashdesc=Conjures a cyan beam of light that erupts from the ground. It has the highest vertical range of any up smash in the game, and the second highest vertical range of all up smashes in the series, surpassed only by {{SSBB|Snake}}'s. It has three hitboxes: one at the base of the beam, one at the middle, and one at the top. Its high vertical range and base hitbox's great KO potential make it very useful for edge-guarding. Its base hitbox KOs middleweights at 102%/94% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') from anywhere on Final Destination. Although its middle hitbox deals slightly less damage, it also KOs reliably; it KOs aerial middleweights at 117%/106% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') from anywhere on Final Destination. Due to it hitting on frame 18, and having both 42 frames of ending lag and very minimal horizontal range, it is best suited as a punishment option. In addition, its top hitbox KOs noticeably later because of its average damage output.
|usmashdesc=Conjures a cyan beam of light that erupts from the ground. It has the highest vertical range of any up smash in the game, and the second highest vertical range of all up smashes in the series, surpassed only by {{SSBB|Snake}}'s. It has three hitboxes: one at the base of the beam, one at the middle, and one at the top. Its high vertical range and base hitbox's great KO potential make it very useful for edge-guarding. Its base hitbox KOs middleweights at 102%/94% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') from anywhere on Final Destination. Although its middle hitbox deals slightly less damage, it also KOs reliably; it KOs aerial middleweights at 117%/106% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') from anywhere on Final Destination. Due to it hitting on frame 18, and having both 42 frames of ending lag and very minimal horizontal range, it is best suited as a punishment option. In addition, its top hitbox KOs noticeably later because of its average damage output.
|dsmashname=Goddess Wings
|dsmashname=Goddess Wings ({{ja|女神の翼|Megami no Tsubasa}})
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|15}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (far), — (tip)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|15}} (near), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (far), — (tip)
|dsmashdesc=Conjures ethereal wings and flaps them downward on both sides. Its clean hitbox has the highest knockback scaling out of her smash attacks. When coupled with its respectable damage output, it KOs middleweights at 110%/102% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Although its late hitbox deals slightly less damage, it is also reliable thanks to being a [[semi-spike]] that is strong enough to KO middleweights at 115%/104% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Like forward smash, it has a windbox near the tips of the wings. However, it hits on frame 17 and has 52 frames of ending lag; the latter of which is the highest amount of ending lag of all down smashes in the game, and the second highest ending lag of all smash attacks in the game. As a result, it is best used as a punishment option.
|dsmashdesc=Conjures ethereal wings and flaps them downward on both sides. Its clean hitbox has the highest knockback scaling out of her smash attacks. When coupled with its respectable damage output, it KOs middleweights at 110%/102% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Although its late hitbox deals slightly less damage, it is also reliable thanks to being a [[semi-spike]] that is strong enough to KO middleweights at 115%/104% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Like forward smash, it has a windbox near the tips of the wings. However, it hits on frame 17 and has 52 frames of ending lag; the latter of which is the highest amount of ending lag of all down smashes in the game, and the second highest ending lag of all smash attacks in the game. As a result, it is best used as a punishment option.
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|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairname=&nbsp;
|uairdmg=1% (hits 1-4), 5% (hit 5)
|uairdmg=1% (hits 1-4), 5% (hit 5)
|uairdesc=Twirls while emitting her halo. Due to it hitting on frame 8, it is tied with back aerial as her second fastest aerial. Like neutral aerial, it has a long duration, hits multiple times and its last hit has extremely high knockback scaling. These traits allow it to reliably pressure aerial opponents above Palutena, and make it one of her most viable KOing options. Its last hit KOs middleweights at 104%/95% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the upper blast line of Final Destination. However, it has a noticeable amount of ending lag. Due to having more interruptible frames than auto-canceling frames, it also cannot be auto-canceled at all, even a few frames after its animation ends. Despite this, its auto-cancel issue can be mitigated by using another attack with less ending lag, such as forward aerial, before Palutena lands on solid ground.  
|uairdesc=Twirls while emitting her halo. Due to it hitting on frame 8, it is tied with back aerial as her second fastest aerial. Like neutral aerial, it has a long duration, hits multiple times and its last hit has extremely high knockback scaling. These traits allow it to reliably pressure aerial opponents above Palutena, and make it one of her most viable KOing options. Its last hit KOs middleweights at 104%/95% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the upper blast line of Final Destination. However, it has a noticeable amount of ending lag. Due to having more interruptible frames than auto-canceling frames, it also cannot be auto-canceled at all, even a few frames after its animation ends. Despite this, its auto-cancel issue can be mitigated by using another attack with less ending lag, such as forward aerial, before Palutena lands on solid ground.
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairname=&nbsp;
|dairdmg=9%
|dairdmg=9%
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|usdefname=Warp
|usdefname=Warp
|usdefdmg=—
|usdefdmg=—
|usdefdesc=Disappears and then reappears in a chosen direction. It quickly covers both a respectable amount of vertical distance and a decent horizontal distance while rendering Palutena [[Teleport (disambiguation)|invisible]]. It can also be [[Ledge-canceling|edge-canceled]], which grants it defensive and re-positioning potentials. However, it renders Palutena [[helpless]] after she reappears unless it is edge-canceled. Functions similar to [[Mewtwo]]’s [[Teleport]].
|usdefdesc=Disappears and then reappears in a chosen direction. It quickly covers both a respectable amount of height and a decent horizontal distance while rendering Palutena [[Teleport (disambiguation)|invisible]]. It can also be [[Ledge-canceling|edge-canceled]], which grants it defensive and re-positioning potentials. However, it renders Palutena [[helpless]] after she reappears unless it is edge-canceled. Functions similar to [[Mewtwo]]’s [[Teleport]].
|usc1name=[[Jump Glide]]
|usc1name=[[Jump Glide]]
|usc1dmg=—
|usc1dmg=—
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|usc2name=[[Rocket Jump]]
|usc2name=[[Rocket Jump]]
|usc2dmg=12% (grounded), 10% (aerial)
|usc2dmg=12% (grounded), 10% (aerial)
|usc2desc=Detonates an explosion at her feet to propel herself upward. Its grounded explosion is strong enough to KO middleweights at 108% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. Its aerial explosion deals slightly less damage and KOs grounded opponents noticeably later, but powerfully meteor smashes aerial opponents directly below Palutena. However, the explosion has fairly minimal horizontal range. It also covers less vertical distance than Warp or Jump Glide, and little horizontal distance.
|usc2desc=Detonates an explosion at her feet to propel herself upward. Its grounded explosion is strong enough to KO middleweights at 108% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. Its aerial explosion deals slightly less damage and KOs grounded opponents noticeably later, but powerfully meteor smashes aerial opponents directly below Palutena. However, the explosion has fairly minimal horizontal range. It also covers less height than Warp or Jump Glide, and little horizontal distance.
|dsdefname=Counter
|dsdefname=Counter
|dspage=Counter (Palutena)
|dspage=Counter (Palutena)
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|dsc1name=[[Lightweight]]
|dsc1name=[[Lightweight]]
|dsc1dmg=—
|dsc1dmg=—
|dsc1desc=Nearly doubles her [[walk]]ing speed, [[dash]]ing speed and [[jump]] height, but slows her [[falling speed]], lowers her [[gravity]], and nearly doubles the damage received (although knockback remains unchanged) for slightly more than 12.5 seconds (755 frames). Upon concluding, her jump height and gravity return to normal, while her grounded movement becomes much slower for nearly 5 seconds (299 frames). It is considered Palutena's best down special move, thanks to it significantly improving her off-stage presence, and granting both an immense increase in follow-up options and access to down throw-initiated KO set-ups that are guaranteed on the entire cast.
|dsc1desc=Nearly doubles her [[walk]]ing speed, [[dash]]ing speed and [[jump]] height, but slows her [[falling speed]], lowers her [[gravity]], and increases the damage received (although knockback remains unchanged) for slightly more than 12.5 seconds (755 frames). Upon concluding, her jump height and gravity return to normal, while her grounded movement becomes much slower for nearly 5 seconds (299 frames). It is considered Palutena's best down special move, thanks to it significantly improving her off-stage presence, and granting both an immense increase in follow-up options and access to down throw-initiated KO set-ups that are guaranteed on the entire cast.
|dsc2name=[[Celestial Firework]]
|dsc2name=[[Celestial Firework]]
|dsc2dmg=3.2% (toss), 1.2% (explosion, 4 hits)
|dsc2dmg=3.2% (toss), 1.2% (explosion, 4 hits)
Line 215: Line 215:
|fsdesc=Illuminates her staff's orb and twirls around repeatedly before firing a Black Hole from her staff's orb, after which she quickly retreats off-stage in order to fire a Mega Laser into the Black Hole. The Black Hole does not deal damage, but [[pull]]s the opponent into itself and places them in a [[tumbling]] state. Conversely, the Mega Laser hits multiple times before concluding with a final blast that launches the opponent and dissipates the Black Hole. It is strong enough to KOs middleweights at 35% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version.
|fsdesc=Illuminates her staff's orb and twirls around repeatedly before firing a Black Hole from her staff's orb, after which she quickly retreats off-stage in order to fire a Mega Laser into the Black Hole. The Black Hole does not deal damage, but [[pull]]s the opponent into itself and places them in a [[tumbling]] state. Conversely, the Mega Laser hits multiple times before concluding with a final blast that launches the opponent and dissipates the Black Hole. It is strong enough to KOs middleweights at 35% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version.
}}
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
|cast = 58
|weight = 91
|rweight = 39-40
|dash = 1.5
|rdash = 25-41
|run = 1.888
|rrun = 13
|walk = 1.21
|rwalk = 14
|trac = 0.068
|rtrac = 6-9
|airfric = 0.01
|rairfric = 24-32
|air = 0.91
|rair = 49
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 10-54
|addaccel = 0.1
|raddaccel = 1-4
|gravity = 0.105
|rgravity = 15-16
|fall = 1.4
|rfall = 40-41
|ff = 2.24
|rff = 39-41
|jumpsquat = 5
|rjumpsquat = 14-41
|jumpheight = 35.900002
|rjumpheight = 15
|shorthop = 17.303881
|rshorthop = 17
|djump = 35.900002
|rdjump = 17
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Palutena English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
</gallery>


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
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|char=Palutena}}
|char=Palutena}}


==In [[Competitive play|competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
<!-- Since Palutena was originally built around custom special movesets, an explanation about them is valid.-->
In the early metagame, Palutena was notable for her smash attacks' impressive ranges and her distinction as the only character in the game with both a [[reflection|reflector]] and a [[counterattack]] in her default moveset. However, opinions on her would later drop dramatically after her weaknesses began to emerge when custom moves were not accounted for, largely because of her sluggish frame data, flawed special moves and, surprisingly enough, her lack of offensive options outside of her grab game, and was seen as one of the worst characters in the game.
 
When custom special moves began to be discussed, Palutena's potential tier placement once again began to rise in the eyes of many players, with many considering her to be a high-tier character, and in some cases, even a top-tier character. After the universal ban of custom movesets post-[[EVO 2015]], however, expectations of her returned back to normal. This negative perception was further compounded by her lack of significant buffs to her default moveset, the noticeably effective buffs other poorly regarded characters received, and the changes to shield mechanics brought about by updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] indirectly nerfing her. Due to these factors, Palutena was ranked 50th on the first [[tier list]], which confirmed her status as a bottom-tier character.
 
It was not until the first half of 2016 that Palutena's tournament presence started to improve. After the buffs gained by updates [[1.1.5]], tied with the previous ones, players like {{Sm|TLTC}} and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}} started placing higher within their respective regions. Even after {{Sm|AeroLink}} dropped her in favor of {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, these results were sufficient enough to improve her perception within the community, and became more prominent after game updates [[1.1.5]] and [[1.1.6]] brought nerfs to top-tier characters like {{SSB4|Sheik}}, {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}, and Bayonetta. In addition to rendering her tier placement debatable, players also started to notice that most of Palutena's matchups against the top-tier and high-tier characters were not as unfavorable as considered before, largely thanks to the advancements brought to her non-custom metagame.
 
Palutena's tournament presence gradually improved by mid-2016, with her most promising showings occurring at [[CEO 2016]], [[EVO 2016]], and [[Super Smash Con 2016]]; CEO was particularly notable after Prince Ramen scored a major upset by defeating {{Sm|ZeRo}}, arguably the best ''SSB4'' player in the world, while all three tournaments saw Palutena players place 33rd. With these improved results, the vast majority of the community no longer saw Palutena as one of the worst characters in the game. This, in turn, was reflected by her being ranked 40th on the second tier list; in addition to reassessing Palutena as a low-tier character, her tier rise was tied with {{SSB4|Cloud}}'s for the fifth largest between the first and second tier lists.
 
Due to Palutena's still sparse tournament results, however, she then saw a slight drop to 42nd on the third tier list. Although her tournament results have improved, thanks to TLTC placing 17th at [[2GGC: Greninja Saga]] and 33rd at [[EVO 2017]], as well as Death Arcana placing 49th at [[GameTyrant Expo 2017]], Palutena has been ranked 44th on the fourth and final tier list. Despite being a slight tier drop, tier restructuring has reassessed Palutena as a mid-tier character. However, many players argue that Palutena should have remained a low-tier character, owing to her strengths not being as potent as previously deemed, as well as her noticeable weaknesses.
 
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
{{OfficialCustomMoves
{{OfficialCustomMoves
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|set10=2323
|set10=2323
}}
}}
===Most historically significant players===
<!--This character has a ten player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->


===Notable players===
''See also: [[:Category:Palutena players (SSB4)]]''
<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form. Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot.-->
*{{Sm|AeroLink|USA}} - Placed 1st at several Shockwave tournaments and 5th at [[Aftershock]] before switching to {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}.
*{{Sm|Arch|USA}} - Placed 33rd at [[Super Smash Con 2016]]. Honorable mention on the [[New York Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Death Arcana|USA}} - Placed 49th at [[GameTyrant Expo 2017]]. Has wins over {{Sm|BestNess}}, {{Sm|PiXL}} and {{Sm|Sonicmega}}. Ranked 9th on the [[Utah Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|El Pitikla|Spain}} - Placed 1st at [[Tech Republic 2]]; 5th at [[Tech Republic]]; and 7th at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]]. Ranked 4th on the [[Spanish Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Iceninja|Canada}} - Placed 5th at [[Canada Cup 2016]] and [[Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo]]; 7th at [[Get On My Level 2015]]; and 9th at [[Summit 2015]] and [[Canada Cup 2016]]. Ranked 8th on the [[Southern Ontario Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|MM|Australia}} - Placed 2nd at [[DI Another Day]]; 9th at [[Battle Arena Melbourne 8]]; and 13th at [[Battle Arena Melbourne 7]]. Ranked 3rd on the New South Wales Power Rankings and 9th on the [[Australian Smash 4 Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Prince Ramen|USA}} - The best Palutena player of all time. Placed 7th at [[Tampa Never Sleeps 6]]; 33rd at [[CEO 2016]]; and consistently achieved top 8 placings at [https://t.polarity.gg/ CFL Smackdown tournaments]. Formerly ranked 2nd on the Central [[Florida Power Rankings]]. He has a win over {{Sm|ZeRo}}.
*{{Sm|Real Ice|USA}} - Formerly ranked 11th on the [[Georgia Power Rankings]] prior to his retirement.
*{{Sm|Soru|Canada}} - Placed 17th at [[DreamHack Montreal 2017]]. Formerly ranked 14th on the [[Montreal Power Rankings]]. He has wins over {{Sm|DarkAura}}, {{Sm|Darkwolf}}, {{Sm|KingKong}}, {{Sm|Smokk}} and {{Sm|Venom}}.
*{{Sm|TLTC|USA}} - Considered the top Palutena player after Prince Ramen’s retirement. Placed 9th at [[2GGT: Fresh Saga]]; 13th at [[2GGT: ESAM Saga]], [[2GGT: FOW Saga]], [[2GGT: KTAR Saga]] and [[2GG: Pay It Forward]]; 17th at [[2GGT: Fatality Saga]], [[2GGT: EE Saga]] and [[2GGT: Abadango Saga]]; 25th at [[2GGT: The False Awakens]] and [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]]; and 33rd at [[EVO 2016]], [[Super Smash Con 2016]] and [[EVO 2017]]. Formerly ranked 18th on the [[SoCal Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Trevonte|USA}} - Placed 25th at [[EVO 2015]].


===Tier placement and history===
*{{Sm|El Pitikla|Spain}} - Co-mained Palutena alongside {{SSB4|Fox}}. He most notably won {{Trn|Tech Republic 2}}, going on a lengthy losers run and using Palutena in most crucial sets, including grand finals against {{Sm|Greward}}. Additionally, he made top 8 at some of the most notable Spanish/European regionals, placing 5th at {{Trn|Tech Republic}} and 7th at {{Trn|BEAST 7}}.
<!-- Since Palutena was originally built around custom special movesets, an explanation about them is valid.-->
*{{Sm|Karina|Canada}} - The best Palutena player in Canada. She placed highly at superregionals with 5th at {{Trn|Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo}} and 7th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2015}} with solo-Palutena, and placed 25th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2017}} using mostly Palutena.
In the early metagame, Palutena was notable for her smash attacks' impressive ranges and her distinction as the only character in the game with both a [[reflection|reflector]] and a [[counterattack]] in her default moveset. However, opinions on her would later drop dramatically after her weaknesses began to emerge when custom moves were not accounted for, largely because of her sluggish frame data, flawed special moves and, surprisingly enough, her lack of offensive options outside of her grab game, and was seen as one of the worst characters in the game.
*{{Sm|MM|Australia}} - The best Palutena player in Australia. While competing in-region, notably placed 2nd at {{Trn|DI Another Day}} and 7th at {{Trn|Southern Cross Championship 2K15}}. He also made 9th at {{Trn|Battle Arena Melbourne 8}}, the biggest ''Smash 4'' tournament in the country.
 
*{{Sm|Prince Ramen|USA}} - The best Palutena player in the early metagame. He performed the greatest feat a Palutena player has achieved, placing 33rd and defeating {{Sm|ZeRo}} at {{Trn|CEO 2016}}, becoming one of four players to have a positive set count against him. In terms of other placements, he was made rare appearances such as 7th at {{Trn|Tampa Never Sleeps 6}}, but stopped competing in ''Smash 4'' after 2016.
When custom special moves began to be discussed, Palutena's potential tier placement once again began to rise in the eyes of many players, with many considering her to be a high-tier character, and in some cases, even a top-tier character. After the universal ban of custom movesets post-[[EVO 2015]], however, expectations of her returned back to normal. This negative perception was further compounded by her lack of significant buffs to her default moveset, the noticeably effective buffs other poorly regarded characters received, and the changes to shield mechanics brought about by updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] indirectly nerfing her. Due to these factors, Palutena was ranked 50th on the first [[tier list]], which confirmed her status as a bottom-tier character.
*{{Sm|TLTC|USA}} - The best Palutena player in the world. He was much more active in comparison to Prince Ramen, marking Palutena's best major results with 17th at both {{Trn|2GGT: Abadango Saga}} and {{Trn|2GGC: Greninja Saga}}, upsetting {{Sm|Ranai}} at the latter event. Additionally, he is tied with CEO 2016 for the best solo-Palutena result at a supermajor with 33rd at both {{Trn|EVO 2016}} defeating {{Sm|Kirihara}} and {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}}. Ranked 24th on the all-time [[SoCal Power Rankings]].
 
It was not until the the first half of 2016 that Palutena's tournament presence started to improve. After the buffs gained by updates [[1.1.5]], tied with the previous ones, players like {{Sm|TLTC}} and {{Sm|Prince Ramen}} started placing higher within their respective regions. Even after {{Sm|AeroLink}} dropped her in favor of {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, these results were sufficient enough to improve her perception within the community, and became more prominent after game updates [[1.1.5]] and [[1.1.6]] brought nerfs to top-tier characters like {{SSB4|Sheik}}, {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}, and Bayonetta. In addition to rendering her tier placement debatable, players also started to notice that most of Palutena's matchups against the top-tier and high-tier characters were not as unfavorable as considered before, largely thanks to the advancements brought to her non-custom metagame.
 
Palutena's tournament presence gradually improved by mid-2016, with her most promising showings occurring at [[CEO 2016]], [[EVO 2016]], and [[Super Smash Con 2016]]; CEO was particularly notable after Prince Ramen scored a major upset by defeating {{Sm|ZeRo}}, arguably the best ''SSB4'' player in the world, while all three tournaments saw Palutena players place 33rd. With these improved results, the vast majority of the community no longer saw Palutena as one of the worst characters in the game. This, in turn, was reflected by her being ranked 40th on the second tier list; in addition to reassessing Palutena as a low-tier character, her tier rise was tied with {{SSB4|Cloud}}'s for the fifth largest between the first and second tier lists.
 
Due to Palutena's still sparse tournament results, however, she then saw a slight drop to 42nd on the third tier list. Although her tournament results have improved, thanks to TLTC placing 17th at [[2GGC: Greninja Saga]] and 33rd at [[EVO 2017]], as well as Death Arcana placing 49th at [[GameTyrant Expo 2017]], Palutena has been ranked 45th on the fourth and current tier list. Despite being a slight tier drop, tier restructuring has reassessed Palutena as a mid-tier character. However, many players argue that Palutena should have remained a low-tier character, owing to her strengths not being as potent as previously deemed, as well as her noticeable weaknesses.


==[[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Palutena and Dark Pit|Reveal trailer]]==
==[[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Palutena and Dark Pit|Reveal trailer]]==
{{#widget:YouTube|id=xqTW13AYniY}}
{{#widget:YouTube|id=xqTW13AYniY}}


==Trophies==
==[[Trophies]]==
:'''Palutena'''
{{Trophy/Fighter
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''In Kid Icarus: Uprising, the goddess of light uses telepathy to communicate and grants miracles to support Pit on his adventure. In Smash Bros., she has special moves like Warp and Heavenly Light at her disposal. She's very adaptable—you can customize her into a long- or close-range fighter!''
|name=Palutena
|image-3ds=PalutenaTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=PalutenaTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Classic
|desc-ntsc=In Kid Icarus: Uprising, the goddess of light uses telepathy to communicate and grants miracles to support Pit on his adventure. In Smash Bros., she has special moves like Warp and Heavenly Light at her disposal. She's very adaptable—you can customize her into a long- or close-range fighter!
|desc-pal=Said to be able to perform miracles, this goddess supports Pit in battle, using telepathy to communicate with him. She's no slouch on her own, either. She has a huge variety of moves you can customise and use to your advantage. Short or long range, the sky's the limit! Or maybe not. After all, she can teleport.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus|release1=08/1987|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising|release2=03/2012}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus|release1=02/1987|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising|release2=03/2012}}
}}
{{clrl}}


::{{flag|pal}} ''Said to be able to perform miracles, this goddess supports Pit in battle, using telepathy to communicate with him. She's no slouch on her own, either. She has a huge variety of moves you can customise and use to your advantage. Short or long range, the sky's the limit! Or maybe not. After all, she can teleport.''
{{Trophy/Fighter
|name=Palutena (Alt.)
|image-3ds=PalutenaAltTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=PalutenaAltTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Alt
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Palutena's Reflect Barrier side special deflects any attacks and projectiles that come at her from the front. Unlike other reflective moves, you can leave this barrier in place and it will keep reflecting. If you really want to ruin someone's day, you can push them over an edge using this move.
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Palutena's Reflect Barrier side special deflects any attacks and projectiles that come at her from the front. Unlike others' reflective moves, she can move a bit while this barrier is active. If you really want to ruin someone's day, you can push him or her over an edge using this move.
|desc-pal=Palutena's Reflect Barrier special deflects any attacks and projectiles that come at her from the front. Unlike other fighters' reflective moves, you can deploy this barrier and then leave it to its own devices. You can also push opponents with it, so use it on someone who's teetering on the edge of the stage to push them off.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus|release1=08/1987|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising|release2=03/2012}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus|release1=02/1987|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising|release2=03/2012}}
}}
{{clrl}}


{{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus (08/1987)|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising (03/2012)}}
{{Trophy/Fighter
 
|name=Black Hole Laser
:'''Palutena (Alt.)'''
|image=BlackHoleLaserTrophyWiiU.png
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Palutena's Reflect Barrier side special deflects any attacks and projectiles that come at her from the front. Unlike other reflective moves, you can leave this barrier in place and it will keep reflecting. If you really want to ruin someone's day, you can push them over an edge using this move.''
|desc-ntsc=Palutena's Final Smash. After doing a divine twirl, she creates a black hole in front of her, drawing in her opponents. When she's got 'em where she wants 'em, she follows up with a wide laser beam that reaches from one edge of the screen to the other. It even changes direction slightly, just in case someone managed to avoid the black hole.
 
|desc-pal=Palutena's Final Smash. After doing a divine twirl, she creates a black hole in front of her, drawing in her opponents. When she's got 'em where she wants 'em, the next step is a wide laser beam that reaches from one edge of the screen to the other. It even changes direction slightly, for that extra chance of taking out her foes.
::{{flag|pal}} ''Palutena's Reflect Barrier special deflects any attacks and projectiles that come at her from the front. Unlike other fighters' reflective moves, you can deploy this barrier and then leave it to its own devices. You can also push opponents with it, so use it on someone who's teetering on the edge of the stage to push them off.''
|game=ssb4-wiiu
 
}}
{{Trophy games|console1=NES|game1=Kid Icarus (08/1987)|console2=3DS|game2=Kid Icarus: Uprising (03/2012)}}
{{clrl}}
 
:'''Black Hole Laser'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Palutena's Final Smash. After doing a divine twirl, she creates a black hole in front of her, drawing in her opponents. When she's got 'em where she wants 'em, she follows up with a wide laser beam that reaches from one edge of the screen to the other. It even changes direction slightly, just in case someone managed to avoid the black hole.''
 
::{{flag|pal}} ''Palutena's Final Smash. After doing a divine twirl, she creates a black hole in front of her, drawing in her opponents. When she's got 'em where she wants 'em, the next step is a wide laser beam that reaches from one edge of the screen to the other. It even changes direction slightly, for that extra chance of taking out her foes.''
 
<center>
<gallery>
PalutenaTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
PalutenaAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
PalutenaTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
PalutenaAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
BlackHoleLaserTrophyWiiU.png|[[Black Hole Laser]]
</gallery>
</center>


==In [[Event Match]]es==
==In [[Event Match]]es==
Line 359: Line 403:
==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSB4 Newcomer Introduction Palutena.png|Palutena's splash art.
Palutena amiibo.png|Palutena's [[amiibo]].
Palutena Poster.jpg|Artwork of Palutena used on the website. In addition to featuring her, {{SSB4|Pit}} and {{SSB4|Link}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}} is visible in the background.
Palutena Poster.jpg|Artwork of Palutena used on the website. In addition to featuring her, {{SSB4|Pit}} and {{SSB4|Link}}, {{SSB4|Dark Pit}} is visible in the background.
SSB4 Newcomer Introduction Palutena.png|Palutena's splash art.
PotD Palutena comment.jpg|The Pic of the Day revealing Palutena's inclusion.
PotD Palutena comment.jpg|The Pic of the Day revealing Palutena's inclusion.
Palutena amiibo.png|Palutena's [[amiibo]].
SSB4 Palutena Screen-1.jpg|Palutena, as she appears in {{forwiiu}}.
SSB4 Palutena Screen-1.jpg|Palutena, as she appears in {{forwiiu}}.
SSB4 Palutena Screen-2.jpg|Using [[Explosive Flame]].
SSB4 Palutena Screen-2.jpg|Using [[Explosive Flame]].
Line 387: Line 431:
**She is the only character in the game, whose default moveset has both a [[Reflect Barrier|reflector]] and a [[Counter (Palutena)|counterattack]] as well as the first to do so in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
**She is the only character in the game, whose default moveset has both a [[Reflect Barrier|reflector]] and a [[Counter (Palutena)|counterattack]] as well as the first to do so in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series.
**She and the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s are the only characters whose custom special moves are immediately available instead of being unlockable.
**She and the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s are the only characters whose custom special moves are immediately available instead of being unlockable.
***They are also the only characters whose custom moves are completely different from one another, rather than being the same moves with different properties.
**{{SSB4|Kirby}} has [http://orangerob.tumblr.com/post/100877071708/kirby-saying-the-english-versions-of-copy-moves unused sound files] that consist of him vocalizing all three of her neutral special moves. This suggests that either it was not until late in development that it was decided which would be Palutena's default neutral special move, or that Kirby was originally able to [[Inhale (Kirby)|copy]] any one of her neutral special moves.
**{{SSB4|Kirby}} has [http://orangerob.tumblr.com/post/100877071708/kirby-saying-the-english-versions-of-copy-moves unused sound files] that consist of him vocalizing all three of her neutral special moves. This suggests that either it was not until late in development that it was decided which would be Palutena's default neutral special move, or that Kirby was originally able to [[Inhale (Kirby)|copy]] any one of her neutral special moves.
*Palutena is one of the few characters who can occasionally say something upon being KO'd instead of typically grunting or yelling in pain. In her case, she says "Oh no!"
*Palutena is one of the few characters who can occasionally say something upon being KO'd instead of typically grunting or yelling in pain. In her case, she says "Oh no!"
PowerShield03
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edits

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