Editing Fox (SSBM)

|rankingPAL = 1

}}

Despite being ranked first, Fox is not flawless. One of Fox’s primary weaknesses is his rather short [[reach]], due to his lack of disjointed hitboxes outside of his Shine. As such, he gets outspaced by other top tiers, especially in aerial combat, though his fast movement can compensate for this. His high falling speed makes him very easy to combo and chaingrab off of a single conversion from the opponent, and his light weight can result in extremely early horizontal KOs if the player's [[DI]] is poor. Although he boasts long-distance recovery options, their linear paths makes it easier for certain characters like {{SSBM|Marth}} to predict his recovery path and [[edge guard]] or [[gimp]] him. Fox also has an extremely high technical learning curve, as most of his techniques require extremely nimble fingers and fast reaction time. Also, due to his aforementioned flaws, Fox is considered to be a glass cannon, where he could lose a stock if a single mistake is made, giving him a high cerebral learning curve. So while Fox has incredible fighting prowess and potential, many consider Fox to be arguably the hardest character to play as and master, requiring a lot of practice. Although Fox can rack up damage quickly, his combo game is rather unreliable, as many of his strings rely on tech-chasing and DI mixups rather than guaranteed hits. Fox also lacks a good combo finisher in his kit, as his shine spike is extremely situational and cannot be properly used to end his combos. Unlike other top tiers, such as {{SSBM|Falco}}, {{SSBM|Marth}}, {{SSBM|Sheik}}, and {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}, who can net a kill off of starting a combo at mid percents, Fox's best option after a combo is to create an edgeguard situation (usually with his {{Mvsub|Fox|SSBM|back aerial}}), which gives the opponent a chance to recover. As such, Fox relies on getting a kill confirm at high percents to net KOs if he can't successfully edgeguard or shine spike his opponents.

==Attributes==

Fox's primary reason for his top-tier placing is his unparalleled comboing and damaging ability, helped by a powerful [[approach]] game. His fast fall and low, fast short hop contribute to an extremely quick [[SHFFL]], which can let him almost effortlessly start combos or act as a deadly approach option. Additionally, Fox's specials act as powerful ways to aid this; his [[Reflector (Fox)|Reflector]] comes out on frame 1, and makes for a potential combo starter, as well as a potential [[infinite]] combo with his [[waveshine infinite]], and his [[Blaster (Fox)|Blaster]] is an almost unstoppable damage-racking method, due to its long range, inability to cause [[hitstun]], high speed and its ability to be combined with Fox's [[short hop]] as part of the [[short hop laser]] technique. Additionally, a majority of Fox's attacks inflict significant damage while being very fast as well; his {{mvsub|Fox|SSBM|neutral aerial}}, {{mvsub|Fox|SSBM|back aerial}}, and tilts are especially notable in this regard, with the remainder of his aerials having little [[ending lag]].

While not the best, Fox's [[grab]] game is decent. His [[throw]]s' low knockback allow him to set up potentially lethal combos. His {{mvsub|Fox|SSBM|up throw}} can lead into a sweet spotted up aerial, one of Fox's primary KO methods, and can even [[chain throw]] [[fast faller]]s. His forward and back throws force opponents a fair distance off the stage, aptly setting up opportunities for Fox to use his smashes, aerials, or [[shine spike]]s to edgeguard. In rare situations, Fox can use his down throw to [[meteor smash]] his opponents off the edge of a stage. Despite this, Fox's grab range is average, though his high dashing speed gives him a potential method to "extend" its range. Fox also cannot reliably chain grab at higher percentages, though he retains his ability to hit most opponents out of his up throw with guaranteed aerials, depending on [[DI]].

==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==

===Aesthetics===

*{{change|Fox [[falling speed|fall]]s significantly faster (2 (60) → 2.8), to the point where it is now almost as high as his [[fast fall]]ing speed in the previous game. His increased falling speed aids his [[approach]] and pressure ability due to his very strong [[SHFFL]], and makes him harder to KO vertically, but makes him more susceptible to combos.}}

**{{nerf|Fox's [[fast fall]]ing speed is also faster (3.2 (96) → 3.4). However, the difference between his falling speed and fast falling speed is much lower (increase: 60% → 21.4%), which makes it more predictable when landing and gives him fewer options in the air.}}

*{{nerf|Fox's snout and the darker portion of his tail now have hurtboxes. This make Fox easier to hit.}}

*{{buff|The introduction of [[air dodge]]s has immensely benefited Fox as it gives him access to [[wavedashing]] and wavelanding and his fast jumping and falling speed allow him to make excellent use of wavedashing.}}

**{{nerf|The lasers no longer have an infinite duration, now only lasting 34 frames.}}

*[[Fox Illusion]]:

*[[Fire Fox]]:

**{{buff|Fire Fox now has hitboxes while it is charging, which leaves Fox much less vulnerable and increases Fire Fox's maximum damage potential (16% → 2% (hits 1-7)/14% (hit 8)/25% (total)).}}

**{{buff|Fire Fox has a larger hitbox (3u → 4u).}}

**{{buff|Fire Fox travels further and faster.}}

**{{buff|Fox can now grab ledges from behind after dashing with Fire Fox.}}

**{{buff|Fire Fox has less landing lag (12 frames → 6/3).}}

**{{nerf|Reflector no longer auto-cancels on landing. While this allows Fox to keep holding out reflector when he lands to reflect projectiles, this also makes the move much more punishable if he lands with it.}}

***{{nerf|This along with the changes to shields have hindered its shield pressuring potential, with shine no longer being able to lead into a guaranteed shield break (although it still remains one of the best shield pressuring tools in the game).}}

**{{nerf|Reflector has a lower reflection multiplier (1.8x → 1.5x), regaining its multiplier from the Japanese version of ''Smash 64''.}}

**{{nerf|Reflector has more ending lag after reflecting a projectile (FAF 25 → 39).}}

==Version history==

Despite this, his tournament viability is not severely affected, as he is also ranked 1st on the [[PAL tier list]] (though recently, this has become more debatable).

|neutralinf=y

|neutralcount=2

|neutral1dmg=4%

|neutral2dmg=4%

|neutralinfdmg=1% (loop)

|neutraldesc=A quick jab that can combo into several other attacks, including an up smash. Very useful against shields, to [[jab reset]], and into shine cancels. The second jab makes Fox move forward a bit and is followed by a flurry of rapid kicks. Its combo ability into other moves makes it the best jab in the game.

|ftiltdmg=9%

|ftiltdesc=Sticks his foot out to the side. This is best used for a quick close-ranged [[spacing]] move. This move can be aimed up or down.

|utiltdmg=12% (foot grounded), 9% (leg & foot aerial)

|utiltdesc=Performs a quick and surprisingly strong vertical back kick. It covers Fox's whole body; thus, it makes Fox and his vertically-aimed foot a hitbox. Its speed, power, and hitbox make it great for close-up spacing. It can easily combo into itself, up air, and up smash. Used as part as a [[chain-grab]] against fast-fallers with it being connected to his up throw. Begins to KO at around 120% on mostly the floaty lightweights. Fox's foot deals more damage on grounded opponents.

|dtiltdmg=10%

|dtiltdesc=Performs a sweeping tail lash. Moderately fast. Can combo at mid-percentages into aerials. It can also become a somewhat solid finisher at higher percentages.

|dashdmg=7% (clean), 5% (late)

|dashdesc=Runs forward and sticks his leg out. Good combo ability, especially into an up smash. Very vulnerable to [[crouch canceling]].

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|15}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (late)

|fsmashdesc=Performs a flying hook kick. Has rather low knockback (extremely low base knockback - 10) for a smash attack, though it is fast, and is actually quite reliable at higher percentages (very high knockback scaling - 105), KOing usually at around 120%.

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|18}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|17}} (clean NTSC/PAL), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (late)

|usmashdesc=Performs a bicycle kick. This move is very fast, and when used on the ground while facing the foe, it has very high vertical knockback. It is very reliable at mid-high damages. Shine into up smash is very useful for KOs. Considered one of the best up smashes in the game due to its extreme speed, extreme power, decent range, and ability to be easily set up into it. It is the second most powerful up smash in the game, behind {{SSBM|Pikachu}}'s. Fox's head is intangible during the early part of the animation.

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|15}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (feet NTSC/PAL), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (legs)

|dsmashdesc=Does a split kick, hitting on both of his sides. It is fast and has moderate knockback, sending opponents on a [[semi-spike]] trajectory. Useful for [[edgeguarding]] and spacing. Both of Fox's legs are intangible near the start of the move.

|nairdmg=12% (clean), 9% (late)

|nairdesc=Sticks his foot out, a simple [[sex kick]]. A very quick aerial, good against shields and great power when it first comes out. One of the best neutral airs in the game due to its combo ability and reliable setups into shine.

|fairdmg=7% (hit 1), 5% (hit 2), 6% (hit 3), 4% (hit 4), 3% (hit 5)

|fairdesc=Kicks forward five times. Good knockback when all hits connect. Regrettably, this move is very awkward due to the short amount of forward distance, short range of the move, and bad physics of the kicks being chained together. All hits are extremely hard to connect without a good set-up, especially on lighter characters.

|bairdmg=15% (clean right leg), 9% (clean left leg, late)

|bairdesc=Does a quick no-look kick backwards while recovering in a turn, with sex kick properties. Great knockback on early hit, and one of Fox's best edgeguarding and KO moves.

|uairdmg=5% (hit 1), 13% (hit 2)

|uairdesc=Whips his tail up and kicks immediately after. A very high knockback move, good vertical finisher, can combo out of an up throw on virtually everyone. It and his up smash give Fox an advantage against light, floaty characters, notably {{SSBM|Jigglypuff}} and {{SSBM|Kirby}}. Can be Smash DI'd out of however. Considered to be one of the best up airs in the game due to it's juggling prowess, speed, power, and ability to be comboed into.

|dairdmg=2-3% (hits 1-7)

|dairdesc=Spins around, drilling downwards with his extended foot. Useful as a [[SHFFL]]'d approach option, with combo potential into moves like up tilt, up smash, and shine. It is the weakest [[spike]] in the game, with weak set knockback.

|grabdesc=

|pummeldmg=3%

|pummeldesc=Knees opponent.

|fthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|fthrowdesc=Punches the opponent forward. Despite its generally poor combo ability, it can chain-grab on some heavy characters. It is best used for forcing opponents offstage, setting up an edgeguard.

|bthrowdmg=2% (throw), 2% (shots)

|bthrowdesc=Throws backwards and shoots the opponent with his Blaster. Used mainly for setting up edgeguards off-stage, though really not many other uses besides mixing up a Fox player's throw game.

|uthrowdmg=2% (throw), 2% (shots)

|uthrowdesc=Throws the opponent into the air and shoots them with his Blaster. It can chain-grab fast fallers at lower percentages and combo into moves such as up tilt, up aerial, and up smash. Often considered the best up throw in the game due to its easy kill setups (notably up throw to up air), its chaingrab ability, and its juggle potential (up air juggles after up throw).

|dthrowdmg=1% (shots), 1% (throw)

|dthrowdesc=Throws the opponent into the ground and shoots them with his Blaster. Has [[meteor smash]] properties, and if performed at the edge of a stage or platform, can send the opponent plummeting down. This is useful as a mixup at high percents or as a tech chase into a KO move. However, this also allows it to be meteor cancelled or teched, and faces competition with up throw, which has true combo followups on the majority of the cast.

|dsdmg=5% (startup), 1.5x damage for reflected projectiles

|dsdesc=Informally referred to as the Shine, it reflects any projectiles that hit it back at the opponent who fired them for 1.5x damage and knockback. This move has low base knockback, but is an extremely useful [[semi-spike]] as it can push opponents offstage while [[edgeguarding]], to prevent them from recovering. Due to the set knockback, it has guaranteed followups on much of the cast at any percentage. The move can be jump cancelled to avoid the ending lag, allowing Fox to quickly jump up off stage, and it also gives him access to the [[waveshine]] technique. Reflector is invincible and active on the first frame of the animation, and thus considered one of the best Down B's in the game (along with Falco's).

}}

==In [[competitive play]]==

===Tier placement and history===

Fox has been a top-tiered character, along with {{SSBM|Falco}} and {{SSBM|Sheik}}, since the very first ''Melee'' tier list, and has never fallen below third place. However, he was not at the top of the list for the first seven revisions, as Sheik was then considered to be the best character in the game. Many of the top players in the early metagame, including {{Sm|Ken}} and {{Sm|Azen}}, used Fox only as a secondary for specific matchups; solo Fox mains such as {{Sm|Chillin}}, on the other hand, were not as successful nationally. Eventually, more dedicated Fox mains, such as {{Sm|PC Chris}}, {{Sm|FASTLIKETREE}}, {{Sm|KoreanDJ}}, and {{Sm|Mew2King}}, began to revitalize his metagame by pushing Fox's technical ceiling. They began placing within the top 8 of [[Major League Gaming|MLG]]-sponsored tournaments, and their consistency and dominance in the scene resulted in Sheik's dethroning from first to third place on the eighth revision of the tier list in July of 2006, with Fox taking the top spot. Later that year, PC Chris and KoreanDJ placed 1st and 2nd, respectively, at the [[MLG Las Vegas 2006|MLG Las Vegas]] national championships, using Fox primarily in Grand Finals, which cemented his position on the list.

The meteoric rise of {{Sm|Leffen}} in 2014 and 2015 as a solo Fox main, along with Mango's continued dominance, solidified many players' opinions about Fox's place at the top of the metagame. Many players who mained a lower-ranked character, most notably {{Sm|Hax}}, even abandoned their former character in favor of using only Fox, and other players, such as {{Sm|Armada}}, picked up Fox as a co-main to alleviate trouble against certain opponents. This heavily increased presence led panelists to rank Fox as decisively 1st on the tier list, which caused him to be placed in his own tier at the top of the most recent tier list (much akin to {{SSB|Pikachu}} in the previous iterations of the ''64'' tier list or {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''Brawl''). However, his tier placement was met with some backlash; community members argued that designating Fox as "SS-tier" implied that he was overwhelmingly superior to the rest of the cast, when the true power gap between the top 3 characters was not actually that large, and that Fox was merely the most common and clear #1 out of them.

====PAL viability====

Fox was nerfed in the PAL version of ''Melee''. While his nerfs seem insignificant, they actually affect his matchups more than most other nerfed characters. The nerf to his up smash allows several characters to barely survive in that version where they would not have been able to in NTSC, forcing Fox mains to learn later KO percentages for it; at those percentages, however, some up smash setups are no longer guaranteed. Fox's nerfed recovery also weakens his off-stage game, as he can no longer travel as far off-stage to intercept enemies, and hinders his survivability, especially against characters who retain their edgeguarding ability, such as Sheik and Marth. The nerf to his weight exacerbates his decreased survivability, but as a positive note, allows him to escape combos more easily.

Fox players who travel to attend large tournaments, such as {{Sm|Leffen}}, are forced to adjust to these changes in gameplay, which can be an obstacle when fighting in a foreign country or continent. A handful of these players own copies of both the PAL and NTSC versions of the game to allow practice before international tournaments, mainly to practice executing certain Fox-specific setups that are impossible in the PAL version but present in the NTSC version, or to practice accommodating for the lack of these setups with backup strategies.

==In 1-P Mode==

<gallery>

SSBM Fox HQ.jpg|Official artwork of Fox.

FalcoClassicMode.jpg|Lying next to {{SSBM|Falco}} on [[Corneria]].

CaptainFalconClassicMode.jpg|Knocked back by {{SSBM|Captain Falcon}}'s [[Falcon Kick]] on Corneria.

BowserAllStarMode.jpg|[[Taunt]]ing {{SSBM|Bowser}} on [[Temple]].

DrMarioAllStarMode.jpg|[[Stun]]ned next to {{SSBM|Dr. Mario}} on [[Princess Peach's Castle]].

CaptainFalconAllStarMode.jpg|Posing with Captain Falcon on {{SSBM|Final Destination}}.

NessAllStarMode.jpg|Using Blaster on {{SSBM|Ness}} on Pokémon Stadium.

*In ''Melee'', Fox uses his tail as a support while firing his Blaster, but not in later games.

*Fox in ''Melee'' and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''Brawl'' are the only characters to have ever been in the SS tier.

{{SSBMCharacters}}

{{EnemiesAdvSSBM}}