Editing Kirby (PM)

{{ArticleIcons|pm=y|p+=y}}

|name = Kirby

|image = {{tabber|title1=Kirby (PM)|content1=[[File:Kirby SSBB.jpg|250px]]|title2=Kirby (P+)|content2=[[File:PPlus Kirby.png|250px]]|title3=Fighter Kirby (P+)|content3=[[File:PPlus_Kirby Fighter.png|250px]]|title4=Cowboy Kirby (P+)|content4=[[File:PPlus_Kirby Cowboy.png|250px]]}}

|mod = Project M

|base = SSBB

|moveset1 = Kirby (SSBM)

|moveset2 = Kirby (SSBB)

|altcostume = Fighter Kirby (''[[Project+]]''), Cowboy Kirby (''[[Project+]]'')

'''Kirby''' is a playable character in the ''[[Brawl]]'' mod ''[[Project M]]''. For his appearance in ''Project M'', he has been given a buffed moveset that draws from both his ''Brawl'' and ''Melee'' versions, along with other unique changes that provide ''[[Project M]]'' Kirby with a distinctive playstyle exclusive to the mod.  

 

Kirby ranks 40th out of 41 on the [[Project M#Tier list|official]] [[tier list]], being at the top of the D- tier. This is a significant drop from his ''Brawl'' position as 20th out of 38, and roughly similar to his ''Melee'' ranking of 25th out of 26. He ranks marginally higher in the [[Project+]] tier list, being ranked 35th out of 42 characters, placing him near the top of the C tier.

Kirby is a lightweight character with slow fast fall speed, making him difficult to combo but easy to KO once a hit lands. He can jump up to six times (five in the air, one on the ground), enabling him to [[edgeguard]] opponents for an exceedingly long time and at great distances, all the while being able to recover once the deed is done. His poor [[Dash|dash speed]] and limited [[Approach|approach]] options despite being a close-range fighter, however, make Kirby susceptible to [[Camping|camping]] and other defensive strategies. His small stature makes him a difficult target to hit, with his [[Crouching|crouch]] shrinking to a very small height, making him unreachable against some attacks, including [[Grab|grabs]].

 

Kirby's overall moveset consist of quick attacks at close range. While lacking in strength and pressure from afar, Kirby possesses decent [[combo]] potential and strong utility when the opponent is up close and personal. [[Jab]] comes out very quick and is able to [[jab reset]], making it a great follow up for down throw when an opponent misses their [[tech]]. Because Kirby's legs have no [[Hurtbox|hurtbox]], most of his moves are also surprisingly disjoint, providing him decent [[spacing]] tools relative to his size. Kirby's down tilt and forward tilt are his primary ground spacing tools, with emphasis on the former. Despite possessing little knockback, both moves are capable of effectively pushing away opponents and exerting pressure, and are even safe on [[shield]]. Both are also useful edgeguarding tools, knocking opponents away from the ledge for an easy [[gimp]]. Down tilt also shrinks Kirby's body down (effectively the size of when he's [[crouch]]ing), making him difficult to hit or grab when he's performing the move. Kirby's up tilt is one of his strongest combo tools, comboing into itself at early percents and sending the opponent upward for reliable [[Juggle|juggling]]. Kirby's ''[[Melee]]'' [[dash attack]] has been brought back for ''[[Project M]]'', now possessing significantly more speed, less [[lag]], and more [[knockback]]. Being one of his primary approach options, Kirby's dash attack is a great combo starter and is also a reliable move when covering [[Tech-chasing|tech options]].

 

Kirby's [[smash attacks]] have decent kill power while being relatively quick, and are effective options in [[KO|KOing]] opponents when [[edgeguarding]] proves to be difficult. Kirby's forward smash possesses the most [[Knockback|knockback]] of his three smash attacks, covering decent range and is effective against opponents attempting to recover back onto stage. Kirby's down smash comes out very fast and has decent [[knockback]], and is devastating when [[edgeguarding]] opponents trying to [[recover]] from below the stage. Up smash provides good [[Knockback|vertical knockback]], and is a decent [[Out of shield|out of shield option]] against especially [[Lag|laggy]] moves. All three [[smash attacks]] are good combo finishers, dishing out good [[Percent|percent damage]] at the early stages of an opponent's [[stock]].

Kirby's aerials are among the fastest in the game, coupled with his numerous jumps make his edgeguarding abilities especially dangerous. His neutral air comes out incredibly fast and attacks around Kirby's body, making it a great [[Out of shield|out of shield option]]. Kirby's back air is disjoint and relatively big in compared to Kirby's body, making it great for zoning out opponents and racking up damage. Kirby's back air is also capable of performing the [[Wall of pain|Fence of Pain]], making it great for both comboing and KOing. Kirby's up air, while a significant nerf compared to its ''[[Melee]]'' counterpart, is good for comboing opponents, with a [[sourspot]] that can [[semi spike]]. Up air can also finish off opponents at high percents. Kirby's down air is great for [[Gimping|gimping]] opponents, and while it has more lag than Kirby's other aerials, it can lead to a smash attack when used onstage.

 

Kirby's grab game is a useful part of his toolkit. Relative to his size, Kirby's grab range is quite large, with his pivot grab being deceptively long. His down-throw can lead to a [[Tech-chasing|tech-chase]] on most characters, allowing him to rack up easy damage and possibly net him a KO. Back throw is an excellent positional throw that, when used near the ledge, sets up easy edgeguarding situations, allowing Kirby to [[Gimp|gimp]] his opponents at notoriously low percents. Up throw has several follow-ups at early and mid percentages (including his [[Hammer (move)|aerial hammer]] on fast-fallers), but is rather situational compared to the two aforementioned throws. Forward throw is also a situational move but has niches uses at very low percents, notably the move can be wavelanded into a grab once again on some characters.

 

Kirby's special moves are very punishing and shouldn't be taken lightly. Kirby's neutral special, {{b|Inhale|Kirby}}, is a [[grab]] that allows him to copy the [[neutral special move]] of his opponent, providing him substantial options depending on the character he swallows (such as being able to [[Short hop laser|short hop double laser]] with {{PM|Falco}}'s {{b|Blaster|Falco}}). Kirby can also spit out his opponent, turning them into a star-shaped [[projectile]] for a brief period of time. Infamously, Kirby can use inhale to perform a [[Kirbycide|kirbycide]] by jumping off the stage while the opponent is still in his mouth. Kirby's {{b|Hammer|move}} is a cumbersome, yet very strong move that can rack up heavy damage, if not outright KO an opponent when landed successfully. While not recommended to be used during the [[neutral game]] due to its poor speed, hammer is a great follow-up on an opponent who missed their [[tech]], and is especially useful in conjunction with Kirby's down throw [[Tech-chasing|tech-chase]]. The hammer when used in the air swings two times instead of only once, with the second swing being a [[semi-spike]]. Kirby's down special, [[Stone]], has received significant changes since its ''[[Brawl]]'' and ''[[Melee]]'' iterations. Stone no longer provides invincibility when under transformation, and instead provides [[armor]], making it easier to break the transformation with an attack. The move, however, has had significant decrease during start-up, and is now much more useful as a means to punish opponents trying to [[Juggle|juggle]] Kirby, often outright KOing them. [[Final Cutter]] is Kirby's primary recovery move, giving good vertical distance and decent horizontal drift to provide subtle mix-ups. Final Cutter's downward strike can also [[spike]], providing extra utility during [[edgeguard]]s. Unique to ''[[Project M]]'', Final Cutter can be aimed for a horizontal "Cutter Dash", providing Kirby with an extra recovery option. Using Cutter Dash provides Kirby with one jump remaining, which is useful for follow-ups if Kirby uses Cutter Dash as an approach option. Final Cutter, while a safe option most of the time, can be dangerous since it leaves Kirby with no jumps if he is knocked out of the move, making it nearly impossible for Kirby to recover again.

 

Despite his quick speed and impressive [[Edgeguarding|edgeguarding]] tools, Kirby has numerous weaknesses that inherently come with his playstyle. His below average speed on the ground and in the air without a proper projectile makes him susceptible to defensive play, particularly characters with good [[projectile]]s or ability to [[Camping|camp]]. Kirby also lacks a reliable way to [[KO]] opponents raw, and can be at times over reliant on his [[gimp]]ing game. Characters with strong [[Recovery|recoveries]] can be difficult to deal with since Kirby will have few reliable ways to take stocks. In spite of his exploitable weaknesses and low placement in the [http://pmunderground.net/index.php/articles/9-articles/45-introducing-the-new-pmbr-and-pm-tier-list-2 most recent ''Project M'' tier list], Kirby has seen some success in the competitive scene, with players such as {{Sm|Tetraflora}}, {{Sm|ChuDat}}, and {{Sm|YadoR}} being national threats at some point in time.

[[File:KirbyFireballPM.jpg|thumb|200px|Kirby's dash attack in ''Project M''.]]

[[File:KirbyCutterdashPM.jpg|thumb|210px|Kirby's Final Cutter aimed horizontally.]]

*{{change|As a down [[Smash Taunt]], Kirby says "Hiii!" in a higher pitch and accent similar to the ''Smash 64'' and ''Melee'' versions. This is an otherwise unused voice clip from ''Brawl''{{'}}s sound test.}}

*{{buff|All throws (except down throw) follow up better into aerial attacks, increasing Kirby's KO ability.}}

*{{buff|All hits of down throw deal damage like in ''Brawl'', instead of only the last hit as in ''Melee''.}}

===Special Moves===

**{{buff|[[Chomp]] remains unchanged from ''Brawl'', with additional increases in damage; it holds enemies for longer and bites more times, inflicting 5% damage and biting a maximum of 6 times, dealing 30% damage total. It cannot spit enemies backwards like Wario's version however.}}

**{{buff|Kirby's version of [[Palutena's Arrow]] does not deal less damage at a distance, but does not possess its new juggling potential.}}

***{{buff|Kirby's arrows also retain their turning speed from ''Brawl'' so can be aimed better in some situations.}}

**{{nerf|Kirby does not possess Snake's new rolling [[Hand Grenade]] toss.}}

**{{buff|[[Fire Breath]] startup can be land cancelled to perform a Flame Cancel (an advanced technique of 1.00 ''Melee'' Bowser), has greater range when fully decayed, but it doesn't possess an ending bite}}

**{{change|For Lucas's ability, Kirby copies PK Freeze (side special) rather than Offense Up. It acts more like a traditional projectile; it still possesses high hitlag with 5% damage, but has faster start-up and is not land-cancellable.}}

*{{buff|Cutter Dash can be performed on the ground and is more lenient to perform. It can additionally be [[ledge-cancel]]ed.}}

| || 3% (hits 1-2), 5-6% (hit 3) || Dashes forward with a fiery spiraling headbutt. Based on the Burning Attack move from the Burning ability in his games. Can fall off edges unlike most other dash attacks, setting up [[edgeguard]]s against recovering opponents.

| || {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|15}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|14}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (mid), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|13}}/{{ChargedSmashDmgSSBM|12}} (late) || Kirby performs a bicycle kick, similar to Fox's up smash. Deals more damage and knockback if the opponent is closer to Kirby's foot. Can easily lead into aerials at low-mid percentages. Kirby's foot has some [[intangibility]] while the hitboxes are active.

| || 5% (hits 1-2), 7% (hit 3) || Alternating his feet, Kirby delivers three spin kicks forward. Good [[Edgeguard|edgeguarding]] move, but can be [[SDI|SDI'd]] to cause Kirby to whiff the third hit or cause the knockback to send the opponent back on stage.

| || 14% (clean), 10% (late) || Quickly crouches in midair and performs a reverse dropkick. A quick powerful hit, whose hitboxes also cover Kirby's body for some frontal range. Can lead to a [[Wall of pain|Fence of Pain]], and is one of his best [[Edgeguard|edgeguarding]] tools.

| || 4% || Kirby does a suplex forward, spinning in the air and hitting them into the ground. One of his more situational throws, can lead to some follow-ups at early-to-mid percentage. Unlike in ''Melee'', it cannot be used to perform a [[Kirbycide]].

| || 7% || Kirby jumps with the foe skyward to the upper blast line, then drops down with them against the floor, generating an explosion. Weaker than its previous iterations, but can be followed-up with aerials or special moves depending on the opponent's percentage and [[Directional influence|DI]]. On the drop down, Kirby and his opponent will collide with any [[Soft platform|soft platforms]] in the way.

| || 1% (hits 1-6), 2% (throw) || Repeatedly and very quickly stomps the opponent on the floor. Kirby's only throw that can damage nearby opponents. Inflicts weak, straightly vertical knockback, acting as a [[tech-chasing]] move at most percentages depending on the character.

| {{b|Inhale|Kirby}} || 3% (copy), 10% (spit), 9-18% (star) || Kirby uses his trademark swallowing move, opening his mouth and dragging any opponents or [[Item swallow|items]] at close ranges into his stomach. Upon swallowing an opponent, Kirby can either spit them out as a star projectile (which cannot be reflected for absorbed) that deals damage based on the spat out foe's [[weight]], or suck them to acquire a nearly-identical version of their [[neutral special]] move (or other special for a few characters), sending them away at his back afterwards. These copied abilities can be removed voluntarily by performing a [[Taunt|taunt]]. If none of these options is chosen, Kirby can move around with the swallowed foe at a rather sluggish speed and jump, though they can then [[Button mashing|mash]] out of the move like with a regular grab. In midair, Kirby can move sideways whilst inhaling and drag swallowed foes with himself into the bottom blast line, known as a [[Kirbycide]].

| [[Final Cutter]] || 8% (rise/cutter dash), 2% (drop), 5-6% (shockwave) || Kirby takes out a silver blade, swinging it upwards, then downwards, and lastly generating a shockwave as he lands with it. The first hit has a straight upwards angle, while the second hit is a [[Spike|spike]], leading into the projectile afterwards. Kirby can slightly move horizontally during the move, and the down slice cancels upon sweetspotting a ledge, making it an useful [[recovery]] move. The shockwave can be [[reflect]]ed and [[absorb]]ed. If the [[B button]] is held and the [[control stick]] is held forward while preparing the move, Kirby will instead perform a single horizontal slice (dealing the same damage as the first hit of the original version), which can be [[ledge-cancel]]ed and/or quickly followed up with an aerial as it ends, making the move useful for [[combo]]s. Both versions don't cause [[helplessness]], and the horizontal version leaves Kirby with one midair jump.

| [[Stone]] || 13% (fall), 10% (quake) || Kirby turns into a heavy object, then quickly falls down (if started from the air). He then stays transformed for one second upon landing. Unlike in the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' games, this move is much faster in startup, but doesn't protect Kirby from attacks, instead just giving him [[armor]]; this begins as light armor as he starts the move, then changes to medium and finally heavy armor as he transforms completely. The move's falling hitbox also deals less damage and knockback with a weak upwards trajectory, functioning more as a quick countering attack rather than a KOing one. Landing with the Stone produces quake hitboxes, which are stronger and inflict horizontal knockback. Kirby can slightly move left and right with the move during startup, but the fall then negates all horizontal momentum. Kirby can transform into 5 different objects, which include: a pink stone or 100-ton weight (from ''Kirby Super Star''), a garbage block from ''Panel de Pon'', a spiked ball, and a Thwomp from ''Super Mario 64''.

===Most historically significant players===

 

*{{Sm|Cory|USA}} - Considered the best Kirby player in the world, being the highest ranked Kirby on the [[2022 PMRank]] at 17th.

*{{Sm|Pyth|Canada}} - Ranked 1st on the Northern Ontario ''Project M'' Power Rankings. Placed 13th at [[Frozen Phoenix 2017]].

*{{Sm|YadoR|USA}} - Was considered the best Kirby player in the world before he went inactive after 2018. Placed 25th at {{Trn|The Big Balc}} and 33rd at {{Trn|Paragon Los Angeles 2015}}. Has wins over many top SoCal players including {{Sm|Sosa}}.

*{{sm|Av|USA}} - Highest ranking Kirby on [[PMRank 2023]] at #27.

|colspan=8|[[File:Kirby Palette (PM).png|frame|center|Kirby's alternate costumes in PM]]

In ''[[Project+]]'', Kirby gains extra color palettes based on the {{s|wikirby|Spray Paint}} from certain ''Kirby'' games. His default set includes the chocolate spray paint. In addition, Kirby gains an alternate costume based on [[wikirby:Fighter|Fighter Kirby]] as he appears in later ''Kirby'' games like ''Kirby's Return to Dream Land'' with his carbon color transferring to this outfit, and adding the citrus spray paint for green, a recolor based on {{s|wikirby|Prince Fluff}} and the orange spray paint for a fifth costume. The third outfit is a cowboy costume based on Kirby's appearance in the Quick Draw minigame from ''Kirby's Adventure''. This costume set uses the snow spray paint for the red costume along with the Whip Kirby hat. The green costume is based on emerald spray, the blue costume is based on the lavender spray paint and a fifth sepia costume to complete the set. The poses for all three model swap costumes now differ between them as of 2.4.

 

 

 

 

*His original R-Secret Costume in ''[[Project+]]'' was based on his original appearance in artwork and the Japanese cover of ''{{s|wikirby|Kirby's Dream Land}}'' and artwork of games prior to ''{{s|wikirby|Kirby's Dream Land 2}}''. This eventually transitioned to the Quick Draw costume from 2.3 of ''Project+'' onwards.