Editing Lucas (SSB4)

{{disambig2|Lucas' appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Lucas}}

|availability = [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|Downloadable]]

|ranking = 28-29

:{{cquote|''Lucas Comes Out of Nowhere!''|cite=Introduction Tagline}}

'''Lucas''' ({{ja|リュカ|Ryuka}}, ''Lucas'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Initially absent as a playable character, Lucas's return to the series was announced during a [[Nintendo Direct]] on April 1st, 2015.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMedqo8mLaQ Nintendo Direct 4.1.2015]</ref> He was then made available as [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|downloadable content]] on June 14th, 2015, alongside {{SSB4|Roy}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWM-SCjIuNg Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U - New Content Approaching 6.14.15]</ref> Lani Minella reprises her role as Lucas' voice actor; however, she does so via recycled voice clips from ''Brawl'', some of which have been slightly sped up.

Lucas is ranked 28th/29th out of 54 on the [[tier list]], tied with {{SSB4|Ness}} at the bottom of the C tier. This is a significant improvement over Lucas' lower-mid tier placement in ''Brawl'', where he was ranked 30th out of 38 and is his best placement in the series. Like Ness, Lucas is no longer plagued by 10 extra [[grab release]] frames and early [[hitstun canceling]], which were major detriments to his endurance and combo game, respectively. Aside from those gameplay changes, Lucas retains his fast attack speed, disjointed [[hitbox]]es, useful [[projectile]]s, and impressive combo game.

However, Lucas' overall damage output, knockback, and range were all reduced. When coupled with the loss of several of his more advanced techniques from ''Brawl'', it is questionable whether his buffs or nerfs are more prevalent. Lucas also retains his slow ground mobility and average frame data, giving him a lackluster [[neutral game]], poor approach options, and a [[recovery]] that is occasionally susceptible to [[gimp]]s and [[edgeguarding]]. While his throw game is powerful, his grab is one of the slowest in the game. Finally, Lucas' lack of landing options allows characters with disjointed ranges (such as {{SSB4|Marth}} and {{SSB4|Cloud}}) to give him a hard time landing.

Initially, Lucas was poorly regarded when he was first released, but the buffs he received from game updates have allowed him to achieve decent results. This has been most evident with the efforts of {{Sm|Taiheita}}, who has many notable placings, such as 17th in singles and 1st in doubles with Lucas at [[Super Smash Con 2016]], along with several high placings at [[Sumabato]] and [[Umebura]] tournaments. Towards the end of ''Smash 4''{{'}}s competitive life, however, Lucas's declining results in regionals and Japan, Taiheita's retirement, and Japanese Ness players earning results in Japan that have surpassed Lucas's achievements, such as 17th at [[EVO Japan 2018]] and 17th at [[The Big House 7]] being credited to {{Sm|Gackt}} and {{Sm|taranito}} respectively, led some Smashers to question whether Lucas should retain his position or not.

Lucas' attributes remain largely unchanged since ''Brawl''. He is a [[Weight|middleweight]] who has a very slow [[walking]] speed, slightly below average [[dash]]ing speed, average [[gravity]], above average [[air speed]], and below average [[falling speed]]. However, his air and [[fast fall]]ing speeds have become faster since ''Brawl'', both of which somewhat improve his aerial mobility. While Lucas' mobility speed is rather unimpressive, his attack speed compensates for it; notable examples include his neutral attack, which comes out on frame 2, and his down tilt, which comes out on frame 3 and is tied with {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s down tilts for being the fastest down tilt in the game. As a result, Lucas' attacks are useful for damage racking and initiating combos, while several of his ground attacks are safe in many situations due to their minimal ending lag.

Despite his short stature and lack of a weapon outside of his forward smash, Lucas possesses good range courtesy of [[disjointed]] [[hitbox]]es. All of his smash attacks, nearly all of his aerial attacks and some of his ground attacks are disjointed, which can be further supplemented by his projectiles. In addition to their disjointed hitboxes, Lucas' smash attacks are among the strongest in the game. Like in ''Brawl'', his up smash is among the strongest up smashes in the game while also possessing both a large disjointed hitbox and the ability to KO as low as 54% when fully charged (or 70% for heavyweights). The first hit of his down smash is also one of the strongest in the game and is an intimidating edgeguarding option, while his forward smash has decent speed, good KO potential and can even [[Reflection|reflect]] projectiles.

However, Lucas's greatest strength is his grab game. Despite having the shortest-ranged tether grab in the game, his [[Rope Snake]] has the lowest amount of ending lag among all tether grabs and respectable range, while he also possesses arguably the strongest set of throws in the game. Lucas' up and back throws are among the most powerful of their kind in the game, making them two of his best KOing options. His forward throw is tied with {{SSB4|Bowser}}'s for the strongest of its kind, although it is significantly weaker as a KOing option in comparison to his up and back throws. His down throw benefits significantly from both its considerably reduced knockback and the changes to hitstun canceling, both of which have re-purposed it into a reliable combo starter that can be followed up with his neutral and forward aerials from 0% up until high percents (even up to the early 90% range for neutral aerial), while its combo into up aerial is a confirmed KO set-up until 100%. While these changes have removed his down throw's KO potential, this is completely mitigated due to his up and back throws' aforementioned power. Lastly, his pummel is tied with Ness, {{SSB4|Kirby}} and {{SSB4|Fox}}'s as the third fastest in the game, which makes it ideal for quick damage racking before a throw.

Like Ness, Lucas' special moveset boasts versatility in the form of PSI-based attacks, three of which are projectiles. [[PK Freeze]] can [[Frozen|freeze]] his opponents, has very minimal ending lag and is viable, yet situational, as an edgeguarding option. While his PK Fire does not repeatedly hit opponents and potentially trap them like Ness' PK Fire, Lucas' deals decent knockback and can be used to give Lucas some space as it also provides a minimal amount of recoil, both on the ground and in the air. [[PK Thunder]] does not disappear like Ness' PK Thunder when it hits opponents, but instead hits them multiple times alongside boasting tighter control, while [[PK Thunder 2]], grants Lucas farther distance. Lastly, [[PSI Magnet]] allows Lucas to deal with camping opponents that carry powerful, absorbable projectiles. However, its defensive utility also extends to Lucas' recovery, thanks to its ability to stall his descent. Unlike Ness', it also has offensive utility, thanks to it dealing damage and being a [[semi-spike]].

Altogether, Lucas' pros slightly outweigh his cons. He has an excellent damage-racking game along with some good approach options, though his approach in general is predictable and can be faulty at times. He can also have a hard time KOing opponents outside of edgeguarding, and he is not as effective when his zoning tools can be nullified. While Lucas' initial tournament representation was poor like most of his fellow DLC characters, it has improved over time after he received buffs in game updates, to the point that he currently has both average representation and results, both of which are fair improvements from how he fared in ''Brawl''.

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

In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Lucas was seen as a low mid tier character as while he had numerous fairly solid attacks, a solid recovery, strong and effective specials (including a strong projectile in [[PK Fire]] and a powerful and surprisingly versatile [[absorption]] move in [[PSI Magnet]]) and a whole bunch of useful advanced techniques, he suffered from having short range, an unspectacular grab, limited/difficult to land KO moves and he was very exploitable to [[grab release]] followups. His grounded grab release was 10 frames longer than almost every other character, making him vulnerable to inescapable [[chain grabs]] and KO setups, while his aerial grab release was also fairly exploitable. As a result, Lucas struggled with a majority of the cast (especially since numerous characters simply outclassed him) and he overall saw limited success within the singles meta, although he was much more effective in [[doubles]], as his grab release was less exploitable and when paired with the right teammate, his PSI Magnet became an incredibly powerful and abusable tool.

In ''Super Smash Bros. 4'', Lucas received a mix of [[buff]]s and [[nerf]]s and while he did receive more nerfs overall, he is considered to be buffed, due to the game's numerous universal changes significantly benefitting him, along with him receiving some very useful buffs as well.

One of the most notable improvements he received was the removal of the 10 extra frames that were a part of his grounded [[grab release]] animation, which was one of his most significant flaws. This is further supplemented by the removal of [[chaingrab]]bing which was a large part as to why his grab release was extremely exploitable. Lucas' recovery, outside of advanced techniques, has been improved, as both PK Thunder 2 and [[Rope Snake]] now cover more distance. Rope Snake has also received more utility as a zoning option due to it receiving a hitbox when used as a [[grab aerial]]. Lucas has also been indirectly buffed from the changes to ''Smash 4''{{'}}s mechanics not only due to the removal of chaingrabbing but also because of the changes to hitstun canceling combined with the weakening of [[DI]], which has giving him a very strong combo game which is most evident with the modifications to his down throw having resulted in it becoming one of his best combo starters. A few of his moves also have improved KO potential (most notably up aerial which also has greater juggling potential) and the introduction of [[rage]] only further improves his KO potential.

However, Lucas has seen a plethora of nerfs as well with his direct changes outside of his shorter grab release animation nerfing him overall. He can no longer use the [[Zap Jump]] or the [[Magnet Pull]] exploits, which were his two most pivotal techniques in ''Brawl'', although the aforementioned buffs to PK Thunder 2 and Rope Snake can somewhat compensate for this off stage, at least in terms of recovery. In addition, many of his attacks have seen their damage, knockback and range reduced, while some of them have had their startup/ending lag increased. This is most notably seen with his aerials: his neutral, forward and up aerials lost their ability to auto-cancel in a short hop (although the landing lag of both is minimal), his down aerial has increased start-up lag and is no longer able to reliably set up for the infamous down tilt [[lock]], and his up aerial has notably less range while also being slower and having static, all of which significantly hinders his already poor approach and landing options. He additionally has a slightly harder time KOing because of various of his previous KO moves including his forward and up smashes as well as his forward tilt and down throw having reduced knockback (although down throw has KO setups to compensate) alongside the loss of his advanced techniques. He is also slower on the ground relative to the cast as he is one of the only returning veterans whose dash (and walk) speed was not increased. His falling speed and gravity are also the same being lower relative to the cast although this has both positives and negatives.

 

Overall, Lucas has not significantly improved since ''Brawl'' as his moveset has seen many direct nerfs. However, he greatly benefits from ''Smash 4''{{'}}s mechanics and one of his main issues in ''Brawl'' was fixed resulting in him fairing better in ''Smash 4'' overall. He was initially worse when he was first released but as of update 1.1.3, he is considered to be moderately better than how he was when he was initially released in ''SSB4'', due to the buffs he received up to and including that update. He also fares better against {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} than a decent portion of the cast which also helps him. By extension, his current placement on the tier list is a reflection of that perception.

*{{change|Lucas' design has changed. He is slightly taller and has a slightly larger head; slightly longer hair; a slightly smaller nose; a sharper jawline; and his eyes no longer have a blue tint. Additionally, Lucas' shoes are smaller, and each of his shirt's stripes are equally horizontal. Lastly, the aesthetic used in ''SSB4'' has resulted in Lucas having a sleeker design, and his overall color scheme being more vibrant.}}

*{{change|Lucas' blue, green, and purple [[alternate costume]]s have been updated. The blue costume's white stripes are now orange, instead of white. The green and purple costumes are now jungle green and purple, respectively; feature a sprite of {{s|wikibound|Boney}}'s head and a baby {{s|wikibound|Drago}} as their designs, respectively; and have a single white stripe on each sleeve. Lucas has also received two new alternate costumes. The first is based on the {{s|wikibound|Masked Man}}, and the second is based on {{s|wikibound|Duster}}.}}

*{{buff|Lucas' [[fast fall]]ing speed is faster (1.918 → 2.192) although relative to the cast, it has gone from the 19th lowest out of 38 characters to the 16th lowest out of 58.}}

*{{buff|Lucas' grounded [[grab release]] has less ending lag (FAF 41 → 30), now matching the rest of the cast. When combined with the removal of [[chain grab]]bing, this significantly improves his endurance, as he is no longer vulnerable to guaranteed followups or chain grabs after a grab release.}}

**{{buff|Much like the rest of the cast, Lucas' aerial grab releases also has less ending lag (FAF 51 → 40), making him much less susceptible to air release followups.}}

*{{buff|[[Roll]]s have less ending lag (FAF 32 → 31).}}

*{{buff|[[Air dodge]] has less startup (frame 4 → 3) and ending lag (FAF 49 → 34).}}

*{{nerf|[[Spot dodge]] has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 2-20 → 3-18) and it has more ending lag (FAF 26 → 28).}}

**{{buff|Neutral attack's first two hits' mid and far hitboxes now launch opponents at higher angles (40°/80° → 66°/87° (hit 1), 60°/80° → 70°/88° (hit 2)) with altered set knockback (20/10 → 18/16), allowing them to connect more reliably into the later hits.}}

**{{nerf|The first two hits deal less damage (3% (both) → 2.5% (hit 1)/2% (hit 2)).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit has smaller hitboxes (3.5u/3.5u/4u → 2.8u/2.8u/3.5u).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit's near and mid hitboxes are smaller (3.5u/3.5u → 3.2u/3.2u).}}

*[[Forward tilt]]:

**{{nerf|Forward tilt has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 6-9 → 7-9).}}

**{{nerf|Forward tilt has more ending lag (FAF 23 → 26).}}

**{{nerf|The sourspot deals less damage (9% → 7.5%) and has much lower knockback scaling (100 → 60), making it much weaker.}}

**{{nerf|The sourspot now takes priority over the sweetspot (ID# 2/3 → 0), making the move harder to sweetspot with.}}

**{{nerf|The sourspot now uses one small extended hitbox (3.5u/3.5u → 2.2u) and the body hitbox has been removed. This significantly reduces the move's range behind Lucas.}}

***{{buff|However, this does make the sweetspot easier to land, considering the fact that the sourspot now takes priority.}}

**{{change|The sweetspot now uses a static hitbox. This gives it more consistent range in front of Lucas, but hinders its ability to hit opponents who are far into the Z axis.}}

**{{nerf|The sweetspot deals less knockback (12/16 (base), 100 (scaling) → 30/75).}}

**{{nerf|The sweetspot has increased [[hitlag]] (0.5x → 1x), making it easier to DI.}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash now only has one sweetspot hitbox (4u/4u → 4.7u), with the further away sweetspot being removed. This noticeably reduces the sweetspot's range.}}

**{{buff|Up tilt has less ending lag (FAF 40 → 37).}}

**{{nerf|Up tilt's first hit has a shorter duration (frames 4-6 → 4).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit deals less damage (3% → 1.5%).}}

**{{nerf|The first hit's hitboxes are positioned closer to Lucas (z offset: 7.5/-7.5 → 6.5/-6.5), reducing their range.}}

**{{buff|The second hit's clean hit has a longer duration (frames 7-9 → 7-10).}}

**{{buff|The second hit's clean hit has larger hitboxes (5u/4.5u → 5.5u/5u).}}

**{{buff|The second hit's clean hit launches opponents at a slightly more favorable angle (95° → 93°).}}

**{{change|The second hit's clean hit has more base knockback but less knockback scaling (40 (base), 105 (scaling) → 50/100).}}

**{{change|The second hit's clean hit's spark hitbox has increased hitlag (0.5x → 1x).}}

**{{buff|The second hit's late hit deals more damage (4% → 5%) and has increased base knockback (10 → 50).}}

**{{nerf|The second hit's late hit has a shorter duration (frames 10-17 → 11-14).}}

**{{buff|Down tilt's near and mid hitboxes deal more knockback (6 (base), 22 (scaling) → (18/10)/(50/45)) and have altered angles (0° → 76°/40°). This makes the move much safer on hit and it grants it followup potential.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also removes their ability to [[lock]], making Lucas' down tilt lock setups more precise, as he now has to lock with the far hitbox. This is further exacerbated by down tilt's reduced damage and the new three hit lock limit.}}

**{{buff|The near hit now always launches opponents in the direction Lucas is facing, allowing it to lead more reliably into followups.}}

***{{buff|This makes it safer on hit at higher percents.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also hinders its ability to potentially chain into itself.}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has more ending lag (FAF 14 → 16).}}

**{{nerf|Down tilt has smaller hitboxes (3.5u/3.5u/3.5u → 2.8u/2.8u/2.8u), with the far hitbox also being positioned closer to Lucas (x offset: 8 → 7.2), reducing its range.}}

**{{nerf|The far hit no longer has a extra [[trip]] chance (40% → 0%). This prevents the far hit from tripping opponents right up until beyond [[Sudden Death]] percents, greatly hindering its followup potential.}}

*[[Dash attack]]:

**{{change|Dash attack now always launches opponents in the direction Lucas is facing.}}

**{{change|The sweetspot launches opponents at a lower angle (75° → 46°).}}

**{{change|The sourspot is positioned slightly higher (y offset: 5 → 5.5).}}

**{{nerf|Dash attack has a shorter duration (frames 17-21 → 15-16), reducing its range.}}

**{{buff|Forward smash's reflector has less startup lag with a longer duration (frames 12-18 → 10-19).}}

**{{nerf|The far hit deals less damage (15% → 14%) and has decreased base knockback (60/55 → 50), hindering its KO potential.}}

***{{buff|However, the far hit now has lower priority than the near hit (ID# 0/1 → 1), which overall helps the move, as the near hit now acts as a sweetspot, as opposed to a sourspot.}}

**{{nerf|Forward smash now uses two smaller extended hitboxes rather than four normal hitboxes (4.5u/4.5u/4.5u/4u → 3.7u/3.7u). This gives the move less range overall, both in front of and behind Lucas.}}

**{{change|Up smash's second hit's clean, early mid and mid hitboxes have been positioned higher (y offset: 10/16/23 → 14/19/25). This gives them more range above Lucas but less range below him.}}

**{{nerf|The second hit deals less knockback (50/45/40/35/30 (base), 85 (scaling) → (48/42/37/32/27)/77), hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|The second hit has smaller hitboxes (14u/13u/12u/10u/10u → 12u/11u/10u/8u/6.5u).}}

***{{nerf|When combined with the higher placement of the second hit's clean/early mid/mid hits, this means that the first hit can no longer reliably lead into the second hit against edge-hanging opponents.}}

**{{buff|Down smash has less ending lag (FAF 64 → 60).}}

**{{buff|The first hit has increased base knockback (40 → 43), slightly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Down smash has smaller hitboxes (10u/12u/14u → 8u/9.8u/12u), reducing its range, both in front of and behind Lucas.}}

**{{nerf|Down smash now has one hitbox which simply despawns and respawns with altered properties rather than having three separate hits. This means that the move can now only connect once, greatly reducing its maximum damage output (42% → 17%).}}

**{{nerf|Down smash no longer has an extra trip chance (40% → 0%), making the later hits trip opponents much less reliably.}}

**{{buff|Neutral aerial has less landing lag (18 frames → 13).}}

**{{buff|The loop hits now use an [[autolink angle]] (105° → 367°), allowing them to connect more reliably.}}

**{{buff|The loop hits now consist of one hitbox with a rehit rate, rather than multiple separate hitboxes. This makes the loop hits consistently active (frame 5/8/11/14/17/20/23 → 7-23).}}

**{{buff|The final hit deals more damage (3% → 4%).}}

**{{change|Neutral aerial now uses static hitboxes, and their position was not fully compensated (y offset: 0 → 5). This gives neutral aerial more range below and in front of Lucas, but less range above and behind him.}}

**{{change|The final hit has decreased base knockback (70 → 40) and launches opponents at a higher angle (361° → 60°) This grants its combo potential but hinders its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial has more startup (frame 5 → 7) and ending lag (FAF 40 → 45).}}

**{{nerf|Neutral aerial now only has four loop hits instead of seven, considerably reducing its maximum damage (17% → 12%).}}

**{{nerf|The loop hits have an increased hitlag (0.5x → 1x) and [[Smash directional influence|SDI]] multiplier (1× → 2×).}}

***{{buff|However despite this, neutral aerial is still more difficult to escape due to the loop hits now having an autolink angle.}}

**{{nerf|The final hit deals much more hitlag (0.5x → 1.5x). This makes neutral aerial much easier to DI and while this would make it noticeably benefit from the introduction of [[frame canceling]], neutral aerial cannot be frame cancelled, making the higher hitlag detrimental overall.}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial has less landing lag (15 frames → 12).}}

**{{buff|Forward aerial has a slightly altered animation with altered hitbox placements, giving it more range.}}

**{{buff|The sweetspot deals more knockback (10 (base), 100 (scaling) → 30/97).}}

**{{change|Forward aerial has increased hitlag (0.5x (sweetspot)/0.5x/1x (sourspot) → 1.2x/0.8x). This makes it benefit from the introduction of frame canceling, but this also makes it easier to DI.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial no longer has a late hit, shortening its duration (frames 9-10 (clean)/11-15 (late) → 9-10 (sourspot)/9-12 (sweetspot).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial auto-cancels later (frame 32 → 38), no longer doing so in a short hop.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a shorter initial auto-cancel window (frames 1-4 → 1).}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (12%/10% → 11.5%/9%). The sourspot's knockback was not compensated, hindering its KO potential.}}

**{{nerf|Forward aerial has smaller hitboxes (5.5u/4.5u/3.5u → 5u/3.3u), with the move covering less of Lucas' body.}}

**{{nerf|The sweetspot launches opponents at a higher angle (361° → 46°), making it more susceptible to DI and hindering its overall KO potential, despite its increased knockback.}}

**{{nerf|The sourspot now takes priority over the sweetspot (ID# 1/2 → 0), making the move harder to sweetspot with.}}

**{{buff|Back aerial's grounded sweetspot deals more damage (10% → 12%) improving its KO potential.}}

**{{buff|Up aerial launches opponents at a higher angle (62° → 80°), improving its juggling and KO potential and making it much less susceptible to DI.}}

**{{change|Up aerial has increased hitlag (1× → 1.1×).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial has more startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 5-9 → 7-9).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial auto-cancels much later (frame 25 → 38), no longer doing so in a short hop.}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial has a longer animation (45 frames → 54).}}

**{{nerf|Up aerial has a smaller hitbox (7u → 5.2u).}}

**{{buff|The lower loop hit has decreased base knockback (50 → 43), allowing it to connect more reliably into the rest of the attack.}}

**{{buff|The changes to locks significantly improve down aerial's utility, as the final hit's lower hitbox can now lock opponents, greatly improving its followup potential in certain situations.}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has much more startup lag (frame 4/11/19/27 → 10/18/26/34), with a longer total duration (FAF 55 → 57).}}

***{{buff|However, its total duration was not fully compensated, giving it less ending lag.}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has a longer animation (54 frames → 60).}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial auto-cancels later (frame 35 → 47), even considering its increased startup lag. This hinders down aerial's safety and followup potential.}}

**{{nerf|Down aerial has smaller hitboxes (7u/5u → 5u/3.5u (hits 1-3), 8u/6.5u → 6.9u/5u).}}

**{{nerf|The loop hits less damage (5% → 3.5%), noticeably reducing its maximum damage potential (20% → 15.5%).}}

***{{buff|However, the lower damage subsequently reduces the lower hitbox's knockback, making it connect more reliably into the rest of the attack.}}

**{{nerf|The loop hits have increased hitlag (0.5x → 1x). As down aerial cannot be frame cancelled, this hinders the move overall.}}

**{{buff|Grab aerial has received a hitbox that deals damage (4% (clean)/2.8% (late)), launches opponents horizontally (45°) and deals knockback (60 (base), 30 (scaling)), granting it spacing and combo potential.}}

**{{buff|Grab aerial has increased range as a [[tether recovery]].}}

**{{nerf|Grab aerial no longer auto-cancels on landing, instead having 8 frames of landing lag, making it more punishable.}}

*{{buff|All grabs have less startup lag with longer durations (frame 13 (standing)/16 (dash)/15 (pivot) → 12-19 (standing/pivot)/14-21(dash)).}}

*{{buff|Standing and dash grabs have much less ending lag (FAF 70 → 45 (standing), FAF 80 → 55 (dash)).}}

*{{nerf|Pivot grab has more ending lag (FAF 50 → 56).}}

**{{buff|Pummel has less ending lag (FAF 13 → 10).}}

**{{change|Pummel has increased range (y/z offsets: 6/6 → 8/8).}}

**{{nerf|Pummel deals less damage (3% → 1.2%), hindering its damage racking potential despite its decreased ending lag.}}

**{{nerf|Pummel has decreased set knockback (40 → 30).}}

**{{buff|Up throw deals more knockback (80 (base), 65 (scaling) → 78/69), slightly improving its KO potential.}}

**{{change|Down throw deals much less knockback (75 (base), 100 (scaling) → 78/51).}}

***{{buff|This combined with the changes to [[hitstun canceling]]/DI greatly improves its combo potential. It can lead into devastating aerial/footstool combos at lower percents and at higher percents, it can lead into an up aerial for a KO.}}

***{{nerf|However, this also significantly hinders its KO potential, no longer being Lucas' strongest throw.}}

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage (7% → 6.5%).}}

**{{buff|Floor attacks have less startup lag (frame 19 (front)/20 (back) → 17).}}

***{{buff|The second hits also have less startup lag (frame 25 (front)/24 (back) → 21 (both)).}}

**{{buff|Floor attacks deal more damage (6% → 7%) and shield damage (1 → 8) per hit, without full compensation on their knockback scaling (50 → 48).}}

**{{buff|Edge attack has less startup lag (frame 24 → 20) with its total duration subsequently reduced (FAF 56 → 52).}}

**{{change|Edge attack now deals consistent damage (8%/6% → 7%).}}

**{{nerf|Trip attack now uses one extended hitbox rather than multiple normal hitboxes, which noticeably decreases the move's disjoint.}}

*[[PK Freeze]]:

**{{buff|PK Freeze is larger when it is created (0.3 → 0.45) and its size increases at a faster rate (1.45 → 1.6).}}

**{{buff|PK Freeze has increased base damage (4% → 5%) which charges at a faster rate (0.23 → 0.255), resulting in the fully charged version dealing more damage (19% → 22%).}}

**{{buff|Lucas' gravity is lower when using PK Freeze (0.02 → 0.012), making it safer to use in the air.}}

**{{change|PK Freeze launches opponents at a higher angle (70° → 80°) and it has more base knockback, but less knockback scaling (50 (base), 40 (scaling) → 80/21).}}

**{{nerf|PK Freeze has a shorter duration (2 frames → 1).}}

**{{nerf|PK Freeze gains less height (1.4 → 1.2). This notably prevents Lucas from being able to fully charge the move when using it on the ground.}}

*[[PK Fire]]:

**{{buff|The sweetspot pillar deals more damage (5% → 6%), increasing PK Fire's overall damage (8% → 9%).}}

**{{change|The pillar's hitboxes have adjusted positions (y/z offsets: (3/9)/(0/7) → (2/8)/(2/9)).}}

**{{nerf|Using PK Fire straight after a double jump no longer gives Lucas a huge vertical boost. This removes [[Zap Jump]]ing, significantly hinder PK Fire's vertical approach and recovery potential.}}

**{{buff|PK Thunder's head has an increased hitlag multiplier (0.5x → 1x), allowing it to lead into the tail much more reliably.}}

**{{change|PK Thunder's visual effects have changed. It is now violet, instead of blue, in addition to being visually larger.}}

**{{nerf|PK Thunder has a higher SDI multiplier (1.5x → 2x).}}

**{{nerf|The head deals much less damage (10% → 2.5%), making it much weaker.}}

***{{buff|However, this allows it to lead into the tail more reliably.}}

**{{nerf|The head has a smaller hitbox (5.5u → 3.8u).}}

**{{buff|PK Thunder 2 has less ending lag on the ground (FAF 75 → 66).}}

**{{buff|PK Thunder 2 no longer decelerates in the air (0.071 → 0). This makes it cover more distance, as Lucas retains his momentum for much longer, despite its lower initial speed (4 → 2.5), improving its recovery potential.}}

**{{buff|PK Thunder 2 can now be reused immediately after Lucas bounces off of a wall, significantly improving its safety and recovery potential.}}

**{{change|The loop hits now deal consistent knockback (30/0 (base), 0/20 (set), 50/100 (scaling) → 30/50).}}

**{{change|The final hit now always launches opponents in the direction Lucas is facing.}}

**{{nerf|When Lucas lands with PK Thunder 2 before entering free fall, he will now go into his full PK Thunder 1 ending animation, rather than a short version of his charging animation. This significantly increases PK Thunder 2's ending lag in this situation, and prevents Lucas from being able to auto-cancel the move with strong spacing.}}

**{{nerf|When Lucas performs PK Thunder 2 into the ground, he will now go into an untechable rebound, rather than continuing to use the move, hindering its approach potential when used from above.}}

***{{buff|However, this also prevents Lucas from potentially self destructing if he uses a downwards PK Thunder 2 close to an edge.}}

*[[PSI Magnet]]:

**{{change|PSI Magnet is visually larger.}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet deals less damage when released (9% → 8%).}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet has a smaller hitbox when released (4u → 3.5u). When combined with the orb being visually larger, this results in PSI magnet now having a deceptively small hitbox.}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet grants much less forwards momentum in the air (3 → 1). This essentially removes Lucas' [[Magnet Pull]], greatly hindering PSI Magnet's utility (and PK Fire's utility by extension).}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet now swirls absorbed projectiles for a moment, creating a slight delay before Lucas can actually be healed.}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet's absorption bubble is smaller (16u → 12.8u). This gives it less range to absorb projectiles, despite its orb being larger and the absorption bubble being moved further forwards (z offset: 10 → 11.8).}}

***{{nerf|These changes also mean that the move can no longer reliably absorb projectiles behind Lucas, hindering its safety.}}

**{{nerf|PSI Magnet now only heals half the amount of damage from absorbed teammates' projectiles, significantly hindering its effectiveness in doubles. This is exacerbated even further by PSI Magnet's reduced range.}}

**{{change|[[PK Starstorm]] now functions identically to Ness' version. It deals 6% less damage per hit (14% → 8%), but the falling stars are now fired in a line that can be aimed in a fanning motion from the top-center of the stage. While this gives it blind spots, it results in a more consistent damage output when the stars do hit.}}

**{{change|PK Starstorm now has a [[flame]] effect, instead of an [[electric]] effect.}}

**{{change|PK Starstorm's animation and visual effects have changed. Lucas now strikes the same pose during it, and the falling stars are now sky blue, instead of whitish yellow. These changes make it appear virtually identical to Ness' version.}}

Lucas has been buffed via game updates. Update [[1.1.0]] saw all of his grabs' ending lag decreased and as well as subtle range improvements to his forward and down tilts, though they still do not match up to his range in ''Brawl''. The changes to shield mechanics in updates 1.1.0 and [[1.1.1]] have been a mixed bag for Lucas; the changes make his sourspotted moves less safe on shield, but his sweetspotted moves safer on shield. Lastly, update [[1.1.3]] gave Lucas a number of noticeable buffs: his standing grab, dash grab, and forward aerial all had their lag decreased, his neutral aerial's damage output was increased, and forward tilt's sweetspot had its size increased. As a result of these buffs, Lucas is considered better than he was when he was initially released.

*{{buff|Down tilt improved. Its displacement increased|0|3.5; its horizontal displacement increased: 2.7 → 3; and its far hitbox's horizontal displacement increased: 7 → 7.2.}}

*{{change|Forward aerial's sourspot hitbox size decreased|3.8u|3.3u. This makes it easier to land the sweetspot, but hinders its range.}}

*{{buff|All grabs' ending lag decreased|frame 56 (standing)/frame 66 (dash/pivot)|51/61.}}

|ftiltdesc=A palm thrust that emits a small blast of PSI energy from his hand. It can be angled and has a [[Hitbox|disjointed hitbox]], although its sweetspot is located inside of the blast. This move's sourspot can [[lock]] opponents at low percents.

|dtiltdesc=A legsweep. Although weak, it is fast and reliable for either racking up damage or chaining into itself, a neutral attack or a grab. Hits on frame 3, making it tied with {{SSB4|Ness}}, {{SSB4|Little Mac}}, {{SSB4|R.O.B.}}, and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s down tilts for being the fastest down tilt in the game. The edge of down tilt can [[lock]] opponents at low to medium percents.

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|14}} (base), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|15}} (tip), 1.5× (reflected projectiles)

|nairdesc=Tumbles while emitting blasts of PSI energy around his torso. Each hit has numerous [[freeze frame]]s and it has good combo potential, despite being susceptible to SDI.

|fairdmg=11.5% (sweetspot), 9% (sourspot), 8% (late)

|fairdesc=A flying kick that emits a blast of PSI energy from his foot. It is is fast and disjointed, making it a good off-stage option and one of Lucas' better spacing options. Its sweetspot deals the most knockback and can KO at high percents. This move's sourspot can [[lock]] opponents at early percents.

|bairdesc=A backflip kick that emits a trail of PSI energy from his foot. It can [[meteor smash]] at the tip of his foot and has disjointed reach, with its weakest hitbox being at the tip. The last hitbox of this move can [[lock]] opponents at early percents.

|dairdesc=An alternating series of [[Stomp (archetype)|stomps]], with each stomp emitting a small blast of PSI energy from his feet. Like his back aerial, it is disjointed and has a meteor smash hitbox below himself on the fourth and last hit. The move itself is also difficult to fully land on smaller grounded opponents, such as {{SSB4|Pikachu}} and {{SSB4|Kirby}}. The last hitbox of this move can [[lock]] opponents at low percents.

|zairname=[[Rope Snake]] ({{ja|ヒモヘビ|Himohebi}})

|grabname=Rope Snake ({{ja|ヒモヘビ|Himohebi}})

|pummeldesc=A headbutt. Tied with Ness, Kirby and {{SSB4|Fox}}'s pummels as the third fastest pummel in the game. However, it is the least damaging pummel in the game.

|fthrowdesc=Telekinetically throws the opponent in front of himself. Among the strongest forward throws in the game, behind {{SSB4|Bowser}}'s and {{SSB4|Wario}}'s. It KOs around 100%-160% near the edge, depending on the opponent's weight and DI.

|dthrowdesc=Telekinetically slams the opponent into the ground head first. Lucas' primary combo starter, as it can lead into all of his aerials at a wide range of percentages, depending on DI. His up aerial specifically becomes a viable KO combo after this move. Although the opponent appears [[Bury|buried]], this is merely aesthetic.

|nsname=PK Freeze

|nsdmg=9%-22%

|nsdesc=Emits a [[wikibound:PK Freeze|snowflake-shaped blast of PSI energy]] from his head that [[Frozen|freezes]] opponents. The direction of the blast's path can be controlled, it can be made stronger by holding the special button and it can be concluded at a deceptively fast speed. However, it renders Lucas [[helpless]] if used in the air.

|ssname=PK Fire

|ssdmg=3% (lightning), 6% (fire)

|ssdesc=Thrusts both of his hands forward to release a [[wikibound:PK Fire|lightning bolt-shaped PSI projectile]] from his hands. Unlike Ness' PK Fire, Lucas' version results in a brief, fiery explosion of PSI energy that launches the opponent backward, rather than a long-lasting pillar of fiery PSI energy. It is further differentiated from Ness' version in that it flies straight ahead regardless of whether it is used on the ground or in the air, as well as causing a minimal amount of recoil both on the ground and in the air, making it more effective as a spacing tool than Ness' PK Fire.

|usname=PK Thunder

|usdmg=2.5% (projectile head), 0.8% (projectile tail, rapid hits), 8% (PKT2 initial), 2% (PKT2 rapid hits 1-5), 1.5% (PKT2 rapid hits 6-10), 10% (PKT2 last)

|usdesc=Emits a [[wikibound:PK Thunder|streaming, electrical PSI projectile]] from his head. Like Ness' PK Thunder, it can be directed into Lucas to launch him at a high speed. Unlike Ness' version, it does not disappear after hitting an opponent and instead hits multiple times, giving it damage racking potential. This effect also applies PK Thunder 2, with Lucas hitting an opponent multiple times upon colliding with them.

|dsname=PSI Magnet

|dsdmg=8% (ending), heals 2.5× the damage of absorbed projectiles (maximum 30%)

|dsdesc=Thrusts his arm forward to emit a [[wikibound:PSI Magnet|glowing orb of PSI energy]] around his outstretched hand. Any energy-based projectiles it absorbs will heal him, although it no longer absorbs energy projectiles that are launched directly at his back as it did in ''Brawl''. Unlike Ness' PSI Magnet, Lucas' version can be used offensively, due to it dealing damage and [[semi-spike]] knockback to opponents inside of it when it dissipates.

|desc-down=Positions his right hand up to his forehead and grunts while generating small bursts of PSI energy from his index and middle fingers, then swings his hand down to emit a trail of PSI energy.}}

|desc-1=With his back toward the screen, Lucas crouches while poking at something on the ground with a large stick. After the camera zooms in, he then turns his head around to face the screen and says "Huh?" while briefly sporting a surprised expression.

|desc-2=Forcefully pulls one of the {{s|wikibound|Seven Needles}} out of the ground, sending it flying off-screen while Lucas looks toward the screen in a battle-ready pose.

==In [[competitive play]]==

During his release, Lucas was considered to have improved from ''Brawl'' due to the changes to the game physics benefiting him. However, it would very soon become clear Lucas had lost most of his benefits from ''Brawl'', and would go on to be considered among his previous game's placement. Following the buffs to his attacks, as well as decent tournament representation and results (the latter point being largely due to {{Sm|Taiheita}}), he would be ranked 36th in the first ''4BR''' [[tier list]], as a low-tier character. However, players would prove that Lucas' buffs had indeed benefited him a lot and that he was now a capable character with reliable combo potential and KO power. Due to receiving notable results from Taiheita in 17th place at [[Super Smash Con 2016]], Lucas rose up in the second tier list to 33rd, officially putting him in the mid-tier.

His positive perspective from Taiheita and his potential would led Lucas to a very slight rise to 32nd on the third, and then to 28th/29th on the fourth tier list and final tier list, now tied with Ness for the bottom of high-tier. While not having as much tournament representation as other mid-tiered characters, his results have been good enough to secure his current placement. Despite this, Lucas' current placement is still debatable, Lucas's results and representation began to show a series of decline in Japan ever since Taiheita's retirement. Since Taiheita's last tournament, many other players were unable to match Taiheita's success. Towards the end of the metagame, while the Lucas meta in Japan began to decline, his EarthBound counterpart, on the other hand, rose in Japan. {{Sm|Gackt}} and {{Sm|taranito}}, two of the top {{SSB4|Ness}} players, have started to place better and achieved milestones. Such achievements include Gackt's 17th placing at [[The Big House 7]] and taranito's 17th placing at [[EVO Japan 2018]] with both of them defeating multiple top players such as {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, and {{Sm|ANTi}}. Due to these factors, players believe that Lucas should be ranked noticeably lower, citing his waning meta combined with Ness' more energetic developments. Other smashers advocate that Lucas's strengths remain potent in spite of these points, and that his placement is accurate.

===Most historically significant players===

''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[PGR 100]], which recognizes the official top 100 players in [[Super Smash Bros. 4]] of all time.''

''See also: [[:Category:Lucas players (SSB4)]]''

*{{Sm|Agehasama|Japan}} - One of the best Lucas players in Japan. Placed 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato 19}}, 17th at {{Trn|Sumabato 20}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Umebura 32}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Sigma}}, {{Sm|Oisiitofu}}, and {{Sm|Gomamugitya}}. Ranked 110th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Luco|Australia}} - Co-mained Lucas alongside {{SSB4|Ness}} and was the best Lucas player in Australia. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|Poi Poundaz}}, 3rd at both {{Trn|Battle Arena Melbourne 9}} and {{Trn|DI Another Day 2}}, and 5th at {{Trn|Expand Gong 3}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Keitaro}} and {{Sm|Ghost}}. Ranked 10th on the [[Australian Power Rankings]].

Lucas comes with matching character trophies, which are unlocked as usual. However, his "(Alt.)" trophy will also be automatically granted upon booting up the {{GameIcon|ssb4-u}} version. His existing non-fighter trophy remains in the game, completely unchanged; both it and the Classic trophy are simply labeled as "Lucas" in-game.

{{Trophy/Fighter

|name=Lucas

|desc-ntsc=The younger of the twin brothers from Nowhere makes his triumphant return to the game of Smash. Hailing from the Japan-only game Mother 3, Lucas's specialty is psychic projectile attacks. He can use these PSI attacks to do things like absorb enemy projectiles and deal supernatural damage!

|desc-pal=Lucas, the younger of twin brothers from Tazmily, comes originally from the Japan-only game, Mother 3, and now makes his triumphant return to Super Smash Bros.! Here he makes great use of his PSI powers with lots of projectile attacks, and can use his faster attacks on anybody who gets too close.

|gamelist={{Trophy games|console1=GBA|game1=Mother 3|release1=2006 (JP)}}

{{clrl}}

|name=Lucas (Alt.)

|image-3ds=LucasAltTrophy3DS.png

|desc-ntsc=Lucas's up special PK Thunder can hit enemies multiple times, but if you hit yourself with it, you can then tackle and launch opponents! Lucas's up smash has the strongest launch power of any fighter's up smash. The range for this attack is wide, and it's strongest right after Lucas unleashes the attack.

|desc-3ds-pal=Lucas's up special, PK Thunder, can either hit enemies multiple times, or hit Lucas himself to push him into a powerful charge attack. Meanwhile, his up smash attack is the most powerful launching move in the entire game, so make good use of it! It's a wide-range attack that has the most effect right after Lucas unleashes it.

|desc-wiiu-pal=Lucas's up special, PK Thunder, can either hit enemies multiple times, or hit Lucas himself to push him into a powerful charge attack. Meanwhile, his up smash attack is the most powerful launching move in the entire game, so make good use of it! It's a wide-range attack that is most effective right after Lucas unleashes it.

{{Trophy/Fighter

|name=PK Starstorm (Lucas)

|desc-pal=Lucas uses his PSI powers to summon a stream of shooting stars, the angle of which you can control. It's good for attacking an entire group during a free-for-all...or if you want to make things tougher for a single person. Even if the attack only hits once, it deals ongoing fire damage, making it harder to get back to the stage.

{{Trophy/Fighter

|image-3ds=LucasTrophy3DS.png

|image-wiiu=LucasTrophyWiiU.png

|desc-ntsc=Before adventuring, Lucas was a timid, cautious boy. His journey has made him a stronger person. Maybe he met someone to spend his life with... Hang on—we're moving way too fast! For now, remember that Lucas and Ness are favorites in the hearts of EarthBound fans.

|desc-pal=Once upon a time, Lucas was a bit of a cry-baby. You might even say he was a wimp. But then, well...he had more than his fair share of rough times and toughened up a bit. Who knows what he's up to now? Whatever he's doing, his story – much like Ness's – lives on in the hearts of all Mother series fans.

|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=GBA|game1=Mother 3|release1=Japan}}

|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=GBA|game1=Mother 3|release1=2006 (JP)}}

|colspan=8|[[File:Lucas Palette (SSB4).png]]

{{#widget:YouTube|id=zwIhEXVRCog}}

==Trivia==

**The day he became available to purchase was the same day that [[wikibound:Mother (video game)|''EarthBound Beginnings'']] was released internationally for the [[Wii U]] [[Virtual Console]].

**He is also the only veteran DLC character to not have his voice actress in the DLC credits. His voice actress, however, was in the original credits before his return, as [[Bowser Jr. (SSB4)|Larry, Morton, Wendy and Lemmy]], and [[Lyn]] use her portrayals from ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' and ''Brawl'' respectively.

[[Category:Lucas (SSB4)| ]]