Editing Sheik (SSB4)

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:{{cquote|''Sheik Appears on the Scene!''|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
:{{cquote|Sheik Appears on the Scene!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
'''Sheik''' ({{ja|シーク|Shīku}}, ''Sheik'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Her return to the series was announced during a [[Nintendo Direct|''Super Smash Bros.'' Direct]] on April 8th, 2014.<ref name="Direct">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xUWnQu2Grs Super Smash Bros. Direct 4.8.2014]</ref> Jun Mizusawa reprises her role as Sheik's voice actor, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. She is now completely separated from {{SSB4|Zelda}}, no longer being able to transform mid-match.
'''Sheik''' ({{ja|シーク|Shīku}}, ''Sheik'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Her return to the series was announced during a [[Nintendo Direct|''Super Smash Bros.'' Direct]] on April 8th, 2014.<ref name="Direct">[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xUWnQu2Grs Super Smash Bros. Direct 4.8.2014]</ref> Jun Mizusawa reprises her role as Sheik's voice actor, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.


Sheik is ranked 4th out of 54 on the [[tier list]], placing her at the top of the A tier and is her best placement in the series. This is a significant improvement over her mid-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where she was ranked 25th out of 38. While not as dominant as {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''Brawl'', the sheer effectiveness of Sheik's moveset saw her almost universally perceived as the best character in the early metagame of ''SSB4''. Sheik's extremely fast frame data grants her an excellent neutral game and a potent combo game, which are supplemented by [[Needle Storm]] and her improved grab game, respectively. Her KO potential has also improved: up aerial now consists of multiple hits and concludes with a very strong hit, while her new down special move, [[Bouncing Fish]], deals respectable damage and has high knockback scaling. Lastly, the combination of Sheik's much faster [[air speed]], Bouncing Fish's horizontal travel distance, and the removal of [[edge-hogging]] have greatly improved her [[recovery]].
Sheik is ranked 4th out of 55 on the [[tier list]], placing her at the top of the A tier, and making her the highest ranked ''The Legend of Zelda'' character in the game. This is a significant improvement over her mid-tier placement in ''Brawl'', where she was ranked 25th out of 38. While not as dominant as {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''Brawl'', the sheer effectiveness of Sheik's moveset saw her almost universally perceived as the best character in the early metagame of ''SSB4''. Sheik's extremely fast frame data grants her an excellent neutral game and a potent combo game, which are supplemented by [[Needle Storm]] and her improved grab game, respectively. Her KO potential has also improved: up aerial now consists of multiple hits and concludes with a very strong hit, while her new down special move, [[Bouncing Fish]], deals respectable damage and has high knockback scaling. Lastly, the combination of Sheik's much faster [[air speed]], Bouncing Fish's horizontal travel distance, and the removal of [[edge-hogging]] have greatly improved her [[recovery]].


Although she has outstanding strengths, Sheik nevertheless has noticeable weaknesses. Her overall low damage output offsets the very high knockback scaling of her smash attacks and up aerial, which results in her KO potential being unimpressive at best. When coupled with her lack of KO set-ups at high percentages, Sheik is forced to rely on hard reads to properly score a KO. While [[rage]] helps alleviate her KO potential, it also hampers her combo game. By extension, Sheik is unable to utilize rage more often than not, owing to her above average height and very light [[weight]] collectively rendering her endurance as unimpressive. Lastly, nerfs from game updates have further hindered her by decreasing her already light weight, worsening her forward aerial and grab game's combo potentials, and weakening up aerial and Bouncing Fish's KO potentials.
Although she has outstanding strengths, Sheik nevertheless has noticeable weaknesses. Her overall low damage output offsets the very high knockback scaling of her smash attacks and up aerial, which results in her KO potential being unimpressive at best. When coupled with her lack of KO set-ups at high percentages, Sheik is forced to rely on hard reads to properly score a KO. While [[rage]] helps alleviate her KO potential, it also hampers her combo game. By extension, Sheik is unable to utilize rage more often than not, owing to her above average height and very light [[weight]] collectively rendering her endurance as unimpressive. Lastly, nerfs from game updates have further hindered her by decreasing her already light weight, worsening her forward aerial and grab game's combo potentials, and weakening up aerial and Bouncing Fish's KO potentials.
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==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Sheik is a character that, as a ninja of sorts, fits the "hit-and-run" character archetype. One of Sheik's greatest strengths is her overall mobility, being among the best in the game both grounded and aerial, boasting the fifth fastest [[walk]]ing speed, eighth fastest [[run]]ning speed, above average [[traction]], high [[air speed]] and [[air acceleration]], and the tenth fastest [[falling speed]]. She also has high [[gravity]], which makes her mobility better, but leaves her more vulnerable to vertical knockback. However, she is also the eleventh [[weight|lightest]] character; when coupled with her gravity and tall height, these traits collectively make her very susceptible to combos. Her crouch is also very low, making her difficult to hit when doing so. Sheik can also wall cling and crawl.
Sheik is a character that, as a ninja of sorts, fits the "hit-and-run" character archetype. One of Sheik's greatest strengths is her overall mobility, being among the best in the game both grounded and aerial, boasting the fifth fastest [[walk]]ing speed, eighth fastest [[dash]]ing speed, above average [[traction]], high [[air speed]] and [[air acceleration]] and the ninth fastest [[falling speed]]. She also has high [[gravity]], which makes her mobility better, but leaves her more vulnerable to vertical knockback. However, she is the eleventh [[weight|lightest]] character; when coupled with her gravity and tall height, these traits collectively make her very susceptible to combos. Her crouch is also very low, making her difficult to hit when doing so. Sheik can also wall cling and crawl.


Aside from her excellent mobility, another of Sheik's greatest strengths is her nearly-unrivaled frame data. Her moves have generally negligible amounts of startup and ending lag, making her extremely difficult to punish properly, and this is supplemented by the good range of her moveset. She also has an excellent projectile in [[Needle Storm]], with the needles being fast, long-ranged (covers about half of [[Final Destination]]), possessing [[transcendent priority]], and causing [[hitstun]]. Coupled with her range, her needles give her a strong camping ability. Overall, her mobility, projectile game, range and frame data all combined form her greatest strength: her outstanding neutral game. She can play both defensively, by pressuring and zoning from afar without much trouble, or aggressively, with her fast attack speed giving her an unpredictable approach. Sheik can poke and pressure her opponents with her aerials and tilts, all of which are safe options. If they choose to drop shield, they are wide open to these attacks. At the same time, holding shield presents her with an opportunity to grab and use her throw set-ups.
Aside from her excellent mobility, another of Sheik's greatest strengths is her nearly-unrivaled frame data. Her moves have generally negligible amounts of startup and ending lag, making her extremely difficult to punish properly, and this is supplemented by the good range of her moveset. She also has an excellent projectile in [[Needle Storm]], with the needles being fast, long-ranged (covers about half of [[Final Destination]]), possessing [[transcendent priority]], and causing [[hitstun]]. Coupled with her range, her needles give her a strong camping ability. Overall, her mobility, projectile game, range and frame data all combined form her greatest strength: her outstanding neutral game. She can play both defensively, by pressuring and zoning from afar without much trouble, or aggressively, with her fast attack speed giving her an unpredictable approach. Sheik can poke and pressure her opponents with her aerials and tilts, all of which are safe options. If they choose to drop shield, they are wide open to these attacks. At the same time, holding shield presents her with an opportunity to grab and use her throw set-ups.
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However, despite having immense strengths, Sheik still has notable flaws. The most notable of them is her frailty: despite her recovery being amazing, in a similar vein to {{SSB4|Fox}}, her on-stage endurance is fairly weak, succumbing to strong enough blows, whereas her above average height, high falling speed and gravity make her easy to combo. This is further compounded by her poor damage output overall: despite her strong damage racking ability, she requires very long strings of attacks to deal the same amount of damage that super-heavyweight characters such as {{SSB4|Bowser}} and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}} can inflict in noticeably fewer hits. While the low damage and power on her moves grant her an awesome combo game, Sheik also struggles to secure her opponent's stock. She has a few moves with high knockback, but she has difficulty landing them; her up smash has a powerful first hit on her arms as she rises them, but it is hard to land outside of a read or confirm, and is hampered by its much weaker second hit as she lowers her arms. Her forward smash and her down smash are among the weakest smash attacks of their kind, and they have punishable ending lag as well. In the air, she is limited to using her up aerial or Bouncing Fish to KO, and even then they must be relatively close to the blast lines for maximum effectiveness, since her other aerial attacks do not KO until 200% or more, and are otherwise only useful for edge-guarding and gimping characters with particularly weak or linear recoveries. Furthermore, her overall below average grab game has no throws that can KO reliably, and her aforementioned forward and down throws have too much knockback for truly reliable KO set-ups. With all of this working against her, it is not uncommon for her opponents to survive in excess of 150%. Lastly, the introduction to [[rage]] hinders Sheik: without rage, she often has trouble KOing, though as her rage increases, her combo game is slowly hindered, which when combined with her poor damage output, it can make bringing an opponent to KO percents difficult. Besides, this also brings opponents to a high level enough of rage to KO Sheik herself with a strong enough move.
However, despite having immense strengths, Sheik still has notable flaws. The most notable of them is her frailty: despite her recovery being amazing, in a similar vein to {{SSB4|Fox}}, her on-stage endurance is fairly weak, succumbing to strong enough blows, whereas her above average height, high falling speed and gravity make her easy to combo. This is further compounded by her poor damage output overall: despite her strong damage racking ability, she requires very long strings of attacks to deal the same amount of damage that super-heavyweight characters such as {{SSB4|Bowser}} and {{SSB4|Donkey Kong}} can inflict in noticeably fewer hits. While the low damage and power on her moves grant her an awesome combo game, Sheik also struggles to secure her opponent's stock. She has a few moves with high knockback, but she has difficulty landing them; her up smash has a powerful first hit on her arms as she rises them, but it is hard to land outside of a read or confirm, and is hampered by its much weaker second hit as she lowers her arms. Her forward smash and her down smash are among the weakest smash attacks of their kind, and they have punishable ending lag as well. In the air, she is limited to using her up aerial or Bouncing Fish to KO, and even then they must be relatively close to the blast lines for maximum effectiveness, since her other aerial attacks do not KO until 200% or more, and are otherwise only useful for edge-guarding and gimping characters with particularly weak or linear recoveries. Furthermore, her overall below average grab game has no throws that can KO reliably, and her aforementioned forward and down throws have too much knockback for truly reliable KO set-ups. With all of this working against her, it is not uncommon for her opponents to survive in excess of 150%. Lastly, the introduction to [[rage]] hinders Sheik: without rage, she often has trouble KOing, though as her rage increases, her combo game is slowly hindered, which when combined with her poor damage output, it can make bringing an opponent to KO percents difficult. Besides, this also brings opponents to a high level enough of rage to KO Sheik herself with a strong enough move.


Other weaknesses include a few moves that have very low utility, despite Sheik's moveset versatility. These include her down aerial, which is the slowest of her aerial moveset, has the highest landing lag and is a [[stall-then-fall]], which give it the lowest utility of Sheik's aerial moveset despite it [[meteor smash]]ing on contact. Her smash attacks are difficult to land overall and, outside of up smash's sweet spot, have little KO power. Lastly, Burst Grenade has a slow explosion, renders Sheik helpless if performed while airborne, and has only situational usage on edge-guarding predictable recoveries (such as {{SSB4|Little Mac}}) and extending the damage of a hard punish.
Other weaknesses include a few moves that have very low utility, despite Sheik's moveset versatility. These include her down aerial, which is the slowest of her aerial moveset, has the highest landing lag and is a [[stall-then-fall]], which give it the lowest utility of Sheik's aerial moveset despite it [[meteor smash]]ing an opponent. Her smash attacks are difficult to land overall and outside of up smash, have little KO power. Lastly, Burst Grenade has a slow explosion, renders Sheik helpless if performed while airborne, and has only situational usage on edge-guarding predictable recoveries (such as {{SSB4|Little Mac}}) and extending the damage of a hard punish.


Sheik benefits a good amount from her custom moves. Penetrating Needles only shoots three needles instead of six and has less range, but it deals extra [[shield damage]], granting her a new pressuring option. Gravity Grenade loses the suction effect, but the grenade can be thrown much farther and pulls enemies towards Sheik, allowing multiple follow-up opportunities. Pisces, while having a much more shallow flip, removing her forward throw combo, gains more horizontal distance, is faster, has little lag if the follow-up attack is not executed, and is significantly stronger, being able to KO 59% earlier than the default Bouncing Fish. Her other custom moves, like Paralyzing Needle and Abyss, are slightly riskier, yet more rewarding than Needle Storm and Vanish.
Sheik benefits a good amount from her custom moves. Penetrating Needles only shoots three needles instead of six and has less range, but it deals extra [[shield damage]], granting her a new pressuring option. Gravity Grenade loses the suction effect, but the grenade can be thrown much farther and pulls enemies towards Sheik, allowing multiple follow-up opportunities. Pisces, while having a much more shallow flip, removing her forward throw combo, gains more horizontal distance, is faster, has little lag if the follow-up attack is not executed, and is significantly stronger, being able to KO 59% earlier than the default Bouncing Fish. Her other custom moves, like Paralyzing Needle and Abyss, are slightly riskier, yet more rewarding than Needle Storm and Vanish.
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In addition to her moveset, Sheik mobility has also improved, as her [[walk]]ing, [[dash]]ing, and most significantly her [[air speed]]s are much faster. While her dash speed saw a fairly standard increase to its speed which most returning veterans received, her air speed saw a much higher increase going from being fairly poor to being very high. It is especially useful in two ways: it now enables her aerial combo game to flow much more fluidly, which is especially evident with her forward aerial's altered properties, and it significantly improves her recovery alongside Bouncing Fish's horizontal travel distance, and the removal of [[edge-hogging]].
In addition to her moveset, Sheik mobility has also improved, as her [[walk]]ing, [[dash]]ing, and most significantly her [[air speed]]s are much faster. While her dash speed saw a fairly standard increase to its speed which most returning veterans received, her air speed saw a much higher increase going from being fairly poor to being very high. It is especially useful in two ways: it now enables her aerial combo game to flow much more fluidly, which is especially evident with her forward aerial's altered properties, and it significantly improves her recovery alongside Bouncing Fish's horizontal travel distance, and the removal of [[edge-hogging]].


However, Sheik also received a few nerfs, some of which are due to gameplay changes. The removal of [[DACUS]] significantly weakens her up smash's versatility while her up smash itself is slower and weaker. Sheik's forward tilt was also considerably nerfed as it was her most oppressive move in ''Brawl''. Although it is still a very useful combo starter, its combo potential was nevertheless worsened due to its increased knockback and ending lag. On top of this, her already below average damage output has lowered even further, which forces players to rely on combos to rack up damage before attempting to score a KO. While most characters had their damage output nerfed, Sheik's was reduced even more than most returning veterans. Her overall frame data is also slightly worse although it still remains among the best in the game.
However, Sheik also received a few nerfs, some of which are due to gameplay changes. The removal of [[DACUS]] significantly weakens her up smash's versatility while her up smash itself is slower and weaker. Sheik's forward tilt was also considerably nerfed as it was her most oppressive move in ''Brawl''. Although it is still a very useful combo starter, its combo potential was nevertheless worsened due to its increased knockback and ending lag. On top of this, her already below average damage output has lowered even further, which forces players to rely on combos to rack up damage before attempting to score a KO. While most characters had their damage output nerfed, Sheik's was reduced even more than most returning veterans. Her overall frame data is also slightly worse although it still remains among the best in the game.  


Despite rage alleviating Sheik's KO potential, it also offsets her combo game at medium to high percentages, and her unimpressive endurance means that she cannot utilize it as consistently or effectively as other characters while they can easily use rage to kill her even earlier. When combined with the fact that she does not have a powerful ladder combo, kill confirm at low percents or a move with extremely high set knockback, this makes her one of the characters who benefits the least from rage. Lastly, game updates have nerfed Sheik in certain ways, with update [[1.1.5]] most notably removing many of her 50/50 KO mix-ups.
Despite rage alleviating Sheik's KO potential, it also offsets her combo game at medium to high percentages, and her unimpressive endurance means that she cannot utilize it as consistently or effectively as other characters while they can easily use rage to kill her even earlier. When combined with the fact that she does not have a powerful ladder combo, kill confirm at low percents or a move with extremely high set knockback, this makes her one of the characters who benefits the least from rage. Lastly, game updates have nerfed Sheik in certain ways, with update [[1.1.5]] most notably removing many of her 50/50 KO mix-ups.
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*{{change|Sheik has received four new [[alternate costume]]s, one of which is based on her appearance in ''Ocarina of Time''.}}
*{{change|Sheik has received four new [[alternate costume]]s, one of which is based on her appearance in ''Ocarina of Time''.}}
*{{change|Sheik is slightly more expressive. She now glares during some attacks, and appears alarmed while [[teeter]]ing.}}
*{{change|Sheik is slightly more expressive. She now glares during some attacks, and appears alarmed while [[teeter]]ing.}}
*{{change|Sheik has a new idle animation. However, she reverts to her idle animation from ''Brawl'' while holding a small [[item]] and briefly when transitioning to her idle animation after using a move.}}
*{{change|Sheik has a new idle animation. However, she reverts to her idle animation from ''Brawl'' while holding a small [[item]].}}
*{{change|Sheik has a new [[victory pose]]. She now performs her forward tilt and then immediately performs her down smash. It replaces her contemplative victory pose.}}
*{{change|Sheik has a new [[victory pose]]. She now performs her forward tilt and then immediately performs her down smash. It replaces her contemplative victory pose.}}
* {{change|Due to the removal of [[Transform]], Sheik's [[on-screen appearance]] has altered visual and sound effects; it now emits a whirl of smoke, rather than a magical sparkle and the Transform sound effect.}}
*{{change|Due to the removal of [[Chain]], side taunt's visual effects have changed. Sheik now brandishes the {{s|wikipedia|tripwire}} she uses for her new side special, [[Burst Grenade]].}}
*{{change|Due to the removal of [[Chain]], side taunt's visual effects have changed. Sheik now brandishes the {{s|wikipedia|tripwire}} she uses for her new side special, [[Burst Grenade]].}}
*{{change|Sheik's previously unused damage yells from ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[Sound Test]] are now heard when taking high knockback.}}
*{{change|Sheik's previously unused damage yells from ''Brawl''{{'}}s [[Sound Test]] are now heard when taking high knockback.}}
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*{{buff|Sheik [[walk]]s faster (1.3 → 1.4).}}
*{{buff|Sheik [[walk]]s faster (1.3 → 1.4).}}
*{{buff|Sheik [[dash]]es faster (1.92 → 2.016).}}
*{{buff|Sheik [[dash]]es faster (1.92 → 2.016).}}
*{{buff|Sheik's [[air speed]] is much faster (0.846 → 1.1), even relative to returning veterans, going from the 10th slowest out of 39 characters to now being tied for the 14th fastest out of 58 characters.}}
*{{buff|Sheik's [[air speed]] is much faster (0.846 → 1.1), going from being tied for the 30th fastest out of 39 characters to being tied for the 14th fastest out of 58 characters.}}
*{{change|Sheik's [[air friction]] is lower (0.021 → 0.015). This makes her travel further from an aerial [[grab release]] making her less susceptible to followups but makes her take longer to halt her momentum in the air.}}
*{{change|Sheik's [[air friction]] is lower (0.021 → 0.015). This makes her travel further from an aerial [[grab release]] making her less susceptible to followups but makes her take longer to halt her momentum in the air.}}
*{{change|Sheik falls faster (1.58 → 1.75). This improves her vertical endurance, but makes her more susceptible to combos.}}
*{{change|Sheik falls faster (1.58 → 1.75). This improves her vertical endurance, but makes her more susceptible to combos.}}
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**{{change|Forward aerial now also has a [[slash]] effect, instead of a normal effect.}}
**{{change|Forward aerial now also has a [[slash]] effect, instead of a normal effect.}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a shorter duration (frames 5-8 → 5-7) and slightly smaller hitboxes (5.3u → 5u).}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial has a shorter duration (frames 5-8 → 5-7) and slightly smaller hitboxes (5.3u → 5u).}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial's animation has slightly changed: Sheik now lunges farther inward. This new animation is much longer (33 frames → 86) which slightly increases the move's ending lag (FAF 34 → 35) and greatly increases the amount of time Sheik cannot grab a ledge after using the move.}}
**{{nerf|Forward aerial's animation has slightly changed: Sheik now lunges farther inward. This new animation is much longer (33 frames → 86) which slightly increases the move's ending lag (FAF 34 → 35) and greatly increases the amount of time Sheik cannot grab a ledge after using the move.}}  
*[[Back aerial]]:
*[[Back aerial]]:
**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (12% (clean sweetspot)/11% (clean sourspot)/6% (late) → 8%/7%/5%) without full compensation on knockback (clean: 0/0/5/14 (base) → 30, late: 0/0/4/8 (base)/100 (scaling) → 10/101), significantly hindering its KO and edge-guarding potential. Additionally, it has increased landing lag (10 → 12 frames), and its late hit has a shorter duration (frames 7-17 → 7-14).}}
**{{nerf|Back aerial deals less damage (12% (clean sweetspot)/11% (clean sourspot)/6% (late) → 8%/7%/5%) without full compensation on knockback (clean: 0/0/5/14 (base) → 30, late: 0/0/4/8 (base)/100 (scaling) → 10/101), significantly hindering its KO and edge-guarding potential. Additionally, it has increased landing lag (10 → 12 frames), and its late hit has a shorter duration (frames 7-17 → 7-14).}}
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*[[Floor attack]]:
*[[Floor attack]]:
**{{buff|Floor attacks deal more damage (6% → 7%) and [[shield damage]] (1 → 8) per hit, with minimally compensated knockback scaling (50 → 48).}}
**{{buff|Floor attacks deal more damage (6% → 7%) and [[shield damage]] (1 → 8) per hit, with minimally compensated knockback scaling (50 → 48).}}
**{{buff|Floor attacks have less ending lag (FAF 50 → 46) and forward floor attack has less startup lag (frame 17 → 14).}}
**{{buff|Floor attacks have less ending lag (FAF 50 → 46) and forward floor attack has less startup lag (frame 17 → 14).}}  
**{{change|Floor attacks' angles have been altered (361° → 48°).}}
**{{change|Floor attacks' angles have been altered (361° → 48°).}}
**{{nerf|Front floor attack, has less intangibility (frames 1-26 → 1-23), a shorter duration (frames 17-19 → 14-15 (front), 24-26 → 22-23 (back) and smaller hitboxes.}}
**{{nerf|Front floor attack, has less intangibility (frames 1-26 → 1-23), a shorter duration (frames 17-19 → 14-15 (front), 24-26 → 22-23 (back) and smaller hitboxes.}}
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==Update history==
==Update history==
Much like {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}, Sheik initially started out as a much stronger character in the early metagame, being one of the strongest characters in earlier versions of the game. As a result, Sheik  has been nerfed significantly via game updates. Update [[1.0.4]] immediately gave Sheik some impactful nerfs, with Sheik receiving considerable power reductions to her forward aerial, up aerial and [[Bouncing Fish]]. These moves were some of her most effective KO options, as Sheik had numerous ways to combo into them and they could even lead into KO confirms at high enough percents. Naturally after their power reductions, the moves became more restrictive as KO confirms. Forward aerial's power reduction also made it a less potent combo tool at lower percents. In addition to Sheik having weaker KO power, [[Needle Storm]] received more ending lag on the ground, which not only made it a riskier camping tool but it also removed its ability to lead into comboes and KO confirms. Sheik now had to use the move in the air to land a KO confirm with a Bouncing Fish followup and as Bouncing Fish became weaker, the KO confirm became less potent overall.
Much like {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}, Sheik has been nerfed significantly via game updates. Update [[1.0.4]] considerably weakened her up aerial and [[Bouncing Fish]], her most reliable KOing options, and increased [[Needle Storm]]'s ending lag. It also decreased her forward aerial's damage output, worsening its edge-guarding ability and the effectiveness of combos involving it. Update [[1.0.6]] noticeably decreased down tilt and back aerial's damage outputs, with the former's knockback compensated, removing the latter's KO potential almost completely. Update [[1.1.0]] decreased forward aerial's damage output and made its sourspot take priority over its sweetspot, but also compensated its sweetspot's knockback scaling; this slightly improved its edge-guarding potential, yet slightly worsened its sweetspot's combo potential. Update [[1.1.4]] decreased the knockback scaling and size of [[Vanish]]'s disappearing hitbox, making it more difficult to land and KO with.


The universal changes in 1.0.4 were not particularly beneficial to Sheik. The removal of LSI for moves which launched between 65°-115° considerably hindered Sheik's endurance, making her easier to combo as well as making her easier to KO vertically. While it did improve the consistency of Sheik's vertical launching combo moves (particularly her throws), it did not benefit Sheik's combo game as much as numerous other members of the cast, and some of Sheik's main followups out of her vertical launching moves were weakened (mainly forward and up aerials). Sheik also had very few vertical KO moves which benefitted from the technique with up aerial's power reduction being significant enough to make up aerial a weaker KO move even though it could no longer be LSIed.
The most detrimental update, however, was [[1.1.5]]: as of said update, Sheik is much more susceptible to early KOs as she is four units lighter, the range reduction of Needle Storm made her neutral game weaker, and her pivotal forward and down throws have increased knockback scaling and angle alterations which reduce their combo potential, and removes any semi-guaranteed KO set-ups without making them strong enough to KO at realistic percentages. Overall, Sheik is noticeably worse compared to how she was at the release of ''SSB4'', with professionals such as ZeRo no longer considering her the best character in the game and having dropped her as a result. Despite these nerfs, Sheik has nevertheless managed to retain her status as a top tier character throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan.
 
Sheik was also hindered by the removal of [[DACUS]] as Sheik previously had one of the most effective DAUSes in the game. While very difficult to perform, Sheik's up smash was strong, her DACUS covered a large amount of distance and it had the potential to be a KO confirm out of moves such as neutral aerial and Needle Storm. With DACUS being removed, it significantly hindered the approach potential of Sheik's up smash and it largely removed the comboes and KO confirms Sheik could previously perform with a DACUS.
 
Update [[1.0.6]] noticeably decreased back aerial's damage, considerably reducing the move's KO potential. From updates [[1.1.0]] - [[1.1.4]], Sheik only received a few minor nerfs, with forward aerial receiving a slightly decrease to its power in 1.1.0 and with Sheik become slightly lighter in 1.1.4.
 
Update [[1.1.5]] however would give Sheik the most impactful nerfs she had received since 1.0.4. Some minor nerfs Sheik received were that she became noticeably lighter, hindering her endurance and her forward aerial received a range reduction. Sheik's Needle Storm received a significant reduction on its range, which considerably toned down its potentially oppressive camping potential but the most significant nerfs Sheik received were to her forward and down throws. In earlier versions of the game, the throws were both capable of leading into long lasting 50-50es into potential KOes which were very powerful. In 1.1.5 however, both throws received significantly more knockback which greatly weakened their 50-50 potential at higher percents, making them considerably less scary at higher percents. Sheik could no longer rely on her throws to lead into potential KOes, instead having to rely more on situational KO confirms, edgeuarding and raw KO moves to take stocks.  
 
Overall, Sheik is significantly worse compared to how she was at the release of the game. Sheik is more fragile, being easier to combo and KO, her defensive game is weaker having a laggier and shorter range projectile and her damage racking and KO potential have noticeably decreased, making it significantly harder for her to score KOes, especially compared to the rest of the cast. Despite this, Sheik still remained one of the most potent characters in the game. Her incredible mobility and frame data were near untouched, her recovery remained strong and while her neutral game was weakened, it still remained among the best out of the entire cast. Sheik's nerfs mainly impacted her punish game but she still had the tools needed in order to win neutral and get her punish game going.
 
Sheik was very likely the best character in the game in early 3DS versions and while she did have a negative transition to the Wii U version, with Sheik receiving impactful nerfs combined with not benefitting from the game's universal changes, she still managed to remain a contender for the best character in the game. As time went on, things looked very good for Sheik, with other top tiers (mainly Diddy Kong) receiving more impactful nerfs than her, firmly making Sheik the best character in the game for a period of time but by 1.1.4, {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} was added to the game, who ultimately took Sheik off of her pedestal and 1.1.5 was ultimately the final nail in the coffin for Sheik, giving her some impactful nerfs which firmly took her out of the discussion for the best character in the game. Despite all the nerfs Sheik received combined with the shift in the meta, Sheik still remained one of the strongest characters in the game, being considered as a top 5 or even a top 3 character by the later stages of the game's life.


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4-3ds}} [[1.0.4]]'''
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'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''
*{{nerf|Down tilt deals less damage (7.5% 5%), with its knockback mostly compensated (35 (base)/80 (scaling) → 37/100).}}
*{{nerf|Down tilt deals less damage|7.5%|5%, with knockback compensated (35 (base)/80 (scaling) → 37/110).}}
*{{nerf|Clean back aerial deal less damage (11% (foot)/10% (leg) 8%/7%), significantly hindering its KO and edgeguarding potential.}}
*{{nerf|Clean sweetspotted and clean sourspotted back aerial deal less damage|11% (clean sweetspot)/10% (clean sourspot)|8%/7%, significantly hindering their KO and edge-guarding potentials.}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''
*{{nerf|Forward aerial deals less damage (5.5% (far)/4.8% (near) 5%/4.3%), with its knockback scaling mostly compensated (125 → 132).}}
*{{change|Forward aerial deals less damage|5.5% (sweetspot)/4.8% (sourspot)|5%/4.3%, although its sweetspot's knockback was compensated: 125 → 132. These changes slightly improve its sweetspot's edge-guarding potential, and slightly improve its sourspot's combo potential. However, they slightly hinder its sweetspot's combo potential.}}
*{{nerf|Forward aerial's sourspot now takes priority over its sweetspot.}}
*{{nerf|Forward aerial's sourspot now takes priority over its sweetspot.}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''
*{{nerf|Penetrating Needles deal less [[shield damage]] (9 (clean)/7 (late) → 6/4.}}
*{{nerf|Penetrating Needles deal less [[shield damage]]|9|6.}}


'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.4]]'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.4]]'''
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|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfname=&nbsp;
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdesc=Kneels and performs a palm thrust in front of herself, and then behind herself.
|floorfdesc=Kneels and performs a palm thrust in front of herself, and then behind herself.  
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbname=&nbsp;
|floorbdmg=7%
|floorbdmg=7%
|floorbdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|kip-up}} transitioned into a double-footed {{s|wikipedia|scorpion kick}}.
|floorbdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|kip-up}} transitioned into a double-footed {{s|wikipedia|scorpion kick}}.  
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortname=&nbsp;
|floortdmg=5%
|floortdmg=5%
Line 288: Line 277:
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgename=&nbsp;
|edgedmg=7%
|edgedmg=7%
|edgedesc=Performs a corkscrew {{s|wikipedia|dropkick}} while climbing up.
|edgedesc=Performs a corkscrew {{s|wikipedia|dropkick}} while climbing up.  
|nsdefname=Needle Storm
|nsdefname=Needle Storm
|nsdefdmg=1.9% (near), 1.2% (far)
|nsdefdmg=1.9% (near), 1.2% (far)
|nsdefdesc=Accumulates up to six needles that can be thrown immediately or stored for later use. When used in the air, Sheik throws the needles downward at approximately 45°. One of Sheik's best options for [[camping]] and zoning, as it can nullify approaches and has [[transcendent priority]].
|nsdefdesc=Accumulates up to six needles that can be thrown immediately or stored for later use. When used in the air, Sheik throws the needles downward at approximately 45°. One of Sheik's best options for [[camping]] and zoning, as it can nullify approaches and has [[transcendent priority]].  
|nsc1name=Penetrating Needles
|nsc1name=Penetrating Needles
|nsc1dmg=2.2% (near), 1.6% (far)
|nsc1dmg=2.2% (near), 1.6% (far)
Line 297: Line 286:
|nsc2name=Paralyzing Needle
|nsc2name=Paralyzing Needle
|nsc2dmg=1%
|nsc2dmg=1%
|nsc2desc=[[Paralyze]]s an opponent, with the paralysis duration being longer the more damaged the opponent is. However, it has significant startup, less range, deals less damage, and Sheik can only throw one needle that cannot be stored.
|nsc2desc=[[Paralyze]]s an opponent, with the paralysis duration being longer the more damaged the opponent is. However, it has significant startup, less range, deals less damage, and Sheik can only throw one needle that cannot be stored.  
|ssdefname=Burst Grenade
|ssdefname=Burst Grenade
|ssdefdmg=1% (grenade), 1% (pull, 5 hits total), 12.6% (explosion)
|ssdefdmg=1% (grenade), 1% (pull, 5 hits total), 12.6% (explosion)
|ssdefdesc=Throws a grenade attached to a {{s|wikipedia|tripwire}}. On detonation, it creates a small area that [[pull]]s opponents towards it, then explodes. The detonation can be delayed a second by holding the special move button. The grenade can be thrown farther when used in the air or when thrown over an edge, and its explosion is strong enough to KO middleweights at 115% near the edge, making it useful for edge-guarding. If Sheik is attacked before the grenade explodes, the grenade will be detached from the tripwire and become a non-[[explosive]] [[item]] that anyone can use. However, Sheik will be rendered [[helpless]] if it is used in the air and uninterrupted, similarly to [[Din's Fire]].
|ssdefdesc=Throws a grenade attached to a {{s|wikipedia|tripwire}}. On detonation, it creates a small area that [[pull]]s opponents towards it, then explodes. The detonation can be delayed a second by holding the special move button. The grenade can be thrown a farther when used in the air or when thrown over an edge, and its explosion is strong enough to KO middleweights at 115% near the edge, making it useful for edge-guarding. If Sheik is attacked before the grenade explodes, the grenade will be detached from the tripwire and become a non-[[explosive]] [[item]] that anyone can use. However, Sheik will be rendered [[helpless]] if it is used in the air and uninterrupted, similarly to [[Din's Fire]].
|ssc1name=Gravity Grenade
|ssc1name=Gravity Grenade
|ssc1dmg=3.58%
|ssc1dmg=3.58%
Line 329: Line 318:
|fsdesc=Wields {{s|zeldawiki|Zelda's Bow}} and fires a {{s|zeldawiki|Light Arrow}} forward. It can strike multiple opponents, but its damage output decreases for each successive target. Unlike Zelda's Light Arrow, it deals slightly more damage and is a [[semi-spike]], yet has less knockback. Like Zelda's, it is one of the strongest Final Smashes in the game, as it is capable KOing middleweights at 58% while near the edge.
|fsdesc=Wields {{s|zeldawiki|Zelda's Bow}} and fires a {{s|zeldawiki|Light Arrow}} forward. It can strike multiple opponents, but its damage output decreases for each successive target. Unlike Zelda's Light Arrow, it deals slightly more damage and is a [[semi-spike]], yet has less knockback. Like Zelda's, it is one of the strongest Final Smashes in the game, as it is capable KOing middleweights at 58% while near the edge.
}}
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
|cast = 58
|weight = 81
|rweight = 48
|dash = 1.7
|rdash = 11-15
|run = 2.016
|rrun = 8
|walk = 1.4
|rwalk = 5-6
|trac = 0.06
|rtrac = 14-24
|airfric = 0.015
|rairfric = 6-19
|air = 1.1
|rair = 14-19
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 10-54
|addaccel = 0.08
|raddaccel = 11-16
|gravity = 0.15
|rgravity = 3
|fall = 1.75
|rfall = 10-11
|ff = 2.8
|rff = 11-12
|jumpsquat = 4
|rjumpsquat = 1-13
|jumpheight = 39
|rjumpheight = 7-8
|shorthop = 18.752533
|rshorthop = 7
|djump = 40
|rdjump = 9-10
}}
===[[Announcer]] call===
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
<gallery>
Sheik English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
</gallery>


===[[On-screen appearance]]===
===[[On-screen appearance]]===
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|set10=2231
|set10=2231
}}
}}
===Most historically significant players===
===Notable 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-->
''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.''
<!--If you are planning to add a player you consider to be notable, please provide tournament results in some shape or form in the edit summary (be it a link to a results thread or bracket of placing high in a tournament of other notable players or a video of them beating a notable player). Winning tournaments without notable players present is generally not enough to warrant a spot. -->
*{{Sm|Aki|Japan}} - 1st at [[Sumabato 20]]. Has wins over [[HIKARU]], [[Ron]], and [[Rizeasu]].
*{{Sm|Bedgar|Mexico}} - 5th at [[Smash Factor 5]] and [[Smash Factor 6]] and 7th at [[Smash Factor 7]]. Ranked 12th on the [[Mexican Power Rankings]] and has wins over {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Nicko}} and {{Sm|Regi Shikimi}}.
*{{Sm|big_mak|USA}} - The best Sheik in Chicago. Ranked 3rd on the [[Chicago Power Rankings]]. Regularly places well at [https://www.ssbwiki.com/index.php?title=Tournament:Midwest_Mayhem_(series)&useformat=mobile Midwest Mayhem tournaments].
*{{Sm|Blade|USA}} - One of the best Sheik mains in [[Michigan]]. Placed 17th at [[The Big House 8]] and 13th at [[Rebirth X]]. Has wins over {{Sm|CaptainZack}}, {{Sm|Zephyr}} and {{Sm|ven}}. Ranked 5th on the [[Michigan Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Blank|USA|p=Florida}} - Best Sheik in Florida, she has taken a set off Tweek's DK and placed 17th at [[CEO Dreamland]] and 13th at [[Too Hot to Handle]].
*{{Sm|Cacogen|USA}} - Best Sheik in Washington, 3rd at [[2GGT: Fatality Saga]], 17th at [[GENESIS 3]].
*{{Sm|Edge|Japan}} - Plays Sheik alongside {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}. Placed 3rd at [[Sumabato 20]], 4th at [[Sumabato 22]] and 25th at [[EVO 2017]]. Currently ranked 11th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Eim|Japan}} (#99) - One of the two best Sheik players in Japan. 1st at [http://challonge.com/TohokuUS4FT Tohoku University Smash 4 Festival], 5th at [[Sumabato 24]], and 3rd at [[Umebura 29]]. Currently ranked 21st on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|False|USA}} (#73) - A dual {{SSB4|Marth}} and Sheik main. 13th at [[EVO 2015]], 7th at [[CEO 2016]].
*{{Sm|Javi|Mexico|p=Smash 4}} (#74) - The best Sheik in Mexico, formerly ranked 44th on the [[Panda Global Rankings|Panda Global Rankings v3]]. 17th at [[The Big House 7]], 7th at [[Clutch City Clash 2]], 4th at [[DreamHack Denver 2017]]. He has wins over [[MkLeo]], [[Ally]], and [[Larry Lurr]].
*{{Sm|K9sbruce|USA}} (#62) - One of the best Sheiks in SoCal, also began dualmaining {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} in Q4 2016 along with Sheik. With Sheik, 5th at [[Sandstorm]], 25th at [[Apex 2015]], 9th at [[Tournament:Final Battle|Final Battle]], 33rd at [[EVO 2015]].
*{{Sm|Kameme|Japan}} - Dual mains Sheik with [[Mega Man]], has a set win on {{Sm|Lima}} and also most notably beating {{Sm|MkLeo}} with Sheik.
*{{Sm|Karna|USA}} - Best Sheik in Texas, ranked 1st on the Houston Smash 4 Power Rankings and in the Area 51 position on the [[Panda Global Rankings|Panda Global Rankings v5]]. 5th at [[Clutch City Clash 2]], 7th at [[DreamHack Denver 2017]].
*{{Sm|Koolaid|USA}} - Ranked 3rd on the [[New England Power Rankings]], with wins over {{Sm|Salem}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Rags}}, {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Marss}} and {{Sm|Javi|p=Smash 4}}.
*{{Sm|Mr.R|Netherlands}} (#10)- The undisputed best player in Europe and one of the two best Sheik mains in the world as well as the best of all time. 5th at [[CEO 2016]], 3rd at [[Super Smash Con 2016]], 1st at [[Syndicate 2016]], 4th at [[The Big House 6]], 1st at [[Eclipse 2]].
*{{Sm|Nietono|Japan}} (#33) - One of the two best Sheik players in Japan, plays Sheik along with {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}. Ranked 8th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]] and 37th on the [[Panda Global Rankings|Panda Global Rankings v5]]. Placed 3rd at [[EVO 2018]]. Has set wins over {{Sm|Mistake}}, {{Sm|falln}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Tweek}} and {{Sm|KEN}}.
*{{Sm|Nom|USA}} - Currently ranked 4th on the [[Michigan Power Rankings]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Ryuga}}, {{Sm|T}}, {{Sm|JJROCKETS}}, {{Sm|Ksev}}, and {{Sm|LOE1}}.
*{{Sm|Nyanko|Japan}} - 4th at [[Umebura 15]], 9th at [[Umebura 23]].
*{{Sm|Puppeh|USA}} - A prodigy who is currently ranked 5th in the [[MD/VA Power Rankings|MD/VA Smash 4 Power Rankings]]. 9th at [[Glitch]], 4th at [[Paradigm Shift]], 7th at [[Glitch 2]].
*{{Sm|RAIN|Japan}} (#66) - Used to main Sheik before dropping her for [[Cloud]]. With Sheik, 1st at [[Umebura 14]], [[Umebura 15]], and [[Umebura 16]], 9th at [[EVO 2015]], 25th at [[GENESIS 3]], 17th at [http://challonge.com/SHIGTournamentT SHIG Tournament].
*{{Sm|Rox|Mexico}} - 7th at [[Smash Factor 6]]. Ranked 7th on the [[Mexican Power Rankings]] and has wins over {{Sm|Captain Levi}}, {{Sm|Hyuga}} and {{Sm|Wonf}}.
*{{Sm|Saiki|USA}} - Arizona Sheik main. 17th at [[2GGT: FOW Saga]], 5th at [[LVL UP EXPO 2016]], 2nd at [[Rewired 2016]].
*{{Sm|Sinnyboo242|USA}} - 5th at [[Midwest Mayhem 11]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Ned}} and {{Sm|Locus}}.
*{{Sm|Strike|Canada}} - Top Canadian Sheik, ranked 1st in Manitoba.
*{{Sm|Trevonte|USA}} - One of the best players in NorCal. 4th at [[Clutch City Clash]].
*{{Sm|Vinnie|USA}} (#36) - The best Sheik in Tristate. Is also the second person to have taken a set off of {{Sm|ZeRo}}. 5th at [[MomoCon 2016]], 9th at [[EVO 2016]], 1st at [https://smash.gg/tournament/revelation-2016/brackets Revelation 2016].
*{{Sm|VoiD|USA}} (#11)- One of the two best players in SoCal and currently considered to be the best Sheik player in the world and one of the best of all time. 4th at [[EVO 2016]], 4th at [[Super Smash Con 2016]], 5th at [[The Big House 6]], and 1st at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}}.
*{{Sm|Yoh|Canada}} - Top Canadian Sheik, ranked 3rd in Ontario behind Blacktwins and Mistake. Plays both Sheik and Diddy Kong. 5th at [[Canada Cup 2016]] and 17th at [[GOML 2016]].
*{{Sm|Wizzrobe|USA}} - Was one of the best Sheik players at the start of ''Smash 4''. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash}}, 17th at {{Trn|The Big House 5}}. Has taken a set off of {{Sm|Ally}}.
*{{Sm|ZeRo|Chile}} (#1)- Widely considered to be the best Sheik player in the world before mostly dropping her, only still using her in specific matchups (ex. {{SSB4|Luigi}}), and was ranked on several Power Rankings, including 1st on the [[PGR 100]]. Held a 56-tournament win streak with Sheik as one of his mains.
 
===Tier placement and history===
Sheik has always been perceived as a top-tier character since the game's release, which was eventually reflected in her ranking at the very top of the first official ''4BR'' [[tier list]], with the previous nerfs to {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} and {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} paving the way for Sheik to be considered the near-indisputable best character in the game, in a similar manner to {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''Brawl'' and {{SSBM|Fox}} in ''Melee''. Players noticed her fantastic frame data, the ability to control the [[neutral game]] by [[spacing]] effectively with her forward aerial and [[camp]] with [[Needle Storm]], extensive combo game that allowed her to rack up damage quickly and efficiently, dominant offstage game, and reliable KO set-ups off of low-committal grab set-ups. This led most players to believe she lacked losing match-ups and had only a handful that were arguably even. As expected, Sheik's position was cemented by a stellar playerbase that included highly talented players such as {{Sm|ZeRo}}, {{Sm|Mr.R}}, {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|K9sbruce}} and {{Sm|RAIN}}, among others, all of whom achieved great results with the character on a consistent basis.
 
However, Sheik's overwhelming dominance took a blow with patches [[1.1.4]] and [[1.1.5]], which removed her most reliable KO set-ups, worsened her survivability, and weakened her camping ability. As a result, her most notable player, ZeRo, eventually dropped her, and others such as K9sbruce have been using secondaries more often. Despite her heavy nerfs, Sheik's neutral, combo, and offstage games are still among the best, allowing her to continue to gain strong results from players like VoiD and Mr.R and remain a top-tier character, placing at 3rd and 4th on the second and third version of the tier list respectively and remaining on the S tier.
 
Currently, Sheik is ranked as 4th on the fourth tier list, but has since then dropped to the A tier due to her results being worse than the characters ranked higher than her, although they still remain strong with many top players still having high opinions over Sheik as {{Sm|VoiD}} won Smash 'N' Splash 4 defeating top players {{Sm|Mistake}}, {{Sm|Dabuz}}, {{Sm|Light}} and {{Sm|Salem}} marking the first time Sheik won a major since patch [[1.1.5]], {{Sm|Mr.R}} getting 2nd at Hyrule Saga defeating top players {{Sm|DSS}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|Cosmos}}, {{Sm|ANTi}}, and {{Sm|Dabuz}} before losing to {{Sm|Tweek}}, 1-3, and {{Sm|Nietono}} getting 3rd at EVO 2018 defeating top players {{Sm|Charlie}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, {{Sm|falln}}, {{Sm|Choco}}, {{Sm|Mr E}}, and {{Sm|Mistake}} before losing to {{Sm|Captain Zack}} 0-3 (Although he used Diddy Kong to beat Choco and Mr E). These recent spike of results have been rare for Sheik as she hardly ever achieved these results after the nerfs. These results have also been more impressive than {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSB4|Cloud}} as they have failed to go this far in tournament without the use of a secondary in recent history. Due to this, some smashers have debated that Sheik should be ranked higher than this with {{Sm|Dabuz}} {{Sm|Mr.R}} and {{Sm|MKLeo}} agreeing that Sheik should be ranked slightly higher. Other players like {{Sm|ESAM}}, however, believe that she is overrated due to her inconsistency at killing as he puts her at 8th on his tier list.
 
==Trophies==


''See also: [[:Category:Sheik players (SSB4)]]''
:'''Sheik'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sheik claimed to be a surviving Sheikah. However, this was just a cunning disguise for Princess Zelda so that she could escape Ganondorf. In Smash Bros., she's the complete opposite of Zelda, striking with fast attacks that can keep an opponent off balance.''


*{{Sm|Eim|Japan}} - One of the best Sheik players in Japan, especially towards the end of the game's competitive lifespan. He is one of two Sheik players to have won a major following Sheik's nerfs, winning {{Trn|Umebura Smash 4 Final}}.
::{{flag|pal}} ''Sheik is introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as the "survivor of the Sheikah", although it turns out to be Zelda, who took on the disguise to hide from Ganondorf. Sheik's ninja-like speed is a real contrast with Zelda's, and it allows for sneaky, fast-paced attacks that overwhelm opponents before they can even react.''
*{{Sm|False|USA}} - Co-mained Sheik with {{SSB4|Marth}} and was one of the best Sheik players on the United States East Coast and placing 7th at {{Trn|CEO 2016}} and 9th at {{Trn|EVO 2017}}.
*{{Sm|Javi|Mexico}} - The second-best player from Mexico, with notable singles placements including 9th at {{Trn|2GGC: GENESIS Saga}} and 17th at {{Trn|GENESIS 5}}. With his cousin {{Sm|MkLeo}}, they were also considered the best doubles team in the world.
*{{Sm|K9sbruce|USA}} - The best Sheik player from the United States West Coast, co-maining her alongside {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} and placing 7th at {{Trn|Shots Fired 2}} and 9th at {{Trn|DreamHack Austin 2017}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 5}}.
*{{Sm|Mr.R|Netherlands}} - One of the best solo-Sheik players of all time, as well as the best European player of all-time who was regularly ranked in the top 10 globally. Although he never won a major, he finished 2nd at many of them, including at {{Trn|EVO 2015}} and {{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga}}.
*{{Sm|Nietono|Japan}} - One of the best Sheik player in Japan, co-maining her alongside {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}. He is the only Japanese Sheik player who placed top 8 at multiple majors, placing 3rd at {{Trn|EVO 2018}}, 4th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}} and 5th at both {{Trn|Apex 2015}} and {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2017}}.
*{{Sm|RAIN|Japan}} - The best Sheik player in Japan during the early metagame, notably placing 9th at {{Trn|EVO 2015}} and {{Trn|Umebura Niconico Qualifier}}. He dropped Sheik in favor of {{SSB4|Cloud}} in mid-2016.
*{{Sm|Vinnie|USA}} - One of the best Sheik players in the United States, co-maining her alongside {{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}. He was one of the first people to defeat {{Sm|ZeRo}}, doing so at {{Trn|PAX Prime 2015}} while placing 2nd. He has also placed 5th at {{Trn|The Big House 5}} and 9th at both {{Trn|EVO 2016}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2017}}.
*{{Sm|VoiD|USA}} - One of the best solo-Sheik players of all-time who was regularly ranked in the top 10 globally. He is one of two Sheik players to have won a major following Sheik's nerfs, winning {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}}.
*{{Sm|ZeRo|Chile}} - The all-time best player in the world who co-mained Sheik alongside {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} for the first few years of the game's competitive lifespan, most notably using her during his 56 consecutive tournament win streak.


===Tier placement and history===
{{Trophy games|console1=n64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (11/1998)|console2=3ds|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (06/2011)}}
Sheik had always been perceived as a top-tier character since the game's release, which was eventually reflected in her ranking at the very top of the first official ''4BR'' [[tier list]], with the previous nerfs to {{SSB4|Rosalina & Luma}} and {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}} paving the way for Sheik to be considered the near-indisputable best character in the game. Players noticed her fantastic frame data, the ability to control the [[neutral game]] by [[spacing]] effectively with her forward aerial and [[camp]] with [[Needle Storm]], extensive combo game that allowed her to rack up damage quickly and efficiently, dominant offstage game, and reliable KO set-ups off of low-committal grab set-ups. This led most players to believe she lacked losing match-ups and had only a handful that were arguably even. As expected, Sheik's position was cemented by a stellar playerbase that included highly talented players such as {{Sm|ZeRo}}, {{Sm|Mr.R}}, {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|K9sbruce}} and {{Sm|RAIN}}, among others, all of whom achieved great results with the character on a consistent basis.
 
:'''Sheik (Alt.)'''
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Sheik's Burst Grenade side special throws a small grenade that draws in nearby fighters before exploding. Once the button has been released, it'll hop or explode after a time. The down special Bouncing Fish is an attack where Sheik strikes with both heels, falling similarly to the way a fish might flop around.''


However, Sheik's overwhelming dominance took a blow with patches [[1.1.4]] and [[1.1.5]], which removed her most reliable KO set-ups, worsened her survivability, and weakened her camping ability. As a result, her most notable player, ZeRo, eventually dropped her, and others such as K9sbruce have been using secondaries more often. Despite her heavy nerfs, Sheik's neutral, combo, and offstage games are still among the best, allowing her to continue to gain strong results from players such as VoiD and Mr.R and remain a top-tier character, placing at 3rd on the second tier list and 4th on the third and fourth tier lists. However, the 4th tier list notably had Sheik drop into the A-tier due to her worse results compared to the top 3 at the time of the tier list's release.
::{{flag|pal}} ''Sheik's Burst Grenade side special throws a small grenade that draws in nearby fighters, then explodes. Hold the button longer to thrown it further. The down special Bouncing Fish is a fish-like flop forwards that has Sheik attack with both heels on the way down. If the move connects, Sheik will bounce back up into the air.''


2018 saw a new breath of fresh air for Sheik as dedicated mains managed to improve her results, including {{Sm|Nietono}}'s run to 3rd at {{Trn|EVO 2018}}, {{Sm|Mr.R}}'s run to 2nd at {{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga}}, and most notably {{Sm|VoiD}}'s victory at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}} and {{Sm|Eim}}'s victory at {{Trn|Umebura Smash 4 Final}}, which remains the only two major victories for a Sheik player since her nerfs. Sheik's improving results were notably more impressive than Diddy Kong and {{SSB4|Cloud}}, two characters generally agreed upon to be better than her but by then were not getting as far in-tournament without the use of a secondary. As a result, Sheik's true placement became debatable, with some top players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}} and Mr.R believing that Sheik should be ranked slightly higher.
{{Trophy games|console1=n64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (11/1998)|console2=3ds|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (06/2011)}}


==[[Trophies]]==
:'''Light Arrow (Sheik)'''
{{Trophy/Fighter
::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Sheik's Final Smash uses a gigantic bow to fire a Light Arrow across the screen. If multiple foes are in its path, it will strike them all, ignoring shields like they're not even there. Sheik's Light Arrow is more damaging than Zelda's and it launches its victims at a lower angle.''
|name=Sheik
|image-3ds=SheikTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=SheikTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Classic
|desc-3ds-ntsc=In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sheik claimed to be a surviving Sheikah. However, this was just a cunning disguise for Princess Zelda so that she could escape Ganondorf. In Smash Bros., she's the complete opposite of Zelda, striking with fast attacks that can keep an opponent off balance.
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Sheik claimed to be a surviving Sheikah. However, this was just a cunning disguise used by—SPOILER ALERT!—Princess Zelda so she could hide from Ganondorf. In Smash Bros., she's the complete opposite of Zelda, striking with fast attacks that can unbalance her foes.
|desc-pal=Sheik is introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as the "survivor of the Sheikah", although it turns out to be Zelda, who took on the disguise to hide from Ganondorf. Sheik's ninja-like speed is a real contrast with Zelda's, and it allows for sneaky, fast-paced attacks that overwhelm opponents before they can even react.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|release1=11/1998|console2=3DS|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|release2=06/2011}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|release1=12/1998|console2=3DS|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|release2=06/2011}}
}}
{{clrl}}


{{Trophy/Fighter
::{{flag|pal}} ''Sheik's Final Smash uses a gigantic bow to fire a Light Arrow across the screen. If multiple foes are in its path, it will strike them all, even penetrating straight through their shields. Sheik's Light Arrow is more powerful than Zelda's and it launches its targets at a more shallow angle.''
|name=Sheik (Alt.)
|image-3ds=SheikAltTrophy3DS.png
|image-wiiu=SheikAltTrophyWiiU.png
|mode=Alt
|desc-3ds-ntsc=Sheik's Burst Grenade side special throws a small grenade that draws in nearby fighters before exploding. Once the button has been released, it'll hop or explode after a time. The down special Bouncing Fish is an attack where Sheik strikes with both heels, falling similarly to the way a fish might flop around.
|desc-wiiu-ntsc=Sheik's Burst Grenade side special throws a small grenade that draws in nearby fighters before exploding. Once the button has been released or after a time, it'll hop and explode. The down special Bouncing Fish is an attack where Sheik strikes with both heels, falling similarly to the way a fish might flop around.
|desc-pal=Sheik's Burst Grenade side special throws a small grenade that draws in nearby fighters, then explodes. Hold the button longer to throw it further. The down special Bouncing Fish is a fish-like flop forwards that has Sheik attack with both heels on the way down. If the move connects, Sheik will bounce back up into the air.
|gamelist-ntsc={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|release1=11/1998|console2=3DS|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|release2=06/2011}}
|gamelist-pal={{Trophy games|console1=N64|game1=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|release1=12/1998|console2=3DS|game2=The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|release2=06/2011}}
}}
{{clrl}}


{{Trophy/Fighter
<center>
|name=Light Arrow (Sheik)
<gallery>
|image=LightArrowSheikTrophyWiiU.png
SheikTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)
|desc-ntsc=Sheik's Final Smash uses a gigantic bow to fire a Light Arrow across the screen. If multiple foes are in its path, it will strike them all, ignoring shields like they're not even there. Sheik's Light Arrow is more damaging than Zelda's, and it launches its victims at a lower angle.
SheikAltTrophy3DS.png|Alt. (3DS)
|desc-pal=Sheik's Final Smash uses a gigantic bow to fire a Light Arrow across the screen. If multiple foes are in its path, it will strike them all, even penetrating straight through their shields. Sheik's Light Arrow is more powerful than Zelda's and launches its targets at a more shallow angle.
SheikTrophyWiiU.png|Classic (Wii U)
|game=ssb4-wiiu
SheikAltTrophyWiiU.png|Alt. (Wii U)
}}
LightArrowSheikTrophyWiiU.png|[[Light Arrow]]
{{clrl}}
</gallery>
</center>


==In [[Event Match]]es==
==In [[Event Match]]es==
Line 530: Line 489:
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 6.jpg|Using [[Bouncing Fish]], her new down special, on {{SSB4|Mario}}.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 6.jpg|Using [[Bouncing Fish]], her new down special, on {{SSB4|Mario}}.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 7.jpg|Using her down [[taunt]] after using Burst Grenade on Luigi.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 7.jpg|Using her down [[taunt]] after using Burst Grenade on Luigi.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 8.jpg|Back-to-back with {{SSB4|Zelda}} in {{forwiiu}}.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 8.jpg|Back-to-back with {{SSB4|Zelda}} in {{forwiiu}}.  
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 9.jpg|Using her forward aerial on Samus.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 9.jpg|Using her forward aerial on Samus.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 10.jpg|Using Bouncing Fish on {{SSB4|Mega Man}} alongside Wii Fit Trainer's back aerial.
SSB4 - Sheik Wii U Screen Shot 10.jpg|Using Bouncing Fish on {{SSB4|Mega Man}} alongside Wii Fit Trainer's back aerial.
Line 579: Line 538:
*Originally, Sheik was still going to turn into Zelda in this game and vice versa, but the two characters were split apart instead due to the limitations of the Nintendo 3DS. A similar issue was also the case for Samus and Zero Suit Samus when their Final Smash was concerned, and Pokémon Trainer, who was dropped in favor of his Charizard operating on its own.
*Originally, Sheik was still going to turn into Zelda in this game and vice versa, but the two characters were split apart instead due to the limitations of the Nintendo 3DS. A similar issue was also the case for Samus and Zero Suit Samus when their Final Smash was concerned, and Pokémon Trainer, who was dropped in favor of his Charizard operating on its own.
*This is the only game since her debut in ''Melee'' where her canonical design is not directly referenced in the game at all.
*This is the only game since her debut in ''Melee'' where her canonical design is not directly referenced in the game at all.
*Despite having her ''Twilight Princess'' design retired in ''Ultimate'' in favor of an original design based on the Stealth Armor set from ''Breath of the Wild'', like with the other returning ''Zelda'' characters except for Toon Link, Sheik is the only one in that game whose ''Twilight Princess'' design is not referenced there at all, not even as an alternate costume. In fact, only her braid is left over from her previous design there.
** Ironically, this is also the only game where Sheik's canonical design is not directly referenced at all.
*Sheik's Alt. trophy in the ''Nintendo 3DS'' version features blond eyebrows, whereas the [[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Sheik|alternate costume]] it's based on has gray eyebrows. Her headwear and scarf are also noticeably lighter in the trophy.
*Sheik's Alt. trophy in the ''Nintendo 3DS'' version features blond eyebrows, whereas the [[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Sheik|alternate costume]] it's based on has gray eyebrows. Her headwear and scarf are also noticeably lighter in the trophy.


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