Wavedash: Difference between revisions

Directional air dodges return in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', bringing wavedashing and wavelanding back as well. However, wavedashing cannot be performed as quickly as in ''Melee'' as characters have faster initial jump velocities and directional air dodges have a five frame windup animation. Additionally, wavelanding takes longer due to air dodges having higher landing lag and characters halt at the end of the wavedash rather than retaining momentum fully throughout like in ''Melee''. Also, dodging repeatedly causes the dodges to be executed slower and slower. Because of this, wavedashing is slower and less safe overall. Finally, the boost given by airdodges is impossible to fully transfer into sliding momentum, as during the windup of an air dodge the user pulls back in the opposite direction slightly before moving in the inputted direction, and [[traction]] for the entire cast is much higher than previous games, thus virtually all of the air dodge momentum will wear off by the time the character fully lands. While this modern wavedash is not completely useless, having some very situational applications like wavelanding on platforms to read and surprise the opponent, the reasons above as well as the series simply evolving in a way that downplays the technique makes the wavedash not nearly as popular as in ''Melee'' and a rarity in a competitive match.

Despite its versatility, wavedashing requires considerable startup. A character is vulnerable (and not yet moving) while performing the jump and air dodge, and for 10 [[frame]]s afterwards they are unable to attack (while "landing" from the wavedash). Because of this lag, it is unwieldy for a character to wavedash in close quarters where quick attacks endanger them, and prediction and proper spacing is a must. Since fighters are considered standing during a wavedash, they are unable to dash, and dash attack by extention. While a relatively minor handicap, it does hinder fighters that rely on dash attacks as a central part of their kit. This is especially apparent in ''Ultimate'', as dash attacks have been buffed across the board since ''Melee'' to be among the fastest and/or strongest attacks in most fighters' moveset.

Wavelanding is performed after a character jumps to their peak and descend. As the character is approaching the ground the player presses L or R, initiating an air dodge. The ground then stops the air dodge animation and begins a normal wavedash. This is especially useful for moving around platforms quickly and for getting onto the stage quickly.

A Wavedrop is a useful technique when trying to maintain control while a character is dashing, landing from a jump or a completed aerial attack, or even wavedashing. It can even be used as a mindgame against opponents to some extent. In order to Wavedrop, land from a jump, transition from the last few frames of a dash into a wavedash, or attempt a second wavedash during the initial sequence of the wavedash, but instead of angling the Control Stick as usual, hold it down completely. The character will land in a Wavedashing animation, but remain still. Wavedropping is essentially the same as Wavedashing except that the character doesn't move in any direction.

===Edge-hogging===

{{Main|Edge-hogging}}

 

One can wavedash directly onto the stage from hanging on the edge by dropping off, immediately double jumping, and then air dodging back on-stage. This technique is commonly known as '''ledge dashing'''. One can waveland onto platforms, a technique often used on three-platform stages such as {{SSBM|Battlefield}} and [[Yoshi's Story]].