Kirby (SSB4): Difference between revisions

|ranking = 50

Kirby is ranked 50th out of 55 on the current [[tier list]], thus going into the F tier. This is a big drop from his placement in ''[[Brawl]]'', where he was ranked 20th out of 38 characters, and is similar to his bottom-tier placement in ''[[Melee]]''. Among his strengths are fast attacks for naturally-flowing [[combo]]s, including up tilt, forward throw, and down aerial – the latter of which is also a great KO set-up attack – and good [[edgeguard]]ing ability thanks to his versatile forward aerial and powerful back aerial. Kirby's multitude of [[jump]]s allow him to [[recovery|recover]] from long distances and mix up his landings. His small size also makes him difficult to hit, especially while [[crouch]]ing, and he can flexibly and efficiently [[KO]] opponents with his powerful [[smash attacks]] and back aerial.

Kirby has seen some buffs, however. His considerably faster [[dash]]ing speed improves his approach, while some less reliable moves like Inhale and down aerial have been given new utility, with the former being faster and the latter connecting better due to using the autolink angle and its landing hit has less knockback and launches higher, making it better for combos, and forward and back throw are also more useful for combos due to the former's new angle and reduced ending lag, and the latter also has received KO potential thanks to its altered knockback, increasing its versatility overall. Other attacks, namely his up smash, down smash, back aerial, back throw and up throw, were given more KO power – and this can be better taken advantage of in the new environment of ''Smash 4'', in the absence of momentum cancelling and the presence of rage. His Hammer Flip now can be charged, has more range, no longer has sourspots and Kirby can move and jump while charging the attack.  

Overall, while Kirby still retains most of the strengths he had in ''Brawl'' including his solid combo ability and KO potential for his character archetype, his weaknesses were amplified and he gained new weaknesses most notably, his reduced range and aerial mobility. While the changes to the game's mechanics benefit him overall, they do not aid him as much as some of the other returning veterans. As a result, Kirby is significantly worse than in ''Brawl''.  

*{{buff|Kirby [[dash]]es significantly faster (1.371 → 1.57), especially compared to the cast, going from the 29th fastest out of 39 characters to the 31st fastest out of 58.}}  

**{{nerf|Dash attack's looping hits deal less damage (2% → 1%), which decreases its overall damage output (14% → 9%).}}  

**{{nerf|Its last hit uses a single small hitbox instead three larger hitboxes(5u/5u/8u → 3u), connecting less reliably from the looping hits and significantly reducing its range.}}  

**{{buff|Its angle has been altered (45° → 361°) improving its KO potential against grounded opponents.}}  

**{{nerf|The late hit sends opponents lower (82° → 60°).}}  

**{{nerf|Clean down angled forward smash no longer [[semi spike]]s (31° → 361°).}}  

**{{buff|Up smash's clean sweetspot deals more knockback (34 (base), 100 (scaling) → 33/104).}}  

***{{nerf|This removes its ability to lock.}}  

***{{buff|This improves its followup potential.}}  

**{{nerf|Its initial [[auto-cancel]] window has been reduced (frames 1-8 → 1-4).}}  

**{{change|The last hit's hitlag has increased (1× → 1.2×). This makes it safer on shield, but easier to DI.}}  

**{{nerf|It has smaller hitboxes (5u/4.5u (hits 1-2)/6.5u/6.5u (hit 3) → 4.3u/4.3u (hit 1)/4.5u (hit 2)/4.9u (hit 3)).}}  

**{{nerf|It can no longer auto-cancel in a short hop due to Kirby's lower short hop and higher gravity, causing its auto-cancel to fall short by one frame.}}  

**{{nerf|Forward throw deals 3% less damage (8% → 5%), with its knockback scaling compensated (100 → 125).}}  

**{{nerf|Down throw deals less damage on the first nine hits (1% (hits 1-10) → 0.8% (hits 1-9), 1% (hit 10), 12% → 10.2% (total)) and the throw has significantly increased knockback (40 (base), 140 (scaling) → 60/180). Combined with the change below, this removes its combo potential.}}  

Kirby has been buffed via game updates. Update [[1.0.6]] improved up and down smashes' KO potentials; re-purposed down throw into a viable damage racking option; and decreased [[Inhale]] and [[Hammer Flip]]'s ending lag. Update [[1.1.0]] brought about further buffs: neutral attack's second hit connects into neutral infinite better; neutral infinite's finisher had its start-up lag decreased; forward throw was re-purposed into a useful combo starter like in ''Brawl''; and Inhale's start-up and ending lag were decreased. Kirby also slightly benefits from the new shield mechanics brought about by updates 1.1.0 and [[1.1.1]], as they make down aerial's multiple hits and [[Stone]]'s high damage output and [[hitlag]] much more reliable at pressuring shields.

Update [[1.1.3]] brought about even more buffs for Kirby: his [[dash]]ing speed increased; his smash attacks, forward and back aerials, and all variations of Hammer Flip became slightly stronger; and up throw gained KO potential. Update [[1.1.4]] brought out another minor buff, as hard tripping now grants Kirby 5 frames of invincibility. Lastly, update [[1.1.5]], buffed Kirby's smash attacks and all variations of Hammer Flip by slightly increasing their knockback. As a result, Kirby is noticeably better than he was during ''SSB4''{{'}}s initial release.

*{{nerf|Sourspotted upward angled forward smash also deals 1% less damage|13%|12%.}}

*{{nerf|Upward angled forward smash's knockback decreased, hindering its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Up smash's knockback increased, improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down smash's knockback increased, improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down throw deals 3.6% more damage|6.6%|10.2%.}}

*{{buff|{{b|Inhale|Kirby}}'s ending lag decreased.}}

*{{buff|[[Hammer (move)|Hammer Flip]]'s ending lag decreased.}}

|neutralname=Vulcan Jab/Smash Punch

|ftiltupdmg=8% (base), 7% (tip)

|ftiltdowndmg=8% (base), 7% (tip)

|fsmashname=Smash Kick

|nairname=Twinkle Star

|fairdesc=The Aerial Spin Kick from the Fighter ability. The first two hits have low knockback, which allows them to connect reliably with the third hit. Its low landing lag also allows the first or second hit to be used as set-up options into other moves. Can connect into itself for a [[Wall of Pain]] in certain instances.

|uairdesc=The Moon Somersault Kick from the Fighter ability. A very useful juggling option, it can also be used for continuing a combo due to its low landing lag.

|grabdesc=The Foe Grab from the Fighter ability. Kirby's throws are based on attacks used by the {{s|wikirby|Suplex}} and {{s|wikirby|Ninja}} abilities.

|pummeldesc=The punch version of the Arm Throw from the Fighter ability. While its damage output is unimpressive, this is offset by its excellent speed, as it is tied with {{SSB4|Lucas}}, {{SSB4|Ness}}, and {{SSB4|Fox}}'s pummels for the third fastest in the game.

|fthrowdesc=The Pile Driver from the Suplex ability. Unlike the majority of forward throws, it possesses combo potential. Its most reliable follow-ups are neutral, forward and down aerials at low percents, and up aerial and [[Final Cutter]] at medium percents.  

|bthrowdesc=The Big Suplex from the Suplex ability. Despite having an average damage output and very low base knockback, it has very high knockback growth. As a result, it has KO potential, yet can also combo into back aerial on certain characters at very low percents. While near the edge of Final Destination, it KOs middleweights at 160% in the ''3DS'' version, and at 150% in the ''Wii U'' version.

|uthrowname=Air Drop

|usdefdesc=The attack of the same name from the {{s|wikirby|Cutter}} ability. It can meteor smash any opponents he comes into contact with upon descending. The sword also emits a shockwave upon hitting a solid surface, which is Kirby's only projectile aside from [[Inhale (Kirby)#Spitting characters|spitting out an Inhaled opponent]]. A good vertical recovery move and has decent horizontal distance when angled. However, it is extremely predictable due to its high start-up. Kirby cannot [[sweetspot]] the edge until he starts to descend, and if the platform beneath him disappears or if he is pushed off while he is still in the landing animation, he will be rendered [[helpless]].

|usc1desc=Deals more damage overall and its shockwave sends rocks flying outward. However, it only deals damage when Kirby lands on the ground.

|usc2desc=The ascending slash is stronger, and the move in general grants Kirby greater vertical recovery. However, it cannot hit anything upon descending, and instead renders him [[helpless]] with most of his momentum.

|desc-us=Kir-by!

|desc-jp=Kir-by!

==In competitive play==

===Notable players===

<!--Do not put Alpharad on the notable players section. He isn't nearly on par with the players on here, and a YouTube channel does not help.-->

''See also: [[:Category:Kirby professionals (SSB4)]]''

*{{Sm|EvilGoku|USA}} - Placed 4th at {{Trn|CEO Dreamland 2020}}, 13th at {{Trn|EagleLAN 2017}}, and 49th at {{Trn|CEO 2018}}. Has wins on notable players like {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Dath}}, {{Sm|Charlie}}, and {{Sm|Saiki}}. Ranked 5th on the Southwest Florida Fall 2017 Power Rankings.

*{{Sm|Jesuischoq|France}} - The best Kirby player in Europe. Placed 13th at {{Trn|talent.io}}, as well as 25th at {{Trn|Deflagration}} and {{Trn|Respawn 6}}. Formerly ranked 24th in the [[French Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|K.I.D.Goggles|USA}} - Placed 9th at [[Pound 2016]] and [[Enthusiast Gaming Live Expo]], and 25th at [[Get On My Level 2016]] and [[UGC Smash Open]]. Ranked 3rd on the Upstate [[New York Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Komota|USA}} - Placed 25th at [[Midwest Mayhem 8: North American Tour]] and 33rd at [[Frostbite 2017]]. Ranked 11th on the [[Michigan Power Rankings]]. Has wins over {{Sm|Ally}} and {{Sm|Darkshad}}.

*{{Sm|MikeKirby|USA}} - Placed 5th at [[KTAR XIV]]; 9th at [[KTAR XI]]; 13th at [[Glitch (tournament)|Glitch]]; and 49th at [[Apex 2015]]. Formerly ranked 10th on the [[New York City Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|MrRyanNess|USA}} - Placed 9th at [[GUMS 12]] and [[TMPR: Frostbite Invitational]], and 33rd at [[Overclocked]]. Ranked 1st on the [[Maine Power Rankings]].  

*{{Sm|Poyo|USA}} - Placed 33rd at [[CEO Dreamland]] and [[The Big House 7]]; 49th at [[Shine 2017]]; and consistently achieved high placings at [[Smash @ Xanadu]] tournaments. Formerly ranked 7th on the [[Kansas Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Prince Kirby|USA}} - Ranked 9th on the [[Minnesota Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Picsou|Canada}} - Placed 49th at [[Get On My Level 2016]] before switching to {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}. Formerly ranked 11th on the [[Quebec City Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|SmashG0D|USA}} - Placed 13th at [[Olympus]]; 17th at [[Super Smash Con 2015]]; 25th at Glitch; and 49th at Pound 2016 before switching to Corrin.

*{{Sm|SuperGirlKels|Canada}} - Placed 3rd at [[Montreal ComicCup]] and 17th at [[KTAR XVI]] before dropping Kirby.

*{{Sm|Triple R|USA}} - Placed 17th at [[Combo Breaker 2016]]; 33rd at [[The Big House 5]]; and 65th at [[The Big House 6]] before his inactivity at late 2016.

*{{Sm|Twomix|Germany}} - Was the best Kirby player in Germany. Formerly ranked 14th on the [[German Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Uto|Japan}} - The best Kirby player in Japan.

===Tier placement and history===

Due to the considerable nerfs Kirby received in his transition from ''Brawl'', he has always been considered a non-viable character within the ''SSB4'' metagame, even in spite of game updates noticeably buffing him. This has been due to his only success occurring at local tournaments, whereas his results at regional and national tournaments have been very sparse. Many smashers also took note of Kirby's overall poor matchup spread as characters like with large disjoints, and strong good kill power ({{SSB4|Cloud}} being a primary example) as well as zoning characters with effective projectiles ({{SSB4|Pac-Man}}, {{SSB4|Mega Man}}, {{SSB4|Toon Link}} and {{SSB4|Villager}} being good examples) do very well against him. These aspects culminated with Kirby being placed at 33rd on the first [[tier list]] as the 2nd highest low tier character.

Kirby did not fare well after the next updates as characters like {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Lucina}}, {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSB4|Shulk}}, {{SSB4|Link}} and {{SSB4|Mewtwo}} who were initially considered to be worse than Kirby proved to not only become better than him, but proved to be very troublesome matchups as well due to them having excellent tools to prevent Kirby from approaching. The release of {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} and {{SSB4|Corrin}} also hurt him since they too proved to be tough matchups for Kirby. This resulted in Kirby's already scarce results to become even worse than before.

 

Kirby would then drop to 41st on the second tier list, and eventually to 47th on the third tier list, with the latter drop being tied with {{SSB4|Pit}} and {{SSB4|Yoshi}}'s for the second largest between the second and third tier lists. However, {{Sm|Komota}} later scored an upset by defeating {{Sm|Ally}} at [[Frostbite 2017]] and placing 33rd at said tournament. Due to this, his tier placement has been widely debated, with some players believing he should be placed slightly higher due to niche matchups against much higher tiered characters, such as {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSB4|Fox}}. However, due to his continually sparse results after Frostbite 2017, Kirby has since dropped to 50th on the fourth and current tier list.

 

Due to Kirby's meager tournament results and his glaring weaknesses some smashers claim that he should be even lower due to his overwhelming weaknesses with {{Sm|ESAM}} ranking him as the 3rd worst character in the game, putting him below {{SSB4|King Dedede}}, {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}}, {{SSB4|Zelda}} and even below {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}, who is widely considered to be the worst character in the game, as well as {{Sm|Raito}} and {{Sm|Dabuz}} claiming that he's the absolute worst character in the game. Others, however, think that he is underrated and that he should be ranked relatively higher due to his excellent combo game, good kill power and great edgeguarding.

 

==Trophies==

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Round little Kirby lives on the peaceful Planet Popstar, in Dream Land. He can inhale things with his big mouth, either copying their abilities or spitting them out again. In Smash Bros., Kirby can inhale opponents and copy their standard specials. He gets launched easily but recovers well.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''A roly-poly little fella from Dream Land on Planet Popstar. He can inhale pretty much anyone or anything with that big gob of his, then spit them out or copy their abilities. He can copy opponents' standard specials in this game, too! His light weight means he gets launched easily, but with a series of mid-air jumps, recovering's not too tricky.''

 

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Holding the special button and left or right will charge up Kirby's Hammer Flip attack. Charging too long hurts Kirby! The hammer strikes twice in the air, but landing the single blow on the ground is more powerful. Kirby's up special Final Cutter slices up and down, firing a shock wave upon landing.''

 

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Kirby's Dream Land (08/1992)|console2=SNES|game2=Kirby Super Star (08/1996)}}

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''For Kirby's Final Smash, he swings a sword that's waaay bigger than he is. If the first swing hits, he'll keep going with a combo of lightning-fast slices, dealing tons of damage. For the last swing, the sword grows even larger and launches any victims. Make sure that first swing hits, though, or nothing else will happen!''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''For Kirby's Final Smash, he swings around a sword that's waaay bigger than he is. If the first swing hits, he'll keep going with a combo of lightning-fast slices, dealing tons of damage. For the last swing, the sword grows even larger and launches its target. It's great, so make sure that first swing hits, or none of the rest will happen!''

 

KirbyTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

KirbyHammer3DS.jpg|Using [[Hammer (move)|Hammer Flip]] on {{SSB4|Bowser}}.  

*''SSB4'' is the first game in the series where Kirby's dash attack has not changed, as he retains his dash attack from ''Brawl''. (This will later change in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', where he would perform the burning attack from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''.)