Palutena (SSBU): Difference between revisions

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|ssbgame1 = SSB4
|ssbgame1 = SSB4
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = S-
|tier = A
|ranking = 17
|ranking = 16
}}
}}
'''Palutena''' ({{ja|パルテナ|Parutena}}, ''Palutena'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. She was officially revealed on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o June 12th, 2018] alongside fellow {{uv|Kid Icarus}} representatives {{SSBU|Pit}} and {{SSBU|Dark Pit}}, as well as the rest of the [[veteran]]s. Palutena is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #54]].
'''Palutena''' ({{ja|パルテナ|Parutena}}, ''Palutena'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. She was officially revealed on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L93H7YC-83o June 12th, 2018] alongside fellow {{uv|Kid Icarus}} representatives {{SSBU|Pit}} and {{SSBU|Dark Pit}}, as well as the rest of the [[veteran]]s. Palutena is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #54]].
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Brandy Kopp and {{s|wikipedia|Aya Hisakawa}} reprise their roles as the voice of Palutena in the English and Japanese versions of the game. In addition to their portrayals being re-purposed from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', they also provide new [[Palutena's Guidance]] conversations for every veteran not present in ''SSB4'', [[Downloadable content (SSB4)#Fighters|the downloadable fighters of ''SSB4'']], the base roster newcomers of ''Ultimate'', and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}.
Brandy Kopp and {{s|wikipedia|Aya Hisakawa}} reprise their roles as the voice of Palutena in the English and Japanese versions of the game. In addition to their portrayals being re-purposed from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', they also provide new [[Palutena's Guidance]] conversations for every veteran not present in ''SSB4'', [[Downloadable content (SSB4)#Fighters|the downloadable fighters of ''SSB4'']], the base roster newcomers of ''Ultimate'', and {{SSBU|Piranha Plant}}.


Palutena is ranked 17th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her in the S- tier. This is a drastic improvement over her 44th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4''.
Palutena is ranked 16th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing her in the A tier. This is a huge improvement over her 44th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4''. Palutena is one of the most improved veterans from the transition to ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' due to the engine of ''Ultimate'' complementing her unique strengths. Her aerials are a core part of her neutral due to her high aerial mobility and their effective traits: they both start and extend combos, most notably with her neutral aerial, which is commonly considered one of the best moves in the game due to its overall utility for starting combos, comboing into itself, high active frames and KOing at very high percents. Her back air is great for retreating and mid-range combat due to the invincibility of the shield and priority, while up air is an amazing disjointed multi-hit that functions as a juggle tool and KO option. Her grab game is also impressive due to its above-average reach and her decent set of throws. Overall, this results in her having one of the best advantage states in the game. Her specials also have seen noteworthy improvements: [[Autoreticle]] is useful for interrupting midrange approaches or recoveries, [[Explosive Flame]] is effective for general zoning and for halting approaches, [[Warp]] makes her difficult to edgeguard consistently, and her [[Reflect Barrier]] functions as a simultaneous [[counterattack]] and [[reflection|reflector]] that enhances her already strong defense.
 
Despite these many strengths, Palutena is not without her flaws. Despite her excellent air game, her ground game is below average for a top tier, having slow and unsafe tilts and committal smash attacks. She also has trouble securing stocks at high percents due to her KO moves being fairly predictable (like Explosive Flame) or easily staled due to overuse (back aerial). Palutena's main combo starters are also unsafe on shield and thus forces her to mix up her gameplan and neutral. Finally, her recovery is completely reliant on Warp, which has no active hitbox and can be consistently [[two frame|two frame punished]].
 
Overall, Palutena is a simple but effective character at all levels of play, with well-rounded abilities and few overwhelming weaknesses. She has often been considered a top-tier contender since the release of the game, and has been one of the most popular characters in competitive play, with results spearheaded by {{Sm|Nairo}} in the early metagame and a multitude of other Palutena players since, including {{Sm|Jagaimo}}, {{Sm|Lui$}}, and {{Sm|Raflow}}.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
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Although a number of Palutena's moves have the potential to KO at reasonable percentages, she can still struggle to score KOs due to her options being either somewhat risky or situational. Her smash attacks are very punishable due to their significantly high amounts of overall lag to offsetting their impressive power. Explosive Flame and, to a lesser extent, back aerial are also easily punishable if whiffed due to their ending lag. Up aerial relies on Palutena being underneath her opponent. Furthermore, while Palutena's recovery is decent in its distance, Warp leaves her helpless and lacks a hitbox to protect her; when combined with the fact that Palutena is a tall character, her recovery can be exploited easily by opponents who know how to intercept Warp.
Although a number of Palutena's moves have the potential to KO at reasonable percentages, she can still struggle to score KOs due to her options being either somewhat risky or situational. Her smash attacks are very punishable due to their significantly high amounts of overall lag to offsetting their impressive power. Explosive Flame and, to a lesser extent, back aerial are also easily punishable if whiffed due to their ending lag. Up aerial relies on Palutena being underneath her opponent. Furthermore, while Palutena's recovery is decent in its distance, Warp leaves her helpless and lacks a hitbox to protect her; when combined with the fact that Palutena is a tall character, her recovery can be exploited easily by opponents who know how to intercept Warp.


Despite this, Palutena is generally considered at worst a high tier character due to her versatility, well-roundedness and relatively easy combo game. Her lack of overwhelming weaknesses means that there are few opponents she struggles against, and thus her representation at tournaments has generally been excellent thanks to players like Nairo maining her and achieving noteworthy results.
Despite this, Palutena is generally considered at worst a high tier character due to her versatility, well-roundedness and relatively easy combo game. Her lack of overwhelming weaknesses means that there are few opponents she struggles against.


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Palutena had been considered a lower end mid tier character in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''; by the end of the game's lifespan, she was ranked at the very bottom of the mid tier. Despite receiving buffs via game updates, she had poor tournament representation throughout the game's lifespan regardless. In the transition to ''Ultimate'', she has been drastically [[buff]]ed, to the point where she is considered to be one of the most improved returning characters, similarly to the changes {{SSBU|Pichu}} received.
Palutena was previously a lower-tiered character in ''SSB4'' due to a myriad of factors, such as terrible frame data in relation to power and weight (which also resulted in a deficient grounded game), a predictable offensive game with few reliable options, general trouble at KOing, poor disadvantage state, and an infamously dysergic [[special moves]]et. Being designed with [[character customization]] in mind, custom special moves were able to vastly improve her strengths, but they required for character customization to be turned on to be able to use them unlike the [[Mii|Mii Fighters]], resulting in the inability to use them in regular gameplay and limiting her to her default special moveset. Most likely owing to the removal of custom moves and her previous poorly regarded status, Palutena has been rebalanced significantly to work without custom moves in her transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate''; though while initially considered to be dramatically buffed during the game's release, game updates have given her some noticeable nerfs that have reduced her viability. Regardless, Palutena is still considered to be significantly buffed overall.


In addition to the universal mobility buffs, nearly the entirety of Palutena's moveset has been improved in various ways, many of which are substantial. Starting with her ground game, [[forward tilt]], having previously been considered the worst of its kind, has less startup and ending lag, connects both hits reliably, and has increased power; likewise, [[up tilt]] has increased power and connects more reliably, while [[down tilt]] has a longer duration and more favorable angles of knockback. [[Dash attack]] deals more damage and has much less ending lag, allowing Palutena to better take advantage of the [[invincibility]] at the front of the move. Furthermore, all her [[smash attack]]s have less ending lag, [[forward smash]] and [[down smash]] have stronger [[windbox]]es, and [[up smash]] has a much longer duration, allowing it to catch airborne opponents more effectively.
Palutena's most notable improvements are indirect, as she benefits from the gameplay changes to the engine to a far greater degree than most of the cast. The universal increases to mobility have not only improved her already high [[dash|run speed]], but particularly give her much faster [[air speed|air]] and [[falling speed]]s compared to ''SSB4'' (though the former is still below-average), improving her air-to-ground transitioning. The reduced [[landing lag]] in all aerials further improves her already impressive aerial game, heightening their spacing and combo potential. The increased [[shieldstun]] on attacks makes Palutena's own moves much safer on shield, while the changes to [[perfect shield]]ing now allow Palutena to more easily retailate against opposing attacks, while not reducing her own moves safety on shield due to the aforementioned higher shieldstun and her moves' multi-hit nature making them risky to perfect shield. The weakening of [[rage]] improves Palutena's endurance, and now allows her to take advantage of it much easier. The changes to [[air dodge]]s have significantly improved her juggling and edgeguarding potential combined with her respectable aerial moves, and the reintroduction of directional air dodging now let her use one to escape pressure or slightly extend her recovery. Finally, the changes to the [[Sakurai angle]] to be lower, while being a buff shared widely around the cast, have turned her [[back throw]] into a highly effective KO throw.


Palutena's aerial game has been further strengthened, now being one of the most efficient aspects of her moveset. The most notable example is [[neutral aerial]], which has larger hitboxes, connects more reliably, consistently launches opponents in the direction Palutena is facing, and heavily benefits from the universally decreased [[landing lag]] on [[aerial attack]]s. As such, it has become one of Palutena's most reliable [[approach]] options, and more infamously, it can [[combo]] into itself multiple times to rack up large amounts of damage, as well as other aerials. [[Forward aerial]] and [[down aerial]] both deal more damage without compensation on their knockback, with the latter also having a longer duration (previously lasting only 1 frame).
In terms of direct changes, Palutena has also received several notable improvements. Some of her standard moves have seen hitbox increases, which increases her melee range and makes attacks using her staff much more reliable at connecting. Her sluggish ground moves have been sped up, with her [[forward tilt|forward]] and [[up tilt]]s having faster startup, and almost all of her moves (aside from up and [[down tilt]]s) receiving less ending lag. Down tilt, particularly, has much better [[edge|2 framing]] potential thanks to its longer range and duration, and sends at a more favorable angle for combos when hitting aerial opponents. Her [[smash attacks]] have had their utility further increased; [[up smash]] lasts significantly longer, while [[forward smash|forward]] and [[down smash]] possess increased power as well as stronger, more reliable windboxes, which combined with their lower ending lag makes them harder to punish at long range.


[[Back aerial]] has increased knockback and no longer possesses a sourspot. Additionally, [[up aerial]] deals slightly more damage and [[auto-cancel]]s much earlier, no longer failing to auto-cancel in a full hop. These changes amount to noticeably improving Palutena's KO ability overall, allowing her to close stocks better at high percentages with her safer options, which is complemented by their lower landing lag. As for her [[grab]] game, her [[throw]]s have received few changes, but more notably, [[back throw]] KOs more effectively near edges due to launching opponents at a lower angle.
Her already capable aerial moveset was also improved. [[Neutral aerial]] now always sends at the direction Palutena is facing and deals less knockback; in combination with the reductions to landing lag, this turns the move into a fearsome combo starter and general all-purpose attack. [[Forward aerial|Forward]], [[up aerial|up]] and [[down aerial]]s deal more damage, with both the former and latter, as well as [[back aerial]], dealing more knockback. Down aerial also lasts for an additional frame, no longer being one of worst meteor smashes in the game.


Moreover, Palutena's [[special move]]set, previously considered among the most situational in ''SSB4'', has undergone an overhaul with considerable improvements. Instead of having [[Reflect Barrier]] as her [[side special]] and {{b|Counter|Palutena}} as her [[down special]], both moves have been merged into her down special, which triggers Counter or Reflect Barrier depending on whether the attack it blocks is [[reflect]]able or not, while her new side special is [[Explosive Flame]], previously one of her custom [[neutral special]]s in ''SSB4''. This effectively gives Palutena an additional move, and makes her the only character alongside the {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s to retain a former [[custom move]].
Palutena's special moveset has also seen various drastic enhancements that have put it in-line with the rest of the cast. [[Autoreticle]]'s detection lasts significantly longer, and each projectile has faster startup, deals more damage and travels faster. {{b|Counter|Palutena}} and [[Reflect Barrier]] have been merged into one move; the former activates when blocking a physical attack, while the latter activates to reflect projectiles. As a whole, the move has faster startup, lasts longer and has less ending lag in all aspects; individually, Counter has slightly more knockback (though it remains the weakest counterattack knockback-wise), while Reflect Barrier activates immediately and has a much higher damage multiplier, no longer being the weakest reflector in the game. In place of Reflect Barrier, Palutena's side special is now [[Explosive Flame]]; in addition to giving Palutena an additional move, the move has less ending lag, deals more damage and knockback, and can be summoned at two distances, increasing its versatility.


In addition to this, all of her returning special moves have been buffed. [[Autoreticle]]'s shots are faster and deal both more damage and knockback, while Explosive Flame is likewise considerably stronger (KOing opponents reliably at high percents), has much less ending lag, and can be summoned at two different distances depending on control stick input. This greatly improves Palutena's zoning capabilities, allowing her to threaten opponents from diverse positions, and gives her a more defined strength of long ranged attacks that have excellent utility. Lastly, [[Warp]] grants slightly more [[intangibility]], and from her down special, Counter has less startup (no longer being the slowest in the game), a longer window, and less ending lag especially upon a successful counterattack, in addition to dealing more knockback, while Reflect Barrier has a much higher damage multiplier on reflected projectiles.
However, while receiving far more buffs, Palutena has also seen some notable nerfs that have changed her playstyle, most notably to her [[neutral attack]] and grabs. The former can no longer [[jab cancel]] due to its angle being homogenized to connect into the infinite, removing many of its guaranteed set-ups into other moves such as dash attack, grab and some of her aerials. For the latter, despite pivot grab's longer range, both standing and dash grab possess less range (especially the former) and all grabs share the same increased startup and ending lag as with the rest of the cast. Her down throw is also less advantageous due to the changes to hitlag on it and has slightly more knockback, reducing its advantage and combo potential beyond low percents despite its reduced ending lag and more favourable angle. The universal slowdown of shield grabs only exacerbate this, further weakening Palutena's [[out of shield]] and grab games, the former of which was the crux of her defense in ''SSB4''. Moreover, her dash attack and back aerial's invincibility frames no longer cover her entire body after startup, instead only covering her arm, making both attacks less effective at contesting approaches.


In spite of her myriad of buffs, Palutena did still receive some notable nerfs. Although her full [[neutral attack]] connects more reliably, the first hit can no longer be used for [[jab cancel]] setups at high percents due to its altered knockback. Up tilt has fewer active frames, making it slightly worse as an anti-air attack, while back aerial's invincibility is slower and shorter, preventing it from blocking opposing attacks as consistently, and up aerial has more startup. Additionally, as Reflect Barrier can no longer be triggered on command, it is less effective for preemptively deterring projectile use. However, these nerfs are largely outweighed by the larger and more significant amount of buffs she has received, while other nerfs, such as the increased ending lag on her grabs and reduced [[shield damage]] on her projectiles, have also affected the rest of the cast.
While she has seen mostly benefits from the revamped game physics, a few changes have also hurt Palutena. Aside from the universal nerfs to grabs, the introduction of [[dash-canceling]] is overall detrimental to her, as it allows many characters to pressure her more effectively, while her grounded moves are still slow compared to her aerial moves. The smaller [[edge#edge sweet spot|edge sweetspots]] render [[Warp]] much easier to intercept and 2-frame, which combined with her less floaty air physics and the changes to air dodges, makes her easier to edgeguard. Most egregiously, however, the removal of custom moves means she is no longer able to utilize them to her advantage to improve her special moveset.


Palutena's buffs have improved her standing in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s [[metagame]] by a large margin, with a huge representation at all levels of play, and she has consistently attained high placements in tournaments thanks to players such as {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|Gen}}, and {{Sm|Zinoto}}. Additionally, while Palutena has received some noticeable nerfs in [[updates]], her nerfs were not as drastic as other prominent characters in the metagame since the game's release, such as {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Pichu}}, and {{SSBU|Olimar}}. As a result, she is widely considered a top tier character by the ''Smash'' community, as well as one of the best characters in the game.
In the end, Palutena's buffs have exponentially improved her predictable, inconsistent offense, and her improved aerial mobility and the revamped gameplay mechanics allow her to take advantage of her streamlined moveset while compensating for most of her nerfs. She now possesses reliable options for most kinds of situations, allowing her to adapt to many kinds of playstyles depending on the opponent. However, her weaker grabs have neutered her defense, and her survivability is slightly worse, which forces her to adapt to the opponents' options through a more offensive playstyle. She also retains some of her weaknesses from ''SSB4'', such as slow grounded attacks, trouble at KOing the opponent, predictable out of shield game, somewhat linear approach, and a mediocre disadvantage state, especially offstage. Game updates have also handed Palutena some impactful nerfs, including the aforementioned nerf to her grab; combined with various characters gaining buffs through said updates, the introduction of DLC characters, and general metagame optimizations, her overall viability is slightly worse than at launch. All in all, however, Palutena is drastically better in ''Ultimate'' than she was in ''SSB4'', being one of the most buffed characters among the returning cast, and a fairly strong choice in competitive play.


{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Palutena}}
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Palutena}}


==Update history==
==Update history==
Palutena received a mix of buffs, nerfs and a single glitch fix via game updates, but was nerfed slightly overall. Update {{SSBU|2.0.0}} made Warp safer to recover with, and reduced neutral aerial's hitlag, making it harder to SDI. In {{SSBU|3.0.0}}, however, she has been affected by the universal reduction of shield damage for projectiles. As a result, [[Autoreticle]] and [[Explosive Flame]] are less effective for shield pressure when used in conjunction.
Likely due to her dominant status during the early metagame, Palutena was nerfed overall via game updates.


Update {{SSBU|7.0.0}} granted Palutena a mix of buffs and nerfs, but nerfed her overall: while down smash and up tilt's last hit are stronger, neutral aerial's last hit has less range and down throw's increased knockback worsened its combo potential. Update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} worsened the safety of both dash attack and forward aerial by increasing their ending lag and landing lag, respectively. In addition, her standing grab's range was shortened noticeably, slightly hinders her grab game.
Update {{SSBU|2.0.0}} made Warp safer to recover with, and reduced neutral aerial's hitlag, making it harder to SDI. In {{SSBU|3.0.0}}, she received an universal nerf to her projectiles' shield damage, on par with the rest of the cast, which made [[Autoreticle]] and [[Explosive Flame]] are less effective for shield pressure when used in conjunction.


Overall, Palutena fares slightly worse than she did at ''Ultimate''{{'}}s launch, but remains one of the most viable characters in the game.
Update {{SSBU|7.0.0}} granted Palutena a mix of buffs and nerfs, but nerfed her overall; her neutral aerial saw the most nerfs, with its looping hits altered to make them much less effective for drag-down setups and removing its infinite combo on itself on platforms against large characters, and its weaker knockback makes it a much less effective option at high percentages; the latter change did, however, make the move slightly more effective for combos at low to mid percentages. Down throw's increased knockback worsened its combo potential, notably neutering her KO confirm into back aerial. Despite this, her down smash and up tilt's last hit were made stronger.
 
Update {{SSBU|8.0.0}} nerfed her Final Smash by making it easier to avoid due to its slowdown period and range being shortened. {{SSBU|11.0.0}}, however, brought more significant nerfs to her standard moveset; her dash attack and forward aerial were made less safe by increasing their ending lag and landing lag, respectively. Most notably, however, her standing grab's infamous range was shortened considerably; this noticeably worsened her already mediocre out of shield game, and even makes some mispaced attacks harder to punish.
 
Overall, these changes have affected Palutena's viability, as she fares worse than she did at ''Ultimate''{{'}}s launch. However, she still remains a very viable character.


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}'''
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|fsdmg=2.4% (hits 1-12), 12% (final)
|fsdmg=2.4% (hits 1-12), 12% (final)
|fsdesc=Illuminates her staff's orb and twirls around repeatedly before firing a {{iw|icaruspedia|Black Hole}} from her staff's orb, after which she quickly retreats off-stage in order to fire a {{iw|icaruspedia|Mega Laser}} into the Black Hole. The Black Hole does not deal damage, but [[pull]]s opponents within a 45 unit radius (about 0.5u smaller than the distance between the platforms of [[Small Battlefield]]) into itself and places them in a [[tumbling]] state. Conversely, the Mega Laser hits multiple times before concluding with a final hit that launches the opponent and dissipates the Black Hole.
|fsdesc=Illuminates her staff's orb and twirls around repeatedly before firing a {{iw|icaruspedia|Black Hole}} from her staff's orb, after which she quickly retreats off-stage in order to fire a {{iw|icaruspedia|Mega Laser}} into the Black Hole. The Black Hole does not deal damage, but [[pull]]s opponents within a 45 unit radius (about 0.5u smaller than the distance between the platforms of [[Small Battlefield]]) into itself and places them in a [[tumbling]] state. Conversely, the Mega Laser hits multiple times before concluding with a final hit that launches the opponent and dissipates the Black Hole.
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=91 | rweight=59-60
| dash=2.035 | rdash=25-27
| run=2.077 | rrun=17
| walk=1.271 | rwalk=17
| trac=0.106 | rtrac=50-54
| airfric=0.01 | rairfric=40-51
| air=1 | rair=59-60
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.105 | raddaccel=1-3
| gravity=0.12 | rgravity=15-20
| fall=1.55 | rfall=53-56
| ff=2.48 | rff=51-54
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=35.9 | rjumpheight=18
| shorthop=17.3 | rshorthop=23-24
| djump=35.9 | rdjump=27
}}
}}


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*Looks away while crossing her staff and shield in front of herself, during which she briefly emits her halo.
*Looks away while crossing her staff and shield in front of herself, during which she briefly emits her halo.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUPalutenaIdle1.gif|Palutena's first idle pose
SSBUPalutenaIdle1.gif|Palutena's first idle pose.
SSBUPalutenaIdle2.gif|Palutena's second idle pose
SSBUPalutenaIdle2.gif|Palutena's second idle pose.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
Since the beginning of ''Ultimate,'' Palutena has always had a very positive reception among the ''Smash'' community, as many top players noticed her significant buffs from ''SSB4'' early on and was agreed on as a high tier for much of 2019. However, after {{Sm|Nairo}} won {{Trn|Mainstage}} and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}, her already strong reception and results have further increased, with strengths such as her notorious neutral aerial, KO confirms from her down throw, and her relatively low learning curve becoming even more apparent, while her few weaknesses are relatively minor. This has to led to nearly all top players to believe she is a top tier, with many claiming she is among the best in the game, alongside other characters such as {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, and {{SSBU|Peach}}.
Although she remained a strong character after her nerfs in updates 7.0.0 and 11.0.0, during the online era her representation briefly stagnated due to her strongest players either dropping the character, performing worse, becoming inactive, or in Nairo's case, retiring; this led some players to question whether Palutena was starting to fall off in a similar vein to {{SSBU|Inkling}}. This opinion, however, did not last long, as following the return of offline competitive play, other Palutena players such as {{Sm|Lui$}}, {{Sm|Chag}}, and {{Sm|Raflow}} picked up steam and saw several notable placements at a national level, completely nullifying the stagnation during the pandemic. As a result, opinions on Palutena had remained largely the same. However, players still believe her nerfs and the adapting meta have noticeably pushed Palutena back a few placements, with most players now just viewing her as a solid top tier and not among the best characters in the game, making her ranked 17th on the first and current tier list, near the bottom of the top tier.
===Most historically significant players===
===Most historically significant 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 -->
<!--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 -->
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''See also: [[:Category:Palutena players (SSBU)]]''
''See also: [[:Category:Palutena players (SSBU)]]''


*{{Sm|Abadango|Japan}} - The best Palutena player in Japan, although he now uses the character as a secondary. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Eastern Powerhouse Invitational FINAL}} and {{Trn|Kagaribi 8}}, 5th at {{Trn|The Kid, the Goat, and the Mang0}}, and 9th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|ProtoBanham}}, and {{Sm|Shuton}}.  
*{{Sm|Abadango|Japan}} - Plays a variety of characters including Palutena, and was one of the best Palutena players in Japan in the early metagame. He won the major {{Trn|Umebura SP 4}} using Palutena for a set, and has also placed 2nd at the major {{Trn|EGS Cup 3}} using solo-Palutena. He has since dropped the character.
*{{Sm|Chag|Mexico}} - One of the two best Palutena players in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Abierto Puerto Vallarta}}, 5th at {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}}, 7th at both {{Trn|Port Priority 6}} and {{Trn|Collision 2022}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Low Tide City 2021}}, with wins over players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|Sparg0}} and {{Sm|Tweek}}. Ranked 50th on the [[UltRank 2022]].
*{{Sm|Chag|Mexico}} - One of the best Palutena players in the world in 2021 and 2022 and one of Mexico's best players during this time. He is most known for placing 5th at {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}} defeating {{Sm|Maister}} and at {{Trn|Mainstage 2021}} defeating {{Sm|Sparg0}} and {{Sm|Glutonny}}, as well as defeating {{Sm|Tweek}} at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 4}}.  
*{{Sm|Chase|USA}} - One of the best Palutena players in the United States. Placed 7th at both {{Trn|MAJOR UPSET}} and {{Trn|Crown the Third}}, 13th at {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 8}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Tea}}, and {{Sm|Sonix}}.
*{{Sm|Chase|USA}} - Although active in the early metagame, he is best known for his performances in the post-online metagame and is one of the best Palutena players in North America since 2023, most notably placing 7th at {{Trn|MAJOR UPSET}} defeating {{Sm|Ouch!?}} and at {{Trn|Crown the Third}} defeating {{Sm|Tea}} and {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}.  
*{{Sm|Compact|Japan}} - Placed 5th at {{Trn|Karisuma SP 7}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 12}} with wins over {{Sm|Zackray}}, {{Sm|kameme}}, and {{Sm|Nietono}}.
*{{Sm|Gen|USA}} - The second-best Palutena player in North America's early metagame, most notably placing 4th at {{Trn|Defend the North 2019}} defeating {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} and 9th at {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}} defeating {{Sm|Salem}}. He continued to place well in the post-online metagame, including 9th at {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2023}} and 9th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves Miami}}, but has attended less majors than before.
*{{Sm|Gen|USA}} - One of the best solo-Palutena players in the United States. Placed 9th at both {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}} and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2023}}, 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Shine 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}, {{Sm|Dabuz}}, and {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}. Formerly ranked in the Area 51 position on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]].
*{{Sm|Jagaimo|Japan}} - The best solo-Palutena player in Japan, initially known in-region for strong placements such as 9th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} in the early metagame. He gained further recognition in 2023, becoming one of the best Palutena players during this time thanks to placements such as 5th at {{Trn|DELTA 4}} defeating {{Sm|Asimo}} and at {{Trn|DELTA 5}} defeating {{Sm|Shuton}}, as well as defeating {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}} at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}}.
*{{Sm|Jagaimo|Japan}} - One of the best Palutena players in Japan. Placed 1st at {{Trn|DELTA 3}}, 4th at {{Trn|Eastern Powerhouse Invitational FINAL}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 5}} and {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}}and 13th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} with wins over {{Sm|Zackray}}, {{Sm|kameme}}, and {{Sm|Gackt}}.
*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} - Picked up Palutena in the online metagame and has continued to player her since, becoming one of the best Palutena players in the world from 2021 and 2022 where he placed top 8 at several majors, including placing 5th at {{Trn|Port Priority 6}} and {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}} as well as 7th at {{Trn|Riptide}} and {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}}. Since then, he continues to be one of the best Palutena players in North America, winning the superregional {{Trn|Gateway Legends 2023}} and defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Watch The Throne}}.
*{{Sm|Light|p=Germany|Germany}} - The best Palutena player in Europe during the first year of the game's active lifespan. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|DreamHack Leipzig 2020}}, 5th at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}}, 17th at both {{Trn|The Kid, the Goat, and the Mang0}} and {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Jw}}, and {{Sm|quiK}}. Currently ranked 9th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Nairo|USA}} - The best Palutena player of all-time and the only Palutena player with multiple major wins, winning {{Trn|Suplex City Smash}}, {{Trn|Mainstage}}, and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}. He is also the only Palutena player ever ranked in the top 10, ranking 4th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]. He has since retired following controversies surrounding his conduct.
*{{Sm|Lui$|USA}} - The current best Palutena player in the world. Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Port Priority 6}} and {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}} as well as 7th at {{Trn|Riptide}}, {{Trn|Low Tide City 2021}}, and {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Kola}}, {{Sm|Onin}}, and {{Sm|Zomba}}. Ranked 32nd on the [[UltRank 2022]].
*{{Sm|Raflow|France}} - One of the best Palutena players in the post-online metagame as well as one of Europe's best players during this time, initially known for being the first player to eliminate Glutonny's {{SSBU|Wario}} at a European tournament. He has placed highly at several events since then, including 3rd at {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2023}} defeating {{Sm|MkLeo}}, 5th at {{Trn|Tera}}, and 17th at {{Trn|GENESIS X}} defeating {{Sm|Miya|p=Honshu}}.
*{{Sm|Nairo|USA}} - Formerly the best Palutena player in the world but has since retired due to controversies surrounding him. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Mainstage}} and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Glitch 6}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Shine 2019}}, 4th at {{Trn|The Big House 9}}, and 5th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}.  
 
*{{Sm|Raflow|France}} - The best Palutena player in Europe following the return of offline competitive play. Placed 1st at {{Trn|DOSE2SEL INVASION (2022.03)}}, 2nd at {{Trn|95 Kings of Fields 2}}, 5th at {{Trn|WANTED SAISON 4 - Episode 1}}, 7th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}, and 9th at {{Trn|WANTED SAISON 4 - Chapter 2}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Glutonny}}, {{Sm|Maister}}, and {{Sm|Mr.R}}. Ranked 52nd on the [[UltRank 2022]].
===Tier placement and history===
Since the beginning of ''Ultimate,'' Palutena has always had a very positive reception among the ''Smash'' community, as many top players noticed her significant buffs from ''SSB4'' early on and was agreed on as a high tier for much of 2019. However, after {{Sm|Nairo}} won {{Trn|Mainstage}} and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves}}, her already strong reception and results have further increased, with strengths such as her notorious neutral aerial, KO confirms from her down throw, and her relatively low learning curve becoming even more apparent, while her few weaknesses are relatively minor. This has to led to nearly all top players to believe she is a top tier, with many claiming she is among the best in the game, alongside other characters such as {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, and {{SSBU|Peach}}.
 
Although she remained a strong character after her nerfs in updates 7.0.0 and 11.0.0, during the online era her representation briefly stagnated due to her strongest players either dropping the character, performing worse, becoming inactive, or in Nairo's case, retiring; this led some players to question whether Palutena was starting to fall off in a similar vein to {{SSBU|Inkling}}. This opinion, however, did not last long, as following the return of offline competitive play, other Palutena players such as {{Sm|Lui$}}, {{Sm|Chag}}, and {{Sm|Raflow}} picked up steam and saw several notable placements at a national level, completely nullifying the stagnation during the pandemic. As a result, opinions on Palutena had remained largely the same. However, players still believe her nerfs and the adapting meta have noticeably pushed Palutena back a few placements, with most players now just viewing her as a solid top tier and not among the best characters in the game, making her ranked 17th on the first and current tier list, near the bottom of the top tier.


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: A Little Divine Intervention==
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