SmashWiki

Shulk (SSB4): Difference between revisions

Article Discussion

Shulk (SSB4) (edit)

Revision as of 22:46, April 10, 2024

479 bytes added ,  2 months ago
→‎In competitive play
m (Text replacement - "(\| *)tab(\d+ *=)" to "$1content$2")
 
(4 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 10: Line 10:
|ranking = 34
|ranking = 34
}}
}}
:{{cquote|Shulk Foresees a Fight!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
:{{cquote|''Shulk Foresees a Fight!''|cite=Introduction Tagline}}
'''Shulk''' ({{ja|シュルク|Shuruku}}, ''Shulk'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. After initially being [[leak]]ed on August 19th, 2014 as part of the [[ESRB leak]], Shulk was officially revealed in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on August 29th, 2014, which coincided with the announcement of ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3D'' on the same day. Adam Howden and Shintarō Asanuma reprise their roles as Shulk's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions of ''SSB4''.
'''Shulk''' ({{ja|シュルク|Shuruku}}, ''Shulk'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. After initially being [[leak]]ed on August 19th, 2014 as part of the [[ESRB leak]], Shulk was officially revealed in a [[List of Director's Room Miiverse posts|Director's Room Miiverse post]] on August 29th, 2014, which coincided with the announcement of ''Xenoblade Chronicles 3D'' on the same day. Adam Howden and Shintarō Asanuma reprise their roles as Shulk's voice actors in the English and Japanese versions of ''SSB4''.


Line 24: Line 24:


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
Shulk is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being the third heaviest swordsman in the game. However, his attributes are somewhat atypical for his weight class: his [[walk]]ing speed, [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] are average, his [[dash]]ing speed is slightly below-average, his [[air speed]] is above-average, and his [[air acceleration]] is below-average. Thanks to these attributes, Shulk has relatively good mobility for a heavyweight, especially in the air, although they do not grant him too many obvious advantages or disadvantages.
Shulk is a [[Weight|heavyweight]], being the third heaviest swordsman in the game. However, his attributes are somewhat atypical for his weight class: his [[walk]]ing speed, [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] are average, his [[dash]]ing speed is slightly below-average, his [[air speed]] is above-average, and his [[air acceleration]] is below-average. Thanks to these attributes, Shulk has relatively good mobility for a heavyweight, especially in the air, although they do not grant him too much obvious advantages or disadvantages.


Shulk's greatest strength is his disjointed [[range]]: thanks to the [[List of swords#Monado|Monado]], Shulk possesses the longest overall disjointed range in the game. Shulk's excellent range allows him to [[punish]] careless moves by retaliating at a distance, or create [[space]] by challenging his opponent with his disjointed attacks. His most useful grounded moves are his neutral attack, up tilt and smash attacks, each of which possess distinct perks. When clean, his neutral attack is the most damaging non-infinite neutral attack in the game by default. His up tilt boasts outstanding vertical range, can cover multiple get-up options from the edge, and can KO at very high percentages. Lastly, his smash attacks boast high power and long ranges; his forward smash, in particular, is the third longest ranged forward smash in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSB4|Corrin}} and {{SSB4|Mii Gunner}}'s.
Shulk's greatest strength is his disjointed [[range]]: thanks to the [[List of swords#Monado|Monado]], Shulk possesses the longest overall disjointed range in the game. Shulk's excellent range allows him to [[punish]] careless moves by retaliating at a distance, or create [[space]] by challenging his opponent with his disjointed attacks. His most useful grounded moves are his neutral attack, up tilt and smash attacks, each of which possess distinct perks. When clean, his neutral attack is the most damaging non-infinite neutral attack in the game by default. His up tilt boasts outstanding vertical range, can cover multiple get-up options from the edge, and can KO at very high percentages. Lastly, his smash attacks boast high power and long ranges; his forward smash, in particular, is the third longest ranged forward smash in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSB4|Corrin}} and {{SSB4|Mii Gunner}}'s.
Line 32: Line 32:
Much like in his [[Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)|home game]], Shulk is a character who revolves around adapting to different situations with his attribute-enhancing [[Monado Arts]]. Each Art tweaks his attributes considerably for 16 seconds and can be manually canceled at any time, even immediately after hitstun ends or during landing lag. With this freedom, Shulk can activate an Art to open up options for virtually any situation while still being able to switch or cancel them if he is in a challenging position. Jump grants him significant aerial mobility by making his jumps the highest in the game while improving both his air speed and Air Slash's height. This allows him to recover from almost anywhere off-stage, edge-guard more aggressively and even perform several KO combos, such as a [[wall of pain]] leading to a [[sacrificial KO|sacrificial]] Air Slash at medium percentages.
Much like in his [[Xenoblade Chronicles (universe)|home game]], Shulk is a character who revolves around adapting to different situations with his attribute-enhancing [[Monado Arts]]. Each Art tweaks his attributes considerably for 16 seconds and can be manually canceled at any time, even immediately after hitstun ends or during landing lag. With this freedom, Shulk can activate an Art to open up options for virtually any situation while still being able to switch or cancel them if he is in a challenging position. Jump grants him significant aerial mobility by making his jumps the highest in the game while improving both his air speed and Air Slash's height. This allows him to recover from almost anywhere off-stage, edge-guard more aggressively and even perform several KO combos, such as a [[wall of pain]] leading to a [[sacrificial KO|sacrificial]] Air Slash at medium percentages.


Speed amplifies his usually average ground speed while reducing his jump height, making his ground-to-air transitions more efficient for aerial combos and spacing, while allowing him to approach and retreat noncommittally. It also lowers traction, making Shulk's pivot grab the third longest in the game (tied with {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}) for its duration. These two Arts grant him outstanding mobility for a heavyweight, and when combined with the large hitboxes of his attacks, Shulk can effectively space opponents out of a specific side of the stage with either Jump or Speed, making him very difficult to approach on stages with platforms.
Speed amplifies his typically average grounded mobility while reducing his jump height, making his ground-to-air transitions more efficient for aerial combos and spacing, while allowing him to approach and retreat noncommittally. It also lowers traction, making Shulk's pivot grab the third longest in the game (tied with {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}) for its duration. These two Arts grant him outstanding mobility for a heavyweight, and when combined with the large hitboxes of his attacks, Shulk can effectively space opponents out of a specific side of the stage with either Jump or Speed, making him very difficult to approach on stages with platforms.


Shield bolsters Shulk's defensive game by reducing both damage and knockback received, which allows him to survive for a much longer period of time and resist getting trapped in combos. His shield also becomes much more durable, making it harder to break with shield-breaking attacks such as [[Bowser Bomb]]. Buster reduces his overall knockback, but increases his overall damage output, allowing him to rack up damage extremely quickly. Buster also makes up and down throws effective and damaging combo starters at 0%, while the increased damage and shieldstun make Shulk's moves both safer on shield and capable of pressuring shields. Lastly, Smash boosts his entire moveset's knockback, making almost all of Shulk's attacks KOing options (especially with [[rage]]), and his down throw becomes the strongest in the game while it is active.
Shield bolsters Shulk's defensive game by reducing both damage and knockback received, which allows him to survive for a much longer period of time and resist getting trapped in combos. His shield also becomes much more durable, making it harder to break with shield-breaking attacks such as [[Bowser Bomb]]. Buster reduces his overall knockback, but increases his overall damage output, allowing him to rack up damage extremely quickly. Buster also makes up and down throws effective and damaging combo starters at 0%, while the increased damage and shieldstun make Shulk's moves both safer on shield and capable of pressuring shields. Lastly, Smash boosts his entire moveset's knockback, making almost all of Shulk's attacks KOing options (especially with [[rage]]), and his down throw becomes the strongest in the game while it is active.
Line 195: Line 195:
|fsdmg=3% (hit 1), 2% (hits 2-12), 12% (hit 13), 5% (hit 14)
|fsdmg=3% (hit 1), 2% (hits 2-12), 12% (hit 13), 5% (hit 14)
|fsdesc=Traps opponents in a bright ball of light. If it hits, Shulk summons [[Dunban]] and [[Riki]] to perform a Chain Attack on the opponent, which he then concludes with a powerful slash. Chain Attack's damage output and knockback are also affected by Monado Arts. Even with no Arts active, it is among the strongest [[Final Smash]]es in the game, as it is strong enough to KO middleweights at 17% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it has a short range, as Shulk needs to be close to the opponent in order for its first hit to land. In addition, Arts can expire during the Chain Attack's cutscene, which affects its damage output and knockback.
|fsdesc=Traps opponents in a bright ball of light. If it hits, Shulk summons [[Dunban]] and [[Riki]] to perform a Chain Attack on the opponent, which he then concludes with a powerful slash. Chain Attack's damage output and knockback are also affected by Monado Arts. Even with no Arts active, it is among the strongest [[Final Smash]]es in the game, as it is strong enough to KO middleweights at 17% while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version. However, it has a short range, as Shulk needs to be close to the opponent in order for its first hit to land. In addition, Arts can expire during the Chain Attack's cutscene, which affects its damage output and knockback.
}}
===Stats===
{{Attributes
|cast = 58
|weight = 102
|rweight = 15-16
|dash = 1.5
|rdash = 25-41
|run = 1.52
|rrun = 35-36
|walk = 1.1
|rwalk = 30-32
|trac = 0.044
|rtrac = 53-54
|airfric = 0.009
|rairfric = 33-36
|air = 1.06
|rair = 24
|baseaccel = 0.01
|rbaseaccel = 10-54
|addaccel = 0.04
|raddaccel = 46-53
|gravity = 0.085
|rgravity = 36
|fall = 1.5
|rfall = 31-35
|ff = 2.4
|rff = 30-34
|jumpsquat = 5
|rjumpsquat = 14-41
|jumpheight = 34.799999
|rjumpheight = 21
|shorthop = 16.887465
|rshorthop = 23-24
|djump = 34.799999
|rdjump = 23
}}
}}


Line 243: Line 280:


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
Opinions on Shulk's overall viability in the metagame have fluctuated greatly throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan. During the game's initial release, Shulk was quickly discovered to be very flawed, mostly due to his moveset being burdened with very sluggish frame data, his aerials being incapable of autocanceling throughout their animations, and the fact that some moves (like his multi-hitting forward smash) didn't work properly or were simply undertuned. As a result, Shulk was poorly regarded early on. However, update 1.0.4 significantly buffed Shulk, which mainly addressed many of his aforementioned issues, alongside damage and knockback boosts to nearly all of his moves. When these buffs were coupled with the discovery of [[advanced technique]]s like his signature [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Canceling]] (MALLC), Shulk's position on the tier list became a hot topic of debate among players due to his perceived potential, with some seeing him as a potential high tier once mastered.
As time went on, players' opinions of Shulk dropped once again. Despite the benefits of his [[Monado Arts]], Shulk failed to achieve high placings at major tournaments, so Shulk was perceived to be a low-tier character and was left with a small, albeit dedicated, playerbase as a result. Despite receiving some buffs in future updates, most notably update 1.1.3, they failed to compensate for his flaws. As such, Shulk was ranked 40th on the first [[tier list]], placing him in the G tier and confirming his status as a low-tier character.
Shulk's representation and results would then be largely stagnant for a time, largely because of his sluggish attacks being viewed as a significant issue and too inconsistent for high-level play. This resulted in him being ranked 44th on the second tier list, a slight drop from his previous ranking. Despite his low-tier status, Shulk's playerbase consistently discovered more [[Monado Arts#Other Advanced Techniques Utilizing Monado Arts|Monado Art-based techniques]] that allowed his moveset and options to flow better than before. This, in turn, has allowed him to garner better results in recent times, with dedicated mains achieving top placings at a more consistent rate within their respective regions. Additionally, [[Smasher:M (Sweden)|M]], {{Sm|Nicko}} and {{Sm|Darkwolf}} have achieved notable placings at the national level, such as 3rd at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]], 17th at [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]] and 13th at [[Get On My Level 2016]], respectively. These improved results have been reflected in Shulk being ranked 38th on the third tier list, placing him at the very end of the mid-tier.
Despite his prominent weaknesses, some believe Shulk is still underrated in the current metagame, partly because of his obscurity and very steep learning curve. While debatable, some believe he should be ranked lower due to his sparse tournament representation. Other professionals like {{Sm|ZeRo}} have argued that Shulk should be ranked higher. This argument has been supported by the performances of dedicated mains throughout early 2017, most notably Nicko and {{Sm|Kome}} each placing 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], which was one of the most challenging tournaments in ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan. Shulk ranks at 34th on the fourth and final tier list, as a result of his slightly better placings.


===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===
Line 266: Line 295:
|set10=2123
|set10=2123
}}
}}
===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 -->
''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.''
*{{Sm|9B|Japan}} - One of the first notable Shulk players, considered the first player to show mastery of [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel]] (MALLC) in a tournament. In the early metagame, he placed 9th at {{Trn|Pre-KVO 2015}} and 17th at {{Trn|KSB 2015}}; however, he would soon switch to {{SSB4|Ryu}} shortly after his release.
*{{Sm|9B|Japan}} - The first player to show mastery of [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel]] (MALLC) in a tournament. One of the first notable Shulk players before switching to {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}.
*{{Sm|Darkwolf|Canada}} - The best Shulk player in Canada. He has achieved numerous top placings at regionals, including 5th at {{Trn|Smash INTENSIFIES 2}} and {{Trn|Welcome to the Oven}}. He holds the notable distinction of having the highest major placement of any Shulk player, finishing at 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2016}}.
*{{Sm|Artryuu|Canada}} - Placed 33rd at [[Get On My Level 2016]], 25th at [[Nexus 2]], and 4th at [https://ssbmtl.challonge.com/b2sbrsmash4top32 Back 2 School: Battle Royale]. Formerly ranked 10th on the [[Ottawa Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|FuerzaDON|Mexico}} - The best Shulk player in Mexico. He was mainly a regional threat, winning or being runner-up at many locals and placing top 8 at regionals such as {{Trn|Arcane Tournaments 2018}}. He had some rare appearances at larger tournaments, placing 25th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 7}} defeating {{Sm|Hyuga}} and 33rd at {{Trn|Smash Factor 6}}.
*{{Sm|Catalyst|Canada}} - Ranked 3rd on the [[New Brunswick Power Rankings]] and 35th on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank]]. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmowsqleSnOP8kmWNy0BMKQ Contributes to Shulk's metagame].
*{{Sm|Kome|Japan}} - The best Shulk player in the world. He was frequently the best Shulk player when it came to majors/supermajors, placing 17th at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2}} and 25th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}}. In terms of supermajors, he performed the best at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, placing 33rd and beating players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} and {{Sm|Ryo}} in his bracket. He holds the distinction of being the only Shulk player to qualify for multiple global rankings, placing 51st on the [[Panda Global Rankings v5]] and 84th on the [[PGR 100]].
*{{Sm|Darkwolf|Canada}} - The best Shulk player in Canada. Placed 13th at [[Get On My Level 2016]] and has achieved numerous top placings at regionals, including 5th at [[Smash_INTENSIFIES_2|Smash INTENSIFIES 2]] and 9th at [[Nexus 2]]. Formerly ranked 6th on the [[Montreal Power Rankings#Smash_4_Rankings|Montreal Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|M|Sweden|p=Sweden}} - The best Shulk player in Europe. His most notable result came from his 3rd place at {{Trn|B.E.A.S.T 7}}, notably grabbing wins against {{Sm|Glutonny}} and {{Sm|iStudying}}. He continued to headline the character in the continent with placings such as 7th at {{Trn|Albion 2}}, and internationally, he made a rare but notable appearance with 33rd at {{Trn|SwitchFest}}.
*{{Sm|Erico|USA}} - Placed 17th at [http://kotn4.challonge.com/s4_top64 Kings Of The North 4]. [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM5S2SF6em9gC15HknCsG2A/videos Contributes to Shulk's metagame].
*{{Sm|Nicko|USA}} - The best Shulk player in North America, and one of the two best Shulk players in the world. He notably made top 64 at almost every single major/supermajor he attended in 2017 and 2018, most notably with supermajors such as 25th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2017}} and 33rd at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, notably defeating players such as {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|Glutonny}}, and {{Sm|Samsora}} at these events. Ranked 8th on the All-Time ''Smash 4'' [[SoCal Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|FuerzaDON|Mexico}} - The best Shulk player in Mexico. Placed 33rd at [[Smash Factor 5]] and [[Smash Factor 6|6]]. He has wins over Chag, {{Sm|Regi|}}, Cloudy, Klein, and Richi.
 
*{{Flag|Canada}} [[Smasher: Jerm (Canada)|Jerm]] - [https://www.youtube.com/user/Jermalie0 Contributes to Shulk's metagame]. Formerly ranked 3rd on the [[Ottawa Power Rankings#Smash_4_Rankings|Ottawa Power Rankings]].
===Tier placement and history===
*{{Sm|Kome|Japan}} (#84) - The best Shulk player in the world. Placed 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]]. He has wins over {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Shuton}}, and {{Sm|Tweek}}. Ranked 51st on the [[Panda Global Rankings| Panda Global Rankings v5]].
Opinions on Shulk's overall viability in the metagame have fluctuated greatly throughout ''Smash 4''{{'}}s lifespan. During the game's initial release, Shulk was quickly discovered to be very flawed, mostly due to his moveset being burdened with very sluggish frame data, his aerials being incapable of autocanceling throughout their animations, and the fact that some moves (like his multi-hitting forward smash) didn't work properly or were simply undertuned. As a result, Shulk was poorly regarded early on. However, update 1.0.4 significantly buffed Shulk, which mainly addressed many of his aforementioned issues, alongside damage and knockback boosts to nearly all of his moves. When these buffs were coupled with the discovery of [[advanced technique]]s like his signature [[Monado Arts#Monado Art Landing Lag Cancel|Monado Art Landing Lag Canceling]] (MALLC), Shulk's position on the tier list became a hot topic of debate among players due to his perceived potential, with some seeing him as a potential high tier once mastered. Other dedicated Shulk players such as {{Sm|Catalyst}}, [https://youtu.be/8OoAc3D5nA8?si=Pi2cYO1LcONuhUrM|{{Sm|Erico}}], and [https://youtu.be/N9tfusGfnLo?si=shlyr-2QfQYN4fvK {{Sm|Jerm}}] also made heavy contributions to the character's metagame, uploading multiple videos relating to Shulk-related character guides and tech for ''Smash 4''.
*{{Sm|M|Sweden|p=Sweden}} - Placed 3rd at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]]. He has wins over {{Sm|iStudying|}} and {{Sm|Glutonny}}.
 
*{{Sm|Masha|Japan}} - Placed 17th at [[Umebura 25]], 13th at [[Karisuma 10]], and 9th at [[Sumabato 14]] before switching to {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}.
As time went on, players' opinions of Shulk dropped once again. Despite the benefits of his [[Monado Arts]], Shulk failed to achieve high placings at major tournaments, so he was perceived to be a low-tier character and was left with a small, albeit dedicated, playerbase as a result. Despite receiving some buffs in future updates, most notably update 1.1.3, they failed to compensate for his flaws. As such, Shulk was ranked 40th on the first [[tier list]], placing him in the G tier and confirming his status as a low-tier character.
*{{Sm|Nicko|USA}} - The best Shulk player in North America, and one of the two best Shulk players in the world. Placed 17th at [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]], 65th at [[EVO 2016]], 25th at [[2GGT: Abadango Saga]] and 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]]. Ranked 13th on the [[SoCal Power Rankings]].
 
*{{Sm|Shuton|Japan}} - Placed 7th at [[2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga]] and 8th at [[SwitchFest]]: I'm Really Feeling It. Has a win over {{Sm|Ryuga}}. Ranked 27th on the [[Panda Global Rankings| Panda Global Rankings v4]].
Shulk's representation and results would then be largely stagnant for a time, largely because of his sluggish attacks being viewed as a significant issue and too inconsistent for high-level play. This resulted in him being ranked 44th on the second tier list, a slight drop from his previous ranking. Despite his low-tier status, Shulk's playerbase consistently discovered more [[Monado Arts#Other Advanced Techniques Utilizing Monado Arts|Monado Art-based techniques]] that allowed his moveset and options to flow better than before. This, in turn, has allowed him to garner better results in more recent times, with dedicated mains achieving top placings at a more consistent rate within their respective regions. Additionally, [[Smasher:M (Sweden)|M]], {{Sm|Nicko}} and {{Sm|Darkwolf}} have achieved notable placings at the national level, such as 3rd at [[B.E.A.S.T 7]], 17th at [[2GGT: Mexico Saga]] and 13th at [[Get On My Level 2016]], respectively. These improved results have been reflected in Shulk being ranked 38th on the third tier list, placing him at the very end of the mid-tier.
*{{Sm|Soronie|USA}} - Placed 7th at [[Don't You Dair 3]] and 49th at [[2GGT: Abadango Saga]]. Formerly ranked 6th on the [[NorCal Power Rankings]].
 
Despite his prominent weaknesses, some believe Shulk is still underrated in the current metagame, partly because of his obscurity and very steep learning curve. While debatable, some believe he should be ranked lower due to his sparse tournament representation. Other professionals like {{Sm|ZeRo}} have argued that Shulk should be ranked higher. This argument has been supported by the performances of dedicated mains throughout early 2017, most notably Nicko and {{Sm|Kome}} each placing 33rd at [[2GGC: Civil War]], which was one of the most challenging tournaments in ''Smash 4''{{'}}s lifespan. Shulk ranks at 34th on the fourth and final tier list, as a result of his slightly better placings.


==[[Trophies]]==
==[[Trophies]]==
Retrieved from "https://www.ssbwiki.com/Special:MobileDiff/1838578...1887858"