Jigglypuff (SSBU): Difference between revisions

|ranking = 60

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'''Jigglypuff''' ({{ja|プリン|Purin}}'', Purin'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was revealed alongside the fellow ''Pokémon'' fighter {{SSBU|Pichu}} and the rest of [[veteran]]s on June 12th, 2018. Like in its appearances prior to {{forwiiu}}, it is [[unlockable character|unlockable]], instead of being available from the [[starter character|start]]. Jigglypuff is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #12]], the last fighter number of the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' [[veteran]]s.

{{s|wikipedia|Rachael Lillis}}' portrayal of Jigglypuff from ''Smash 64'' was reused in the English version of ''Ultimate''; this was despite {{s|wikipedia|Michele Knotz}} voicing it in the ''Pokémon'' anime at the time and voicing other Pokémon in ''Ultimate''. {{s|wikipedia|Mika Kanai}}, the voice of Jigglypuff from all previous ''Smash'' games and the ''Pokémon'' anime, reprises her role in the Japanese version with a new voice track. Virginie Demians and Dina Kuerten's portrayals of Jigglypuff from ''Brawl'' were reused in the French and German versions.

Jigglypuff is ranked 60th out of 82 in the current ''Ultimate'' [[tier list]], putting it at the end of the C+ tier. This is a great improvement over its last place ranking in ''Smash 4''. Jigglypuff's strength lies in its superb aerial game, which is the result of long-lasting [[Aerial attack|aerials]] that, combined with its excellent air mobility and multiple [[jump]]s, can be used to wall out its opponents offstage. Jigglypuff also has a much easier time killing due to its quicker KO options, new KO setups, and more reliable [[Rest]] combos. Rest itself has more knockback and less endlag if Jigglypuff lands it, allowing Jigglypuff to escape potential punishes. Finally, Jigglypuff's ground game has been improved: its [[jab]] can confirm into [[back aerial]] or [[dash attack]] at high percents, its [[up tilt]] can combo into its other aerials and even Rest in some scenarios, and its [[forward throw]] can send opponents at a low angle, making it easier for Jigglypuff to utilize its strong edgeguards.

However, Jigglypuff still possesses several flaws. It still lacks range on its moveset, which causes it to struggle against opponents with long/disjointed range and characters who excel in [[camping]]. Its [[neutral game]] still remains poor due to its horrible grounded mobility and linear options to [[approach]] its opponent, and it can have a difficult time hitting opponents that outspeed it. Finally, Jigglypuff's survivability is poor due to its low [[weight]] making it susceptible to KOs at an earlier percent than normal, and as a result, it is susceptible to trades at higher percents.

Overall, Jigglypuff's weaknesses balance out its strengths as it is a character who struggles a lot to get in, but has the ability to beat just about any character with only a few openings. Despite the character's inconsistencies and a small playerbase, Jigglypuff has seen strong representation at a major level thanks to players such as {{Sm|BassMage}} and {{Sm|Senra}}.

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Jigglypuff is a character of extremes, as evident with its attributes: it has the 2nd fastest [[air speed]], the highest [[air acceleration]], the slowest [[falling speed]], and the lowest [[gravity]]. These attributes make Jigglypuff a very mobile character in the air. However, it also has the 3rd slowest [[walk]] and [[run speed]], the 6th slowest initial-dash, the 2nd lowest [[weight]] and [[jump]] force, and the 7th lowest [[traction]]. Collectively, these attributes render Jigglypuff unable to quickly traverse the stage on foot without relying on [[foxtrot]]ting, and susceptible to early KOs. To make up for its low jumping force, however, it has five [[midair jump]]s, which further enhance its aerial evasiveness. Its combination of light weight and floatiness results in Jigglypuff being fairly difficult to combo compared to most other characters, but conversely makes it fairly difficult for it to land onstage and escape a [[juggle]] without being forced to retreat offstage and grab the [[ledge]].

Jigglypuff's main strength is its formidable air game. Excluding back aerial, all of its aerial attacks have lingering hitboxes, and back air especially is safe on shield when properly spaced. Their duration is the primary reason Jigglypuff is deceptively difficult to challenge in the air, as opponents will most likely collide within an attack's final frames if they attempt to challenge its moves. All of its aerials, aside from up aerial, also have enough range to be [[spacing|spaced]] effectively thanks to Jigglypuff's aerial mobility, allowing it to zone and [[approach]] opponents safely in the air. Each of Jigglypuff's aerials also have their own distinct strengths. Neutral aerial is its fastest aerial and a fairly strong [[sex kick]], even when stale, and can easily [[gimp]] poor recoveries due to its late hitbox being sufficiently strong enough to do so. Due to its speed and power, it also works as a good [[out of shield]] or approach option, and its long duration allows it to break combos quite effectively. Forward aerial has the second-weakest knockback of Jigglypuff's aerials, but this grants it good combo potential in return. It can easily force opponents off-stage and is the main component of the [[wall of pain]] technique: once an opponent is launched off-stage, Jigglypuff can follow up with several other forward aerials until they reach the blast zone, where Jigglypuff can finish the opponent off with another forward or a neutral aerial. Both neutral air and forward air can also [[lock]] with their late hits, and generally both attacks linger for a long time and are very useful for [[edgeguarding]]. Back aerial is Jigglypuff's strongest aerial, an effective KOing option, and has a remarkable range, given Jigglypuff's small size. It even possesses some combo potential at very low percents, and the move in general greatly benefits from techniques like [[RAR]]. Similar to {{SSBU|Marth}}, {{SSBU|Roy}}, {{SSBU|Lucina}}, and {{SSBU|Chrom}}, the move also has the interesting trait of completely turning Jigglypuff around after its use. It is also safe on shield due to its high damage output and above-average hitlag, though it is also Jigglypuff's slowest aerial, making it a bit predictable. It also has a sweetspot closer to Jigglypuff's body, although this is difficult to hit due to the sourspot farther away taking priority. Up aerial has a deceptively long-lasting hitbox, which can be problematic for any opponent that has issues dealing with [[juggling]], and it is also a situational finisher near the upper blast line that combos into most of its toolkit if used while landing. Lastly, down aerial can be used as a highly damaging out of shield option, a combo tool, and a pressuring option, and has low ending lag. It can sometimes also work as an anti-juggling option against characters with slow aerial mobility or moves. As well, landing with it can lead into various other moves, allowing Jigglypuff to take stocks incredibly early, especially when factoring in the move's ability to [[autocancel]] and link into itself.

Jigglypuff's unmatched floatiness, exceptional air speed, multiple jumps, and strong air game give it a tremendous off-stage presence. Due to lacking a traditional [[recovery]] move, its recovery is fairly susceptible to gimping if it has used its jumps, though its other attributes make its recovery very effective regardless. Its fast air acceleration also allows it to mix-up against opponents that attempt to [[edgeguard]] it. With the aid of [[Pound]], it can also stall its recovery and protect its landing. Jigglypuff is infamously fearsome at edgeguarding: with proper spacing and good timing, it can gimp even the farthest distanced recoveries without being put at risk; {{SSBU|Cloud}}, Chrom, {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBU|Dr. Mario}}, {{SSBU|Little Mac}}, and {{SSBU|Min Min}} are perhaps the most susceptible to its edgeguarding, as their recoveries lack both speed and resilience, causing their performances against Jigglypuff to revolve around maintaining stage control as much as possible.

This is not to render its grounded moveset useless, however, as it is surprisingly versatile for such an air-based character. Jigglypuff's neutral attack possesses incredible speed, can lock, and combos into its aforementioned back air. It also combos into dash attack, which can KO at unusually low percentages. Forward tilt is fast and damaging, and when [[angled]] down, is its fastest option for hitting an opponent that is grabbing the ledge. Up tilt is relatively quick and possesses surprisingly good combo potential, whilst still maintaining the utility of a KO move at later percents. Down tilt is a [[semi-spike]] with high base knockback that can easily gimp many recoveries when used at the ledge, whilst also putting opponents in a bad position on stage should they miss their [[tech]]. As for its smash attacks, forward smash has surprisingly high [[knockback scaling]], while down smash has [[intangibility]] on Jigglypuff's legs and the lowest launch angle of any other conventional semi-spike, causing characters with weaker recoveries to die at very low percents. It also possesses surprisingly fast grabs, and its down throw is a solid damage dealer which greatly benefits from throw [[invincibility]], especially in certain matchups or when playing in doubles. Its greatest grounded move, however, is its buffed forward throw, which sends opponents at a low angle when used near the ledge. This is a fantastic tool to have for a character that forces opponents to shield so often, especially due to down aerial's ability to combo directly into a grab. The angle forward throw sends at forces the opponent to pick an option, burn a resource, or both, making the edgeguarding guessing game much easier for the Jigglypuff player. As a cherry on top, at low percents, it can put opponents in a bad position onstage if they miss their tech, very comparatively to their down tilt.

Jigglypuff also possesses an infamous trump card in [[Rest]]. Rest has powerful vertical knockback at all percentages, to the point where it can reliably KO any character at 70%, but KOs most characters as early as 50%. It hits on frame 2 with a [[flower]] effect and has full [[intangibility]] until Jigglypuff closes its eyes. In addition to being an incredible [[punishment]] option, the threat of Rest forces opponents to be very careful when using laggy moves, especially due to Jigglypuff's ability to perform an occasionally situational true combo into it. One of the best ways to confirm a Rest is with forward aerial: hitting with the move's final frames will lead into an unavoidable Rest, which becomes even more potent if used in the air or with high [[rage]]. Depending on the opponent's falling speed, a jump may be necessary to reach them. Another reliable way to confirm one is by landing with up aerial: should Jigglypuff land immediately after hitting the opponent, Rest can be landed without fail. This combo works optimally on platforms due to its limited percentage range and its ability to KO as early as 30%. Up tilt can also combo into Rest on its own or after a landing down aerial, which can be used to rack up at least 30% and potentially KO as well (especially on platforms), but the confirm has a tight percent window, as well as a [[sour spot]] that must be accounted for. Lastly, down air has two main Rest confirms: Drill Rest and Rising Dair Rest. Drill Rest involves using down air and landing on the ground before the final hit connects, buffering a rest so that the confirm lands as soon as possible. This confirm is strong against certain characters such as {{SSBU|Kirby}}, {{SSBU|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBU|Mewtwo}}, {{SSBU|Pichu}}, and opposing Jigglypuff, but aside from them and a select few other characters, it is very inconsistent and often not worth going for. Rising Dair Rest, on the other hand, is performed by rising with down air and buffering a jump rest. This is much more consistent overall against the entire cast, but like up tilt Rest, it has a tight percent window that varies from character to character.

Other methods of safely using Rest involve [[crouching]], [[buffering]], a [[footstool jump]], a [[jab reset]], or interrupting an opposing neutral attack, though few characters are vulnerable to these methods, and they usually require impeccable timing. Platforms can be a saving grace when considering Rest, as they can lead into 0% KO confirms on certain characters and, if they are moving, can make it a bit harder to punish. For all its potential, however, Rest infamously possesses extremely high [[ending lag]], making it very easy to [[punish]] if whiffed, though Jigglypuff can skip some of the move's ending lag if it is successfully landed.

To balance out all of these strengths, Jigglypuff is held back by numerous weaknesses. The most detrimental is its survivability: Jigglypuff's stats result in it possessing among the worst endurance out of any character in the game. As a result, it can be knocked out as early as 30% with a sufficiently strong attack. [[Rage]] is an additional burden, since opponents can send it flying even earlier with it while Jigglypuff potentially cannot survive long enough to fully reap the benefits of rage itself. These drawbacks force Jigglypuff to play extremely cautiously, as any damage taken can prove dangerous in the long run. Adding insult to injury, Jigglypuff's [[shield jump]] launches it upward with enough force to KO it even in the largest of stages, although this weakness rarely comes into effect in [[competitive play]], where [[shield break]]s are uncommon.

Furthermore, Jigglypuff has a very problematic ground game. Although most of its ground moveset is quick in proportion to their power, its lack of range and slow grounded mobility prevent it from racking up large amounts of damage with the majority of said moves. This is worsened when considering the utility of its grounded attacks, which as mentioned are quite high for such an air-heavy character. The only exception is its up smash, a very barebones move that only barely accomplishes its job of being a consistent anti-air that kills at reasonable percents. Its grab game also has similar issues: while Jigglypuff has some of the fastest grabs in the game, landing a grab can sometimes be difficult due to their short range. Its throws are also a mixed bag; whilst the previously mentioned down throw and forward throw are very effective, back throw is similar to up smash in that it is a very one-dimensional move that is barely serviceable enough at its job to be worth using, only instead it's a positioning tool instead of an anti-air. Jigglypuff's up throw is even worse; despite being its strongest KO throw, it is not able to KO reliably even well beyond 200%, and it has very little utility outside of this role. This results in Jigglypuff being easily kept at bay by shields without the usage of Pound's high [[shield damage]] and mix-ups with its grab.

Jigglypuff's approach, despite being good in the air, is somewhat predictable. Most of the time, Jigglypuff is forced to remain close to the opponent, read their option in order to approach, or bait them in order to make a move. Its aerial moves are not good for approaching from a long distance as they are unsafe on shield when late, and its dash attack is terrible at doing so due to its high endlag and ineffective sourspot. Coupled with the overall short range on its attacks, it has notoriously difficult matchups against characters with large disjoints like {{SSBU|Ike}}, {{SSBU|Lucina}}, and {{SSBU|Shulk}}. Its polarizing mobility is also a noticeable flaw. Although it has among the best aerial games in ''Ultimate'', its grounded mobility is among the worst, as it does not efficiently give Jigglypuff the chance to traverse across the ground quickly like most other [[Weight|lightweight]] characters can, and in turn with their floatiness makes Jigglypuff relatively slow. This is especially a problem against speed demons such as {{SSBU|Fox}} and {{SSBU|Sonic}}, who can more easily force Jigglypuff to approach them than vice versa. Lastly, due to its reliance on taking stocks with an edgeguard or a Rest setup, it can sometimes struggle to take stocks without committing to one strong attack, especially against heavier characters with great recoveries such {{SSBU|Terry}} and {{SSBU|Yoshi}}.

 

Overall, Jigglypuff is an air-based glass cannon that can quickly rack up damage or KO opponents, but in return can be KOed just as quickly.

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Jigglypuff was infamous for being one of the worst characters in [[Jigglypuff (SSBB)|its two]] [[Jigglypuff (SSB4)|previous appearances]] due to its numerous weaknesses, notably its atrocious survivability (it's the lightest and floatiest character), short-lived yet bad disadvantage state, and one-dimensional playstyle as a result of a myriad factors. These issues were made much more apparent in ''SSB4'', due to the game's polarized balance and universal mechanics (most notably [[rage]] and [[ledge trump]]ing) adversely working against it. Most likely owing to its consistently poorly regarded status, Jigglypuff has been noticeably buffed in the transition to ''Ultimate''.

Jigglypuff's most notable direct changes are to its aerial attacks and its special moveset. Like with most other veterans, Jigglypuff's aerial attacks have greatly reduced landing lag, which when combined with its faster air speed further improves its good aerial combo game, allowing it to perform techniques like its renowned [[Wall of Pain]] more effectively. In addition, [[Pound]] has less ending lag than in ''SSB4'', giving it combo potential as well as helping with vertical recovery; [[Rest]] is now interruptible significantly earlier, being 20 frames faster than previous games, and an additional 25 frames earlier if it connects; and [[Sing]] is notably faster with more range, along with its sleep time being increased, making it a viable tool for the first time in the series, though still remaining risky and situational for specific setups.

Jigglypuff also significantly benefits from some of the reworked game mechanics in ''Ultimate''. The universally improved mobility, the changes to [[air dodge]]s and the reduction of [[edge]] sizes on most stages have virtually restored Jigglypuff's lost strong edgeguarding capabilities from ''Melee'', once again possessing an oppresive offstage presence thanks to its aerial kit and mobility. The reintroduction of directional air dodges also grants Jigglypuff an additional recovery option, improving its offstage survivability. In addition, Jigglypuff arguably benefits the most of any character from the weakening of the [[rage]] mechanic, which slightly improves its otherwise abysmal endurance.

However, Jigglypuff is not without some minor nerfs. In line with its polarized archetype, its already bad grab game was made worse; while it did gain a more useful forward throw, its grabs suffer from the universal nerf, and its up throw deals less damage. Pound's recovery potential was also nerfed, as Jigglypuff will no longer immediately accelerate in the air during its startup, making consecutive usage of the move a less effective recovery tactic.

Although Jigglypuff benefits from the aerial-based changes to gameplay mechanics for ''Ultimate'', some of the other gameplay changes have also hurt Jigglypuff. While the changes to air dodges overall benefit it, they also make Jigglypuff more vulnerable in the air, as they render it even more susceptible to [[juggling]] and now force it to mix up its recovery (though the latter point is slightly counterbalanced by the reintroduction of directional air dodging). In addition, the changes to [[jostle|jostling]] mechanics make Jigglypuff unable to pass through other fighters while running, making Rest much harder to land via running into opponents.

Ultimately, Jigglypuff's buffs heavily outweigh its nerfs, and it's a significantly more effective character than in ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4'', becoming once again a proper "aerial-based glass cannon". Jigglypuff has also received some very notable buffs in game updates, further improving its viability in competitive play. However, of note is that many of Jigglypuff's primary flaws that have plagued it in previous games are still present in ''Ultimate'', such as a ludicrously low endurance (and being instantly KO'd if its shield is broken), and highly polarized neutral game as a result of its poor ground mobility and limited ground and grab games, its short range, and lack of projectile. ''Ultimate'' also includes many more viable swordfighters and zoners compared to previous games, both archetypes that Jigglypuff still struggles against. This is compounded by various other veterans being buffed as well, and game updates introducing DLC characters, some of which Jigglypuff struggles against. Nevertheless, though Jigglypuff still falls behind compared to its appearance in ''Melee'', its perception in competitive play is much better compared to ''Brawl'' and ''SSB4''.

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*Jigglypuff can perform [[Double jump#Multiple double jumps|5 double jumps]], tied with {{SSBU|Kirby}} and {{SSBU|Meta Knight}} for most double jumps in the game.

|neutralname=Jab ({{ja|たたき|Tataki}}) / Continuous Jab ({{ja|つづけてたたき|Tsuzukete Tataki}})

|nsdmg=10% (minimally charged), 20% (fully charged), 33% (maximum via slopes)

SSBUJigglypuffIdle1.gif|Jigglypuff's idle pose.

===Most historically significant players===

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''See also: [[:Category:Jigglypuff players (SSBU)]]''

*{{Sm|Arika|Japan}} - One of the first notable Jigglypuff players in competitive ''Ultimate'' and was the best Jigglypuff player in the early metagame, most notably placing 25th at {{Trn|Umebura SP 4}} defeating {{Sm|T}}. Although his results have since been overshadowed, he has still occasionally put up noteworthy performances, including placing 9th at {{Trn|Shinosuma HEROES 2}} defeating {{Sm|Nietono}}.

*{{Sm|BassMage|USA}} - The best Jigglypuff player of all-time who has been competing since the early metagame but became well-known in the post-online metagame. His strong performances at majors, which includes placing top 8 at multiple majors including 7th at {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 4}} and {{Trn|Battle of BC 6}}, and top-level wins, such as {{Sm|Glutonny}} at {{Trn|Smash World Tour 2021 Championships}} and {{Sm|Riddles}} at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind 2023}}, helped reverse opinions on Jigglypuff's viability towards a more positive direction. He remains the only Jigglypuff player ever ranked top 50 globally, having peaked at 31st on the [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]].

*{{Sm|Senra|Japan}} - The second-best Jigglypuff player of all-time first known for placing 9th at {{Trn|KOWLOON 2}} defeating {{Sm|Nietono}}. He has since became the best Jigglypuff player in Japan, including placing 9th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 14}} defeating {{Sm|Asimo}} and 13th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 9}}; in addition, his 5th-place finish at {{Trn|UltCore}} defeating {{Sm|Kaninabe}} marks the best Jigglypuff placement at a major. He is the second Jigglypuff player ranked globally, ranking 91st on the [[LumiRank 2023]].

During the early metagame, opinions on Jigglypuff's viability were rather low, with most top players, including {{Sm|Marss}}, {{Sm|Dabuz}}, and {{Sm|Zackray}}, considering the character to be low-tier at best, because, although Jigglypuff moderately improved in its transition from ''SSB4'', it still held exploitable weaknesses carried over from the previous game, with some players arguing that its matchup spread, neutral game, and KO options remained poor. Despite receiving buffs in patch 6.0.0, the efforts of players such as {{Sm|Arika}} and {{Sm|BassMage}}, and positive opinions from players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|ESAM}}, and {{Sm|Maister}}, Jigglypuff saw low representation and a slow-developing metagame both offline and online compared to other low-tier characters.

Following the return of offline events, however, a Jigglypuff renaissance took place to improving results from several Jigglypuff players such as Arika, BassMage, and {{Sm|Senra}}. BassMage began traveling more often, and has not only seen several high placements at major tournaments, but has defeated and went neck-to-neck with several top players as well. The improved results, along with additional buffs, helped the character's perception shift in a positive direction. Due to its steadily improving results, numerous buffs, and widespread representation, Jigglypuff is generally considered a mid-tier character which is reflected by its 60th ranking on the current tier list. Nevertheless, most people agree that Jigglypuff is far superior to its iteration in ''SSB4'', where it was considered the worst character in the game for most of the game's lifespan.

True to its route's title, Jigglypuff's opponents are the "[[List of Super Smash Bros. series characters#"Perfect-attendance crew"|perfect-attendance crew]]", including itself. Each Round also involves both a stage and a music track that debuted in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' The order of the Rounds begins with {{SSBU|Link}} as the first opponent, just like in the [[1P Game]] of ''SSB''. Characters whose home stage did not return in ''Ultimate'' are teamed up with another character who has their stage return. Although [[Master Hand]] is the final boss in ''SSB'', Jigglypuff instead fights [[Giant Donkey Kong]] in the Final Round, most likely referencing his status as a unique mini-boss in ''SSB''{{'}}s 1P Game.

|3||{{CharHead|Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Yoshi|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||[[Super Happy Tree]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Yoshi|Yoshi's Story (64)}}''||As [[Planet Zebes]] did not return in ''Ultimate'', Samus is teamed up with Yoshi.

|4||{{CharHead|Kirby|SSBU|hsize=20px}} and {{CharHead|Fox|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||{{SSB|Dream Land}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Gourmet Race (64)}}''||As [[Sector Z]] did not return in ''Ultimate'', Fox is teamed up with Kirby.

[[File:WoL-12Jigglypuff.jpg|thumb|Finding Jigglypuff in World of Light|left]] Jigglypuff is absent from the World of Light opening cutscene, though it was vaporized and later imprisoned alongside the rest of the fighters (except for {{SSBU|Kirby}}) when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light.

SSBUWebsiteJigglypuff1.jpg|[[Taunting]] on [[Green Greens]] holding an apple.

SSBUWebsiteFox2.jpg|{{SSBU|Fox}} [[taunting]] a shrunken Jigglypuff on 3D Land.

*Despite Jigglypuff fighting all 12 characters from the original ''Super Smash Bros.'', [[Master Hand]] does not appear as its final boss.