Cloud (SSBU): Difference between revisions

2,294 bytes added ,  6 months ago
m (→‎In competitive play: cleanup with some outdated information and removing a giant list of characters that's just boring to read)
Tag: Mobile edit
(86 intermediate revisions by 36 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Cloud
|name = Cloud
|image = {{tabber|title1=Final Fantasy VII|tab1=[[File:Cloud SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Advent Children|tab2=[[File:Cloud-Alt1 SSBU.png|x250px]]}}
|image = {{tabber|title1=Final Fantasy VII|content1=[[File:Cloud SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Advent Children|content2=[[File:Cloud-Alt1 SSBU.png|x250px]]}}
|game = SSBU
|game = SSBU
|ssbgame1 = SSB4
|ssbgame1 = SSB4
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|availability = [[Unlockable character|Unlockable]]
|tier = A+
|ranking = 13
}}
}}
'''Cloud''' ({{ja|クラウド|Kuraudo}}, ''Cloud'') is a playable character in  ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Cloud was confirmed on June 12th, 2018 and is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #61]].
'''Cloud''' ({{ja|クラウド|Kuraudo}}, ''Cloud'') is a playable character in  ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Cloud was confirmed on June 12th, 2018 and is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #61]].


{{s|wikipedia|Takahiro Sakurai}} reprises his role as Cloud in all regions, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. This makes him the first character to remain fully voiced in Japanese in all regions despite having an existing English voice actor. In {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}'s [[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Sephiroth|reveal trailer]], and as part of the version 10.1.0 update, Sakurai reprises his role as Cloud with new voice lines exclusively for the ''Advent Children'' costumes, albeit only for his aesthetically different [[Omnislash Ver. 5]].
{{s|wikipedia|Takahiro Sakurai}} reprises his role as Cloud in all regions, albeit via recycled voice clips from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. This makes him the first character to remain fully voiced in Japanese in all regions despite having an existing English voice actor. In {{SSBU|Sephiroth}}'s [[List of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate character trailers#Sephiroth|reveal trailer]], and as part of the version 10.1.0 update, Sakurai reprises his role as Cloud with new voice lines exclusively for the ''Advent Children'' costumes, albeit only for his aesthetically different [[Omnislash Ver. 5]].
Cloud is currently ranked 13th out of 82 characters on the ''Ultimate'' [[tier list]], ranking him in A+ tier. This is a minor drop from his ranking in ''Smash 4'', where he was ranked 2nd/3rd out of 54 and was tied with {{SSB4|Diddy Kong}}. Cloud's already great movement was further improved from ''Smash 4'', with his jump squat being lowered to 3 frames and his already safe aerials receiving landing lag reductions, which improved his advantage state and combo game. Despite nerfs to his range, Cloud's hitboxes are still fairly large, especially those that utilize his [[Buster Sword]], allowing him to outrange many characters in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s roster. Cloud also possesses one of the best out-of-shield options in the game, with his [[Climhazzard]] making pressuring him and landing against him rather difficult. Cloud also retains [[Limit Charge]] which further improves his special moves when active.
However, Cloud still struggles with an underwhelming grab game and an exploitable recovery. He also received drastic nerfs to some of his strengths from the previous game, most notably his specials, some of which deal less knockback, and Limit Break, which now only lasts up to 15 seconds, forcing Cloud to be more cautious when using it. Cloud's ability to kill is also less consistent due to the nerfs to Limit as well as his [[down aerial]] no longer being a reliable combo starter.
Overall, Cloud is still considered a strong character as he still retains many of his key advantages from ''Smash 4''. While he saw few results at the start of ''Ultimate''{{'}}s metagame, his representation has since grown tremendously thanks to the efforts of {{Sm|Sparg0}}, who went on to become one of the best players in the world.


==How to unlock==
==How to unlock==
Complete one of the following:
Complete one of the following:
*Play [[VS. match]]es, with Cloud being the 55th character to be unlocked.
*Play [[VS. match]]es, with Cloud being the 55th character to be unlocked.
*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Samus}} or any character in her unlock tree, being the 6th character in her unlock tree after {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}.
*Clear {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with {{SSBU|Samus}} or any character in her unlock tree, being the 6th character unlocked after {{SSBU|Dark Samus}}.
*Have Cloud join the player's party in [[World of Light]].
*Have Cloud join the player's party in [[World of Light]].
Cloud must then be defeated on [[Midgar]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).
Cloud must then be defeated on [[Midgar]] (the [[Ω form]] is used in World of Light).
Line 22: Line 30:
Cloud is a [[weight|middleweight]] swordsman, tied with {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}} at 100 units of weight. Despite his weight class, Cloud boasts high overall mobility: he has average [[walk]]ing speed, very fast [[dash]]ing speed, above-average [[air speed]] and average [[air acceleration]], which collectively make him quick both on the ground and in the air. Cloud also has above-average [[falling speed]] and high [[gravity]], however, which prevent him from staying in the air for long in spite of his good aerial maneuverability.
Cloud is a [[weight|middleweight]] swordsman, tied with {{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}} at 100 units of weight. Despite his weight class, Cloud boasts high overall mobility: he has average [[walk]]ing speed, very fast [[dash]]ing speed, above-average [[air speed]] and average [[air acceleration]], which collectively make him quick both on the ground and in the air. Cloud also has above-average [[falling speed]] and high [[gravity]], however, which prevent him from staying in the air for long in spite of his good aerial maneuverability.


However, Cloud's Limit Break status improves his already impressive mobility. His [[traction]] slightly improves, his dashing speed becomes even faster, his falling speed becomes the fourth fastest, and his air speed becomes the fastest in the game under normal circumstances. His increased gravity and falling speed, however, make his jumps slightly lower and prevent him from autocanceling some of his aerial attacks (notably back aerial and up aerial) as easily. As a result, Cloud's Limit Break status only marginally benefits his aerial mobility, but it can nevertheless help him move along the ground better.
While under his unique Limit Break status, Cloud's already impressive mobility improves further. His [[traction]] slightly improves, his dashing speed becomes even faster, his falling speed becomes the fourth fastest, and his air speed becomes the fastest in the game under normal circumstances. His increased gravity and falling speed, however, make his jumps slightly lower and prevent him from autocanceling some of his aerial attacks (notably back aerial and up aerial) as easily. As a result, Cloud's Limit Break status only marginally benefits his aerial mobility, but it can nevertheless help him move along the ground better.


Cloud's greatest asset is his effective [[range]], courtesy of his Buster Sword; Cloud's attacks have among the longest reaches in the game and can space out the opponent quite easily, snuff out opposing approaches and adeptly punish most careless attacks due to his speed and range. A prime example of this trait is Cloud's aerial attacks: neutral aerial, despite having its range decreased noticeably in the transition to ''Ultimate'', still covers Cloud's hurtbox well, making it a go-to option for spacing or air-to-ground transition movement. It is also very fast on both ends, can autocancel with a short hop, and has a low launching angle, all of which make it a good edgeguarding and spacing tool despite its below-average knockback.
Cloud's greatest asset is his effective [[range]], courtesy of his Buster Sword; Cloud's attacks have among the longest reaches in the game and can space out the opponent quite easily, snuff out opposing approaches and adeptly punish most careless attacks due to his speed and range. A prime example of this trait is Cloud's aerial attacks: neutral aerial, despite having its range decreased noticeably in the transition to ''Ultimate'', still covers Cloud's hurtbox well, making it a go-to option for spacing or air-to-ground transition movement. It is also very fast on both ends, can autocancel with a short hop, and has a low launching angle, all of which make it a good edgeguarding and spacing tool despite its below-average knockback.
Line 42: Line 50:
However, Cloud has some notable flaws. The most prominent one is his poor recovery; despite his aerial mobility and jump height being arguably better than most sword-wielding characters, his diagonal speed remains slow when compared to them, making him prone to edgeguarding and gimping, and making it mandatory to stay a safe distance within reaching the edge. Climhazzard is also a poor recovery move for many reasons: it grants below average vertical distance, little horizontal momentum, its ascending hit is completely incapable of edge sweetspotting, and its descending hit cannot edge sweetspot until it covers slight distance. The last problem about Cloud's recovery is that if he gets grabbed near the edge and gets air released while lacking access to his double jump, he will not be able to return to the stage unless he properly times a Blade Beam to stall towards the edge, uses aerials or air dodges to reset his momentum, or possesses a Limit Break. These factors make Cloud's recovery among the riskiest and most ineffective without use of his wall jump or Limit Break Climhazzard (which loses the active hitbox near the end of his ascent, making it less safe than the regular Climhazzard in some situations).
However, Cloud has some notable flaws. The most prominent one is his poor recovery; despite his aerial mobility and jump height being arguably better than most sword-wielding characters, his diagonal speed remains slow when compared to them, making him prone to edgeguarding and gimping, and making it mandatory to stay a safe distance within reaching the edge. Climhazzard is also a poor recovery move for many reasons: it grants below average vertical distance, little horizontal momentum, its ascending hit is completely incapable of edge sweetspotting, and its descending hit cannot edge sweetspot until it covers slight distance. The last problem about Cloud's recovery is that if he gets grabbed near the edge and gets air released while lacking access to his double jump, he will not be able to return to the stage unless he properly times a Blade Beam to stall towards the edge, uses aerials or air dodges to reset his momentum, or possesses a Limit Break. These factors make Cloud's recovery among the riskiest and most ineffective without use of his wall jump or Limit Break Climhazzard (which loses the active hitbox near the end of his ascent, making it less safe than the regular Climhazzard in some situations).


Another of Cloud's glaring flaws is his terrible grab game, being among the worst in the game. His grabs' ranges are abysmally short, his throws' damage outputs are mediocre and, barring down throw, they lack combo potential. Forward and back throws' decent speed are significantly offset by the problematic combination of their virtual lack of combo potential and low knockback scaling, both failing to KO before 300% unless the opponent is light, Cloud has rage, and/or is at the edge upon performing them. Back throw can be used as a situational tech-chase option, but even then is largely ineffective in this role. Up and down throws both have misleading power, with the former failing to KO until well beyond 200%. Up throw has too much ending lag to set up combos reliably, while down throw lacks reliable combos at low percentages and loses all of its combo potential past low percentages if the opponent DIs properly due to its more horizontal angle. Ironically, it is also Cloud's only throw that can KO below 200% with exception of up throw KOing slightly earlier on platform stages.
Another of Cloud's glaring flaws is his terrible grab game, being among the worst in the game. His grabs possess low range while having relatively high startup for a non-tether grab, his throws' damage outputs are mediocre and, barring down throw, they lack combo potential. Forward and back throws' decent speed are significantly offset by the problematic combination of their virtual lack of combo potential and low knockback scaling, both failing to KO before 300% unless the opponent is light, Cloud has rage, and/or is at the edge upon performing them. Back throw can be used as a situational tech-chase option, but even then is largely ineffective in this role. Up and down throws both have misleading power, with the former failing to KO until well beyond 200%. Up throw has too much ending lag to set up combos reliably, while down throw lacks reliable combos at low percentages and loses all of its combo potential past low percentages if the opponent DIs properly due to its more horizontal angle. Ironically, it is also Cloud's only throw that can KO below 200% with exception of up throw KOing slightly earlier on platform stages.


Although Cloud's range, combo options and Blade Beam collectively grant him a strong neutral game, he has a below-average approach at best. His approach options are linear: dash attack is easily punishable, neutral aerial's hitbox starts from behind him, and up aerial is very predictable as well as surprisingly punishable on shield if it is not spaced properly. This is further compounded by his other attacks lacking the frame data or the utility to be used as reliable approach options, such as his poor grab game.
Although Cloud's range, combo options and Blade Beam collectively grant him a strong neutral game, he has a below-average approach at best. His approach options are linear: dash attack is easily punishable, neutral aerial's hitbox starts from behind him, and up aerial is very predictable as well as surprisingly punishable on shield if it is not spaced properly. This is further compounded by his other attacks lacking the frame data or the utility to be used as reliable approach options, such as his poor grab game.
Line 57: Line 65:


==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
Cloud was previously considered to be one of the best characters in ''SSB4'', alongside {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, due to a myriad of advantages, including deceptively lingering hitboxes, excellent speed-to-range ratio alongside generous [[autocancel]] windows, and a powerful advantage in the form of his [[Limit Gauge]], which granted a lasting stat buff that boosted his already high overall mobility, allowed him to force [[approach]]es, and posed a constant threat during games due to the potential of a powerful Limit Break [[special attack]]. All these factors made him one of the most viable characters in ''SSB4'' overall, especially in [[doubles]] play, where teams containing at least one Cloud were notorious within the community for their prominence and disproportionate effectiveness (statistically, Cloud in doubles [https://intheloop837.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/data-cloud-in-doubles-an-analysis/ held more dominance than even Meta Knight in ''Brawl'' singles]). Likely as a result of this, Cloud has been [[nerf]]ed noticeably overall in his transition to ''Ultimate''.
Cloud was previously considered to be one of the best characters in ''SSB4'' and widely considered the second best character, after {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, due to a myriad of advantages, including deceptively lingering hitboxes, excellent speed-to-range ratio (with very quick mobility, surprising frame data and very generous [[autocancel]] windows), and a powerful advantage in the form of his [[Limit Gauge]], which further boosted his mobility, allowing him to force [[approach]]es and also pose a constant threat due to his unique Limit Break [[special attack]]s. All these factors shined brighter in [[doubles]] play, where teams containing at least one Cloud were notorious within the community for their prominence and disproportionate effectiveness (statistically, Cloud in doubles [https://intheloop837.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/data-cloud-in-doubles-an-analysis/ held more dominance] than even {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'' singles). Likely as a result of his dominance, Cloud was initially [[nerf]]ed noticeably in his transition to ''Ultimate'', though he did remain a potent character, and changes from game updates, the revamped gameplay physics, and general optimizations in the metagame have proven very benefitial to him. In bulk, Cloud has been moderately nerfed overall.
 
Cloud received a fair share of [[buff]]s, although most of these are universal throughout the cast. Like most other characters, he was given a boost to his already high stats, with faster movement speed, a frame 3 jumpsquat, and reductions to [[landing lag]], all of which compliments his strong aerial spacing ability and continues to make him one of the most mobile swordfighters in the game. In particular, the reduction to landing lag on his aerials not only makes them much safer on shield due to their range, it also allows Cloud to follow up from them more consistently, most notably with his forward, back and up aerials; this improves his damage racking game.
 
The reintroduction of directional [[air dodge]]s allow him to extend his notoriously weak horizontal recovery when his Limit Meter is not fully charged, and now make him much harder to gimp if he is grabbed during Climhazzard. Certain moves have been improved to make them more consistent or improve their KO potential, such as his [[neutral attack]] (which connects better and can now [[lock]]) and [[dash attack]] (which has increased knockback). The ability to [[dash cancel]] into any ground move and the introduction of [[spot dodge]] canceling also allows Cloud to make even better use of his ground attacks, such as [[neutral attack]] for tech-chasing, [[down tilt]] for approaching, or forward tilt for KOing.
 
Cloud's special moves have also been given some noteworthy improvements. [[Blade Beam]]'s sluggishness has been improved by a reduction of ending lag, making it less punishable and giving Cloud a semi-reliable camping tool. [[Climhazzard]] can be teched at the end of the move, snaps to ledge faster when using the downward slash, has much lower landing lag, transitions quicker, and KOs more consistently if used offstage due to the changes to [[meteor smash]]es. This makes it safer for [[recovery]], a much more reliable [[out of shield]] option, and consistent for [[sacrificial KO]]s. [[Limit Charge]] now allows Cloud to jump or [[air dodge]] out of it, charges significantly faster when he inflicts damage, and is now displayed above his [[damage meter]].
 
Although Cloud can no longer store his Limit indefinitely, the combination his Limit Gauge filling faster via inflicting damage and especially via Limit Charge actually means that Cloud can use his Limit Breaks much more frequently than in ''SSB4''. Finally, [[Finishing Touch]] is an even more potent finishing move: it has less startup, noticeably more knockback, and its grounded version's late hit had its vertical range increased to the point that it can hit opponents on the bottom platforms of [[Battlefield form]] stages.


However, these buffs are offset by an abundance of nerfs. One of Cloud's most significant changes are to his [[Limit Charge]]: it can no longer be [[instant charge-cancel]]ed since it incurs 7 frames of lag when canceling a charge, will have its charge reduced if Cloud is hit during the process of charging, and disappears entirely if not used up in 15 seconds. These changes result in Cloud's Limit Break mechanic no longer being a direct upside that can be kept for [[mindgame]]s or a lasting stat boost, and forces him to be more cautious of both charging and activating his Limit, vastly reducing the sheer game changing abilities it once had in the previous game.
Cloud's nerfs have primarily addressed his most powerful moves and traits. [[Limit Charge]] can no longer be [[charge-cancel|instant charge-canceled]] since it incurs 7 frames of lag when canceling a charge, will have its charge neutralized if Cloud is hit during the process of charging, and [[Limit (status)|Limit]]'s mobility and special move buffs now end on their own after 15 seconds if none of his Limit Break special moves are used. These changes result in Cloud's Limit mechanic no longer being able to be kept for [[mindgame]]s or a lasting stat boost, and forces him to be more cautious of both charging and activating it, vastly reducing the sheer game changing abilities it once had in the previous game.


Cloud's aerials have also been toned down, making his infamous aerial game less effective despite their lowered landing lag and better combo potential. [[Neutral aerial]]'s range has been significantly reduced due to an altered animation in which Cloud doesn't stretch his arm as much, making it less safe and effective for spacing. [[Down aerial]]'s lingering hitbox ends earlier and has more ending lag, making it harder to follow up in midair and riskier to use an an anti-juggle move, although its lowered landing lag allows it to start combos if Cloud lands first.
Disregarding the changes to landing lag, Cloud's infamous aerial game has also been toned down. [[Neutral aerial]] has a new animation that significantly reduces its range, making it less safe and effective for spacing. [[Down aerial]]'s lingering hitbox ends earlier and has more ending lag, making it much harder to follow up in midair and riskier to use to combat juggling. His notorious [[up aerial]] has seen the most substantial nerfs: its increased startup with no animation change significantly reduces its range in front of him, the clean hit has smaller hitboxes, and the whole move has less power and a lowered autocancel window; these changes almost completely remove its ability to start combos on grounded opponents, and reduce its incontestability as well as its previously respectable KO power.


Finally, Cloud's notorious [[up aerial]] has been substantially nerfed: its increased startup with no animation change significantly reduced its range in front of him, it has smaller hitboxes on the Buster Sword, reduced power and a lowered autocancel window. Altogether, these changes worsen its versatility by almost completely removing its ability to start combos on grounded opponents, reducing its incontestability, and toning down its previously respectable KO power, with its only buffs being its lowered landing lag and damage making it easier to chain several up aerials together with the aid of platforms.
Cloud's already poor grab game was also hindered even further; despite his faster pummel and his slower animations now matching his grabs' startup, down throw has lost its already lacking combo potential, and the universal nerfs to grabs have slightly reduced dash grab's alraedy lackluster range and made his own grabs slower and laggier, especially compared to the rest of the cast. Finally, other minor nerfs were to his smash attacks, as [[forward smash]] has slightly more ending lag and has less range, and [[down smash]]'s power was reduced.


Other nerfs Cloud has received are to his grounded KO ability being slightly nerfed, as his forward and up [[smash attack]]s have slightly higher ending lag, while [[down smash]] is weaker, making his average ground game even less imposing. Lastly, his already poor grab game has been further weakened, as his down throw has lost its already lacking combo potential and his grabs have been made slower and now have higher ending lag; although the latter point is synonymous with the rest of the cast, this notably hurts Cloud's options against shielding opponents. As a result of these nerfs, Cloud now has more defined weaknesses, with his weak grab game, exploitable recovery, and weakened tools necessitating him to be more precise and careful with optimizing his Limit or spacing, alongside making spacing with his aerials more difficult.
Despite these changes, the changes to game physics have dramatically beneffited Cloud. The reductions to [[landing lag]] benefit Cloud arguably more than any other character, as his aerials' lower landing lag now give him a more conventional combo game since he can follow up from them more consistently (most notably with his forward, back and up aerials, the latter despite its stricter autocancel window), and combined with his Buster Sword's respectable range and excellent mobility, this also drastically benefits his spacing game (most infamously with his [[back aerial]], now widely considered the best in the game). On that note, much like the returning cast, Cloud now sports even faster mobility, making him harder to catch and easier for him to keep up with the cast. The changes to [[air dodge]] mechanics improve his edgeguarding game and keep his juggling prowess mostly intact despite his other nerfs, and the reintroduction of directional air dodges allow him to extend his notoriously weak horizontal recovery when his Limit Meter is not fully charged, and now make him much harder to gimp if he is grabbed during Climhazzard. The ability to [[dash-canceling|dash cancel]] into any ground move and the introduction of [[spot dodge]] canceling both allow Cloud to make even better use of his ground attacks to approach and KO, making his ground game more imposing.


Overall, Cloud remains a fundamentally solid character with a relatively low learning curve and effective tools, although he is not as overpowered as he was in ''SSB4'' due to his nerfs toning down the incredible utility his moveset had at his disposal. Due to this, Cloud is considered to be worse than his iteration in ''SSB4''.
Cloud has also received a fair share of [[buff]]s to his less impressive moves. [[Dash attack]] and [[up smash]] are now much more reliable KO options thanks to their increased knockback. His special moves have also been given some noteworthy improvements without the need for Limit. [[Blade Beam]] has ending lag, making it less punishable and giving Cloud a semi-reliable camping tool. [[Climhazzard]] has much lower landing lag and transitions quicker, now making it one of the most reliable and infamous [[out of shield]] options in the game; it can also be teched at the end of the move, snaps to ledge faster when using the downward slash, and KOs more consistently if used offstage due to the changes to [[meteor smash]]es, making it more consistent for [[sacrificial KO]]s. [[Limit Charge]] now allows Cloud to jump or [[air dodge]] out of it, charges significantly faster when he inflicts damage, and is now displayed above his [[damage meter]].


Cloud's overall perception and tournament results have been wildly inconsistent over the course of ''Ultimate's'' metagame: though he was initially thought to still be a high/top tier character thanks to strong results from the efforts of players such as {{Sm|RAIN}} and {{sm|ZeRo}}, RAIN would eventually drop him in favor of {{SSBU|Wolf}}, and ZeRo would stop participating in tournaments altogether, which would lead to a downfall in results and representation.
While Limit has seen detriments to its duration, it has also seen some improvements: his Limit Gauge fills faster via inflicting damage and especially via Limit Charge, allowing Cloud to use his Limit Break special moves much more frequently than in ''SSB4''. Lastly, [[Finishing Touch]] is an even more potent KO move: it has less startup, noticeably more knockback, and its grounded version's late hit had its vertical range increased to the point that it can hit opponents on the bottom platforms of [[Battlefield form]] stages.


Cloud would later start to achieve increasingly noteworthy results once more, thanks to the efforts of several players including {{Sm|akasa}}, {{Sm|Cheeks}}, CurryGovernor, {{Sm|Diabeo}}, {{Sm|Dietsoda}}, {{Sm|Kola}}, {{Sm|Masashi}}, {{Sm|YOC}}, and especially {{Sm|Sparg0}}, which would lead multiple players to think of him as a high tier once again. However, several players such as Cheeks would later drop Cloud, whereas akasa and Kola have relegated him to being a secondary, and Sparg0 would take a hiatus from the game, all of which hurt his tournament presence once again.
Overall, Cloud's nerfs have toned down his most oppressive factor and further defined his weaknesses. Limit's temporary duration now forces Cloud to approach more and optimize its usage, and his further weakened grab game and powerful tools now necessitate him to play even more aggressively than ever before. He also still retains his very exploitable recovery, which has seen no substantial improvements, as his faster air mobility doesn't compensate for this. However, his buffs to his other tools and the huge shifts to the engine have benefitted his aggressive options, as his damage-racking game is mostly intact thanks to his improved combo game, and he can now Limit space his moves with more liberty while being ironically harder to punish him, as well as KO more easily without the need to rely on Limit; many of these buffs have also been granted to him through game updates. As a result, Cloud remains a fundamentally solid character with a relatively low learning curve and effective tools, and while he is not as overpowered and performs worse than in ''SSB4'', he's still considered to be a very strong character in ''Ultimate'', especially in competitive play.
 
Cloud would then receive noteworthy buffs in {{SSBU|7.0.0}}, and while they do not fully compensate for the nerfs he gained in the transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate'', these buffs were nevertheless sufficient to improve his perception among many professionals. As a result of these buffs allowing his players to achieve stronger results, Cloud's overall perception has improved, the general consensus is that he is between mid tier and high tier.
Although Cloud is still universally agreed to be worse than in ''SSB4'', his retained strengths alongside the strong results of players such as Sparg0 and Kola have proven that he is still a very potent character despite his nerfs. Regardless, Cloud is one continues to place consistently well at tournaments.


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


==Update history==
==Update history==
Aside from a single nerf to [[Blade Beam]] in update 3.0.0, Cloud was buffed via game updates. While updates 2.0.0 and 3.1.0 provided only negligible improvements, update 7.0.0 buffed Cloud much more in comparison. Most notably, his inconsistent KO potential (one of his biggest weaknesses) was alleviated in a few ways: clean dash attack became a viable KOing option thanks to its higher knockback, up smash is faster overall and its sweetspot gained more knockback, and [[Limit Charge]] fills the Limit Gauge much faster.
Aside from a single nerf to [[Blade Beam]] in update 3.0.0, Cloud was buffed via game updates. While updates 2.0.0 and 3.1.0 provided only negligible improvements, update 7.0.0 buffed Cloud much more in comparison. Most notably, his inconsistent KO potential (one of his biggest weaknesses) was alleviated in a few ways: clean dash attack became a viable KOing option thanks to its higher knockback, up smash is faster overall and its sweetspot gained more knockback, and [[Limit Charge]] fills the Limit Gauge much faster. In addition, Cloud received a few quality of life buffs: forward smash's hits connect more reliably, [[Climhazzard]] snaps to an edge earlier, and his shield was enlarged as part of a near-universal buff.  


In addition, Cloud received a few quality of life buffs: forward smash's hits connect more reliably, [[Climhazzard]] snaps to an edge earlier, and his shield was enlarged as part of a near-universal buff. Lastly, update 13.0.1 decreased [[Finishing Touch]]'s overall lag to the point that it is not only safer to use, but also much easier to perform from setups at certain percentages.
Lastly, update 13.0.1 decreased [[Finishing Touch]]'s overall lag to the point that it is not only safer to use, but also much easier to perform from setups at certain percentages.


Overall, Cloud fares better than he did at the launch of ''Ultimate''.
Overall, Cloud fares better than he did at the launch of ''Ultimate''.
Line 112: Line 109:


==Moveset==
==Moveset==
*Cloud has a unique [[fighter ability]] called the '''[[Limit Gauge]]'''. Over the course of normal play, the Limit Gauge will be filled automatically by inflicting and/or receiving damage. Alternatively, it can be filled manually by using his down special move, [[Limit Charge]]. The Limit Gauge is always present above his [[damage meter]] and will display its current state of charge. When it is filled up, Cloud's body will emit a blue, fiery aura, and he will gain upgraded, single use versions of his special moves alongside enhanced mobility for the duration of the charge.
*Cloud has a unique [[fighter ability]] called the '''[[Limit Gauge]]'''. Over the course of normal play, the Limit Gauge will be filled automatically by inflicting or receiving damage. Alternatively, it can be filled manually by using his down special move, [[Limit Charge]]. The Limit Gauge is always present above his [[damage meter]] and will display its current state of charge. When it is filled up, Cloud's body will emit a blue, fiery aura and he will gain upgraded, single use versions of his special moves alongside enhanced mobility for the duration of the charge.
*Cloud can [[wall jump]].
*Cloud can [[wall jump]].
''For a gallery of Cloud's hitboxes, see [[Cloud (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''
''For a gallery of Cloud's hitboxes, see [[Cloud (SSBU)/Hitboxes|here]].''
Line 126: Line 123:
|ftiltname=Side Slash ({{ja|サイドスラッシュ|Saido Surasshu}})
|ftiltname=Side Slash ({{ja|サイドスラッシュ|Saido Surasshu}})
|ftiltdmg=11%
|ftiltdmg=11%
|ftiltdesc=An inward slash. It has fairly quick startup and is Cloud's only tilt attack that KOs at reasonable percentages, as it will KO middleweights at 125% at the ledge. However, its very low base knockback and moderate ending lag make it punishable on shield at low percentages unless it is spaced sufficiently. It resembles his basic attack in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
|ftiltdesc=An inward slash. It has fairly quick startup and is Cloud's only tilt attack that KOs at reasonable percentages, as it will KO middleweights at 125% while near the edge. However, its very low base knockback and moderate ending lag make it punishable on shield at low percentages unless it is spaced sufficiently. It resembles his basic attack in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
|utiltname=Top Slash ({{ja|トップスラッシュ|Toppu Surasshu}})
|utiltname=Top Slash ({{ja|トップスラッシュ|Toppu Surasshu}})
|utiltdmg=8%
|utiltdmg=8%
|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing slash. Its hitbox starts behind Cloud with a larger front hitbox, although it does not extend beside Cloud and makes it unable to hit smaller characters beside him. It is fast, has a fairly large hitbox, and middling knockback is lacking. Altogether, these traits allow it to reliably start combos, such as into itself at 0% and into aerials at low to mid percentages.
|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing slash. Its hitbox starts behind Cloud, although it does not extend beside Cloud and makes it unable to hit smaller characters beside him. It is fast, has a fairly large hitbox, and middling knockback. Altogether, these traits makes it a good anti-air, and allows it to reliably start combos such as into itself at 0% and into aerials at low to medium percentages.
|dtiltname=Sliding ({{ja|スライディング|Suraidingu}})
|dtiltname=Sliding ({{ja|スライディング|Suraidingu}})
|dtiltdmg=6% (knee), 7% (leg)
|dtiltdmg=6% (knee), 7% (leg)
|dtiltdesc=A [[Wikipedia:Dropkick#Baseball slide|baseball slide]]. His legs are intangible while the hitbox is active, and it will sometimes deal less damage if landed early. It has very quick startup, propels Cloud a good distance forward, launches opponents vertically, and significantly lowers his hurtbox. Altogether, these traits make it useful as an approach and [[punishment]] option, as well as a decent set-up option into neutral and up aerials (albeit only during its ending frames). It resembles his Slide Buster from ''Ehrgeiz''.
|dtiltdesc=A [[Wikipedia:Dropkick#Baseball slide|baseball slide]]. His legs are intangible while the hitbox is active, and it will sometimes deal less damage if landed early. It has very quick startup, propels Cloud a good distance forward, launches opponents vertically, and significantly lowers his hurtbox. Altogether, these traits make it useful as an approach and [[punishment]] option, as well as a decent setup option into neutral and up aerials (albeit only during its ending frames). It resembles his Slide Buster from ''Ehrgeiz''.
|dashname=Vertical Blade ({{ja|バーティカルブレード|Bātikaru Burēdo}})
|dashname=Vertical Blade ({{ja|バーティカルブレード|Bātikaru Burēdo}})
|dashdmg=11% (clean), 8% (late)
|dashdmg=11% (clean), 8% (late)
|dashdesc=Thrusts the sharp edge of the Buster Sword forward while holding it diagonally downward. It has a lingering hitbox and, as of update 7.0.0, its clean hit is viable for KOing at 121% at ledge.
|dashdesc=Thrusts the sharp edge of the Buster Sword forward while holding it diagonally downward. It has a lingering hitbox and, as of update 7.0.0, its clean hit is viable for KOing at 121% while near the edge.
|fsmashname=Triple Buster ({{ja|トリプルバスター|Toripuru Basutā}})
|fsmashname=Triple Buster ({{ja|トリプルバスター|Toripuru Basutā}})
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hit 2 center), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 2 hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|4}} (hit 2 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (hit 3 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (hit 3 non-tip)
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hit 2 center), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 2 hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|4}} (hit 2 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (hit 3 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (hit 3 non-tip)
|fsmashdesc=Performs three extremely fast slashes in front of himself. The first two hits combo into the third, which has higher range and immense knockback. It is Cloud's strongest non-Limit Break move, KOing middleweights 96% in the center of the stage, but it has rather slow startup, high ending lag, and deals below average [[shieldstun]]. Additionally, each hit is only active for one frame, which means it can be dodged entirely with a well-timed [[roll]] or [[sidestep]]. It resembles his Buster Sword Slash from ''Ehrgeiz'' and the ''Kingdom Heart'' series' depiction of his {{iw|khwiki|Cross Slash}} Limit Break.
|fsmashdesc=Performs three extremely fast slashes in front of himself. The first two hits combo into the third, which has higher range and immense knockback. It is Cloud's strongest non-Limit Break move, KOing middleweights 96% at center-stage, but it has rather slow startup, high ending lag, and deals below average [[shieldstun]]. Additionally, each hit is only active for 1 frame, which means it can be dodged entirely with a well-timed [[roll]] or [[sidestep]]. It resembles his Buster Sword Slash from ''Ehrgeiz'' and the ''Kingdom Heart'' series' depiction of his {{iw|khwiki|Cross Slash}} Limit Break.
|usmashname=Upper Swing ({{ja|アッパースイング|Appā Suingu}})
|usmashname=Upper Swing ({{ja|アッパースイング|Appā Suingu}})
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (early/tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (mid/hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (early/tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|12}} (mid/hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|usmashdesc=An upward slash. It has some startup (12 frames) and moderate ending lag, and its KO power is only average compared to most other up smashes, but it has deceptively large range, being able to function as an effective anti-air. KOs middleweights around 112%. It resembles the first hit of his Beta Chain from ''Ehrgeiz''.
|usmashdesc=An upward slash. It has some startup (frame 12) and moderate ending lag, and its KO power is only average compared to most other up smashes, but it has a wide arc and high range, being able to function as an effective anti-air. Its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 112%, although its sourspot (after the Buster Sword is held vertically) is weaker and KOs much later. It resembles the first hit of his Beta Chain from ''Ehrgeiz''.
|dsmashname=Double Thrust ({{ja|ダブルスラスト|Daburu Surasuto}})
|dsmashname=Double Thrust ({{ja|ダブルスラスト|Daburu Surasuto}})
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (hit 2)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (hit 2)
|dsmashdesc=Kneels and thrusts the Buster Sword's hilt forward, then performs a reverse gripped thrust behind himself. The first hit launches opponents into the second, though it is possible to [[tech]] after the first hit, causing the second to miss. The first hit can [[stage spike]] with ease due to its angle, while the second hit is a semi-spike, making it useful for launching opponents with weak horizontal recoveries off-stage. It hits on frame 8, making it Cloud's fastest smash attack, and a decent close-range out of shield option. It starts KOing at ledge at 109%.
|dsmashdesc=Kneels and thrusts the Buster Sword's hilt forward, then performs a reverse gripped thrust behind himself. The first hit launches opponents into the second, though it is possible to [[tech]] after the first hit, causing the second to miss. The second hit is a semi-spike, making it useful for launching opponents with weak horizontal recoveries off-stage. It hits on frame 8, making it Cloud's fastest smash attack, and a decent close-range out of shield option. It starts KOing at 109% while near the edge.
|nairname=Circle Swing ({{ja|サークルスイング|Sākuru Suingu}})
|nairname=Circle Swing ({{ja|サークルスイング|Sākuru Suingu}})
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}}
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}}
|nairdesc=A circular slash around himself. While its range is somewhat lacking compared to Cloud's other attacks, it is his fastest aerial nonetheless and covers his whole hurtbox decently well. Autocancels in a short hop, which makes it very useful for air-to-ground transitions.
|nairdesc=Performs a one-handed circular slash while holding the Buster Sword parallel to himself. While its range is somewhat lacking compared to Cloud's other attacks, it is his fastest aerial nonetheless and covers his whole hurtbox decently well. Autocancels in a short hop, which makes it very useful for air-to-ground transitions.
|fairname=Meteor Slash ({{ja|メテオスラッシュ|Meteo Surasshu}})
|fairname=Meteor Slash ({{ja|メテオスラッシュ|Meteo Surasshu}})
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|14}} (clean sweetspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (clean sourspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (late)
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|14}} (clean sweetspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (clean sourspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (late)
|fairdesc=Briefly pauses and then performs a downward slash. It is his slowest aerial to start, hitting on frame 18, but a sweetspot on the middle of the blade as it comes down powerfully [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents. Grounded opponents are sent at a more vertical angle by the sweetspot. If contact is made once the blade stops, it deals weaker knockback. Its ending lag is moderate, though its landing lag is low for its range and power, and it autocancels from a full hop. On landing, its sweetspot on grounded opponents can act as a situational combo starter. It is almost identical to his Braver Limit Break and, to a lesser degree, resembles his attack animation when using the Deathblow Materia in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
|fairdesc=Briefly pauses and then performs a downward slash. It is his slowest aerial to start (frame 18), but has a sweetspot on the middle of the Buster Sword's blade as it comes down that powerfully [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents. Grounded opponents are sent at a more vertical angle by the sweetspot. If contact is made once the blade stops, it deals weaker knockback. Its ending lag is moderate, though its landing lag is low for its range and power, and it autocancels from a full hop. On landing, its sweetspot on grounded opponents can act as a situational combo starter. It is almost identical to his Braver Limit Break and, to a lesser degree, resembles his attack animation when using the Deathblow Materia in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
|bairname=Back Upper ({{ja|バックアッパー|Bakku Appā}})
|bairname=Back Upper ({{ja|バックアッパー|Bakku Appā}})
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}}
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}}
|bairdesc=Turns around to perform an outward slash. It has very long range and respectable power, KOing middleweights at around 115% near the edge, making it an effective spacing and KO option. It also has very low landing lag, autocancels from a short hop, and can be used to perform a [[wall of pain]] at low percentages. It has limited vertical range, however, and its hitbox is only active for three frames. It resembles the sword strike he performs during his Meteorain Limit Break.
|bairdesc=Turns around to perform an outward slash. It has very long range and respectable power, KOing middleweights at 115% while near the edge, making it effective for spacing and KOing. It also has very low landing lag and autocancels in a short hop; these traits make it very difficult to punish, even when blocked, and enable it to set up a combo or even a [[wall of pain]] at low percentages. It has limited vertical range, however, and its hitbox is only active for 2 frames. Its solid balance of speed, range and power has led to many considering it one of the best back aerials in the game. It resembles the sword strike he performs during his Meteorain Limit Break.
|uairname=Lift Up ({{ja|リフトアップ|Rifuto Appu}})
|uairname=Lift Up ({{ja|リフトアップ|Rifuto Appu}})
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|11}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|uairdesc=Thrusts the sharp edge of the Buster Sword's blade upward while holding it parallel to the ground. Has [[sex kick]] properties. It comes out on frame 8, works as an excellent combo starter on landing, being able to combo into most of Cloud's moves especially at low percentages, while its late hit can set up KO confirms into Limit Cross Slash and Finishing Touch. It can also autocancel in a short hop and its large, lingering hitbox makes it an effective anti-air and punishment tool. It also boasts respectable knockback by itself, with its clean hit KOing near the upper blast line at around 140%. Unlike in ''SSB4'', however, it is very difficult to land on grounded opponents, as its hitbox does not extend much beyond the sword itself.
|uairdesc=Thrusts the sharp edge of the Buster Sword's blade upward while holding it parallel to the ground. It has [[sex kick]] properties. It comes out on frame 8, works as an excellent combo starter on landing, being able to combo into most of Cloud's moves especially at low percentages, while its late hit can set up KO confirms into Limit Cross Slash and Finishing Touch. It can also autocancel in a short hop and its large, lingering hitbox makes it an effective anti-air and punishment tool. It also boasts respectable knockback by itself, with its clean hit KOing near the upper blast line at 140%. Unlike in ''SSB4'', however, it is very difficult to land on grounded opponents, as its hitbox does not extend much beyond the Buster Sword itself.
|dairname=Under Stab ({{ja|アンダースタッブ|Andā Sutabbu}})
|dairname=Under Stab ({{ja|アンダースタッブ|Andā Sutabbu}})
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (clean aerial sourspot, grounded opponent), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}} (aerial sweetspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}} (clean aerial sourspot, grounded opponent), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|15}} (aerial sweetspot), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|8}} (late)
|dairdesc=A downward thrust. Striking directly beneath Cloud with the first few frames meteor smashes aerial opponents. Its late hit is a capable combo starter when autocanceled (from a full hop, but right before he reaches the apex), which even has certain KO confirms at high percentages. It has a long duration, but also has high ending lag, making it a huge risk to use offstage. Despite its meteor smashing capabilities, it is rather quick, coming out on frame 11, allowing it to be a potential followup option.
|dairdesc=A downward thrust. Striking directly beneath Cloud with the first few frames meteor smashes aerial opponents. Its late hit is a capable combo starter when autocanceled (from a full hop, but right before he reaches the apex), which even has certain KO confirms at high percentages. It has a long duration, but also has high ending lag, making it very risky to use offstage. Despite its meteor smashing capabilities, it has rather quick startup (frame 11); this enables it to be used as a setup option. It resembles the ''Kingdom Heart'' series' depiction of his {{iw|khwiki|Climhazzard}} Limit Break.
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}})
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his hand. It has very short range.
|grabdesc=Reaches out with his hand. It has very short range.
Line 167: Line 164:
|fthrowname=Rocket Kick ({{ja|ロケットキック|Roketto Kikku}})
|fthrowname=Rocket Kick ({{ja|ロケットキック|Roketto Kikku}})
|fthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|fthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|fthrowdesc=A modified [[wikipedia:dropkick#Dropsault|dropsault]]. It has low knockback, so it is usually used for positioning or throwing opponents off-stage. It only KOs at 223% on Battlefield. It resembles [[Tifa]]'s Somersault Limit Break.
|fthrowdesc=A modified [[wikipedia:dropkick#Dropsault|dropsault]]. It has low knockback, so it is usually used for positioning or throwing opponents off-stage. It only KOs at 223% on Battlefield. It resembles [[Tifa Lockhart]]'s Somersault Limit Break.
|bthrowname=Reverse Kick ({{ja|リバースキック|Ribāsu Kikku}})
|bthrowname=Reverse Kick ({{ja|リバースキック|Ribāsu Kikku}})
|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw)
Line 173: Line 170:
|uthrowname=Double Spin Kick ({{ja|ダブルスピンキック|Daburu Supin Kikku}})
|uthrowname=Double Spin Kick ({{ja|ダブルスピンキック|Daburu Supin Kikku}})
|uthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 2.5% (hit 2), 4% (throw)
|uthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 2.5% (hit 2), 4% (throw)
|uthrowdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|540 kick}}. It is Cloud's most damaging throw, yet its only utility is to set up juggles, due to its knockback being too low for KOing reliably and its ending lag being too high for followups. KOs at 179% at the top platform on {{SSBU|Battlefield}} but only KOs at 234% without platforms.
|uthrowdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|540 kick}}. It is Cloud's most damaging throw, yet its only utility is to set up juggles, due to its knockback being too low for KOing reliably and its ending lag being too high for followups. It KOs at 179% while on {{SSBU|Battlefield}}'s top platform, but only KOs at 234% without platforms.
|dthrowname=Bash Down ({{ja|バッシュダウン|Basshu Daun}})
|dthrowname=Bash Down ({{ja|バッシュダウン|Basshu Daun}})
|dthrowdmg=7%
|dthrowdmg=7%
|dthrowdesc=A one-handed body slam. It launches opponents behind him with low base knockback, making it a very ineffective throw for combos. Although it KOs earlier than any of his other throws excluding platforms, it only does so at around 181% for middleweights with Cloud facing away from the edge of Battlefield. It resembles Tifa's Meteor Strike Limit Break, albeit performed while grounded instead of airborne.
|dthrowdesc=A one-handed body slam. It launches opponents behind him with low base knockback, making it a very ineffective throw for combos. Although it KOs earlier than any of his other throws excluding platforms, it only does so at 181% against middleweights and while Cloud is facing away from the edge of Battlefield. It resembles Tifa's Meteor Strike Limit Break, albeit performed while grounded instead of airborne.
|floorfname= 
|floorfname= 
|floorfdmg=7%
|floorfdmg=7%
Line 193: Line 190:
|nsdesc=Swings the Buster Sword upward and in front of himself in order to launch a green, crescent-shaped energy beam as a [[projectile]]. It comes out and moves rather slowly, but travels a long distance and has a large hitbox. It is stronger if used on the ground and hits early. The aerial version is slower and deals less damage, but gives Cloud a [[Fall Break]] effect. Like most projectiles, it disappears on contact with an object or enemy.
|nsdesc=Swings the Buster Sword upward and in front of himself in order to launch a green, crescent-shaped energy beam as a [[projectile]]. It comes out and moves rather slowly, but travels a long distance and has a large hitbox. It is stronger if used on the ground and hits early. The aerial version is slower and deals less damage, but gives Cloud a [[Fall Break]] effect. Like most projectiles, it disappears on contact with an object or enemy.


The Limit Break variant possesses [[transcendent priority]], moves much faster across the ground, grants Cloud’s entire body intangibility on startup and hits multiple times, with its last hit having great KO potential KOing at 102% near ledge. It is still weaker and slower when performed in midair, however. Upon hitting a wall, the Limit Break variant will not disappear and instead act as if hitting a player, making it an effective stage-spiking tool if performed under the ledge. However, this maneuver is rather risky considering Cloud's poor recovery.
The Limit Break variant possesses [[transcendent priority]], moves much faster across the ground, grants Cloud's entire body intangibility on startup and hits multiple times, with its last hit having great KO potential KOing at 102% while near the edge. It is still weaker and slower when performed in midair, however. Upon hitting a wall, the Limit Break variant will not disappear and instead act as if hitting a player, making it an effective stage-spiking tool if performed under the ledge. However, this maneuver is rather risky considering Cloud's poor recovery.
|ssname=Cross Slash
|ssname=Cross Slash
|ssdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2-4), 6% (hit 5), 5% (Limit Break hit 1), 3% (Limit Break hits 2-4), 10% (Limit Break hit 5)
|ssdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2-4), 6% (hit 5), 5% (Limit Break hit 1), 3% (Limit Break hits 2-4), 10% (Limit Break hit 5)
|ssdesc=Performs a downwards slash. On contact with an enemy, pressing the special button allows this slash to transition into a series of follow-up slashes, spelling the kanji {{ja|凶|kyō}} (きょう) ("bad luck", "misfortune"). The full attack deals high damage and moderate knockback, making it a superb [[punishing]] option at close range. It is weak against shields, however, as all stages of the attack are slow and punishable if missed.
|ssdesc=Performs a downwards slash. On contact with an enemy, pressing the special button allows this slash to transition into a series of follow-up slashes, spelling the kanji {{ja|凶|kyō}} (きょう) ("bad luck", "misfortune"). The full attack deals high damage and moderate knockback, making it a superb [[punishing]] option at close range. It is weak against shields, however, as all stages of the attack are slow and punishable if missed.


Its Limit Break variant results in Cloud unleashing all five strikes with a single input regardless of whether he hits anything. It also noticeably increases both the damage and KO potential of the move, KOing middleweights at 100% from the center of the stage, while reducing the move's ending lag to such an extent that it becomes nearly impossible to punish without being right behind Cloud as he unleashes the move while also granting intangibility to Cloud's body on startup. Additionally, Limit Cross Slash deals a high amount of [[shield damage]], so much so that the final hit can sometimes break a middleweight's shield, making it risky to be near Cloud during Limit Break. When used in the air, it halts all momentum until the move is finished. It is commonly considered Cloud's most effective Limit Break move due to its abundance of positive traits.
Its Limit Break variant results in Cloud unleashing all five strikes with a single input regardless of whether he hits anything. It also significantly increases both the damage and KO potential of the move, KOing middleweights at 100% from center-stage, while reducing the move's ending lag to such an extent that it becomes nearly impossible to punish without being right behind Cloud as he unleashes the move while also granting intangibility to Cloud's body on startup. Additionally, Limit Cross Slash deals a high amount of [[shield damage]], so much so that the final hit can sometimes break a middleweight's shield if used after a forward or back air, making it risky for opponents to hold shield near Cloud during Limit Break. When used in the air, it halts all momentum until the move is finished. It is commonly considered Cloud's most effective Limit Break move due to its abundance of positive traits.
|usname=Climhazzard
|usname=Climhazzard
|usdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (hits 2-3), 3.5% (landing), 6% (Limit Break hit 1), 7% (Limit Break hit 2)
|usdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (hits 2-3), 3.5% (landing), 6% (Limit Break hit 1), 7% (Limit Break hit 2)
|usdesc=A leaping reverse gripped slash. If the special button is pressed again, it is followed with a descending reverse gripped slash. The first hit deals set knockback that leads into the second hit, which has a sweetspot at the center of the Buster Sword's blade that meteor smashes opponents as Cloud descends. It is Cloud's primary recovery move, though it is notable for being very ineffective due to multiple traits: it grants mediocre distance with low vertical height and almost no horizontal momentum, and the descending slash cannot be canceled and isn't able to sweetspot the edge until Cloud has fallen a certain distance with it, making it unsuitable to use offstage. Its fast startup makes it a good surprise attack when grounded, particularly as an [[out of shield]] option.
|usdesc=A leaping reverse gripped slash. If the special button is pressed again, it is followed with a descending reverse gripped slash. The first hit deals set knockback that leads into the second hit, which has a sweetspot at the center of the Buster Sword's blade that meteor smashes opponents as Cloud descends. It is Cloud's primary recovery move, though it is notable for being very ineffective due to multiple traits: it grants mediocre distance with low vertical height and almost no horizontal momentum, and the descending slash cannot be canceled and is not able to sweetspot the edge until Cloud has fallen a certain distance with it, making it unsuitable to use offstage. Its fast startup makes it a good surprise attack when grounded, particularly as an [[out of shield]] option.


Its Limit Break variant greatly strengthens the rising (but not falling) hits of the move (allowing it to KO grounded middleweights at 113%), allows it to sweetspot edges throughout, grants Cloud intangibility on startup and much greater vertical and horizontal distance.
Its Limit Break variant greatly strengthens the rising (but not falling) hits of the move (allowing it to KO grounded middleweights at 113%), allows it to sweetspot edges throughout, grants Cloud intangibility on startup and much greater vertical and horizontal distance.
|dsname= Limit Charge / Finishing Touch
|dsname= Limit Charge / Finishing Touch
|dsdmg=1% (Finishing Touch)
|dsdmg=1% (Finishing Touch)
|dsdesc=Holds the Buster Sword horizontally in front of himself and remains still in order to manually [[charge]] the Limit Gauge. While the move is being held, a text box labeled "Limit" appears above Cloud, which contains a meter that denotes the current level of Limit and increases as it is charged. The Limit Gauge will reach full charge either by using Limit Charge for 335 frames but can be alternatively filled by dealing 150% or receiving 100% and each of these methods stacks with each other. When the Limit Gauge is fully charged, Cloud will say "{{ja|限界を越える|Genkai wo koeru}}", which translates to "limits are meant to be broken" or "breaking the limit". The move can be [[charge-cancel]]ed by pressing the [[shield]] button, hitting the control stick left or right (which triggers a roll), grabbing, or pressing the special button again (the latter of which has an 8-frame delay). When the Limit Gauge is filled, Cloud is surrounded by a blue, fiery aura, and his mobility receives a noticeable increase. As long as he is in this state, he has access to much more powerful, single use variants of his special attacks, as listed above. Using any of these attacks will empty the Limit Gauge and return Cloud to his normal state, even if the move misses or is interrupted. The charge goes away in 15 seconds if it isn't used at all when fully charged.
|dsdesc=Holds the Buster Sword horizontally in front of himself and remains still in order to manually [[charge]] the Limit Gauge. While the move is being held, a text box labeled "Limit" appears above Cloud, which contains a meter that denotes the current level of Limit and increases as it is charged. The Limit Gauge will reach full charge either by using Limit Charge for 335 frames but can be alternatively filled by inflicting 150% or receiving 100% and each of these methods stacks with each other. When the Limit Gauge is fully charged, Cloud will say "{{ja|限界を越える|Genkai wo koeru}}" ("limits are meant to be broken", "breaking the limit"). The move can be [[charge-cancel]]ed by pressing the [[shield]] button, hitting the control stick left or right (which triggers a roll), grabbing, or pressing the special button again (the latter of which has an 8 frame delay). When the Limit Gauge is filled, Cloud is surrounded by a blue, fiery aura, and his mobility receives a noticeable increase. As long as he is in this state, he has access to much more powerful, single use variants of his special attacks, as listed above. Using any of these attacks will empty the Limit Gauge and return Cloud to his normal state, even if the move misses or is interrupted. The charge goes away in 15 seconds if it isn't used at all when fully charged.


The Limit Break variant of Limit Charge itself is an entirely different attack called '''Finishing Touch''', in which Cloud performs a spinning, upward arcing slash to generate a large whirlwind. Although the whirlwind deals only 1%, it has tremendous knockback, so much so that it can KO most opponents before 70%. The move hits on frame 14 but has very high ending lag and almost no shieldstun due to its abysmal damage output. The attack is weaker as a whole when performed in the air, however, KOing about 24% later when hit in the front, and 36% later with the back hitbox. The attack's hitbox is deceptively large, and it generates a powerful [[windbox]] that extends even further beyond the Buster Sword's range, [[push]]ing opponents away. Finishing Touch's animation may be based on [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/8/80/Cloud_Tornado_Limit_Sketch.jpg/ Tornado], an unused Limit Break in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
The Limit Break variant of Limit Charge itself is an entirely different attack called '''Finishing Touch''', in which Cloud performs a spinning, upward arcing slash to generate a large whirlwind. Although the whirlwind inflicts only 1%, it has tremendous knockback, so much so that it can KO most opponents before 70%. The move hits on frame 14 but has very high ending lag and almost no shieldstun due to its abysmal damage output. The attack is weaker as a whole when performed in the air, however, KOing 24% later when hit in the front and 36% later with the back hitbox. The attack's hitbox is deceptively large, and it generates a powerful [[windbox]] that extends even further beyond the Buster Sword's range, [[push]]ing opponents away. Finishing Touch's animation may be based on [https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/8/80/Cloud_Tornado_Limit_Sketch.jpg/ Tornado], an unused Limit Break in ''Final Fantasy VII''.
|fsname=Omnislash / Omnislash Ver. 5
|fsname=Omnislash / Omnislash Ver. 5
|fsdmg=3% (hit 1), 2% (hits 2-14), 5% (hit 15), 4%-5% (hit 16), 10% (hit 17), 50% (all hits connect)
|fsdmg=Omnislash:<br/>1% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2) 2.2% (hits 3-16), 5% (hit 17), 4% (hit 18, falling), 10% (hit 19, explosion), 53.8% (all hits connect)<br/>Omnislash Ver. 5:<br/>1% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2), 2.8% (hits 3-13), 5% (hit 14), 4% (hit 15, falling), 10% (hit 16, explosion), 53.8% (all hits connect)
|fsdesc=Rushes forward at high speed and attacks, unleashing a series of slashes that concludes with a powerful, descending slash that triggers an explosion. At the beginning of the move, with a text box appearing above him that displays "Omnislash" as he proceeds to flings any opponents he runs into to the top of the screen. After the series of slashes, Cloud charges up a final slash, in which he descends and slashes the opponent down to the stage and results in a huge explosion that launches the opponent. One of the most powerful [[Final Smash]]es in the game when successful, as it can KO as low as 22%. Unlike Marth and Lucina's Critical Hit, Cloud will dash off the edges of platforms if Omnislash is initiated next to one, and he cannot cancel the move. If using his ''Advent Children'' costume, he will use '''Omnislash Ver. 5''' instead, though it is mostly an aesthetic change excluding the final hit which always launches bystanders in the same direction as the opponent caught by the move, unlike the default version. These two changes effectively make the move functionally identical against the caught opponent, but potentially slightly different against bystanders.
|fsdesc=Rushes forward at high speed and attacks, unleashing a series of slashes that concludes with a powerful, descending slash that triggers an explosion. At the beginning of the move, with a text box appearing above him that displays "Omnislash" as he proceeds to flings any opponents he runs into to the top of the screen. After the series of slashes, Cloud charges up a final slash, in which he descends and slashes the opponent down to the stage and results in a huge explosion that launches the opponent. One of the most powerful [[Final Smash]]es in the game when successful, as it can KO as low as 22%. Unlike Marth and Lucina's Critical Hit, Cloud will dash off the edges of platforms if Omnislash is initiated next to one, and he cannot cancel the move. If using his ''Advent Children'' costume in Version 10.1.0 or later, he will use '''Omnislash Ver. 5''' instead, though it is mostly an aesthetic change excluding the final hit which always launches bystanders in the same direction as the opponent caught by the move, unlike the default version. These two changes effectively make the move functionally identical against the caught opponent, but potentially slightly different against bystanders.
}}
 
===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=100 | rweight=31-32
| dash=2.145 | rdash=16
| run=2.167 | rrun=13
| walk=1.155 | rwalk=35-38
| trac=0.106 | rtrac=50-54
| airfric=0.009 | rairfric=52-56
| air=1.155 | rair=21-26
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.06 | raddaccel=45-49
| gravity=0.098 | rgravity=34-36
| fall=1.68 | rfall=30-31
| ff=2.688 | rff=31-32
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=32.5 | rjumpheight=45-48
| shorthop=17 | rshorthop=29-30
| djump=32.5 | rdjump=54-56
}}
}}


Line 218: Line 236:
<gallery>
<gallery>
Cloud English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
Cloud English Announcer SSB4-SSBU.wav|English/Japanese/Chinese
Cloud French Announcer SSBU.wav|French
Cloud Russian Announcer SSBU.wav|Russian
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 223: Line 243:
*Descends from the sky and catches the Buster Sword with a flourish. Based on his landing animation from after Omnislash Ver. 5 in ''Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children''.
*Descends from the sky and catches the Buster Sword with a flourish. Based on his landing animation from after Omnislash Ver. 5 in ''Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children''.
<gallery>
<gallery>
CloudOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Cloud's on-screen appearance
CloudOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Cloud's on-screen appearance.
</gallery>
</gallery>


===[[Taunt]]s===
===[[Taunt]]s===
*'''Up taunt''': Twirls the Buster Sword and places it behind his back. It is almost identical to his victory animation and [[:File:SSBU spirit Cloud.png|the official artwork]] from ''{{s|wikipedia|Final Fantasy VII}}'', while saying {{ja|興味ないね|Kyōmi nai ne}} ("I'm not interested."), his catchphrase from ''Final Fantasy VII''.
*'''Up taunt''': Twirls the Buster Sword and places it behind his back. It is almost identical to his victory animation and [[:File:SSBU spirit Cloud.png|the official artwork]] from ''{{iw|wikipedia|Final Fantasy VII}}'', while saying {{ja|興味ないね|Kyōmi nai ne}} ("I'm not interested."), his catchphrase from ''Final Fantasy VII''.
*'''Side taunt''': Performs his magic casting animation from ''Final Fantasy VII'', complete with the sound effect and aura from that game.
*'''Side taunt''': Performs his magic casting animation from ''Final Fantasy VII'', complete with the sound effect and aura from that game.
*'''Down taunt''': Leans on the Buster Sword while scoffing. It resembles the cocky pose he assumes in many cutscenes throughout ''Final Fantasy VII''.
*'''Down taunt''': Leans on the Buster Sword while scoffing. It resembles the cocky pose he assumes in many cutscenes throughout ''Final Fantasy VII''.
Line 240: Line 260:
*Holds the Buster Sword upward in front of himself with both hands.
*Holds the Buster Sword upward in front of himself with both hands.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUCloudIdle1.gif|Cloud's first idle pose
SSBUCloudIdle1.gif|Cloud's first idle pose.
SSBUCloudIdle2.gif|Cloud's second idle pose
SSBUCloudIdle2.gif|Cloud's second idle pose.
</gallery>
</gallery>


Line 293: Line 313:


==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
While Cloud was initially considered to be an extremely potent character, his results initially saw a significant drop from his ''Smash 4'' days as most of his best players either moved on from competitive ''Smash'' or dropped the character. This is due to Cloud's noticeably worse toolkit and flaws, such as inconsistencies with KOing, the shortened Limit Gauge time, his linear recovery, and his poor grab game, becoming more apparent in the new metagame. As such, top players such as {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|Raito}}, and {{Sm|Tsu}} initially considered him to be amongst the lower half of mid tier, with many of Cloud's top players agreeing that he belongs there.
===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 -->


Perception on Cloud, however, started to improve around the summer of 2019 thanks to the efforts of players such as {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Sparg0}}, both of whom managed to see consistent national-level success and wins, as well as Cloud's noteworthy buffs in update 7.0.0 and his good matchup spread against several top and high tier characters such as {{SSBU|Palutena}} and {{SSBU|Snake}}. This perception continued to improve during the [[COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on competitive Smash|COVID-19 pandemic]] thanks to the efforts of Sparg0, who used both Cloud and the then-newly released {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}} to eventually claim the top spot on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v7]].
''See also: [[:Category:Cloud players (SSBU)]]''


Since the return of offline competitive play, opinions on Cloud have remained the same, if not better, due to Sparg0's strong performances with the character offline and Cloud's positive matchup against new metagame threats such as {{SSBU|Steve}} and {{SSBU|Kazuya}}. Although most players still consider the character to be overall worse than in ''Smash 4'', the character is considered by most players to be high tier at worst, with some players such as {{Sm|Tweek}} and {{Sm|Dabuz}} believing the character is top tier.
*{{Sm|CurryGovernor|UK}} - The best Cloud player in Europe. He has consistently placed top 16 at tournaments in Europe, including placing 7th at the superregional {{Trn|Valhalla III}}. He has also seen success at majors, placing 25th at {{Trn|Albion 4}} and 33rd at {{Trn|VCA 2022}}.
 
*{{Sm|enhancedpv|USA}} - First came to prominence in the online metagame but has since established himself as one of the best Cloud players in the United States. He has placed in the top 64 at several majors, including placing 17th at both {{Trn|Mainstage 2022}} and {{Trn|Let's Make Big Moves 2023}}, and is ranked 100th on the [[UltRank 2022]].
===Most historically significant players===
*{{Sm|Kola|USA}} - Although known more for his {{SSBU|Roy}}, Kola has also used Cloud up until mid-2022. He notably won the superregional {{Trn|InfinityCON Tally 2021}} with mostly Cloud and the major {{Trn|CEO 2021}} using Cloud to defeat {{Sm|MuteAce}}.
<!--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 -->
*{{Sm|Masashi|Japan}} - The best Cloud player in Japan in the early metagame, notably placing well at the largest events of the year -- 25th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2020}} and 33rd at {{Trn|EVO 2019}} -- despite an overall mixed track record. However, his results have since been on the decline.
*{{Sm|Niko|USA}} - One of the best Cloud players in the United States. He has consistently placed top 8 in his region, including placing 7th at the superregional {{Trn|Lost Tech City 2022}}. In addition, he has seen consistent top 64 placement at majors, including 17th at {{Trn|Rise 'N Grind}} and 33rd at {{Trn|Double Down 2022}}. He was ranked 56th on the [[UltRank 2022]].
*{{Sm|Sparg0|Mexico}} - One of the [[Four Horsemen]] and one of the first Cloud players to make a notable impact on the ''Ultimate'' metagame and has since become one of the best players in the world in the post-online metagame. He has many major wins under his belt and is one of the players with the most major wins.
*{{Sm|YOC|Japan}} - The best Cloud player in Japan in the post-online metagame, although similar to Masashi his track record has also been mixed. He is the only other Cloud player aside from Sparg0 who has placed top 8 at a major with solo-Cloud, placing 7th at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 8}}. He has also placed top 64 at several majors, including placing 13th at {{Trn|UltCore}} and 17th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 7}}.


''Any number following the Smasher name indicates placement on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]], which recognizes the official top 50 players in the world in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] from July 13th, 2019 to December 15th, 2019.''
===Tier placement and history===
While Cloud was initially considered to be an extremely potent character, his results initially saw a significant drop from his ''Smash 4'' days as most of his best players either moved on from competitive ''Smash'' or dropped the character. This is due to Cloud's noticeably worse toolkit and flaws, such as inconsistencies with KOing, the shortened Limit Gauge time, his linear recovery, and his poor grab game, becoming more apparent in the new metagame. As such, players initially considered him to be amongst the lower half of mid tier, with many of Cloud's top players even agreeing that he belongs there.


''See also: [[:Category:Cloud professionals (SSBU)]]''
Cloud's reputation started to improve around the summer of 2019 thanks to the efforts of players such as {{Sm|Kola}} and {{Sm|Sparg0}}, both of whom managed to see consistent national-level success and wins, as well as Cloud's noteworthy buffs in update 7.0.0 that improved his KO power. This perception continued to improve during the [[COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on competitive Smash|COVID-19 pandemic]] thanks to the efforts of Sparg0, who used both Cloud and the then-newly released {{SSBU|Pyra}} and {{SSBU|Mythra}} to eventually claim the top spot on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v7]]. When offline tournaments returned, Sparg0 established himself as one of the best players in the world, eventually winning his first major at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 4}} using mostly Cloud. Since then, most of his tournament performances have been with Cloud, leading many to agree that, while the character was still worse than his ''Smash 4'' counterpart, he was still just as viable in ''Ultimate''{{'}}s metagame. As such, Cloud was ranked 10th on the first tier list as a top tier character.


*{{Sm|ΩRugal|Mexico}} - One of the best Cloud players in Mexico. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Get in the Game! 2020}}, 13th at {{Trn|2GG: SoCal Chronicles 2020}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|Smash Factor 8}} and {{Trn|2GG: Kongo Saga}} with a win over {{Sm|Prodigy}}.
Following the first tier list, players began questioning whether Cloud should really be considered a top tier character. These players pointed out how no other Cloud players came remotely close to Sparg0 in terms of skill level and results; {{Sm|Barnard's Loop}} noted how Sparg0 took up 50% of all Cloud results in 2023, with only one other player -- {{Sm|YOC}} -- taking up more than 5%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/LoopBarnard/status/1758548672923504713|title=Cloud's representation in 2023}}</ref> In addition, Sparg0 was the only player ranked on the [[LumiRank 2023]] who primarily played Cloud, while all other players ranked with Cloud only used the character as a secondary and to a lesser degree of success. On the other hand, with the metagame favoring characters with more patient and campier playstyles, players pointed out how Cloud served as a good counter to some of those characters, which was most apparent with Sparg0's flawless record against {{SSBU|Steve}} and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}} for that year. As such, even with the discourse surrounding Cloud's representation he was ranked 13th on the second tier list as an A-tier, with the drop mainly being the result of the meteoric rise of {{SSBU|Snake}} and Mr. Game & Watch on the tier list.
*{{Sm|CurryGovernor|UK}} - The best Cloud player in Europe. Placed 7th at {{Trn|Valhalla III}}, 25th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Syndicate 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Scr7}}, {{Sm|Tru4}}, and {{Sm|Elexiao}}. Currently ranked 26th on the [[European Smash Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Dietsoda|USA}} - The best Cloud player in North Carolina. Placed 9th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 10}}, 13th at {{Trn|2GG: Grand Tour - South Carolina}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}}. Ranked 2nd on the [[North Carolina Power Rankings#Smash Ultimate|North Carolina Ultimate Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|enhancedpv|USA}} - Placed 5th at both {{Trn|Smash the Router 3}} and {{Trn|Flat Realm 8}}, 13th at {{Trn|Rev It Up: 2020 Series}}, 25th at both {{Trn|The Box}} and {{Trn|Lockhart Series}}. Currently ranked 43rd on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v6]]. Offline, has wins over players such as {{Sm|Iota}} and {{Sm|Pink Fresh}}. Currently ranked 15th on the [[MD/VA Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Kola|USA}} (#46) - Used Cloud as a secondary alongside {{SSBU|Roy}} and is one of the best Cloud players in the world. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|CEO 2021}} and {{Trn|InfinityCON Tally 2021}}, 2nd at {{Trn|Just Roll With It! 11}}, 5th at {{Trn|2GG: Grand Tour - South Carolina}}, and 13th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|ESAM}}, {{Sm|MuteAce}}, and {{Sm|Tsu}}. Online, placed 1st at {{Trn|Soaked Series Invitational}}, 3rd at both {{Trn|Get On My Line 2021}} and {{Trn|SWT: NA Southeast Ultimate Online Qualifier}}, and 4th at both {{Trn|The Quarantine Series: Minor Tournament 1}} and {{Trn|Rev It Up: 2020 Series}}. Currently noted as an Honorable Mention on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v7]].
*{{Sm|Masashi|Japan}} - One of the best Cloud players in Japan. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|KVOxTSB 2019}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Sumabato SP}} and {{Trn|Sumabato SP 4}}, 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 2}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}.
*{{Sm|Scubbss|Canada}} - The best Cloud player in Canada. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|Smash at The Comic Strip: Punching Up}}, 5th at {{Trn|Salt Flats 2020}}, 9th at {{Trn|Smashfest 5: Queen City Ex}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Play With Heart}}. Currently ranked 24th on the [[Smash Canada Rankings Ultimate]].
*{{Sm|Sparg0|Mexico}} - The best Cloud player in the world and the second best player in the world. Placed 1st at {{Trn|Smash Ultimate Summit 4}},  {{Trn|Collision 2022}} and {{Trn|Low Tide City 2022}} as well as 2nd at both {{Trn|Super Smash Con: Fall Fest}} and {{Trn|Mainstage 2021}}. Currently ranked 2nd on the [[OrionRank Mid-Year 2022]].


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: A Ride? Not Interested.==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: A Ride? Not Interested.==
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Cloud.png|thumb|right|Cloud's congratulations screen.]]
[[File:SSBU Congratulations Cloud.png|thumb|Cloud's congratulations screen.]]
All of Cloud's battles occur on vehicular stages and his opponents are characters associated with them. This is a reference to the fact that he suffers from motion sickness, while his Classic Mode route's title is a direct reference to his catchphrase, "Not interested."
All of Cloud's battles occur on vehicular stages and his opponents are characters associated with them. This is a reference to the fact that he suffers from motion sickness, while his Classic Mode route's title is a direct reference to his catchphrase, "Not interested."


Line 348: Line 366:
Cloud was one of the many fighters that fell under [[Dharkon]]'s control upon Galeem's first defeat. He is unlocked in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-area in [[The Dark Realm]], guarding the Master Sword required to dispel the darkness clouding the top part of the land which makes up the Triforce of Power after {{SSBU|Sonic}} has been awakened, making his unlocking mandatory.
Cloud was one of the many fighters that fell under [[Dharkon]]'s control upon Galeem's first defeat. He is unlocked in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-area in [[The Dark Realm]], guarding the Master Sword required to dispel the darkness clouding the top part of the land which makes up the Triforce of Power after {{SSBU|Sonic}} has been awakened, making his unlocking mandatory.


In Sephiroth's reveal trailer, Cloud is seen in his ''Advent Children'' design (specifically the P6 variant as indicated by the ribbon on his left arm) with the other fighters trying to fend off Galeem. When Sephiroth arrives and disposes of Galeem, Cloud recognizes him, and later fights him one-on-one in a manner similar to their final battle in ''Advent Children''. After hitting Sephiroth with [[Omnislash Ver. 5]], he and Sephiroth have an exchange - word-for-word from ''Advent Children'' - before Sephiroth transforms into Safer∙Sephiroth as a prelude to [[Supernova|his own Final Smash]].
In Sephiroth's reveal trailer, Cloud is seen in his ''Advent Children'' design (specifically the P6 variant as indicated by the ribbon on his left arm) with the other fighters trying to fend off Galeem. When Sephiroth arrives and disposes of Galeem, Cloud recognizes him, and later fights him one-on-one in a manner similar to their final battle in ''Advent Children''. After hitting Sephiroth with [[Omnislash Ver. 5]], he and Sephiroth have an exchange —word-for-word from ''Advent Children''before Sephiroth transforms into Safer∙Sephiroth as a prelude to [[Supernova|his own Final Smash]].


{{clrl}}
{{clrl}}
Line 385: Line 403:
</center>
</center>


==In Spirit battles==
==In Spirit Battles==
===As the main opponent===
===As the main opponent===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
Line 500: Line 518:


==[[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Cloud|Alternate costumes]]==
==[[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Cloud|Alternate costumes]]==
Cloud's default costume is based on his appearance in ''Final Fantasy VII'' while accomodating some changes to his design originating from ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'', namely the redesigned SOLDIER logo on his belt and a redesigned pauldron. He has an alternate costume based on his appearance in ''{{iw|wikipedia|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children}}'', known as "Cloudy Wolf" in ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'', which replaces the Buster Sword with the [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Fusion_Sword Fusion Sword]. It has two minor variants: one with a long sleeve covering Cloud's left arm to hide the visible signs of his [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Geostigma Geostigma], and the other revealing Cloud's left arm after he has been cured of Geostigma, as well as a pink ribbon wrapped around it, which he and his party wear in memory of [[Aerith Gainsborough]].
Cloud's default costume is based on his appearance in ''Final Fantasy VII'' while accommodating some changes to his design originating from ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'', namely the redesigned SOLDIER logo on his belt and a redesigned pauldron. He has an alternate costume based on his appearance in ''{{iw|wikipedia|Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children}}'', known as "Cloudy Wolf" in ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'', which replaces the Buster Sword with the [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Fusion_Sword Fusion Sword]. It has two minor variants: one with a long sleeve covering Cloud's left arm to hide the visible signs of his [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Geostigma Geostigma], and the other revealing Cloud's left arm after he has been cured of Geostigma, as well as a pink ribbon wrapped around it, which he and his party wear in memory of [[Aerith Gainsborough]].
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"
|-
|-
Line 551: Line 569:
**The other characters are both male and female [[Pokémon Trainer]], both male and female [[Robin]], both male and female [[Wii Fit Trainer]], all three [[Mii Fighter]]s, and the default version of [[Kazuya]].
**The other characters are both male and female [[Pokémon Trainer]], both male and female [[Robin]], both male and female [[Wii Fit Trainer]], all three [[Mii Fighter]]s, and the default version of [[Kazuya]].
**This distinction also applied to Cloud's regular fighter spirit until update 10.1.0.
**This distinction also applied to Cloud's regular fighter spirit until update 10.1.0.
*Prior to update 10.1.0, Cloud could not receive a series bonus from a spirit, and ''Final Fantasy'' did not have any spirits apart from Cloud's fighter spirits. After this update, that distinction is now only held by the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}
*Prior to update 10.1.0, Cloud could not receive a series bonus from a spirit, as ''Final Fantasy'' did not have any spirits apart from Cloud's fighter spirits. After this update, that distinction is now only held by the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}
*As of the version 10.1.0, Cloud, along with {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|Ken}}, are the only non-DLC characters who do not appear in more than one spirit battles from their home series. {{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} doesn't appear in any ''Mario'' spirit battles at all. This is not counting {{SSBU|Olimar}}, who appears only in the Mockiwi spirit battle as himself, but is fought in other spirit battles as Alph.
*As of the version 10.1.0, Cloud, along with {{SSBU|R.O.B.}}, the {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|Ken}}, are the only non-DLC characters who do not appear in more than one spirit battles from their home series. {{SSBU|Dr. Mario}} doesn't appear in any ''Mario'' spirit battles at all. This is not counting {{SSBU|Olimar}}, who appears only in the Mockiwi spirit battle as himself, but is fought in other spirit battles as Alph.
**While the {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s technically represent the {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} universe, they appear in most of the Mii-related spirit battles.
**While the {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s technically represent the {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} universe, they appear in most of the Mii-related spirit battles.
Anonymous user