Pikachu (SSBU): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox Character
{{Infobox Character
|name = Pikachu
|name = Pikachu
|image = {{tabber|title1=Normal|tab1=[[File:Pikachu SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Pikachu Libre|tab2=[[File:Pikachu-Alt7 SSBU.png|x250px]]}}
|image = {{tabber|title1=Normal|content1=[[File:Pikachu SSBU.png|x250px]]|title2=Pikachu Libre|content2=[[File:Pikachu-Alt7 SSBU.png|x250px]]}}
|game = SSBU
|game = SSBU
|ssbgame1 = SSB
|ssbgame1 = SSB
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|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|ssbgame4 = SSB4
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]
|tier = S-
|tier = A
|ranking = 13
|ranking = 17
}}
}}
<!--REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he" or "she".-->
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'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Pikachu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #08]].
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->
 
'''Pikachu''' ({{ja|ピカチュウ|Pikachū}}, ''Pikachu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Like all veterans, it was confirmed on June 12th, 2018. Pikachu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #08]].


As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', {{s|wikipedia|Ikue Ōtani}}'s portrayals of Pikachu from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' were repurposed for ''Ultimate''.
As in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', {{s|wikipedia|Ikue Ōtani}}'s portrayals of Pikachu from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' were repurposed for ''Ultimate''.


Pikachu is ranked 13th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing it in the S- tier. This is a notable improvement from its 15th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4''. Pikachu's strengths come from his overall great mobility all around. Its most prominent strengths are in its [[Neutral game|neutral]] and [[edgeguarding|edgeguarding game]], due to the fast [[startup]] and low endlag of all its [[Aerial attack|aerials]]. Aside from being used in edgeguarding, all of its aerials also [[Auto-canceling|auto-cancel]] on a [[short hop]] which grants it utility for [[out of shield]] [[Punishment|punishes]], and even potential [[zero-to-death]] [[Combo|combos]]. Despite his poor [[range]], Pikachu also possesses a strong [[grab]] game. Its [[Back throw|back]] and [[forward throw]] allow him to set up combos leading to edgeguards. [[Down throw]] is a valuable combo as it leads into many of its attacks such as his [[neutral aerial]].
Pikachu is ranked 17th out of 82 on the current [[tier list]], placing it in the A tier. This is a notable improvement from its 15th out of 54 placement in ''SSB4''. Pikachu's strengths come from its overall great mobility all around. Its most prominent strengths are in its [[Neutral game|neutral]] and [[edgeguarding]] game, due to the fast [[startup]], low endlag of all its [[aerial attack]]s, and its ability to recover far from the stage thanks to [[Skull Bash]] and [[Quick Attack]]. All of its aerials also [[Auto-canceling|auto-cancel]] on a [[short hop]], which grants it utility for [[out of shield]] [[Punishment|punishes]] and potential [[zero-to-death]] [[combo]]s. Despite its poor [[range]], Pikachu also possesses a strong [[grab]] game: its [[Back throw|back]] and [[forward throw]]s allow it to set up combos leading to edgeguards while its [[down throw]] is a valuable combo starter. Pikachu possesses a strong, far-travelling [[projectile]] in [[Thunder Jolt]], which is used to help Pikachu's approach and edgeguards. Finally, Pikachu has arguably one of the best disadvantage states in the game due to it’s extremely small hurtbox, frame 2 air dodge, and the aforementioned low startup on it’s aerials, making it very difficult to combo and allowing Pikachu to reset into [[neutral]] with relative ease.


Pikachu's [[Special move|specials]] are also potent: [[Thunder Jolt]] is a far-travelling [[projectile]] with the ability to climb [[wall|walls]] and [[Ceiling|ceilings]]. [[Quick Attack]] is a fast, unpredictable and long distanced attack which is widely viewed as one of the best [[recoveries]] in the game. When combined with [[Skull Bash]]'s usage for horizontal distance, Pikachu has no trouble getting back to the [[stage]]. [[Thunder]] is a powerful attack with high vertical range; the cloud also has a [[Meteor smash|meteor]] effect at startup which allows certain attacks such as its [[up throw]] to combo into Thunder.
However, Pikachu has some notable weaknesses. Due to being one of the [[weight|lightest]] [[fighter]]s in the game, its survivability is hindered against characters with strong finishers. Pikachu also struggles to [[KO]] effectively due to none of its aerials having the ability to KO onstage, while most of its KO moves are either only effective at high percents or have notable downsides such as sourspots or high ending lag. Lastly, its poor range and lack of [[disjoint]]s gives it few options to [[approach]] aside from Thunder Jolt; its reliance on the projectile provide it with a noticeable disadvantage against characters who can properly deal with it.


Pikachu does have notable weaknesses however. Due to being one of the [[weight|lightest]] [[fighter|fighters]] in the game, its survivability is hindered against characters with strong finishers. As mentioned prior, it has poor range. Many of Pikachu's attacks lack [[Disjoint|disjoints]], giving it few options to [[approach]]. Pikachu also struggles to [[KO]] effectively due to none of its aerials having the ability to KO onstage. Furthermore, [[down smash]] and back throw are only effective finishers at the [[ledge]]. Lastly, his reliance on projectiles provide him with a noticeable disadvantage against characters who can counter or [[absorb]] its projectiles, such as {{SSBU|Ness}} and {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}.
Overall, Pikachu's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Even before the release of ''Ultimate'', many players saw Pikachu as a top tier character, and its strengths have been proven by strong performances from players such as {{Sm|ESAM}} and {{Sm|ShinyMark}}. However, Pikachu's playerbase is rather small while its overall results are mediocre compared to other top tiers, with both ESAM and ShinyMark seeing high highs but mediocre lows. As such, Pikachu status as a top tier character has been subject to debate, with opinions on the character varying wildly depending on region.
 
Overall, Pikachu's strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Even before the release of ''Ultimate'', many players saw Pikachu as a top tier character. Despite having a small playerbase, he has seen notable [[competitive]] success thanks to players such as {{sm|ShinyMark}} and {{sm|ESAM}}. Outside of this however, Pikachu's results are mediocre in comparison to other top tier characters. With this in mind, and the fact that the aforementioned [[Smasher|Smashers]]' have had inconsistent results in tournament, Pikachu's status as a top tier character has been subject to debate.


==Attributes==
==Attributes==
<!--REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he" or "she".-->
<!--
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->
{{incomplete|This section can be improved upon to better flesh out Pikachu's strengths and weaknesses.}}
{{incomplete|This section can be improved upon to better flesh out Pikachu's strengths and weaknesses.}}
Pikachu is a lightweight with a small [[hurtbox]], tied with Kirby, Olimar, Sephiroth, and Mewtwo for the seventh lightest fighter. It has overall good mobility, possessing fast [[walk speed|walking]] and [[run speed|dashing]] speeds, high [[jump]]s, is tied for the ninth-highest [[air acceleration]], and has the fourth-highest traction, but slightly above average [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] and below-average [[air speed]]. Due to its fast mobility, a strong projectile in [[Thunder Jolt]], exceptional frame data, and among the fastest defensive options, Pikachu has an exceptional [[neutral]] game and rarely struggles to approach.
Pikachu is a lightweight with a small [[hurtbox]], tied with Kirby, Olimar, Sephiroth, and Mewtwo for the seventh lightest fighter. It has overall good mobility, possessing fast [[walk speed|walking]] and [[run speed|dashing]] speeds, high [[jump]]s, is tied for the ninth-highest [[air acceleration]], and has the fourth-highest traction, but slightly above average [[falling speed]] and [[gravity]] and below-average [[air speed]]. Due to its fast mobility, a strong projectile in [[Thunder Jolt]], exceptional frame data, and among the fastest defensive options, Pikachu has an exceptional [[neutral]] game and rarely struggles to approach.
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==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
==Changes from ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''==
<!--REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he" or "she".-->
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At the end of ''SSB4''{{'}}s metagame, Pikachu was considered a high tier character (ranked 15th out of 55 characters). In its transition to ''Ultimate'', Pikachu has been heavily buffed. All of its moveset's aspects were greatly improved during its transition, in addition to its moveset benefiting noticeably from the changes to gameplay mechanics.
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->
Pikachu has been heavily buffed in its transition from ''SSB4'' to ''Ultimate''. All of its moveset's aspects were greatly improved during its transition, in addition to its moveset benefiting noticeably from the changes to gameplay mechanics.


Pikachu's largest buffs arguably come from its improved speed: its already above-average mobility has been increased, many of its moves have less ending lag, and its aerials have drastically reduced landing lag; while the former and latter buffs are shared with the rest of the cast, they especially benefit Pikachu, the former due to its small size and the latter since its aerials had among the highest landing lag in ''SSB4''. These buffs improve Pikachu's neutral game and overall comboing capabilities plus, due to its "pancaking" during many of their landing animations, allow it to avoid mistimed attacks with more ease and retaliate. To further complement this, its already great air game was enhanced as well: Pikachu has a new [[neutral aerial]] that acts similarly to {{SSBU|Mewtwo}}'s own and has much more combo potential; both [[forward aerial|forward]] and [[up aerial]]s have increased KO power, alleviating one of Pikachu's biggest weaknesses in ''SSB4''; [[back aerial]] [[auto-cancel]]s from a short hop, now consistently launches opponents behind Pikachu, and has a faster animation, which gives it combo potential into itself several times at low percentages, to the point it's able to perform a pseudo-[[Wall of Pain]] with the move; and [[down aerial]] now has a clean hitbox that [[meteor smash]]es opponents, further improving Pikachu's aerial KOing ability.
Pikachu's largest buffs arguably come from its improved speed: its already above-average mobility has been increased, many of its moves have less ending lag, and its aerials have drastically reduced landing lag; while the former and latter buffs are shared with the rest of the cast, they especially benefit Pikachu, the former due to its small size and the latter since its aerials had among the highest landing lag in ''SSB4''. These buffs improve Pikachu's neutral game and overall comboing capabilities; plus, due to its "pancaking" during many of their landing animations, allow it to avoid mistimed attacks with more ease and retaliate. To further complement this, its already great air game was enhanced as well: Pikachu has a new [[neutral aerial]] that hits multiple times and has much more combo potential; both its [[forward aerial|forward]] and [[up aerial]]s have increased KO power, alleviating one of Pikachu's biggest weaknesses in ''SSB4''; its [[back aerial]] [[auto-cancel]]s from a short hop, now consistently launches opponents behind Pikachu, and has a faster animation, which gives it combo potential into itself several times at low percentages, to the point that it is able to perform a pseudo-[[Wall of Pain]] with the move; and its [[down aerial]] now has a clean hitbox that [[meteor smash]]es opponents, further improving Pikachu's aerial KOing ability.


Although not as buffed as its aerial game, Pikachu's other moves have also seen noteworthy improvements. In particular, [[dash attack]] has increased KO power and significantly increased [[shieldstun]], to the point it is now unpunishable on shield. [[Forward smash]] has increased range, making it a more dangerous tool for trapping opponents on the [[edge]]; [[up smash]]'s strong hit lasts longer, making it more reliable for KOing; and [[down smash]] will always send opponents in the direction Pikachu faces and at a lower angle, making it more useful, as well as gaining a KO confirm into it from Pikachu's new neutral aerial. Pikachu's standing grab extends farther; [[down throw]] now inflicts additional hit lag on the opponent on release, improving its combo ability; and [[up throw]] has increased knockback, allowing it to KO at high percentages. On top of this, some of its special moves were significantly buffed, as [[Thunder Jolt]] has less ending lag, which improves Pikachu's neutral game and grants it a trapping option if opponents shield it from far away; [[Skull Bash]] has drastically reduced ending lag on hit, making it much safer unless it is [[perfect shield]]ed; and [[Thunder]]'s cloud hitbox deals set knockback, allowing it to connect consistently into the discharge, which also inflicts much more knockback.
Although not as buffed as its aerial game, Pikachu's other moves have also seen noteworthy improvements. In particular, its [[dash attack]] has increased KO power and significantly increased [[shieldstun]], to the point it can be unpunishable on shield at certain distances depending on the character. Its [[forward smash]] has increased range, making it a more dangerous tool for trapping opponents on the [[edge]]; its [[up smash]]'s strong hit lasts longer, making it more reliable for KOing; and its [[down smash]] will always send opponents in the direction Pikachu faces and at a lower angle, making it more useful, as well as gaining a KO confirm into it from Pikachu's new neutral aerial. Pikachu's standing grab extends farther; its [[down throw]] now inflicts additional hit lag on the opponent on release, improving its combo ability; and its [[up throw]] has increased knockback, allowing it to KO at high percentages. On top of this, some of its special moves were significantly buffed, as [[Thunder Jolt]] has less ending lag, which improves Pikachu's neutral game and grants it a trapping option if opponents shield it from far away; [[Skull Bash]] has drastically reduced ending lag on hit, making it much safer unless it is [[perfect shield]]ed; and [[Thunder]]'s cloud hitbox deals set knockback, allowing it to connect consistently into the discharge, which also inflicts much more knockback.


Finally, Pikachu notably benefits from the changes to game mechanics. The new limits to [[air dodge]]s and smaller [[edge]] sweetspot sizes make Pikachu's already great edgeguarding prowess more dangerous, especially with down aerial's new meteor smash hitbox, its stronger aerial attacks all-around, and improved primary projectile in Thunder Jolt; they also don't impair its disadvantage state much thanks to its long-distanced and unpredictable recovery. The changes to air dodging also make its on-stage offense even more effective, which combined with its improved mobility, streamlined [[jump]]squat, and reintroduction of [[dash-dancing]] allow it to chase opponents, giving it an excellent combo game that has the potential of causing [[zero-to-death combo]]s. The nerfs to [[rage]] also notably improves its poor endurance, while not nerfing its KOing ability due to its stronger moveset.
Finally, Pikachu notably benefits from the changes to game mechanics. The new limits to [[air dodge]]s and smaller [[edge]] sweetspot sizes make Pikachu's already great edgeguarding prowess more dangerous, especially with its down aerial's new meteor smash hitbox, its stronger aerial attacks all-around, and improved primary projectile in Thunder Jolt; they also don't impair its disadvantage state much thanks to its long-distanced and unpredictable recovery. The changes to air dodging also make its on-stage offense even more effective, which combined with its improved mobility, streamlined [[jump]]squat, and reintroduction of [[dash-dancing]] allow it to chase opponents, giving it an excellent combo game that has the potential of causing [[zero-to-death combo]]s. The nerfs to [[rage]] also notably improves its poor endurance, while not nerfing its KOing ability due to its stronger moveset.


In spite of mostly receiving drastic buffs, Pikachu is not without a few nerfs. The most significant nerf Pikachu has received is the removal of [[Quick Attack cancel]]ing, which noticeably reduces its mobility and approach options, making it more predictable. The changes to neutral aerial, in lieu of an improved combo game, also remove its KO potential. The increased startup and ending lag on its grabs, and dash grab and pivot grab not reaching as far, limit the benefits its grab game has received. Lastly, up throw's altered knockback, while giving it KO potential, makes it more difficult for Pikachu to combo into Thunder. Outside of these nerfs, however, other nerfs Pikachu received have generally been minor, while a good amount of the buffs it received make up for said shortcomings, most notably its improved neutral game.
In spite of mostly receiving drastic buffs, Pikachu is not without a few nerfs. Most significantly, the removal of [[Quick Attack cancel]]ing noticeably reduces Pikachu's mobility and approach options, making it more predictable. The changes to neutral aerial, in lieu of an improved combo game, also remove its KO potential. The increased startup and ending lag on its grabs, and dash grab and pivot grab not reaching as far, limit the benefits its grab game has received. Lastly, up throw's altered knockback, while giving it KO potential, makes it more difficult for Pikachu to combo into Thunder. Outside of these nerfs, however, other nerfs Pikachu received have generally been minor, while a good amount of the buffs it received make up for said shortcomings, most notably its improved neutral game.


In the end, Pikachu's entire moveset has seen drastic improvements all around, it benefits significantly from the new engine, and its limited KOing ability was mostly alleviated, causing its buffs to severely outweigh the nerfs it received. Although Pikachu still suffers from the same weaknesses that plagued it in ''SSB4'', such as short-range, poor endurance, and still limited KOing ability, its improved strengths now more than compensate for its shortcomings, arguably cementing it as the most viable threat between its fellow "fragile speedster" brethren, alongside its clone {{SSBU|Pichu}}. While Pikachu is not as common as some other top- or high-tier characters, it has still received strong results in competitive play, courtesy of players like {{Sm|ESAM}} and {{Sm|Captain L}}. This has led to a very strikingly positive reception of Pikachu, with many top players describing it as a top 5 character in the game, with some going as far as considering it the single best character, although this is debatable as its results are not as strong as other top-tier contenders. Regardless, Pikachu is considered much better than in ''SSB4'', and has fared significantly better overall than in previous games (bar [[Pikachu (SSB)|its appearance]] in ''[[SSB]]'').
In the end, Pikachu's entire moveset has seen drastic improvements all around, it benefits significantly from the new engine, and its limited KOing ability was mostly alleviated, causing its buffs to severely outweigh the nerfs it received. Although Pikachu still suffers from the same weaknesses that plagued it in ''SSB4'', such as short range, poor endurance, and still limited KOing ability, its improved strengths now more than compensate for its shortcomings, allowing Pikachu to fare better than in ''SSB4'' and once again cementing it as one of the most viable "fragile speedster" characters. This has led to a positive perception of Pikachu since release, and has performed significantly better overall than in previous games (save for [[Pikachu (SSB)|its appearance in]] ''[[SSB]]'').


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


==Update history==
==Update history==
<!--REMEMBER: Nintendo's official stance is that Pikachu, like all Pokémon, go by gender-neutral pronouns. Be sure to use "it" instead of "he" or "she".-->
<!--
REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns.
-->
Pikachu was slightly buffed via game updates. Its grab game was slightly improved, thanks to a faster pummel and larger grabboxes. The only nerf it has received is [[Thunder Jolt]]'s shield damage being slightly decreased as part of a near-universal nerf to projectiles. His shield size was also increased as a part of a near-universal buffs to shields.
Pikachu was slightly buffed via game updates. Its grab game was slightly improved, thanks to a faster pummel and larger grabboxes. The only nerf it has received is [[Thunder Jolt]]'s shield damage being slightly decreased as part of a near-universal nerf to projectiles. His shield size was also increased as a part of a near-universal buffs to shields.


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'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|3.1.0}}'''
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Pikachu}}
{{UpdateList (SSBU)/3.1.0|char=Pikachu}}
'''Technical changelist'''
{|class="wikitable"
!Change!!Old value!!New value
|-
|Grab hitbox radius || grounded opponents: 3.1u, airborne opponents: 1.55u || 4.0u, 2.0u
|-
| Grab Y1 and Y2 offsets || 5.0u (both, all hitboxes) || 5.9u
|-
| Grab Z1 and Z2 offsets || grounded opponents: 4.0u (Z1)/7.4u (Z2), airborne opponents: 2.45u (Z1)/8.95u (Z2) || 4.9u/7.9u, 2.9u/9.9u
|}


'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|7.0.0}}'''
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|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (early, body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (early, tail), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|7}} (late)
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} (early, body), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|13}} (early, tail), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|11}} (clean), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|7}} (late)
|usmashdesc=An overhead tail swipe. Unlike Pikachu's up tilt, it starts in front of it and has good vertical KO potential. The early hit comes out somewhat quickly (frame 10) and lasts until Pikachu's tail goes above it, after which the clean hit lasts until the tail goes behind it. The early hit's sweetspot is located on Pikachu's body and can be comboed into with falling nair. The early sweetspot KOs middleweights around 115% on Final Destination, while the early sourspot KOs around 125%. The late hit, however, does minimal damage and knockback.
|usmashdesc=An overhead tail swipe. Unlike Pikachu's up tilt, it starts in front of it and has good vertical KO potential. The early hit comes out somewhat quickly (frame 10) and lasts until Pikachu's tail goes above it, after which the clean hit lasts until the tail goes behind it. The early hit's sweetspot is located on Pikachu's body and can be comboed into with falling nair. The early sweetspot KOs middleweights around 115% on Final Destination, while the early sourspot KOs around 125%. The late hit, however, does minimal damage and knockback.
|dsmashname=Electric Flower ({{ja|ねずみはなび|Nezumi Hanabi}}, ''Mouse Fireworks'')
|dsmashname=Electric Flower ({{ja|ねずみはなび|Nezumi Hanabi}}, ''Mouse Fireworks'')
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 6)
|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|3}} (hit 6)
|dsmashdesc=Charges its tail with electricity before spinning it around, shocking opponents. It has the least damage potential out of all its smash attacks, dealing only 13%. It KOs middleweights around 95% at the edge of Final Destination with no DI, and deals good horizontal knockback. It also has the least startup out of all its smash attacks, coming out on frame 8, but its 42 frames of ending lag make it very punishable if used poorly. As well as up smash, neutral aerial can combo into this move to confirm a KO.
|dsmashdesc=Charges its tail with electricity before spinning it around, shocking opponents. It has the least damage potential out of all its smash attacks, dealing only 13%. It KOs middleweights around 95% at the edge of Final Destination with no DI, and deals good horizontal knockback. It also has the least startup out of all its smash attacks, coming out on frame 8, but its 42 frames of ending lag make it very punishable if used poorly. As well as up smash, neutral aerial can combo into this move to confirm a KO.
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|ssname=Skull Bash
|ssname=Skull Bash
|ssdmg=6.2% (uncharged), 10% (uncharged smash input), 21.4% (fully charged)
|ssdmg=6.2% (uncharged), 10% (uncharged smash input), 21.4% (fully charged)
|ssdesc=[[bulbapedia:Skull Bash (move)|Charges up before launching forward at a high velocity]]. It can be charged to increased damage, knockback, and distance. Useful for horizontal recovery and can sweetspot the ledge, but leaves Pikachu vulnerable due to being fairly slow, and the hitbox being within its hurtbox. If inputted like a smash attack, it immediately starts with some charge.
|ssdesc=[[bulbapedia:Skull Bash (move)|Charges up before launching forward at a high velocity]]. It can be charged to increase damage, knockback, and distance. Useful for horizontal recovery and can sweetspot the ledge, but leaves Pikachu vulnerable due to being fairly slow, and the hitbox being within its hurtbox. If inputted like a smash attack, it immediately starts with some charge.
|usname=Quick Attack
|usname=Quick Attack
|usdmg=2% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2)
|usdmg=2% (hit 1), 3% (hit 2)
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}}
}}


===Stats===
{{Attributes
| cast=89
| weight=79 | rweight=79-83
| dash=1.98 | rdash=30-35
| run=2.039 | rrun=20
| walk=1.302 | rwalk=13-14
| trac=0.132 | rtrac=4
| airfric=0.0075 | rairfric=67-75
| air=0.957 | rair=67
| baseaccel=0.01 | rbaseaccel=15-87
| addaccel=0.09 | raddaccel=7-10
| gravity=0.095 | rgravity=40
| fall=1.55 | rfall=53-56
| ff=2.48 | rff=51-54
| jumpsquat=3 | rjumpsquat=1-88
| jumpheight=35.5 | rjumpheight=20
| shorthop=17.12 | rshorthop=27
| djump=35.5 | rdjump=29-31
}}
====[[Announcer]] call====
====[[Announcer]] call====
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
{{audio|Needs announcer calls from other languages.}}
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*Stands up straight, then looks left, and then right, twitching its ears.
*Stands up straight, then looks left, and then right, twitching its ears.
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSBUPikachuIdle1.gif|Pikachu's first idle pose
SSBUPikachuIdle1.gif|Pikachu's first idle pose.
SSBUPikachuIdle2.gif|Pikachu's second idle pose
SSBUPikachuIdle2.gif|Pikachu's second idle pose.
</gallery>
</gallery>


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===[[Victory pose]]s===
===[[Victory pose]]s===
*'''Left:''' Backflips, spins, and faces the screen with a happy expression. This resembles its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.''.
*'''Left:''' Backflips, spins, and faces the screen with a happy expression. This resembles its "character chosen" animation in ''Super Smash Bros.''
*'''Up:''' Looks up with a surprised expression as its ears perk. It then scratches its right ear and smiles.
*'''Up:''' Looks up with a surprised expression as its ears perk. It then scratches its right ear and smiles.
*'''Right:''' Sleeps while muttering "Piii...ka."
*'''Right:''' Sleeps while muttering "Piii...ka."
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==In [[competitive play]]==
==In [[competitive play]]==
===Tier placement and history===
Opinions of Pikachu were very strong prior to the game's release. Its overall favorable adjustments, especially its new and potent neutral aerial, as well as an emphasis on smaller characters in the early meta, influenced many players to rank it as a top-tier character.


Unlike many other characters, however, these opinions remained relatively the same following the release of the game and throughout the majority of the game's competitive lifespan. Pikachu was small and could pancake (crouch under) a lot of moves, had an extremely strong recovery, and had good zoning options as well as some of the best [[zero-to-death combo|zero-to-death combos]] in the game. Its strong matchups across the vast majority of the cast also enabled it to match up extremely well against the majority of the cast (a rarity for most characters), which has led many to consider Pikachu as one of the best characters in the game. This outlook only served to improve following nerfs to the early metagame's best characters such as {{SSBU|Pichu}}, {{SSBU|Wolf}}, {{SSBU|Olimar}}, and {{SSBU|Peach}} and {{SSBU|Daisy}}, with Pikachu remaining untouched by comparison.
===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 -->
 
''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu players (SSBU)]]''


However, Pikachu noticeably lacked the results other contenders for best in the game had. Pikachu's early metagame results were largely spearheaded by only one player - {{Sm|ESAM}} - who despite seeing high highs were often brought down by mediocre results. Even after the online metagame, ESAM's consistency continued to be rather wobbly, as he saw a career-defining victory over {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}} but largely underperformed at most of his other majors. Around this time, other notable Pikachu players such as {{Sm|H4}}, {{Sm|Neeroz}}, and {{Sm|ShinyMark}} began making their mark on the metagame, with ShinyMark especially having a breakout tournament at {{Trn|Smash Factor 9}}. These results, however, were often countered with the players' inconsistency or a lack of out-of-region results. Furthermore, Pikachu's position in the post-pandemic metagame became less secure due to the increase in strong players at top-level play as well as new metagame standards, with more people preferring to use characters that have easier time racking up damage and killing, such as {{SSBU|Steve}} and {{SSBU|Kazuya}}.
*{{Sm|Captain L|Canada}} - The second-best Pikachu player in the early metagame, having achieved several top 32 placements at majors/supermajors such as 13th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2019}} and 25th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}}, {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}, and {{Trn|CEO 2019}}, and was also ranked 50th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]]. He has since dropped Pikachu in favor of {{SSBU|Sheik}}.
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - The best Pikachu player until 2022 and was a major innovator on Pikachu's metagame. He is currently the only Pikachu player who has won a major/supermajor, winning {{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}} and {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}}. At his peak, ESAM was ranked 14th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]].
*{{Flag|USA}} / {{Sm|H4|Japan}} - One of the best Pikachu players in the United States, having placed 13th at {{Trn|Port Priority 7}} and 17th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 4}}. Since 2023 he has been studying abroad in Japan, and is also considered the best Pikachu player in Japan, notably placing 1st at {{Trn|Sumabato SP 38}} and 33rd at {{Trn|Maesuma TOP 13}}.
*{{Sm|Kishiru|Japan}} - The best Pikachu player in Japan in the early metagame and during the pandemic period, placing top 32 at several majors/supermajors such as 13th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}}, 17th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}, and 25th at {{Trn|Glitch 8 - Missingno}}. He went inactive in late-2021 and has only made a handful of tournament appearances since.
*{{Sm|Neeroz|France}} - The best Pikachu player in Europe. His 7th-place finish at {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 3}} was the first top 8 at a national-level event for a Pikachu player other than ESAM; he has also placed well at several majors/supermajors, including 13th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}} and 25th at both {{Trn|Glitch - Infinite}} and {{Trn|VCA 2022}}.
*{{Sm|ShinyMark|Guatemala}} - The best Pikachu player in the world since 2022. He is the only Pikachu player other than ESAM who has placed top 8 at multiple majors/supermajors, having placed 3rd at {{Trn|Delfino Maza 2023}}, 5th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 9}}, and 7th at {{Trn|Collision 2023}}.


As it stands, some players still consider Pikachu to be a Top 5 character, however some others such as {{Sm|Dabuz}} have argued that the character is overrated due to having mediocre representation compared to other top tiers. For these reasons, he is ranked 13th on the first and current tier list.
===Tier placement and history===
Opinions of Pikachu have remained strong throughout the game's competitive lifespan. This is due to several favorable adjustments, such as its new and potent neutral aerial, as well as its strengths, including its ability to pancake (crouch under) a lot of moves, its strong recovery and zoning options, and it possessing some of the best [[zero-to-death combo]]s in the game. As a result, some players saw Pikachu as one of the best characters in the game, an outlook that only improved following [[nerf]]s to the early metagame's best characters, as well as strong performances from {{Sm|ESAM}} prior to and immediately following the online metagame.


===Most historically significant players===
However, Pikachu noticeably lacked the results other contenders for best in the game had. ESAM largely spearheaded Pikachu's results for the first few years of the game's competitive lifespan, and despite seeing high highs, was often brought down by mediocre results. For example, ESAM saw a career-defining victory over {{Sm|MkLeo}} at {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}} but underperformed at most of his other majors in 2021. The post-online metagame also saw the rise of a couple other Pikachu players such as {{Sm|H4}}, {{Sm|Neeroz}}, and {{Sm|ShinyMark}}; the latter especially has seen performances that were on par with ESAM's, which included two top 8 finishes at supermajors. These results, however, were often countered with the players' inconsistency or a lack of results from outside their region. As a result, per [[OrionRank]]'s character rankings, Pikachu was 25th in results in 2021<ref>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zTKrF1HOv70Pp8xdJKrRQy3QiMYKLTCstoVNgxymt0o</ref>, and then fell to 43rd in 2022<ref>https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1gRlzy4z_dpqb2ZRhGoqtbDcuvUKz_ROsMZHGegon53M</ref>, a far cry from its top tier perception. Furthermore, Pikachu's position in the post-pandemic metagame became less secure due to the increase in strong players at top level play as well as new metagame standards, with more people preferring to use characters that have easier time racking up damage and KOing, such as {{SSBU|Steve}} and {{SSBU|Kazuya}}.
<!--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 -->


''See also: [[:Category:Pikachu professionals (SSBU)]]''
Overall, opinions on Pikachu have varied greatly. Some players, particularly in North America, continue to argue that Pikachu is one of the best characters despite its underwhelming results due to its thereotical strength, while others, particularly in [[Japan]], believe that Pikachu is overrated due to its mediocre results compared to other top and high tier characters. The clashing opinions was reflected on the first tier list, where Pikachu is ranked 13th, with the character notably having the greatest standard deviation in its tier list voting; the character was ranked in the top 5 in Latin America, and top 10 in the United States and Canada, but conversely was not even ranked in the top 25 in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.start.gg/ultranks-first-official-ssbu-tier-list-4a35bf3dcfc3|title=UltRank’s First Official SSBU Tier List}} Note: the standard deviation is noted in the "Analysis" section, while the placements by region is noted in the "Regional Differences" section</ref>


*{{Sm|Captain L|Canada}} - One of the best Pikachu players in the world during the early metagame but has since switched to {{SSBU|Sheik}}. Placed 3rd at {{Trn|The Pinnacle 2019}}, 7th at {{Trn|Battle of BC 3}}, 9th at {{Trn|Play With Heart}} and 25th at both {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}} and {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Fatality}}, {{Sm|Mr E}}, and {{Sm|WaDi}}. Ranked 50th on the [[Spring 2019 PGRU]].
Following the first tier list, Pikachu's overall representation remained rather stagnant: although ShinyMark eventually began traveling more and became a notable top level threat, on the other hand ESAM's activity remained low while the results he did have were worse than before. With no other Pikachu players within the top 150 by the end of the year, opinions on Pikachu continued to mellow out, and as such Pikachu fell 4 spots to 17th on the second tier list, ranking in the A tier.
*{{Sm|DM|USA}} - One of the best Pikachu players in the United States prior to switching to Pyra & Mythra and Steve. Placed 3rd at both {{Trn|MONZA Ignition Speed Festival}} and {{Trn|Smashadelphia 2019}}, 25th at {{Trn|Glitch 8 - Missingno}}, and 33rd at both {{Trn|Frostbite 2019}} and {{Trn|Shine 2019}} with wins over {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}} and {{Sm|Raffi-X}}. Ranked 7th on the [[New England Power Rankings#Super Smash Bros. Ultimate rankings|New England Ultimate Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Enki|France}} - One of the best Pikachu players in Europe. Placed 13th at both {{Trn|WANTED SAISON 4 - Episode 1}} and {{Trn|Smash 4 Glory Ultimate Badass Edition}} and 17th at {{Trn|Albion 4}}, {{Trn|Ultimate Fighting Arena 2019}}, and {{Trn|European SEL Clash}} with wins over players like {{Sm|Griffith}}, {{Sm|Oryon}}, and {{Sm|Otakuni}}. Ranked 19th on the [[French Power Rankings]].
*{{Sm|ESAM|USA}} - One of the two best Pikachu players in the world. Placed 1st at both {{Trn|Glitch 7}} and {{Trn|Glitch 8.5 - Konami Code}}, 3rd at {{Trn|Glitch 8}}, 4th at {{Trn|GENESIS 7}}, and 7th at {{Trn|GENESIS 6}} wins over players such as {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|MkLeo}}, and {{Sm|Tweek}}. Ranked as high as 14th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]] and is currently ranked 35th on the [[PGRU v3 NA]].
*{{Sm|Kishiru|Japan}} - The best Pikachu player in Japan. Placed 13th at {{Trn|Kagaribi 5}}, 17th at {{Trn|Umebura Japan Major 2019}}, 25th at both {{Trn|Umebura SP 3}} and {{Trn|Glitch 8 - Missingno}}, and 33rd at {{Trn|Umebura SP 7}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|KEN}}, {{Sm|Kuro}}, and {{Sm|T}}. Ranked 96th on the [[Japan Player Rankings]].
*{{Sm|Neeroz|France}} - The best Pikachu player in Europe. Placed 7th at both {{Trn|WANTED SAISON 4 - Chapter 2}} and {{Trn|Ultimate WANTED 3}}, 9th at {{Trn|Stunfest 2022}}, 13th at {{Trn|Temple: Hermès Edition}}, and 17th at {{Trn|95 Kings of Fields 2}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Dakpo}}, {{Sm|MPg}}, and {{Sm|Flow|p=France}}. Ranked 32nd on the [[PGRU v3 EU]].
*{{Sm|ShinyMark|Guatemala}} - One of the two best Pikachu players in the world. Placed 2nd at {{Trn|CUMBRE}}, 4th at {{Trn|Relax & Smash at GeekFest Cancún}}, 5th at {{Trn|Smash Factor 9}}, and 7th at both {{Trn|SWT: Central America Ultimate Regional Finals}} and {{Trn|Collision 2023}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|MkLeo}}, {{Sm|sisqui}}, and {{Sm|WaDi}}. Ranked 1st on the [[Guatemalan Power Rankings]]. Online, placed 1st at {{Trn|Hitpoint Online Tournament: Ultimate}} and 2nd at both {{Trn|SWT: Central America South Ultimate Online Qualifier}}. Ranked 16th on the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v7]].


=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: I Choose You!==
=={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}: I Choose You!==
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|{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Title Theme - Punch-Out!! (Wii)}}
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*Pikachu's pose in its official artwork resembles its [[bulbapedia:File:Spr_3r_025.png|front sprite]] in Generation III ''Pokémon'' games.
*Pikachu's pose in its official artwork resembles its [[bulbapedia:File:Spr_3r_025.png|front sprite]] in Generation III ''Pokémon'' games.
*In the E3 demo of the game, Pikachu's portrait used its in-game model as opposed to its official artwork. This was also the case with {{SSBU|Link}}, {{SSBU|Mario}} and {{SSBU|Villager}}.
*In the E3 demo of the game, Pikachu's portrait used its in-game model as opposed to its official artwork. This was also the case with {{SSBU|Link}}, {{SSBU|Mario}} and {{SSBU|Villager}}.
**Coincidentally, all four of these characters were playable in the ''Super Smash Bros. for 3DS'' demo.
**Coincidentally, all four of these characters were playable in the {{for3ds}} demo.
*Pikachu's [[alternate costume]] featuring goggles has been removed and returned to {{SSBU|Pichu}}, who was the original owner of said palette swap in ''Melee''.
*Pikachu's [[alternate costume]] featuring goggles has been removed and returned to {{SSBU|Pichu}}, who was the original owner of said palette swap in ''Melee''.
*Pikachu, compared to the other starters, has the least number of characters in its unlock tree, having only seven characters as opposed to the standard eight.
*Pikachu, compared to the other starters, has the least number of characters in its unlock tree, having only seven characters as opposed to the standard eight.
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*Due to its new Pikachu Libre costume and another one of its alternate costumes, Pikachu is now the only member of the [[Original 12]] to change sex between costumes, as well as the first of the Original 12 to technically be a different character in one of its costumes.
*Due to its new Pikachu Libre costume and another one of its alternate costumes, Pikachu is now the only member of the [[Original 12]] to change sex between costumes, as well as the first of the Original 12 to technically be a different character in one of its costumes.
*It is possible that Pikachu's stock icon is a reference to the Pokémon's 20th Anniversary emblem, which features a simplified Pikachu face formed from the starter Pokémon, including Pikachu, from Generation I to Generation VI.
*It is possible that Pikachu's stock icon is a reference to the Pokémon's 20th Anniversary emblem, which features a simplified Pikachu face formed from the starter Pokémon, including Pikachu, from Generation I to Generation VI.
*On the [[Sound Test]], Pikachu's voice clips are ordered differently from other non-DLC characters as they all are ordered by the abbreviations of their internal codenames. {{SSBU|Roy}} shares a similar distinction but with a few minor adjustments.
*On the [[Sound Test]], Pikachu's voice clips are ordered differently from other non-DLC characters, as they all are ordered by the abbreviations of their internal codenames. {{SSBU|Roy}} shares a similar distinction, but with a few minor adjustments.
**Additionally, both of its victory lines are displayed while they should be omitted due to identical voice clips already existing (both of Pikachu's victory quotes come from its jumping and sleeping voice clips).
**Additionally, both of its victory lines are displayed while they should be omitted due to identical voice clips already existing (both of Pikachu's victory quotes come from its jumping and sleeping voice clips).
==References==
{{reflist}}


{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{SSBUCharacters}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
{{Pokémon universe}}
[[Category:Pikachu (SSBU)| ]]
[[Category:Pikachu (SSBU)| ]]
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Pokémon (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[Category:Spirits]]
[[es:Pikachu (SSBU)]]
[[es:Pikachu (SSBU)]]