Charizard (SSB4): Difference between revisions

{{Infobox Character

|name = Charizard

|game = SSB4

|ssbgame1 = SSBB

|availability = [[Starter character|Starter]]

|tier = E

}}

:{{Cquote|Charizard Fires It Up!|cite=Introduction Tagline}}

Charizard also boasts a potent grab game that allows for combos, KO set-ups, and even KOing outright; its up throw, in particular, is the second strongest throw of any kind in the game. Lastly, Charizard's overall mobility is quite fast for a super heavyweight. Its [[walk]]ing and [[dash]]ing speeds are among the fastest in the game, while a number of its moves boast minimal start-up lag alongside respectable utility.

However, Charizard has some very noticeable weaknesses. Despite having a number of regular moves with minimal start-up lag, its overall frame data is nevertheless below-average compared to most of the cast. Unsurprisingly for a super heavyweight, Charizard is susceptible to combos and juggling; although it has options to escape from a disadvantaged state, they are easily exploitable.

==Attributes==

In regard to mobility, Charizard's [[dash]]ing speed is the ninth fastest in the game, whereas its [[walk]]ing speed is tied with Mewtwo's for the fifteenth fastest in the game. Like {{SSB4|Pit}} and {{SSB4|Dark Pit}}, it has below-average [[falling speed]] and [[Jump#Multiple double jumps|multiple double jumps]]: the former makes it [[floaty]] in spite of its weight and thus enables it to avoid certain set-ups, whereas the latter assists its recovery. However, Charizard's mobility also has very apparent flaws. Its [[traction]] is tied with Mewtwo's for the second lowest in the game, while its [[roll]]s are among the slowest in the game. By extension, Charizard's below-average [[air speed]] hinders its otherwise varied recovery, and its falling speed makes it more susceptible to combos and being KO'd vertically because of its high [[gravity]].

Another of Charizard's strengths is the utility of its moveset. Neutral attack is a prime example of this utility: it is among the most damaging of its kind in the game; possesses deceptive speed and range; and is decent at [[jab cancel]]ing. Down tilt, neutral aerial and forward aerial have significant ranges and fairly minimal lag, which make them useful for spacing like neutral attack. These three particular attacks also have specific perks: down tilt and sweetspotted forward aerial are useful edge-guarding options thanks to being [[semi-spike]]s, whereas neutral aerial is a useful combo starter from low to medium percentages, yet decently safe on shield or when missed thanks to its auto-cancel window and hitbox placements.

The respectable level of utility within Charizard's moveset also extends to its [[special move]]s. [[Flamethrower]] is a short-ranged [[projectile]] that can be angled to safely rack up damage; intercept approaches and some other projectiles; or gimp recoveries. Rock Smash grants 18 frames of super [[armor]] beginning on frame 5, which makes it useful against incoming attacks, and a somewhat safe landing option. Lastly, Flare Blitz and Fly are both highly protective recovery options. Flare Blitz covers a great amount of horizontal distance, and grants 30 frames of armor that begin on frame 23 and can withstand a maximum of 15%. Conversely, Fly has fairly minimal start-up lag, and grants 11 frames of super armor beginning on frame 4.

===Aesthetics===

*{{change|Charizard's design has changed. It has smaller teeth and a slightly less pronounced snout; the corners of its mouth are curved upward; and its wings' metacarpal joints are slightly longer and slightly thinner. Additionally, Charizard's teeth are now white instead of beige; its patagium's interior is now midnight green instead of Persian green; and its tail's flame is now orange instead of vermilion. Lastly, the aesthetic used in ''SSB4'' has resulted in Charizard having a sleeker design, and the orange portion of its skin being more vibrant. Altogether, these changes make Charizard appear virtually identical to its appearance in ''{{s|bulbapedia|Pokédex 3D Pro}}''.}}

*{{change|Charizard is slightly more expressive. Its irises now shrink during its [[sidestep]] and when it is hit or launched. The majority of Charizard's animations are also more fluid.}}

*{{change|Charizard has new voice clips. Its grunts and roars now match how they sound in the ''Pokémon'' anime.}}

*{{change|Due to being separate from {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, Charizard has a new [[victory pose]] that replaces the one that involves Pokémon Trainer petting it. Its new victory pose consists of Charizard using its new side special, [[Flare Blitz]], to descend from the air and crash into ground before striking a pose.}}

*{{change|Charizard's body now faces the screen regardless of whether it's facing left or right.}}

===Attributes===

*{{buff|Charizard [[dash]]es faster (1.8 → 2.0).}}

*{{change|Charizard [[Falling speed|falls]] faster (1.35 → 1.4). This slightly improves its vertical endurance, but makes it slightly more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{buff|[[Roll]]s have decreased ending lag (FAF 35 (forward)/FAF 36 (backward) → 33 (both)).}}

*{{buff|[[Item throw]] is stronger (1.198 → 1.208).}}

===Ground attacks===

*[[Neutral attack]]:

*[[Forward tilt]]:

*[[Up tilt]]:

*[[Down tilt]]:

*[[Dash attack]]:

*[[Forward smash]]:

*[[Up smash]]:

*[[Down smash]]:

**{{change|Down smash's animation has slightly changed. Charizard now stomps the ground with one foot, instead of both feet.}}

===Aerial attacks===

*[[Neutral aerial]]:

*[[Forward aerial]]:

*[[Back aerial]]:

*[[Up aerial]]:

*[[Down aerial]]:

===Throws/other attacks===

*[[Up throw]]:

*[[Down throw]]:

**{{change|Down throw's visual effects have changed. Its flames are now orange, instead of vermilion.}}

===Special moves===

*[[Flamethrower]]:

**{{change|Flamethrower's visual effects have changed. It now appears as a consistent stream of orange flames, instead of individual vermilion flames separated by small gaps.}}

*[[Flare Blitz]]:

*[[Fly]]:

**{{buff|Fly covers more vertical distance, improving its recovery potential.}}

**{{buff|The weakening of [[SDI]] makes Fly significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*[[Rock Smash]]:

**{{buff|Rock Smash now grants super armor on frames 5-23.}}

**{{buff|The weakening of [[SDI]] makes Rock Smash significantly more difficult to escape from.}}

*[[Mega Charizard X]]:

**{{change|Charizard has a new [[Final Smash]], [[Mega Charizard X]]. Charizard undergoes {{s|bulbapedia|Mega Evolution}} to become Mega Charizard X. Like [[Triple Finish]], Mega Charizard X can use [[bulbapedia:Fire Blast (move)|Fire Blast]]. Unlike Triple Finish, Mega Charizard X is a transformation-based Final Smash that can fly freely across the stage; use Fire Blast as a projectile, similarly to [[Super Dragon]]; use [[bulbapedia:Dragon Rush (move)|Dragon Rush]], regardless of whether or not [[Character customization|custom moves]] are enabled; and grants both super armor and [[flinch]] resistance throughout its duration. However, Mega Charizard X's duration will shorten upon receiving damage.}}

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.6]]'''

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.0.8]]'''

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.0]]'''

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.1]]'''

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.3]]'''

==Moveset==

{{MovesetTable

|game=SSB4

|ftiltdmg=11% (flame), 7% (tail)

|ftiltdesc=Swings its tail forward. It can be angled; has long range; and its sweetspot is at the [[Flame|flaming]] tip of Charizard's tail. When sweetspotted, it is one of the strongest forward tilts in the game. Its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 122%/111% (''3DS''/''Wii U''). Due to it hitting on frame 11 and having 29 frames of ending lag, however, it is punishable.

|utiltdmg=8%

|dtiltname= 

|dtiltdmg=10%

|usmashname= 

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|5}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|11}} (hit 2)

|dsmashname= 

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|16}}

|nairname= 

|nairdmg=12% (flame), 9% (tail)

|fairdmg=12% (early, clean arm), 13% (clean tip)

|fairdesc=A downward slash with its claws. It hits on frame 8, which is the lowest amount of start-up lag out Charizard's aerials. It also auto-cancels with a short hop, while its sweetspot's tip is a semi-spike. When coupled with its respectable damage output and high knockback growth, these traits make it very reliable either as a follow-up from down throw, or as a KOing option. While near the edge of Final Destination, its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 108%/97% (''3DS''/''Wii U''). However, it has moderate ending and landing lag, and is punishable from out of shield by most characters.

|bairdmg=11% (body), 14% (tail), 16% (flame)

|bairdesc=Swings its tail backward. Like forward tilt, its sweetspot is at the flaming tip of Charizard's tail. When sweetspotted, it is Charizard's most damaging aerial, and the second strongest back aerial in the game. While near the edge of Final Destination, its sweetspot KOs middleweights at 84%/74% (''3DS''/''Wii U''). Although its tail hitbox is noticeably weaker, it is still strong enough to KO middleweights at 98%/87% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') while near the edge of Final Destination. Its high damage output and long range also make it safe on shield when spaced properly. Due to it hitting on frame 14, however, it has the second highest amount of start-up lag out of Charizard's aerials.

|dairdesc=A stomp. Its sweetspot is a very powerful [[meteor smash]]. In comparison, its sourspot launches opponents either diagonally or at the [[Sakurai angle]]. Due to it hitting on frame 18 and having 33 frames of landing lag, however, it is very punishable. Its sourspot is also much less effective than its sweetspot in regard to edge-guarding.

|grabname= 

|pummelname= 

|pummeldmg=2%

|bthrowdmg=10%

|bthrowdesc=Flings the opponent backward. It deals respectable damage and can be used to set up an edge-guard. Unlike forward throw, it has very low ending lag. As a result, it can combo into dash attack or Flare Blitz at 0%, or forward aerial at 0%-15%. Like forward throw, it has below-average base knockback and knockback growth, which make it much less reliable for KOing than up throw. While near the edge of Final Destination, it KOs middleweights at 175%/169% (''3DS''/''Wii U'').

|uthrowdmg=8% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|uthrowdesc=Soars to the upper blast line with the opponent in tow, then dive-bombs them onto the stage at a blinding speed, similarly to {{SSB4|Kirby}} and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s up throws. As of update 1.0.8, its knockback is significantly higher, making it the strongest up throw in the game. It is also the second strongest throw of any kind in the game, being surpassed only by {{SSB4|Ness}}' back throw. It KOs middleweights at 134%/124% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') from anywhere on Final Destination. It is even more effective on stages with platforms; it KOs middleweights at 107%/104% (''3DS''/''Wii U'') upon landing on {{SSB4|Battlefield}}'s top platform. It can also combo into Flare Blitz, which deals 30% altogether. However, this combo is very situational, as it is only effective at 0%-10% and is easily avoidable via proper DI. Despite being the strongest up throw in the game, proper directional influence hinders its KO potential to the point that {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s up throw, which is the second strongest up throw in the game, KOs more reliably in comparison.

|dsc1name=Sinking Skull

|dsc1dmg=12% (sweetspot), 10% (sourspot)

|dsc2name=Rock Hurl

|dsc2dmg=8% (boulder), 2% (fragments)

|fsdesc=[[bulbapedia:Mega Evolution|Mega Evolves]] into Mega Charizard X. As Mega Charizard X, it can fly freely around the stage, similarly to [[Super Dragon]]. Unlike Super Dragon, Mega Charizard X has super armor and flinch resistance instead of [[invincibility]], and receiving damage will shorten its duration. Pressing the attack and special attack buttons causes Mega Charizard X to use Dragon Rush and [[bulbapedia:Fire Blast (move)|Fire Blast]], respectively. Compared to the Dragon Rush custom move, Mega Charizard X's Dragon Rush possesses longer range; the ability to propel Mega Charizard X in any given direction; and actual KO potential, thanks to its higher damage output and knockback. In comparison, Fire Blast is a fiery projectile that covers slightly more than the entirety of Final Destination and hits multiple times, with its last hit possessing KO potential. Dragon Rush and Fire Blast's last hits KO middleweights at 108% and 123%, respectively, while near the edge of Final Destination in the ''3DS'' version.

}}

===[[On-screen appearance]]===

==In [[competitive play]]==

===[[Official Custom Moveset Project]]===

{{OfficialCustomMoves

|set10=1321

}}

==In [[Event Match]]es==

*'''[[Fire-Type Frenzy]]''': Charizard must defeat {{SSB4|Greninja}}, {{SSB4|Lucario}}, and {{SSB4|Pikachu}}. [[Fire Bar]]s, [[Fire Flower]]s, and [[Superspicy Curry]] are the only [[item]]s that appear.

*'''{{SSB4|Pokémon Battle}}''': As Greninja, the player must defeat a team of Charizard, Pikachu, and Lucario.

===Co-Op Events===

{|style="margin:1em auto 1em auto;text-align:center"

|-

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|{{Head|Charizard|g=SSB4|s=50px}}

**It knows {{iw|bulbapedia|Flare Blitz}} like Red's in [[bulbapedia:Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver Versions'']].

**It can use {{iw|bulbapedia|Blast Burn|move}} like Red (albeit only in ''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver Versions'') and Alain's.

*Due to having access to both X Attack and Fake Nails in the attack category, Charizard is the only character capable of using two types of specialized/non-badge [[equipment]] within the same category.

**This also makes it the only Pokémon that can equip something other than badges and Pokémon equipment.

*Charizard is the first character to have one of its special move inputs changed between games since the transition from ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' to ''[[Melee]]'', with the second being {{SSBU|Palutena}} in ''[[Ultimate]]''.

*Charizard is supposed to have a 6-frame jumpsquat according to its parameters. Due to a float precision error involving the original animation's length, however, it ends up being 7 instead.

**This makes it the only character to use all three of its victory poses in Team Battles when concluding both versions of the game.