Charizard (SSB4): Difference between revisions

{{ArticleIcons|ssb4=y}}{{Disambig2|Charizard's appearance in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''|the character in other contexts|Charizard}}

|name         = Charizard

|image       = [[File:Charizard SSB4.png|300px|Charizard]]

|game         = SSB4

|ssbgame1     = SSBB

|tier = H

|ranking = 51

'''Charizard''' ({{ja|リザードン|Rizādon}}, ''Lizardon'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. Charizard's return to the series was confirmed as part of the April 8th, 2014 [[Nintendo Direct|Super Smash Bros. Direct]], during which its fellow [[Pokémon (universe)|''Pokémon'']] representative {{SSB4|Greninja}} was also confirmed. Charizard is once again voiced by Shin'ichirō Miki, who re-recorded Charizard's grunts and roars to match how it sounds in the ''Pokémon'' anime, rather than redo its coarser grunts and roars from ''Brawl''.

Charizard is currently ranked 51st out of 58 on the current [[tier list]], placing it at the top of the H tier and making it the highest ranking bottom-tier character. This is a significant drop from {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}'s standing in ''Brawl'', where he had been ranked 29th out of 38. Now an individual character, Charizard no longer has to contend with [[stamina]] reducing its power and has a more consistent moveset, but is unable to switch out with other Pokémon in order to cover its significant weaknesses. Charizard is a fast character for its weight class: its boasts a decent walking speed, one of the fastest dashing speeds, and several moves with reasonable speed and combo potential.

Charizard also benefits from an array of strong KOing options, high durability thanks to its weight, and a grab game that allows for combos, KO set-ups or KOing outright. Its up throw is particularly notable due to being the strongest in the game, although its KO power is most effective on stages with platforms and its knockback can be mitigated via [[directional influence]]. Additionally, its special moveset is more consistent than in ''Brawl'' and is useful both for punishing and defensive purposes.

However, Charizard has some exploitable weaknesses. Despite having better frame data than its fellow super heavyweights, some of Charizard's attacks are still laggy and punishable compared to the many combo-oriented characters prevalent in the [[metagame]]. Charizard also suffers from a vulnerability to combos, a common problem among heavyweights and super heavyweights; although its escape options are assorted, they can be easy to exploit.

In the early metagame, Charizard endured very poor tournament representation and results, to the point of being considered the single worst character. While Charizard has been consistently and heavily buffed via game updates, it still has an underwhelming presence in the competitive scene. Despite this, its results have gradually improved over time, with numerous professionals winning regional tournaments in late 2016 while exclusively using the character. As a result, its tier placement and overall viability are highly contested, with some professionals having a much higher opinion of Charizard, such as {{sm|ZeRo}} and {{sm|ESAM}} ranking it 35th and 41st on their respective personal tier lists.

Unlike the other playable Pokémon, who are either lightweights or middleweights, Charizard is a super [[Weight|heavyweight]]. As such, its moveset and playstyle can be compared to {{SSB4|Bowser}}'s in numerous ways, as the two heavyweight reptiles possess a number of moves with similar uses, heavily rely on throw combos, and possess near-identical projectile options. Charizard fittingly possesses impressive power and survivability, yet deviates from its weight class's archetype in a few ways. Its most atypical attributes are its grounded mobility and versatile recovery: Charizard boasts very good grounded mobility, with its [[walking]] speed being tied with {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s for the fifteenth fastest in the game, and its [[dash]]ing speed being the ninth fastest in the game, whereas its recovery covers good distance and possesses [[armor]]. Charizard's frame data is also decently fast, making it arguably the fastest of the super heavyweights and thus results in it fitting the "lightning bruiser" archetype. Despite its impressive grounded mobility, Charizard is burdened with low [[traction]], which is tied with Mewtwo's as the second lowest in the game. Lastly, Charizard is one of the only two heavyweights that has [[Jump#Multiple double jumps|multiple double jumps]], with the other being {{SSB4|King Dedede}}.

One of Charizard's strengths is its KOing ability, as it possesses numerous KOing options ([[Flare Blitz]], [[Fly]], [[Rock Smash]], its smash attacks, its sweetspotted forward tilt, its forward, up, back, and down aerials, and its post-update [[1.0.8]] up throw) that become even more lethal courtesy of the [[rage]] mechanic. As of update 1.1.5, Charizard's back aerial in particular is one of its most fearsome moves, as it deals outstanding knockback and has excellent range. Another of Charizard's strengths is its grab game. Its overall grab range makes it one of the longest non-[[tether grab]]s in the game, its up throw can potentially KO below 95%, and its down throw is a reliable combo starter. Its very fast dashing speed further complements its grab game by allowing Charizard to land dash and pivot grabs easier than other heavyweights.

Charizard's special moves are all useful for its general playstyle. [[Flamethrower]] is a short-ranged [[projectile]] that can rack up damage, intercept projectiles, interrupt approaches, and gimp recoveries. Compared to {{SSB4|Bowser}}'s [[Fire Breath]], it boasts better versatility due to having less ending lag and causing flinching more easily. [[Rock Smash]] is an essential move due to its offensive and defensive capabilities. In addition to dealing high damage and knockback, it provides Charizard with high amounts of armor, which allows it to avoid being launched or juggled by all but the fastest moves and functions as a somewhat safe landing option.

[[Flare Blitz]] and [[Fly]] are highly protective recovery options. Flare Blitz grants a great amount of horizontal distance quickly, deals respectable damage and knockback, and can be used as a punishment option due to its [[armor]]. However, it deals [[recoil damage]] and is highly punishable due to its lag, making it a situational recovery option. [[Fly]] grants a decent amount of vertical distance, and, like Flare Blitz, provides armor and deals high knockback, making it a risky move for opponents to intercept.

However, Charizard has noticeable flaws. One of which is its lack of a very useful projectile; despite Flamethrower's strengths, its sub-par range and moderately fast decay can prevent it from aiding Charizard significantly. Charizard is also easy to combo and generally hit due to its size and weight, although this factor can be overcome with the use of defensive moves such as Rock Smash, Fly, dodging, and even Flare Blitz to escape from foes. Additionally, while Charizard's frame data is better overall than other heavyweights (even {{SSB4|Bowser}}'s), it is still generally poor compared to most of the cast, although this is not necessarily a glaring problem depending on the moves used. While Charizard's [[air speed]] has been greatly improved and is no longer among the slowest in the game, it is still below average overall. Its [[out of shield]] game is considered a weakness as well; despite having some of the best out of shield options available, such as Fly and its up throw, they are hindered by Charizard's aforementioned poor traction. Finally, Flare Blitz is a highly situational move, as it damages Charizard even when used for recovery and is telegraphed highly enough so that it can be avoided and exploited by more competent players when used as an attack.

A few of Charizard's [[Character customization|custom moves]] address some of its shortcomings. Dragon Rush is arguably its best custom move, as it is a pressuring and rushdown option that has less lag, no recoil and cannot be blocked by opponents when recovering. Fly High slightly improves its vertical recovery, although it loses one of its fastest punishing moves in the process. Rising Cyclone sacrifices some recovery height for very high launching power that can KO most characters around as low as 56% while near the upper [[blast line]]. Rock Hurl, while sacrificing damage output, provides much greater range, speed, and super armor (starting on frame 1) than Rock Smash.

Overall, Charizard's strengths are on par with its weaknesses; whether one outweighs the other depends on the opponent it is facing and the player's style. It can be considered a variation of Bowser that exchanges out of shield options and raw power for speed, mobility, usable defensive tools and better recovery; additionally, while Bowser's mobility is balanced between ground and air, save for his sluggish walk speed, Charizard's mobility is surprisingly strong on the ground but below average in the air (which is ironic considering it is a Flying-type Pokémon). Charizard's playstyle requires patience, similarly to Bowser's, yet requires it to appropriately balance offensive and defensive tactics instead of being mainly defensive like Bowser. Purely offensive play exposes Charizard to harsh punishment, whereas purely defensive play fails to exploit Charizard's main advantages (namely its attack speed and mobility) over its fellow super heavyweights. Like its fellow super heavyweights, Charizard should not be afraid to exchange blows with the opponent, as a few strong hits from it can give it the advantage in many cases. [[Read]]s and [[mindgame]]s can be pivotal for Charizard's best punishment options, such as Flare Blitz and its smash attacks, although it is not as singularly dependent on them like {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} and {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}} are thanks to its other assets.

From a competitive standpoint, Charizard is ranked at the top of the bottom-tier on the current tier list, similar to previous incarnations of [[Bowser]], although Charizard's disadvantageous matchups are not as extreme. Charizard has had generally below average tournament representation to reflect its position, with a few outliers. Many players cite it as one of the more complex heavyweights to utilize. Notably, some professionals have a more favorable opinion of Charizard than the tier list would suggest, such as {{sm|ZeRo}} labeling it as a potential mid-tier character, judgment reinforced by Charizard's sparse but notable successes in regional tournaments (including numerous first place finishes), as well as the character's attributes in general. However, Charizard's representation otherwise continues to be poor (especially in national tournaments), as its potential has been largely unexploited.

Charizard has received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition from ''Brawl'' to ''SSB4''. As an individual character, Charizard was seen as nerfed during the early days of ''SSB4'', but it has since received consistent buffs that make it difficult to determine whether it was buffed or nerfed overall. However, it continues to be regarded as a mediocre to poor character, much like in ''Brawl'' as a partial character, with the loss of its teammates (especially {{SSBB|Squirtle}}) making it easier to play and manage than Pokémon Trainer but less capable of covering its weaknesses and adapting to different foes and situations.

In terms of nerfs, Charizard's heavier weight, faster falling speed and slower air speed make it more vulnerable to combos, while the removal of gliding has greatly weakened its recovery. Its new side special, Flare Blitz, is not as flexible for horizontal recovery like gliding was, and also deals damage to itself. Some of Charizard's moves deal more knockback, making it it easier for Charizard to KO but more difficult to combo opponents past medium percentages. Its grab range has also been nerfed and is slightly slower, although it is still rather wide in its range. The most notable change Charizard has underwent is that it now lacks other Pokémon as teammates that are better suited for specific matchups, making it less adaptable than Pokémon Trainer.

However, Charizard has received some notable buffs. Charizard no longer has to contend with running out of [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|stamina]] due to now being an individual character. Additionally, its already fast dash speed has become even faster, now being the ninth fastest in the game, while its walking speed has also become drastically faster, having gone from being the slowest in ''Brawl'' to being tied with {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s as the fifteenth fastest in ''SSB4''. Charizard's down throw is also better for combos at low to medium percentages, while up throw is now a reliable KOing option. Flare Blitz and Rock Smash also grant super armor, which can help Charizard start or escape from combos. Lastly, Charizard greatly benefits from the [[rage]] mechanic, which allows its wide array of KOing options to become even more potent.

*{{change|Due to the aesthetic used in ''SSB4'', Charizard is a more vibrant shade of orange and it is sleeker overall. Additionally, its proportions are more akin to its appearances in the ''Pokémon'' [[bulbapedia:Core series|core series]] as of [[bulbapedia:Generation VI|generation VI]]. This includes slightly smaller fangs, a slightly less pronounced snout, and the metacarpal joints on its wings being slightly larger. Lastly, Charizard is more expressive overall and is now ambidextrous.}}

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

*{{change|[[Dash]]'s animation has slightly changed. Charizard now flaps its wings while dashing.}}

*{{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 [[Flare Blitz]] to descend from the air and crash into ground before striking a pose.}}

*{{change|Charizard is heavier (110 → 116). This improves its endurance, but makes it more susceptible to combos.}}

*{{buff|Charizard [[Walking|walks]] faster (0.7 → 1.2), going from being tied for the slowest in ''Brawl'' to being tied for the fifteenth fastest in ''SSB4''.}}

*{{nerf|Charizard's [[air speed]] is slower (0.987 → 0.92).}}

*{{change|Charizard [[Falling speed|falls]] faster (1.35 → 1.4).}}

*{{nerf|Charizard's [[traction]] is lower (0.055 → 0.04), going from being average in ''Brawl'' to being tied for the second lowest in ''SSB4''.}}

*{{nerf|Charizard's [[jumpsquat]] is slower (frame 6 → 7).}}

*{{buff|Charizard's [[item throw]] is stronger (1.198 → 1.208).}}

*{{change|Charizard is no longer connected to Pokémon Trainer via [[Pokémon Change]] or menu input usage.}}

*{{buff|Due to being separate from Pokémon Trainer, Charizard is no longer affected by [[Pokémon Change#Stamina|stamina]]. Additionally, the removal of [[type effectiveness]] removes Charizard's [[water]] weakness and [[grass]] resistance. Although it is extremely minor, it is a buff nonetheless due to five characters having water-based attacks, most notably {{SSB4|Greninja}}, while the loss of its grass resistance is inconsequential due to {{SSB4|Mega Man}}'s [[Leaf Shield]] being the only grass-based attack in ''SSB4''.}}

*{{nerf|The removal of [[Glide|gliding]] significantly hinders Charizard's recovery.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral attack's last hit deals 1% less damage (6% → 5%).}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack transitions significantly faster and its last hit has increased knockback (40 (base)/110 (growth) → 60/130).}}

*{{nerf|Sourspotted forward tilt deals 3% less damage (10% → 7%).}}

*{{buff|Sweetspotted forward tilt has increased base knockback (35 → 40), slightly improving its KO and spacing potentials.}}

*{{buff|Forward tilt has decreased start-up lag (frame 12 → 11), a longer duration (frames 12-13 → 11-13) and one of its previous sourspots is now a sweetspot.}}

*{{nerf|Forward tilt has increased ending lag (41 frames → 43).}}

*{{nerf|Up tilt has increased ending lag (33 frames → 34) and a shorter duration (frames 9-15 → 9-13).}}

*{{change|Up tilt's animation has slightly changed. Charizard now very slightly fans out its wings while thrusting them upward.}}

*{{nerf|Down tilt deals less damage (12% (head)/8% (neck) → 10%) and has altered knockback (40 (base)/100 (growth) → 60/60) due to its sweetspot being removed, removing its KO potential. Additionally, it has increased start-up (frame 8 → 9) and ending lag (27 frames → 31).}}

*{{buff|Down tilt has received a windbox that pushes opponents inward, making it unable to whiff at point-blank range.}}

*{{change|Down tilt's animation has slightly changed. Charizard now performs a headbutt, rather than a bite.}}

*{{buff|Dash attack has decreased ending lag (44 frames → 40).}}

*{{nerf|Forward smash deals less damage (22% → 17% (clean, late body)/14% (late head)) due to its initial hitbox being removed. It also has increased ending lag (68 frames → 70).}}

*{{buff|Forward smash has altered knockback (40 (base)/98 (growth) → 60/94) and has increased horizontal range.}}

*{{nerf|Up smash has increased ending lag (48 frames → 49) and no longer has [[transcendent]] priority.}}

*{{buff|Down smash has increased knockback growth (75 → 79/85), improving its KO potential. Additionally, its angle has been altered (80° → 33°/46°), improving its edge-guarding potential.}}

*{{nerf|Down smash has increased ending lag (60 frames → 61).}}

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

*{{buff|Neutral, up and down aerials have decreased landing lag (22 frames → 20 (neutral, up), 35 frames → 33 (down)).}}

*{{nerf|Neutral aerial has increased start-up (frame 8 → 9) and ending lag (59 frames → 60), a shorter duration (frames 8-28 → 9-25) and its hitboxes' sizes have decreased (4u/4u/4u/4u → 3.5u/3u/1.5u/3.5u).}}

*{{buff|Charizard has a new forward aerial, a slash with its claws. Compared to the previous forward aerial, it deals more damage (2%-4% → 12% (early, clean arm)/13% (clean tip)) and knockback, making it significantly better at KOing. It also has less start-up (frame 9 → 8) and landing lag (32 frames → 22).}}

*{{buff|Back aerial deals more damage (9% (flame)/7% (tail)/5% (wing) → 16%/14%/11%), significantly improving its KO potential. Its sweetspot is also larger (4.5u → 5u) and its other hitboxes have been re-positioned outward, improving its range.}}

*{{nerf|Back aerial has increased ending (41 frames → 46) and landing lag (22 frames → 24). It also lost its ability to auto-cancel from a short hop.}}

*{{buff|Up aerial deals more damage (10% (clean)/7% (late) → 13%) and base knockback (20 → 30), improving its KO potential. It also now grants 4 frames of partial [[intangibility]] beginning on frame 11.}}

*{{nerf|Up aerial has increased start-up (frame 6 → 12) and ending lag (45 frames → 46). Its lingering hitbox has also been removed.}}

*{{change|Up aerial's animation has slightly changed. Charizard now performs a headbutt, rather than a bite.}}

*{{change|Down aerial has received a lingering sourspot that deals 8% and launches at 55°/[[Sakurai angle|361°]]. This slightly improves its follow-up potential while in midair and grants it edge-guarding potential, but makes it more susceptible to punishment at low percents.}}

*{{nerf|Down aerial has increased ending lag (51 frames → 52).}}

*{{change|Down aerial's animation has slightly changed. Charizard now performs a stomp with one foot, rather than a [[wikipedia:professional wrestling attacks#Double foot stomp|double foot stomp]].}}

*{{nerf|All grabs have decreased ranges.}}

*{{nerf|Dash and pivot grabs have increased start-up lag (frame 8 → 10 (dash), frame 10 → 11 (pivot)).}}

*{{buff|Charizard has a new up throw, a dive-bombing slam, similar to {{SSB4|Kirby}}'s and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s up throws. Compared to the previous up throw, it has altered knockback (70 (base)/140 (growth) → 50/220), making it significantly better at KOing.}}

*{{buff|Down throw has altered knockback (40 (base)/300 (growth) → 70/130) and decreased ending lag (80 frames → 70), improving its combo potential at low to to medium percents. Although this removes its KO potential, this is completely mitigated by up throw's improved KO potential.}}

*{{nerf|[[Flamethrower]] has increased ending lag (67 frames → 71).}}

*{{buff|Charizard has a new side special, [[Flare Blitz]]. It is a [[Flame|flaming]], corkscrewing tackle that deals respectable damage and knockback, making it a KOing option. Additionally, it propels Charizard horizontally and grants 30 frames of [[armor]], making it a recovery option.}}

*{{nerf|Flare Blitz deals [[recoil damage]] regardless of whether or not Charizard hits an opponent. It is also laggy overall, as it has 23 frames of start-up lag and 102 frames of ending lag.}}

*{{change|Due to the addition of Flare Blitz and the removal of [[Pokémon Change]], [[Rock Smash]] is now Charizard's down special, rather than its side special.}}

*{{buff|Rock Smash now grants 22 frames of [[armor]] beginning on frame 5.}}

*{{nerf|Rock Smash deals less damage (18% (headbutt)/5% (fragments) → 14%/3%) and knockback, hindering its KO potential. It also has increased ending lag (61 frames → 72).}}

*{{buff|[[Fly]]'s covers more vertical distance, improving its recovery potential. Its first and loop hits also connect together better, while its last hit has increased knockback, improving its KO potential.}}

*{{change|Charizard has a new [[Final Smash]], [[Mega Charizard X]]. Charizard undergoes {{s|bulbapedia|Mega Evolution}} to become Mega Charizard X, which enables it function similarly to {{SSB4|Yoshi}}'s [[Super Dragon]] in that it can fly freely across the screen instead of being forced into a stationary position like with [[Triple Finish]], launch fiery attacks, and gain resistance to both flinching and launching. In addition to [[bulbapedia:Fire Blast (move)|Fire Blast]], Mega Charizard X can also perform [[bulbapedia:Dragon Rush (move)|Dragon Rush]] instead of Flare Blitz, regardless of whether or not [[Character customization|custom moves]] are enabled. However, Mega Charizard X's duration is not fixed like Triple Finish's, as Mega Charizard X will end earlier if Charizard takes damage while Mega Evolved.}}

Initially considered one of the worst characters in the game and arguably the worst among the cast, Charizard has been noticeably buffed via game updates. Notably, update [[1.0.8]] drastically improved two of Charizard's most useful moves, as well as its grab game. Its neutral attack connects more reliably and its neutral aerial is much faster, so much so that it can auto-cancel from a short hop, which greatly increases its spacing potential. Its up throw now has significantly more knockback, making it the strongest up throw in the game and one of the strongest throws overall in the game. However, it is easier to mitigate with DI due to its launching trajectory. Charizard's down throw has also been re-purposed into becoming its best combo starter, as it can now lead into short, but impressively damaging combos.

In spite of Charizard's below average out of shield game, changes to shield mechanics brought about by updates [[1.1.0]] and [[1.1.1]] also help it due to its attacks' high [[hitlag]] and damage outputs. Lastly, update [[1.1.5]] increased Charizard's [[air speed]] to a more usable speed, increased the damage outputs and decreased the landing lag on its aerials (especially its forward and back aerials), and gave Flare Blitz an additional hitbox that can allow it to punish a wider variety of maneuvers.

*{{buff|Down tilt's start-up|frame 11|9 and ending lag decreased: 33 frames → 31.}}

*{{change|Forward aerial's sweetspot and sourspot hitbox positions switched.}}

*{{buff|Up throw deals 3% more damage|8%|11%.}}

*{{nerf|[[Flare Blitz]] deals 1% more [[recoil damage]]|4% (no collision)/9% (collision)|5%/10%.}}

*{{buff|Neutral attack's first hit's weight-based knockback increased and it transitions faster into its second hit.}}

*{{nerf|Neutral aerial's start-up lag increased|frame 8|9, its duration decreased: frames 8-28 → 9-25 and its hitboxes' sizes decreased: 4u/4u/4u/4u → 3.5u/3u/1.5u/3.5u.}}

*{{buff|Forward aerial's duration and hitbox size increased.}}

*{{buff|Back aerial's sweetspot hitbox size increased|4u|4.5u and its other hitboxes re-positioned outward, improving its range.}}

*{{buff|Up throw's knockback growth increased|160|220 and its angle altered: 60° → 70°, improving its KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Down throw's knockback altered|40 (base)/300 (growth)|70/130 and ending lag decreased: 80 frames → 72, improving its combo potential at low to medium percents. Although this removes its KO potential, this is completely mitigated by up throw's improved KO potential.}}

*{{buff|Sweetspotted forward tilt deals 1% more damage|10%|11%.}}

*{{buff|One of forward tilt's three sourspot hitboxes has become a sweetspot.}}

*{{buff|Down tilt received a windbox that pushes opponents inward, making it unable to whiff at point-blank range.}}

*{{buff|Back aerial's landing lag decreased|36 frames|33.}}

*{{buff|Down throw's ending lag decreased|72 frames|70.}}

*{{buff|Sinking Skull deals more damage|10% (grounded)/9% (aerial)|12%/10% and its ending lag decreased.}}

|neutraldesc=Slashes twice with its claws and then strikes with one of its wings. The last hit has high knockback, with the wing's inner portion launching opponents vertically, while its tip launches horizontally. It can be [[jab cancel]]ed, with its most notable follow-ups being [[Fly]] and a grab.

|ftiltdesc=Swings its tail forward. Its sweetspot is at the tip of Charizard's tail, which has a [[flame]] effect. Useful for spacing and can KO at 148% when sweetspotted.

|utiltname= 

|utiltdesc=Thrusts both of its wings upward. Charizard's wings are [[Intangibility|intangible]] as long as the hitbox is active. It has decent vertical knockback and KOs around 135%.

|dtiltdesc=A low-angle headbutt. Due to being a [[semi-spike]], it is suitable for edge-guarding.

|dashdesc=A side kick. It can be used to catch landing opponents.

|fsmashdesc=Rears its head back and then performs a headbutt. It is very strong, as it can KO at 91% when sweetspotted, but has high ending lag. Charizard is also [[Invincibility|invincible]] during the active frames of this attack.

|usmashdesc=Bats its wings upward. It has the lowest ending lag of all of Charizard's smash attacks, but the first hit requires the attack to be initiated with the opponent in front of Charizard to reliably connect. Despite this, it can act as a [[jab reset]] if they are not behind it. It can KO at 115%.

|dsmashdesc=Stomps the ground, causing the ground to erupt on either side of it. It is a fairly powerful [[semi-spike]], as it can KO at 132%. However, its hitboxes are mostly grounded, which can make it difficult to hit an aerial opponent. It also has high ending lag.

|nairdesc=Somersaults to strike with its tail. Like forward tilt, its sweetspot is at the tip of Charizard's tail and has a flame effect. Can auto-cancel from a short hop.

|fairdesc=Slashes with its claws. Deals good knockback, which can enable it to KO early if hits with the tip. It is also relatively quick and auto-cancels from a short hop. However, it has moderate landing lag.

|bairname= 

|bairdesc=Swings its tail backward. Like forward tilt, its sweetspot is at the tip of Charizard's tail and has a flame effect. Its sweetspot's power is on par with {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}'s sweetspotted [[Knee Smash]], which enables it to KO at 105% from center-stage. It also has relatively low landing lag for its range, making it safe on shield when spaced properly.

|uairdesc=An upward headbutt. It is very strong, as it KOs at 107% from a short hop, and also renders Charizard's head partially intangible during its active frames. However, it has minimal horizontal range.

|dairdesc=A stomp. It is a very powerful [[meteor smash]] from frames 1-3, with its lingering hitbox launching opponents either vertically or at the [[Sakurai angle]]. However, it has high landing lag.

|grabdesc=Clinches the opponent with its arms and mouth. Despite having been decreased since ''Brawl'', Charizard's grab ranges are still above average.

|fthrowdesc=Sways its head with the opponent in tow and then flings them forward. Fairly high knockback and can KO some middleweights near the edge at 147%. Can be used as a mix-up while facing the edge with its up throw, though it can potentially KO earlier than up throw if the opponent DIs away from Charizard.

|bthrowdesc=Flings the opponent backward. Has very low ending lag, meaning that at low percents, Charizard can pursue a thrown opponent with a dash immediately after, or even with a short hopped/jumping Flare Blitz in some cases. It has fairly high knockback like its forward throw, but due to it launching at the [[Sakurai angle]], it KOs later (beginning at 155%) while near the edge.

|uthrowname= 

|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}}'s and {{SSB4|Meta Knight}}'s up throws. As of update 1.0.8, its knockback has been drastically increased, 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. Although [[directional influence]] is more effective in hindering its KO potential than {{SSB4|Mewtwo}}'s up throw, which is the second strongest up throw in the game, Charizard's up throw still reliably KOs beginning at 130%. It can KO even earlier on stages with platforms, such as {{SSB4|Battlefield}}, beginning at 95%. While its knockback makes it best suited for KOing, it can also act as a set-up for Flare Blitz, which deals 30% altogether. However, this combo is very situational due to requiring the opponent to be at low percents, as well as the fact that it can be acted out of.

|dthrowdesc=Pins the opponent to the ground and then expels embers from its mouth onto them. Prior to update 1.0.8, it had high knockback and could KO beginning at 125%. As of update 1.0.8, its knockback has been altered, which is beneficial to Charizard due to it now being re-purposed into a very good combo starter at low to medium percents. Notable follow-ups include dashing up smash, a neutral aerial (which can be potentially followed up with another grab or up smash), a forward aerial (which can be performed on most characters until around 60%), and an up aerial (which can KO beginning at 80% and especially if the opponent DIs vertically).

|floorfdesc=Swings its tail backward, then headbutts forward.

|floorbdesc=Gets up and performs a semi-circular slash with its claws.

|floortdesc=Gets up and performs a slash with its claws.

|edgedesc=Performs a headbutt while climbing up.

|nsdefdesc=[[bulbapedia:Flamethrower (move)|Expels a stream of flames from its mouth]]. It gradually weakens if used, similarly to [[Fire Breath]]. Unlike Fire Breath, Flamethrower's long-ranged hitboxes will make the opponent flinch.

|nsc1desc=Expels a short-ranged stream of embers from its mouth that hit quickly. Releasing the special button results in [[bulbapedia:Fire Fang (move)|a small explosion]].

|nsc2desc=Expels fireballs that travel far and weaken slightly over time, though they deal slightly more damage. In addition to having more start-up lag, Charizard must expel three fireballs before it concludes.

|ssdefdesc=[[bulbapedia:Flare Blitz (move)|A fiery, corkscrew tackle]]. Deals 5% [[recoil damage]] both at its beginning and on contact. KOs at 110% from center-stage and grants heavy [[armor]] that can withstand a maximum of 14%, extremely unsafe on shield.

|ssc1dmg=4% (collision), 5% (explosion loop), 9% (explosion last)

|ssc1desc=A slower, short-ranged version that concludes with [[bulbapedia:Blast Burn (move)|a fiery explosion]]. Deals noticeably more damage, but more recoil damage as well, with 6% at its beginning and 10% on contact. Like the default version, it grants heavy armor that can withstand a maximum of 14%.

|ssc2dmg=1.2% (hits 1-6), 4% (hit 7), 11.2% (all hits connect)

|ssc2desc=[[bulbapedia:Dragon Rush (move)|A corkscrew tackle]] that hits multiple times, similarly to Fly. It deals less damage and knockback overall, but it does not deal recoil damage. In addition, it will not stop moving if it hits an opponent, which makes it a better recovery option. It is generally considered to be Charizard's best custom move due to its aforementioned recovery potential, its inability to be interrupted like Flare Blitz or Blast Burn, and having KO potential near the edge.

|usdefdmg=5% (hit 1), 2% (loop), 4% (last)

|usdefdesc=[[bulbapedia:Fly (move)|Flies upward]] while corkscrewing. The last hit deals powerful knockback and can KO at 115% from center-stage. Grants super armor at its beginning.

|usc1dmg=4% (hit 1), 2% (loop), 6% (last)

|usc1desc=Grants less distance, but Charizard can vacuum opponents and launch them. The last hit is also noticeably stronger and like the default version, it grants super armor at its beginning.

|usc2desc=Deals no damage, but grants more vertical distance. Like the default version, it grants super armor at its beginning.

|dsdefdmg=14% (boulder hit 1), 6% (boulder hit 2), 3% (fragments)

|dsdefdesc=Pulls out a boulder and [[bulbapedia:Rock Smash (move)|headbutts it, breaking it into pieces]]. Grants super armor on frames 5-22 before breaking the boulder. KOs at 139% from center-stage.

|dsc1dmg=10% (grounded), 12%/9% (aerial)

|dsc1desc=A headbutt. Deals less damage, but it [[Bury|buries]] grounded opponents and meteor smashes aerial opponents.

|dsc2dmg=8% (boulder hit 1), 4% (boulder hit 2), 2% (fragments)

|dsc2desc=Deals less damage overall, but the boulder fragments fly farther and it grants super armor beginning on frame 1.

|fsdmg=2% (Dragon Rush loop), 10% (Dragon Rush last), 5% (Fire Blast collision), 1% (Fire Blast loop), 5% (Fire Blast last)

|fsdesc=[[bulbapedia:Mega Evolution|Mega Evolves]] into Mega Charizard X. Mega Charizard X consistently hovers around the stage, similarly to [[Super Dragon]]. Unlike Super Dragon, Mega Charizard X has infinite super armor rather than invincibility, and dealing damage to Mega Charizard X will shorten its duration. As Mega Charizard X, it can use [[bulbapedia:Fire Blast (move)|Fire Blast]], a powerful projectile, and Dragon Rush, a powerful corkscrewing tackle. Unlike the Dragon Rush custom move, Mega Charizard X's Dragon Rush can move in any given direction.

|desc-up=Stomps once and roars to the sky while flapping its wings.

|desc-side=Faces the camera while stomping once and growling while flapping its wings once.

|desc-2=Stomps forward, then roars upward with flames coming out of its mouth and then strikes a pose.

|desc-3=Descends from the sky while using [[Flare Blitz]] to crash into the ground and then strikes a pose.

===Notable players===

*{{Sm|Tosshi|Japan}} Placed 13th at [[Single Game Championships: Umebura X Single-Chu]] and eliminated {{Sm|Ranai}} at said tournament.

===Tier placement and history===

Upon the initial release of ''SSB4'', Charizard was poorly perceived by the majority of players due to its sluggish moveset, predictable and exploitable recovery, very slow air speed and susceptibility to combos. Its negative perception led some players to view it as being heavily nerfed since ''Brawl'' even when not including {{SSBB|Squirtle}} and {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, and many considered it to be the single worst character in the game up until update 1.0.6. As a result, Charizard's representation throughout ''SSB4''{{'}}s lifespan has been notoriously poor, despite its consistent popularity within its home series.

However, Charizard began to receive consistent, substantial buffs in game updates beginning with update 1.0.8, which noticeably improved its KO power, combo ability, frame data and mobility. While some players argued that Charizard had become somewhat viable, it was still widely attested that these buffs were not sufficient enough to significantly improve its representation and results. As a result, Charizard was ranked 49th on the first tier list, placing it in the I tier and perpetuating its perception as a bottom-tier character. Even as these buffs continued through update 1.1.5, Charizard did not see the same immediate leap in competitive success as other similarly buffed bottom-tier characters, such as {{SSB4|Palutena}} and {{SSB4|Lucina}}. Charizard's tier status has therefore only slightly improved: it remains within the bottom-tier at its current ranking of 51st, which places it in the H tier, but it is now at the top of the bottom-tier rather than in the middle of it.

Despite its consistently poor perception among the competitive community, numerous professionals, including {{sm|ZeRo}} and {{sm|ESAM}}, believe Charizard to be a somewhat viable character and have labeled it as a potential low-tier to mid-tier character. In fact, its tournament presence has begun to show some improvement, with dedicated players such as {{sm|Chuck Nasty}}, {{sm|Sharpy}} and {{sm|Hitomoshi}} winning regional tournaments while exclusively using Charizard. Despite this, Charizard's representation has not improved significantly, leaving it as one of the least-used characters in competitive play. Moreover, its results in national tournaments continue to be poor; for example, while Chuck Nasty has been very successful using Charizard in regionals, he has achieved much less success in larger events such as [[EVO 2016]]. As such, there is significant debate on whether Charizard has untapped potential and is mostly held back by its limited playerbase, but its results have been too rare and sparse to improve its general perception, although some players argue that its results are at least enough to merit a ranking higher than its current bottom-tier status.

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''The iconic Fire/Flying-type Pokémon. Charizard's scorching breath can melt anything in its path. It soars through the air, seeking only worthy foes to test itself against. In Smash Bros., Charizard unleashes the destructive Flare Blitz special move— a move so strong, it even injures the user!''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''Charizard, a Fire- and Flying-type Pokémon, can burn through anything with the flames it breathes. It is constantly on the lookout for powerful opponents. And where better to find them than in this game? Its huge build and special moves mean it can inflict massive damage, and its Flare Blitz is so powerful, it even hurts Charizard itself!''

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue (09/1998)|console2=3DS|game2=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (10/2013)}}

 

:'''Charizard (Alt.)'''

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''Charizard's Flamethrower attack can be sustained by holding the button. The flames will gradually die, but a short break will recharge them. Charizard's down special Rock Smash crushes a rock and hits foes with the pieces. Charizard won't flinch while crushing, but others can break the rock...''

 

 

{{Trophy games|console1=GB|game1=Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue (09/1998)|console2=3DS|game2=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y (10/2013)}}

 

::{{flag|ntsc}} ''In this powerful Final Smash, Charizard Mega Evolves into Mega Charizard X and takes to the air. In this form, it can charge violently in any direction or shoot horizontal blasts of fire that launch foes. Mega Charizard X isn't invulnerable, though-in fact, taking damage will actually reduce the time you can stay transformed.''

 

::{{flag|pal}} ''For this powerful Final Smash, Charizard Mega Evolves into Mega Charizard X and takes to the air. In this form, it can charge violently in any direction and shoot horizontal blasts of fire that launch foes. Mega Charizard X isn't invulnerable, though - taking attacks will reduce the length of time it stays transformed.''

 

CharizardTrophy3DS.png|Classic (3DS)

*'''[[Fire-Type Frenzy]]''': Charizard must defeat {{SSB4|Greninja}}, {{SSB4|Lucario}}, and {{SSB4|Pikachu}} all appearing after another.

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

*'''[[The Falchion{{'}}s Seal]]''': As {{SSB4|Robin}}, the player must defeat a giant Charizard using his [[Final Smash]], [[Pair Up]]. Defeating it in any other way causes it to respawn.

*'''[[Poisonous Planet]]''': {{SSB4|Olimar}} and {{SSB4|Samus}} must defeat two giant Charizard in a [[Stamina Mode|Stamina Battle]] before their own health is depleted due to being [[flower]]ed.

*'''[[Pokémon Multi Battle!]]''': Charizard and Pikachu must defeat a team of Lucario and Greninja, then a team of Pikachu and Charizard each appearing after one opponent is defeated.

*'''[[Robots vs. Dragons]]''': {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|R.O.B.}} must defeat a team of a giant Charizard, a giant {{SSB4|Yoshi}} and [[Ridley]] in a stamina battle.

<youtube>xEJBPMcbRkk</youtube>

|colspan=8|[[Image:Charizard Palette (SSB4).png|link=Palette swap (SSB4)#Charizard]]

NintendoDirect-Pokemon.png|Charizard and {{SSB4|Pikachu}} atop a cliff, overlooking various Pokémon during Charizard's trailer.

SSB4WiiU-Charizard4.jpg|[[Sidestep]]ping {{SSB4|Little Mac}}'s [[Jolt Haymaker]].

SSB4WiiU-Charizard5.jpg|Being hit by {{SSB4|Greninja}}'s [[Water Shuriken]].

SSB4WiiU-Charizard7.jpg|Charizard and {{SSB4|Lucario}} [[sleep]]ing due to [[Bellossom]]'s [[bulbapedia:Sweet Scent (move)|Sweet Scent]].

SSB4 Flare Blitz.gif|Using Flare Blitz on Diddy Kong and {{SSB4|Wii Fit Trainer}} and suffering from its recoil.

*Unlike in ''Brawl'', Charizard draws inspiration from {{s|bulbapedia|Ash's Charizard}}, {{s|bulbapedia|Red's Charizard}} and {{s|bulbapedia|Alain's Charizard}}:

**The animations of its neutral attack's first two hits are similar to Red's when repeatedly using {{iw|bulbapedia|Slash|move}} against [[Mewtwo]].

**The animations of its neutral and forward aerials are identical to Ash's and Alain's when they use {{iw|bulbapedia|Dragon Tail|move}} and {{iw|bulbapedia|Dragon Claw|move}}, respectively.

**The animation of its up throw is similar to Ash's and Red's when they use {{s|bulbapedia|Seismic Toss}}.

**It can use {{iw|bulbapedia|Fire Blast|move}} and {{iw|bulbapedia|Blast Burn|move}} like Red's and Alain's, respectively.

***However, it can only use Fire Blast while Mega Evolved.

**It can Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X like Red's and Alain's.

**It is voiced by Shin'ichirō Miki, who voiced both Ash's and Red's.

*Charizard knows eight official Pokémon {{s|bulbapedia|move}}s in ''SSB4'', all of which it can learn legally in the ''Pokémon'' {{s|bulbapedia|core series}}. In addition to {{iw|bulbapedia|Flamethrower|move}}, {{iw|bulbapedia|Flare Blitz|move}}, {{iw|bulbapedia|Fly|move}} and {{iw|bulbapedia|Rock Smash|move}}, it can also use {{iw|bulbapedia|Fire Fang|move}} and Blast Burn as custom moves, Fire Blast as part of its [[Final Smash]] and {{iw|bulbapedia|Dragon Rush|move}} as both a custom move and as part of its Final Smash.

**As {{SSBB|Squirtle}} did not return from ''Brawl'', Charizard is now the only Pokémon in ''SSB4'' to know at least one HM move, due to it knowing Fly.

*Charizard is the only Pokémon without a chargeable special move and the only one that lacks an aerial attack that hits more than once.

*Charizard is the only character to have one of its special move inputs changed between games outside of ''[[Super Smash Bros.|SSB]]''.

 

[[Category:Charizard (SSB4)]]