Cloud (SSB4): Difference between revisions

{{Infobox Character

|name = Cloud

|game = SSB4

|ssbgame1 = Ultimate

|availability = [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|Downloadable]]

|tier = S

}}

'''Cloud''' ({{ja|クラウド|Kuraudo}}, ''Cloud'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]''. He was officially announced during the November 12th, 2015 [[Nintendo Direct]], and released as the fifth [[Downloadable content (SSB4)|downloadable character]] on December 15th, 2015. He is one of six third-party characters in the game, alongside [[Capcom]]'s {{SSB4|Mega Man}} and {{SSB4|Ryu}}, [[Sega]]'s {{SSB4|Sonic}} and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, and [[Bandai Namco]]'s {{SSB4|Pac-Man}}.

Despite his strengths, Cloud has his fair share of flaws. Cloud's primary flaw is his poor [[recovery]]. Despite his aerial maneuverability and an effective [[wall jump]], [[Climhazzard]] gains very little height and no horizontal distance; its inability to [[sweetspot]] [[edge]]s for most of its duration also leaves him vulnerable to [[gimp]]ing. His KO ability is weaker if Limit Break is not fully charged, as many of his strongest attacks are risky to use due to their punishability if missed. Furthermore, his attacks require precise spacing to be safely and effectively landed, especially off-stage. Cloud also has difficulty approaching from the ground, due to his unsafe ground attacks, and [[Blade Beam]], his only projectile, is slow and punishable when not under the effects of Limit; additionally, his grab is one of the shortest of the cast, and his throws generally have low damage output and very little combo potential. Finally, Cloud's height, average [[weight]] and [[falling speed]] make him very susceptible to combos.

However, Cloud has some severe flaws. The most prominent one is his poor recovery. Despite his aerial mobility and jump height is arguably better than most sword-wielding characters, his diagonal speed remains slow when compared to them, making him prone to [[edgeguarding]] and [[gimping]], and making it mandatory to stay a safe distance within reaching the edge. Climhazzard is also a terrible recovery move for many reasons: it grants below-average vertical distance, little horizontal momentum, its ascending hit is completely incapable of edge sweetspotting, and its descending hit cannot edge sweetspot until it covers some prior distance. Additionally, if for any reason Cloud gets hit at the apex of Climhazzard, he is not able to tech a single-hit move regardless of how far or near he is to a wall, although he can still tech if he gets hit by a command grab or a multiple hit move. These factors make Cloud's recovery somewhat comparable to that of Little Mac, {{SSB4|Ganondorf}} and {{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}, in the sense that it is one of the riskiest and most ineffective without use of his [[wall jump]] or Limit Break Climhazzard (which loses the active hitbox near the end of his ascent, making it less safe than the regular Climhazzard in some situations). Cloud can stall his descent with Blade Beam and Cross Slash, although they only do so after one use. Additionally, the former's slower start-up and ending lag can make its use problematic against opponents already close to the edge or in prime position to reflect it, while the latter slows down his air speed significantly. The last problem about his recovery is that if he gets grabbed near the edge without his double jump and gets air released, he will not be able to return to the stage unless he properly times a Blade Beam to stall towards the edge, uses aerials or air dodges to reset his momentum, or possesses a Limit Break.

Despite his huge range, projectile and combo options granting him a strong neutral game, Cloud has a below average approach at best. His approach options are linear, with dash attack being easily punishable, neutral aerial having a hitbox that starts from behind, up aerial being very predictable and being surprisingly punishable on shield if not spaced well, and having other attacks that either lack the frame data or the utility to be used as reliable options for approaching such as his poor grab game. Cloud also has no reliable means of escaping pressure. His neutral attack and down tilt are his fastest ground options, while Climhazzard can work as an out of shield option. However, they are noticeably unsafe on shield, while none of his fast aerial attacks start from the front or below him. Down aerial's late hitbox can be used to escape juggling directly from below him, but its otherwise narrow hitbox allows opponents to hit Cloud laterally. Thus, Cloud is fairly easy to combo, and is just as easily forced on the defensive if his attacks are improperly spaced. While Cloud also possesses an abundance of strong finishers, his KOing ability is somewhat inconsistent. None of his strongest finishers are easy to land in the [[neutral game]] and they can be easily punished if avoided or shielded, his weaker moves such as his forward tilt and back aerial require good positioning to KO reliably, and he lacks reliable set-ups into his strongest or best finishers.

==Update history==

'''{{GameIcon|ssb4}} [[1.1.5]]'''

|utiltdmg=8%

|utiltdesc=An overhead arcing slash. Its hitbox starts behind Cloud with a larger front hitbox, although it does not extend beside Cloud and makes it unable to hit smaller characters beside him. It is fast and has a fairly large hitbox, although its knockback is lacking. It can reliably start combos, chaining into itself at 0% and into aerials at low percentages.

|dtiltdmg=6% (knee), 7% (leg)

|dashdmg=11% (clean), 8% (late)

|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|3}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|2}} (hit 2 center), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|3}} (hit 2 hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|4}} (hit 2 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (hit 3 tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (hit 3 non-tip)

|fsmashdesc=Performs three extremely fast slashes in front of himself. The first two hits combo into the third, which has higher range and immense knockback for the move's start-up (19 frames). It is Cloud's strongest non-Limit Break move, KOing middleweights around 100% at center-stage, but it has high ending lag and deals below average [[shieldstun]]. Additionally, each hit is only active for one frame, which means it can be dodged entirely with a well-timed [[roll]] or [[sidestep]]. It resembles the depiction of Cross Slash in the ''Kingdom Hearts'' series, and may also be a reference to the effects of the Double Cut Materia in ''Final Fantasy VII''.

|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|13}} (early/tip), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (mid/hilt), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|8}} (late)

|usmashdesc=Swings the Buster Sword upward in a wide arc. Has some startup (15 frames) and moderate ending lag, and its KO power is only average compared to most other up smashes, but it has long range in front of, above, and slightly behind Cloud. KOs middleweights around 125%.

|dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|4}} (hit 1), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSB4|12}} (hit 2)

|dsmashdesc=Kneels and thrusts the Buster Sword's hilt forward, then performs a reverse gripped thrust behind himself. The first hit launches opponents into the second, though it is possible to [[tech]] after the first hit, causing the second to miss. The first hit can [[stage spike]] with ease due to its angle, while the second hit is a semi-spike, making it useful for launching opponents with weak horizontal recoveries off-stage. It hits on frame 8, making it Cloud's fastest smash attack. KOs middleweights around 140%.

|nairdmg=8%

|nairdesc=A circular slash around himself. It is long-ranged, very fast, [[autocancel]]s from a short hop, making it a solid all-purpose move that is difficult to punish. Unusually, the move has a [[frame speed multiplier]] of 0.75×, making it faster to execute in-game.

|fairdmg=14% (clean sweetspot), 13% (clean sourspot), 11% (late)

|fairdesc=Briefly pauses and then performs a downward slash. It is his slowest aerial to start, hitting on frame 18, but a sweetspot on the middle of the blade as it comes down powerfully [[meteor smash]]es aerial opponents. Grounded opponents are sent at a more vertical angle by the sweetspot. If contact is made once the blade stops, it deals weaker knockback. Its ending lag is moderate, though its landing lag is low for its range and power, and it autocancels from a full jump. It can be [[frame cancelling|frame canceled]] if hit with the sweetspot, allowing for more follow-ups. It closely resembles Braver, Cloud's initial Limit Break and Cloud’s attack animation when using the Deathblow Materia in ''Final Fantasy VII''.

|bairdmg=13%

|bairdesc=Turns around to perform an outward slash. Has very long range and good knockback, KOing middleweights at around 115% near the edge. This makes it an effective spacing and KO option. It also has low landing lag (14 frames), autocancels from a short hop, and can be used to perform a [[wall of pain]] at low percentages. It has limited vertical range, however, and its hitbox is only active for three frames. It resembles the sword strike he does during his Meteorain Limit Break.

|uairdmg=12% (clean), 8.5% (late)

|uairdesc=Thrusts the sharp edge of the Buster Sword's blade upward while holding it parallel to the ground. Has [[sex kick]] properties. The initial hitbox is notoriously large and the move lasts a deceptively long time, allowing it to cover air dodges easily. While the range shortens somewhat after the initial strike, it is still long enough to allow Cloud to [[shark]] through platforms, contest with almost any down aerial in the game, and easily combo and [[juggle]] enemies. The move hits quickly, has low landing lag, and autocancels in a short hop. It also has decent power behind it, KOing grounded middleweights at around 160%. Interestingly, it shifts most of Cloud's hurtbox significantly forwards on the Z-axis, allowing him to avoid certain moves. It is commonly considered one of the best moves in the game.

|dairdmg=13% (clean aerial sourspot, grounded opponent), 15% (aerial sweetspot), 8% (late)

|dairdesc=A downward thrust. Striking directly beneath Cloud with the first few frames meteor smashes aerial opponents, while the lingering hitbox hits opponents upwards and away, allowing the move to easily start combos or set up powerful KO moves at medium percentages. The move is often difficult to punish due to its high range, especially when autocanceled. KOs grounded middleweights around 135% when hit clean.

|grabdesc=Reaches out with his left hand. Has the third-lowest range out of all standing grabs, though his [[pivot grab]] has increased range.

|pummeldmg=3%

|pummeldesc=A knee strike. Moderately slow, but one of the most damaging pummels in the game.

|fthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|fthrowdesc=A modified [[wikipedia:dropkick#Dropsault|dropsault]]. It has low knockback, usually used for positioning or throwing opponents off-stage. It resembles Somersault, a Limit Break used by [http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/Tifa_Lockhart Tifa Lockhart], one of Cloud's party members in ''Final Fantasy VII''.

|bthrowdmg=3% (hit 1), 3% (throw)

|bthrowdesc=A spinning back kick. At lower percentages, it is capable of tech-chasing with Blade Beam or his dash attack against middleweights and heavyweights.

|uthrowdmg=2% (hit 1), 2.5% (hit 2), 4% (throw)

|uthrowdesc=A {{s|wikipedia|540 kick}}. However, it is unable to KO at reasonable percentages, and should the opponent be in the middle of the stage and be at such percentages (around 215% for middleweights), up throw will be more effective at KOing. It vaguely resembles Tifa's Waterkick Limit Break, albeit kicking vertically instead of horizontally.

|dthrowdmg=7%

|dthrowdesc=A one-handed body slam. It launches opponents behind him with low base knockback; it is Cloud's only combo throw, though it is a lackluster one. It also KOs earlier than any of his other throws, especially near the edge, though still not until extremely high percentages. It resembles Tifa's Meteor Strike Limit Break, albeit performed while grounded instead of in the air.

|floorfdmg=7%

|floorfdesc=Swings the Buster Sword around himself before getting up.

|floorbdmg=7%

|floorbdesc=Swings the Buster Sword around himself before getting up.

|floortdmg=5%

|floortdesc=Swings the Buster Sword around himself before getting up.

|edgedmg=8%

|edgedesc=Performs an inward slash while climbing up.

|nsdesc=Swings the Buster Sword upward and in front of himself in order to launch a green, crescent-shaped energy beam as a [[projectile]]. It comes out and moves rather slowly, but travels a long distance and has a large hitbox. It is stronger if used on the ground and hit early. The aerial version is slower and deals less damage, but gives Cloud a slight lift. Like most projectiles, it disappears on contact with an object or enemy. The Limit Break variant possesses [[transcendent priority]], moves much faster across the ground and hits multiple times, with its last hit having great KO potential. It is still weaker and slower when performed in midair, however.

|ssname=Cross Slash

|usname=Climhazzard

|usdmg=3% (hit 1), 4% (hits 2-3), 3% (hit 4), 6% (Limit Break hit 1), 7% (Limit Break hit 2)

|dsc2desc=

|fsname=Omnislash

|fsdesc=Rushes forward at high speed and attacks, unleashing a series of slashes that concludes with a powerful, descending slash that triggers an explosion. At the beginning of the move, with a text box appearing above him that displays "Omnislash" as he proceeds to flings any opponents he runs into to the top of the screen. After the series of slashes, Cloud charges up a final slash, in which he descends and slashes the opponent downward to the stage and results in a huge explosion that launches the opponent. One of the most powerful [[Final Smash]]es in the game when successful, as it can KO as low as 22%. Unlike Marth and Lucina's Critical Hit, Cloud will dash off the edges of platforms if Omnislash is initiated next to one, and he cannot cancel the move.

}}

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

<!--This character has a fifteen player limit for this section. Before adding and/or removing a player, read these guidelines: https://www.ssbwiki.com/SmashWiki:Notability#%22Most_historically_significant_players%22_guidelines -->

*{{Sm|Blacktwins|Canada}} - Co-mained Cloud alongside {{SSB4|Mario}} and is considered the best Cloud player in Canada. Placed 7th at {{Trn|Get On My Level 2017}}, 9th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 3}}, 13th at {{Trn|Shine 2018}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|DreamHack Montreal 2017}} and {{Trn|The Big House 8}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Mew2King}}, {{Sm|Darkshad}}, and {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}}. Ranked 10th on the [[Canada Smash Ranking]].

*{{Sm|Mangalitza♀|Japan}} - Placed 1st at {{Trn|Sumabato 21}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Sumabato 23}} and {{Trn|Sumabato 27}}, 13th at {{Trn|Sumabato Tokaigi Qualifier}}, and 17th at {{Trn|Sumabato 28}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Choco}}, and {{Sm|T}}. Ranked 52nd on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Mao|Japan}} - Placed 5th at {{Trn|Sumabato 21}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Umebura 27}} and {{Trn|Sumabato Smash 4 Final}}, 13th at {{Trn|Umebura Tokaigi Qualifier 1}}, and 17th at {{Trn|EVO Japan 2018}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Abadango}}, {{Sm|Nietono}}, and {{Sm|Raito}}. Ranked 38th on the [[JAPAN Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|MattyG|USA}} - The best Cloud player in New England. Placed 7th at both {{Trn|Too Hot to Handle}} and {{Trn|Super FamiCon 2017}}, 13th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2017}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|Shine 2017}} and {{Trn|The Big House 7}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Kameme}}, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Light|p=Connecticut}}. Ranked 5th on the [[New England Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Purple~H|Germany}} - The best Cloud player in Europe. Placed 5th at {{Trn|SALT}}, {{Trn|Syndicate 2017}}, and {{Trn|PPT Berlin}}, 7th at {{Trn|Syndicate 2016}}, and 9th at {{Trn|Albion 2}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|S1}} and {{Sm|quiK}}. Ranked 7th on the [[European Smash 4 Power Rankings]].

*{{Sm|Ralphie|USA}} - Placed 1st at {{Trn|Xanadu - End of an Era}}, 9th at both {{Trn|Collision XV}} and {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}}, and 17th at both {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}} and {{Trn|Smash Sounds}} with wins over players such as {{Sm|Ally}}, {{Sm|Mr. E}}, and {{Sm|Sinji}}. Ranked 7th on the [[New York City Power Rankings]].

Since his release, players saw Cloud as a high-tier character, thanks to his incredible combination of range, mobility, power, and Limit Break mechanic; the latter in particular was highly valued for its ability to not only grant his special moves KO potential disproportionate for and beyond his weight class, but also make them fast and safe, especially Cross Slash. This positive outlook on Cloud was even more apparent in doubles play, where he can greatly benefit from having a teammate to alleviate his weak recovery and helping to land his Limit Break specials as the finisher to team combos, while Cloud himself can provide stage control and wall out his opponents for his teammate. Following his release, he started seeing strong results thanks to professionals such as {{Sm|komorikiri}}, {{Sm|Mew2King}} and {{Sm|Tweek}}, which led him to be ranked 12th on the first ''4BR'' [[tier list]], placing him at the middle of the B tier, confirming his high-tier status.

With the release of {{SSB4|Corrin}} and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}, the subsequent nerfs to them and other top-tier characters, and various advancements to his metagame, Cloud became a very popular character in tournaments. His own nerfs did not seriously hinder him, and he remained a fundamentally strong character choice for both newer and professional players, the latter of which saw {{Sm|MkLeo}} formally picking him up. This was apparent with him appearing more frequently in the top placings of tournaments in comparison to some top-tier characters like {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}, and consistently winning almost every major doubles event at tournaments. As a result of this spike in popularity and success, Cloud was ranked 2nd on the second tier list, placing him in the S tier; his tier rise was tied with {{SSB4|Palutena}}'s for the fifth highest between the first and second tier lists.

=====Banned in Doubles=====

*{{flag|Canada}} {{Trn|Get On My Level 2018}} (double Cloud only)

*{{flag|USA}} {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}}

*{{flag|USA}} {{Trn|Shine 2018}}

*{{flag|USA}} {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2018}}

==[[List of Super Smash Bros. 4 character trailers#Cloud|Reveal trailer]]==

==[[Trophies]]==

==[[Alternate costume (SSB4)#Cloud|Alternate costumes]]==

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

|-

==Gallery==

<gallery>

SSB4 CloudSplashArt.png|Cloud's splash art.

Cloud amiibo.png|Cloud's [[amiibo]].

Cloud amiibo AC.png|Cloud's alternate [[amiibo]] based on his ''Advent Children'' costume.

Cloud2.jpg|Cloud jumping alongside {{SSB4|Mario}}'s [[Fireball]] and {{SSB4|Samus}}' neutral aerial.

Cloud3.jpg|Using [[Blade Beam]] on {{SSB4|Charizard}}.

Cloud9.jpg|The last hit of Cloud's neutral attack.

Cloud10.jpg|Cloud on [[Gaur Plain]].

Cloud_Screen-4.jpg|Using [[Limit Charge]].

Cloud_Screen-5.jpg|Two Clouds, with one using Cross Slash and the other using the Limit Break-boosted Cross Slash.

**His idle stance is identical to his battle stance in later appearances such as the ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'' series, leading with his left leg instead of his right as he does in his original appearance in ''Final Fantasy VII''.

**The greenish coloration of the Buster Sword's trail is a reference to [http://finalfantasy.fandom.com/wiki/Mako Mako], a liquid that is used as the primary energy source within ''Final Fantasy VII''. It also possesses the ability to grant superhuman abilities to humans via genetic experimentation, especially when used in conjunction with Jenova cells, a process which granted Cloud his superhuman abilities.

**His on-screen appearance, which has him landing and then catching the Buster Sword, is a reference to the end of his battle against Sephiroth in ''Advent Children'', where the separated blades of the Fusion Swords strike around him and he catches the "core" blade as it falls.

**Cloud glides forwards when he [[dash]]es. This is a reference to the dashing mechanic in the ''Dissidia Final Fantasy'' games, where all characters dash in a manner akin to flying, which can also be performed in midair.

*Cloud and {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} are the only characters with alternate costumes that sport a change of weapon. In Cloud's case, his ''Advent Children'' costume sees him wield the Fusion Swords from that movie instead of the Buster Sword, though they cannot be separated into their individual components.

*Cloud is the second DLC character from a newly added [[universe]], succeeding Ryu and preceding Bayonetta.

*Cloud has an alternate [[KO|blast KO]] line in which he mutters ({{ja|ミスった|Misutta}}, "Missed it"), making him one of the few characters who says anything during a KO, and the only character to have a Japanese KO line in non-Japanese versions of the game.

*Cloud and {{SSB4|Little Mac}} are the only characters who have special moves that affect the in-game camera, with both [[Straight Lunge#KO Uppercut|KO Uppercut]] and all but [[Blade Beam|one]] of Cloud's [[Limit Charge|Limit Break]] moves zooming in and slowing down time upon hitting their targets. Notably, both characters' attacks involve dealing and receiving damage before they can be used. In ''Ultimate'', this feature would be given to multiple other fighters in the [[Special Zoom]].

{{Final Fantasy universe}}

[[Category:Cloud (SSB4)| ]]

[[Category:Downloadable content]]

[[Category:Trophies (SSB4-3DS)]]