Ganondorf (SSB4)/Down smash

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Overview

Ganondorf performs a slow roundhouse kick, hitting to the front of him before hitting the back. While it is Ganondorf's fastest smash attack in terms of startup lag, it is also the the weakest, although it is still one of the most powerful smash attacks in the game, KOing as early as 115%. The first hit links into the second hit, although it is possible for opponents to escape due to hitbox placement. The move can be used to punish rolls or even stage spike if positioned properly.

Olimar is particularly vulnerable to this move. If he fails to tech out of Ganondorf's Flame Choke, Ganondorf can use this move on him, which can lead to a certain KO in some cases. Unusually, Olimar is the only character that can be followed up with Ganondorf's down smash after Flame Choke.

Update History

This move was massively buffed throughout the course of Smash 4's updates. In update 1.1.0, it became much easier to link, making it much safer and more effective to use. Its KOing and spacing abilities were also slightly improved.
1.1.0

Down smash knockback growth increased: 75 → 94
Down smash's second hit's hitbox size increased: 5.5u → 6.5u.

1.1.3

Down smash's second kick now sends shielding opponents at a different angle, now pushing opponents away rather than towards him.
Down smash now flips opponents.

Hitboxes

Effect	Damage	Angle	Base knockback	Knockback scaling
Normal	6%% (first hit), 15%/13% (second hit)	160°/140°/154°/50° (first hit), 130° (second hit)	70/80/108/80 (first hit), 60 (second hit)	100 (first hit), 94 (second hit)