Pichu (SSBU): Difference between revisions
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | ||
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'''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed alongside {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} and the rest of the returning roster on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018. While Pichu remains a close [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, it is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Pichu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #19]]. | '''Pichu''' ({{ja|ピチュー|Pichū}}, ''Pichu'') is a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. It was confirmed alongside {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} and the rest of the returning roster on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018. While Pichu remains a close [[clone]] of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, it is not classified as an Echo Fighter. As such, Pichu is classified as [[Fighter number|Fighter #19]]. | ||
{{s|wikipedia|Satomi Kōrogi}}, Pichu's voice actress from the ''Pokémon'' anime and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', reprises her role with new voice | {{s|wikipedia|Satomi Kōrogi}}, Pichu's voice actress from the ''Pokémon'' anime and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', reprises her role with new voice clips. In addition, the 'spiky-eared' variant of Pichu (who appears as a playable character in ''Ultimate'' via Pichu's [[Alternate costume (SSBU)#Pichu|alternate costumes]]) is also voiced by Kōrogi rather than {{s|wikipedia|Shoko Nakagawa}}, who originally voiced the aforementioned 'spiky-eared' variant in the ''Pokémon'' anime's twelfth movie, ''[[bulbapedia:M12|Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of Life]]''. | ||
Pichu is ranked 53rd out of 82 on the current | Pichu is ranked 53rd out of 82 on the current tier list, placing it in the C+ tier. This is a significant improvement over its low tier placement in ''Melee'', where it was ranked 22nd out of 26. Pichu boasts good combo ability and great KO power, with its fast [[falling speed]] aiding in its combo potential. It is also very hard to hit due to its small hurtbox and good mobility. | ||
However, Pichu is hindered by critical flaws. Its biggest flaw is being the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game. This | However, Pichu is hindered by critical flaws. Its biggest flaw is being the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game. This combined with it taking [[recoil]] damage when using [[electric]] moves makes Pichu a "glass cannon" and can be KO'd earlier than any other character. Its fast falling speed makes it more susceptible to combos despite being so light. | ||
Pichu's representation in tournaments has changed throughout ''Ultimate''{{'}}s metagame. At launch, Pichu was often | Pichu's representation in tournaments has changed throughout ''Ultimate''{{'}}s metagame. At launch, Pichu was often seen as a contender of the best character in the game thanks to the drastic buffs it received, such as greatly reduced recoil damage and a fast [[forward tilt]] that can KO opponents around 100%, which led to a large playerbase spearheaded by {{Sm|VoiD}} and {{Sm|Nietono}}. However, [[List of updates (SSBU)#3.1.0|update 3.1.0]] gave Pichu major nerfs, making it more of a high-risk, high-reward character and leading many to deem it inferior to Pikachu. Despite this, Pichu continues to see moderate success from dedicated mains, most notably {{Sm|NaetorU}}. | ||
==How to unlock== | ==How to unlock== | ||
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | ||
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Pichu is a character of extremes. As a clone of Pikachu, | Pichu is a character of extremes. As a clone of Pikachu, many of its attributes are similar, such as its even smaller size and quick mobility, though with a few noticeable differences. Pichu is the [[weight|lightest]] character in the game, has fast [[walk]]ing and above average [[dash]]ing speeds with average [[traction]], above average [[jump]]ing force, average [[air speed]] but being tied for the ninth highest [[air acceleration]], and fast [[falling speed]] while being tied for the fifth highest [[gravity]]. However, it has the lowest [[fast fall]] multiplier in the game, causing its fast-falling speed to be average. Overall, these attributes give Pichu a slightly slower grounded approach than Pikachu, make its aerials not [[autocancel]] as easily and makes it more vulnerable to combos, but also gives it a much faster ground-to-air and air-to-ground approach, making its mobility as reliable as Pikachu's own. | ||
The primary difference between Pichu and Pikachu is the former's [[recoil damage]] on its [[electric]]ity-based attacks. All of Pichu's attacks with an electric effect ([[forward tilt]], [[forward smash|forward]] and [[down smash]] | The primary difference between Pichu and Pikachu is the former's [[recoil damage]] on its [[electric]]ity-based attacks. All of Pichu's attacks with an electric effect ([[forward tilt]], [[forward smash|forward]] and [[down smash]] attacks, [[forward aerial|forward]], [[back aerial|back]] and [[down aerial]]s, [[forward throw]], and all special moves except {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} if the lightning bolt doesn't strike Pichu) deal recoil damage to itself, which makes it less feasible for Pichu to overuse these attacks. To compensate for this, many of Pichu's electric attacks have either increased damage, knockback (in some cases both), or versatility. This makes it less feasible for Pichu to overuse these attacks in situations that would require their use for best results, as it could put it in a spot where the opponent may even KO Pichu with a strong enough move. Conversely, it increases the reward Pichu would receive if it can land said moves, and due to these moves increasing Pichu's percentage, this means Pichu can make effective use of [[rage]] to KO an opponent with more ease, provided it can survive long enough. | ||
Much like Pikachu, all | Much like Pikachu, all of Pichu's moveset aspects are solid overall, possessing very fast frame data overall and great utility throughout its moveset. An example of this is its incredibly capable aerial game. [[Neutral aerial]] is Pichu's fastest [[out of shield]] option, on top of not having much ending or landing lag, making it a viable edgeguarding option. Forward aerial deals the highest damage of Pichu's aerials and has very strong combo potential, while only having decent recoil damage. Up aerial, while being Pichu's least damaging aerial, also retains very strong vertical combo capabilities. Down aerial is Pichu's main move to [[meteor smash]], and the late hit also lasts for a long while, making it another great edgeguarding tool, while also having only decent recoil damage. Finally, back aerial deals less damage than forward aerial, but is also Pichu's strongest aerial, a very good edgeguarding tool, only has decent recoil damage like its forward and down aerials, and plays a major component on Pichu's looping combos; by repeatedly performing a full jump while using a back aerial and comboing into a tilt attack (most notably up tilt) to repeat the process, Pichu can [[zero-to-death combo]] the opponent, though the timing for each move is very strict. | ||
Pichu's | Pichu's main (but not sole) ways to set up the opponent into its strong aerial game consist of its [[up tilt|up]] and [[down tilt]]s, and [[up throw|up]] and [[down throw]]s: both tilts are excellent combo starters, with down tilt even comboing into aerials at very high percentages, while up and down throw allow Pichu to pummel the opponent for more damage due to them being followed up from a grab; up throw is also infamous for comboing into Thunder for a reliable KO set-up. This gives Pichu a strong combo game, with many ways to start, extend or end combos much like Pikachu, though due to its moves' nature, Pichu's combo game is usually shorter-lived in exchange for raw damage. | ||
Aside from its up and down tilts, in regards to its grounded game, it also has some interesting and useful options: | Aside from its up and down tilts, in regards to its grounded game, it also has some interesting and useful options: forward tilt trips opponents at low percentages, can 2-frame, and has above average power at high percentages, making it a very useful set-up tool. Forward smash has the highest power of its standard moveset, lasts for a long while and, due to its multi-hit nature, can KO at an even lower percentage. [[Up smash]] is a decent anti-air that leaves Pichu's ears [[intangible]], though it lacks in power. On the other hand, Pichu's [[neutral attack]] is mainly used for locking opponents due to its very weak knockback, and [[dash attack]]'s is mostly used as a fast punish option and its low power can actually allow it to combo, though it can be risky. Its grab game is also decent - while its grabs are short-ranged, they are very fast and have the lowest ending lag in the game. As mentioned above, up and down throws have useful combo potential, with down throw usually reserved for horizontal combos, whereas up throw leads into vertical combos and can lead into Thunder as a KO set-up. Meanwhile, forward throw is Pichu's strongest throw, barely KOing at realistic percentages near the edge, which makes it a passable kill throw. | ||
Pichu's | Pichu's special moveset is also varied and versatile. [[Thunder Jolt]] is a useful projectile that can reliably pressure an opponent's shield, on top of dealing low knockback and high damage (especially if started in the air). Its low ending lag also allows it to set-up into Pichu's moves if it lands during its last frames of activity. Thunder is Pichu's other projectile, though the lightning bolt itself doesn't deal much damage. As such, its primary purpose is to use the cloud's meteor smash properties to combo opponents into the shockwave part of the move when the bolt strikes Pichu - this deals the most damage to Pichu out of all its moves if this happens, so it should be used sparingly. [[Skull Bash]] and [[Agility]] serve as Pichu's recovery moves, and give it an amazing, long-distanced and unpredictable recovery - of the two, Agility deals high recoil damage if both dashes are used, but nevertheless travels an incredibly long distance and is very unpredictable due to each dash being able to be inputted in multiple directions, potentially making Pichu very hard to properly edgeguard or 2-frame. Skull Bash, on the other hand, is mostly used to extend Pichu's recovery, but it also ties in as part of Pichu's "glass cannon" playstyle as it can be charged; unlike Pikachu's own version, Pichu's fully charged Skull Bash deals immense knockback when fully charged, this being Pichu's strongest option out of a shield break. | ||
Thanks to Pichu's attributes, one of its key strengths is its playstyle | Thanks to Pichu's attributes, one of its key strengths is its playstyle versatility - depending on the situation, it can make use of its moveset to adapt and play accordingly. Pichu's great mobility, compact size and useful projectile give it an impressive neutral game and make it slippery, allowing it to play defensively, by virtue of using a bait-and-punish oriented playstyle that allows it to avoid the opponent's attacks and gradually poke at them or outright break through their offense. However, if the situation arises, Pichu can nevertheless play very aggressively, as it also has one of the best advantage states in the game by virtue of its raw damage, excellent frame data and impressive combo ability, allowing it to pressure the opponent into commiting and retaliating accordingly, and almost all of its aerials have some sort of edgeguarding potential, which can quickly lead into a lost stock. | ||
In spite of these strengths, Pichu still has a myriad of critical flaws, some of which are shared with Pikachu, but much more pronounced; the most notable of these is its immense frailty. While its offstage survivability is incredible thanks to its recovery's long distance and unpredictability, it has an awful survivability overall due to its ludicrously low weight, resulting in it being very easily KO'd off of a stray hit as long as the move is decently strong, and the existence of rage further pronounces this issue. Its very fast falling speed and gravity also leave it pretty vulnerable to combos (although its neutral air can remedy this issue), meaning that Pichu can also be easily put in KO percentage from one or two combos. Adding insult to injury, the recoil damage Pichu suffers from using its electric attacks can rack up very quickly if it overuses said moves, which is a flaw no other character has at the level of Pichu (some characters have only one move that can deal recoil damage), and can potentially throw it into a much more devastating position if it happens. As a result of all these issues, in spite of its excellent recovery and great mobility, Pichu's disadvantage state is poor, and if Pichu isn't able to KO the opponent, they can easily turn the tables on it, which can easily and quickly lead to a lost stock just as Pichu can potentially and quickly end one. | |||
Another of Pichu's most notable flaws is that while its | Another of Pichu's most notable flaws is that while its very small size results in it being slippery, it also results it in having deceptively short range (much shorter than Pikachu), requiring it to be pretty close to the opponent in order to rack up damage, which can be risky. Pichu's mobility, very quick frame data and useful projectile in Thunder Jolt can help remedy this, but the prevalence of many characters with faster mobility and/or disjoints can still give it trouble at approaching, and Thunder Jolt's recoil damage makes it unfeasible for Pichu to keep the opponent away for too much, forcing it to approach and further exacerbating its range issues, despite its reliable moveset. Furthermore, despite its moveset's higher consistency in regards to power, Pichu's range issues mean it can often have difficulty landing its otherwise powerful KO moves and set-ups, as the former aren't disjointed (with the sole exception, forward smash, still having short range), and the latter are very limited, possessing only up throw to Thunder at mid-high and high percentages, and down tilt to down aerial near the edge at mid-percentages. Pichu's edgeguarding ability, while respectable, pales in comparison to Pikachu's due to its attributes resulting in Pichu not having as much air time as Pikachu can, though this is slightly mitigated by its moves' stronger knockback. | ||
Lastly, although its moveset is versatile, a few of Pichu's attacks still lack some notable kind of utility. | Lastly, although its moveset is versatile, a few of Pichu's attacks still lack some notable kind of utility. Down smash, although covering on both sides of Pichu, has unremarkable range, deals recoil damage and unlike Pikachu, sends at a disappointing angle for KOing, with its higher power compared to Pikachu failing to compensate. Forward throw can have difficulty at KOing the opponent at realistic percentages due to the fact Pichu will usually find itself using it to set-up an edgeguard, whereas back throw's sole purpose is shared with forward throw. | ||
Overall, like | Overall, like Pikachu, Pichu is best described as a quintessential glass cannon but sacrifices weight and attack range for more power and speed. While Pikachu can control the neutral game more aggressively and has more flexibility in its combos, Pichu is able to function in a variety of playstyles that range from a defensive, bait-and-punish oriented playstyle to a more aggressive, rushdown oriented one whenever it is needed. However, Pichu's atrocious endurance and recoil damage means that an aware opponent can dominate Pichu just as easily as it can also dominate the opponent. While both characters have similar playstyles, they differ significantly in execution, as Pichu's recoil damage requires the player to make very mindful use of their resources at hand. Regardless, Pichu's pros notably outweigh its cons, and even after the nerfs it received in game updates, Pichu is considered a very solid character in competitive play, with a dedicated playerbase consisting of players such as {{Sm|Nietono}}, {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|RFang}}, {{Sm|NAKAT}}, and {{Sm|Blacktwins}}, and it has amassed some strong tournament results in tournament play. | ||
==Differences from {{SSBU|Pikachu}}== | ==Differences from {{SSBU|Pikachu}}== | ||
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**{{nerf|It has significantly less horizontal range.}} | **{{nerf|It has significantly less horizontal range.}} | ||
*[[Up smash]]: | *[[Up smash]]: | ||
**{{change|Up smash is an upward | **{{change|Up smash is an upward arcing headbutt, similar to Mario's up smash, whereas Pikachu's is a tail flip. This means that the hitbox starts behind Pichu and moves forwards, whereas Pikachu's starts in front and moves backwards.}} | ||
**{{buff|It does not have a mid or late hit, causing it to consistently deal the maximum possible damage and knockback.}} | **{{buff|It does not have a mid or late hit, causing it to consistently deal the maximum possible damage and knockback.}} | ||
**{{buff|Pichu's ears are intangible while the move's hitboxes are active.}} | **{{buff|Pichu's ears are intangible while the move's hitboxes are active.}} | ||
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REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | REMINDER: Our Manual of Style states that all Pokémon are to use gender-neutral pronouns. | ||
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Since its absence from previous installments, Pichu was infamous for being | Since its absence from previous installments, Pichu was infamous for being by far the worst clone character in ''Melee'' due to its status as an intentional "joke character", largely due to its very low weight, recoil damage and vulnerability to chain grabbing, giving it among the worst matchups in the game and leading to its bottom-tier placement and low tournament representation. Most likely as a result of this, Pichu has been significantly buffed in its transition to ''Ultimate'', making it the most buffed among all characters transitioning from ''Melee''. | ||
Pichu's | Pichu's recoil damage has been somewhat toned down from ''Melee'', making its [[electric]]al attacks less of a detriment to use. Its mobility has overall improved as well, as its [[walk]]ing, [[dash]]ing and [[air speed]]s have increased, and its [[air acceleration]] has increased substantially. It can also [[crawl]] now, enabling Pichu to approach more easily while being able to dodge certain projectiles. Pichu also benefits from the weakening of [[SDI]], as its multi-hit attacks are much more reliable. On another note, while its endurance is still the worst in the game as it is lighter than even {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}}, its weight was nevertheless increased, allowing it to survive a little bit longer. | ||
The changes to the engine's mechanics | The changes to the engine's mechanics help Pichu as well. The weakening of [[SDI]] makes its multi-hit moves harder to escape and thus much more consistent, and the changes to [[air dodge]]s make it safer to use one to escape combos and give it one of the fastest in the game. The implementation of [[rage]], coupled with its small stature, allows Pichu to make use of it thanks to its electric moves' high knockback, in addition to said attacks' recoil damage indirectly putting it out of range of KO setups it would've otherwise suffered from. | ||
Despite the | Despite the many buffs it received, Pichu also received a few nerfs. Some of its strongest kill options, such as its forward and up smashes, have been significantly weakened in terms of knockback, while its neutral aerial, previously considered by many to be its best move, has also been weakened in both its damage output and knockback. Pichu can also no longer chaingrab with its up throw, greatly reducing its damage-racking potential against fast-fallers. Its grounded attacks are also less effective for edgeguarding, as its down tilt, down smash and dash attack now send opponents at a much higher angle. Additionally, more of Pichu's attacks (examples being its forward tilt and back aerial) emit electricity, meaning that more of its moves cause recoil damage; while this allows Pichu to build up rage more easily in comparison to the other fighters, it allows Pichu to be knocked out even more quickly, which is further compounded by its atrocious weight and fast-falling speed making it vulnerable to combos, despite its small hurtbox. | ||
Overall, Pichu is no longer an intentional "joke character" like in ''Melee''; instead, it is now a very polarized glass cannon, akin to a min-maxed version of {{SSBU|Pikachu}}. It has a stronger punish and edgeguarding game, but less range on average, a less reliable recovery and more committal options; moreover, none of its buffs have alleviated some of its glaring weaknesses, with the biggest being its fragility. Game updates have also slightly nerfed Pichu overall, and optimizations to several characters have resulted in it not performing as well as on release. Nevertheless, Pichu's buffs greatly outweigh its nerfs, and it has drastically improved compared to ''Melee'', being one of the most buffed characters in the transition to ''Ultimate''. | |||
Overall, Pichu is no longer an intentional "joke character" like in ''Melee''; instead, it is now a | |||
{{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Pichu}} | {{SSB4 to SSBU changelist|char=Pichu}} | ||
==Update history== | ==Update history== | ||
Possibly due to its dominating status in competitive play during the early metagame of ''Ultimate'', Pichu was noticeably nerfed in game updates. Although its pummel was slightly buffed in update {{SSBU|2.0.0}}, it received several nerfs in update {{SSBU|3.1.0}}. Pichu's hurtbox is larger, forward smash has more ending lag, its infamously strong forward tilt has less knockback scaling, and almost all of its recoil-inducing attacks deal more recoil damage, noticeably worsening its already abysmal endurance. | |||
Update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} | Update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} reversed some of these nerfs, changing the amount of self damage Pichu does with some of the attacks that were affected in 3.1.0. On top of that, its ear hurtboxes received intangibility during the strong hit of its neutral aerial, making it a slightly safer option in the air. | ||
Overall, Pichu fares | Overall, Pichu fares considerably worse than it did when ''Ultimate'' launched. While Pichu is still far stronger than its ''Melee'' iteration, the nerfs it received has led to its tournament representation and results to noticeably decline and Pichu is now generally considered to be a mid-tier character at best. | ||
'''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}''' | '''{{GameIcon|ssbu}} {{SSBU|2.0.0}}''' | ||
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|neutralcount=1 | |neutralcount=1 | ||
|neutral1dmg=1.2% | |neutral1dmg=1.2% | ||
|neutraldesc=[[bulbapedia:Headbutt (move)| | |neutraldesc=[[bulbapedia:Headbutt (move)|Does a quick headbutt]]. Has similar properties as Pikachu's jab, though it can link a few more hits before pushing the opponent out of range. Also has less shieldstun. | ||
|ftiltname=Double-Footed Sweep ({{ja|りょうあしばらい|Ryō Ashibarai}}) | |ftiltname=Double-Footed Sweep ({{ja|りょうあしばらい|Ryō Ashibarai}}) | ||
|ftiltdmg=8%, 1% recoil | |ftiltdmg=8%, 1% recoil | ||
|ftiltdesc=Plants itself on its upper paws and | |ftiltdesc=Plants itself on its upper paws and kicks with one foot upward in front of itself, and then the other. Very fast (comes out on frame 5) and has very low ending lag, yet it has above average power and can KO at high percents. Can make opponents [[trip]] at low percents. The hitbox last surprisingly long, as Pichu kicks with one foot and then the other, and while the second hitbox is smaller, it doesn't count as a sourspot. Cannot be angled as it could in ''Melee''. | ||
|utiltname=Tail Attack ({{ja|しっぽアタック|Shippo Atakku}}) | |utiltname=Tail Attack ({{ja|しっぽアタック|Shippo Atakku}}) | ||
|utiltdmg=5% | |utiltdmg=5% | ||
|utiltdesc= | |utiltdesc=Swipes its tail above its body in an arc. Can combo into itself at low percents, or into an aerial at mid to high percents. | ||
|dtiltname=Tail Sweep ({{ja|あしばらい|Shippo Barai}}) | |dtiltname=Tail Sweep ({{ja|あしばらい|Shippo Barai}}) | ||
|dtiltdmg=6% | |dtiltdmg=6% | ||
|dtiltdesc= | |dtiltdesc=Swipes its tail in front of itself. Has very low knockback scaling, allowing it to combo into up tilt at low to mid percents, or an aerial even at very high percents. | ||
|dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'') | |dashname=Running Headbutt ({{ja|ジャンプずつき|Janpu Zutsuki}}, ''Jump Headbutt'') | ||
|dashdmg=8% (clean), 6% (late) | |dashdmg=8% (clean), 6% (late) | ||
|dashdesc= | |dashdesc=Jumps and headbutts forward. Less ending lag but less shieldstun compared to Pikachu's. It also has an hitbox on Pichu's torso. | ||
|fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'') | |fsmashname=Thundershock ({{ja|ショートでんげき|Shōto Dengeki}}, ''Electrical Short'') | ||
|fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 2% recoil | |fsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 2% recoil | ||
|fsmashdesc= | |fsmashdesc=Launches a short jolt of electricity from its cheeks. Comes out on frame 16 and is a multihit attack. Stronger than Pikachu's version, does not have sourspots and has less ending lag relative to the hitbox, but has much less range. | ||
|usmashname=Headbutt ({{ja|ヘッドバット|Heddobatto}}) | |usmashname=Headbutt ({{ja|ヘッドバット|Heddobatto}}) | ||
|usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} | |usmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|14}} | ||
|usmashdesc= | |usmashdesc=Does an upward headbutt. Pichu's ears become [[Intangibility|intangible]] on frames 9-11. Comes out on frame 9, making it quick for a smash attack. However, its knockback is rather poor for a smash attack. | ||
|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|1.5}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit | |dsmashdmg={{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|1.5}} (hits 1-4), {{ChargedSmashDmgSSBU|8}} (hit 6), 1.3% recoil | ||
|dsmashdesc=Discharges electricity while spinning | |dsmashdesc=Discharges electricity while quickly spinning in place. Compared to Pikachu's, it has much less ending lag and it is overall stronger, but it's easier to DI and is worse for edgeguarding due to its angle. Pichu also gains invincibility at frames 7-10. | ||
|nairname=Pichu Spin ({{ja|ピチュースピン|Pichū Supin}}) | |nairname=Pichu Spin ({{ja|ピチュースピン|Pichū Supin}}) | ||
|nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|7}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|5}} (late) | |nairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|7}} (clean), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|5}} (late) | ||
|nairdesc=An aerial | |nairdesc=An aerial cartwheel. It is a quick out of shield option and, when compared to Pikachu's, it is more effective for KOing and has more range and less ending lag. Autocancels in a full hop, but is slightly safer when not autocanceled, having 2 less frames of landing lag compared to Pikachu's. | ||
|fairname=Electric Drill ({{ja|でんげきドリル|Dengeki Doriru}}) | |fairname=Electric Drill ({{ja|でんげきドリル|Dengeki Doriru}}) | ||
|fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|3.5}} (hits 1-4), 1.5% recoil | |fairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|3.5}} (hits 1-4), 1.5% recoil | ||
|fairdesc= | |fairdesc=Does a forward barrel roll. Unlike Pikachu's, it covers Pichu's whole body and uses the autolink angle, connecting better. It deals impressive damage (14% if all the hits connect) and combo into itself at low percents, while also being good for edgeguarding. | ||
|bairname=Electric Glider ({{ja|グライダー|Dengeki Guraidā}}) | |bairname=Electric Glider ({{ja|グライダー|Dengeki Guraidā}}) | ||
|bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2.5}} (hit 6), 1.5% recoil | |bairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2}} (hits 1-5), {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|2.5}} (hit 6), 1.5% recoil | ||
|bairdesc= | |bairdesc=Does an electric spin similar to its down smash. Can combo at low percentages and edgeguard at higher percents, just like forward aerial. Decent knockback, making it an effective KO option. | ||
|uairname=Tail Chop ({{ja|しっぽはたき|Shippo Hitaki}}) | |uairname=Tail Chop ({{ja|しっぽはたき|Shippo Hitaki}}) | ||
|uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4}} | |uairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4}} | ||
|uairdesc= | |uairdesc=Flicks its tail above itself. Good for combos, especially into Thunder. Autocancels in a short hop with less landing lag than Pikachu's version. | ||
|dairname=Electric Screw ({{ja|でんげきスクリュー|Dengeki Sukuryū}}) | |dairname=Electric Screw ({{ja|でんげきスクリュー|Dengeki Sukuryū}}) | ||
|dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}}, {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4}} (landing), 1.5% recoil after startup, 0.5% recoil landing (can land before startup) | |dairdmg={{ShortHopDmgSSBU|13}}, {{ShortHopDmgSSBU|4}} (landing), 1.5% recoil after startup, 0.5% recoil landing (can land before startup) | ||
|dairdesc= | |dairdesc=Does a downward barrel roll. Has the capability to meteor smash opponents during the clean hit, which has a generously long duration (four frames), and, although with strict timing, it can autocancel in a short hop. Pichu's ears become intangible for the entire duration of the clean hit(frames 14-17). The late hit has good coverage in Pichu's body. | ||
|grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}}) | |grabname=Grab ({{ja|つかみ|Tsukami}}) | ||
|grabdesc= | |grabdesc=Quickly leans forward and grabs with one arm. Has a range of approximately Pichu's body width, being somewhat short-ranged. Its grabs are the fastest in the game. | ||
|pummelname=Grab Electric Shock ({{ja|つかみでんきショック|Tsukami Denki Shokku}}) | |pummelname=Grab Electric Shock ({{ja|つかみでんきショック|Tsukami Denki Shokku}}) | ||
|pummeldmg=1.4%, 0.1% recoil | |pummeldmg=1.4%, 0.1% recoil | ||
|pummeldesc=Shocks the opponent. | |pummeldesc=Shocks the opponent. Above average power and moderate speed. | ||
|fthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}}) | |fthrowname=Electric Throw ({{ja|でんきなげ|Denki Nage}}) | ||
|fthrowdmg=1.5% (hits 1-4), 6% (throw), 0.8% recoil | |fthrowdmg=1.5% (hits 1-4), 6% (throw), 0.8% recoil | ||
|fthrowdesc=Places the opponent on its back and shocks | |fthrowdesc=Places the opponent on its back and shocks them, sending them forward. Pichu's strongest throw, it starts KOing middleweights at around 153% near the edge of [[Final Destination]]. | ||
|bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'') | |bthrowname=Submission ({{ja|じごくぐるま|Jigoku Gurama}}, ''Hell Wheel'') | ||
|bthrowdmg=9% | |bthrowdmg=9% | ||
|bthrowdesc= | |bthrowdesc=Does a backwards somersaults with the opponent, then flings them behind itself. Pichu's second strongest throw, but it can only KO middleweight late, starting at around 181% at the edge of Final Destination. | ||
|uthrowname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}}) | |uthrowname=Heading ({{ja|ヘディング|Hedingu}}) | ||
|uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw) | |uthrowdmg=5% (hit 1), 5% (throw) | ||
|uthrowdesc= | |uthrowdesc=Tosses foe up and headbutts them. Can infamously combo into {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}} making it a reliable finisher between medium and high percents. | ||
|dthrowname=Hip Press ({{ja|ヒッププレス|Hippu Puresu}}) | |dthrowname=Hip Press ({{ja|ヒッププレス|Hippu Puresu}}) | ||
|dthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 4% (throw) | |dthrowdmg=4% (hit 1), 4% (throw) | ||
|dthrowdesc= | |dthrowdesc=Places opponent on the ground, then jumps on them. Can combo into an aerial at low to mid percents. | ||
|floorfname= | |floorfname= | ||
|floorfdmg=7% | |floorfdmg=7% | ||
|floorfdesc= | |floorfdesc=Does a full rotation sweep with its tail. | ||
|floorbname= | |floorbname= | ||
|floorbdmg=7% | |floorbdmg=7% | ||
|floorbdesc= | |floorbdesc=Does a full rotation sweep with its tail. | ||
|floortname= | |floortname= | ||
|floortdmg=5% | |floortdmg=5% | ||
|floortdesc= | |floortdesc=Swings its tail on both sides of itself. | ||
|edgename= | |edgename= | ||
|edgedmg=9% | |edgedmg=9% | ||
|edgedesc= | |edgedesc=Climbs up then flicks its tail out. | ||
|nsname=Thunder Jolt | |nsname=Thunder Jolt | ||
|nsdmg=7% (short distance), 6% (medium distance), 5% (long distance), 10% (air), 0.7% recoil | |nsdmg=7% (short distance), 6% (medium distance), 5% (long distance), 10% (air), 0.7% recoil | ||
|nsdesc=Pichu's | |nsdesc=Pichu's main projectile. Fires a jolt of electricity forward. Compared to Pikachu's, it is faster, bigger and stronger. It also travels forward while bouncing along the ground, and can also travel up walls, below the edge, and along ceilings, making it a strong edgeguarding and 2 framing tool. If used in the air, it will travel diagonally down instead and will deal more damage. Disappears after around 3 seconds. Can be used to gimp certain recoveries. Deals less damage the farther it travels. | ||
|ssname=Skull Bash | |ssname=Skull Bash | ||
|ssdmg=4% (uncharged), 7.8% (uncharged smash input), 33% (fully charged), 1.8% recoil | |ssdmg=4% (uncharged), 7.8% (uncharged smash input), 33% (fully charged), 1.8% recoil | ||
|ssdesc= | |ssdesc=Charges and, when the B button is released, fires itself forward like a missile. When fully charged or close to fully charged, it has KO power. The move can also be used to extend Pichu's recovery, though it does have some lag. Compared to Pikachu's Skull Bash, Pichu's Skull Bash deals more damage and covers more distance when fully charged, but deals less damage when uncharged, takes longer to fully charge, causes recoil damage and has more endlag. | ||
|usname=Agility | |usname=Agility | ||
|usdmg=0%, 0.9% recoil (warp 1), 1.4% recoil (warp 2) | |usdmg=0%, 0.9% recoil (warp 1), 1.4% recoil (warp 2) | ||
|usdesc=Pichu's primary | |usdesc=Pichu's primary recovery move. Moves at warp speed in two directions that can be selected via the control stick. Compared to Pikachu's Quick Attack, Agility travels farther. However, it deals no damage and Pichu suffers recoil damage. | ||
|dsname=Thunder (Pokémon){{!}}Thunder | |dsname=Thunder (Pokémon){{!}}Thunder | ||
|dsdmg=14% (shockwave), 4% (thunderbolt), 6% (thunderbolt meteor), 3.5% recoil | |dsdmg=14% (shockwave), 4% (thunderbolt), 6% (thunderbolt meteor), 3.5% recoil | ||
|dsdesc= | |dsdesc=Summons a thundercloud from which a lightning bolt comes down and strikes Pichu. The start of the bolt has a meteor effect and deals more damage than the rest of the bolt. When the bolt hits Pichu, a shockwave is generated than has the potential to KO. Pichu also gains intangibility for 10 frames if it connects, just like Pikachu. Compared to Pikachu's Thunder, Pichu's Thunder has less startup but deals less damage and knockback overall and causes recoil damage. The thunderbolt travels faster than Pikachu's version, giving it both positives and negatives: this makes it easier to land, but Pichu will be more vulnerable. | ||
|fsname=Volt Tackle | |fsname=Volt Tackle | ||
|fsdmg=0.3% (6 hits during startup), 1% (initial hit), 1.6% (loop), 21% (launch), 3.2% recoil (startup), 0.2% recoil (loop), 3.5% recoil (launch) | |fsdmg=0.3% (6 hits during startup), 1% (initial hit), 1.6% (loop), 21% (launch), 3.2% recoil (startup), 0.2% recoil (loop), 3.5% recoil (launch) | ||
|fsdesc= | |fsdesc=Pichu turns into a ball of electricity and dashes forward. Any opponents hit are knocked into the center of the screen where Pichu furiously tackles them from multiple directions then releases a powerful electric blast in the center. If the dash doesn't hit an opponent, the final smash is ended early. It causes a large amount of recoil damage, but is overall stronger than Pikachu's version.}} | ||
===Stats=== | ===Stats=== | ||
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===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ===[[On-screen appearance]]=== | ||
*Jumps out from a Poké Ball and waves both hands in the air with joy before landing, | *Jumps out from a Poké Ball and waves both hands in the air with joy before landing, saying "Pichu!" in the process (the same voice clip used for its side taunt). | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
PichuOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Pichu's on-screen appearance | PichuOnScreenAppearanceSSBU.gif|Pichu's on-screen appearance | ||
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===[[Taunt]]s=== | ===[[Taunt]]s=== | ||
*'''Up taunt''': Charges up with electricity, similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}'s up taunt, but falls back dazed | *'''Up taunt''': Charges up with electricity, similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}'s up taunt, but falls back dazed at the end. | ||
*'''Side taunt''': Jumps up and waves at the camera, | *'''Side taunt''': Jumps up and waves at the camera, saying "Pichu!" This was its left-facing taunt in ''Melee''. | ||
*'''Down taunt''': Squirms around on the ground, saying "Pichu!" This was its right-facing taunt in ''Melee''. | *'''Down taunt''': Squirms around on the ground, saying "Pichu!" This was its right-facing taunt in ''Melee''. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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===[[Idle pose]]s=== | ===[[Idle pose]]s=== | ||
*Turns | *Turns and looks at its tail, twitching it. | ||
*Looks around itself excitedly | *Looks around itself excitedly. | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
SSBUPichuIdle1.gif|Pichu's first idle pose. | SSBUPichuIdle1.gif|Pichu's first idle pose. | ||
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===[[Victory pose]]s=== | ===[[Victory pose]]s=== | ||
*'''Left:''' Cheers twice (facing to the right first and the left second), jumps thrice while spinning, and poses | *'''Left:''' Cheers twice (facing to the right first and the left second), jumps thrice while spinning, and poses with its left hand raised, chanting "Pichu, Pichu!" | ||
*'''Up:''' Jumps three times, with the third jump, which is done while spinning, being higher than the first two. While in midair, Pichu waves both of its arms. After landing, Pichu raises both of its arms and arches towards its left side. During the pose, Pichu | *'''Up:''' Jumps three times, with the third jump, which is done while spinning, being higher than the first two. While in midair, Pichu waves both of its arms. After landing, Pichu raises both of its arms and arches towards its left side. During the pose, Pichu says "Pi-Pi-Pichu!" in sync with each jump. | ||
*'''Right:''' Charges electricity, | *'''Right:''' Charges electricity, making itself fall over, then stands up and winks while scratching its head. | ||
[[File:PokemonSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A small excerpt of the title theme of ''Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green Versions'', a track which would go on to become the ''Pokémon'' main theme and the title theme for the entire series.]] | [[File:PokemonSeriesVictoryThemeUltimate.ogg|thumb|A small excerpt of the title theme of ''Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green Versions'', a track which would go on to become the ''Pokémon'' main theme and the title theme for the entire series.]] | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
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==In [[competitive play]]== | ==In [[competitive play]]== | ||
===Tier placement and history=== | ===Tier placement and history=== | ||
In contrast to its ''Melee'' counterpart, where it is considered one of the worst characters in the game, Pichu was commonly | In contrast to its ''Melee'' counterpart, where it is considered one of the worst characters in the game, Pichu was commonly viewed as one of, if not, the best characters in the game in the early metagame. This is due to its small size and powerful KO moves, which included back air, {{b|Thunder|Pokémon}}, and its infamous forward tilt. These strengths allowed Pichu to have a strong player base, with players such as {{Sm|VoiD}}, {{Sm|NAKAT}}, {{Sm|Nietono}}, and {{Sm|Captain L}} performing spectacularly on a national level. | ||
However, | However, update {{SSBU|3.1.0}} increased its size and nerfed the power of its forward tilt, while increasing the amount of recoil damage on nearly all of its electric attacks. In addition to more people learning how to play the matchup, many players considered Pichu to be inferior to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, and its representation and results ended up declining as a result, with several of its best players either dropping the character (Captain L) or relegating it to either a co-main or secondary (VoiD). Although update {{SSBU|11.0.0}} reverted some of the nerfs, it failed to change most players' opinions on the character; with continuously declining results both during and after the [[COVID-19|COVID-19 pandemic]], most of the community currently considers Pichu to be a mid-tier character at best, ranking 55th on the first tier list, and now 53rd on the second tier list. Nevertheless, Pichu is still widely considered to be significantly more viable than its ''Melee'' iteration. | ||
===Most historically significant players=== | ===Most historically significant players=== | ||
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==Role in [[World of Light]]== | ==Role in [[World of Light]]== | ||
[[File:WoL-19Pichu.jpg|thumb|Finding Pichu in World of Light|left]] | [[File:WoL-19Pichu.jpg|thumb|Finding Pichu in World of Light|left]] | ||
Although Pichu has been absent from the | Although Pichu has been absent from the World of Light opening cutscene, it was vaporized and later imprisoned alongside the rest of the fighters (sans {{SSBU|Kirby}}) when [[Galeem]] unleashed his beams of light. | ||
To access Pichu, the player must enter the [[Power Plant]] sub-area and reach it on a platform | To access Pichu, the player must enter the [[Power Plant]] sub-area and reach it on a platform with the use of two Zapfish, where it can then be challenged and recruited. | ||
{{clrl}} | {{clrl}} | ||
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**For unknown reasons, unlike other characters represented through alternate costumes, such as [[Alph]], the [[Koopalings]], and even [[Pikachu Libre]], Spiky-eared Pichu does not have an obtainable Fighter Spirit of her own. | **For unknown reasons, unlike other characters represented through alternate costumes, such as [[Alph]], the [[Koopalings]], and even [[Pikachu Libre]], Spiky-eared Pichu does not have an obtainable Fighter Spirit of her own. | ||
**Similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, who, among the [[Original 12]], is the only one to technically be considered a completely different character via two of its alternate costumes, Pichu is also the only character among ''[[Melee]]'s'' newcomers that can be considered a completely different character via one of its costumes (That being the spiky-eared variant, which is confirmed to be female). | **Similar to {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, who, among the [[Original 12]], is the only one to technically be considered a completely different character via two of its alternate costumes, Pichu is also the only character among ''[[Melee]]'s'' newcomers that can be considered a completely different character via one of its costumes (That being the spiky-eared variant, which is confirmed to be female). | ||
*As of ''Ultimate'', Pichu is the only character in any game who | *As of ''Ultimate'', Pichu is the only character in any game who takes damage while using their Final Smash (excluding characters that can move around freely and be attacked during their Final Smash such as {{SSBU|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBU|Inkling}}). | ||
**In a Stamina match, Pichu cannot be KO'd by its Final Smash, as its HP will never go below 0.1 while the Final Smash is active. | **In a Stamina match, Pichu cannot be KO'd by its Final Smash, as its HP will never go below 0.1 while the Final Smash is active. | ||
**Because of this, Pichu is the only character that can take damage from all of its special | **Because of this, Pichu is the only character that can take damage from all of its special moves, in both ''Melee'' and ''Ultimate''. | ||
*Spiky-eared Pichu's [[damage meter]] portrait protrudes to the right the most out of every fighter. | *Spiky-eared Pichu's [[damage meter]] portrait protrudes to the right the most out of every fighter. | ||
*Pichu is the only Pokémon character absent in {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}'s Classic Mode route. | *Pichu is the only Pokémon character absent in {{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}'s Classic Mode route. | ||
*Despite fighting lightweight characters, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} | *Despite fighting lightweight characters, {{SSBU|Fox}}, {{SSBU|Pikachu}}, {{SSBU|Sheik}} and {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}} do not appear in Pichu's Classic Mode route. | ||
*Discounting fighters who do not | *Discounting fighters who do not appear in any spirit battles, Pichu, {{SSBU|Banjo & Kazooie}}, and {{SSBU|Daisy}} are the only fighters who do not possess an Ace or Legend-type spirit in spirit battles. | ||
*Interestingly, Pichu's ''Ultimate'' artwork is used for the Junior tab on the Pokémon TV app. | *Interestingly, Pichu's ''Ultimate'' artwork is used for the Junior tab on the Pokémon TV app. | ||