Pikachu (SSB)/Down special

This article is about the hitbox visualization in Super Smash Bros.. For the move itself, see Thunder (Pokémon).

Overview

The hitbox of Pikachu's Thunder.

The move's name is called Thunder. When used, Pikachu will yell out "Pika!", calling down a bolt of lightning from above. The lightning itself does 12% damage and vertical knockback; when the bolt reaches Pikachu, the contact will inflict a further 14% damage (for a total of 28% if the opponent was close to Pikachu) and massive horizontal knockback. The move, unlike its appearance in later games, has infinite vertical range. Pikachu players can then use a effective technique called "thunderspiking", where it uses Thunder to easily KO opponents when they are near the upper blast line, helping it to KO at much lower damage percentages. Many Pikachu players try using this technique in combos, most notably after a up smash. The move can additionally be used after an edge drop → jump, to cover the area around the edge as an edgeguarding technique, though this cannot be performed quickly, and Pikachu is mostly better off using its aerials.

The move was buffed in the PAL versions of the game; with both the thunderbolt and shockwave dealing 2% more damage (dealing 32% damage if both hits connect). This makes thunderspiking even more effective in the PAL versions as well as making the shockwave KO considerably earlier.

Hitboxes

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The editor who added this tag elaborates: Thunderbolt hitboxes may be incorrect.
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