Squirtle (SSBU): Difference between revisions

One of Squirtle's strengths is that all of its attacks outside of its smash attacks come out before frame 10 and generally have low ending lag, giving it an excellent frame data and very strong combo game when combined with its moves' low knockback. Starting with its normal ground moves, the first hit of its neutral attack comes out on frame 2; making it useful as a "get off me" option. Forward tilt is one of its most useful tools, the move's low end lag makes it safe on shields, can lead into grabs at lower percentages, and can set up [[Lock|jab locks]] or [[Tech-chasing|tech chases]] at higher percentages. Up tilt can combo into itself and set up aerial combos. Down tilt, while slower compared to its other moves (coming out at frame 8), has a bit more range and can be useful in [[Edge#2 frame punish|2-framing]] opponents. Finally, its dash attack can be used to set up some combos at low to mid percent.

As for Squirtle's smash attack, they are generally much slower compared to its other moves, but make up for it in range and power. The start-up for forward smash is high but the end lag is low, has high knockback (being the strongest of its three smash attacks), and can be used to finish off a jab lock combo. Its up smash comes out slightly faster than forward smash, hits on both sides simultaneously, and covers a decent area above it. Finally, down smashes is its fastest overall smash attack in terms of startup and end lag.

Squirtle possesses a strong aerial game. Since all its aerials can be [[Auto-canceling|auto-canceled]] in a short hop, have good combo potential, in addition to being decent for edge guarding. Up aerial is notorious for its speed, and it's ability to juggle opponents and create long combo strings.

Squirtle also has a very effective grab game, as its forward throw is very effective for edgeguarding and is strong enough to KO at around 160% with no rage, back throw is a strong KO throw and its up and down throws are potent combo starters, while it's pummel is fast and good to rack up damage.

Finally, when it comes to Squirtle's special moves, its neutral special, [[Water Gun]] functions similarly to {{SSBU|Mario}}'s [[F.L.U.D.D.|down special]]. Being a move a pushes away opponents without making them flinch. The longer the move is charged, the higher the push back, making it a useful tool for [[edge guarding]]. Its side special, [[Withdraw]], has Squirtle retreat in its shell and move across the stage at high speeds. It is immune to damage while using this move, which can be used as an approaching tool. However, any opponent who footstools Squirtle during the move will leave it vulnerable. Finally, its up special, [[Waterfall]], is a multi-hitting move that covers a decent distance, and is useful for ending combos.

However, Squirtle does have some weaknesses. Squirtle's overall damage output is poor, and outside of its smash attacks (which are slow) and its back throw (which can have trouble killing away from the ledge), Squirtle lacks any fast KO options, especially since some of its previous KO options (such as forward aerial and down throw) were weakened, while neutral, forward and back aerials need edgeguarding to KO, up aerial can only do so near the upper blast line and along with forward throw, they require rage to KO on their own, so Squirtle can sometimes depend on edgeguarding to score KO. Squirtle also lacks reliable KO combos as well, making it very difficult for it to close out stocks on its own. Squirtle's light weight and unimpressive recovery also make its endurance very poor, and it is no longer resistant to fire attacks due to the removal of [[type effectiveness]], further hindering Squirtle's endurance in certain matchups. As previously mentioned, Squirtle has poor range throughout its attacks (save for its smash attacks), and it lacks a damaging projectile, making it very easy for Squirtle to be out-spaced by characters with superior range.