Smash Ultimate is finally here. It’s been far too long since the series’ last entry, but Super Smash Bros. is back and exclusive to Nintendo’s newest console, the Nintendo Switch. And there’s a lot more this time than just a few new fighters — such as an absolutely massive single-player mode. Smash Ultimate is far and away the most complete package the series has ever seen. And we really mean it when we say “complete.”
The Smash Ultimate roster combines 74 different playable fighters at launch. Every single previous Smash fighter is back again, along with a heaping helping of fresh faces. We even get the long-awaited Ripley and the very strange pre-order bonus, Piranha Plant. That doesn’t even include the slew of upcoming DLC characters, assist trophies, Pokemon you can summon, plus much more. There’s so much to keep track of that only the pros could possibly remember everything. So we’ve compiled a guide to every single character in Smash Ultimate!
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Who doesn’t love Pikachu? Monsters, that’s who. But no matter how you feel about the electric rodent, it’s hard to deny that Pikachu is cuter than ever in Smash Ultimate.
According to the official Nintendo description of Pikachu…
This fierce fighter uses electric moves like Thunder Jolt and Thunder. Pikachu Libre is one of the alternate costumes and you can tell she’s female by the shape of her tail.
Moves
Thunder Jolt (B) – Sends a ball of electricity bouncing along the stage.
Skull Bash (Side + B) – Charges up a flying headbutt.
Quick Attack (Up + B) – Attacks quickly in any direction. Can change direction midmove to move a second time.
Thunder (Down + B) – Calls down a lightning strike that deals more damage to opponents if the bolt hits Pikachu.
Volt Tackle (Final Smash) – Pikachu turns into a ball of electricity that darts all over the stage. If an opponent gets caught in this attack, they’ll be consistently hit. Finally, Pikachu unleashes a powerful spark with high launch power.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Pokémon’s electric rodent can be devastating in Ultimate. Pikachu can control a map’s ledges with their neutral-B electric attacks and their recovery and overall control of the stage can be surprising thanks to their up-B, Quick Attack. Pikachu is also a speedster, and has some great combo potential.
Weaknesses
But Pikachu is also a tiny yellow mouse, and so heavy-hitters have an easier time sending him flying off the stage compared to beefier Pokémon. Their recovery options can make up for that, but try to avoid taking too many hits on the proverbial chin.
Changes
Pikachu has had a couple of important changes made to their kit. You’ll now bounce off of opponents when using Skull Bash, making it less likely you’ll go flying off of the map. Quick Attack now shows your trajectory. This makes it easier for new players and harder for those playing on the same console, as it telegraphs your movement.
Volt Tackle, Pikachu’s Final Smash, starts with a quick burst forward. If this attack lands, our favorite electric rat launches the opponent into the air and juggles them with a flurry of voltaic energy.
Outfits
Pikachu is back with a couple of new outfits. Both Pikachu Libre and the Selene casual cap skin have been added. They’re also female, giving some much welcomed diversity.
And that’s most of what we know about our adorable yellow Pokemon! Although it’s worth noting that Pikachu is part of the Smash Ultimate starting roster. So players will have access to them as soon as they launch the game. Now might be better than ever to try the electric rodent out for yourself.
Meanwhile, there are still quite a few characters to learn besides just this one. Not to mention there’s a whole massive single-player campaign to explore. So check out the rest of Fanbyte’s Smash Ultimate guides and walkthroughs— from single-player hints to vital multiplayer tactics. More than anything else, though, make sure you play the characters you enjoy the most.
All of our Smash Ultimate guides created with the help of Eric Van Allen.
