Needle Artwork ofNeedle Kirby fromKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Details First game Kirby's Adventure (1993) Latest game Kirby Air Riders (2025) Other game(s) Kirby's Dream Course Kirby's Dream Land 2 Kirby's Block Ball Kirby's Dream Land 3 Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land Kirby Air Ride Kirby: Canvas Curse Super Smash Bros. Brawl (reference) Kirby's Return to Dream Land Kirby: Triple Deluxe Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (reference) Kirby and the Forgotten Land Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World Usage type Unlimited uses Obtained from Boten,Bukiset,Captain Stitch,Ghost Knight,Jabhog,Kacti,Needlous,Pichikuri,Punc,Spiny,Spikey,Tick,Togezo,Totenga,Transformer Obtained by projectiles from Miracle Matter Power(s) Surrounding Kirby with spikes and performing needle-based attacks. Related to NeedlePower Combos,Clutter Needle,Crystal Needle

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Needle is aCopy Ability that allowsKirby to protrude sharp spikes from himself, making its debut inKirby's Adventure. It can typically be obtained by inhaling aSpiny, aTick, aTogezo, or aNeedlous, though there are other enemies that also provide it. Depending on the game, when Kirby uses this ability, he either generates the needles from his skin or from the hat he obtains, with the latter case also often allowing him to shoot the needles at opponents along with other prickly attacks. Despite being one of the original Copy Abilities and recurring regularly earlier on in the series, its appearances in later games are rather inconsistent.

Characteristics[edit]

Depending on which game the ability appears in, Needle can have many different functions and utilities, with some games focusing more on its defensive aspects while others focus more on its mobility. Regardless of the particulars, Needle Kirby always has at least one basic move, which is to sit in place and protrude needles outward in all directions, damaging any enemies that touch them.

Up untilKirby's Return to Dream Land, Needle was always defined solely by that one move, thoughKirby: Canvas Curse put a spin on it by allowing Kirby to do a rolling dash with it. In some games - most notablyKirby's Dream Course,Kirby's Block Ball, and the aforementionedKirby: Canvas Curse - Needle Kirby can stick to surfaces in order to better control his movement. WhenKirby's Return to Dream Land released, Needle Kirby finally gained an expandedKirby Super Star-style moveset. Among these new moves were the ability to shoot larger needles upward or downward to attack more distant foes, roll up into a needle ball for a quick dash, or even shoot needles outward like projectiles, similar to some of theAnimal Friend combinations inKirby's Dream Land 2 andKirby's Dream Land 3. InKirby and the Forgotten Land, Needle was overhauled once again, this time placing a lot more emphasis on movement. In this game, Needle Kirby rolls toward enemies with his needles out and catches them, carrying them with him. He can then throw them at other enemies or obstacles when he retracts his needles.

Appearance[edit]

Needle first obtained a hat inKirby: Right Back at Ya!, namely a pink helmet with a red visor and a white strap, filled with many golden needles. InKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, the hat would be redesigned to resemble a cap more than a helmet, removing the strap, and this overall design would become the standard moving forward. The design was further changed inKirby's Return to Dream Land, albeit simply changing the color of the visor to golden like the needles.

InKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby becomes yellow when with the Needle ability. This is also the case inKirby: Right Back at Ya! and Needle's trophy inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl. InKirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby becomes yellow when attacking with the Needle ability.

Game appearances[edit]

Kirby's Adventure[edit]

Needle makes its debut appearance inKirby's Adventure.Kirby surrounds himself with needles, hurting any enemy that is too close to him. In this game, Kirby can only hold his needles out for a limited amount of time. If Kirby is falling, the spikes hit enemies from below; however, he is not protected from below on the ground. Needle is provided in this game by the enemySpiny. Needle deals 8 damage in this title.^[1]

Kirby's Dream Course[edit]

Needle is one of the abilities inKirby's Dream Course, provided by Spiny, where it has a primarily movement-oriented function rather than an offensive one. When Kirby activates the Needle ability, he can pin himself to any surface, preventing him from moving, bouncing, or sliding. This is handy to prevent Kirby from rolling too far or bouncing off a ledge. In the 2P Game, the Needle ability can be held through the other player's turn, and the other player will take 4 tomatoes of damage if he runs into the needles.

• 
  Kirby using the Needle ability inKirby's Dream Course

Kirby's Dream Land 2[edit]

Needle reappears inKirby's Dream Land 2, where it can be acquired fromCaptain Stitch andSpikey. By itself, this ability is similar to how it works inKirby's Adventure, though Kirby has a more even spread of spikes that jut from his body and his limbs disappear while they are out. Due to this, Kirby is now protected from below when on the ground. When paired with anAnimal Friend, Kirby can perform variations of the ability, as detailed in the following table:

Animal Friend	Appearance	Description
Coo		Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine		Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Rick		Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

ThroughoutKirby's Dream Land 2, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with a series of dots on them.

Kirby's Block Ball[edit]

Needle appears inKirby's Block Ball, obtainable from Spikey or an Ability Swap item. When Kirby has this ability, he can flare up in spikes, temporarily halting his movement (though not altering his course) when doing so. This can be used to break certain blocks and deal increased damage to bosses, though its most unique use comes with its ability to re-attach Kirby to a paddle when he uses it near one. Once attached, Kirby can be served as if he was starting a new ball or entering the area, granting much more control over where Kirby goes.

Kirby's Dream Land 3[edit]

Needle makes another appearance inKirby's Dream Land 3, here provided by Togezo,Tick,Boten,Bukiset with the needle lance, and Captain Stitch. It functions similarly to its previous appearance inKirby's Dream Land 2; however, the needles now can be held out indefinitely, for as long as the button is held. New Animal Friends, though, create more Needle-related abilities with Kirby orGooey, as follows:

Animal Friend	Appearance	Description
ChuChu		ChuChu shoots out five needles around herself which travel a short distance and hurt enemies on contact.
Coo		Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine		Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Nago		Kirby rapidly launches harmful pink spikes forward from his face as long as the Y button is held, but cannot move while doing so.
Pitch		While the Y button is held, Pitch flies forward in a straight line, continuously pecking at the air before him and defeating opponents in his path.
Rick		Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

ThroughoutKirby's Dream Land 3, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with the Needle icon on them.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards[edit]

The Needle ability returns inKirby 64: The Crystal Shards, provided by the enemies Tick,Ghost Knight,Kacti, andPunc. It's reverted back to its behavior from beforeKirby's Dream Land 3; activating the ability causes Kirby to flare up and then retract on a timer, rather than holding it for as long as the button is held down, and Kirby also retains his aerial momentum when using the ability in midair, making it useful for attacking while on the move. Enemies that are hit by Needle Kirby will stick to him for a moment before being defeated, traveling with him if he is moving at the time. For the first time, Needle will also cling onto surfaces, such as walls and ceilings, when activated. Like with other Copy Abilities in this game, Needle can be combined with others or itself to makePower Combos as follows:

• Needle-Needle - Combining Needle with itself creates a larger attack involving various pointy objects emitting from Kirby's body.
• Needle-Bomb - Using this combo, Kirby turns into aGordo-like entity and can float through the air for a moment before detonating and shooting his spikes out.
• Needle-Cutter - Kirby's hands turn into a gaping maw full of sharp teeth which he can clamp above himself to defeat enemies.
• Needle-Burn - Kirby can transform into a bow and arrow, shooting flaming arrows in an arc.
• Needle-Ice - Kirby turns into a giant spiky snowflake that grows outward, freezing any enemies it touches.
• Needle-Spark - Kirby turns into a pointy lightning rod and shoots a lightning bolt upward.
• Needle-Stone - Kirby gains a drill which he can use to bore through obstacles or shoot as a projectile that passes through walls.

Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land[edit]

Needle reappears in the remake ofKirby's Adventure,Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. In this game, Needle Kirby is colored yellow, and he wears a pink-colored cap filled with golden needles. This is the first appearance of this hat in theKirby series (previously, it was introduced outside of the video games in the anime,Kirby: Right Back at Ya!). Unlike inKirby's Adventure, Needle Kirby's spikes no longer retract automatically; in addition, he is protected from below while on the ground, like inKirby's Dream Land 2 onward. Needle is provided by the enemyNeedlous, who replaces Spiny from the original game.

Kirby Air Ride[edit]

Needle returns inKirby Air Ride, accessible when Kirby swallowsPichikuri or if he touches a Needle Copy Ability Panel orCopy Chance Wheel. If Kirby charges with the Needle ability, his spikes extend, hurting any opponent or enemy that is nearby, similar to theFreeze ability in this game. Needle Kirby will also automatically hurt any enemies or rivals that run into him while he has the ability. Like other Copy Abilities in this game, Needle only lasts a short time before it vanishes.

Kirby: Canvas Curse[edit]

Needle is one of the few Copy Abilities that make an appearance inKirby: Canvas Curse. If the player taps Kirby with theNintendo DS stylus, Kirby turns yellow and spikes protrude from him. He can ride theRainbow Lines and stick to walls, defeating enemies that touch him. Activating his spikes while riding a line can also give Kirby a momentary speed boost, allowing him to leap upward if going off a ramp. Kirby can receive this ability by colliding with Needlous or Tick.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land /Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]

Needle makes a prominent return inKirby's Return to Dream Land and its remake,Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe. Kirby can receive it by inhaling Needlous, Tick, orTotenga's head. Compared to its appearances in previous games, Kirby has more attacks at his disposal when using the Needle ability, but it still has less attacks overall than many other abilities in the game. From this game onward, the needles can be held indefinitely for as long as the button is held, like inKirby's Dream Land 3 andKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.

Interestingly inKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, Needle doesn't include Falling Spine in its moveset, unlike other abilities which contain moves that were not introduced until games released after the originalKirby's Return to Dream Land.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe[edit]

Needle appears again inKirby: Triple Deluxe. The ability has had a few changes: the Rolling Needle attack was removed (most likely due to its similarity to theWheel ability), and a new move was added. Needle Burst has also been given some changes, as the move now only fires 5 needles instead of 6, and no extra needles are shot out in midair, making it so that the move always fires 5 needles no matter the situation.

Needle moveset inKirby: Triple Deluxe
Skill	Image	Button Execution	Description
Needle Attack		B	Kirby protrudes needles all over himself, keeping them up as long as the button is held.
Wall Stick		Touch a wall during Needle Attack	If Kirby is touching a wall when using Needle Attack, he will stick to it.
Needle Burst		Hold B and mash +Control Pad	While holding his needles out, Kirby can slowly retract them and then cause them to fly outward as projectiles in all directions.
Mega Needle		↑ + B	Kirby shoots out a huge needle straight upward that can poke from long distances.
Falling Spine		↓ + B	Kirby shoots out a huge needle straight downward along with five smaller needles on either side of it. If used on the ground, Kirby will gain a slight amount of vertical height. When used below athin floor or next to a ledge, Kirby will stick to the top of it. Kirby can stay upside down for as long as the B button is held.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land /Kirby and the Forgotten Land - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World[edit]

After an 8 year absence, Needle Kirby returns inKirby and the Forgotten Land andKirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World. Here, he gains the ability to roll along the ground with spines in all directions, catching enemies as he travels, similar toSnow Bowl orIce-Ice. In addition, Needle has a coupleEvolved Copy Ability forms, those beingClutter Needle andCrystal Needle. Notably, when Kirby retracts his needles, any enemies or objects that were stick to him will be released, and can be flung as projectiles to hit other enemies or objects at a moderate distance. This "Roll up and Throw" technique can be used to solve certain puzzles, particularly in theTreasure Road stageRoll Up and Throw! Clutter Needle Trial.

In this game, Needle is primarily provided by the enemies Needlous, Totenga, andJabhog.

Moveset[edit]

All attack names are from theKirby and the Forgotten Land Perfect Support Guide unless otherwise stated.

Kirby's Dream Buffet[edit]

Needle Kirby makes another appearance inKirby's Dream Buffet. Here, his appearance when using the ability hearkens back to earlier games in the series, since spikes that match his skin color pop out all over himself when he uses it instead of gaining a hat. He can charge up and performRush Needle by pressing and holding the R button again while the move is active.^[3] In this game, the ability is acquired from the spikyNeedle Candy found inFood Boxes, and can be used for only a limited duration.

Needle Kirby also appears on aCharacter Treat, using his artwork fromKirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

Kirby Air Riders[edit]

Needle appears inKirby Air Riders, functioning the same way it did inKirby Air Ride: it allows the user to extend spikes whenever charging, damaging nearby opponents. Unlike said game, the spikes now stay extended during Boost Dashes. It is once again provided byPichikuri. Like all other Copy Abilities in the game, it can be obtained by any rider, not just Kirby.

The Needle hat has its original design in this game, since it has a pink visor instead of the yellow one in current games.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Needle Kirby appears as atrophy inSuper Smash Bros. Brawl and inSuper Smash Bros. for Wii U.

InSuper Smash Bros. Brawl, Needle Kirby also appears as asticker. Equipping this sticker grants +29 to "head" attack damage for any fighter.

InKirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]

Needle Needle Kirby inKirby: Right Back at Ya! Details First episode Flower Power Last episode Sweet and Sour Puss Other episode(s) Here Comes the Son Sheepwrecked Obtained from Inhaling needles Power(s) Curling up into a spiked ball, shooting guided needles

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Needle appears as a Copy Ability in four episodes of the anime seriesKirby: Right Back at Ya!. When Kirby acquires this ability, he gains several powers, many of which are not present in the video games. Needle Kirby is able to roll up into a ball, fling his needles out as missiles, and then guide them through the air as they slice through his opponents. Unlike in the games, Needle Kirby is not readily able to replenish his needles once using them, and often loses this ability quickly. In fact, the only enemy that Kirby defeats directly using his own needles is thePukey Flower, and even then,Meta Knight still delivers the finishing blow.

• 
  Needle Kirby struggling againstAmon inSheepwrecked
• 
  Needle Kirby battlingTogeira inSweet and Sour Puss

Profiles[edit]

Flavor text[edit]

Image	Game	Flavor text
	Kirby's Adventure	Lots of needles, just like a porcupine's, come out of Kirby! It's a great defense!
	Kirby's Dream Course	Needle, when you have a grounder, will make Kirby stick to the ground. He can also stop while rolling down a hill. You can hit the next shot from there!
	Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land	Hands off! Here: pointy spikes! There: pokey spikes!
	Kirby: Canvas Curse	Spike anything! Ride rainbows!
	Kirby's Return to Dream Land	Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Reallystick it to 'em! Roll from a dash to bring the pain with aRolling Needle!
	Kirby: Triple Deluxe	Cover yourself inpointy needles to poke your enemies andattach to walls! You can alsopoke needles into the ceiling and floor!
	Kirby and the Forgotten Land	Figure description: Ouch! Ooch! Careful with those spikes! Jab enemies in place, or pick 'em up by rolling around. Nab a whole bunch of 'em together, then launch them off all at once! POW! Weapons-Shop Waddle Dee: With the Needle ability, you can extend your roll a bit bypicking up enemies and blocks as you go.Let go of B to throw stuck objects and enemies in front of you as powerful projectiles! The Needle ability will also let you roll through strong winds. It's so versatile!
	Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe	Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Reallystick it to 'em! Roll from dashing to bring the pain with aRolling Needle!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy[edit]

Name	Image	Appears in	American English description	British English description
Needle Kirby		NES: Kirby's Adventure DS: Kirby: Canvas Curse	A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.	A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both attacking and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy[edit]

Name	Image	Appears In/Related Games	American English description	British English description
Needle Kirby		NES: Kirby's Adventure 3DS: Kirby: Triple Deluxe	Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability!	Kirby's soft, fluffy and just...so huggable! Except when he's got the Needle ability, that is - then it's like there's a hug-free zone all around him. Being covered in spikes comes in handy, though, for rolling into enemies, and even shooting at them! However, whether that really makes up for his loss of huggableness is hard to say...

Kirby's Dream Course manual[edit]

• Using Needle will make Kirby come to a full stop even on a slope. Remember to make adjustments when Kirby is moving at a fast speed.

Kirby's Block Ball manual[edit]

• Press the B Button just before the ball hits the paddle, then re-launch the ball.

Nintendo Today![edit]

• Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em!

Trivia[edit]

• So far, Needle andSpear are the only Copy Abilities which are translated as only one Chinese character (針/针) in the official localization, instead of two or three characters which are more common.
• In an advertisement forKirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Needle was misnamed "Spike". ^{[needs verification]}

Gallery[edit]

Main article:Needle/gallery

• 
  Artwork fromKirby's Adventure
• 
  Icon fromKirby's Adventure
• 
  Artwork fromKirby's Dream Land 2
• 
  Artwork fromKirby's Dream Land 3
• 
  Artwork fromKirby 64: The Crystal Shards
• 
  Icon fromKirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
• 
  Artwork fromKirby Air Ride
• 
  Artwork fromKirby: Canvas Curse
• 
  Artwork fromKirby and the Forgotten Land
• 
  Ability Star fromKirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe

Names in other languages[edit]

References

• Good pages
• Copy Abilities in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Dream Course
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Dream Land 2
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Block Ball
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Dream Land 3
• Copy Abilities in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
• Copy Abilities in Kirby Air Ride
• Copy Abilities in Kirby: Canvas Curse
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Return to Dream Land
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe
• Copy Abilities in Kirby: Triple Deluxe
• Copy Abilities in Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Kirby and the Forgotten Land – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Star-Crossed World
• Copy Abilities in Kirby's Dream Buffet
• Copy Abilities in Kirby Air Riders

• Pages needing attention
• Articles which list Japanese names
• Articles which list Chinese names
• Articles which list Dutch names
• Articles which list French names
• Articles which list German names
• Articles which list Italian names
• Articles which list Korean names
• Articles which list Polish names
• Articles which list Portuguese names
• Articles which list Russian names
• Articles which list Spanish names