Pikachu inSuper Smash Bros. 4
Universe	Pokémon
Other playable appearances	inSSB inMelee inBrawl inUltimate
Availability	Starter
Final Smash	Volt Tackle
Tier	B (15)

Pikachu (ピカチュウ,Pikachu) is a playable character inSuper Smash Bros. 4. Its return to the series was announced during theE3Nintendo Direct on June 11th, 2013.^[1] It was also among the first wave ofamiibo that are compatible withSSB4. Ikue Ōtani reprises her role as Pikachu's voice actress, albeit via recycled voice clips fromSuper Smash Bros. Melee andSuper Smash Bros. Brawl.

Pikachu is ranked 15th out of 54 on thetier list, placing it in the B tier; a small downturn from its placement inBrawl, where it was ranked 8th out of 38. Pikachu boasts fast overall speed, an excellent approach, good neutral and combo games, and an excellent recovery. However, it is burdened with poor endurance and very unimpressive KO potential. As a result, Pikachu has a high learning curve and minimal high-level representation compared to other high-tier characters, but it has nonetheless achieved notable tournament results, mostly thanks toESAM.

The competitive community's overall opinion of Pikachu has been volatile sinceSSB4's release. Initially, it was widely seen as an average character, but after a number of impressive tournament showings by ESAM, including his brief period of retirement having added to the "mystery" of Pikachu's potential, it was seen as a top 3 character by players likeZeRo and ESAM himself. Incidentally, this perception was further cemented after ZeRo and ESAM competed against each other in an extremely close Winners' Finals set atSuper Smash Con.

Sometime after this, public opinion on Pikachu's viability swayed again. Many considered Pikachu's ranking on the first tier list to be far too high, which was reflected with its lower placement within the second tier list due to metagame development, ESAM's inconsistent showings at major tournaments, a dearth of results for Pikachu at national, regional, and even local levels of play, anddownloadable content and/or game updates resulting in newfound high-tier and top-tier characters. Although update1.1.5 nerfed some of Pikachu's most difficult matchups, its current ranking on the tier list is still disputed even after its placement drop, with many players believing that Pikachu should be ranked even lower.

Attributes[edit]

As in previous installments, Pikachu is a small, agilelightweight. It has fastwalking anddashing speeds, averagefalling speed, above averagegravity, and fastair acceleration, but slowair speed. Pikachu also has a quickjumpsquat that lasts for 4 frames, averagetraction, and a relatively long initial dash that lasts for 14 frames. These three particular attributes grant it a moderately long perfectpivot, but also result in itsdash dance andfox-trot being slow and extended. Unsurprisingly, Pikachu is also capable ofcrawling andwall jumping.

Pikachu's arguably greatest strength is its flexibleapproach.Quick Attack is an excellent mobility option, and due to consisting of two hits, it allows Pikachu to weave in and out of danger, playmindgames, and initiatecombos. Quick Attack can also be edge-canceled, granting even faster movement with the aid of platforms. With this technique, Pikachu can chase opponents and maintainpressure without facing significant retaliation.Thunder Jolt is a useful projectile and has good utility for zoning or forcing approaches. When coupled with its fast walking and dashing speeds, short hop, and useful pivot, Pikachu possesses an overall strongneutral game.

Another advantage Pikachu has is its frame data. Most of its attacks come out in 10 frames or less, including its up smash, which is one of its KOing options. When combined with their low damage outputs and knockback, this grants Pikachu a formidable combo game. Up aerial can combo into itself or any other aerial and is useful for juggling. Up tilt can repeatedly chain into itself at low percents, while its low knockback growth allows it to combo into aerials at high percents. Down tilt has a chance totrip opponents, leaving them open to a dash attack or agrab. Pikachu's grab game is also integral to its combo game. Its forward throw can lead into a dash attack or a dashing up smash, while down throw launches opponents directly overhead, which can allow for aerial combos andjuggles. At very high percentages, both up and down throws are capable of chaining intoThunder, which can KO if its meteor hitbox connects. In addition, Pikachu is notorious for utilizingjab locks more than nearly any other character, as it can effectively rack up damage out of forward throw, forward tilt, neutral aerial, and down aerial. By extension, it can potentially KO an opponent using back aerial's landing hitbox to set up a reset, and can guarantee a charged up smash if it hits a jablock out of down tilt.

Pikachu also possesses a superbrecovery and, by extension,edge-guarding potential. Like inBrawl, Pikachu can wall jump, while it has two special moves that round out its recovery.Skull Bash, although linear and telegraphed, is chargeable and deals high knockback while not rendering Pikachuhelpless. Quick Attack is extremely fast and can be angled in two consecutive directions, which makes it a very unpredictable and difficult move to intercept, as well as a favorable recovery option from virtually any position while off-stage. Altogether, these traits grant Pikachu the luxury of going far off-stage and challenging recovering opponents while still being able to recover itself. Its edge-guarding game is further enhanced by its ground attacks and its aerials. Neutral attack consistently hits recovering characters during their 2 frames of edge snap vulnerability, launching them at a low angle with lowhitstun that can open certain characters' recoveries to Pikachu's other edge-guarding options. Its forward and back aerials use theauto-link angle, which can be used in two unique ways. Forward aerial can launch opponents downward without a special collision, but much less reliably. Back aerial has multiple hitboxes with very low knockback and moderately low hitstun, so if it trades with a recovering opponent, the opponent will be spiked. Down aerial is Pikachu's most disjointed move downward, and will beat or trade with most up specials, excepting extremely disjointed ones such as those ofMario andBayonetta. Neutral aerial's clean hitbox is slightly disjointed and useful for covering the edge. Each of Pikachu's smash attacks reaches slightly below the edge, which allows Pikachu to KO opponents even if they hang on the edge.

However, Pikachu has noticeable flaws, the most glaring of which is its endurance. While its small size, light weight, and average falling speed make it difficult to combo, these attributes and its above-average gravity make it susceptible to KOs. Therage mechanic further exacerbates this problem, since Pikachu's unimpressive KO ability commonly results in skilled opponents being able to survive up to very high percentages, while it, in turn, cannot reliably take advantage of the mechanic due to its light weight. While its impressive recovery somewhat mitigates its endurance issues, Quick Attack is a difficult move to master. When using it for fast movement, inexperienced players can often veer off-stage or angle it the wrong way and miss the edge entirely while attempting to recover, causing Pikachu to fall helplessly and inadvertentlyself-destruct.

Pikachu also suffers from poorrange, as most of its attacks' hitboxes are very close to its body. Despite its speed, Pikachu's aerials have abnormally high landing lag, with its down aerial being tied withToon Link's for having the highest amount of landing lag of any aerial in the game. When coupled with the previous point, only forward aerial is fairly reliable for approaching and pressuring, which leaves Pikachu susceptible to characters with capable aerial approaches, such asSheik. This issue is further compounded by its slow air speed.

Lastly, Pikachu's overall damage output is poor despite its powerful combo game, which results in it commonly taking time for opponents to be brought within KOing range. This, in turn, is further compounded by another issue: Pikachu has significant trouble KOing. It's set-ups off of up and down throws into Thunder requirereads and proper spacing and timing. Aside from these few situations, it has no reliable set-ups into its KOing options. Up smash has short range, which makes it verypunishable. While it has a good range, forward smash has noticeable start-up, which makes it unsafe in close-quarters combat despite its low ending lag. Down smash is relatively weak and has odd hitboxes, as they do not hit very far in front or behind Pikachu, but have deceptive vertical range. Forward and down smash only hit slightly below the edge, meaning Pikachu will often be forced to attempt to score KOs by using its forward or back aerials' auto-link angles, or launching the opponent away with neutral and down aerials' small and short-lasting hitboxes. Each of these options is inconsistent and requires matchup experience to perform effectively.

Pikachu receives minimal benefit from itscustom moves, though they still have their uses. Thunder Waveparalyzes grounded opponents, opening up opportunities for follow-ups at the cost of having much less range. Heavy Skull Bash travels and charges faster, and has immense power if used at point-blank range. Meteor Quick Attack covers less distance, but as its name implies, both of its hits aremeteor smashes and deal much higher knockback at the start of each dash. Quick Feet travels farther and has more power, but it loses its unpredictability due to consisting of only one dash. Distant Thunder has more start-up and a much weaker shockwave hitbox around Pikachu, but it has more vertical range, much more power near the thundercloud, and cannot meteor smash. This allows for easierThunderspiking, which restores most of that technique's usefulness.

Overall, Pikachu is a viable character courtesy of its mobility, frame data, combo game, recovery, and edge-guarding potential. While it has a high learning curve, largely due to the skill required for proper use of Quick Attack and its heavy reliance on reads to score KOs, its strengths generally make up for its weaknesses. While Pikachu has low tournament representation, the efforts of a few dedicated mains, such asESAM, have resulted in it achieving strong tournament results. In spite of this, some players are critical of its high-tier ranking, as ESAM has been the only notable Pikachu main that has consistently achieved impressive placings.

Changes fromSuper Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Pikachu received a mix of buffs and nerfs in the transition toSSB4, with its direct changes nerfing it overall. The changes tohitstun canceling grant it a few notable KO set-ups from its throws, with up throw (Thunder) working at higher percents (although it is very difficult to perform). Some of Pikachu's moves also have increased KO potential, including its up and forward smashes. As many of its moves deal electric damage, it benefits from the increased shieldstun and the weakening ofSDI has also benefited Pikachu's multi-hit moves. Pikachu's frame data has seen relatively few changes, giving Pikachu greater frame data relative to the cast, and most of its moves with altered frame data either saw only an extra frame or two added onto or cut off of its startup lag/duration or ending lag.

However, Pikachu has also received significant nerfs. Quick Attack canceling can no longer be used on the ground unless used off of a slope, making it less flexible as an approach option, forcing Pikachu to use its Quick Attack edge-cancel technique. Pikachu's grab game, one of its greatest strengths inBrawl, has been heavily nerfed: its overall grab range is shorter, its up and down throws deal less damage, with the latter's increased knockback worsening its combo potential, and the removal ofchain grabbing removed its forward and down throws' highly damaging chain grabs. While the changes to hitstun canceling have given it new combos, they are nonetheless inferior to its chain grabbing combos inBrawl and Pikachu also has worselocking potential not only due to the three hit lock limit but also because Quick Attack has lost its locking potential in exchange for combo potential and Pikachu's up aerial has much higher knockback making it less reliable at leading into afootstool. Pikachu's damage output has noticeably been reduced, hindering its overall racking ability. Pikachu's overall range is also worse, further exacerbating its already poor range, especially when compared to the cast. Although the new edge mechanics supplement Pikachu's already impressiverecovery, they also hinder its edge-guarding potential, especially since the majority of its fellow veterans have improved recoveries. While some of Pikachu's moves have greater KO potential, others have reduced KO potential, most notably down smash, neutral aerial, andThunder. Thunder has significantly less range and power, makingthunderspiking both harder and far less effective, although Thunder has a new meteor smash hitbox on its Thundercloud, which can lead into the shockwave. Lastly, the introduction torage is a mixed bag: although it alleviates Pikachu's unimpressive KO potential, Pikachu's unimpressive endurance makes it difficult for it to utilize rage safely, and the removal ofmomentum canceling has also further worsened Pikachu's already poor endurance.

Overall, while Pikachu retains most of its strengths, a majority of them were toned down, while its weaknesses were further exacerbated. While Pikachu overall benefits from the changes toSmash 4's mechanics, it does not benefit from them as much as many of the other returning veterans. As a result, Pikachu is a less effective character, although its strength relative to the cast is not much lower, as the characters ranked above it inBrawl saw a similar treatment to either a lesser or greater extent.

Although Pikachu was universally agreed upon as being a high-tier character inBrawl, its tier status inSSB4 has been polarizing in comparison. Much like inBrawl, Pikachu had a rather small playerbase in competitive play because of its very high learning curve and requiring a degree of technical skill to fully thrive, Pikachu is still considered a notable force in the metagame, thanks to players such asESAM. However, Pikachu's current ranking on the tier list is still debatable among theSSB4 competitive community, owing to its below average representation in comparison to other high-tier characters.

Aesthetics[edit]

• Pikachu's design has changed. It has thicker arms, a thinner torso, slightly larger cheek spots, a slightly smaller nose, and slightly thinner ears. Additionally, the black portions of Pikachu's ears are more subdued. Lastly, the aesthetic used inSSB4 has resulted in Pikachu having a sleeker design, and the yellow, red, and brown portions of its fur being significantly more vibrant. Altogether, these changes make Pikachu appear virtually identical to its appearance inPokédex 3D Pro.
• Pikachu has regained its party hatalternate costume. It has also received three new alternate costumes. The first costume is based onEthan's hat inPokémon HeartGold andSoulSilver Versions. The second costume is based on Pikachu'sshiny coloration and theChoice Band. Lastly, the third costume is based on Pikachu's official artwork coloration, andCalem'sRed Outdoors Cap and Wide-Frame Glasses.
• Pikachu is more expressive. It now smiles more often or sports a stern look during certain moves; winces with one eye closed while being grabbed and while hanging on an edge; and sports swirly eyes whilestunned.
• Walk's animation has slightly changed. Pikachu now walks in a more slanted motion.
• Downtaunt's animation has slightly changed. Pikachu now keeps its eyes open, instead of closing them.
• Pikachu's previously unused damage yells fromBrawl'sSound Test are now heard when taking high knockback.

Attributes[edit]

• Pikachudashes faster (1.765 → 1.85325).
• Pikachufalls faster (1.5 → 1.55). This slightly improves its vertical endurance, but makes it slightly more susceptible to combos.
• Pikachu'sgravity is higher (0.087 → 0.095).
  • As a result, itsjumps are lower.
• Rolls have less ending lag (FAF 32 → 27).
• Rolls have a shorter duration (frame 4-19 → 4-14).
• Air dodge has less startup (frame 4 → 2) and ending lag (FAF 50 → 31).
• Air dodge has a shorter duration (frames 4-29 → 2-25).
• Spot dodge has a shorter duration (frames 2-20 → 2-15) and has more ending lag (FAF 23 → 25).
• Pikachu'sledge grab is much longer (8 frames → 20); now matching the rest of the cast. This means that Pikachu now has 12 extra frames of lag before it can perform any of its ledge options.

Ground attacks[edit]

• Neutral attack:
  • Neutral attack deals less damage (2% → 1.4% (near)/1.2% (mid)/1% (far)) and has increased knockback (4 (base), 30 (scaling) → (10/9/8)/45), significantly hindering its damage-racking ability. It also no longer has a bonustrip chance.
  • Neutral attack has slightly improvedjab lock potential as it now has set knockback against grounded opponents, giving it consistent jab lock potential at all percents.
• Forward tilt:
  • Forward tilt has increased startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 5-10 → 6-8), and less range (4u/3.5u/3u → 3.5u/3u/2.5u).
• Up tilt:
  • Up tilt deals consistent damage throughout its hitboxes (7% (near)/6% (mid)/5% (far) → 5%) and has decreased knockback scaling (124 → 120). These changes improve its combo potential but hinder its KO potential.
  • Up tilt has increased ending lag (FAF 24 → 27), and the body hitbox is smaller (4.32u → 2u).
• Down tilt:
  • Down tilt deals 1% less damage (7% → 6%), improving its combo potential, but hindering its gimping potential.
  • Down tilt has decreased range and a shorter duration (frames 7-9 → 7-8).
• Dash attack:
  • Due to having a clean hitbox and a late hitbox instead of a consistent hitbox, dash attack no longer deals consistent damage (7% → 10% (clean)/6% (late)).
  • Clean dash attack has more knockback compared to the previous hitbox (40 (base), 70 (scaling) → 70/90 (clean), 100/50 (late)), granting it KO potential.
  • Dash attack has slightly increased startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 5-16 → 6-9 (clean), 10-16 (late)) and less range.
• Forward smash:
  • Mid forward smash deals 1% more damage (17% → 18%) and more knockback (50 (base), 70 (scaling) → 60/75), improving its KO potential. The late hit has higher knockback scaling (60 → 102), and its angle was altered (70° → 45°), significantly improving its KO potential despite dealing less damage (14% → 12%). It also has decreased ending lag (FAF 50 → 49).
  • Early forward smash deals less damage (20% → 15%), and its knockback wasn't fully compensated (70 (base), 60 (scaling) → 50/73). Forward smash also has less range.
• Up smash:
  • Clean up smash deals more knockback (40 (base), 90 (scaling) → 50/89), improving its KO potential. Late up smash also has significantly increased base knockback (5 → 55) and its angle has been altered (40° → 80°), granting it combo potential at medium percents while also drastically increasing its KO ability.
  • Up smash has slightly increased startup (frame 9 → 10) and ending lag (FAF 44 → 45).
  • Up smash's animation has slightly changed. Pikachu now slightly curls in its tail at the very end of the backflip, instead of leaving it extended.
• Down smash:
  • The weakening ofSDI makes down smash significantly more difficult to escape from, combined with the multi-hits' lower SDI multiplier (1.2x → 0.8x). The 19% damage increase toshields, and the increase toshieldstun also significantly improve its shield pressuring potential.
  • Due to consisting of six hits instead of seven, down smash deals 2% less damage (15% → 13%), and the final hit has less base knockback (70 → 55) and launches opponents at a lower angle (70° → 50°), hindering its KO potential and removing its ability to lead intoThunder. It also has increased startup lag (frame 6 → 8), more ending lag (FAF 55 → 66), and less range (5.76u (loop hits)/12u (final hit) → 4u/10u).

Aerial attacks[edit]

• Neutral aerial:
  • Neutral aerial deals less damage (12% (clean)/6% (late) → 8.5%/5.5%), and the clean hit's knockback was not fully compensated (22 (base), 100 (scaling) → 30/104), hindering its KO and edgeguarding potential. It also has a shorter duration (frames 3-25 → 3-20).
  • Neutral aerial has decreased ending lag (FAF 40 → 39) and the late hit has more range (4u → 4.5u).
  • Late neutral aerial has an altered angle (361° → 45°).
• Forward aerial:
  • Forward aerial's loop hits deal less damage (2% → 1.7%), which decreases its overall damage output (11% → 9.8%). It also has increased ending lag (FAF 40 → 42).
  • Due to the loop hits having altered hitbox placements and angles (74° → 74°/280°), forward aerial is now anunconventional meteor smash, and when coupled with the weakening of SDI, the hits connect better, and it is much more difficult to escape from them. Additionally, its last hit has increased knockback (70 (base), 90 (scaling) → 50/150), improving its edgeguarding potential. Lastly, it autocancels earlier (frame 35 → 32).
  • The last hit of forward aerial has an altered angle (50° → 48°).
• Back aerial:
  • Back aerial's loop and last hits deal less damage (1% (loop)/4% (last) → 0.8%/3%), which decreases its overall damage output by 2.4% (11% → 8.6%). Its last hit also has a shorter duration (frames 32-37 → 32-33).
  • Back aerial has decreased ending lag (FAF 60 → 59) and autocancels earlier (frame 50 → 48). It also uses theautolink angle, and when coupled with the weakening of SDI, it is significantly more difficult to escape from back aerial. Finally, the last hit (120 (scaling) → 180) and the landing hit have increased knockback (10 (base), 100 (scaling) → 50/80).
• Up aerial:
  • Up aerial has increased startup lag with a shorter duration (frames 3-8 → 4-8) and has less range (4.8u/5.76u/4.5u → 4u/5u/4u). It also deals less damage (6%/5% (clean)/5%/4% (late) → 5% (clean)/4% (late)).
  • Up aerial's angle has been altered (80° → 68°). Up aerial also has increased knockback (50/40/30 (base)/60 (scaling) → 50/113 (clean), 40/80 (late)), granting the clean hit KO potential at very high percents but significantly hindering up aerial's combo potential at higher percents.
  • Up aerial has decreased ending lag (FAF 28 → 27).
• Down aerial:
  • Down aerial's first hit has increased knockback scaling (80 → 84). This improves its edgeguarding and KO potential, but makes it more difficult to connect with its second hit.
  • Down aerial and its landing hit have less range.

Throws/other attacks[edit]

• All grabs have decreased ranges.
• All grabs have decreased ending lag (FAF 30 → 28 (standing), FAF 39 → 35 (dash), FAF 36 → 33 (pivot)). Dash and pivot grabs also have decreased start-up lag (frame 9 → 8 (dash), frame 10 → 9 (pivot)).
• Pummel:
  • Pummel deals 0.1% less damage (2% → 1.9%).
  • Pummel's hitbox is larger.
• Forward throw:
  • Forward throw has more base knockback (45 → 55) and when coupled with the removal ofchain grabbing, this significantly hinders forward throw's damage-racking potential.
• Up throw:
  • Up throw deals much less damage (5% (hit and throw) → 1% (hit), 3% (throw), 10% → 4% (total)).
  • Up throw's knockback was significantly increased (90 (base), 45 (scaling) → 48/150), now granting it KO potential at very high percents. When coupled with the changes to hitstun canceling, these changes also grant it combo potential into Thunder at high percents.
• Down throw:
  • Down throw deals 2% less damage (5% → 3% (hit), 10% → 8% (total)) and has much higher knockback scaling (38 → 100). When coupled with the removal of chain grabbing, these changes significantly hinder its damage-racking potential, despite the changes to hitstun cancelling still granting it combo potential at low to mid percents.
• Floor attack:
  • Front floor attack has decreased knockback.
  • Back floor attack has increased knockback and range. It also has decreased start-up lag.
• Edge attack:
  • Edge attack no longer has set knockback (110 (set), 100 (scaling) → 90 (base)/20).
  • Edge attack has more startup lag (frame 22 → 23) and sends opponents at a less favorable angle (361° → 45°).

Special moves[edit]

• Thunder Jolt:
  • Grounded Thunder Jolt now has a clean hit, a mid hit, and a late hit rather than a sweetspot and a sourspot (6% (sweetspot)/5% (sourspot) → 6% (clean), 5% (mid), 4% (late)).
  • Aerial Thunder Jolt deals less damage (9% → 5%/4%/3%).
  • Thunder Jolt deals less knockback (40/16 (base), 40 (scaling) → (25/13)/20).
• Skull Bash:
  • Partially and fully charged Skull Bash covers more distance, improving their recovery potential. Additionally, much like inMelee, inputting the move like a smash attack will make the move start slightly charged, reducing the time to fully charge the move.
  • Skull Bash deals less damage (7% (uncharged)/25% (fully charged) → 6%/22%), and knockback scaling (80 → 62). Skull Bash also has increased landing lag (38 frames → 44), and the removal ofmomentum canceling hinders its utility.
  • Pikachu no longer halts its momentum when landing with Skull Bash. This makes it easier to punish and prevents Pikachu from auto-snapping the ledge shortly after it lands with Skull Bash.
• Quick Attack:
  • Quick Attack's first hit now hasanti-rebounding priority.
  • The 19% damage increase to shields and the increase to shieldstun significantly improve Quick Attack's shield pressuring potential.
  • Quick Attack's hits have had their damage swapped (3% (hit 1)/2% (hit 2) → 2%/3%).
  • Quick Attack's knockback (5 (base), 40 (scaling) → 20/(50 (hit 1)/150 (hit 2)) and angle (0° → 70°) have been altered, granting it combo potential but removing its ability to lock.
  • Quick Attack covers less overall distance.
  • Quick Attack canceling can no longer be used on flat surfaces, significantly hindering Pikachu's approach and air game.
• Thunder:
  • Thunder has received a hitbox near its thundercloud that deals 6% and is a meteor smash, which can lead into the shockwave. The shockwave also has increasedintangibility when landed on the ground (8 frames → 10).
  • Pikachu can now land both the thunderbolt and the shockwave like it could inSmash 64.
  • The 19% damage increase to shields and the increase to shieldstun significantly improve Thunder's shield pressuring potential.
  • The grounded version of the shockwave has more ending lag (FAF 38 → 42).
  • Thunder deals less damage (10% (thunderbolt)/17% (shockwave) → 8%/15%) and deals less knockback (100 (base), 50 (scaling), → 74/60 (thunderbolt), 100/60 → 70/66 (shockwave)).
  • Thunder has less range both in terms of the height of the thunderbolt and the hitboxes (7u (thunderbolt)/14.4u (shockwave) → 4u/13u) which when combined with its new meteor smash hitbox and the thunderbolt's significantly reduced range and power, makesThunderspiking very difficult to perform and much less effective in general.
    • The thunderbolt's reduced range allows Pikachu to hit itself sooner, reducing the shockwave's startup lag.
  • The removal ofedge momentum shifting slightly hinders its utility.
• Volt Tackle:
  • Volt Tackle is now accompanied by a small, whitish violet spark of electricity that is analogous to a cursor. This makes it easier to aim. It also has a longer duration.
  • Volt Tackle deals less damage (13% (collision)/25% (discharge) → 1%-6%/8%-19%) and has decreased knockback, significantly hindering its KO potential. It is also slower.

Update history[edit]

Pikachu has received a mix of buffs and nerfs from game updates. While update1.0.4 buffed some of Pikachu's KOing options by increasing their power, it then received only direct nerfs afterward. Update1.0.6 standardized Pikachu's edge grab animation, making it slower and effectively weakening its edge-trumping ability, while update1.1.0 removed Thunder Wave's ability tolock and thus its ability to perform zero-to-death combos in custom matches. Update1.1.5 also removed a glitch where Pikachu couldedge-cancel Quick Attack on both versions ofUmbra Clock Tower. However, the changes on shield mechanics benefit itselectric attacks by making them safer on shield, thanks to their high hitlag. Overall, Pikachu's potency in the metagame has not been reduced.

1.0.4

• Forward smash's early and late hits have higher knockback scaling (65 (clean)/100 (late) → 73/102).
• Thunder Jolt can no longer hit damageable floors, making the projectile considerably more versatile on stages with breakable floors.
• Skull Bash has higher knockback scaling (60 → 62)
• Thunder is now a single projectile instead of a stream of four separate projectiles, meaning it cannot beabsorbed four times (byOil Panic, for example.)
• Thunder's (and Distant Thunder's) shockwave has higher knockback scaling (62 → 66).

1.0.6

• Edge grab is much slower (8 frames → 20), now matching the rest of the cast.

1.1.0

• Thunder Jolt and Thunder Wave's projectile hitbox angles have been altered to 0°.
• The angle change removes Thunder Wave's ability tolock.

1.1.5

• Quick Attack canceling has been removed on both theΩ form and regular version ofUmbra Clock Tower, removing Pikachu'sintricate infinite combos on that stage.
• Thunder Jolt Glitch removed.

Moveset[edit]

• Pikachu cancrawl andwall jump.

For a gallery of Pikachu's hitboxes, seehere.

Stats[edit]

Announcer call[edit]

This article could use additional or higher-quality audio files. The editor who added this tag suggests:Needs announcer calls from other languages. If you have a good audio file for this article, upload ithere.

• English/Japanese/Chinese

On-screen appearance[edit]

• Emerges from aPoké Ball, then briefly discharges electricity around itself.

Taunts[edit]

• Up taunt: Hunches and discharges electricity around itself while saying "Piiiii!"
• Side taunt: Faces the screen and waves its left paw twice and then its right paw twice while saying "Pika Pika!"
• Down taunt: Rolls on its back while saying "Pikaaaaa!"

Up taunt	Side taunt	Down taunt

Idle poses[edit]

• Scratches its right ear.
• Stands up straight, then looks right, and then left, twitching its ears.

Crowd cheer[edit]

	Cheer (English)	Cheer (Japanese)	Cheer (Spanish)
Cheer
Description	Pi - ka - chu!	Pi - ka - chu!	Pi - ka Pi - ka Pi - ka - chu! Pi - ka Pi - ka Pikaaaa - chu!
	Cheer (French)	Cheer (German)	Cheer (Italian)
Cheer
Description	Pi - ka Pi - ka Pi - ka - chu !	Pi - ka Pi - ka Pi - ka Pika - chu!	Pi - ka Pi - ka Pi - ka - chu!

Victory poses[edit]

• Twitches its ears, then scratches its right ear.
• Jumps up and somersaults while saying "Pi!", then spins around once before happily facing the camera. It appears very similar to its "character chosen" animation inSSB.
• Sleeps on the ground while saying "Piiika" drowsily.

Incompetitive play[edit]

Official Custom Moveset Project[edit]

Character	Custom sets available
Pikachu	1311	2311	2312	1312	1313
	1331	2313	2331	3311	1321

Most historically significant players[edit]

See also:Category:Pikachu players (SSB4)

•  Captain L - The best Pikachu player in Canada and one of the best in the world. He notably placed 2nd atArcane Tournaments 2018 where he scored his best wins in his career, beingMkLeo andMr.R. He also notably placed 9th atCEO 2018 and 13th at both2GGC: MkLeo Saga andSmash 'N' Splash 4. He is ranked 79th on thePGR 100 as the second player to primarily play Pikachu.
•  ESAM - The best Pikachu player of all-time. He was the closest any Pikachu player came to winning a major, placing 2nd atSuper Smash Con 2015 andThe Big House 8. Additionally, he made multiple top 8s at other majors as solo-Pikachu such as 3rd atUGC Smash Open, 5th atDreamHack Atlanta 2018, and 7th atEVO 2015. He is the highest ranking Pikachu in the world, ranking 17th on thePGR 100.
•  Kishiru - The best Pikachu player in Japan. He placed 13th atSumabato Smash 4 Final and made top 24s at many Umebura tournaments, placing 13th atUmebura 27 and 17th at bothUmebura 32 andUmebura 33. He notably defeatedKameme atUmebura 34. Ranked 58th on theJAPAN Power Rankings.
•  Nero - The best Pikachu player in the Midwest. Known more for his regional performances, placing 7th atMidwest Mayhem 5, 13thShowdown: Battle Royale, and defeating players such asNed andtyroy at other Midwest events. In terms of majors, he has a few notable top 64s under his belt with 33rd atFrostbite 2018 defeatingK9sbruce and 49th atThe Big House 7.
•  Rideae - One of the best Pikachu players in the United States. During 2017, he took sets overNairo during his 17th place finish atSuper Smash Con 2017 andTweek during his 25th place finish atCEO 2017. In 2018, he very solid placements around his region of Florida, placing 13th atCEO 2018 and 17th atDreamHack Atlanta 2018.
•  Z - One of the best Pikachu players in the United States, residing in Las Vegas where he is considered a top 10 player there. He made top 64 at many majors during the lifespan ofSmash 4, placing 17th atIBP Masters Showdown defeatingAC, 25th atParagon Orlando 2015, and 33rd atEVO 2018.

Tier placement and history[edit]

Pikachu was initially perceived as a top-tier character, thanks to its approach and mindgame potentials courtesy ofQuick Attack, its strong combo game and edge-guarding potential, its ability to evade attacks courtesy of its small size and lowcrouch, and itsjab lock set-ups into KOs. As each of these traits were demonstrated very effectively in competitive play byESAM, Pikachu was ranked 5th on the first tier list. However, there was also a vocal fraction of players who did not agree on Pikachu's initial placement, mainly due to ESAM being the only notable Pikachu player who placed well in tournaments, which was insufficient enough in comparison to the significant results and representation of other well-regarded characters. Other criticisms included Pikachu's lack of reliable KO set-ups, its KO potential in general, the high landing lag of its aerials, and its poorrange.

The debate over Pikachu's tier placement would become even more prevalent due to ESAM's results eventually declining due to the strengths of other well-regarded characters, as well as Pikachu's unfavorable matchups againstMario andNess becoming more apparent. These criticisms were further exacerbated by Pikachu's representation still remaining fairly minimal for a high-tier character, and altogether resulted in its ranking on the first tier list being met with widespread disapproval. As expected, Pikachu's tier placement saw a noticeable drop on the second tier list, where it was ranked 12th. Despite ESAM placing at 3rd atUGC Smash Open, Pikachu's tier placement saw another drop, now being ranked 15th on the third tier list. Pikachu's results, while rare, have remained pretty strong nonetheless, which has allowed it to hold on the 15th placing on the fourth and current tier list.

In Solo Modes[edit]

All-Star Mode[edit]

In All-Star Mode, Pikachu is fought in Stage 5 in the 3DS version or Stage 3 in the Wii U version alongsideNess,Jigglypuff,Sheik,Ganondorf,Mewtwo,Charizard,Diddy Kong, andCloud.

Event Matches[edit]

Solo Events[edit]

• All-Star Battle: Regulars: Pikachu is one of the opponents fought in this event. All of the opponents are the eight starter characters of the"perfect-attendance crew" fromSuper Smash Bros.
• Fire-Type Frenzy: AsCharizard, the player must defeat Pikachu,Greninja, andLucario.Fire Bars,Fire Flowers, andSuperspicy Curry are the onlyitems that appear.
• Pokémon Battle: As Greninja, the player must defeat Pikachu, Charizard, and Lucario.
• When Lightning Strikes: A small Pikachu and must defeat three giant Pikachu.
• Yellow Devils: AsMega Man, the player must defeat a giant Pikachu, a giantPac-Man, and theYellow Devil in aStamina Battle.

Co-op Events[edit]

• Pokémon Multi Battle!: Pikachu and Charizard must defeat a team of Lucario and Greninja, and then a team of Pikachu and Charizard each appearing after one opponent is defeated.
• The Ultimate Battle: Two players select a character and must defeat the entire roster.

Congratulations Screens[edit]

Trophies[edit]

Pikachu's default trophy is obtained by clearing Classic Mode as Pikachu. Its alternate trophy is obtained by clearing All-Star Mode as Pikachu in the 3DS version or purchasing it in the Trophy Shop for 1000G in the Wii U version (the latter can only appear after clearing Classic or All-Star as Pikachu). The Volt Tackle trophy is obtained only in the Wii U version by clearing All-Star Mode as Pikachu.

3DS Classic Mode trophy

Wii U Classic Mode trophy

Pikachu

Recognized the world over, Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon that stores energy in its cheeks for use in battle. In Smash Bros., Pikachu is a well-rounded fighter with speedy, powerful electric attacks. Quick Attack can be used twice in a row if two directions are input, one after another.

:Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (09/1998)

:Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition (10/1999)

Pikachu is famous worldwide as the face of the Pokémon series. There's a lot of electricity stored in those rosy cheeks, and in this game, that allows for some devastating attacks, like Thunder Jolt. Tip: Input another direction after using Quick Attack to get a second burst. It's top-notch for recoveries!

:Pokémon Red/Blue (10/1999)

:Pokémon Yellow (06/2000)

3DS All-Star Mode trophy

Wii U alternate trophy

Pikachu (Alt.)

Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. It does more damage to enemies in the air. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.

Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. It does more damage to enemies in the air. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and makes Pikachu invincible for a split second.

:Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (09/1998)

:Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition (10/1999)

Pikachu's Thunder Jolt fires off a ball of electricity that bounces across the stage, getting weaker as it travels. Airborne enemies will take extra damage from it and get launched further. The default down special, Thunder, causes a lightning strike that both shocks opponents and turns Pikachu invincible for a split second.

:Pokémon Red/Blue (10/1999)

:Pokémon Yellow (06/2000)

Volt Tackle trophy

Volt Tackle

Pikachu's Final Smash turns its whole body into a powerful ball of electricity that darts around at high speed, tackling opponents. While Pikachu is charging around, press the attack button to unleash powerful sparks. There's also a little ball of light that flies ahead of Pikachu itself. Use that as a guide if Pikachu seems out of control!

For Pikachu's Final Smash, it surrounds itself with a ball of electricity and darts around at high speed, tackling opponents. While it's charging around, press the attack button to unleash powerful sparks. You can also use the little ball of light that flies just ahead of Pikachu as a guide if it seems out of control!

Alternate costumes[edit]

Gallery[edit]

• 

  Pikachu's appearance during theSmash Direct.

• 

  Pikachu'samiibo.

• 

  Pikachu's appearance duringE3 2013.

• 

  UsingThunder Jolt againstPit'sUpperdash Arm.

• 

  UsingSkull Bash onBowser.

• 

  UsingThunder on Bowser andSamus.

• 

  Using its side taunt.

• 

  AlongsideKirby onSpirit Train.

• 

  Pikachu,Mario,Bowser andPit onPilotwings.

• 

  AlongsideMega Man.

• 

  Down smash's new ending animation.

• 

  AlongsideLuma andStarfy.

• 

  Pikachu alongsideToon Link and Kirby.

• 

  Pikachu alongside Mega Man as he usesRush Coil.

• 

  Footstool jumping onDonkey Kong.

• 

  Alongside Donkey Kong as he usesSpinning Kong.

• 

  Using Thunder to meteor smash Bowser and follow up into its shockwave hitbox.

• 

  Taunting alongsideLucario,Charizard andGreninja.

Trivia[edit]

• SSB4 is the first installment where Pikachu's teeth are visible. They can be seen when it is beinggrabbed by an opponent, or when it is hanging on an edge facing left.
• When Pikachu isstunned, its eyes appear as swirls. This is a reference to thePokémon anime, in which Pokémon typically display the same expression afterfainting.
  • It is also the second character to have this unique detail. The first wasKirbyinSSB.
• When Pikachu is put tosleep, its mouth can be seen animating with its snore.
• Pikachu knows six official Pokémonmoves inSSB4, all of which it can learn legally in thePokémoncore series. In addition toSkull Bash,Quick Attack,Thunder andVolt Tackle, it can also useThunder Wave andThunder Shock ascustom moves.
  • One of its custom moves, Quick Feet, has thesame name of anability instead of a move, similarly toVictini'sPoké Ball effect. However, Pikachu cannot legitimately have Quick Feet as an Ability.
• Pikachu's pose in its official artwork forSSB4 is based on itsfront sprite fromPokémon Yellow, albeit completely facing the screen.

References[edit]

v • d • e Pokémon universe
Fighters	Pikachu (SSB ·SSBM ·SSBB ·SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Jigglypuff (SSB ·SSBM ·SSBB ·SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Pichu (SSBM ·SSBU) ·Mewtwo (SSBM ·SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Pokémon Trainer (SSBB ·SSBU) ·Squirtle (SSBB ·SSBU) ·Ivysaur (SSBB ·SSBU) ·Charizard (SSBB ·SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Lucario (SSBB ·SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Greninja (SSB4 ·SSBU) ·Incineroar (SSBU)
Boss	Rayquaza
Stages	Saffron City ·Pokémon Stadium ·Poké Floats ·Pokémon Stadium 2 ·Spear Pillar ·Unova Pokémon League ·Prism Tower ·Kalos Pokémon League
Items	Poké Ball ·Master Ball
Poké Ball Pokémon	Abomasnow ·Abra ·Arceus ·Articuno ·Beedrill ·Bellossom ·Bewear ·Blastoise ·Bonsly ·Celebi ·Chansey ·Charizard ·Chespin ·Chikorita ·Clefairy ·Cyndaquil ·Darkrai ·Dedenne ·Deoxys ·Ditto ·Eevee ·Electrode ·Entei ·Exeggutor ·Fennekin ·Fletchling ·Gardevoir ·Genesect ·Giratina ·Gogoat ·Goldeen ·Groudon ·Gulpin ·Hitmonlee ·Ho-Oh ·Inkay ·Jirachi ·Keldeo ·Koffing ·Kyogre ·Kyurem ·Latias & Latios ·Lugia ·Lunala ·Manaphy ·Marill ·Marshadow ·Meloetta ·Meowth ·Metagross ·Mew ·Mimikyu ·Moltres ·Munchlax ·Onix ·Oshawott ·Palkia ·Piplup ·Porygon2 ·Pyukumuku ·Raichu ·Raikou ·Scizor ·Snivy ·Snorlax ·Solgaleo ·Spewpa ·Starmie ·Staryu ·Suicune ·Swirlix ·Tapu Koko ·Togedemaru ·Togepi ·Torchic ·Unown ·Venusaur ·Victini ·Vulpix ·Weavile ·Weezing ·Wobbuffet ·Xerneas ·Zapdos ·Zoroark
Enemies	Chandelure ·Cryogonal ·Gastly ·Koffing ·Petilil
Other	Charmander ·Cresselia ·Dialga ·Porygon ·Registeel ·Reshiram ·Team Rocket ·Zekrom ·List of Pokémon
Trophies,Stickers andSpirits	Trophies (SSBM ·SSBB ·SSB4) ·Stickers ·Spirits
Music	Brawl ·SSB4 ·Ultimate

• Characters (SSB4)
• Pokémon universe
• Pikachu (SSB4)
• Pokémon (SSB4)
• Trophies (SSB4-3DS)
• Trophies (SSB4-Wii U)

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