Here are some tips and tricks for the video game Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Please note: this is not a basic introduction to the game, you must have at least been exposed to the game for this to be helpful.
Air Attacks: Unless you’re a very skilled player, you’re probably going to get launched into the air at some point during a match. Fortunately, the Smash developers created a way for you to counter on your fall downward: air attacks. If you press (A) while in the air, your character will perform an attack. Forward air (fair) and up air (u-air) attacks are mainly used for offense, while down air (dair) and back air (bair) attacks are used for defense.
Timing: I cannot stress the importance of this enough. You don’t need to worry about mastering air attacks or parrying unless you have your fundamentals down first. Smash attacks, jabs, special moves, all of them mean nothing if you time them incorrectly. To prevent yourself from being launched, you have to know what to do and when to do it. How, you ask?
PRACTICE.
Lots, and lots, and lots of practice is the only way that you can become better at the game. I suggest going into an online match in a private room for Smash beginners. If online isn’t available to you, go into Training Mode and fire up a few CPUs. You’ll be much better in no time.
Now, let’s cover our final topic: moves and terms that players should be familiar with.
Tilt: a moderately powerful attack a character can perform by slightly tilting the left joystick in a direction and pressing (A).
Smash Attack: a chargeable, powerful, attack that can be performed by jolting the joystick in a direction and pressing (A) at the exact same time.
Dodge: if you press the shield button and jolt the joystick in a direction at the same time, you can perform a dodge. It takes about .3 seconds, and renders you immune to all attacks while doing it.
Spot dodge: a dodge performed while holding down on the joystick.
F-smash: you may hear this being thrown around, it’s slang for “Forward Smash,” or a side Smash Attack.
We hope these tips will help you improve at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate!
by Konrad Smith ’23 & Noah Porter ’24