Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the ultimate crossover fighting game, has brought together a diverse cast of characters from the gaming universe, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game’s balance is a constant topic of discussion among players, and the notion of hard-hitting characters has been a subject of debate since its release. As the metagame evolves and players discover new strategies and techniques, certain fighters have risen to the top, garnering reputations as formidable powerhouses.
In this article, we delve into the heart of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate competitive scene to uncover the 10 most hard-hitting characters that have left their mark on the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to up your game or a newcomer seeking to understand the challenges ahead, this list will introduce you to the characters who have defined the metagame with their exceptional strengths and abilities.
10. King Dedede
Known as the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land and is one of Kirby’s most recurring rivals and adversaries. King Dedede is a large, rotund penguin-like character who wields a massive wooden mallet and often engages in mischief. King Dedede’s hammer attacks are powerful and can cover a wide area, making him a significant threat in close combat. Additionally, King Dedede can launch Gordos (spiky, bouncy projectiles) at opponents, which can be challenging to deal with and control space effectively. While he may not always be considered top-tier, his unorthodox playstyle and powerful smashes can catch opponents off guard.
9. Incineroar
The final evolution of Litten, one of the three starter Pokémon in the Alola region. Incineroar is known for its wrestling-themed design and its fiery personality, making it a unique and charismatic addition to the Pokémon series. Incineroar’s down special move, Revenge, allows it to counter an opponent’s attack and gain increased damage and knockback for its next move, making its hits even more powerful. Its effectiveness also depends on the player’s ability to read and punish opponents. Skilled players who can capitalize on Incineroar’s powerful attacks and counters will find success, but opponents who can exploit its vulnerabilities and avoid its hits can counter its strengths.
8. Captain Falcon
In F-Zero, Captain Falcon is a bounty hunter and renowned racer who pilots the Blue Falcon, one of the iconic machines in the series. While he primarily hails from the F-Zero series, he has become a fan-favorite in Super Smash Bros. thanks to his distinctive moves and style. Captain Falcon is one of the fastest characters in the game, both in terms of ground speed and air mobility, allowing him to quickly traverse the stage. His powerful smash attacks, including the Falcon Punch and the Knee of Justice (forward aerial), are known for their high damage and knockback, making them devastating finishing moves. Captain Falcon excels at edge-guarding, with his aerials and speed allowing him to pressure-recovering opponents effectively.
7. Little Mac
Introduced in Nintendo’s Punch-Out!! series, which is known for its classic boxing arcade and console games. In the series, Little Mac is an up-and-coming boxer who aims to become the World Video Boxing Association (WVBA) champion. Little Mac is known for his incredibly powerful ground attacks, including his forward smash and up smash. These moves deal significant damage and have high knockback, making them lethal finishers. As Little Mac takes and deals damage, he charges up his KO Punch, a devastating one-hit knockout move. Successfully landing the KO Punch can secure early KOs. Lastly, Little Mac boasts great speed on the ground, allowing him to close in on opponents quickly and apply pressure.
6. Pikachu
Pikachu is an Electric-type Pokémon, known for its cute appearance and its role as the franchise’s mascot. Pikachu is one of the fastest characters in the game, with excellent ground speed and air mobility, allowing it to quickly maneuver around the stage and chase down opponents. Pikachu has a variety of combo moves, including quick attacks and aerial moves, making it capable of dealing consistent damage and stringing together combos. Pikachu’s side special move, Thunder Jolt, is a fast-moving, disruptive projectile that can control space and limit an opponent’s options. Lastly, Pikachu has powerful finishing moves, such as its forward smash and Thunder (down special), which can KO opponents at higher percentages.
5. Bayonetta
The Bayonetta series is known for its stylish, fast-paced combat and distinctive protagonist. Bayonetta herself is a witch with incredible magical powers who uses firearms, melee attacks, and shape-shifting abilities to battle angels, demons, and other supernatural foes. Bayonetta is famous for her combo game, which allows her to string together multiple attacks and deal significant damage quickly. Her down special move, Witch Time, is a counter move that, when successfully activated, temporarily slows down opponents, giving her opportunities for follow-up attacks. Bayonetta underwent significant changes through patches due to concerns about her initial dominance. She was widely considered overpowered when the game was first released, which led to adjustments to her mechanics and move properties in subsequent patches.
4. Bowser
Bowser is the king of the Koopas, a race of turtle-like creatures, and he’s known for his horrific villainous deeds, including kidnapping Princess Peach and causing trouble in the Mushroom Kingdom. Bowser’s attacks hit hard, and many of them have high knockback, making it relatively easy for him to KO opponents, especially at higher percentages. Additionally, Bowser is one of the heaviest characters in the game, which means he can survive longer and is more resistant to being KO’d, making it challenging for opponents to secure KOs against him. Bowser’s combination of heavyweight status, super armor, and powerful moves have made him a strong character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
3. King K. Rool
Leader of the Kremling Krew, attempting to steal Donkey Kong’s banana hoard and causing various troubles for the Kongs. Many of King K. Rool’s attacks have super armor properties, allowing him to resist flinching from opponent attacks during certain animations. This makes him difficult to interrupt during his moves. His down special move, Gut Check, is a counter that can reflect projectiles and protect him from incoming attacks. Additionally, his neutral special move, Blunderbuss, allows him to shoot a cannonball, which can be charged and aimed, providing zoning and projectile options. His crowner, forward tilt, and other moves involve throwing projectiles that can control space and disrupt the opponent’s game plan.
2. Donkey Kong
First appeared in Donkey Kong (1981) where he played the role of a rampaging antagonist who kidnaps Pauline, the girlfriend of the character who would later become Mario. Over the years, Donkey Kong has evolved into a hero in his own right and is known for his strength, agility, and love of bananas. Donkey Kong’s attacks hit hard and have significant knockback, making it relatively easy for him to secure KOs, especially at higher percentages. Additionally, his side special move, Cargo Throw, allows him to grab an opponent and carry them while also having different throw options, enabling a variety of follow-up combos and edge-guarding opportunities.
1. Ganondorf
Often referred to as the King of Evil is the primary antagonist throughout the series. Ganondorf is a Gerudo who possesses immense magical power, and he often seeks to obtain the Triforce to achieve his nefarious goals. Ganondorf’s attacks hit hard and have significant knockback, making it easier for him to secure KOs, especially at higher percentages. His forward smash, Warlock Punch, is one of the most powerful single attacks in the game and can KO opponents at very low percentages. His up special, Dark Dive, is a command grab that can be used for both recovery or to grab and damage opponents. Lastly, his side special, Flame Choke can catch opponents by surprise and set up follow-up attacks.
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