Why is Kirby Bad in Smash Ultimate?
Kirby, one of the most iconic Nintendo characters, has been in the Super Smash Bros. series since its inception in 1999. As a lightweight and agile warrior, Kirby is often underwhelming in Smash Ultimate compared to other fighters.
Slow Movement Speed and Air Speed
One major issue with Kirby is his slow movement speed and air speed. This makes him vulnerable to early punishment in the neutral game and sets him up for whiffs and easy combos. A character with fast movement speed and air speed, on the other hand, is more likely to take over the neutral game and take advantage of the opponent.
Low Reach and Grab
Kirby’s physical attacks have poor reach and are difficult to use for defense. His forward tilt attack, for instance, doesn’t have enough range, making it challenging to deflect projectiles or edge-guard his opponents. His throws are also mediocre, only dealing moderate damage and are easily escaped. In competitive play, low reach and grab characters often struggle with defending themselves against aggressive characters.
Special Moves Need Improvement
Kirby’s special moves are underwhelming and lack sufficient damage racking potential. His Down Special Move, Hammer Delay, is more of an annoyance than a threat as it doesn’t have substantial knockback. His Hammer attack, when fully charged, deals insubstantial damage, and doesn’t have a reliable 50/50 mixup. His Hammer Down, in particular, can often be dodged, due to its poor recovery properties.
Difficulty in Approach
Kirby’s small size and limited pummeling range (the distance he can reliably pummel his opponents) make it difficult to approach opponents aggressively. The lack of effective range to his attacks makes it even harder to keep opponents locked down. Additionally, opponents can easily side-step him, making it hard for Kirby to set himself up for successful combos and KO’s.
| Kirby’s Attributes | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Speed | -5% | Very slow recovery |
| Air Speed | -6% | Poor aerial recovery |
| Physical Attack | Small range, difficult to hit | Low knockback on attacks |
| Grabs | 6 damage, mediocre recovery | Ineffective at higher percentages |
Conclusion
Kirby’s underwhelming performance in Smash Ultimate stems from various factors, including his low movement speed and air speed, poor special moves, and limited approach options. While he is a iconic character, his weaknesses outweigh his strengths, making him difficult to play competitively in the current metagame.