Basic Controls

Access Training Mode (found at Games & More → Training) to practice controls, adjust fighter damage, CPU behavior, and item settings. The 'Training' stage's grid background helps visualize attack reach and launch distance. Enable the Trajectory Guide in the Pause Menu for further assistance.

Watch the 'How to Play' movie (found at Vault → Movies → How to Play) to learn the fundamentals of controlling your fighter.

Consult the Tips section (found at Vault → Tips → Techniques) for additional techniques and terminology.

Moving on the ground: Quickly tilt the left stick left or right to run. Gently tilting results in a slower walk. To reverse direction while running, quickly press the opposite direction on the stick, but be aware of a short skid animation; negate this by releasing the stick briefly before pressing the opposite direction.

Moving in the air: Press X/Y or Up on the left stick to jump. A quick tap results in a small hop. Use the left stick to control jump direction or move left/right while falling. A greater tilt yields more momentum. Most fighters can perform a second jump in the air, allowing for directional changes. Running off a stage edge grants only one jump. You can jump off opponents' heads up to four times, with each subsequent jump being shorter. Pressing down while in the air causes you to fall faster. Since version 2.0.0, pressing two jump inputs (X and Y for GameCube controller, or A and X for Pro Controller) simultaneously results in a short hop; this trick does not work if jump is set to Up on the left stick.

Shielding: Press ZR (or R for GameCube controller) while on the ground to activate your shield and block damage. The shield shrinks with prolonged use or damage. A broken shield leaves you stunned and vulnerable to punishment. Opponents can grab you while you are shielding. Shields regenerate when not in use.

Rolling Dodge: While on the ground and shielding, tilt the left stick left or right to perform a rolling dodge in that direction.

Spot Dodge: While shielding, press down on the left stick to perform a spot dodge. This allows for a quicker counter-attack opportunity compared to other dodges.

Air Dodge: Press ZR (or R for GameCube controller) in the air to perform an air dodge. You are limited to one air dodge per aerial state; you can use it again after taking damage or landing.

Directional Air Dodge: Hold any direction while performing an air dodge to move in that direction. This aids positioning but leaves you more vulnerable after the dodge. Air dodges can be used for recovery back to the stage. Spamming dodges slows your fighter and reduces invincibility frames, increasing vulnerability.

Ground Smash Attacks: Press A and a direction on the left stick simultaneously to perform a Smash Attack. Holding A charges the attack, increasing damage and launch distance. The right stick can also be used for Smash Attacks if configured.

Ground Neutral Attack: Press A to perform a neutral attack. Many fighters can perform combos by tapping A, with the final hit often having the most launch power. These are effective for racking up damage at close range.

Ground Forward Tilt: Tilt the left stick in the direction your fighter is facing and press A to perform a Forward Tilt. These generally have better reach and more damage than neutral attacks but are slower.

Ground Down Tilt: Press the left stick down and then A to perform a low-hitting attack. Some fighters have unique effects, like King K. Rool burying opponents or Incineroar launching them for juggling.

Ground Up Tilt: Tilt up on the left stick and press A to perform an Up Tilt, which typically sends opponents upward, enabling combos with further Up Tilts or aerial attacks.

Tilt Attack Configuration: Tilt attacks can be assigned to the right stick/C-Stick via Smash → Controls → your name → your controller → the right stick/C-Stick (defaulted to Smash Attack) → Tilt Attack → Save. This helps prevent accidental Smash Attacks.

Dash Attack: While running, press A to perform a Dash Attack. The opponent is sent in your running direction, but missing can lead to punishment.

Grab: Press R (or Z for GameCube controller) to grab an opponent. Tapping the button adds small amounts of damage. Tilting the left stick in a direction performs a throw. If you delay the throw too long, the opponent can escape. You can grab opponents who are shielding. Missing a grab results in significant lag, allowing the opponent to counter.

Neutral Aerial: Press A in the air to perform a Neutral Aerial attack.