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Super Smash Bros. Ultimate cheats and tips - Detailed breakdown of defensive options

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate cheats and tips - Detailed breakdown of defensive options

Everything you need to know about defence

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So you're getting juggled? Smashed about? Spiked down? I know the struggles, but it's after going through them you'll come out stronger.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is out now and a lot of people are saying it's harder than previously. Well, that can always be deflected with these tips.

This guide goes through all of the key defensive moves in the game. Once you master these, you'll know how to take on and dodge opponents.


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1
Perfect shield

All you need to do to pull off a perfect shield of pull your shield up just as an attack is coming in - it's the reverse of our next tip.

A perfect shield will negate all damage and shield damage, and will even reflect projectiles.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

2
Shield parry

This is easy to learn but tough to pull off. You simply need to let go of your shield button just before an attack comes your way.

The parry will lag your opponent, opening them up to a punish. This is great for Jigglypuff, who can use rest (down special) at close range to finish opponents.

3
Side step

While shielding, press down and you'll flash for a few moments. In these moments, you are entirely invincible.

That means grabs, attacks, final smashes, basically everything will pass straight through you. Yep, this will be useful.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

4
Roll

While shielding just tap left or right to perform a roll. You get a few invincibility frames, and could even put yourself behind your opponent ready to fight, but it's not flawless.

It can easily be punished, and as you continue to roll, they'll become slower, offering opponents an easy change to read and punish you.

5
Shield grab

So you've got your shield up, someone's beating at it in front of you - what do you do? Drop shield, walk up, and grab? Oh no, far too slow. You just keep holding shield and press A.

Yep, this is an easy way to grab those who dare test your shield, though dropping shield and running up for a dash grab is a better option at range…

Super Smash Bros Ultimate

6
Air dodge

This is simple - when in the air, you can press shield to air dodge, and holding a direction will make you move in that direction.

This is of course most useful when you're trying to get back onto the stage, or when you need just a tiny bit more reach to grab the ledge.

Keep in mind though, after an air dodge you are rendered inactive for a long period of time - off stage, this could lead to an early death.

7
Acting out of shield

Just because you're in your shield doesn't mean you need to defend. You can act out of shield quickly by jumping or using a special move.

This is useful in a lot of situations, either to retaliate, or finish the enemy. A well timed up special can finish high percent foes.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate
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Dave Aubrey
Dave Aubrey
Dave is the Guides Editor at Pocket Gamer. Specialises in Nintendo, complains about them for a living.