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Neutral A

The first hit of Mario's standard attack in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Standard Attack, (also reffered to as "neutral attack", jab, and neutral combo), is an attack performed by pressing the A button while one's character is standing, and the control stick or Wiimote directional pad is in a neutral position. Jabs are typically fast, short-ranged, weak hits that are useful for starting combos, or breaking opponents'. Many jabs, such as Mario's, form natural standard combos of two or three hits, the final hit usually inflicting the most damage and knockback, while others, such as Fox's, initiate rapid, continuous, multi-hit attacks that opponents must often DI out of.

The speed at which each hit in the sequence of a neutral combo is executed can be controlled through the timing of a player's button taps. In Melee and Brawl, neutral combos may be interrupted by crouching or shielding, in order to restart them, or to perform other moves quickly after canceling them.

In Super Smash Bros.[]

In the original Super Smash Bros, standard attacks consisting of consecutive hits, which form neutral combos, are executed by tapping A the appropriate number of times. Characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player repeatedly taps A once the rapid jab is initiated. The Standard attack is usually a physical attack that must be used up close.

Character Standard Combo Rapid jab
Captain Falcon 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Donkey Kong 2 hits NoN
Fox 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Jigglypuff 2 hits NoN
Kirby 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Link 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Luigi 3 hits NoN
Mario 3 hits NoN
Ness 3 hits NoN
Pikachu 1 hit NoN
Samus 2 hits NoN
Yoshi 2 hits NoN

In Super Smash Bros. Melee[]

Similarly to the original Super Smash Bros., in Melee, standard attacks that form neutral combos are executed by tapping A the appropriate number of times, and characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player repeatedly taps A once the rapid jab is initiated. Many CPUs use this attack often.

Fighter Standard Combo Rapid Jab
Bowser 2 hits NoN
Captain Falcon 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Doctor Mario 3 hits NoN
Donkey Kong 2 hits NoN
Falco 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Fox 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Ganondorf 1 hit NoN
Ice Climbers 2 hits NoN
Jigglypuff 2 hits NoN
Kirby 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Link 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Luigi 3 hits NoN
Mario 3 hits NoN
Marth 2 hits NoN
Mewtwo 1 hit launches after 1st hit
Mr. Game & Watch 1 hit launches after 1st hit
Ness 3 hits NoN
Peach 2 hits NoN
Pichu 1 hit NoN
Pikachu 1 hit NoN
Roy 1 hit NoN
Samus 2 hits NoN
Sheik 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Yoshi 2 hits NoN
Young Link 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Zelda 1 hit NoN

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

Wolf's three hit neutral attack in Brawl.

In Brawl, holding the A button has several uses when performing standard attacks. Standard attacks consisting of consecutive hits that form neutral combos may be executed either by tapping A the appropriate number of times, or by holding A when one of the attacks connects with an opponent. Characters who possess a rapid jab are able to repeat it steadily and indefinitely if a player holds A once the rapid jab is initiated, however, tapping A repeatedly also works. Additionally, if the A button is held without attacking an opponent, some characters are able to repeat the first hit of their jab continuously until it does connect, after which their standard combo will follow, a technique called consecutive jabbing. It should be noted that different characters' consecutive jabs repeat at different paces, with Fox and Snake possessing very fast consecutive jabs, and Ike and Sonic very slow ones. [1]

Fighter Consecutive Jab Standard Combo Rapid Jab
Bowser NoN 2 hits NoN
Captain Falcon YesY 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Charizard NoN 3 hits NoN
Diddy Kong NoN 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Donkey Kong NoN 2 hits NoN
Falco NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Fox YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Ganondorf NoN 1 hit NoN
Ice Climbers NoN 2 hits NoN
Ike YesY 3 hits NoN
Ivysaur NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Jigglypuff YesY 2 hits NoN
King Dedede NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Kirby YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Link NoN 3 hits NoN
Lucario NoN 3 hits NoN
Lucas YesY 3 hits NoN
Luigi NoN 3 hits NoN
Mario YesY 3 hits NoN
Marth NoN 2 hits NoN
Meta Knight* NoN NoN Launches instantly
Mr. Game & Watch NoN 1 hit Launches after the first hit
Ness YesY 3 hits NoN
Olimar NoN 2 hits NoN
Peach NoN 2 hits NoN
Pikachu YesY 1 hit NoN
Pit** NoN 3 hits Can launch after the second hit
R.O.B NoN 2 hits NoN
Samus NoN 2 hits NoN
Sheik NoN 2 hits Launches after the second hit
Snake YesY 3 hits NoN
Sonic YesY 3 hits NoN
Squirtle YesY 3 hits NoN
Toon Link NoN 3 hits NoN
Wario NoN 2 hits NoN
Wolf YesY 3 hits NoN
Yoshi NoN 2 hits NoN
Zelda NoN 1 hit NoN
Zero Suit Samus YesY 3 hits NoN

*Meta Knight's neutral attack is unique, as it is the only jab that functions as a rapid attack, but can't function as a single hit attack. When A is pressed, a rapid attack is immediately launched and may be continued indefinitely. However, even if A is not held, Meta Knight will slash several times before the move ends.
**Pit's neutral attack can function as either a three-hit combo, or a two-hit combo that launches into a rapid attack, depending on the player's input. If the attack is held during the second hit, Pit performs the three-hit combo, but if the attack button is mashed, the rapid attack initiates and continues for as long as the attack button is held afterwards. Pit is the only character who possesses two different types of jabs.

In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U[]

FoxStandardAttackSSBWU3DS

New to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U, all rapid jabs now end with a stronger finishing hit that launches the opponent away from them after enough time in the jab. [2] These finishers have slightly longer range than rapid jabs, allowing the attacker to safely end the move and knock away opponents if they escape. The attacker will also be gradually pushed backwards as they land more hits. All this serves a dual purpose, to both remove infinite combos and give jabbing fighters the ability to knock their opponent away when they are done with them. Additionally, rapid jabs themselves seem to have been sped up.

Fighter Consecutive Jab Standard Combo Rapid Jab
Bayonetta** NoN 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Bowser NoN 2 hits NoN
Bowser Jr. YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Captain Falcon YesY 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Charizard NoN 3 hits NoN
Cloud YesY 3 hits NoN
Corrin NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Dark Pit NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Diddy Kong NoN 3 hits launches after 3rd hit
Donkey Kong NoN 2 hits NoN
Dr. Mario YesY 3 hits NoN
Duck Hunt NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Falco NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Fox YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Ganondorf NoN 1 hit NoN
Greninja NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Ike YesY 3 hits NoN
Jigglypuff YesY 2 hits NoN
King Dedede NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Kirby YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Link NoN 3 hits NoN
Little Mac YesY 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit*
Lucario NoN 3 hits NoN
Lucas YesY 3 hits NoN
Lucina NoN 2 hits NoN
Luigi NoN 3 hits NoN
Mario YesY 3 hits NoN
Marth NoN 2 hits NoN
Mega Man NoN up to 3 shots NoN
Meta Knight NoN NoN launches immediately
Mewtwo NoN 1 hit launches after 1st hit
Mii Brawler YesY 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Mii Gunner NoN 3 hits NoN
Mii Swordfighter NoN 3 hits NoN
Mr. Game & Watch NoN 1 hit launches after 1st hit
Ness YesY 3 hits NoN
Olimar NoN 2 hits NoN
Pac-Man YesY 3 hits NoN
Palutena NoN 1 hit launches after 1st hit
Peach NoN 2 hits NoN
Pikachu YesY 1 hit NoN
Pit NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
R.O.B NoN 2 hits NoN
Robin NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Rosalina & Luma NoN 3 hits can launch after 2nd hit
Roy NoN 1 hit NoN
Ryu NoN 3 hits (tapped);
1 hit (held)
NoN
Samus NoN 2 hits NoN
Sheik NoN 2 hits launches after 2nd hit
Shulk YesY 3 hits NoN
Sonic YesY 3 hits NoN
Toon Link NoN 3 hits NoN
Villager YesY (both hits used) 2 hits NoN
Wario NoN 2 hits NoN
Wii Fit Trainer YesY 3 hits NoN
Yoshi NoN 2 hits NoN
Zelda NoN 1 hit NoN
Zero Suit Samus YesY 3 hits NoN

*Little Mac's can only initiate his rapid jab if the attack button is pressed rapidly after connecting the second hit near an opponent. He's the only character to have this distinction.
**Bayonetta's rapid jab is unique as she cannot attack infinitely if the attack button is held or rapidly pressed. Instead, she will automatically transition into her finishing jab after at least a second passes in her rapid jab animation.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

Fighter Description
Bayonetta Punches forth once, then a second time, and then does a backhand punch and uppercut. Rapidly pressing the attack button during the third strike results in a close-quarters flurry of strikes that finishes with a single strong strike.
Bowser Punches forth once, and then punches forth with the opposite fist.
Bowser Jr./Koopalings Performs a one-two combo followed by a flurry of punches that finishes with an uppercut via a pair of boxing gloves.
Captain Falcon Punches forth once, then a second time, and finishes with a knee jab; if the button is pressed quickly enough, he will unleash a flurry of quick punches that finishes with a final strong punch.
Charizard Swipes with its right hand, then its left hand, followed by its right wing.
Chrom Performs an upward slash ending at the shoulder.
Cloud Kicks forward once, and then kicks with his other leg, finishing with a sword swing forwards.
Corrin Quick strike from left arm, transformed into Dragon Fang spike. Follows with upward sword strike. Can finish with quick dragon bite with knockback or midlevel sword slash that pops foes up.
Diddy Kong Two slaps and a kick followed by a rapid tail attack that culminates with a tail flick.
Donkey Kong Performs a hooking punch, followed by an uppercut.
Duck Hunt The dog performs a paw swipe, followed by a headbutt, followed by a double-footed side kick performed from the baby freeze. If button mashed, the duck pecks repeatedly at alternating angles, and then thrusts its wings and beak forward.
Falco Swipes forth with one arm, then the other, and then enter a wild spinning maneuver in which he rapidly swings his arms, the infinite jab then finishes with an axe kick.
Fox Punches with an arm, then the other, and then unleashes a series of rapid kicks, which ends with a stronger one.
Ganondorf Strikes forth with one hand.
Greninja Three quick jabs, followed by rapid jabs multiple times with kunais of water, then finishes with a strong double palm strike with a blast of water.
Ice Climbers Both swings hammers.
Ike Fast jab with kick; finishes the combo with overhead sword swing.
Incineroar A throat thrust, followed by a knee strike, and ending with an uppercut with the forearm.
Inkling Punches forth, then throws out a kick, and then fires several ink projectiles from his/her Splattershot.
Isabelle Swings a toy hammer.
Ivysaur Whips a vine, and then another, then extends the range for repeated vine slaps.
Jigglypuff Slaps forward once, then a second time.
Joker Inward slash, backhanded stab, then an outward slash.
Kazuya 10-Hit Combo: Rapidly pressing the button or holding it results in a barrage of ten consecutive attacks while moving forwards.
Flash Punch Combo: Pressing the button twice, then pressing it again after a delay results in two quick left-handed punches, followed by a lunging right punch.
Ken Quick forward punch. Combos into a three-hit combo that knocks foes to the ground. Must be up close to land all four combo shots. Long-press results in Inazuma Kick, a double hitting axe kick.
King Dedede Two swing hammer attack; third strike culminates into a spinning hammer attack.
King K. Rool A palm strike, then a claw swipe, and then a kick.
Kirby Throws a jab, and then a second jab with the other hand, and finally unleashes a flurry of punches that end in a stronger one.
Link Slashes the sword forwards, then a second time, and then finishes with a vertical swipe.
Little Mac Jab followed by a right hook; can culminate in either a quick punch with uppercut or simply an uppercut.
Lucario Slaps downward with one paw, then throws a punch, and finally a kick.
Lucas Kicks forth once, then a second time, then kicks a third time.
Luigi Punches forth once, then a second time, and then turns and thrusts his buttocks outwards.
Mario/Dr. Mario Punches forth twice and then throws a kick forwards.
Marth/Lucina Slashes in an upward arc above himself/herself, and then slashes a second time.
Mega Man Punch, plus fire with Mega Buster up to three times.
Meta Knight Sword flurry.
Mewtwo Pulse attack; combos into multiple energy strike with claw slash.
Mii Brawler Quick strike; third strike in combo results in a set of fast strikes. Combo ends with a kick.
Mii Swordfighter Triple-swing sword attack.
Mii Gunner Slow two-hit combo that results in strike from cannon arm.
Mr. Game & Watch Sprays insecticide repeatedly and links to a finisher.
Ness Throws a punch, then a second punch, and then finishes with a kick.
Olimar/Alph One-two punch.
Pac-Man Lunge forward to deliver a double hit, then flip back.
Palutena Thrusts her staff forward. If it connects, traps opponents in a multi-hit burst before launching them with a stronger burst.
Peach/Daisy Two alternating slaps.
Pit/Dark Pit Alternating sword strikes with both hands, culminates in either a launch or stab combo.
Pichu/Pikachu Delivers a quick headbutt.
Piranha Plant Bites forward once.
Ridley Swipes with his left claw, then with his right, then swings his head to right to bite his opponent. Alternately, it can continue into a rapid jab where he continuously stabs his tail into the opponent.
R.O.B. Double punch with knockback.
Robin Swings the bronze sword in front of himself/herself twice, and then uses an Arcfire tome to cause an explosion in front of himself/herself.
Roy Slashes one time while holding the blade with a reverse grip.
Ryu Quick forward punch. Combos into a three-hit combo that knocks foes to the ground. Must be up close to land all four combo shots. Long-press results in a roundhouse kick at high level.
Samus/Dark Samus Throws a jab, then swings her arm cannon in a downwards arc in front of herself.
Simon/Richter Two strikes with the whip coiled followed by a flurry of whip strikes and an upward finisher with the whip held lengthwise with both hands. If the button is held, he will perform the whip twirl from Super Castlevania IV.
Sheik Swipes forth with one arm, and then the other arm; she then enters a rapid flurry of arm jabs, finishing with one powerful one.
Shulk Quick jab, roundhouse kick, then upward slash with Monado.
Snake Punches forth once, then a second time, and then does a spinning hook kick.
Sonic One-two punch followed by a kick.
Sora A downwards slash, a lunging thrust, and a side swipe.
Squirtle Punches forward, then jumps forward and slaps with the tail, then flips forward and hits with the tail again.
Toon Link Overhead slash that launches foes up and away.
Villager
Wario A cross punch followed by an uppercut.
Wii Fit Trainer Quick attack with forward arm stretch and backward leg extension; culminates in a stunning knee lunge.
Wolf
Yoshi Kicks once, and then kicks a second.
Young Link Double sword slash that culminates in either a sword thrust or flurry and upward sword slash.
Zelda Thrusts a hand forwards, with several magical sparks appearing in front of her; a final, larger spark launches the opponent.
Zero Suit Samus Very quick chop-punch-elbow combo with knockback; fastest jab among all fighters.

Gallery[]


See also[]

References[]

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