The 3.0 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has finally arrived and it has brought new content in the form of Joker from Persona 5 and the Stage Builder mode. The new update has also brought a slew of changes to the game, some of which are quite surprising.
The overpowered moves that fans have been complaining about since launch have all gone untouched, which means that the player will have to endure Inkling's Splat Roller, Ganon's sword, and Ivysaur's ridiculous spore aerials for a little longer. The changes to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate have affected almost every character, with everyone being more punishable for repeated dodging, but there are some alterations that are specific to different characters.
The information for the changes in the 3.0 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate come from the official patch notes.
Nerfed: All Ranged Characters Do Less Damage To Shields
The biggest change in the 3.0 update relates to how projectiles work against shields. A lot of characters who use ranged attacks will now take longer to shave down their opponents' shields.
The characters affected by this change are Bayonetta, Cloud, Daisy, Dark Pit, Dark Samus, Dr. Mario, Duck Hunt, Greninja, Isabelle, Ivysaur, King Dedede, King K. Rool, Link, Lucario, Luigi, Mario, Mega Man, Mewtwo, Mii Gunner, Mii Swordfighter, Olimar, Pac-Man, Palutena, Pichu, Peach, Pikachu, Pit, R.O.B, Richter, Ridley, Robin, Rosalina & Luma, Samus, Simon, Snake, Toon Link, Villager, Wii Fit Trainer, Wolf, Yoshi, Young Link, and Zelda.
These changes are likely an effort to stop players from relying on ranged spam attacks, which characters like Wolf are notorious for.
Buffed: Corrin's Entire Move Set
Corrin has received numerous buffs in the latest patch, with his Dragon Fang Shot traveling farther, his Dragon Lunge having less endlag, his Dragon Ascent being more reliable and having increased knockback, the tip of his up smash now has more range, and his side smash attacks connecting more reliably.
Buffed: Diddy Kong's Physical Attacks
Diddy Kong has had many of his physical attacks buffed, with his down smash now launching the enemy further, his neutral/up aerials having increased range and power, his dash attack now has increased speed, and the hit detection of his side tilt lasts longer.
Buffed: King K. Rool Didn't Need It
Is Sakurai high? The last character who needs buffing is King K. Rool!
King K. Rool's Gut Check attack (his counter move) and his up aerial now have less vulnerability, the sweet spot on his forward air/tilt have been increased, and his up air has reduced endlag.
The only nerf to King K. Rool is the one to general projectiles (see above), as his Crownerang now deals less damage to shields.
Buffed: Kirby Can Keep Copied Abilities Longer
One of the changes from Super Smash Bros. 3DS/Wii U to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was that it was easier for Kirby to lose his copied abilities after being hit. The 3.0 update has rolled this change back somewhat, as it's now harder for Kirby to lose his copied abilities after taking damage.
It's now easier for Kirby to grab onto ledges after using his Final Cutter, his down throw deals more damage, the sweet spot on his up smash lasts longer, and it's easier for him to cancel out of Twinkle Star.
Buffed: Chrom, Lucina, Marth, Roy
The Fire Emblem sword fighters (minus Ike) all received an almost identical buff. Chrom, Lucina, Marth, and Roy have all had the range of their dash grab attack increased, which makes things easier for characters who are already fast on the ground. Roy's Blazer attack also connects with multiple hits more reliably.
Buffed: Mewtwo Is Heavier And Harder To KO
Mewtwo has received several buffs, with the main one being that he is now heavier, which makes it harder to KO him.
Mewtwo now has more intangibility frames when rolling up off the ledge and his edge attack is now stronger. Mewtwo's forward tilt, up tilt, and up aerial deal more damage, his Shadow Ball launches opponents further, his neutral attack has less startup, and his forward smash has a longer range than before.
Nerfed: Pichu Easier To Hit
Pichu was one of the worst characters in Super Smash Bros. Melee, but it has come back in a huge way in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, thanks to its small stature making it very difficult to hit.
It seems that Pichu has been taken down a few notches, as its aerial and landing hitboxes have been increased in size, making Pichu easier to hit when it tries to use its aerial mobility.
Buffed: Pirahna Plant's Spiked Ball Is Bigger
Piranha Plant was a pretty balanced character at launch, which is unusual for a DLC character in the Super Smash Bros. series and may have something to do with the fact that most people didn't pay for it.
Piranha Plant received two buffs in the 3.0 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Piranha Plant now deals more damage when coming up off a ledge and the spike ball from his Ptooie attack is bigger, making it harder to dodge.
Buffed: Sheik Can Hit More Reliably
Sheik already received a big buff in the 2.0 update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and that trend is continuing with the 3.0 update.
Sheik's flurry of jabs now have reduced endlag, her Needle Storm attack takes less time to charge, it's now easier for Sheik to connect with the tip of her down tilt, and her Hatchet attack has a larger hitbox.
Nerfed: Solid Snake's Ranged Attacks Suffer
Solid Snake has received some nerfs, as his up smash has increased endlag, his grenades deal less damage to shields, and his Remote Missile has a smaller hitbox. Solid Snake did receive a buff in form of his back air has more knockback growth.
Overall, there were fewer changes in this patch than the previous one, but it's still going to shake up the competitive scene!