Counterattack

A counterattack is a type of special move. On use, they put the user into a shield-like state followed by a sizable period of lag. Should any normally blockable attack hit the user during the guard frames, the attack will be blocked and the user will automatically use an attack of their own, presumably hitting whoever was attacking unless it was a projectile, or some other attack that outranges the counter. Some counterattacks do more damage when they activate against a stronger attack, with Knockback scaling to match the damage, while some do the same damage all the time. Most counterattacks are unblockable, with a few exceptions: attacks from Substitute and Double Team can be safely shielded, although it requires quick reflexes.

A correctly-timed counterattack can tilt the momentum of a match towards the user, though as they are generally not effective on reaction, reading the opponent is crucial. Simply countering repeatedly in hopes of getting one in will result in a competent opponent waiting until the move's lag to attack, or simply using an uncounterable grab.

While Unblockable attacks cannot be countered, as previously mentioned, depending on the move, the user may still not take damage due to the initial invincibility frames. Unlike reflectors, there is no limit to how much damage can be countered.

The counterattack was introduced in Melee, with Marth's and Roy's down specials, and Peach's neutral special. In SSBWU/3DS, counterattacks cannot counter some explosive attacks such as Link's Bombs and Steel Diver missiles, instead giving the user full immunity against them during the counter frames. Stronger explosions can be countered, however, such as the Bob-omb. Aesthetically, most counterattacks gain a unique particle effect once the counter activates: a wave quickly appears, representing a heartbeat. This applies to all counterattacks lacking a separate particle effect, namely the entire cast that possesses a counterattack save for, and  (although his counter also has a yellow heartbeat wave on the very frame he counters a move). Each counterattack's heartbeat wave colour varies: Palutena's is blue, Little Mac's is red, and so on.