Kirby's custom moves
Custom Moves are a feature in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U which allow the player to customize each character's special moves. Almost all characters initially only have one of each regular special move available, with the other two variations of each move having to be acquired from finding Custom Parts.
The exceptions to this rule are Palutena and the Mii Fighters, as their custom moves are unlocked by default. Players can obtain Custom Moves by completing Classic Mode, All-Star Mode, Smash Run, Smash Tour, Master, and Crazy Orders. amiibo also have a set of Custom Moves that can be used.
The only characters that do not have custom moves are Downloadable Characters, although only Mewtwo was planned to have them; it is unknown why they were cut, though it was most likely due to time constraints, as creating new Custom Moves would delay the release of the character.
Obtaining all Custom Moves is one of the 140 Challenges in Super Smash Bros for Wii U, and is also one of the 105 challenges the Nintendo 3DS version as well. Both challenges can be completed by using a Golden Hammer.
Custom Moves did not return in full for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate; however, they are still used when designing a Mii Fighter.
List of Custom Moves[]
With the exception of the aforementioned characters, each fighter has 8 obtainable Custom Moves, for a total of 376 collectible Custom Moves.
In Competitive Play[]
Custom moves were initially met with some hype regarding new possible strategies and movesets. However, they never became a significant part of competitive play. While efforts have been made to include custom moves legally in tournaments, two debilitating flaws kept this from happening.
In the first place, custom moves are incredibly tedious to obtain. Regardless of whether it is on the 3DS or Wii U version, the amount of time needed to gain all custom moves for use is simply not practical to even bother with. Secondly, the custom moves themselves are notoriously unbalanced. Some of them are almost completely useless while others are borderline broken (a notable example is Villager's Timber Counter).
Overall, while a decent effort to deepen the metagame of Smash Bros, Custom Moves are unarguably one of the most unbalanced additions to any Smash Bros. game ever. Currently, custom moves are unanimously banned at all major tournaments, and only a few smaller tournaments allow them in side events.
Trivia[]
- Characters were originally intended to have three custom moves, as shown in slides from the game's early development that shows Mario launching two Fireballs at once; it is unknown why this was removed, though it is presumably due to time constraints and the 3DS system's limitations.
- DLC characters don't have custom moves. Mewtwo was planned to have them at first, but this was scrapped. Again, it is unknown why they were never implemented, but presumably due again to time constraints.
- The Mii Fighters and Palutena are the only characters who have all their Custom Moves as soon as you start the game.