Invincibility frames are the period of time (measured in frames) during which a character cannot be damaged. Depending on which kind of invincibility the character has, the attack may "hit" or "miss".
Invincibility attacks
- Wolf's reflector First frames of the attack.
- Thunder Beginning frames when Thunder strikes Pikachu
- Rest Some frames after it's released but before she starts to sleep
- Pk thunder: Beginning frames when the ligthting strikes Ness/Lucas.
- Double team: The time when Lucario strikes back (prevents final smashes).
- All Final Smashes grants invincibility at least in the start of it.
Blocking Invincibility
A character with blocking invincibility will be hit by attacks (so the attacker takes hitlag), but will not take damage or hitstun. For example, characters using a Starman have blocking invincibility, as well as characters about to throw someone (this invincibility lasts 8 frames). Other examples of blocking invincibility include:
- The 2 seconds (120 frames) after dismounting a revival platform.
- The secondary Ice Climber for a second when Belay is used.
- The start of Lucas' and Ness' PK Thunder 2.
- The entire duration of Squirtle's Withdraw
Dodging Invincibility
A character with dodging invincibility will not be hit by attacks. For example, a projectile will travel right through him or her. This kind of invincibility is often attributed to dodges, techs, edge-grabbing, get-up attacks and animations, and certain body parts during certain moves. Since the invincible character is not hit, a long-lasting attack (or very short invincibility time) may still hit the character once the invincibility ends.