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This article is about Meta Knight's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For other uses, see Meta Knight.
โ€œ This fighter not only has tons of quick moves, he can perform a midair jump five times! All his special moves have a recovery aspect, so use them at the right time. His Final Smash is Darkness Illusion, which unleashes a fast series of aerial attacks. โ€
โ€”Description from the Super Smash Blog.

Meta Knight is a veteran fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, first playable in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. He was confirmed to return on June 12th, 2018 during E3 2018.

When unlocked, he is fought at Halberd.

Attributes[]

Strengths[]

  • Has a total of six jumps, tied with Kirby and Jigglypuff.
  • High mobility, especially on the ground.
  • Has better range than other characters of his size thanks to his Galaxia sword.
  • Has one of the most efficient neutral games of all characters.
  • Very fast attacks overall, having one of the best frame datas in the game, and this speed also gives him powerful out of shield options.
  • Has a good variety of multi-hit attacks.
  • Formidable combo game and edge-guarding.
  • Can quickly switch between ground and air games.
  • All his attacks except for Dash Attack have disjointed hitboxes due him using a sword.
  • Fast dodge roll that covers a long distance.
  • Great and versatile recovery, with multiple jumps and being able to use all his Special Moves to return back to the stage.
  • Can use Drill Rush, which is often considered an overpowered move.

Weaknesses[]

  • Very light weight.
  • Lacks a projectile.
  • Lacks a Meteor Smash.
  • Most of his strongest attacks have high lag, leaving him vulnerable.
  • Poor KO potential outside of edge-guarding.
  • No longer has transcending priority in any of his attacks, meaning they can now clash and be out-prioritized by the opponent's.
  • Poor grab range and weak throws lead to a below average grab game.

Summary[]

Meta Knight is a somewhat unusual character who stands out from other characters with multiple jumps. He has much better ground mobility than most of them and his sword gives him better range than the likes of Jigglypuff and Kirby. Meta Knight's playstyle mainly relies on his speed and frame data. All of his aerial attacks are fast and have low ending lag, allowing him to easily pressure opponents. He possesses some great combo potential from attacks such as down tilt and dash attack. Thus, Meta Knight can rack up damage very quickly by stringing many attacks together. Even when he can't combo his opponents, Meta Knight has enough aerial mobility to hunt down opponents and prevent them from landing. Meta Knight can edgeguard opponents easily with neutral aerial, back aerial, or down aerial.

Meta Knight's other primary strength is his varied and versatile recovery, arguably the best in the entire game. All of his Special Moves can assist with recovery in some way, and combined with his multiple jumps, Meta Knight can recover from practically anywhere. The wealth of options Meta Knight has for recovery make him an extremely difficult character to edgeguard or gimp.

His main weakness comes in the form of having very low KO power overall. Besides forward smash, neutral aerial, and back aerial, most of Meta Knight's attacks are quite weak, which makes it difficult for him to KO most opponents. Meta Knight is also very light, while his odd combination of high falling speed and gravity make him vulnerable to being combo'd by opponents. His grab game is below average due to having a short grab range and neither his back throw or up throw can KO opponents until extremely high percentages.

Overall, Meta Knight excels at racking up damage with combos, exerting pressure on the opponent, and keeping that pressure via juggling or edgeguarding. However, Meta Knight cannot take much damage in return, and he can struggle to finish off his opponents.

Changes from 3DS/Wii U[]

Attributes[]

  • The Dark Meta Knight and Galacta Knight colors have been updated to further match Meta Knight's archenemies of the same names.
  • Roll dodges and sidestep now have Meta Knight hide in his Dimensional Cape.

Ground Attacks[]

  • Jab has a new animation.

Aerial Attacks[]

Grabs and Throws[]

Special Attacks[]

  • Mach Tornado now only hits once.
  • Meta Knightโ€™s Final Smash has been redone; now titled Darkness Illusion, he now slashes fighters upward where he continuously charges towards the fighter's direction several times with his sword, ending with him inflicting knockback on the fighter.

Moveset[]

Ground Attacks[]

Normal[]

  • Neutral Attack (Flurry Attack): A series of quick slashes with his sword followed by a backflipping slash. The only neutral attack in the game that consists solely of a neutral infinite. Appears to be based off of the Meta Multithrust from Meta Knightmare Ultra.
  • Forward Tilt: An inward slash, followed by an outward slash, followed by an upward slash. Unlike the majority of tilt attacks it functions similarly to a neutral attack, as pressing the attack button will cause Meta Knight to perform its first hit, while subsequently pressing the attack button will cause him to perform its second and last hits.
  • Up Tilt: Stabs upward with his sword. Has very poor horizontal range, causing it to miss grounded opponents unless used at point-blank range.
  • Down Tilt: A crouching sword thrust. Can trip opponents and is one of Meta Knight's primary combo starters.
  • Dash Attack: Does a flying side kick. Works as a decent combo starter.

Smash Attacks[]

  • Forward Smash: Winds up before slashing forward with his sword. Meta Knight's slowest standard move, but very powerful.
  • Up Smash: Does three upward fanning slashes. Has low power and high ending lag.
  • Down Smash: Sweeps his sword around him. Deals low knockback, but is incredibly fast, coming out at frame 4.

Other attacks[]

  • Floor Attack (Front): Slashes around himself.
  • Floor Attack (Back): Slashes around himself.
  • Floor Attack (Trip): Slashes around himself.
  • Ledge Attack: Climbs up while slashing with his sword.

Aerial Attacks[]

  • Neutral aerial: A somersaulting slash with sex kick properties. It may be based on the Knight Spin from Meta Knightmare Ultra. Surprisingly strong, being one of the strongest neutral aerials.
  • Forward aerial: Quickly slashes with his sword three times in front of himself. It may struggle to connect all hits with an opponent.
  • Back aerial: Slashes outward three times behind himself.
  • Up aerial (Midair Up Sweep): Swings his sword upwards. Meta Knight's primary juggling tool. Based on his jumping attack from Kirby's Adventure.
  • Down aerial: Swipes his sword downwards below him.

Grabs and Throws[]

  • Grab: Reaches out with his free hand. Very short range.
  • Pummel: Claws the opponent with the talons on his cape's wings. Somewhat fast.
  • Forward Throw: Does a bicycle kick.
  • Back Throw: Teleports behind the opponent before slashing them in the back.
  • Up Throw: Performs the Air Drop from Kirby's Ninja ability. Unlike Kirby's up throw, it does not cause an explosion.
  • Down Throw (Trample): Does the Fury Stomp from Kirby's Suplex ability. Good for starting combos.

Special Moves[]

Meta Knight's Special Moves
Brawl 3DS/Wii U Ultimate
Standard Special Mach Tornado
Side Special Drill Rush
Up Special Shuttle Loop
Down Special Dimensional Cape
Final Smash Galaxia Darkness Darkness Illusion

Taunts[]

  • Up Taunt: Wraps himself in his cape and spins while scoffing.
  • Down Taunt: Spreads his cape's wings while shouting "Come!" If he is facing left, he will perform the taunt facing towards the background.
  • Side Taunt: Says "Fight me!" and then points his sword in front of himself.

On-Screen Appearance[]

Warps onto the stage with Dimensional Cape.

Idle Poses[]

  • Does a defensive stance. Sometimes resets by swinging his sword.
  • Pulls his cape in front of himself before throwing it back.

Victory Poses[]

  • Left: Performs three slashes with Galaxia, says "Come back when you can put up a fight," then warps away. ("ใ‚‚ใฃใจๅผทใใชใฃใฆๆฅใ„.", Come at me when you're stronger.). The warp is a reference to his defeat animation from most of his appearances as a boss.
  • Up: Flies into the scene and then spreads his cape, saying "You've much yet to learn." ("ใพใ ใพใ ใ ใช.", You're not yet ready.).
  • Right: Performs two slashes and then twirls Galaxia, saying "Victory...is my destiny." ("ใ“ใ‚Œใ‚‚ๅฎฟๅ‘ฝใ .", This, too, was destiny.).

In competitive play[]

Hopes were high for Meta Knight before Ultimate was even released: following a viral leaked video prior to the game's release, many believed Meta Knight was going to be much stronger than his previous iteration, with some, most notably CaptainZack, even calling for the character to be banned in competitive play.

Following Ultimate's release, many players believed Meta Knight to be a strong character, although not as much originally anticipated. This was due to his outstanding recovery, great frame data, and great mobility, paired with his early combo potential which in theory could kill players at any percent. Due to smaller characters also being emphasized more, Meta Knight had better matchups against fighters who struggled against short characters. Because of this, many players incipiently considered Meta Knight to be a solid high tier character who was not as strong or broken as he was in Brawl, but just as good as he was in 3DS/Wii U, if not better.

As the metagame advanced, however, players quickly recognized the exploitable weaknesses of Meta Knight: his terrible endurance, watered down punish game, weak overall damage output, limited combo starters outside of dash attack and down-throw, and poor range compared to other swordfighters like Cloud. This led many of his most notable players from 3DS/Wii U, such as Rags, AC, and Tyrant, to drop him or relocate him to a pocket. This resulted in him being worse than initially imagined, with many top professionals designating him as a mid or even a low tier character.

Despite this, he has amassed a respectable player base in Ultimate and achieved notable results from players such as Abadango, Soar, BONK!, and Yei. Abadango notably placed 2nd and 3rd at Kagaribi 8 and VCA 2022, respectively, after a period of dormancy with Meta Knight which called into reevaluations of the character. Meta Knight's position in the meta is still unclear, but most players generally agree he is at least a mid tier, with potential to rise into a high tier.

Classic Mode: Two Sides of the Same Coin[]

Half of Meta Knight's opponents are enlisted as duos (for every even round), while the other half (for every odd round) are free-for-all rounds of characters fighting their dark counterparts.

Role in World of Light[]

Meta Knight is absent from the World of Light opening cutscene, though he was vaporized and later imprisoned alongside the rest of the fighters (except Kirby) when Galeem unleashed his beams of light.

Meta Knight was one of the many fighters that fell under Dharkon's control upon Galeem's first defeat. He can be found in the Mysterious Dimension sub-area, making him an obligatory unlock. After saving him, Ike and Greninja, the player can advance toward the boss.

Palette Swaps[]

Tips[]

Tips about a character's background and how to use that character can appear at random intervals on the loading screen. The player can also access the full list of tips at any time in the "Vault" section. The following tips are copied verbatim from the in-game text.

  • Meta Knight's Origins: Meta Knight debuted in Kirby's Adventure on the NES as a mysterious figure who stood in Kirby's way as a boss but also sometimes helped him.
  • In His Series: Meta Knight first appeared in Kirby's Adventure. He leads the Meta-Knights. He wears a mask, but when he loses to Kirby, you can see a glimpse of his true face when his mask cracks.
  • Galacta Knight: Meta Knight's seventh color variation is based on Galacta Knight, who makes an appearance in Kirby Super Star Ultra and is said to be the strongest warrior in the galaxy.
  • Dark Meta Knight: Meta Knight's eighth color variation is based on a shadow version of Meta Knight, Dark Meta Knight, who appears in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror.
  • Mach Tornado (Neutral Special): The tornado created around Meta Knight can destroy any weak projectiles it hits.
  • Drill Rush (Side Special): While Meta Knight's rushing through the air like a drill, you can adjust his direction.
  • Drill Rush Technique (Side Special): If you direct Meta Knight toward the ground, he'll cancel the move and do a little hop. Use that to avoid an enemy who is about to counter you.
  • Shuttle Loop (Up Special): Meta Knight thrusts his sword upward, loops in midair, and then thrusts upward once more. A swift and powerful attack, useful against falling foes.
  • Shuttle Loop with Care (Up Special): This powerful attack is useful for pursuing enemies directly above you. However, you're vulnerable during the postmove descent.
  • Shuttle Loop's Characteristics (Up Special): You can use the attack slightly more quickly in the air. However, the first strike is more powerful when executed from the ground.
  • Dimensional Cape (Down Special): Meta Knight wraps himself in his cape and disappears. If you keep holding the button, he'll strike when he's back!
  • Dimensional Cape Techniques (Down Special): While Meta Knight is invisible, he'll move in the direction you input. He won't move if you don't input a direction, which is useful as a feint.
  • Dimensional Cape Warning (Down Special): While unseen, you can move in a direction you input, but if you move backward, your attack and launch power will be reduced.
  • Darkness Illusion (Final Smash): Lightning strikes and catches nearby opponents for a multi-hit attack. It wraps up with a side slice that sends opponents flying.
  • Flurry Attack (Neutral Attack): Press the attack button to unleash a flurry of strikes. Meta Knight doesn't care for the singular "attack."
  • Third Attack's Launch Power (Side Tilt Attack): Keep pressing the button to unleash three attacks! The third strike of Meta Knight's side tilt attack is powerful enough to launch opponents.
  • Midair Up Sweep (Up Air Attack): Use this move to launch an opponent at an upward diagonal angle, then follow up with another of the same attack. If you then land an up special, you can launch your opponent even further into the air.
  • Trample (Downward Throw): Your enemy will fly diagonally upward after this, so that's a good time to use a combo. If their damage is low, try a dash attack and then a forward air attack.
  • Falling Defenseless: If Meta Knight uses any of his special moves in the air, he'll fall to the ground in a defenseless state afterward. He's an adept midair fighter, but you'll have to be careful when using his specials.

Gallery[]

External links[]

Smash Ultimate logo glow  ยท Fighters
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KirbySymbol Kirby universe
Characters Kirby (64  ยท Melee  ยท Brawl  ยท 3DS/Wii U  ยท Ultimate)
Meta Knight (Brawl  ยท 3DS/Wii U  ยท Ultimate)
King Dedede (Brawl  ยท 3DS/Wii U  ยท Ultimate)
Side Characters Boss Marx
Assist Trophies Knuckle Joe  ยท Nightmare  ยท Chef Kawasaki
Mii Fighter Costumes Meta Knight  ยท Marx
Background characters King Dedede
Stage Hazards Whispy Woods
Enemies Bonkers  ยท Bronto Burt  ยท Gordo  ยท Parasol Waddle Dee  ยท Plasma Wisp  ยท Shotzo  ยท Tac  ยท Waddle Dee  ยท Waddle Doo
Stages Dream Land  ยท Fountain of Dreams  ยท Green Greens  ยท Halberd  ยท Dream Land GB  ยท The Great Cave Offensive
Items Bomber  ยท Dragoon  ยท Maxim Tomato  ยท Parasol  ยท Star Rod  ยท Superspicy Curry  ยท Warp Star
Music List List of Music (Kirby series)
Song "Gourmet Race"
Collectibles Trophies Melee Trophies  ยท Brawl Trophies  ยท 3DS Trophies  ยท Wii U Trophies
Stickers List of Stickers (Kirby series)
Spirits List of spirits (Kirby series)
Masterpieces Kirby's Dream Land  ยท Kirby's Adventure  ยท Kirby Super Star
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