Forward smash, abbreviated "fsmash," is a smash attack performed by any character by tapping the control stick forward and pressing A at the same time quickly, or (in versus mode) by pressing forward on the C-stick. Similar with the Forward tilt, certain forward smashes can be performed at 2 different angles other than the straight strike, directing the hitbox in that diagonal direction.
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, the forward smash can be charged by holding down the A button for up to two seconds, resulting in higher damage and knockback.
Notable forward smashes include:
- Link and Young Link have a second forward smash that can be performed by tapping A again after completing the first slash.
- Ness' forward smash is unique mainly because it allows him to reflect trajectory attacks, if timed correctly.
- Marth's forward smash is most likely the most well known and feared of all the forward smashes because of it's speed, range, and knockback.
- Roy's forward smash is one of the few finishing moves in his arsenal, having longer reach and a stronger knock-back than Marth's forward smash.
- Bowser's forward smash is the most powerful in the game, and can even hit farther than the sandbag at certain damages.