The 5.0.0. patch update for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on September 4 is going to bring major changes for Hero, while introducing Banjo-Kazooie, along with a host of balances.
As Nintendo gear up for the end of their five-character Fighter Pass, the devs have been hard at work to temper some of the biggest problems in the game.
Even though there’s been a huge wave of criticisms primarily aimed at Hero, the devs will also be changing up elements to basic movement while fixing some of the game’s more problematic bugs to deal with.
Hero Specials are getting tweaked
Previously there was a major wave of backlash for how the second DLC fighter Hero mixed into the game, since his ability kit is heavily reliant on RNG mechanics.
Though Nintendo are focusing more on specific spells like Magic Burst and Kafrizz rather than the entire subset of moves that come with his Command Selection.
Kafrizz can now be guarded against with a shield, as well as a reflect or absorb ability after it explodes by hitting a fighter or stage.
Meanwhile, opponents will now be in the damage animation for a bit longer after getting hit with the initial strike of Magic Burst.
Banjo-Kazooie are now in Smash!
The game’s roster now includes the brand new fighter Banjo-Kazooie, who will definitely be a popular character for a lot of people to try and main.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Esports, Gaming and more.
Rare’s iconic duo are now in the Smash lineup following the September 4 Nintendo Direct, which had a host of announcements including which character will be coming next in the Fighter Pass.
It’s going to be interesting if the Banjo-Kazooie will be a top tier character right out of the gates, since players will have to adapt to the new set of moves.
Basic Movement changes
Speaking of new moves, the Smash Bros. devs are tuning some of the more fluid components of the game to make some inputs more purposeful in practice.
Dodging as soon as players land back on the stage is a key element of staying alive when getting pressured. But players should look out since now “you will only dodge after landing if you input the direction after landing.”
Meaning no more holding down the shield button before you land to execute an immediate roll.
Furthermore, the devs “adjusted” the time to move again after grab parrying to make it more “consistent.”
There are a few key points to unpack in the September 4 patch notes, courtesy of Nintendo.
| Fighter | Move | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Common for All Fighters | Basic Movements | Previously, if you were in the air and held the shield button and input left, right, or down, and then continued to hold the shield button until you landed, you would dodge in the direction input upon landing. Now, you will only dodge after landing if you input the direction after landing. |
| Common for All Fighters | Basic Movements | Adjusted the time until you can move again after grab parrying to be consistent. |
| Yoshi | Basic Movements | Made it so that you can grab using input buffering after dodging, like other fighters. |
| Peach | Up Special | Made it easier to hit multiple times. |
| Daisy | Up Special | Made it easier to hit multiple times. |
| Ice Climbers | Basic Movements | Restored Nana’s ability to steal edge grabs. |
| Villager | Up Smash Attack | Buried opponents will now be shot up and hit multiple times. |
| Rosalina & Luma | Other | Hero’s Snooze will no longer prevent Luma from being controlled, similar to other instances of sleep. |
| Joker | Other | Adjusted the time it takes to move again to match other fighters when bouncing while lying facedown. |
| Hero | Neutral Special | After Kafrizz hits a fighter or the stage and explodes, it can now be guarded against with a shield, reflected, or absorbed. |
| Hero | Down Special | Increased the amount of time opponents will be in the damage animation when hit at the beginning of Magic Burst. |
| Hero | Other | Adjusted the time it takes to move again to match other fighters when bouncing while lying facedown. |
| Category | Item Name | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Item | Smash Ball | Slowed the movement speed and made it easier to hit with attacks. |