A complete summary of Yoshi’s performance in Super Smash Bros. 4 can be found on the character’s information page. It includes strengths and weaknesses, AI quirks, and an archive of tournament representation and results.
Stats & Bonus Effects
Yoshi’s best equipment setup involves a balance of Attack and Defense (+60 Attack / +60 Defense / 0 Speed). In terms of bonus effects, Improved launch ability, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability are essential.
Yoshi benefits from the Egg Launch custom move. It deals more damage and has less startup and the Yoshi Egg is fired away from the character. Most amiibo utilize Improved escapability, so the fact that the egg is easier to break away from is not important.
Recommended Training
An amiibo becomes strongest if it is mirror matched all the way to Level 50. This is done to teach the AI which moves to rely on; after reaching Level 50, it will use this training as a base and expand upon it with matchup experience. While training your amiibo, do not play aggressively or go off-stage; instead, remain grounded and keep the following moves in mind:
- Neutral options: forward tilt, neutral special (Egg Launch), and up special (Egg Throw). Yoshi’s forward tilt is his best standard attack. It’s fast and deals decent damage, but lacks range. Egg Launch should be used very often, as its quick start-up and enhanced damage make it an effective option at close range. Yoshi’s amiibo is extraordinarily accurate with Egg Throw – during training, encourage your amiibo to use this move at far range and against recovering opponents.
- Main KO moves: forward smash and up smash. As mentioned before, Yoshi has immense trouble getting KOs. His forward smash is powerful, but has punishable ending lag and only hits directly in front of him. Up smash, on the other hand, is faster but deals less damage and has even poorer range. Rotate both of these moves as you see fit.
- Moves to avoid: grab. Yoshi’s grab is absolutely horrible. It’s sluggish and brings him no notable benefits. Use Egg Launch instead – it’s somehow faster (even though Egg Launch and grab both involve eating the opponent) and inflicts more damage overall.
- Situational moves: down aerial (Flutter Kick). Yoshi’s down aerial is the only aerial attack worth using. It deals over 30% damage if all hits connect, and can pressure shields to the point of breaking them. Even with all of its advantages, it should be used infrequently. Prioritize forward tilt, Egg Launch, and Egg Throw at low percentages, and forward smash and up smash at high percentages.
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