A complete summary of Dr. Mario’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
Dr. Mario’s best equipment setup involves a strong focus on Attack (+70 Attack / +40 Defense / +10 Speed) while maintaining Defense and Speed. In terms of bonus effects, Hyper smash attacks, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability are essential.
Dr. Mario benefits from the Breezy Sheet custom move. Its power is similar to the original move and emits a small gust of wind that pushes opponents back. Dr. Mario should not be using Breezy Sheet, but if the AI makes an error and uses it anyway, it will not be left vulnerable.
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: jab and forward tilt. When your Dr. Mario hasn’t taken much damage, the moves you use against him should primarily be jab and forward tilt. They’re fast and surprisingly powerful, making them great damage-racking moves. Dr. Mario’s down tilt is another good move to use, as it can link into other grounded attacks. But since each opponent takes a different amount of knockback due to their weight and potential defense investment, down tilt is not a consistently reliable option.
- Main KO moves: forward smash and up smash (Ear, Nose, and Throat). Dr. Mario’s forward smash is incredibly powerful, but only if you can land the sweetspot. When using this move, try to connect with Dr. Mario’s arm – that’s where it’ll do the most damage. If only the spark of electricity hits, it won’t be as strong. Forward smash can also be angled. An upward-angled forward smash is strong but has an awkward hitbox, which makes it tough to land. Dr. Mario’s up smash should be used against aerial opponents. It’s quick, strong, and gives enemies very little time to strike back if the attack misses.
- Moves to avoid: down smash, side special (Breezy Sheet), and down special (Dr. Tornado). Dr. Mario loves to overuse his down smash. The range on this move is particularly poor, so it often whiffs. His AI also uses its Super Sheet enough as-is, without being taught to. You shouldn’t use it at all, not even for reflecting. Your amiibo also won’t learn to use Dr. Tornado as a recovery move – instead, he’ll use it as an on-stage attack, which usually isn’t very effective. Try your best not to avoid using or getting hit by any of these attacks during training.
- Situational moves: neutral special (Megavitamins). If your amiibo is knocked off-stage, don’t follow him. Stand at the edge and shoot Megavitamins. This may seem counter-productive, but remember, amiibo will never go off-stage to intercept their opponent’s recovery.
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