A complete summary of King Dedede’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
King Dedede’s best equipment setup invests heavily in Attack (+70 Attack / +40 Defense / +10 Speed) while maintaining Defense and Speed. In terms of bonus effects, Improved trade-off attack, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability are essential.
King Dedede benefits from the Taste Test custom move. Compared to the default version of the move, Taste Test has reduced startup and ending lag and helps prevent the AI from overusing its neutral special.
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, forward tilt, down tilt (Rolling), and down smash. King Dedede’s infinite jab has decent range and power, and is a good option to use in a neutral situation. Forward tilt has increased range, and can even KO opponents at the edge at high percentages. Down tilt is arguably Dedede’s most useful damage-racking move: it is the fastest attack in his arsenal, and moves Dedede forward. Down smash is a good standing attack that launches foes at a horizontal angle. If down smash hits a damaged opponent, that horizontal angle may make it harder for them to recover.
- Main KO moves: up smash. King Dedede’s up smash is balanced in terms of range, power, and speed. Dedede’s forward smash is stronger, but its massive startup makes it tough to land. This means that up smash is overall a more consistent kill move.
- Moves to avoid: neutral special (Taste Test), side special (Gordo Throw), and down special (Jet Hammer). As mentioned before, King Dedede has a tendency to spam his neutral special: avoid using it at all costs. Be sure to only use Gordo Throw against your amiibo while it is recovering. Jet Hammer has a lot of lag and brings little benefit.
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