A complete summary of Ike’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
Ike’s best equipment setup involves a heavy focus on Attack and Defense (+100 Attack / +100 Defense / -80 Speed) at the cost of Speed. In terms of bonus effects, Improved trade-off attack, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability are essential.
Ike benefits from the Close Combat, Aether Drive, and Smash Counter custom moves. Close Combat charges faster and is a superior recovery option, Aether Drive boasts increased horizontal distance, and Smash Counter deals much more damage despite its slower speed.
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, up tilt, and down tilt. Ike’s jab has decent power and speed. Paired with Lifesteal, it can recover quite a bit of health if used repeatedly. His up tilt and down tilt are his most reliable tilts – forward tilt is easily punished due to its ending lag.
- Main KO moves: up smash and down special (Smash Counter). Ike’s up smash isn’t just strong, it’s also fast and has a lot of range. It should be your go-to kill move during training. When you have the chance, utilize Smash Counter. Ike’s attacks are very powerful, so as long as you time the counter right, you should have no problem getting a KO. Ike’s forward smash is even stronger, but it’s much slower. It should only be used to punish shield breaks.
- Moves to avoid: neutral special (Eruption). Ike’s AI spams its neutral special (and any of its custom move versionss) even though it has no good use. Avoid using Eruption, even as a shield break punish, and make sure you don’t get hit by it during training.
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