A complete summary of Ryu’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
Ryu’s best equipment setup consists of a heavy focus on Attack and Defense (+120 Attack / +200 Defense / -200 Speed) at the cost of Speed. In terms of bonus effects, Improved trade-off ability, Lifesteal, and Improved escapability are essential. As with all downloadable fighters, Ryu does not have any custom moves.
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: held forward tilt (Collarbone Breaker), held up tilt, and held down tilt (Heavy Ankle Kick). Ryu’s greatest strength is his ability to apply massive shield pressure. Out of all of his moves, Collarbone Breaker deals the most damage to shields, and as such, is one of his best attacks. Ryu’s held up tilt is another great move to use, so try that one as well. His tapped down tilt combos into a held down tilt, which can then lead into a Hadoken or Tatsumaki Senpukyaku.
- Main KO moves: forward smash (Joudan Sokutogeri), up smash, and inputted up special (Shoryuken). Despite being slow, Ryu’s smash attacks possess great power and KO potential. His forward and up smashes are among his strongest kill moves, while his down smash is fast and deals decent damage. Ryu’s inputted Shoryuken is incredibly powerful as well, and should be prioritized as your main finisher.
- Moves to avoid: neutral special (Hadoken) and down special (Focus Attack). Hadoken is by no means a bad move, but Ryu tends to overuse it. He tends to jump up in the air specifically to fire Hadokens, which isn’t very effective. Focus Attack, on the other hand, is by far Ryu’s worst move (at least, as an amiibo), and is not worth teaching at all. He’ll never learn to fully charge it, and when he does use it, he does so without charging the attack.
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