For all the Olimar mains out there, as I am new to the Smashboards, would like to share some knowledge about the Pikmin. It is my understanding that the Pikmin can be a great tool for gimping and racking up damage but they could be used for other techniques that to some could be unknown.
First off, attaching the Pikmin to the rest of the cast is not only crucial but could also be a great way to gimp certain characters if placed on the correct spot.
For example: If a Pikmin is attached to Ness offstage after Ness has used his double jump and is attempting a recovery, Ness will have a shorter recovery than average due to the Pikmin taking the damage.
Not only can it gimp characters but it could save you from moves such as Captain Falcons' side-b, Pikmin will act as a hitbox therefore stopping his attack.
Palutenas Auto-Reticule will also lock on to any active Pikmin within her range such as after a Pikmin throw or smash attack.
Links dair is a powerful launching move that can kill opponents if not careful, Pikmin can take the hit, prolonging your stock, extending his attack so you may roll away or follow up with an attack.
Ikes' side-b will also be cancelled if a Pikmin is attached to him making his recovery options limited
An added benefit is that since the Pikmin Clank with almost all attacks, using ariels against certain moves will stop the incoming attack from hurting Olimar, some examples will be: Links dair and Greninjas dair.
Timing is important for some of these moves and not all characters apply to this rule, one example is Ganondorf who's dair will hit Olimar.
Interesting enough Pikmin will attach to certain objects, such as the smash ball and barrel. Olimar mains should be aware of R.O.Bs gyro as Pikmin will attach to it and start attacking it. This can be a disadvantage as Pikmin will not be in your line and not cancel the gyros trajectory. Its important to note that Pikmin will detonate Links Bombs if thrown directly on them. All Pikmin will die from the resulting explosion, except the red Pikmin who is immune to fire.
Pikmin are great for canceling much of the projectiles of certain characters, yes you may lose Pikmin in your line but it stops a potential combo or kill.
Yellow Pikmin, with their larger hitboxes can 2-frame punish the easiest resulting in a possible kill.
It's also important to note that attaching a Pikmin on your opponents head is the best option as it forces your opponent to attack upward making a punishment much more viable.
Having a Pikmin attached to your opponent can do a lot more than rack damage and I hope this guide opens some eyes to the potential these Pikmin can hold. Pikmin management is very important and knowing when to throw a Pikmin is also important whether it be to shorten some
moves or even rack up damage.
(This advantage guide will be updated if more Pikmin strategies are discovered, Pikmin can do a whole lot more it's only with experimentation will thy be found)
