- Game Versions
- Smash 3DS, Smash Wii U
Ok, for starters, screw that difficulty rating...Anyway
So you want to learn Luigi? Well you’ve come to the right place. In this guide you will find from the very basics of Luigi to the slightly more advanced ATs,Luigi’s frame data and the match ups. I will also cover combo options at various percents with videos
and among other things. Without further ado, lets-a-go!
1) Move Percentages/ Important Uses
Ground moves:
Jab 1: 3%
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Jab 2: 2%
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Jab 3: 5%
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-Fast jab, use it to surprise opponents
-Can combo into a grab
-Can combo into a SJP (Super Jump Punch)
-Good damage dealer
Dash attack: 8% (If all the attacks hit)
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Ftilt: 8%
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-Can be changed to different angels
-Use only as a last resort. It has too much lag at the end and can be punished if shielded.
Utilt: 6%
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-Can be used to string characters just like Mario’s.
*Note: Luigi’s Utilt easier to jump away from and can be punished with any get off option since it’s not fast enough so try not to extend if your opponent has a move like that.
-Sets up for a grab at low percents
Dtilt: 8%
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-Can trip, chances are pretty low though and only trips on low percents
-Has a hitbox that can hit under the stage. Use it right as the opponent is about to grab the ledge for some extra damage.
Aerial moves:
Nair: 12% normal, 6% late.
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-Best get off option in the game.
-Comes out in frame 3 meaning if you’re getting combo-ed, start mashing A and there’s a good chance you’ll get the opponent of off you and can turn a bad situation into a great one.
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-It’s a kill option that can work from around 130%+.
-It can combo into various things (even down B for a kill) if you get the late hit in.
Fair: 8%
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-Luigi’s most used combo tools and will set up for regrabs when used at the right percents.
-Can be used for footsies/spacing and pressuring the opponent.
Bair: 14% sweet spot, 8% sourspot
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-Great spacing/footsies tool. Make sure to hit at max range while doing this as it will make it less punishable.
-Amazing KO option. Kills around 120% near ledge.
Uair: 11% normal, 7% sourspot
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-Good range
-Another great combo tool. Will link to itself at around 40%. At 65%+ it can link to a Bair if you get the sourspot in.
Dair: 10% / 8%
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-Has spike hitbox which can be use both to extend combos or to kill
Note* patch 1.1.1, its easier to land the spike. Just hit them when Luigi is exactly on top of them. Over time, it’ll become easier to land and it can also be used for footsies due to its low end lag
Smashes:
Fsmash: 15%
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-Can be angled and depending on the angle, it kills at different percents.
Upwards kills around 100%
Downward kills around 90% (Semi close to ledge)
Normal kills at around 105-110%.
-Combine this with pivoting to create a perfect spacing and punishing tool.
USmash: 14% from behind, 12% from the front.
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--Can combo into a grab at 0-5%
-Probably Luigi’s most used kill move after patch 1.1.1
-Hitting from behind Luigi will net a more vertical knockback, which nets easier kills.
Dsmash: 14% / 15%
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(If Luigi can't be a fighter, he has a good chance as a break dancer)
-Comes out in frame 6. Be sure to use this move often as it’s a good damage dealer, acts quickly and bares almost no end lag.
-Can combo into a grab at 0-5% percents.
-Best option to cover rolling.
-The kicks behind Luigi have more knock back than the front, getting kills at least 20% earlier.
Grabs:
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Pummel: 3%
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-Probably one of the best pummels in the game. 3% per each hit and its not extremely slow.
-Use at least once per grab after 30%
Uthrow: 8%
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(SACRIFICE THEM TO LUIGI GODS!)
- KO option at 170%+ but you should try to avoid getting characters to this percent in the first place.
Fthrow: 9%
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-Second highest damage throw. Use this to rack up damage and not stale Bthrow
-Can KO near the ledge at 160% with no DI.
Bthrow: 10%
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- Luigi’s best kill throw! Killing light characters (Sheik) at around 120% near ledge, 140% most of the cast.
Dthrow: 6%
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- Luigi’s best throw and combo starter. Our core mechanics rely solely on this move.
-Combos into any aerial up till 100%
-Can get opponents from 0-80% with one grab if all the aerials and regrabs are performed correctly.
Specials:
Neutral B (Fireball): 6%/5%
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(Gotta love that smile though xD)
-Amazing pressure and zoning tool.
-Can be used in the air while moving.
-Sets up for grabs when used at medium range. <- important
*Note: Using it at close range will get you punished. At long range, it won’t set up for anything but stops opponents if they’re rushing.
Side B (Green Missle): 8% uncharged, 21% charged, 25% misfire
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- Helps Luigi with his horizontal recovery.
*Note: Be sure not to be too obvious with this move off stage or else it will get you spiked.
-With luck, it can misfire which can net either good damage or an early KO. Be sure to keep this in mind.
Down B (Luigi Cyclone): 9% damage if all hits connect
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-Helps A LOT with recovery. Use it right after the second jump to gain maximum height.
*Note: You can still gain height without the jump by mashing fast enough but it's extremely hard to perform.
-Can be used as a gimping tool
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-It can also surprise opponents when you’re trying to land back on stage.
-It’s also a KO move if you caught the opponent in the air t killing at around 130-140%.
Up B (Super jump punch): 1%/ 25% sweetspotted on the ground/20% sweetspotted on the air
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-One of the the best punishes in the game.
-When hit close to the opponent, it will deal 25% damage and it can KO as early as 60% when hit on the ground.
-In the Air, it deals 20% and can kill at around 80-90%.
*Note: Has insane end lag at the end, use it when you’re 100% sure it will hit.
-End lag can be cancelled if the ledge is grabbed.
Jab 1: 3%
Jab 2: 2%
Jab 3: 5%
-Fast jab, use it to surprise opponents
-Can combo into a grab
-Can combo into a SJP (Super Jump Punch)
-Good damage dealer
Dash attack: 8% (If all the attacks hit)
Ftilt: 8%
-Can be changed to different angels
-Use only as a last resort. It has too much lag at the end and can be punished if shielded.
Utilt: 6%
-Can be used to string characters just like Mario’s.
*Note: Luigi’s Utilt easier to jump away from and can be punished with any get off option since it’s not fast enough so try not to extend if your opponent has a move like that.
-Sets up for a grab at low percents
Dtilt: 8%
-Can trip, chances are pretty low though and only trips on low percents
-Has a hitbox that can hit under the stage. Use it right as the opponent is about to grab the ledge for some extra damage.
Aerial moves:
Nair: 12% normal, 6% late.
-Best get off option in the game.
-Comes out in frame 3 meaning if you’re getting combo-ed, start mashing A and there’s a good chance you’ll get the opponent of off you and can turn a bad situation into a great one.
-It’s a kill option that can work from around 130%+.
-It can combo into various things (even down B for a kill) if you get the late hit in.
Fair: 8%
-Luigi’s most used combo tools and will set up for regrabs when used at the right percents.
-Can be used for footsies/spacing and pressuring the opponent.
Bair: 14% sweet spot, 8% sourspot
-Great spacing/footsies tool. Make sure to hit at max range while doing this as it will make it less punishable.
-Amazing KO option. Kills around 120% near ledge.
Uair: 11% normal, 7% sourspot
-Good range
-Another great combo tool. Will link to itself at around 40%. At 65%+ it can link to a Bair if you get the sourspot in.
Dair: 10% / 8%
-Has spike hitbox which can be use both to extend combos or to kill
Note* patch 1.1.1, its easier to land the spike. Just hit them when Luigi is exactly on top of them. Over time, it’ll become easier to land and it can also be used for footsies due to its low end lag
Smashes:
Fsmash: 15%
-Can be angled and depending on the angle, it kills at different percents.
Upwards kills around 100%
Downward kills around 90% (Semi close to ledge)
Normal kills at around 105-110%.
-Combine this with pivoting to create a perfect spacing and punishing tool.
USmash: 14% from behind, 12% from the front.
--Can combo into a grab at 0-5%
-Probably Luigi’s most used kill move after patch 1.1.1
-Hitting from behind Luigi will net a more vertical knockback, which nets easier kills.
Dsmash: 14% / 15%
(If Luigi can't be a fighter, he has a good chance as a break dancer)
-Comes out in frame 6. Be sure to use this move often as it’s a good damage dealer, acts quickly and bares almost no end lag.
-Can combo into a grab at 0-5% percents.
-Best option to cover rolling.
-The kicks behind Luigi have more knock back than the front, getting kills at least 20% earlier.
Grabs:
Pummel: 3%
-Probably one of the best pummels in the game. 3% per each hit and its not extremely slow.
-Use at least once per grab after 30%
Uthrow: 8%
(SACRIFICE THEM TO LUIGI GODS!)
- KO option at 170%+ but you should try to avoid getting characters to this percent in the first place.
Fthrow: 9%
-Second highest damage throw. Use this to rack up damage and not stale Bthrow
-Can KO near the ledge at 160% with no DI.
Bthrow: 10%
- Luigi’s best kill throw! Killing light characters (Sheik) at around 120% near ledge, 140% most of the cast.
Dthrow: 6%
- Luigi’s best throw and combo starter. Our core mechanics rely solely on this move.
-Combos into any aerial up till 100%
-Can get opponents from 0-80% with one grab if all the aerials and regrabs are performed correctly.
Specials:
Neutral B (Fireball): 6%/5%
(Gotta love that smile though xD)
-Amazing pressure and zoning tool.
-Can be used in the air while moving.
-Sets up for grabs when used at medium range. <- important
*Note: Using it at close range will get you punished. At long range, it won’t set up for anything but stops opponents if they’re rushing.
Side B (Green Missle): 8% uncharged, 21% charged, 25% misfire
- Helps Luigi with his horizontal recovery.
*Note: Be sure not to be too obvious with this move off stage or else it will get you spiked.
-With luck, it can misfire which can net either good damage or an early KO. Be sure to keep this in mind.
Down B (Luigi Cyclone): 9% damage if all hits connect
-Helps A LOT with recovery. Use it right after the second jump to gain maximum height.
*Note: You can still gain height without the jump by mashing fast enough but it's extremely hard to perform.
-Can be used as a gimping tool
-It can also surprise opponents when you’re trying to land back on stage.
-It’s also a KO move if you caught the opponent in the air t killing at around 130-140%.
Up B (Super jump punch): 1%/ 25% sweetspotted on the ground/20% sweetspotted on the air
-One of the the best punishes in the game.
-When hit close to the opponent, it will deal 25% damage and it can KO as early as 60% when hit on the ground.
-In the Air, it deals 20% and can kill at around 80-90%.
*Note: Has insane end lag at the end, use it when you’re 100% sure it will hit.
-End lag can be cancelled if the ledge is grabbed.
2) Luigi’s frame data:
3) Combos/Kills
Luigi’s combo game is easily one of the best (if not the best) in the game. Back in patch 1.1.0 he had combos from Dthrow at all percents, even to kill confirms until 1.1.1 when they changed our Dthrow KBG (Knockback Growth). Even now, Luigi still has an amazing combo game and can always get something out a grab until 100%+.
Video example 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUW46HGInO8
Credit goes to the youtube account Samura1man
Video example 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6gUUSd-g8
Credit goes to the youtube account Muramishi
Video example 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiD47IdNGLY
Credit goes to the youtube account MySmashCorner
Grab set ups:
Utilt -> grab (30% or less)
Late Nair -> Grab (25% or less)
Fireball (Med range or hit someone about to land) -> Dash grab
Jab 1 or 2 -> Grab
Other combos include:
Dthrow -> Usmash -> Turnaround Grab -> Fair x2 -> Dthrow -> Dair Spike -> Late Nair ->Uair/ Bair (Works on middleweights and some fast fallers)
At 40%ish you can Dthrow -> Uair x2
At 40%ish Utilt -> Sour Uair -> Bair
At 55%-70% Dthrow -> Up B (pretty risky though)
Here’s the MySmashCorner’s video in text form (credit goes to FUEGO! For preparing this)
Here are all the kill moves Luigi has to offer and their kill percents. There isn’t one that’s superior to the others, each one has its own situation to be called for. You, the Luigi player, will decide which one is best to the situation. (most of the percents will be on Mario on BF, which is a mid weight. Adjust the percents depending on opponent weight. Also in training mode with CPU, not sure if there’s DI)
Usmash: 125%+ anywhere on stage
Fsmash Upwards: 100%+ anywhere on stage
Fsmash Neutral: 100% near ledge, 120% center stage
Fsmash Downwards: 90% near ledge, 110% center stage
Dsmash: Front kills 150%, back kills 120%. Both center stage.
Bthrow: 140% near ledge, 200% center stage (Yikes)
Bair: 115% near ledge, 140% center stage
SuperJumpPunch: At 65%!
Kill setups:
*Note: Not all of these are true set ups/always work but its still worth the mention since I’ve gotten kills with them. I’d still stick to practicing reads and pivoting though.
Jab1 -> Jab 2 -> Up B/Fsmash
Late Nair -> Down B
Late Nair -> Up B
Late Uair -> Bair
Here are some combo gifs:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6) *One of my personal favorites as it earns quick kills, its funny and adds a lot of salt in tourneys.
7)
8)
9)
10) *2 that can be used as kill confirmed. Hard to get the exact percent
Pretty sure you get the idea by now.
Credits for the gifs:
Muramishi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6gUUSd-g8
DrUpauli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PAPAj3TOI8
Video example 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUW46HGInO8
Credit goes to the youtube account Samura1man
Video example 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6gUUSd-g8
Credit goes to the youtube account Muramishi
Video example 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiD47IdNGLY
Credit goes to the youtube account MySmashCorner
Grab set ups:
Utilt -> grab (30% or less)
Late Nair -> Grab (25% or less)
Fireball (Med range or hit someone about to land) -> Dash grab
Jab 1 or 2 -> Grab
Other combos include:
Dthrow -> Usmash -> Turnaround Grab -> Fair x2 -> Dthrow -> Dair Spike -> Late Nair ->Uair/ Bair (Works on middleweights and some fast fallers)
At 40%ish you can Dthrow -> Uair x2
At 40%ish Utilt -> Sour Uair -> Bair
At 55%-70% Dthrow -> Up B (pretty risky though)
Here’s the MySmashCorner’s video in text form (credit goes to FUEGO! For preparing this)
Here's all of the information he had in the description but organized with screen shots from the video to better understand what the "weight classes" were coming from, as most were not correlated to the character's actual weight class.
I suggest copying it all, with the pictures, and pasting it into your "Notes" app on your phone in case you come across a match-up you aren't particularly practiced in.
----NEW LUIGI 1.1.2 THROW COMBOS-----
*********************************************************************************************************************
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*********************************************************************************************************************
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***Important note: These weights are based only on how far the opponent is launched after Luigi's down
throw. And follow ups that are possible against the characters in these classes.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Fast fallers:
0-10:
Mix up: up throw - fair - fair/uair - grab - dthrow - dair - nair - up smash/uair/2 fairs/bair
0-10:
dthrow - up-b
10-40:
dthrow - dair - ff nair - aerial/u-smash
40-50:
dthrow - fair - fair
60-80:
dthrow - bair/uair/dair (uair is easiest)
80-100:
dthrow - dj bair
dthrow - dj uair
dthrow - dj dair
~85%
dthrow - upb if no DI
100-115:
dthrow - uair
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Light weight:
0-15%:
dthrow - fair - nair
mix up: up throw - fair - dair - dthrow - fair - fair
15-20:
dthrow - fair - fair - dj fair
30-50:
dthrow - fh fair fair
50-100:
dthrow - uair
dthrow - cyclone
100+:
dthrow - cyclone mix up
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Medium weight:
0-20%:
dthrow - fair - nair
20-30%:
dthrow - dair - ff nair - usmash
30 - 40:
dthrow - fair - uair
40-70:
dthrow - fh dj fair - fair
70-110:
dthrow - u-air
dthrow - cyclone
110+:
d-throw - cyclone mix up
------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Heavy Weight:
0-20%:
D-throw - dair
dthrow - fair - ff nair to further strings
20%-30%:
dthrow - dair - ff nair - usmash
35%:
dthrow - fair - ff uair - fair
40-50:
dthrow - fair - uair
50-70:
dthrow - fair - fair
70-100:
dthrow - bair
dthrow - uair
130+:
dthrow - cyclone mix up
Here are all the kill moves Luigi has to offer and their kill percents. There isn’t one that’s superior to the others, each one has its own situation to be called for. You, the Luigi player, will decide which one is best to the situation. (most of the percents will be on Mario on BF, which is a mid weight. Adjust the percents depending on opponent weight. Also in training mode with CPU, not sure if there’s DI)
Usmash: 125%+ anywhere on stage
Fsmash Upwards: 100%+ anywhere on stage
Fsmash Neutral: 100% near ledge, 120% center stage
Fsmash Downwards: 90% near ledge, 110% center stage
Dsmash: Front kills 150%, back kills 120%. Both center stage.
Bthrow: 140% near ledge, 200% center stage (Yikes)
Bair: 115% near ledge, 140% center stage
SuperJumpPunch: At 65%!
Kill setups:
*Note: Not all of these are true set ups/always work but its still worth the mention since I’ve gotten kills with them. I’d still stick to practicing reads and pivoting though.
Jab1 -> Jab 2 -> Up B/Fsmash
Late Nair -> Down B
Late Nair -> Up B
Late Uair -> Bair
Here are some combo gifs:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6) *One of my personal favorites as it earns quick kills, its funny and adds a lot of salt in tourneys.
7)
8)
9)
10) *2 that can be used as kill confirmed. Hard to get the exact percent
Pretty sure you get the idea by now.
Credits for the gifs:
Muramishi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI6gUUSd-g8
DrUpauli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PAPAj3TOI8
4) Luigi AT
Some AT’s are better than others and some aren’t just to Luigi only but I’ll still cover them
Perfect Pivoting
This is the act of turning around while still keeping the standing still animation. Meaning you can turn around to space yourself from the opponent and immediately be able to do an action afterwards. To do this, just dash to one direction and IMMEDIATELY flick the control stick to the opposite way. If done correctly, you should’ve moved to one direction but as you turn around, you’ll be in standing animation. Most commonly used for Pivot grabs (since it extends the grab range) and Pivot smashing.
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For example, when a Mario drops down with Nair, you simply pivot away while charging a smash, as soon as they land you can let go and kill them. Saving you from damage and getting you the kill. This is especially good for Luigi since he can slide/move while performing Dsmash thanks to his traction.
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Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vaR4RM-qr0
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Turnaround B’s
Simply changes the way you’re facing while doing a special. Let’s say you’re facing to the right and want to do a fireball to the left while in the air. Simply flick the control stick to the left and as its about to go to neutral (or its get to neutral) press the B button. You should do a reverse fireball but keep the momentum of going to the right.
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B-reversals
B-reversals are close to Turnaround B’s. The difference being that it changes both the direction you’re facing and the momentum. To perform a B-reverse, just flick the control stick the opposite direction you’re going as soon as you press the B button. You’ll know you did this correctly when you suddenly see Luigi turning and moving to that direction. It may not be the best AT for Luigi but it’s good to know and its good for other characters as well.
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Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw1elkJwtDo
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Jump Cancel Glide Toss
Like the name says, you cancel a jump to throw an item and slide/glide while doing it. Out of all the ATs, this one is the easiest to perform and well help on a few matches (Like Diddy's) due to how long Luigi's slide is. To perform this AT, simply press jump and then immediately throw an item in any direction you like. If done correctly, you will throw the item but keep the momentum on the direction you were headed. And yes, the item can be thrown at any direction.
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Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3_vOtY5kCc
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Luigi Cyclone Spike
This one is probably the hardest one to perform. For this AT, you go off the stage and hit someone with Down B as they’re recovering and you want to try to fall off the down B on purpose. This will cause pseudo spike while still keeping Luigi safe (if you mash B fast enough). This one I have yet to get the hang off and it requires lots of practice but it works amazingly against characters like Fox, Falco, Rob and heck, even Luigi himself.
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Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pCbW8E1RM0
Credit goes to xElGlugx
Perfect Pivoting
This is the act of turning around while still keeping the standing still animation. Meaning you can turn around to space yourself from the opponent and immediately be able to do an action afterwards. To do this, just dash to one direction and IMMEDIATELY flick the control stick to the opposite way. If done correctly, you should’ve moved to one direction but as you turn around, you’ll be in standing animation. Most commonly used for Pivot grabs (since it extends the grab range) and Pivot smashing.
For example, when a Mario drops down with Nair, you simply pivot away while charging a smash, as soon as they land you can let go and kill them. Saving you from damage and getting you the kill. This is especially good for Luigi since he can slide/move while performing Dsmash thanks to his traction.
Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vaR4RM-qr0
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Turnaround B’s
Simply changes the way you’re facing while doing a special. Let’s say you’re facing to the right and want to do a fireball to the left while in the air. Simply flick the control stick to the left and as its about to go to neutral (or its get to neutral) press the B button. You should do a reverse fireball but keep the momentum of going to the right.
B-reversals
B-reversals are close to Turnaround B’s. The difference being that it changes both the direction you’re facing and the momentum. To perform a B-reverse, just flick the control stick the opposite direction you’re going as soon as you press the B button. You’ll know you did this correctly when you suddenly see Luigi turning and moving to that direction. It may not be the best AT for Luigi but it’s good to know and its good for other characters as well.
Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vw1elkJwtDo
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Jump Cancel Glide Toss
Like the name says, you cancel a jump to throw an item and slide/glide while doing it. Out of all the ATs, this one is the easiest to perform and well help on a few matches (Like Diddy's) due to how long Luigi's slide is. To perform this AT, simply press jump and then immediately throw an item in any direction you like. If done correctly, you will throw the item but keep the momentum on the direction you were headed. And yes, the item can be thrown at any direction.
Video example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3_vOtY5kCc
Credit goes to MySmashCorner
Luigi Cyclone Spike
This one is probably the hardest one to perform. For this AT, you go off the stage and hit someone with Down B as they’re recovering and you want to try to fall off the down B on purpose. This will cause pseudo spike while still keeping Luigi safe (if you mash B fast enough). This one I have yet to get the hang off and it requires lots of practice but it works amazingly against characters like Fox, Falco, Rob and heck, even Luigi himself.
Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pCbW8E1RM0
Credit goes to xElGlugx
5) How to play Luigi
In the neutral: For those who don’t know, the neutral is when both players have equal footing and stage control. Not one or the other have the advantage. The first one to get a good hit and puts their opponent in a state where they can’t shield wins the Neutral and can go as far as killing the opponent. Basically, mind games. Winning the neutral with Luigi isn’t really hard to be honest. During this time, you want to feel out your opponent. Poke with Fairs, Fireballs, Bairs all while trying to keep yourself at a safe distance. You may also use baits such as a whiffed attack and then follow up with a quick frame attack (like a Jab or Out of Shield Nair)
More on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYWXCTKKDV0
Credit goes to: Rush Hour Smash
If during this time you hit with a strong move or got a Fireball/grab set up, you have won the Neutral.
If the opposite happens and you get hit with a strong move, you have lost the Neutral.
Won Neutral: During this time, you want to pressure your opponent as much as you can and get as much damage as you can. Extend your combos as much as possible and give your opponents as little breathing space as you can (while avoiding being predictable). This can go as far as to off stage where your gimping/edge guard skills will be put to the test (which in turn giving you the chance to get the kill). If your about to lose this advantage, pressure your opponent with fireballs. This might either net you another grab or just revert the situation to neutral.
Lost Neutral: If this happens, anticipate what your opponent might do. If your opponent is going for a combo, use your Nair to break out of there. This might turn the lost neutral into a won one, depending on how you landed the Nair. If your opponent waits for you on stage, trying to guess your next move, be unpredictable. Use Down B to move quickly and hit him away, this will reset back to neutral. If the distance from you and your opponent is long when you lost the neutral, keep him at bay with fireballs and try to reset back to neutral.
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Gimping/Edgeguarding: There are various options to go here. Most important one is Cyclone gimping which, with all the gifs I've posted, shows how good and valuable this move is to Luigi players. Character like Fox, Falco, Sheik, etc who are fast fallers/below average recoveries/short recoveries are susceptible to it and should be mastered ASAP. Second option would be to learn how to wall spike with Bair as this is excellent against characters with long recoveries like Villager, ROB, Pit, etc where cyclone gimping will not work. If all else fails, you can try the simple fair/dair off stage, as it will end up in your favor most of the time. If you both trade, he gets knocked farther away from the stage while you get knocked towards it. If he airdodges, you can follow up since Fair/Dair have low end lag.
More on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Csgg24Cjg
Credit goes to: SmashCentralOfficial
Reading get up options: Lets say you're not comfortable going out of the stage with Luigi or didn't have time to. That's fine, there's a spot near the ledge where you can stand where Up Smash/Dsmash will cover both normal get ups, roll get ups and attack get ups (if you shield it of course). I can't show this spot in a gif because I can't find anyone doing it but just take a step or two away from the ledge and practice against CPUs. Also, stay with your back towards the outside of the stage, Usmash covers more that way and if the opponent tries to jump from the ledge, you can attempt a Bair/Uair to punish them.
Recovery: Luigi's recovery is below average, if you lose your second jump and get hit, you're more than likely to not come back. The best method is not to be overly predictable on your recovery. Depending on who you're facing, you have to recover from different parts of the stage. What I do normally is recover pretty semi-low with side B (While being wary of my opponents gimping option) then just jump and Up B. If I see they might try to hit me off stage, I use Down B after jump for a surprise attack (which usually beats out most attacks). If they don't go out stage, save Down B just in case you lose your jump, it'll give you a chance to come back without jump if you mash fast enough.
*Note: This just the general way to play Luigi. Every situation calls for its own actions, this just a guide line of how it normally goes down in average level play. The higher the skill level, different actions have to be taken.
More on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYWXCTKKDV0
Credit goes to: Rush Hour Smash
If during this time you hit with a strong move or got a Fireball/grab set up, you have won the Neutral.
If the opposite happens and you get hit with a strong move, you have lost the Neutral.
Won Neutral: During this time, you want to pressure your opponent as much as you can and get as much damage as you can. Extend your combos as much as possible and give your opponents as little breathing space as you can (while avoiding being predictable). This can go as far as to off stage where your gimping/edge guard skills will be put to the test (which in turn giving you the chance to get the kill). If your about to lose this advantage, pressure your opponent with fireballs. This might either net you another grab or just revert the situation to neutral.
Lost Neutral: If this happens, anticipate what your opponent might do. If your opponent is going for a combo, use your Nair to break out of there. This might turn the lost neutral into a won one, depending on how you landed the Nair. If your opponent waits for you on stage, trying to guess your next move, be unpredictable. Use Down B to move quickly and hit him away, this will reset back to neutral. If the distance from you and your opponent is long when you lost the neutral, keep him at bay with fireballs and try to reset back to neutral.
Gimping/Edgeguarding: There are various options to go here. Most important one is Cyclone gimping which, with all the gifs I've posted, shows how good and valuable this move is to Luigi players. Character like Fox, Falco, Sheik, etc who are fast fallers/below average recoveries/short recoveries are susceptible to it and should be mastered ASAP. Second option would be to learn how to wall spike with Bair as this is excellent against characters with long recoveries like Villager, ROB, Pit, etc where cyclone gimping will not work. If all else fails, you can try the simple fair/dair off stage, as it will end up in your favor most of the time. If you both trade, he gets knocked farther away from the stage while you get knocked towards it. If he airdodges, you can follow up since Fair/Dair have low end lag.
More on this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2Csgg24Cjg
Credit goes to: SmashCentralOfficial
Reading get up options: Lets say you're not comfortable going out of the stage with Luigi or didn't have time to. That's fine, there's a spot near the ledge where you can stand where Up Smash/Dsmash will cover both normal get ups, roll get ups and attack get ups (if you shield it of course). I can't show this spot in a gif because I can't find anyone doing it but just take a step or two away from the ledge and practice against CPUs. Also, stay with your back towards the outside of the stage, Usmash covers more that way and if the opponent tries to jump from the ledge, you can attempt a Bair/Uair to punish them.
Recovery: Luigi's recovery is below average, if you lose your second jump and get hit, you're more than likely to not come back. The best method is not to be overly predictable on your recovery. Depending on who you're facing, you have to recover from different parts of the stage. What I do normally is recover pretty semi-low with side B (While being wary of my opponents gimping option) then just jump and Up B. If I see they might try to hit me off stage, I use Down B after jump for a surprise attack (which usually beats out most attacks). If they don't go out stage, save Down B just in case you lose your jump, it'll give you a chance to come back without jump if you mash fast enough.
*Note: This just the general way to play Luigi. Every situation calls for its own actions, this just a guide line of how it normally goes down in average level play. The higher the skill level, different actions have to be taken.
6) Match ups/Best stages
Finally been able to start on this MU part. Here you will find mostly what I find to be the most optimal approach, basic starter combos depending on the weight, normally what to do in the MU, etc. *Note: These are my personal experience. I have more issues with some chars or don't have enough experience against them so I will try my best. Also, when I find better starting combos I'll change them afterwards. Haven't hit the lab in a while with all chars.
MU: 50/50
Recommended play style: Defensive, wait or create opening.
Recommended stage: Doesn't apply, both are pretty much the same.
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
This MU is more reaction based to both characters having combo breaking Nairs but ours is better since we do 12% damage compared to Mario's 6% so abuse that when getting comboed. Just try to find openings and go for short quick burst combos. Both characters have about the same range but Luigi out spaces slightly better due to faster Fair and longer range Bair but more end lag in our Bair. Be wary of the cape off stage when using side B to recovery. Lastly, while Mario is gonna recover, try to get hit by Up B while doing Down B off stage. It'll cause Mario to plummet while you get sent back to the stage.
MU: 50/50
Recommended play style: Spacing, Luigi's main weakness.
Recommended stage: Personal preferance
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
Luigi has trouble getting in on characters and again, thanks to his combo breaking Nair, its better to space out the opponent and wait for an opening for quick bursts. Play as if against a Mario. Little note, don't play the Nair fighting game. If you see that your opponent has a habit of throwing Nairs all the time, just shield them as he drops and punish accordingly.
MU: 45/55 or 40/60
Recommended play style: Spacing, figure out opponents habits ASAP.
Recommended stage: Battlefield
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
This is a pretty bad MU for Luigi. Peach is floaty making her hard to combo and a good Peach is VERY unpredictable. Her Nair comes out fast, Fair deals good damage, Floatiness making it hard to land grabs, etc. Best to space her out with RAR Bair with a few good grabs in between. Her Nair isn't that much of a combo breaker (or at least I haven't had that trouble) so if you can extend the combo, go for it. USE FIRE BALLS OFTEN AT MID RANGE. Due to her not having any real projectile, you can give her trouble with your fireballs while figuring out how the opponents reacts and plays.
MU: 60/40
Recommended play style: Offensive grab based if the opponent doesn't space well with Jab, otherwise, defensive grab based.
Recommended stage: Battlefield
Recommended starter combo: Dthrow -> Upsmash -> Turn around grab Dthrow -> Fair x2 -> Regrab dthrow -> Dair (-> Falling Nair -> Uair if possible) *Note: Its mostly a string but works really well if opponent doesn't have optimal reaction.
Thanks to the new Bowser buff, this can either go really well or really bad for Luigi. Bowser covers a lot of options so rolling isn't recommended here due to Bowsers Up B coverage on the ground. Play offensively with plenty of shielding and punish/grab accordingly. Bowser dies pretty late unless you hit them with a good Fmsash or Sweetspot Up B. Don't use fireballs early due to Bowser innate super armor to weak moves. Play smart and it'll be an easy MU.
MU: Hard to tell...40/60?
Recommended play style: Reaction based. Can be both aggresive or defensive.
Recommended stage: Not BF or Lylat. Yoshi uses platforms better than Luigi with his Usmash.
Recommended starter combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
Yoshi has a good spacing Fair that can spike, pretty good combos that leave little room to counter attack and an anti air Usmash. One of the toughest MUs for the Green Plumber. The play style depends on how the Yoshi moves. Uses a lot of Aerials and tries to rush in mostly? Be defensive and punish. Uses eggs to keep away and mostly runs/spaces? Aggressive with fireballs while slowly manuevering towards him while shielding. Don't be predictable on your approach. Be VERY careful with his Fair off stage while using side B. No matter the playstyle, space him out with Fair due to it coming out faster than Yoshi's Fair/Bair.
*adding more later
MU: 50/50
Recommended play style: Defensive, wait or create opening.
Recommended stage: Doesn't apply, both are pretty much the same.
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
This MU is more reaction based to both characters having combo breaking Nairs but ours is better since we do 12% damage compared to Mario's 6% so abuse that when getting comboed. Just try to find openings and go for short quick burst combos. Both characters have about the same range but Luigi out spaces slightly better due to faster Fair and longer range Bair but more end lag in our Bair. Be wary of the cape off stage when using side B to recovery. Lastly, while Mario is gonna recover, try to get hit by Up B while doing Down B off stage. It'll cause Mario to plummet while you get sent back to the stage.
MU: 50/50
Recommended play style: Spacing, Luigi's main weakness.
Recommended stage: Personal preferance
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
Luigi has trouble getting in on characters and again, thanks to his combo breaking Nair, its better to space out the opponent and wait for an opening for quick bursts. Play as if against a Mario. Little note, don't play the Nair fighting game. If you see that your opponent has a habit of throwing Nairs all the time, just shield them as he drops and punish accordingly.
MU: 45/55 or 40/60
Recommended play style: Spacing, figure out opponents habits ASAP.
Recommended stage: Battlefield
Recommended starting combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
This is a pretty bad MU for Luigi. Peach is floaty making her hard to combo and a good Peach is VERY unpredictable. Her Nair comes out fast, Fair deals good damage, Floatiness making it hard to land grabs, etc. Best to space her out with RAR Bair with a few good grabs in between. Her Nair isn't that much of a combo breaker (or at least I haven't had that trouble) so if you can extend the combo, go for it. USE FIRE BALLS OFTEN AT MID RANGE. Due to her not having any real projectile, you can give her trouble with your fireballs while figuring out how the opponents reacts and plays.
MU: 60/40
Recommended play style: Offensive grab based if the opponent doesn't space well with Jab, otherwise, defensive grab based.
Recommended stage: Battlefield
Recommended starter combo: Dthrow -> Upsmash -> Turn around grab Dthrow -> Fair x2 -> Regrab dthrow -> Dair (-> Falling Nair -> Uair if possible) *Note: Its mostly a string but works really well if opponent doesn't have optimal reaction.
Thanks to the new Bowser buff, this can either go really well or really bad for Luigi. Bowser covers a lot of options so rolling isn't recommended here due to Bowsers Up B coverage on the ground. Play offensively with plenty of shielding and punish/grab accordingly. Bowser dies pretty late unless you hit them with a good Fmsash or Sweetspot Up B. Don't use fireballs early due to Bowser innate super armor to weak moves. Play smart and it'll be an easy MU.
MU: Hard to tell...40/60?
Recommended play style: Reaction based. Can be both aggresive or defensive.
Recommended stage: Not BF or Lylat. Yoshi uses platforms better than Luigi with his Usmash.
Recommended starter combo: Dthrow -> Fair -> FF Nair
Yoshi has a good spacing Fair that can spike, pretty good combos that leave little room to counter attack and an anti air Usmash. One of the toughest MUs for the Green Plumber. The play style depends on how the Yoshi moves. Uses a lot of Aerials and tries to rush in mostly? Be defensive and punish. Uses eggs to keep away and mostly runs/spaces? Aggressive with fireballs while slowly manuevering towards him while shielding. Don't be predictable on your approach. Be VERY careful with his Fair off stage while using side B. No matter the playstyle, space him out with Fair due to it coming out faster than Yoshi's Fair/Bair.
*adding more later
7) Piece of advice
I’ve been using Luigi since the 3ds days and been practicing him a lot. Most tournaments I’ve entered I’ve gotten to AT LEAST top 8 (1 tournament being the exception where I lost in the second round…shame on me) but here’s a few extra things to know before setting off:
-Watching pro play will help you learn immensely. Try looking up Boss playing in the Xanadu tournaments or Mr.ConCon. They do everything mentioned in this guide, from the simple combos, to the pivots and the cyclone spike. Those the best Luigi players I know (up till now). The youtube channel is for Boss' matches is https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoGameBootCamp/featured. For Mr.ConCon, just give a quick search on youtube.
-Don’t be afraid to go off stage with Luigi. Learn to gimp with him using your aerials and specials (most importantly, down b). Know when it’s a good time to go for the gimp, and when it isn’t.
-Don’t be predictable, just because you land a fireball doesn’t mean you should always go for the grab.
-Nair, use it…a lot. This will help you in a lot of situation, use it while getting combo-ed as often as you can BUT stop spamming when you see your opponent catching on to what you’re doing.
-If you’re afraid of getting gimped, just side B semi-low (low enough to not get gimped, high enough that you won’t get killed by falling), then recover using jump and down B.
-Play footsies with your opponent with Fair/Bair/Dair spacing and try to read their habits.
-Be creative, Luigi’s combos aren’t set in stone. Use what’s optimal for the situation at hand.
-Get used to Up B. Use it to punish really laggy moves like Bowser Bomb or ZSS grab.
-Don’t get frustrated/impatient. Luigi is supposed to be a defensive character. Take your time, find an opening and go for it.
-Dsmash is a very important move to Luigi. Use it to fake out lag times. For example, try to hit an Fsmash, if you miss, your opponent will most likely charge at you. Instead of rolling or shielding, do a dsmash. It’ll come out fast enough to hit, saving yourself while also causing damage.
-PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! Luigi isn’t as easy as he was back in patch 1.1.0. He’s no longer as braindead as people make him out to be. Practice your ATs, know the percents that each combos work at and against what weight, practice reading, spacing and when to use your smashes.
-Lastly, and most important, HAVE FUN. Remember, this is a video game first and a competition second. This is a game that was meant to be enjoyed, so don’t focus on just winning or else you might disappointed and frustrated if you make a simple mistake.
-Watching pro play will help you learn immensely. Try looking up Boss playing in the Xanadu tournaments or Mr.ConCon. They do everything mentioned in this guide, from the simple combos, to the pivots and the cyclone spike. Those the best Luigi players I know (up till now). The youtube channel is for Boss' matches is https://www.youtube.com/user/VideoGameBootCamp/featured. For Mr.ConCon, just give a quick search on youtube.
-Don’t be afraid to go off stage with Luigi. Learn to gimp with him using your aerials and specials (most importantly, down b). Know when it’s a good time to go for the gimp, and when it isn’t.
-Don’t be predictable, just because you land a fireball doesn’t mean you should always go for the grab.
-Nair, use it…a lot. This will help you in a lot of situation, use it while getting combo-ed as often as you can BUT stop spamming when you see your opponent catching on to what you’re doing.
-If you’re afraid of getting gimped, just side B semi-low (low enough to not get gimped, high enough that you won’t get killed by falling), then recover using jump and down B.
-Play footsies with your opponent with Fair/Bair/Dair spacing and try to read their habits.
-Be creative, Luigi’s combos aren’t set in stone. Use what’s optimal for the situation at hand.
-Get used to Up B. Use it to punish really laggy moves like Bowser Bomb or ZSS grab.
-Don’t get frustrated/impatient. Luigi is supposed to be a defensive character. Take your time, find an opening and go for it.
-Dsmash is a very important move to Luigi. Use it to fake out lag times. For example, try to hit an Fsmash, if you miss, your opponent will most likely charge at you. Instead of rolling or shielding, do a dsmash. It’ll come out fast enough to hit, saving yourself while also causing damage.
-PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT! Luigi isn’t as easy as he was back in patch 1.1.0. He’s no longer as braindead as people make him out to be. Practice your ATs, know the percents that each combos work at and against what weight, practice reading, spacing and when to use your smashes.
-Lastly, and most important, HAVE FUN. Remember, this is a video game first and a competition second. This is a game that was meant to be enjoyed, so don’t focus on just winning or else you might disappointed and frustrated if you make a simple mistake.
8) Feedback
(Hope you guys enjoyed the guide and learn a thing or two from it and it matched your expectations. Sorry if the format isn’t the best or most organized, college doesn’t leave me a lot of free time…I will keep updating this guide as time goes on though. I’ll add more gifs, more ATs, banners, more sections and try to fix whatever you guys find lacking. So any and all feedback/criticism are welcomed.
Also sorry for low quality GIFs, but those will have to do till I find a better website.
Also sorry for low quality GIFs, but those will have to do till I find a better website.
