I R MarF
Smash Ace
Since it seems Marth's metagame has come to a crawl, I thought it would be a good idea to have a thread dedicated to compiling, researching, and discussing Marth gameplay tactics and strategies with the goal of progressing his capabilities at high-level play. Hopefully, this will inspire players to develop new tactics for the character as well as act as a resource for beginners. So it will also be somewhat of a community-created player guide in the end.
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This OP will act as a growing index of information with many categories that need contributions. I invite anyone who has any information to share about the following categories to post in this thread; I'll look at everything and add any information that would help, if you got your information from some where, please post where you got it from. Beneath each category, I'll explain what kind of information which would be appropriate.
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HOW TO CONTRIBUTE: (for example) post something like: "For III.a. (That means category three, part A btw), you can moonwalk with Marth by walking with Marth in one direction, then perform the moonwalk motion in the opposite direction. It could be used to get running momentum into a backwards jump, edge-hogging, or mindgames.
TBH, no suggestion would be a bad one (except for obvious joke suggestions), this is a Marth research thread after all. The goal is not to create a specific way to play Marth but rather several new tactics that can be used by Marth.
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Note: Quotes may be paraphrased for presentation's sake. I'm primarily using the quote feature as a way to cite where the information cmae from more so than what an individual precisely said.
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INDEX/CATEGORIES/SUBJECTS:
I. General Statistics
Basic Information on Marth
1. Weight
>Weight: 87 [NTSC] 85 [PAL] (16th heaviest character in NTSC, tied for 16-20th in PAL)*
2. Walking Speed
>2nd fastest walk (Though technically tied with Fox... Fox accelarates to his top walk speed faster)*
3. Running Speed
>5th fastest run (Though technically tied with Sheik and Pikachu, they both accelerate to their top walk speed faster)*
4. Jumping Speed/Landing Lag
>Airborne on frame 5*
>Landing lag: 6 frames*
5. Full Hop Statistics
>5th highest full hop*
6. Short Hop Statistics
>10th highest short hop*
7. Double Jump Statistics
>Tied for 16th highest double jump*
8. Falling Speed
>6th fastest falling speed*
9. Fast Falling Speed
>11th fastest falling speed*
10. Crouching Height
>Marth is tied for 9th lowest crouch*
11. Spot Dodge/Air Dodge
12. Rolls
>2nd longest rolls*
13. Wavedash
>4th longest WD/4th lowest traction*
14. Grab Range
>4th longest grab range and longest non-tether grab*
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* = From M2K statistic listings, can be found at http://www.smashboards.com/showthre...rl]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9uzuFbJgvY[/QUOTE]
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(Will create link soon!)
II.b. Hitbox Properties
1. Percents
2. Trajectories
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(Special thanks to Chipmunk for the link to the edgeguarding hitboxes)
The game tells us that Marth's sword is stronger at the tip and weaker at the base, but anyone who plays Marth knows there is definitely more too it than that. I will eventually cite all percentage related information, but if you have any information related to the different angles of trajectories certain hitboxes perform, please suggest them for this category.
III. Movement
III.a. General Movement
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If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas for Dash Dancing, Wavedashing, Moonwalking, spacing, etc. Please mention them for this category.
III.b. Approaching
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If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas specifc to approaching, please mention them for this category.
III.c. Evading
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If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas specific to Evading , please mention them for this category.
III.d. Stage Specific Movement
1. Final Destination
2. Battlefield
3. Yoshi's Story
4. Fountain of Dreams
5. Dreamland 64
6. Pokemon Stadium
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If you have any tips, tricks, ideas, whatever specific to one or more of these stages, please mention them for this category. Also, if you have a contribution for a stage that isn't mentioned above, please post your idea and I'll add both the stage and your ideas.
IV. Shields
Information with Marth and shields
IV.a. Shield-stun Frame Data
See Phanna's Frames of Hitlag and Shield Stun (12 chars done) thread
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(Will quote Marth specific information from above thread soon!)
IV.b. Against Shield Tactics
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If you have any suggestions for dealing with shields, please mention them for this category.
IV.c. Out of Shield Options
See Wiseman.'s Out of Shield Options frame data thread
>Suggestions on fighting against shield pokes:
(Special thanks to Construct)
(Again, will quote Marth specific information from above thread soon!)
If you have any suggestions for Marth players who are in shield, please mention them for this category.
V. Combos
A category dealing with Marth's combos
V.a. True Combos
1. Combos Using Throws
2. Combos Without Throws
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A "true combo" would be any combo that would read as "consecutive hits" if performed in training mode. Just saying: "for V.a., ugh... KEN COMBO!" Is not a suggestion. We want to hear percents, character specific information, if it still works with DI, etc.
V.b. Limited Opponent Action Combos
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I'm not sure if they even exist, but these would be combos that don't read as consecutive hits, but 1. occur quick enough to the point where an opponent wouldn't be able to react properly. 2. There exist frame(s) where the opponent is out of hit stun, but it does not give them enough time to actually do anything. Or 3. There exist frames where the opponent is able to act, but if they chose to perform these counter measures they are still punished for them. Again, percent and character information is needed when making suggestions for this section.
VI. Edge guarding
NOTE: Check out Marth's Hitbox properties under Section II
1. Onstage edgeguarding
>Vs. Spacies (Fox and Falco)
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(Special Thanks to Teczero, Shroomed, and Chipmunk)
If you have contributions, tactics, and situtations you can put your enemy in for edge guarding techniques. Please mention them for this category.
VII.Tactics, Techniques, and Tricks (AKA, anything I've missed)
VII.a. Recovering
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If you have any special techniques or ideas for recovering, please suggest them for this category
VII.b. Specific strategies against x character/tactic
>C. Falcon
The title is self explanatory, if you have any suggestions for this category, please mention them.
VII.c. The General Tactics
1. Offense
2. Defense
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Again, self explanatory, please suggest if you have anything for them.
VIII. The Lab
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Any strange ideas or something you are not capable of testing but are intelligent "what ifs", can be suggested for here.
***
Well that is basically it for now, let me know if another category should be added, i made a typo, or if there is something that needs change/clarification. Let the research begin.
---
This OP will act as a growing index of information with many categories that need contributions. I invite anyone who has any information to share about the following categories to post in this thread; I'll look at everything and add any information that would help, if you got your information from some where, please post where you got it from. Beneath each category, I'll explain what kind of information which would be appropriate.
---
HOW TO CONTRIBUTE: (for example) post something like: "For III.a. (That means category three, part A btw), you can moonwalk with Marth by walking with Marth in one direction, then perform the moonwalk motion in the opposite direction. It could be used to get running momentum into a backwards jump, edge-hogging, or mindgames.
TBH, no suggestion would be a bad one (except for obvious joke suggestions), this is a Marth research thread after all. The goal is not to create a specific way to play Marth but rather several new tactics that can be used by Marth.
---
Note: Quotes may be paraphrased for presentation's sake. I'm primarily using the quote feature as a way to cite where the information cmae from more so than what an individual precisely said.
---
INDEX/CATEGORIES/SUBJECTS:
I. General Statistics
Basic Information on Marth
1. Weight
>Weight: 87 [NTSC] 85 [PAL] (16th heaviest character in NTSC, tied for 16-20th in PAL)*
2. Walking Speed
>2nd fastest walk (Though technically tied with Fox... Fox accelarates to his top walk speed faster)*
3. Running Speed
>5th fastest run (Though technically tied with Sheik and Pikachu, they both accelerate to their top walk speed faster)*
4. Jumping Speed/Landing Lag
>Airborne on frame 5*
>Landing lag: 6 frames*
5. Full Hop Statistics
>5th highest full hop*
6. Short Hop Statistics
>10th highest short hop*
7. Double Jump Statistics
>Tied for 16th highest double jump*
8. Falling Speed
>6th fastest falling speed*
9. Fast Falling Speed
>11th fastest falling speed*
10. Crouching Height
>Marth is tied for 9th lowest crouch*
11. Spot Dodge/Air Dodge
12. Rolls
>2nd longest rolls*
13. Wavedash
>4th longest WD/4th lowest traction*
14. Grab Range
>4th longest grab range and longest non-tether grab*
---
* = From M2K statistic listings, can be found at http://www.smashboards.com/showthre...rl]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9uzuFbJgvY[/QUOTE]
---
(Will create link soon!)
II.b. Hitbox Properties
1. Percents
2. Trajectories
---
(Special thanks to Chipmunk for the link to the edgeguarding hitboxes)
The game tells us that Marth's sword is stronger at the tip and weaker at the base, but anyone who plays Marth knows there is definitely more too it than that. I will eventually cite all percentage related information, but if you have any information related to the different angles of trajectories certain hitboxes perform, please suggest them for this category.
III. Movement
III.a. General Movement
---
If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas for Dash Dancing, Wavedashing, Moonwalking, spacing, etc. Please mention them for this category.
III.b. Approaching
---
If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas specifc to approaching, please mention them for this category.
III.c. Evading
---
If you have any tips, contributions, and ideas specific to Evading , please mention them for this category.
III.d. Stage Specific Movement
1. Final Destination
2. Battlefield
3. Yoshi's Story
4. Fountain of Dreams
5. Dreamland 64
6. Pokemon Stadium
---
If you have any tips, tricks, ideas, whatever specific to one or more of these stages, please mention them for this category. Also, if you have a contribution for a stage that isn't mentioned above, please post your idea and I'll add both the stage and your ideas.
IV. Shields
Information with Marth and shields
IV.a. Shield-stun Frame Data
See Phanna's Frames of Hitlag and Shield Stun (12 chars done) thread
---
(Will quote Marth specific information from above thread soon!)
IV.b. Against Shield Tactics
---
If you have any suggestions for dealing with shields, please mention them for this category.
IV.c. Out of Shield Options
See Wiseman.'s Out of Shield Options frame data thread
>Suggestions on fighting against shield pokes:
---Marth has a very small shield and he suffers shield poking quite frequently. One way to get around this which Marth players need to do a helluva a lot more often is shield tilting; shield tilting is where you tilt the control stick and actually move the shield to cover whatever part of your body needs covering. Another remedy is lightshielding (by pressing L or R lightly). This causes your shield to be larger, but you suffer more knockback. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's worse.
(Special thanks to Construct)
(Again, will quote Marth specific information from above thread soon!)
If you have any suggestions for Marth players who are in shield, please mention them for this category.
V. Combos
A category dealing with Marth's combos
V.a. True Combos
1. Combos Using Throws
2. Combos Without Throws
---
A "true combo" would be any combo that would read as "consecutive hits" if performed in training mode. Just saying: "for V.a., ugh... KEN COMBO!" Is not a suggestion. We want to hear percents, character specific information, if it still works with DI, etc.
V.b. Limited Opponent Action Combos
---
I'm not sure if they even exist, but these would be combos that don't read as consecutive hits, but 1. occur quick enough to the point where an opponent wouldn't be able to react properly. 2. There exist frame(s) where the opponent is out of hit stun, but it does not give them enough time to actually do anything. Or 3. There exist frames where the opponent is able to act, but if they chose to perform these counter measures they are still punished for them. Again, percent and character information is needed when making suggestions for this section.
VI. Edge guarding
NOTE: Check out Marth's Hitbox properties under Section II
1. Onstage edgeguarding
>Vs. Spacies (Fox and Falco)The biggest problems with [onstage] edgeguarding [is] using [these] tactics is incredibly susceptible to sweetspotting
You can edgeguard spacies in a similar fashion since they both have the same recovery options. On Falco there is a much larger window most of the time because his firefox is shorter, and does not hit you on startup.
>Supplementary InformationCounter - Its an auto edgeguard practically granted you land it. Its incredible on battlefield in the situations you know spacies must firefox straight up. I'm pretty sure everyone knows what to do after a counter, you run off DJ fair, or up-b. For higher percentages, counter will actually pop spacies up high enough so they can illusion to grab the edge, so at higher percents (~90+) get ready to jab then fair/upb.
Cautions about this edgeguard though, its very VERY baitable. Spacies can go straight up in many situations, avoid the counter and grab the edge. They can also sweetspot into the stage and avoid the counter completely. Not only will that mean you missed an edgeguard opportunity, but you'll allow them to get a counter attack opportunity. I wouldn't recommend using it often if your opponent proved to you that he can either tech/or sweetspot against counter.
Dtilt - This is a great poking tool on the edge if your opponent missed the edge as he DJs. Its a pretty good tool to use against opponents coming up towards the edge. You can also use it as an alternative to counter as its faster in the event you miss and therefore safer. You can also use it against illusions that aren't perfectly sweetspotted.
As a side note, on Yoshi's Story if you crouch and dtilt on the slope at the edge of both sides of the stage, you can actually have his dtilt angle down and hit under the edge. Which is a nice bonus.
Fsmash - Similar to Dtilt with the added bonus that it cover all of the above AND firefox from above angled toward the edge. It takes a bit longer to end though, vs spacies I tend to shy away from this because its too 'conventional'. Its the first or second things spacies worry about while being edgeguarded. It is useful though, it hits quite far and often KOs on hit.
At lower percentages make sure that if you're planning to use this it tippers. It will barely do any KB at low percents if you don't and they may still have a chance to recover.
Jab - Typically this is my favorite and probably overused too in my inventory. Its incredibly fast, you can use it to react to certain situations and if it hits you can sometimes do another jab, or run off the stage with a FF fair to set up for a very easy edgeguard. Its similar to dtilt, except obviously its much higher. Its best used against illusions/firefoxes at a downward angle.
Problems with the jab is mainly that it can be sweetspotted against, it also increases your edgeguard's complexity since you have to follow up with a series of moves unlike fsmash.
2. Offstage edgeguarding[when]edge guarding with counter: If you find your opponent can consistently hit the tip of Marth's foot that is not invincible during the counter, you can turn around the opposite direction and counter. The hitbox is the same, and Marth's back foot isn't exposed the entire time during the counter like his front foot is.
More edgeguarding stuffs: SH Fair and SH neutral b, when done correctly at the edge of the stage, hit below the stage and can effectively cover a sweetspot. As a bonus, they have little lag time in case your opponent chooses to take a different recovery option.
>Vs. Spacies (Fox and Falco)
(Using the ledge)Run off stage FF fair - This tactic generally covers the option of a spacie just trying to DJ and sweetspot the edge. A very common scenario when you Dthrow them off stage or dtilt them off while they were onstage, etc. Basically your fair will encompass an enormous area directly below the stage, and will hit them lightly. Then you DJ upb and have it slightly hit your opponent, then as you grab the edge fall off DJ bair them away. It will often steal DJs if your opponent was not expecting it as well which makes edgeguarding even easier
The problem with this tactic is that its a fairly risky tactic. If your opponent expects it, they can DJ immediate airdodge up and avoid it. Vs spacies usually that means you'll be on the edge, in practice I've rarely SD'd vs spacies however. (I have SD'd a lot vs other characters though)
Run off stage DJ fair/dair - This tactic is if you will, the answer to the counter of the previous tactic. Basically you run off stage, your opponent gets spooked, you DJ then slowly land a dair or fair fsmash out of their airdodge. The plus side to this is vs sweetspotting illusions, where you can actually cover an area completely in front of the edge and deny the sweetspot. The difference in using fair or dair is dair requires more precision but will KO immediately and fair requires less precision but requires a followup.
The only real issue with this tactic is that it only covers 2 options they have. Its generally a safe option and fast however and still pretty useful.
Side-b - More often used vs falco against his firebird startup. It will often just lightly send him lower and you can just up-b to grab the edge. At higher percents, they can tech the up-b so be prepared with your ledgehop bairs if it comes to it. Another use which is a very rare situation is that you can actually side b while you grab the ledge against firefoxes and land a DJ dair or fall with a fair. Its funny but not a very common scenario.
Ledgehop dair/bair/fair/upair - Usually used against firefox. To make this write up shorter, simply use the correct aerial depending on the situation and follow up. Ledgehop fair however is much more diffiicult to land as it usually has to be hit reverse in order for it to be a useful tactic. You can also regrab the edge if you fair.
Problem with this is that its very edge oriented, and therefore easy to see coming and easily avoided. If they can't do anything about it though why not right?
---
(Special Thanks to Teczero, Shroomed, and Chipmunk)
If you have contributions, tactics, and situtations you can put your enemy in for edge guarding techniques. Please mention them for this category.
VII.Tactics, Techniques, and Tricks (AKA, anything I've missed)
VII.a. Recovering
---
If you have any special techniques or ideas for recovering, please suggest them for this category
VII.b. Specific strategies against x character/tactic
>C. Falcon
---Against Falcon, I think Marth is pretty good at forcing him to do something. Wavedashing in is better than throwing Marth's laggy *** fair out because you'll just get naired before the second one and once falcon touches you free 50% minimum.
Techchasing falcon is easy. And the more you scare someone by invading their space or w/e, the sooner they'll fall into scared noob habits.
The title is self explanatory, if you have any suggestions for this category, please mention them.
VII.c. The General Tactics
1. Offense
2. Defense
---
Again, self explanatory, please suggest if you have anything for them.
VIII. The Lab
---
Any strange ideas or something you are not capable of testing but are intelligent "what ifs", can be suggested for here.
***
Well that is basically it for now, let me know if another category should be added, i made a typo, or if there is something that needs change/clarification. Let the research begin.