Q&A The 'Mains' Advice Thread

[KniteBlargh]

Grimtixx Actually, I think would work out better if you're looking to cover as many MUs as possible. He can help you against the likes of and , for example. And yes, he fits what you're looking for rather nicely.

If you want to look over some general opinions as far as MUs go (although some are a little outdated, like Bayonetta), there's an interesting chart based on the combined opinions of professionals and others here.

 

[Grimtixx]

Grimtixx Actually, I think would work out better if you're looking to cover as many MUs as possible. He can help you against the likes of and , for example. And yes, he fits what you're looking for rather nicely.

If you want to look over some general opinions as far as MUs go (although some are a little outdated, like Bayonetta), there's an interesting chart based on the combined opinions of professionals and others here.

I mean, I was technically looking for a dual main setup rather than a legitimate secondary, but I can sure check that MU chart out and I can also try . I still kinda have my heart set on learning however, so I will have to do some research.

 

[KniteBlargh]

Grimtixx My point still stands in either case (dual main or secondary), but if you find in the end that gives you more enjoyment while meeting your expectations, you should go for it. Playing the characters who, on paper, would be more likely to get you farther won't be worth it if you only end up feeling dead inside as a result. LOL So yeah, just give them both a shot, study up, and see how things go for you.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Hi people. So I use and I've been looking for another character to learn that has a lot of his good qualities (combos, mobility, juggles, good neutral) and I've been told by a very good player in my state that fits this role well. Would Pika cover Cloud well and vice versa? And are there any other characters that fit this criteria? (The player I talked to also cited and as potential candidates)

Is also a good character. All three that you were told are amazing. It sounds like is where your heart is set so go with him.

 

[re3]

So I have . Is 4 unessessary? I'm kinda going for the counterpick part of the meta. Any matchups I don't cover? I just wanna know how these 4 do. Is 5 better? If so I'd add to the mix. Or .

In this game, at most you need two characters to cover every matchup. People talk about the counterpick meta but most top placing players at nationals main at least two character, few three. If you really want to play the "counterpick meta" you wouldn't be picking characters like Toon Link or Roy and even arguably PIkachu. I'd like to know what matchups that they cover so well that Diddy Kong doesn't or any other top tier doesn't (which is the whole point of the counterpick meta to begin with). If you really want to do counterpick meta, you might as well drop any character that's not top 15.

Add Mario and Sonic to the mix but between Mario / Diddy Kong / Sonic / Pikachu already have a really good matchup spread and that's without having to main all four characters. Though if you really want to, those four will undoubtedly cover about every single top tier matchup.

I don't mean to sound rude but I don't think you're nearly as knowledgeable as ANTi or have the resources (being able to travel out of state, friends with top players of certain characters, tournaments, years of playing the game) to even pick up so many characters to begin with and expect to do well. On the other hand if you just want to play a bunch of characters but call it counterpick meta than you should honestly play whoever you want.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

In this game, at most you need two characters to cover every matchup. People talk about the counterpick meta but most top placing players at nationals main at least two character, few three. If you really want to play the "counterpick meta" you wouldn't be picking characters like Toon Link or Roy and even arguably PIkachu. I'd like to know what matchups that they cover so well that Diddy Kong doesn't or any other top tier doesn't (which is the whole point of the counterpick meta to begin with). If you really want to do counterpick meta, you might as well drop any character that's not top 15.

Add Mario and Sonic to the mix but between Mario / Diddy Kong / Sonic / Pikachu already have a really good matchup spread and that's without having to main all four characters. Though if you really want to, those four will undoubtedly cover about every single top tier matchup.

I don't mean to sound rude but I don't think you're nearly as knowledgeable as ANTi or have the resources (being able to travel out of state, friends with top players of certain characters, tournaments, years of playing the game) to even pick up so many characters to begin with and expect to do well. On the other hand if you just want to play a bunch of characters but call it counterpick meta than you should honestly play whoever you want.

I've decided to mainly go with . I'll have or as a secondary to help if I need range or if there's a bad MU I need to cover

 

[Emmington]

Hey, I've recently started to play around with , and have decided to train her up as a main.
What I was wondering, are there any characters that cover Robin's weaknesses pretty well? I especially have problems with Corrin because I have a hard time recovering from being launched thanks to their Nair. Also, how viable would be as a dual main for Robin?

 

[flamer180]

I got one: Wii Fit Trainer: Dont use it

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Hey, I've recently started to play around with , and have decided to train her up as a main.
What I was wondering, are there any characters that cover Robin's weaknesses pretty well? I especially have problems with Corrin because I have a hard time recovering from being launched thanks to their Nair. Also, how viable would be as a dual main for Robin?

is a good secondary. Other than him would be good.

 

[Dream Cancel]

Hey, I've recently started to play around with , and have decided to train her up as a main.
What I was wondering, are there any characters that cover Robin's weaknesses pretty well? I especially have problems with Corrin because I have a hard time recovering from being launched thanks to their Nair. Also, how viable would be as a dual main for Robin?

Personally I use Fox, but any character that has a better disadvantage state and better mobility cover Robin's weaknesses well.

The short version of the Corrin match-up is respect the range and tippers, look to take his double jump, don't get grabbed past 150%, and watch out for counter when you're juggling him (and you're 75%+), and pray that they don't know how to follow-up off of his Neutral B. For specifics, go to the Robin or Corrin boards. (I recommend someone with better mobility than Corrin, it's easier to put pressure on him when you're quick)

Dark Pit is a decent choice imo. He doesn't have the projectile pressure Robin has but he can definitely exert pressure in his own way. If your fundamentals are on point then you can definitely put him to good use. Watch Earth for premier Pit play.

 

[TheBeggingBard ~~JoMo~~]

So I used my Wario and Bowser at a local and I ran into a problem: Corrin/Kamui. I tried to use my Bowser and failed then switched to my Wario and did a little better. I'm currently redoing my linup (again). I've considered picking up Lucina and/or Diddy to combat high tier spam. Or what would you all recommend to match my playstyle?

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

So I used my Wario and Bowser at a local and I ran into a problem: Corrin/Kamui. I tried to use my Bowser and failed then switched to my Wario and did a little better. I'm currently redoing my linup (again). I've considered picking up Lucina and/or Diddy to combat high tier spam. Or what would you all recommend to match my playstyle?

Imo Corrin loses to and goes even with so is definatly a great choice. The other choice I'd suggest would be but diddy works great too. I'd say go together not just Lucina if you wanna go that route. It's a pretty good choice but diddy is better.

I feel like in this game if you use you should also learn and sane with if you use learn . Both of each vary enough to give you more of an advantage with one. For example can snipe while he try's to recover while cannot, but kills Luma better. And Lucina is better at getting a character of the edge but Marth had more range. It's good to know how to use both.

I'm having trouble picking my third. I have and struggle with . I know I don't need a third but I want one cause I like using 3 more than 2. I'm deciding between , / and /. Any help?

 

[Justinian]

I'm having trouble picking my third. I have and struggle with . I know I don't need a third but I want one cause I like using 3 more than 2. I'm deciding between , / and /. Any help?

Cloud patches up all your problems except maybe G&W.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Cloud patches up all your problems except maybe G&W.

Yeah but I don't want cloud. I'm deciding between the three I listed

 

[Ecchin]

For people who are seeking for a main check this Character Archetype list made by 6WX, pretty useful to select a character with the playstyle you want to play

(source:https://twitter.com/Circa_6WX/status/757514560060452864/photo/1)

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Every character can do amazing stuff. Some more than others and some easier than others, but that's besides the point. In ZeRo's recent video he explained that the best strategy to win is to solo main OR counterpick. I think the best is using 2-3 chatacters, since you get experience with a select few and become amazing with them, but still have more than one choice for the matchup.
The problem with solo maining is you have no plan b. And if someone beats your plan a then you're screwed. For example say you solo main . You run into a player. Pikachu wins the matchup for sure. So you have to be really good against your toughest matchup which is very hard to do, or you loose. Now say you decided to pick up as a secondary for cloud. Now when you run into you have a winning matchup which you don't have to work so hard on.
The problem with counterpicking is that any top tier can take on any top tier (except vs ...). So let's say you counter pick with And a good comes by and beats you in all of the matchups. Then you pick up for the MU but the sheik has much mor expirience with their character than you and could handle the matchup.
So I think the best strategy is to play 2-3 characters. 2 if you use only top/ high tiers, 3 if you use mid/ low tiers too. But one thing you should definatly do is play a Top Tier. Atleast a High Tier. Then the other slot(s) can go to your fun characters. Ex I play as my top tier and have (a mid tier) and then another (or)to get another option besides Pika or Roy for bad MUs.

 

[Aetheric]

Aight I main and trying to find a secondary character. I thought about but I think he is too similar to to be a good secondary. Thoughts? Also who else would you suggest?

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Aight I main and trying to find a secondary character. I thought about but I think he is too similar to to be a good secondary. Thoughts? Also who else would you suggest?

Who do you struggle against? Are you looking for an aggressive character or another defensive?

 

[Aetheric]

Who do you struggle against? Are you looking for an aggressive character or another defensive?

I tend to struggle with . I'm fine with either play style.

 

[Green Zelda]

I tend to struggle with . I'm fine with either play style.

Mewtwo beats/goes even with all 3 of those characters iirc, and he's a good secondary character. Try him out!

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

I tend to struggle with . I'm fine with either play style.

Are good choices. Is a pretty good choice too.

 

[TheBeggingBard ~~JoMo~~]

Should I make a quick suggestions for each character? It'll help with people who just need a quick refrence.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Should I make a quick suggestions for each character? It'll help with people who just need a quick refrence.

That'd be awesome. Even just top/ high tiers would be great. I could do it too

 

[TheBeggingBard ~~JoMo~~]

1st entry. Any thoughts? (These are my choicest on trying to find a secondary)

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

View attachment 113414

1st entry. Any thoughts? (These are my choicest on trying to find a secondary)

Go with

Who all beats or does well against ?

 

[TheBeggingBard ~~JoMo~~]

Nice_FZPSC.42 this is an example if my above idea about having a quick reference sheet for each character. And for your question I'd say Diddy does well against them all

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Nice_FZPSC.42 this is an example if my above idea about having a quick reference sheet for each character. And for your question I'd say Diddy does well against them all

I'll do one later tonight and looses to and others so not him.thanks though

 

[Green Zelda]

Go with

Who all beats or does well against ?

and go even/beat/destroy all of those iirc. also does well against most of them.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Heres my chart like what TheBeggingBard ~~JoMo~~ did:
Mains
---------------------------
Great
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Good
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Usable
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Difficult
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Don"t bother
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
IDK

 

[bubbyq12]

I don't know what to do. I love so many characters in this game and I want to have more than one main (I currently main and I'm OK with that because she is my best character and fits my playstyle, although she is not my favorite character). I don't know who else to main though. I had my heart set on since the beginning and to this very day, I continue to try to make him work because I love him as a character, but I just can't get his gameplan down (and my winrate with him is like 34% which is pretty bad) . I'd say that I like:

• long range characters
• characters with combos longer than 2 hits
• characters that are semi aggressive
• characters that are the best at something, have something that is the best move (for example Bayo has the best counter (in my opinion) with Witch Time), or characters that have a unique moveset/trait
• characters that have a projectile (but this is not necessary)

My favorite characters (other than Bayo and Villy) are:

Do any of those characters make a good main based on my playstyle? I am also open to other options (but not heavyweights or )

 

[DJBor]

You are fine as is. What you need to do now is determine when it is best to use either Bayonetta or Villager. Now, from your list of 5, I can eliminate Palutena and Shulk for being defensively-focused characters. Wii Fit, Lucas, and Corrin are perfect matches to the playstyle you're seeking. Lucas does lack in range, Corrin's projectile is pretty predictable and doesn't work too well, and Wii Fit's complex inputs may be a challenge, however their individual strengths make them all viable secondaries to your pair of mains.

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

You are fine as is. What you need to do now is determine when it is best to use either Bayonetta or Villager. Now, from your list of 5, I can eliminate Palutena and Shulk for being defensively-focused characters. Wii Fit, Lucas, and Corrin are perfect matches to the playstyle you're seeking. Lucas does lack in range, Corrin's projectile is pretty predictable and doesn't work too well, and Wii Fit's complex inputs may be a challenge, however their individual strengths make them all viable secondaries to your pair of mains.

I've been able to narrow down to /. Can anyone tell me good things they have with range/ edge guarding? I don't care about tier ranking I just wanna know some good things they'll do to help my

 

[DJBor]

I can see why edgeguarding is the key topic here- Roy and Pikachu can't do it, so you need to pick your third character based on that. In that case... go with Rosalina because she's got stuff that Pika or Roy don't. Don't lose focus on your mains though, it's important to be best at your best characters...

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

I can see why edgeguarding is the key topic here- Roy and Pikachu can't do it, so you need to pick your third character based on that. In that case... go with Rosalina because she's got stuff that Pika or Roy don't. Don't lose focus on your mains though, it's important to be best at your best characters...

Umm, pika has one of if not the best edgeguarding in the game and Roy is scary offstage too. I want someone who can because that's how I play and I need to beat some characters with bad recovery a so not being able to edgeguarding there would suck. I just wanna know how they could benefit Roy and pika with their playstyles and tools.

 

[Ludwigvongamer (Mobtink)]

Hello everyone! I've only recently started using SB, so sorry if I'm being rude by posting in the middle of this little conversation ^^^^ but it's URGENT.
I've always had trouble with mains/secondaries. Currently my mains are and. My problem is trying to find secondaries, or even new mains that I won't get bored of, as I find myself switching mains every two months or so. (It's not a good.) I know you won't be able to read my mind when it comes to who I'll get bored of, but I need a general idea of who I should put my time into.

Some facts about my "playstyle": (I'm still pretty low level so my playstyle hasn't developed that much.)
I like semi-defensive play. Since I don't know that much about every character, I don't really know what characters fit that. I rely on this playstyle so much, that if I find myself liking an offensive character, I'll seriously just run around down tilting every 5 seconds, shielding way too much, and punishing with side-tilts....not the best strategy. (All you need to do is watch me play then you'll see what I mean.) I've never been the biggest fan of REALLY defensive characters, though. Like and the like. I also like fast movement. I've never really been the best in the air. Unless the move has a hit box the size of Jupiter I have like a 60% chance of landing it. Because of is, I'm trash at edge-guarding. I mean trash. It's an accomplishment for me to land 's d-air. Don't bother trying to make me play a top ten character, because they often get boring for me quickly. The highest I'd go is like..... Maybe , before I'd just feel like it's the characters victory and not mine. (It's a mindset of mine that can't be changed, sorry.) I also either can't play or get really bored of ,, ,,, and so don't bother with those either. Everybody else I'd be pretty okay with trying to learn. Again, pretty new so I have almost no idea which characters fit my playstyle. Any off-the top suggestions? Any characters that I hate that I really should give a chance to? Any response helps.

Christ, this was long.....

 

[DJBor]

Funny, I place at the 11 position on my tier list. (and btw I forgot he could edgeguard so well... then I remembered ESAM)
I can see why you flocked to after deciding you're too weak in the air. He never leaves the ground.
Well, since you are new, here's the top 10 characters (yeah, this is pretty universal, except for the order I put them in)
This goes for anyone- if you don't like characters carrying you, don't play these.
I suggest you try . He doesn't need too much skill in terms of edgeguarding, he can play defensively, and he has massive KO power.

 

[Ludwigvongamer (Mobtink)]

Woah! 's top ten? I guess I should brush up on my tiers. Funny thing is I actually enjoy playing him because it felt very high risk high reward. Guess that's changed since his bottom tier days haha. Everybody else in top ten I know and understand.That's besides the point. Very interesting. I have always enjoyed (and ) although I suppose the ladder a little worse, no? He also might not fit my bill when it comes to edgeguarding [air and d-air are difficult to spike with] and he spends quite a bit more time in the air. I do like his nair, d-tilt and up smash in particular, though. As for , I do hate fighting and even I know that's a notoriously bad matchup for him. Who doesn't hate fighting her though. If anything I'll go or whatever. OH WAIT. Her up air. I'd get destroyed cuz can't land. Ehhhhhh I'll figure something out. I suppose I should go look at some guide videos for . Thanks a ton.

Question though, would it be a similar thing if I picked up instead? (I have no REAL preference. I guess I sorta prefer a teeeeeeny bit more, [almost negligible]).

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

Woah! 's top ten? I guess I should brush up on my tiers. Funny thing is I actually enjoy playing him because it felt very high risk high reward. Guess that's changed since his bottom tier days haha. Everybody else in top ten I know and understand.That's besides the point. Very interesting. I have always enjoyed (and ) although I suppose the ladder a little worse, no? He also might not fit my bill when it comes to edgeguarding [air and d-air are difficult to spike with] and he spends quite a bit more time in the air. I do like his nair, d-tilt and up smash in particular, though. As for , I do hate fighting and even I know that's a notoriously bad matchup for him. Who doesn't hate fighting her though. If anything I'll go or whatever. OH WAIT. Her up air. I'd get destroyed cuz can't land. Ehhhhhh I'll figure something out. I suppose I should go look at some guide videos for . Thanks a ton.

Question though, would it be a similar thing if I picked up instead? (I have no REAL preference. I guess I sorta prefer a teeeeeeny bit more, [almost negligible]).

Does better against rosa so if you're really worried about it use him.

I have taken away some of my options but still have decided on my secondary yet. Again I main and I want a 3rd who I have as another option against my tough matchups like , and a few more. I don't care if they win the mu I just want them to be able to fight them. I'm considering (not learning all the super hard tech) Are any of them really bad secondaries? What makes them good secondaries? Please help

 

[The Goldenbrawler]

I may have posted here before, but I'm unsure. If so, here's a bit of an update. I'm maining atm, trying for a second co-main of sorts. It's between and right now. WAS a potential at one point, but since I'm so inconsistent with him, and it generally seems like I'm not as good with him as the other 2, it led to me dropping him, as much as I like the character. Not sure who to go with, or if removing was a good idea. *shrug*

 

[Nice_FZPSC.42]

I may have posted here before, but I'm unsure. If so, here's a bit of an update. I'm maining atm, trying for a second co-main of sorts. It's between and right now. WAS a potential at one point, but since I'm so inconsistent with him, and it generally seems like I'm not as good with him as the other 2, it led to me dropping him, as much as I like the character. Not sure who to go with, or if removing was a good idea. *shrug*

Who do you struggle against? That will help you decide. And yes is a good thing since are both good and can handle things.