Blocks to create, resources to mine, and TNT to explode
Each new character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the power to change the whole experience for individual players and even for the professional esports scene. But Steve and Alex from Minecraft feel like a bomb - they broke into SSBU and brought so much content that this addition affects all the other game stages and those players who don’t plan to play Steve or Alex.
The initial presentation of Minecraft heroes in Smash Bros was short. Probably, Masahiro Sakurai wanted to give us time to digest this reveal. Then, we got a long video with a detailed explanation of all the Minecraft features in Smash Ultimate.
We at DashFight are glad to dig deeper into the abilities and moves of Steve and Alex (and Zombie, and Enderman) - it’s always so exciting to meet a new SSBU character! With the Minecraft heroes, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has 84 fighters.
The world of Minecraft
This is one of the most popular games in the world. In fact, Minecraft is an amazing phenomenon, absolutely unique for the gaming culture. It invites players into a weirdly looking blocky world - you will not find here polished graphics and realistic forms. Low resolutions and square creatures have become a distinguishing feature of Minecraft.
It has two primary modes that describe the playing experience. In Survival mode, the hero has limited resources and should collect various blocks to craft new tools and new materials. In Creative mode, players have unlimited access to all the blocks and items - create whatever they want.
Both modes don't have clear goals, and still, players spend many hours in them. You can try and defeat the mighty Dragon in another dimension of Survival. Or you can build a huge map alone or with a team of like-minded people.
Many modifications, the possibility to strongly improve graphics (turn on Ray Tracing), and lots of multiplayer servers support the high interest of the gaming community in Minecraft.
Minecraft in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Steve and Alex continue the tradition of SSBU to transfer lots of original mechanics to fighting (for example, we saw this with Cloud and his Limit Break from Final Fantasy VII). Smash has got lots of Minecraft features. Understanding them properly is key for success while playing these guys.
Using weapons is crucial here. And to get a good sword/pickaxe/ax, you should mine resources at each free moment. SSBU stages give different blocks and you should figure out where to dig for the best materials - only playing experience can give this info, so take Steve or Alex to many stages of Training mode.
Still, it’s better not to ignore simple resources, such as dirt and wood. They can be used for creating blocks. This feature can open some very interesting strategies, and it’s nice to not waste precious stone/iron for this purpose. You can create blocks even outside the primary ground to avoid falling down, but the game gives this possibility only at some distance, and the further you are, the faster the blocks disappear.
Notice how low the first jump of Steve and Alex is. You can perform a mid-air jump and it will be higher. And you can create a block to stand on it for a while.
Basic Attacks of Steve and Alex in SSBU
- Jab - Steve and Alex make quick hits with the sword. They can walk and jump while swinging the weapon (like Mega Man). If the sword is broken, they attack with bare hands and the effectiveness becomes super low.
- Dash Attack - the heroes take their pickaxe and attack the opponents. Use it to quickly reach a distant fighter and launch them into the air.
- Up Tilt - Minecraft SSBU fighters use their axe to attack overhead. You can hold the button down to repeat the swings.
- Down Tilt - Steve / Alex in Super Smash Bros Ultimate use flint and steel to start a fire in front of them. Of course, you should mine these resources first. The fire can even fall down, so it’s a chance to prevent opponents from returning to the ground. It’s good protection from projectiles.
Air Attacks - Minecraft heroes in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Neutral Air is a sword attack. For using the pickaxe while jumping, stop swinging the sword for a sec and then start Side Air.
- Forward Air - it’s an attack with the pickaxe, similar to Dash Attack. It has a meteor effect and pushes the victims down. It’s a great option for air fights outside the ground.
- Back Air - this is also a pickaxe attack. Its effect is launching opponents.
- Up Air - it’s an axe attack, similar to Up Tilt.
- Down Air - Minecraft fighters create an iron anvil to fall down very quickly and hit opponents really hard. It’s a bit similar to Kirby’s Stone. You can cancel Down Air.
SSBU Steve/Alex Throws
- Grab - Steve and Alex use a fishing rod to grab opponents. The victim will be thrown inside a fence.
- Forward Throw launches opponents with a piston.
- Back Throw - the opponent inside the fence will be launched into the air.
- Up Throw also uses a piston but launches the victim straight up.
- Down Throw creates an anvil (the same one you use in Down Air). If you don’t have Iron, this attack will be a simple push into the ground.
Special Attacks of Minecraft Steve / Alex in Smash Ultimate
- Neutral Special - it’s Mine when you stand on the ground, Craft near the Crafting table, and Create Block in the air.
- Side Special - Minecart appears on the stage. You need iron to create rails.
- Up Special - Elytra. Minecraft Steve and Alex can fly in the world of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. You don’t use materials for Up Special.
- Down Special - TNT. You create an explosive block and place it on the ground. TNT consumes low-cost materials. Add redstone and a pressure plate to start the explosion from a safe distance. Fire of opponents can explode TNT as well - be careful playing such characters as Charizard and Ness.
Smash Attacks - Steve / Alex / Zombie / Enderman in SSBU
- Forward Smash - it’s a sweep attack, taken from the Java Edition of Minecraft. It’s very powerful and has a wide range unlike many other attacks of Steve and Alex in Smash Ultimate.
- Up Smash - Steve/Alex place a magma block above their head. You don't need any materials for this. Magma blocks remain there for quite a long time. Mr. Sakurai recommends using Up Smash right after Up Tilt.
- Down Smash - SSBU Minecraft heroes pour lava from a bucket. The dangerous substance appears from both sides.
Final Smash of SSBU Minecraft heroes
- House of Boom. Steve/Alex launch their opponent into a Minecraft house, full of TNT and Creepers.
SSBU Steve and Alex combos
Time is needed to discover many possible combinations of attacks and moves of Minecraft characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Arguably the best way to do so - is to delve into the game and experiment with these characters. But of course, it’s also a good idea to check out the experience of other guys in the community and take their ideas and discoveries into your game.
On DashFight, we have already posted some dirtiest Steve tricks - feel free to check them out.
Here, we invite you to take a look at a few other quite effective combos:
Down Smash (lava) - Down Smash - Up Smash (magma)
Jabs - Forward Throw
Jabs - Forward Smash
Up Tilt - Up Air - Forward Air
Down Throw - Forward Smash
Down Throw - Up Smash
These are just examples and the basics for your own fighting creativity.
One of the first things discovered by players is how good Steve is at ledge trapping. You need to place a TNT block at the edge and a few blocks outside the platform to make an obstacle for opponents.
So, launch the victim into the air (Dash Attack / Back Air / Forward Smash) or push them outside the platform with Forward Throw and then use Neutral Special to create a block outside the platform and Down Special to place the TNT. You may need to meet the victim and perform Back Air to throw them to the block and initiate an explosion.
Another interesting option is to create blocks outside the ground, stand on one, and use Forward Air when the opponent tries to recover.
Dash Attack / Back Air / Forward Smash -> Neutral Special -> jump onto the block - Forward Air
It turned out that the magma block is one of the most effective attacks of Steve. You can damage opponents easily if they stay on the platform above the Minecraft guy. Also, you can launch them and then create the Magma block.
Up Tilt - Up Tilt - Up Smash
You can expand this combo
Up Tilt - Up Tilt - Up Air - Up Air - Neutral Special (to create a block) - Up Smash - Up Air - Up Air - Neutral Special (to create a block) - Up Smash
Many SSBU players start Steve combos with Down Throw. If you have iron, use this powerful trick to launch the opponent into the air and continue with the Up Air - Neutral Special - Up Smash stuff.
With a high percentage, Down Throw may be enough to KO.
It seems like playing Minecraft Steve and Alex will be so much fun! Are you excited? To get prepared, take a look at our basic SSBU guide for beginners.
Minecraft heroes are available with Challenger Pack 7 for $5.99. They are part of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass vol. 2 that costs $29.99 and contains other 5 fighters. Take a look at this post to check out all Smash Ultimate characters!
For other Super Smash Bros. Ultimate articles and news, stay tuned to DashFight on Facebook, Twitter, and Discord!
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