Three tips to improve your Byleth play in Smash Ultimate

Byleth is the most recent fighter to join the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster. As is customary with new fighting game additions, players have been experimenting with the character to see where she ranks in competitive tier lists.

Notably, her kit is one of the more dynamic of the sword-wielders, boasting a strong recovery and a long F-Smash and Up-Smashes.

In order to get the most out of the Fire Emblem character, players must bear in mind a few key elements. Here are three tips that will help elevate your Byleth gameplay and put you ahead of the competition.

Up-Air is your bread and butter

Byleth has a good juggle game and up-air is an incredibly strong option that can help rack up tons of damage and kill early.

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A good trick to remember is up-tilting to knock your opponent upwards before following up with an up-air and more up-airs afterwards. Up-tilt’s range should not be underestimated, as it can catch opponents who aren’t properly spaced off-guard.

A nice combo is down-tilt into up-tilt and then you can follow it with up-air or execute a playground of hurt at lower percentages.

On stages like Battlefield, making use of the platforms to assist with your juggles is key. Landing on platforms will help extend combos, pile on the damage and make landing a nightmare for the opposition.

Use Neutral B to force jumps

Byleth’s arrow is a bit of a double-edged sword. If you hold down neutral B for too long, you will commit to a strong, powerful projectile, but you won’t be able to cancel out of it.

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However, by charging a weaker arrow, you can bait your opponent into jumping, cancel the arrow and punish them with an assortment of aerials.

You can mix up this play too, by occasionally firing the arrow to apply shield pressure or by using it while your foe is offstage to deal more damage and score kills.

That said, be mindful of how long you’re charging it; The last thing you want is to be locked in place and take an easily-punishable position.

Don’t be afraid to go deep

Byleth has one of the best recoveries in the game and can easily get back to the stage after chasing after an opponent.

When an opponent is launched off-stage, your best bet is to give chase and punish them further. Some fighters won’t be able to get back on stage after an additional hit, and this can help secure easy stocks.

It’s also important to note that her Up-B will always prioritize a ledge recovery as opposed to an offensive option when offstage, unless you’re extremely far out. Be mindful of this if you try to attempt some spikes to dunk on your adversaries.

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Byleth may be considered a bit underwhelming by some pros such as Melee legend Leffen, but that doesn’t mean she lacks the tools to get results. Top-ranked Ultimate prodigy Leonardo ‘MKLeo’ Lopez Perez has already won a Mexico City tournament with the Fire Emblem fighter, so anything is possible.

Be sure to study hard, watch pros and learn her matchups to get a better understanding of Byleth, if you choose to main her.