SSBM/Falco

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Introduction

Falco is the quintessential definition of a glass cannon. He dominates the neutral game, boasting insane frame data and arguably the best projectile in the game. After landing a hit or even from a disadvantage state, Falco also has limitless combo and mix up potential thanks to his unique version of shine and his oppressive Down Air (dAir) that allow him to convert any hit into his deadly "pillar" combos

There is no exaggeration when it's said that this bird's laser is one of the most obnoxious projectiles in this game, and perhaps all of fighting games. Unlike Fox's laser, his Blaster's laser deals hitstun when it connects, meaning that Falco can immediately take control of the match by restricting the opponent's movement in neutral from the very start of a game. This can continue as strong zoning, or when he is closer he can use it to start his obscene pressure, or even fit it into combos to catch certain options and chain into stronger finishers. This plays into the rest of his moveset, as if the opponent attempts to get around the lasers vertically, he can perform extremely low commitment anti airs as a hard counter that start off his damaging combos.

Falco has a few main weaknesses. First his movement. Compared to his crewmate fox, his movement is trickier and more predicated on burst options like his wavedash and powerful jump options, but he rather makes up for it by controlling his opponent's movement with his gun. Second, his kill confirms. In general, building damage and performing long flashy combos is the easy part. Finishing the job however can necessitate mix ups or creativity. This is a problem only exacerbated by his weak grab combos, resulting in Falco dominating the majority of most matches but having the final result determined by how well the Falco can seal the deal.

His recovery moves are a bit of an anomaly, allowing for countless mixup options but coming with massive weaknesses. His Side B is faster than foxes and has a meteor property on hit meaning it can reverse bad situations in a heartbeat, and his firebird has all the same dizzying angle choices that fox's does. However, due to the low range and very flawed hitboxes of both of these moves, in conjunction with his high fall speed, he is EXTREMELY susceptible to early % kills, dubbed gimps. When they work, they're amazing recoveries with infinite mix up potential. When they don’t, it can be frustrating.

In summary, Falco is a control focused character who sports the best neutral and flashiest combos of the cast. Just remember that this bird can’t fly.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Versatility: Falco has the combination of an incredible projectile, Overwhelming combo and pressure tools, unique movement, and great normals. With reliable tools for every matchup and situation, Falco can adapt to any opponent, and control the pace of the match effortlessly. Lasers: Arguably the most powerful projectile in the game, Falco's lasers dominate the neutral while keeping him mobile and complimenting his fantastic offense. Shine: A 1 frame jump cancellable option used for combos, shield pressure, movement and so much more. The power of this simple move can not be overstated. Tricky Movement: Falco has the fastest jump speed, highest DJ height, top 2 fall speed, and an above average wavedash and initial dash. Combining these options, strong falco mains can play him as one of the games fastest characters, and throw endless creative mixups at the opponent in neutral. Infinite Skill Ceiling: Falco has a bottomless toolkit and heavily rewards both the creative player and the lab monster. He also one of the best matchup spreads in the game, meaning there is no limit to how far a Falco main can take the character.

You Will Die: Due to his fall speed Falco is combo food for literally every character in the game, he also has a highly exploitable recovery, low weight relative to fall speed, and even an higher than average inclination to SD's. If you play this character, be prepared to lose many unfortunate stocks. Tricky Movement: Falco's powerful burst and vertical movement options are offset by his aerial drift speed, run, and walk, which range from mediocre to downright slow for the character. Mastering Falco's movement requires focused practice, and even then he can feel disappointingly slow on the ground. Trouble Ending Stocks: While falco's combo options are unreal, and his Down air can take stocks very early, his traditional killing tools like his smash attacks are very flawed, and he struggles to confirm off of grab. Mastering his edgeguards and unique setups (such as laser into dtilt or fsmash) is critical to improving with the bird Harsh Skill Curve: Falco's steep execution requirements, awkward kill confirms, and glass cannon fragility have lead to the bird being notoriously difficult and inconsistent at all levels of play. Furthermore, fighting opponents who are adept at defensive options such as SDI and Powershielding can create serious issues for growing Falco mains, as they can dramatically disrupt the most important parts of Falco's game plan.

Physics
Weight	80 (20th)
Fall Speed	3.1/Fast 3.5 (1st)
Gravity	0.17 (2nd)
Ground Movement
Walk Speed	1.4 (3rd)
Initial Dash Speed	1.9 (25th)
Initial Dash Length	11f (8th)
Run Speed	1.5 (25th)
Traction	0.8 (9th)
Jumping
Jumpsquat	5f (17th)
Jump Height	Full 51.5/Short 11.58/Air 41.778 (1st/16th/1st)
Air Speed	0.85 (18th)
Air Acceleration	0.05 (16th)

Ground Moves

Jab

Jab
Jab (5AAA)

Jab 1	First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
	-%	-	-	-	Normal	-
Placeholder
Jab 2	First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
	-	-	-	-	-	-
	Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
	-%	-	-	-	Normal	-
Placeholder
Rapid Jab	First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
	-	-	- (finisher)	-	-	-
	Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
	-	-	-	-	Normal	-
Placeholder

Dash Attack

Jumping Side Kick
Dash Attack (d.A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

fTilt

Bird Kick
fTilt (t.6A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

uTilt

Back Kick
uTilt (t.8A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

dTilt

Bird Sweep
dTilt (t.2A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

fSmash

Roundhouse Kick
fSmash (s.6A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

uSmash

Flip Kick
uSmash (s.8A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

dSmash

Falco Split
dSmash (s.2A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Aerial Moves

nAir

Flying Kick
nAir (j.5A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

fAir

Cyclone Kick
fAir (j.6A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

bAir

Reverse Spin Kick
bAir (j.4A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

uAir

Falco Flip
uAir (j.8A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

dAir

Air Drill
dAir (j.2A)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Special Moves

Blaster

Blaster
nB (5B)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Falco Phantasm

Falco Phantasm
sideB (4/6B)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Fire Bird

Fire Bird
upB (8B)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Reflector

Reflector
downB (2B)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Grabs & Throws

Grab

Grab
Grab (Z)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Dash Grab

Grab
d.Grab (d.Z)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Pummel

Knee
g.A

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

fThrow

Elbow Bash
fThrow (g.6)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

bThrow

Skeet Blaster
bThrow (g.4)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

uThrow

Star Blaster
uThrow (g.8)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

dThrow

Floor Blaster
dThrow (g.2)

First Active	Active	Recovery	IASA	Landing Lag	Autocancel
0	0	0	0	0	<0 0>
Damage	Base Knockback	Knockback Growth	Angle	Effect	On Shield
Clean: 0 / Late: 0	Clean: 0 / Late: 0	0	0	Normal	0
Placeholder

Advanced Frame Data

This table shows the frame data for all of Falco's non-special moves. Including shield advantage at different timings and cancels.

Shield Advantage

move	start	end	lcancelledLandingLag	autoCancelAfter	iasa	missedLcancelLandingLag	totalFrames	damage	shieldstun	bestShieldAdvantage	lcancelledShieldAdvantage	missedLcancelShieldAdvantage	earlyHitAutoCancelledShieldAdvantage	lateHitAutoCancelledShieldAdvantage	earlyHitIASACancelledShieldAdvantage	lateHitIASACancelledShieldAdvantage	earlyHitTotalFramesShieldAdvantage	lateHitTotalFramesShieldAdvantage
ftilt_mh	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_mh	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_mh	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
dtilt	7	9	N\A	N\A	28	N\A	29	13	7	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-13	-11	-15	-13
dtilt	7	9	N\A	N\A	28	N\A	29	13	7	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-13	-11	-15	-13
dtilt	7	9	N\A	N\A	28	N\A	29	13	7	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-13	-11	-15	-13
uair	8	9	9	25	36	18	39	6	4	-5	-5	-14	-17	-16	-23	-22	-27	-26
uair	8	9	9	25	36	18	39	6	4	-5	-5	-14	-17	-16	-23	-22	-27	-26
uair	8	9	9	25	36	18	39	6	4	-5	-5	-14	-17	-16	-23	-22	-27	-26
uair	11	14	9	25	36	18	39	10	6	-3	-3	-12	-12	-9	-18	-15	-22	-19
uair	11	14	9	25	36	18	39	10	6	-3	-3	-12	-12	-9	-18	-15	-22	-19
uair	11	14	9	25	36	18	39	10	6	-3	-3	-12	-12	-9	-18	-15	-22	-19
ftilt_l	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_l	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_l	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_h	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_h	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_h	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
dashattack	4	7	N\A	N\A	36	N\A	39	9	6	-22	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-25	-22	-29	-26
dashattack	8	17	N\A	N\A	36	N\A	39	6	4	-14	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-23	-14	-27	-18
dair	5	14	9	29	N\A	18	49	12	7	-2	-2	-11	-21	-12	N\A	N\A	-37	-28
dair	5	14	9	29	N\A	18	49	12	7	-2	-2	-11	-21	-12	N\A	N\A	-37	-28
dair	15	24	9	29	N\A	18	49	9	6	-3	-3	-12	-12	-3	N\A	N\A	-28	-19
dair	15	24	9	29	N\A	18	49	9	6	-3	-3	-12	-12	-3	N\A	N\A	-28	-19
bair	4	7	10	22	38	20	39	15	8	-2	-2	-12	-14	-11	-25	-22	-27	-24
bair	4	7	10	22	38	20	39	15	8	-2	-2	-12	-14	-11	-25	-22	-27	-24
bair	4	7	10	22	38	20	39	9	6	-4	-4	-14	-16	-13	-27	-24	-29	-26
bair	8	19	10	22	38	20	39	9	6	-1	-4	-14	-12	-1	-23	-12	-25	-14
bair	8	19	10	22	38	20	39	9	6	-1	-4	-14	-12	-1	-23	-12	-25	-14
bair	8	19	10	22	38	20	39	9	6	-1	-4	-14	-12	-1	-23	-12	-25	-14
usmash	7	10	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	43	14	8	-25	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-28	-25
usmash	7	10	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	43	14	8	-25	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-28	-25
usmash	11	15	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	43	12	7	-21	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-25	-21
usmash	11	15	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	43	12	7	-21	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-25	-21
jab2	2	3	N\A	N\A	18	N\A	19	4	3	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-12	-11	-14	-13
jab2	2	3	N\A	N\A	18	N\A	19	4	3	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-12	-11	-14	-13
jab1	2	3	N\A	N\A	16	N\A	17	4	3	-9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-10	-9	-12	-11
jab1	2	3	N\A	N\A	16	N\A	17	4	3	-9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-10	-9	-12	-11
ftilt_m	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_m	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_m	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
nair	4	7	7	36	42	15	49	12	7	0	0	-8	-29	-26	-30	-27	-38	-35
nair	4	7	7	36	42	15	49	12	7	0	0	-8	-29	-26	-30	-27	-38	-35
nair	4	7	7	36	42	15	49	12	7	0	0	-8	-29	-26	-30	-27	-38	-35
nair	8	31	7	36	42	15	49	9	6	-1	-1	-9	-26	-3	-27	-4	-35	-12
nair	8	31	7	36	42	15	49	9	6	-1	-1	-9	-26	-3	-27	-4	-35	-12
nair	8	31	7	36	42	15	49	9	6	-1	-1	-9	-26	-3	-27	-4	-35	-12
dsmash	6	10	N\A	N\A	46	N\A	49	16	9	-26	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-30	-26	-34	-30
dsmash	6	10	N\A	N\A	46	N\A	49	16	9	-26	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-30	-26	-34	-30
dsmash	6	10	N\A	N\A	46	N\A	49	13	7	-28	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-32	-28	-36	-32
dsmash	6	10	N\A	N\A	46	N\A	49	13	7	-28	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-32	-28	-36	-32
utilt	5	11	N\A	N\A	23	N\A	23	9	6	-5	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-11	-5	-12	-6
utilt	5	11	N\A	N\A	23	N\A	23	9	6	-5	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-11	-5	-12	-6
ftilt_ml	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_ml	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
ftilt_ml	5	9	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	26	9	6	-11	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-15	-11
fair	6	8	11	48	53	22	59	9	6	-5	-5	-16	-40	-38	-40	-38	-47	-45
fair	6	8	11	48	53	22	59	9	6	-5	-5	-16	-40	-38	-40	-38	-47	-45
fair	16	18	11	48	53	22	59	8	5	-6	-6	-17	-31	-29	-31	-29	-38	-36
fair	16	18	11	48	53	22	59	8	5	-6	-6	-17	-31	-29	-31	-29	-38	-36
fair	24	26	11	48	53	22	59	7	5	-6	-6	-17	-23	-21	-23	-21	-30	-28
fair	24	26	11	48	53	22	59	7	5	-6	-6	-17	-23	-21	-23	-21	-30	-28
fair	33	35	11	48	53	22	59	5	4	-7	-7	-18	-15	-13	-15	-13	-22	-20
fair	33	35	11	48	53	22	59	5	4	-7	-7	-18	-15	-13	-15	-13	-22	-20
fair	43	45	11	48	53	22	59	3	3	-4	-8	-19	-6	-4	-6	-4	-13	-11
fair	43	45	11	48	53	22	59	3	3	-4	-8	-19	-6	-4	-6	-4	-13	-11
fsmash_m	12	16	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	17	9	-14	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-18	-14
fsmash_m	12	16	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	17	9	-14	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-18	-14
fsmash_m	12	16	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	17	9	-14	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-18	-14
fsmash_m	17	21	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	14	8	-10	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-14	-10
fsmash_m	17	21	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	14	8	-10	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-14	-10
fsmash_m	17	21	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	39	14	8	-10	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	N\A	-14	-10