Welcome!
Melee isn't known for being the easiest game to pick up, but with the right tools and a bit of elbow grease, anyone can learn!
What version of the game do we even play?
The version of melee currently played competitively is NTSC 1.02 with UCF 0.8. Online, Slippi is used for rollback netcode. For info on how to install it check Netplay
What to learn first?
The most important techniques for a new player are:
L-cancelling:
- L-cancelling reduces the landing recovery of aerial normals by half, and is performed by pressing a shield button, or Z up to 7 frames before landing with an aerial normal.
wavedashing/wavelanding
- Wavedashing is an integral grounded movement tool, lets you space out of initial dash or overall control your momentum with a lot of precision. Wavelanding enables expansive movement on platforms.
dashdancing
- Getting a feel for your characters dashdance is important for moving about the stage.
Shielddrops
- Allows for otherwise impossible out of shield punishes on platforms, and further expands movement.
Overall being comfortable with your characters movement options is what makes every other technique, basic or advanced, useful.
What character should I pick?
Of course before you can play you need to choose a character. You don't need to stick to the one you picked at the start, if another becomes more appealing. Though focusing on 1 especially when getting started usually leads to better results.
How can I practice?
Unclepunch 3.0 is the best training mode tool there is, different events for all kinds of tech, the ability to make, share, and download savestates allows for more specific practice options.
