Super Smash Bros. 4 Tips: How to Play Corrin

The latest entry in the Super Smash Bros. has quite a hefty amount of Fire Emblem characters, which many might find unsettling. Nevertheless, each one has its special qualities that bring something truly great to the Smash Bros. roster, and Corrin is no exception. As a representative for the new Fire Emblem Fates that, at the time of writing this, is still yet to release anywhere inside of the US, Corrin is proving to be an excellent introduction of what’s to come. With versatility and mobility, Corrin is a force to be reckoned with, so heed these tips to refine your understanding of just how they work and how to properly demolish the competition.

Neutral B – Dragon Fang Shot

While the Dragon Fang Shot is certainly one of the strangest looking moves in the history of Smash Bros., it is also one of the most deadly. Near or far, your opponents are never safe, as this projectile can stun a foe for a certain amount time or it can chomp down on them when Corrin’s arm comes into contact with them.

Like any Smash attack, completely charging up a Dragon Fang Shot for that painful melee damage isn’t a good idea when you’re directly in front of and vulnerable to an opponent. If you’re going for that deadly chomp, then anticipate your enemy’s movements, and time it just right to turn the tides. Unless you’re planning to shoot a fully charge blast of water, in which case, blast away.

←/→ + B – Dragon Lunge

This move may not seem like much, but it adds a library of strategy to Corrin’s movest. When timed properly, Corrin will stab the ground and remain in mid-air, at which point you have several options for a next move: you can thrust forward, spin and thrust backward, or cancel into a jump.

Thrusting forward has the obvious perks of letting you home in on opponents with brute force, and so does thrusting backward, but switching these up occasionally can confuse foes in all the right ways. Never let them know your next move, so shake things up even more by jumping at times, which is also excellent for evasions, since you are vulnerable when your blade is plunged into the ground. Canceling into a jump allows you to perform regular attacks in mid-air, although you cannot do another Dragon Lunge until you land back on the ground and start over.

↑ + B – Draconic Ascent

Another excellent move, Draconic Ascent provides a recovery move with great anti-air capabilities. While the move itself looks flashy with giant bursts of water appearing, it’s mostly for show; Corrin must nearly be touching opponents in order for it to land properly.

Nevertheless, it’s a very useful move against foes who tend to attempt to stay airborne for long periods of time. As a recovery move, however, it has its drawbacks. Draconic Ascent can definitely be more useful when used to dash as forward as possible, but soaring straight up can take you very far. Fortunately, Corrin is already very mobile in the air, so this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Still, it’s something to remember.

↓ + B – Counter Surge

Arguably one of the best counter moves in the game, Counter Surge makes itself known pretty well. When Corrin counters, be afraid. Counter Surge covers a huge area with intimidating launching power. To execute it, Corrin doesn’t really do anything different from other characters with similar moves, but the surge itself covers areas in front of, behind, and above Corrin, making this a counter to avoid at all costs.

It’s easy to execute, and it does all the work for you, hitting at all angles, so it’s just a matter of getting the timing down. Once you’ve got that, just sit back and enjoy seeing your opponents go a-flyin’.

Final Smash

There’s really not a lot to say about Corrin’s Final Smash other than that it looks really awesome. Like the Counter Surge, this Final Smash simply generates those deadly plumes of water that can seal an opponent’s fate. All anyone needs to be is in the immediate vicinity when Corrin unleashes the finisher. Just a single button press, and you’re done. Well, your foes are done.

Tips and Tricks

• Corrin’s Side Smash has some of the best reach in the game, although it’s at the cost of a lengthier charge time. Regardless, consider it in a standoff at arm’s distance. When regular attacks won’t reach, Corrin’s Side Smash definitely will.
• One more thing on how great that Side Smash is. Try it a little less than arm’s length away from your opponent, and Corrin will rev up that chainsaw sword while charging the Smash attack. The sword won’t do very much damage, but every little bit counts.
• Be wary of the ledge. Going in for the kill while they’re off of the ledge on the sides of a platform can be very risky, as Corrin has very few good aerial attacks. With no move that can perform a Meteor Smash, patience should be employed. Let your opponents come to you, and show them how dangerous it can be to share the platform with Corrin.
• Corrin’s Back Air regular attack can be very handy for making your way back onto the platform as this move thrusts Corrin forward very slightly with a flap of those dragon wings. Mix in as many of these as you can and then finish it off with a Draconic Ascent to ensure your safe landing.

With all of this in mind, you can go out and start creating your own tactics for owning the platform and everyone on it. Corrin has a lot of power and a lot of potential, so be sure to harness it. We know you can. Make us proud!