How to Beat Marx in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comprehensive Guide

The mischievous jester, Marx, from the Kirby series, is a formidable boss in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. While he might seem daunting at first, defeating him is more about strategy than brute force. The core strategy to beating Marx is to consistently chip away at his health while avoiding his most dangerous attacks, particularly his black hole. You don’t need to play perfectly, but staying alert and knowing his patterns will lead you to victory. Prioritize landing strong aerial attacks and don’t get caught in his more devastating moves.

Understanding Marx’s Attacks

Before diving into tactics, let’s dissect Marx’s attack patterns. Understanding what to expect will dramatically improve your odds.

Key Attacks to Watch Out For

• Black Hole: This is arguably Marx’s most dangerous move. A large, swirling vortex appears, and if you get sucked in, you’ll take significant damage. Avoid it at all costs.
• Arrow Shots: Marx shoots a volley of arrows in a wide arc. These are moderately damaging and relatively easy to dodge with careful positioning.
• Laser Beam: A powerful laser beam is emitted from Marx’s mouth. It’s telegraphed, giving you time to move away, but it deals considerable damage if hit.
• Energy Ball: Marx throws out a large, bouncing energy ball. It’s slower, but can be tricky to avoid if you’re not careful.
• Spin Attack: Marx spins around rapidly, creating a hitbox around himself. Avoid close-range combat during this attack.
• Dividing in Half: Marx splits in half, creating two clones. This can be quite chaotic but can be handled effectively with good spacing.
• Teleportation: Marx frequently teleports around the stage making it unpredictable, but you will get used to it with practice.

Strategic Approaches to Defeating Marx

Knowing his moves is half the battle. Here’s how to put that knowledge into practice.

Focus on Aerial Offense

Aerial attacks are your best friend against Marx. The majority of his attacks leave him vulnerable in the air. Use jump attacks, especially ones with strong knockback, to consistently deal damage. Characters with strong aerials, like Zero Suit Samus or Pichu, tend to excel in this matchup.

Stay Mobile and Avoid Tanking

While you can afford to take a few hits, constantly tanking Marx’s attacks will drain your stocks quickly. Focus on mobility – keep moving, use dashes, and perfect shielding to evade his blows. Avoid staying in one place for too long to make it harder for him to anticipate you.

Capitalize on Vulnerability Windows

Marx’s attacks leave small windows of opportunity for you to punish him. When he’s recovering from his laser, or after an energy ball launch, dash in and land a solid hit. These windows are brief, so you need to react quickly and decisively.

Prioritize Evasion Over Aggression

While it’s tempting to relentlessly attack, sometimes it is more beneficial to play defensively, especially when the black hole is active. Patience is key. Wait for the right openings instead of rushing in haphazardly. Focus on dodging the black hole first, then worry about attacking.

Spacing is Crucial

Keep a safe distance when you’re not attacking. This lets you react to his attacks more effectively, especially his black hole and laser beam. Having space allows you to see and react to attacks. Don’t stay close unless you are looking for an opening.

Specific Character Considerations

Some characters have an advantage over Marx due to their abilities:

• Strong Aerial Fighters: Characters with strong aerials, like Zero Suit Samus and Pichu, are ideal for chipping away at Marx’s health.
• Mobile Characters: Characters with high mobility can easily avoid Marx’s attacks.
• Ranged Characters: Those with strong projectiles can deal damage from a safe distance, but don’t solely rely on this, as you’ll likely have to approach to get that final blow.
• Characters with disjointed Hitboxes: Using characters such as the Swordfighters like Shulk and Marth, can be an effective option as their long hitboxes can safely poke at Marx.

Defeating Marx: Final Thoughts

Beating Marx is a test of patience and skill. Don’t rush in, prioritize defense, capitalize on your openings, and don’t forget that strong aerials are your main weapon. With practice, you’ll have him defeated and added to your list of conquered bosses in no time. Remember, every loss is a learning opportunity, so don’t be discouraged if you fail at first!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where Can I Find Marx in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Marx appears as a boss in the Mysterious Dimension sub-dungeon within the World of Light adventure mode. You must navigate through this area to encounter him.

2. How Do I Get the Marx Spirit?

You earn the standard Marx spirit by defeating him in the Mysterious Dimension.

3. How Do I Get Marx (True Form) Spirit?

You obtain the Marx (True Form) spirit by enhancing the original Marx spirit once it reaches level 99.

4. What Are Marx’s Weaknesses?

Marx is particularly susceptible to strong aerial attacks. He also has vulnerable windows after certain attacks like his laser and energy ball.

5. What is the Most Dangerous Attack of Marx?

The Black Hole attack is Marx’s most dangerous attack. It can deal significant damage if you get caught in its pull.

6. Can I Tank Marx’s Attacks?

While you can take a few hits, it’s not recommended to tank his attacks. Focus on dodging and using precise attacks rather than getting hit repeatedly.

7. What Character is Best Against Marx?

Characters with strong aerial attacks, like Zero Suit Samus or Pichu, tend to fare better against Marx. Mobile characters are also a strong choice.

8. Is Marx a Difficult Boss?

Marx can be tricky due to his unique attack patterns, but with practice and strategy, he can be overcome. He is more manageable than some of the end-game bosses, but can be a challenge.

9. What is the Best Strategy for the Black Hole?

The best strategy for the Black Hole is to avoid it entirely. Keep moving and don’t get too close when it appears.

10. Can I Use Items Against Marx?

In World of Light, items are a game mechanic, but it’s important to not rely heavily on items and learn Marx’s patterns. Using the Right Spirits is a better strategy.

11. What Do I Get for Beating Marx?

Aside from progressing in World of Light, defeating Marx will give you the Marx spirit.

12. Is It Necessary to Land Final Smashes?

Landing a Final Smash on Marx can deal significant damage, but it’s not necessary to win. Focus on consistent, well-timed aerial hits.

13. Does Marx Have any Phase Changes?

While not a traditional phase change, Marx can split into two clones. Be prepared to adjust your strategy when this happens.

14. How Many HP Does Marx Have?

The exact HP of Marx can vary depending on the game difficulty settings but is in the realm of normal boss fights. The key is to wear him down systematically.

15. Can You Fight Marx Again?

Yes, you can refight Marx in World of Light even after defeating him for the first time. This is a good way to practice your technique.