How to Do Kirby Moves: A Comprehensive Guide

Figuring out how to get the most out of everyone’s favorite pink puffball can be tricky, but understanding Kirby’s moveset is the key to mastering this versatile character. The core of Kirby’s gameplay revolves around his unique copy ability and his flexible movement, making him a powerful and unpredictable fighter. This guide will break down his essential moves and provide tips for effective use, along with frequently asked questions to help you become a Kirby master.

Understanding Kirby’s Core Mechanics

Kirby’s moveset is built around several core mechanics that distinguish him from other characters. The most defining of these is his Inhale ability, which not only allows him to consume enemies but also to copy their standard special move. This adaptability is a significant part of what makes Kirby unique. Besides Inhale, Kirby’s basic moveset is fairly standard but can be effectively combined to create devastating combos.

Basic Movement

Walking and Running: Kirby moves with the directional input on your controller. A quick double-tap or swift flick of the stick will initiate a run.
Jumping: Press the A button to jump. Kirby also has an impressive five mid-air jumps which greatly aid his recovery and aerial combat.
Crouching: Hold the L or R buttons to crouch, which also serves as a guard.

Standard Attacks

Normal Attack (B Button): Pressing the B button initiates a standard attack. Kirby’s basic attacks are simple punches, kicks, or headbutts.
Dash Attack: To perform a dash attack, run and then press the B button. In the air, jump while running to enter a dash-jump state allowing for an aerial dash attack.
Tilts (Directional Stick + B): Tilts involve using the directional stick (or equivalent on your controller) and the attack button together. For example, Up-Tilt, Down-Tilt, and Forward-Tilt can be used for precise attacks.
Smash Attacks: Smash attacks are performed by flicking the direction stick and simultaneously pressing the A button and B button together. These deal higher damage and knockback.
Air Attacks: In the air, use A button, directional stick + A, or A+B to perform different attacks. Forward-Air (F-air), Back-Air (B-air), Up-Air (U-air), and Down-Air (D-air) are useful for a variety of situations.

Special Moves

Neutral Special (Inhale): Kirby’s most iconic move. Press the Special button (usually B) to inhale. By holding the button, he can inhale opponents and either spit them out or copy their standard special move.
Up Special: Kirby’s Up Special can be very punishable if not used correctly. It’s primarily a recovery move.
Side Special: Similar to the Up Special, the Side Special is very situational and punishable.
Down Special: The Down Special can also be a risky move, best used sparingly.

Grabs

Grab: Press the L or R button while close to an opponent. You can follow up a grab with a throw using directional inputs and a button press.

Maximizing Kirby’s Potential

To become proficient with Kirby, you must utilize a combination of his basic attacks, aerial maneuvers, and especially his copy abilities. Here are some key strategies:

Mix Up Attacks: Don’t become predictable with your attacks. Vary your use of tilts, smash attacks, and aerials to keep your opponent guessing.
Learn Fast Falling and Ledge Trumping: These advanced techniques will enhance your control over Kirby’s movement. Fast falling allows you to land faster, while ledge trumping is a tactic where you claim the ledge before your opponent.
Master Aerials: Kirby excels in the air with his numerous jumps and air attacks. Use B-air and D-air to create pressure, and U-air for juggling and setting up other attacks.
Strategic Inhale: Use Inhale to obtain useful abilities that synergize with your playstyle. Knowing which opponent’s ability to copy and when is vital. Use his ability to spit the projectile in creative ways or swallow them to gain health.
Punish with Grabs: Kirby’s grabs can lead to advantageous situations. Learn to punish opponents with throw combos and set up edge guards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Kirby’s primary special move?

Kirby’s primary special move is Inhale. It allows him to swallow enemies and either spit them out or, more importantly, copy their standard special ability.

What are the default controls for Kirby?

The default controls for Kirby (Type A layout) typically use:

L/R to Crouch Guard.
Left Thumbstick for Movement.
Y to Drop Ability.
X to Use Stock Items.
A to Jump.
B to Attack.

How do I perform a dash attack with Kirby?

On the ground, double-tap or quickly flick the control stick in a direction to initiate a run, then press the B button to perform a dash attack. In the air, jump while running and use the B button for an air dash attack.

Why is Kirby able to copy abilities?

Kirby’s ability to copy abilities stems from his power to inhale enemies and then absorb their essence. This adaptation is a central element of his gameplay and one of the reasons he is so versatile.

What projectiles can Kirby inhale?

In older games, Kirby could not inhale projectiles. However, in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate he can inhale certain projectiles. Upon doing so, he can either swallow them to regain health or spit them back out as a star.

Does Kirby have motion controls?

Yes, Kirby has motion controls in certain games. For example, in Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, motion controls were used via an accelerometer. Nintendo has also emulated these motion controls using gyro controls in the Switch console.

What makes Kirby so popular?

Kirby is popular due to his appealing design, family-friendly nature, expressive animations, recognizable look and the consistent quality of the games over the last three decades. His copy ability is also a huge draw.

What are some enemies Kirby can’t inhale?

While Kirby can inhale most enemies, some are immune, such as Bosses, Gordos, Shotzos, Scarfies, and Mumbies.

Why can Kirby fly?

Kirby’s ability to hover was developed to make the game more accessible for new players to platformers. It ensures that they can save him if he falls into a pit, which is an option that was largely unavailable in the platforming games at the time.

How many Kirby abilities are there?

In Kirby and the Forgotten Land there are 12 base Copy Abilities, with upgrades that expand the total number to 35. Throughout the entire Kirby series there are more than 60 unique copy abilities, not including evolved and special forms.

Can Kirby eat another Kirby?

Yes, in Kirby’s Return to Dream Land, Kirby can eat other Kirbys (or King Dedede, Bandana Dee, and Meta Knight) just like any other character. It works exactly as it does in Super Smash Bros.

What is Kirby’s rarest ability?

The Mini ability, available only in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, is considered one of his rarest. It shrinks him down allowing him to go through tight passageways.

What is Kirby afraid of?

According to official profiles, Kirby is not fond of caterpillars. This might explain why he takes damage when eating Capillers.

Why does Kirby sometimes kiss other characters?

Kirby kisses other characters as a way to share healing power in multiplayer co-op games. By kissing a character after eating a healing item he shares the health benefits with them.

What is the most powerful weapon in Kirby?

The Morpho Knight Sword is generally considered the most powerful weapon in the Kirby series. It combines immense power and rapid-fire capabilities, releasing devastating tornado attacks with each swing.

Conclusion

Mastering Kirby takes practice and a good understanding of his core mechanics and moveset. Utilizing his unique copy ability, combining basic attacks, and mastering his aerial maneuvers will allow you to play the most out of this versatile character. By exploring the strategies laid out above and experimenting with his many capabilities, you’ll find Kirby to be an incredibly dynamic and rewarding character to play.

How to do Kirby moves?