What is Hammer Smash? A Deep Dive into Kirby’s Iconic Power

Hammer Smash refers to the usage of a hammer weapon by the character Kirby in the Super Smash Bros. series and his own games like Kirby and the Forgotten Land. It’s not a single move, but rather a cluster of techniques centered around wielding a powerful hammer to inflict significant damage and knockback on opponents. The core concept involves Kirby transforming, typically by inhaling an enemy like Bonkers or King Dedede, into a form that grants him access to this devastating melee weapon. The abilities associated with Hammer Smash offer a mix of raw power, range, and even charge mechanics, making it a versatile and highly effective combat style for the pink puffball. Essentially, Hammer Smash is about devastating close-range attacks using a massive, often fiery, hammer.

The Mechanics of the Hammer Smash

The basic functionality of Hammer Smash, while consistent, manifests differently across the various titles Kirby appears in. In Super Smash Bros., simply grabbing the hammer item puts a character into a specific state which provides damage and knockback. However, in Kirby’s own platforming adventures, Hammer is a more complex ability. Here’s a breakdown of how it commonly works:

Charging and Swinging

Many of Kirby’s Hammer attacks involve a charge-up mechanic. This means the player holds down an attack button to build up power before releasing it, culminating in a more powerful and far-reaching blow. In some games, this is visualized with flames igniting on the hammer. For instance, in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, charging the hammer fully, often represented by the hammer catching fire, is necessary to break certain obstacles like ice.

Different Movesets

Beyond simple swings, the Hammer ability also usually grants Kirby access to several other moves. These include:

• Hammer Flip: A powerful, often fiery, upward swing that deals significant damage. Sometimes this can be initiated with a jump command plus the attack button or simply holding and releasing the attack button.
• Ground Smash: Slamming the hammer into the ground, usually causing area-of-effect damage.
• Spinning Hammer: Horizontal attacks where Kirby rotates with the hammer extended.
• Leaping Hammer Strike: A jump attack where Kirby comes down with a mighty hammer strike.

Variations in Power and Speed

Not all hammers are created equal. Kirby’s Toy Hammer from Kirby and the Forgotten Land for example, is noted for being faster and more powerful than the standard Hammer. Likewise, Masked Hammer from the same game offers its own benefits and is unlocked through a special questline. The game series is known to give the basic hammer an upgrade as the game goes on.

How to Obtain

Kirby typically obtains the Hammer ability by inhaling an enemy that wields a hammer, like the mini-boss Bonkers or even King Dedede in some instances. In specific situations, like Kirby and the Forgotten Land, you will need to find blueprints and upgrade to various forms of the Hammer. The basic hammer is a common power up that can be found in most Kirby games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Kirby’s Hammer ability to further clarify and explore the topic:

1. How do you use Hammer Kirby in Super Smash Bros.?
   In Smash Bros., the Hammer is an item. When a character grabs it, it puts them into a special state where using attacks releases a swing of the hammer, inflicting significant damage and knockback. It is a one-time use weapon.

2. How do you charge Kirby’s hammer swing in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
   You charge the hammer swing by pressing and holding the attack button (usually B). The longer you hold, the more powerful the swing becomes. When fully charged, the hammer will usually catch fire.

3. How much damage does a fully charged Hammer Flip do?
   The exact damage varies between games, but the Hammer Flip is known for doing high damage. In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, it does 80 damage on its base level.

4. Why is Kirby considered weak in Super Smash Bros. Melee?
   Kirby’s weakness in Melee is not related to the Hammer directly, but to his overall kit. He has a poor SHFFL (short hop fast fall), a short wavedash, terrible air speed, short range, and predictable attacks. These make it difficult for him to approach and effectively fight.

5. What makes the Hammer such a powerful ability for Kirby?
   The Hammer is powerful due to its high damage output, range on some attacks, and the ability to charge attacks for even greater impact. Many regular enemies are KO’d in a single hit and is great for taking out bosses.

6. Who do you inhale to get the Hammer ability?
   Kirby typically gains the Hammer ability by inhaling the mini-boss Bonkers. It can sometimes be earned by inhaling King Dedede, depending on the game.

7. Where can you find the blueprint for the Toy Hammer in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
   The blueprint for the Toy Hammer is found in the Welcome to Wondaria stage. It’s obtained by watering withered flowers using Water-Balloon Mouth.

8. How does the Toy Hammer differ from the regular Hammer?
   The Toy Hammer is faster and more powerful than the standard Hammer, featuring extra hits in its combo attack.

9. How do you break ice blocks using the Hammer in Kirby and the Forgotten Land?
   To break ice blocks, you must fully charge your Hammer (3 charges) so it catches fire. This will melt the ice.

10. What does Kirby wear when he has the Hammer ability?
    Kirby typically wears a white bandana when he has the Hammer ability.

11. Can Kirby use his hammer underwater?
    No, typically in the games where there is an underwater mechanic, the Hammer cannot be used underwater since it is a power-up that focuses on direct force.

12. Is the Masked Hammer stronger than the Toy Hammer?
    While both are powerful upgrades to the base hammer, the Masked Hammer has its own unique benefits and moves which makes it an upgrade. It’s obtained later in the game after defeating the final boss.

13. Is it possible to get banned for using a Hammer glitch in Fortnite?
    No, the article references a glitch involving the Shockwave Hammer in Fortnite that will not result in a ban.

14. How does the Crash ability relate to the Hammer?
    The Crash ability is a separate ability where Kirby unleashes a huge blast of damage, not related to his hammer. Although, the two do focus on massive damage.

15. Is Kirby the strongest video game character?
    Kirby is certainly a very powerful character, capable of defeating immensely strong opponents. However, discussions on the “strongest” are highly subjective and depend on how power is measured. He can beat many formidable characters like Munchlax and Slowpoke, however, struggles against others like Deoxys and Mewtwo.

Conclusion

The Hammer Smash ability is a cornerstone of Kirby’s gameplay, offering a satisfying blend of power and strategy. Its variations and uses across different titles showcase the versatility of the series. It remains one of Kirby’s most iconic and desired abilities, making him a formidable force on any battlefield. Understanding the mechanics, variations, and limitations of the Hammer ability will make any player a more effective and strategic Kirby player. From its high damage output to its firey charge-up mechanics, the Hammer is a powerful and enjoyable ability for players of all skill levels.