How to Dodge Final Smashes in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

The "ringy thing" is the Final Smash Meter—a glowing circle indicating a player has charged their ultimate attack (by breaking a Smash Ball). Here is how to survive them:

Evasion (Primary Defense)

• Roll / Spot Dodge: Invincibility frames (i-frames) during rolls or spot-dodges let you pass through most hitboxes.
• Air Dodge / Jump: Leaving the ground avoids ground-based Final Smashes (e.g., Mario's Twin Dragons, Ike's Great Aether).
• Dash / Run Away: Creating distance works against localized attacks (e.g., Link's Triforce Slash), but fails against full-screen effects (e.g., Pikachu's Volt Tackle).

Interruption (High Risk/High Reward)

• Projectiles: Some Final Smashes have startup vulnerability. A well-timed charge shot or thrown item can cancel them.
• Direct Attack: Hitting the attacker during their startup animation (before invincibility) can cancel the move, but you risk getting hit.
• Counters/Reflectors: Characters with Counter (Marth, Ike) or Reflector (Fox, Wolf) can turn specific projectile-based Final Smashes against the user.

Critical Knowledge

• Character Specifics: Every Final Smash has unique range, duration, and invincibility. Learn the "kill zone" of your common opponents.
• Stage Positioning: Avoid corners and ledges where movement options are limited.
• Smash Ball Denial: The best defense is preventing the Smash Ball break entirely—attack the ball itself.

Practice in Training Mode (set CPU to "Attack" with Smash Balls on) to learn timing safely.