Anime Smash plays like a platform fighter: you do not drain a health bar, you knock fighters off the stage.
Damage % and knockback#
- Every hit adds damage % to the target (shown on their card at the bottom of the screen).
- The higher the %, the further they fly. A foe at 100%+ can be launched off the stage by a strong hit.
- A fighter is KO'd when they cross the edge of the blast zone. They lose a stock (life).
- When all your stocks are gone you are out. If time runs out, the player or team with the most stocks left wins.
Stocks and time#
Each mode sets the stocks and match time (see Game Modes). For example, 1v1 Duel is 3 stocks and 4:00.
Moves#
Every fighter has the same layout (see each fighter's page for their exact moves):
- M1 combo: a 4-hit string. Hold W on the last hit to launch, S in the air to spike.
- Special 1 / 2 / 3: three specials on cooldowns (usually 5 to 7 seconds). Hold the key to aim and power them up.
- Ultimate (G): a cinematic finisher that needs a full Ultimate meter. Landing hits and KOs charges the meter.
Defence and movement#
- Shield (F): hold to block hits.
- Dash (Q): dodge, reposition, or break out of a combo (Combo Breaker).
- Sky Step: 2 extra jumps in the air. Flash Step: dash in the air.
- Respawn: after a KO you return on a revival platform with a short invulnerability.
Star power in ranked#
Starred fighters hit harder, but in ranked matches the bonus is capped at +10% damage and +5% defence, so skill always decides.