Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)
Cloud can open close-range pressure often with neutral air, back air, and up B, but Hero can push back after stopping his safe pokes like jab, tilt strings, and dash attack with up B and grab, so there is no need to get dragged into reckless scrambles.
This matchup is more consistent when you break Cloud’s Limit charge rhythm with Frizz-line spells and sword tipper spacing, force him into jump or shield, then let forward air and back air connect.
For stocks, the stable route is not a gamble in center stage but forcing his no-Limit recovery to the ledge and covering jump get-up and neutral get-up together.
Full Move Frame Quick Reference
| Opponent Move | Startup | On Shield | Hero OOS Candidate Moves | Barely Missed Moves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jab 1 | 4 | -21 |
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| Jab 2 | 5 | -24 |
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| Jab 3 | 6 | -27 |
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| Forward Tilt | 9 | -16 |
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| Up Tilt | 6 | -18 |
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| Down Tilt | 7 | -26 |
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| Dash Attack | 9 | -26 |
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| Forward Smash | 19/24/28 | -29/-30 |
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| Up Smash | 12 | -24 |
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| Down Smash | 8/21 | -38/-20 |
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| Neutral Air | 5 | -5 |
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| Forward Air | 18 | -6/-6/-7 |
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| Back Air | 11 | -3 |
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| Up Air | 8 | -5/-5 |
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| Down Air | 11 | -11/-12 |
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| Neutral B | 18(18) | -25(-33) |
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| Side B | 10 | -25 |
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| Up B | 7/10 | ** | ||
| Down B (1) | — | — | ||
| Down B (2) | 12 (ground) // 14 (air) | -70/-71 |
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| Grab | 9 | — | ||
| Dash Grab | 12 | — | ||
| Pivot Grab | 13 | — |
Win Condition Checklist
- When Cloud does not have Limit, do not give up ground too easily; use spells and walking shield to shorten his charge windows.
- After blocking jab, tilt strings, dash attack, or forward smash, answer with up B or grab and push him back toward the ledge.
- Do not lean too hard on Kamikazee or Critical Hocus; narrow the kill route through forward air, back air, and ledge pressure.
Actions to Avoid
- Overrespecting Limit to the point that you open Command Menu and let his sword advance through for free.
- Jumping into Cloud’s back air range and handing him the start of his punish game.
- Drifting too deep offstage for trades and losing track of your MP and recovery order first.