A-attacks
| Normal | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
Jab | A quick punch that is a great stunning move to setup for the forward throw. If pressed repeatedly, the two quick punches and a knee will be extended, followed by repeated punching until is no longer pressed. Once past the first three moves, the cycle of quick jabs will begin. It is recommended that one avoids going into this phase (unless the opponent is pinned against a wall) because there is a lot of lag after the move is finished.
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 + + |
Dash Attack | With the dash attack, Falcon will lower his shoulder into the opposing player. With little damage done, nearly no knockback, and a slow recovery, one is left very vulnerable after using this attack. This move should be avoided, as it is of little value for combo starting or providing offensive momentum. |
  + |
Throw | The back throw is a pretty solid killing throw with good horizontal trajectory. Although it doesn't have a huge amount of distance, like Ness' or Pikachu's, it still possesses enough power to send opponents out with around 120% damage. The forward throw is by far the more potent of the two throws. The move throws opponents to the ground, where they then bounce upward. When used on opponents at lower damage levels, the throw becomes an exceptional starting move for combos. Once the opposing players are over 80% it becomes very difficult get them into combos due to the height that the throw puts them at. Once over 80%, one should consider using the back throw to get the opposing player off the stage and in greater danger. |
| Tilts | ||
Light  + |
Upward Tilt | A move with a similar animation as that of Samus’, Falcon’s leg extends up vertically, then comes toward the ground, capable of hitting the opponent twice. The knockback of the move isn’t very large and sends the opponent’s character more horizontally than vertically. Because the lag on it is minimal, Falcon can chase down the opposing player, leaving several options to pile on more damage. The attack is best used in situations where the opponent is around 60% (for chasing down) or when pinning an opponent down in a confined area. (Hyrule Castle and Sector Z are two stages where this can easily lead to high damage combos). |
Light  + |
Downward Tilt | A quick jabbing kick while Falcon is in his crouch position. The move is useful for creating some distance from the opponent. However, it can become a much more potent weapon when used as an edge-guarding move. When an opponent is approaching the stage from beneath, the move can be used to knock them back out and downward, making their recovery exceedingly more difficult. The downward tilt can be used repeatedly once the opponent is off the edge and beneath the stage, making it impossible for them to get back. Use this move often if you want to guarantee death. |
| Light + Light + |
Forward Tilt | Like the flame kick, the forward tilt can be angled to accommodate for smaller characters or the opponent's position on the stage. A good move to use for its speed, it acts as either a setup move off of walls or to clear space between Falcon and his opponent. The move also proves useful as a tool for action blocking projectiles, such as Links boomerang, and Mario's and Luigi's fireballs. |
| Smashes | ||
| Hard + |
Upward Smash | Probably the most misunderstood move by those who are not well acquainted with Falcon. As with all other characters, Falcon can use this move out of his shield as well as out of a run. When upward smashing, Falcon throws his elbow into the air, hitting the opponent upward. Because the knockback isn’t very big, this move can act as a great combo starter or mid-combo continuer. With characters that are heavy (such as Link, Donkey Kong, other Captain Falcons, and Fox), a good Falcon player will find a way to hit their opponent multiple times with the smash until they have to move to one of several combo options. |
| Hard + |
Downward Smash | The downward smash is a sweeping move that sends the opponent up vertically. This move could be argued as Falcon’s worst move. The recovery on it is slow, making it a poor combo starter and leaving him vulnerable to attack. Furthermore, the hit sends the opponent up and away from Falcon, making it lack the killing potential of other options he has. The downward smash should be avoided, as there are better moves that can be used. |
| Hard + Hard + |
Forward Smash | The forward smash, also known as the Flame Kick or Fire Kick, is a fairly high powered smash that is directional, meaning that by angling , one can change the angle of the kick. The change in angle is quite useful against shorter characters like Kirby, Pikachu, and Ness. Although it has good knockback and a fairly large hitbox, the forward smash should be used sparingly due to the lag that accompanies the move. The most ideal use for the move is either as an edge-guard or when catching an opponent off guard.
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| Aerials (used in the air) | ||
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Neutral Air Attack | A quick kicking move that stays extended out for a long period of time. The potency of the attack diminishes the longer the kick is extended. Though it isn’t as versatile as the forward air attack, it is an effective lateral move to send characters off of the stage. |
| + |
Upward Air Attack | Almost all of Falcon’s killing potential rests on how well a player can attack with this move. The upward air attack is a bicycle kick that has two primary uses. First and foremost, the move can be used repetitively to juggle the opposing character, piling on damage faster than any other character. If that isn’t devastating enough, the move can also be timed to send one’s opponent out the side, acting like a backward air attack with greater vertical reach. This move is essential to have mastered if Falcon is to be used to his full potential. |
| + |
Downward Air Attack | A great killing move on opponents who are at around 50%. Once the opposing player is off the stage, follow them out a short distance and send them straight down. Although the animation shows Falcon’s legs completely extend down, the move’s hit box extends all the way up to Falcon’s chest, making it a devastating move that often surprises people. |
 + |
Forward Air Attack | A double kick which some argue is Falcon’s more useful of the two horizontal aerial attacks. The versatility of the move is most evident when used with shorthopping to attack grounded opponents. Although there is limited power behind the kicks, the forward air attack deals out quick damage without much knockback on one’s opponent. If the landing is Z-canceled, Falcon can easily run down the opponent and deal out more damage. |
| + |
Backward Air Attack | The backward air attack is a back fist that can be used as a combo continuer or as a finishing move. Shorthopping to a back fist while one’s opponent is on the ground can send some characters out at 120%. The most frequent use for the backward air attack is to send a recovering opponent, who is approaching from above, back out again. The back fist stays extended for a good amount of time, making it a good move that has a strong probability of hitting. |
B-attacks
| Buttons | Attack | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
 |
Falcon Punch | As if the move isn’t apparent enough with its animation and its lack of speed, the Falcon Punch is announced loudly, by name, each time that Falcon goes into the move. It is a great killing move if executed well ahead of time and one’s opponent is oblivious to the fact that it is coming. The impact can send most characters out at about 60%. However, the primary use for the Falcon Punch is during his recovery. When Falcon is sent up and out away from the stage, the punch can be used right after the second jump, adding greater distance to Falcon's horizontal recovery. |
| + |
Falcon Grab | As with almost every other character (excluding Yoshi and Jigglypuff), the move is used to aid in Falcon’s recovery when sent off the stage. With a similar animation as a normal jump, this attack/recovery move will grab an opponent in front of you and will explode them off of your chest at an upward angle. From the ground, the move should be avoided, although it does have some small, however very dangerous, edge-guarding potential. As an attack, the move finds its greatest use after excessive juggling. Once most characters are at 120%, they will be sent either out the side of the arena or out the top, making it a great aerial attack finisher. |
| + |
Falcon Kick | A fast move when executed with an exceptionally slow recovery, it is announced by Falcon as the Falcon Kick. When done on the ground, the move sends Captain Falcon flying across the stage, leaving a trail of flame behind him. When done in the air, the Falcon kick will send him down at an angle, and will impact the ground with a splash accompanied with a lot of lag. This move makes an excellent edge-guarding move when one’s opponent is approaching the stage parallel to the ground. The move, however, doesn't add anything to Falcon's recovery. |
Stages
Hyrule Castle
Probably the most balanced of all 9 stages, Hyrule presents many good opportunities for both vertical and horizontal combos. Keeping the fight in the middle, Falcon can use the platforms to "climb the ladder," using a series of upward smashes and upward air attacks to deal out upwards of 120% damage.
Kirby’s Dreamland
Could be one of Falcon’s strongest stages. The small size of the stage makes it difficult for one’s opponent to avoid the barrage of attacks that Falcon can pour on. Furthermore, the placement of the platforms makes it ideal for excessive aerial combos. Keeping Falcon in the middle of the stage will limit the danger he might get into trying to recover from being sent out.
Yoshi’s Island
In the top three stages for Falcon, Yoshi’s Island provides Falcon with many juggling opportunities. The clouds that are set apart from the main part of the stage prove to be very helpful, negating some of Falcon’s inability to recover. To move from the farthest right cloud to the stage, use the Falcon kick to sail across, which will leave Falcon with the second jump and + to provide creativity.
Congo Jungle
Another solid stage for Falcon because of the platforms. Again, the size of the stage can be dangerous for Falcon due to his poor recovery.
Sector Z
The biggest stage in Super Smash Bros., the stage almost completely eliminates issues of recovering for Falcon. However, it does come with a cost, in that the stage doesn’t have any platforms for repetitive upward aerial attacks. That being said, the stage also offers Falcon a huge advantage when using his speed to maximum potential. For piling on damage in a hurry, take the fight to the tail of the ship and use the wall to perform more elaborate combos.
Saffron City
Not the most ideal level for Falcon, primarily because it doesn’t allow him any room to run and it inhibits his vertical game to a large degree. To regain some advantage on this stage, one should use the downward air attack to try and send opponents between the buildings, where recovery is very difficult.
Peach’s Castle
Although the stage presents many opportunities for Falcon to combo on, it also brings with it some serious danger for Falcon. The moving platform that shifts from one side to the other offers Falcon quite a challenge in trying to recover. When battling on this stage, it is recommended that one tries to move the battle either towards the middle of the stage or to the side in which the stage is extending toward.
Advanced Tactics
Edge Recovery
The most common approaches to getting off of the edge include tapping or , tapping or pushing to stand up. One of the other ways in which Falcon can recover is by jumping off of the edge and extending an aerial attack in front of himself. To do this, simply tap or away from the stage, and immediately after, tap 
to jump up to the level of the stage. Once this is done, put out any of the aerial attacks, which will either act as an action block or as a direct attack. Don’t forget to Z-cancel this move, as aerial attacks done close to the ground can have a lot of lag.
Dash Dancing
An essential thing to learn if one is going to play Falcon. Dash dancing is simply when the character is moved back and forth with or during the time in which their dash animation is present. This can be used as a mind game, or as a strategy to prevent opposing players from knowing when one is coming in for an attack. This is most often used to setup for Falcon’s grab, where he can then begin a combo.
Taunt Canceling
While all characters can do it, Falcon's is not only the easiest but the most fun to use. Dashing either on a platform or toward an edge, one can execute a taunt at the same time the edge-teeter animation appears, canceling out the taunt animation and leaving one free to move around as the sound of the taunt is playing. This makes for great echo effects when the taunt is done multiple times in a row and makes for an amusing mind game.
Edge hogging
Getting edge-hogged is one of the most annoying things that can be experienced. Falcon is a great edge-hogging character who can drop down quickly to the edge. To execute the move, one should roll him toward the edge, shorthop him up and slightly outward, and then fast fall. Falcon will then grab the edge, preventing another player from grabbing hold.
Shield Shatter
Although it is very difficult to do, Falcon can shatter the shield of the opponent by repetitive spikes. To accomplish this, do the following:
Repeat these steps until the shield is broken. If it is accomplished against an opponent who as at 40%+, Falcon is left with ample time to Falcon Punch the character out of the arena of play.
Combos
Forward throw 
Upward smash (1 or 2 times) Upward air attack (2x) Falcon Grab
- This is the most intuitive combo that Falcon can do without using any platforms. The thing that makes this sequence so devastating is that the opposing player cannot recover in the air when it is being done to them, leaving them unable to counter any of Falcon’s hits. This combo takes opponents form 0% to around 85% damage in just one sequence.
Forward throw Upward smash Forward air attack Upward smash Forward air attack Downward air attack
- When the opposing player finds himself/herself near the edge, one should make them pay by using this combo to take them from 0% to death by spike. The timing on this is critical, and missing the last move is normal, as it requires that the opponent tries to jump back to the stage immediately after their aerial recovery.
Upward smash Upward air attack Upward smash Upward air attack Downward air attack
- This is a situational combo that can be used on an opponent when playing on a stage such as Kirby’s Dreamland. If the opposing player is above Captain Falcon on one of the side platforms, simply upward smash them through the platform and do an upward air attack. Once this has happened, jump up to the platform and do another upward smash followed by an upward aerial, which should be timed to send the opposing player over the edge. After the upward air attack is finished, jump and do the downward air attack, which should send them down off the stage far enough so that they can’t recover.