Is Pichu Still Viable in Tournaments After the 3.1 Patch in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate?

The 3.1 patch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has brought some notable changes to the game, and one of the characters that saw significant adjustments is Pichu. Many players are wondering if Pichu is still a viable choice in tournaments after these changes. Let's delve into the details and see how Pichu stacks up.

Changes and Adjustments to Pichu

One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in Pichu's hurt box. This means that it is now slightly easier to hit Pichu with attacks. Additionally, the side-tilt move has seen a reduction in knockback. The side-smash and down-smash moves now have more armor but experience a little more endlag. Perhaps the most significant change is that most of Pichu's electric-based moves now deal a few more percent damage.

While these changes do impact Pichu's gameplay and make him a bit riskier to use in some situations, they have not completely overshadowed his core strengths. Let's explore these strengths and how they contribute to Pichu's continued viability in tournaments.

Core Strengths of Pichu

Despite the nerfs, Pichu still retains a formidable combo game. He is known for his Lightning Loops, which give him an immense amount of flexibility and control over the match. His combo game remains one of the strongest in the game, making him a complex and rewarding character to play with.

In terms of edgeguarding, Pichu is still unparalleled. His ability to maintain pressure and control the stage is unmatched, especially when combined with his reliable recovery options. His recovery moves are incredibly robust, making it difficult for opponents to muster a counterattack effectively.

Off-stage, Pichu holds his own very well. His excellent projectile options and the ability to reliably control the stage from high-altitude positions make him a dangerous presence for anyone trying to gain control off-stage. This is further complemented by his recovery, which remains one of the best in the game.

Impact of Nerfs on Pichu's Gameplay

Several new and adjusted moves have impacted Pichu's gameplay style. The f-tilt now does less damage and has slightly more endlag, making it less effective as a confirming move. Additionally, the increased self-damage from using electric moves means that Pichu needs to be more careful and reserved with his energy usage.

These nerfs do hurt Pichu's viability in certain situations, as he may have to rely more on technique and risk management to make up for the loss of some of his damage output. However, the changes are not severe enough to make Pichu unplayable in tournaments. Instead, they have shifted his gameplay to a more high-risk, high-reward archetype.

Conclusion

While the 3.1 patch in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has certainly made some changes to Pichu's character, he remains a highly viable and competitive choice in tournaments. The nerfs have introduced new challenges, but Pichu's core strengths still make him a formidable opponent. Players who are willing to adapt and embrace the new challenges will still find Pichu to be a rewarding and effective character to use.

So, the answer is yes—Pichu is still good, and he will continue to be a significant presence in the competitive scene for a long time to come.