Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: How to Grab

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues the trend of the series where it features deep fighting mechanics, while remaining accessible to newcomers. If you are looking to get into higher level play then there’s a few key mechanics you’ll have to master to do so. One of the first and most important is the grab. This move allows you to latch onto your opponent, either attacking them for some light damage or tossing them in any direction. But pulling it off can confuse some. Here’s how to grab in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

One thing that complicates what would otherwise be a pretty easy thing to explain is the sheer number of control options in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. First up, no matter what controller you use, you can execute a grab move by holding the Shiled button and pressing A, or the main attack button. This should pull off a grab move as soon as you hit A, but there is also a standalone grab button, depending on which control scheme you are using. Here’s that as well…

If you’re using a Gamecube controller then it should be the Z button, just above the giant R shoulder trigger. For the Pro Controller it is assigned to the same area, attached to the ZR button on the top right of the controller. Each of the other many options should be similar, with the standalone Grab button on the R button for dual Joy-Con or handheld mode, for example.

One thing to keep in mind when looking to use Grab is that each character has a different range for their attack. Link, for example, uses the Hookshot to shoot out and pull in opponents from further away than someone like Kirby. Figure out how your character’s Grab works and use it to slow the fight down, or just deal some epic damage.

Once you’ve grabbed your foe you can deliver a hit or two with A, but be careful not to abuse this and let them escape your grasp. You want to throw them for the most amount of damage and a chance at a KO, so use the analog stick to determine the direction and they’ll go flying.

And that’s how to grab in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. For more tips and tricks, check out the rest of our guides.