Overview

Ice Climbers are a unique pair of fighters. While Popo and Nana are both controlled by a single player simultaneously, they’re counted as two separate fighters. Each one has its own attacks and hurtboxes, so just because one is being hit doesn’t mean both are. For instance, it’s possible for Popo to get hit while Nana does not, allowing her to potentially counterhit their attacker (although this situation is rare, it’s possible). Your Ice Climbers don’t always combo with each other, especially since Popo leads in front of Nana in terms of spacing. Nevertheless, their attacks usually do combo with each other, so they dish out a hefty amount of pain with their doubled-up hammerblows.

Ice Climbers excel in ground combat. Most of their ground-to-ground attacks are safe to throw out, allowing you to chain several together to pressure shielding foes. Side tilt and down tilt are incredible pokes, especially when spaced out, as the Ice Climbers’ hammer strikes extend hitboxes without exposing their limbs to enemy attacks.

They also have reliable and versatile aerial attacks in neutral air attack and forward air attack. Neutral air attack is a double-sided attack with low landing lag and high combo potential, both in starting combos and extending them. Forward air deals high damage and can be used to mount an air-to-ground offense from jump height.

The Ice Climbers’ special move set is unique. Belay requires that both Ice Climbers are available, while Squall Hammer unifies the two for a much more powerful version of the attack. If the Ice Climbers are separated (or if Nana is knocked out), Squall Hammer’s power is lessened dramatically as your Ice Climber performs a solo version. With both climbers, Blizzard is an extremely powerful close-range projectile attack that has the exceptional ability to totally freeze (essentially stunning) enemies, giving you a “free” attack. Ice Shot is effective for attacking enemies at long range and is doubly effective when you have both climbers available.

While having two separate fighters is amazingly strong, Popo is weak on his own. If your climbers become separated, your specials become much weaker and you lose access to your recovery special, Belay. If Nana is knocked off the stage into a blast zone, she doesn’t return until Popo is also eliminated. If your opponent successfully knocks out Nana, a solo Popo is one of the weakest fighters in the game, if not the weakest!

Ice Climbers Vitals

Movement Options

Movement Ranks