Step Dash

Summary

Step Dash is a movement technique that uses unique momentum properties of the stepping animation in order to generate a long slide along the floor for certain characters.  It is possible to perform a sliding crouch, attacks, tilts, grabs and shield out of the step dash, making it useful for offensive and defensive options.

Requirements
  • The generated slide is only long enough to be useful for certain characters (e.g. Bayonetta, Metaknight)
  • Input timing is character-specific
  • Step dash slides only with attacks, tilts and grabs that do not stop momentum
How To Perform
  • Step Dash Crouch Slide
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward to take a step.
    • Immediately return analog stick to neutral position.
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward again to take another step.
    • If facing to the right, instantly move the analog stick midway between right and bottom right, then slide down to bottom right (if facing left, move the stick midway between left and bottom left, then slide down to bottom left).
      • If the character can crawl, you must instead slide all the way to the bottom instead of the bottom left/right to avoid the crawl animation
    • If performed with the correct timing, your character will slide a considerable distance along the ground while crouching.
  • Step Dash Attack/Tilt/Grab Slide (NOTE: the attack/tilt/grab must not halt momentum)
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward to take a step.
    • Immediately return analog stick to neutral position.
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward again to take another step.
    • Immediately return analog stick to neutral position and enter an attack, tilt or grab.
    • If performed with the correct timing, your character will slide a considerable distance along the ground while simultaneously performing an attack, tilt or grab.
  • Consecutive Step Dashes
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward to take a step.
    • Immediately return analog stick to neutral position.
    • Slightly tilt the analog stick forward again to take another step.
    • If facing to the right, instantly move the analog stick midway between right and bottom right, then slide down to the bottom right (if facing left, move the stick midway between left and bottom left, then slide down to bottom left ).
      • If the character can crawl, you must instead slide all the way to the bottom instead of the bottom left/right to avoid the crawl animation
    • If facing to the right, with a specific timing slide the analog stick to the right, then to the bottom right again (if facing left, slide analog stick to the left, then to the bottom left)
    • Repeat the previous step to continue step dash slide multiple times.
  • Step Dash Starting Step Alternatives
    • The first step can be replaced alternatively by performing any one of the following momentum carrying options:
      • Dash, then short hop and perform an aerial attack as you land that will carry sliding momentum on the ground (e.g. Bayonetta's neutral air).
      • Dash, then shield at any point in the dash and immediately release shield.
      • Dash, then skid to a halt.
      • From standing, perform a turnaround.
    • Keep holding analog stick forward until your character performs a single step forward.
    • Input an attack or grab to slide forward.
Uses
  • Can use offensively to take opponents by surprise by closing the distance with instant options to attack, tilt, grab or shield
  • Can link multiple step dashes together for fast movement across stage with immediate access at any moment to more offensive/defensive options compared to regular dash
  • Can use to bait reactions
  • Can use to edgeguard
  • Can use to tech chase
  • Can use to approach opponent quickly while safely crouching under projectiles
Pros & Cons
  • Useful movement technique with offensive, defensive, mixup, tech chase and edgeguarding applications
  • Input timing differs between characters
  • Step dash slide will halt if attack, tilt or grab input stops momentum
  • Extremely difficult to perform, input window incredibly strict
Links
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