Ganondorf

Move Guide

Basic Attacks

A jab that has a strong knockback effect.

A strong, slow kick that has a good knockback effect.

The incredible damage and KO potential of this move is balanced by the move's slow activation and execution. With the perfect timing, this move is as good as a Smash move.

A standard low kick that deals below average damage.

Dash Attacks

Ganondorf unleashes a powerful shoulder charge that can send enemies flying.

Smash Attacks

Ganondorf hits the enemy with a punishing elbow strike.

Ganondorf unleashes a vicious kick upward, sending enemies flying

Ganondorf performs a forward and backward kick. If the first kick connects, the second kick will launch the enemies away.

Special Attacks

Warlock Punch (Neutral Special)

Ganondorf will charge up before unleashing a very powerful punch. The moment between charging and unleashing the punch can be hard to interrupt since Ganondorf will be in a brief "armored" state during the transition.

Ganondorf dashes forward, grabs an opponent then blasts him away with dark energy. When used in the air, Ganondorf will still dash towards the target and when grabbed successfully, he will slam the opponent down to the ground. This is a dangerous move as it can become a suicide maneuver if there's no ground waiting below.

Ganondorf will jump while attempting to grab an opponent. If an enemy is grabbed, the opponent will be fried by dark energy before getting blasted off in the subsequent explosion.

Ganondorf unleashes a dark-energy charged flying kick horizontally. If used in the air, opponents hit by this move will be thrown violently to the floor.

Air Attacks

An ordinary spinning kick going upward

A short-range hook punch

Ganondorf will deliver a spinning backhand while in mid-air

A standard somersault kick.

Ganondorf stomps with both of his feet, making the enemy fall hard on the floor (meteor effect)

Final Smash

Beast Ganon

Upon transformation, all opponents around Beast Ganon will be buried and stomped, taking a 20% damage immediately. A moment after, Beast Ganon will dash across the screen. The direction where Ganondorf is facing is the direction where the beast will charge. The charge itself is not hindered by platforms in Normal stages and Ganon's immense size will make it difficult for other players to evade, unless they perform a high-reaching jump/ move at the right timing.

Recovery

Ganondorf has very limited recovery options. For horizontal recovery, he can only rely on his Flame Choke move. Unlike the "dash" moves by other characters, Flame Choke has a bit shorter range.

Dark Dive has a good jump height but that's about it. You can control a few degrees of the angle where Ganondorf will launch.

Gameplay

Ganondorf is one of the heavy hitters in the game. He lacks fancy footwork and blinding movesets but almost each of his attacks deal solid, heavy damage with knockback effect. These attacks require proper timing and defensive mindset since exploiting your opponents' mistakes will always be beneficial to you. Though we're not saying that Ganondorf should fight defensively and counter-attack only when there's an opening, it will help staying on the defensive to make the most out of his powerful moves.

Most of his attacks are within melee range only so he needs to use Flame Choke and Wizard's Foot to close the distance a bit. When used in the air, Wizard's Foot can deal huge damage but it's quite risky to use if you're a bit near the edge of the stage because of its steep landing angle. Flame Choke and Dark Dive both capture opponents so its possible to shut down their attempts by using these moves at the right time. Be careful when using Flame Choke in mid-air; it's after-effect will be slamming the opponent on the ground. If the landing is miscalculated, both of Ganondorf and whoever he grabbed will self-destruct.