The moonwalk is a flashy and stylish movement technique in Super Smash Bros. Melee that can leave your opponents impressed and confused. While it doesn’t have significant practical applications in most scenarios, it adds flair to your gameplay and shows off your technical prowess. This guide will walk you through the steps to master the moonwalk and incorporate it into your Melee repertoire.

What Is Moonwalking?

Moonwalking is a movement tech that allows your character to slide backward while facing forward. It’s reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s iconic dance move, hence the name. In Melee, this technique relies on precise control of your character’s dash input and exploits how the game’s physics engine handles traction and momentum.

Why Learn the Moonwalk?

1. Style Points: It’s a visually appealing way to intimidate your opponents or show off during a match.
2. Mind Games: While not highly practical, moonwalking can throw off your opponent’s expectations about your movement.
3. Technical Mastery: Learning the moonwalk can improve your overall control and understanding of Melee’s movement mechanics.

Which Characters Can Moonwalk?

All characters can moonwalk to some extent, but those with low traction and high ground speed are more effective at it. Some of the best characters for moonwalking include:

• Captain Falcon
• Jigglypuff
• Luigi
• Mewtwo

Captain Falcon, in particular, is the most famous for moonwalking due to his smooth sliding animation and high-speed ground movement.

How to Perform the Moonwalk

1. Start with a Dash: Initiate a dash by quickly tilting the control stick to the left or right. Make sure you’re familiar with the timing of your character’s initial dash animation.
2. Quarter-Circle Input: During the initial dash animation, smoothly roll the control stick in a quarter-circle motion from the direction of your dash to the opposite direction. For example:
   • If you dash to the right, roll the control stick smoothly from right to down-right, to down, and finally to down-left.
   • The smoother your input, the more pronounced the moonwalk will be.
3. Hold the Opposite Direction: After completing the quarter-circle motion, hold the control stick in the opposite direction of your dash. This step causes your character to slide backward.
4. Practice Makes Perfect: Moonwalking is heavily reliant on precise inputs and timing. Spend time practicing in Training Mode to get a feel for the timing and control stick movement.

Tips for Consistency

• Experiment with Timing: The window for moonwalking varies slightly between characters. Adjust your input speed to match your character’s traction and dash properties.
• Use Captain Falcon: If you’re new to moonwalking, start with Captain Falcon. His high ground speed and low traction make him ideal for learning this technique.
• Don’t Rush: Focus on smooth and deliberate inputs. Jerky movements can disrupt the moonwalk.

Advanced Applications

• Edge-Canceling: Use a moonwalk to smoothly slide off a platform or the stage’s edge for stylish setups.
• Baiting Opponents: Incorporate moonwalks into your neutral game to create unpredictable movement patterns and bait reactions from your opponents.
• Combos: Although rare, moonwalking can sometimes be used to set up combos or flashy finishes.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the moonwalk in Super Smash Bros. Melee is a satisfying achievement that showcases your dedication to the game’s intricate mechanics. While it may not dramatically improve your competitive play, it’s a fun way to express yourself and stand out in matches. Grab your controller, head into Training Mode, and slide your way to style and finesse!