Smash Ultimate patch 13.0.0 notes: Sora release, Little Mac & Zelda buffs, more

Sora joins the roster as final DLC fighter with comprehensive balance updates for underpowered characters

The End of an Era: Sora Completes the Roster

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s monumental 13.0.0 update represents the conclusion of new character additions, with Kingdom Hearts protagonist Sora marking the final DLC fighter. This historic patch caps off three years of continuous content expansion that has defined the game’s lifespan.

The October 18 release of Smash Ultimate patch 13.0.0 signifies a watershed moment for the franchise. Sora’s inclusion fulfills years of fan speculation and demand, while numerous balance adjustments revitalize previously underpowered fighters like Little Mac and Zelda.

While this marks the final major content drop, competitive balance patches may still arrive in the future to maintain tournament viability and address emerging meta concerns.

Director Masahiro Sakurai has confirmed that Sora represents the ultimate addition to the fighter roster, bringing the total character count to an unprecedented 82 combatants spanning gaming history.

Beyond the headline character addition, this update delivers substantial quality-of-life improvements through targeted buffs to fighters who have struggled in the competitive meta.

Understanding the strategic implications of these changes is crucial for competitive players and casual enthusiasts alike.

The roster expansion culminates with Sora joining the battle, a character whose inclusion has been heavily requested since the game’s initial announcement.

Fans of both Super Smash Bros. and Kingdom Hearts have anticipated this crossover for years, with online communities frequently speculating about the Keyblade wielder’s potential move set and playstyle.

Sora utilizes his signature Keyblade in combat, featuring a versatile move set that combines magical projectiles with close-quarters combat and exceptional aerial mobility.

According to Masahiro Sakurai: “Sora’s control scheme has been designed for accessibility, ensuring players of all skill levels can experience the character’s unique combat style without excessive technical barriers.”

Players can access Sora through two purchase options: the comprehensive Fighters Pass Vol. 2 available for $29.99 USD in the Nintendo eShop, which includes five additional characters, or the standalone Challenger Pack 11 priced at $5.99 USD for those only interested in the Kingdom Hearts representative.

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Sora is now out in #SmashUltimate! pic.twitter.com/ShPBTqwbBZ

— Toad’s Nintendo News (@MailToadINTEL) October 19, 2021

Strategic Balance Updates for Low-Tier Characters

Patch 13.0.0 adopts an exclusively positive approach to character balancing, implementing substantial improvements to multiple underperforming fighters without applying any nerfs to existing top-tier characters.

Characters receiving significant enhancements include Little Mac, Zelda, Dr. Mario, Jigglypuff, and Lucario, with most adjustments focusing on reducing vulnerability windows and increasing attack potency.

A technical adjustment to Kazuya’s side special prevents opponents who fall in place from being stepped on immediately after jumping, addressing a previously exploitable combo sequence.

Below you’ll find the comprehensive breakdown of Smash Ultimate version 13.0.0 patch notes.

Character-Specific Balance Analysis

The balance philosophy in this patch focuses on three key areas: reducing endlag on key moves, increasing kill power for struggling characters, and improving combo potential. Little Mac receives particularly notable improvements to his aerial game, which has historically been his greatest weakness. Zelda’s changes make her phantom knight summons more viable in neutral game situations, while Dr. Mario’s increased knockback values may finally give him distinct advantages over regular Mario.

Competitive Meta Implications

These buffs could significantly shift tournament viability for several characters. Little Mac’s improved aerials might make him less predictable in disadvantage states, while Zelda’s reduced vulnerability on down tilt creates new combo routes. Jigglypuff’s rest punish game becomes more consistent with extended launch distance, potentially reviving interest in the character at competitive levels.

Complete Patch Notes and New Content

• Made it so opponents that fall down in place due to Kazuya’s side special cannot be stepped on when jumping.
• Neutral Air Attack: Extended launch distance for the high-damage window.
• Up Air Attack: Increased attack power and maintained launch distance.
• Down Air Attack: Increased attack speed.
• Side Special: Increased the amount of time hit detection lasts.
• Down Special: Increased the speed that super armor activates when using the move on the ground.
• Final Smash: Shortened the downtime after finishing the Final Smash.
• Down Smash Attack: Increased power and extended launch distance.
• Up Air Attack: Increased attack power and maintained launch distance.
• Up Special: Increased attack power and maintained launch distance of the high-damage window while descending.
• Down Tilt Attack: Reduced vulnerability.
• Side Smash Attack: Extended the duration of the high-damage part of the attack.
• Down Smash Attack: Extended launch distance and increased attack range.
• Forward Throw: Extended launch distance.
• Neutral Attack 2: Reduced vulnerability.
• Back Air Attack: Reduced vulnerability and reduced vulnerability when landing.
• Downward Throw: Shortened the launch distance and reduced vulnerability.
• Final Smash: Shortened the downtime after finishing the Final Smash.
• Up Tilt Attack: Increased power and extended launch distance.
• Side Smash Attack: Increased the amount of time hit detection lasts and increased the range at the beginning of the move.
• Forward Air Attack: Reduced vulnerability.
• Up Throw: Extended launch distance.
• Up Tilt Attack: Extended the duration of an opponent’s animation when they are struck by this attack.
• Side Smash Attack: Increased power against shields when using the move with down input.
• Neutral Special:
  • Extended launch distance.
  • Reduced vulnerability when using the move on the ground.
  • Increased speed so it will be faster to use the move.
  • Made so the second button press can be input in advance.
• Extended launch distance.
• Reduced vulnerability when using the move on the ground.
• Increased speed so it will be faster to use the move.
• Made so the second button press can be input in advance.
• Up Special: Extended launch distance of the last attack.
• Down Special: Increased the amount that attack power will increase.
• Dash Attack: Extended the duration of the high-damage part of the attack and increased the high-damage range.
• Side Tilt Attack: Extended launch distance of the second attack.
• Down Tilt Attack: Increased attack speed.
• Side Special: Shortened the time between the slamming/dragging animations and when another jump can be input.
• Down Smash Attack: Luma will appear in front of Rosalina when using the move and turning around and extended launch distance for Luma’s attack.
• Side Special: Luma will follow you when using the move in the air.
• Neutral Attack 1: Reduced vulnerability.
• Flurry Attack: Increased power.
• Up Smash Attack: Extended launch distance.
• Down Smash Attack: Extended launch distance.
• Down Air Attack: Increased the high-damage range.
• The following downloadable content will be usable after purchase:
  • Sora Challenger Pack
  • Judd Hat
  • Octoling Wig
  • Doom Slayer Helmet + Armor
• Doom Slayer Helmet + Armor
• Several issues have been fixed to improve gameplay experience.
• The following spirits from the KINGDOM HEARTS series will appear in the Shop on the Vault menu:
  • Riku
  • Kairi
  • Roxas
  • Axel
  • Xion
  • Terra
  • Ventus
  • Aqua
• The following spirits will appear on the Spirit Board and Shop:
  • Razewing Ratha

New Content Breakdown

The addition of Kingdom Hearts spirits provides extensive collection opportunities for completionists, featuring major characters from throughout the series. The cosmetic items including Judd Hat, Octoling Wig, and Doom Slayer Helmet + Armor offer new customization options for Mii Fighters. Razewing Ratha from Monster Hunter Stories 2 joins the Spirit Board, continuing the tradition of cross-promotional content.

Advanced Strategies and Competitive Implications

Practical Application Tips

To maximize the effectiveness of these balance changes, focus on incorporating the improved moves into your existing gameplay patterns. For Little Mac players, practice using his enhanced aerials as mix-up options rather than primary tools. Zelda mains should experiment with the reduced vulnerability on down tilt to create new combo strings into forward air or up special. Dr. Mario users can now more reliably kill with up special thanks to the extended launch distance.

Common Usage Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overusing newly buffed moves simply because they’re improved – integrate them naturally into your existing game plan. Don’t neglect character fundamentals in favor of experimenting with every single change immediately. Be patient when learning Sora’s move set; while accessible, his optimal combos require practice to execute consistently.

Optimization Techniques for Advanced Players

Advanced techniques include learning the specific percent ranges where newly buffed kill moves become effective. Practice the input buffer windows for characters like Kirby whose neutral special now allows advanced input. Study frame data changes to understand exactly how reduced vulnerability affects punish game opportunities. For competitive players, analyze how these changes affect matchup charts and tier list placements.

Long-Term Meta Development

These changes will likely shift the competitive landscape over the coming months as players discover new tech and optimal strategies. Expect to see previously rare characters like Little Mac and Zelda appearing more frequently in tournament play. The lack of nerfs means existing top tiers remain strong, but the buffed characters may develop new counterplay options against them.

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