Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts a roster full of iconic characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. One character that stands out, especially in competitive play, is Diddy Kong from the Donkey Kong series. While his playful appearance might suggest otherwise, Diddy Kong is a fast, versatile fighter with the tools to dominate matches when used properly. Both professional players and casters know that in the right hands, Diddy can be a serious threat.
In this post, we’ll break down how to fully unleash Diddy Kong’s potential in Smash Ultimate, focusing on his key moves, advanced strategies, and tips from top players and casters. Whether you’re looking to improve your Diddy game or just starting with him, this guide will help you level up your gameplay.
Understanding Diddy Kong’s Playstyle
Diddy Kong is a rushdown character, excelling at closing the gap on opponents and applying relentless pressure. His agility on the ground and in the air allows him to outmaneuver opponents and stay on the offensive. He’s also great at stage control, thanks to his signature Banana Peel setups. However, Diddy Kong is lightweight, meaning he’s vulnerable to getting knocked out at lower percentages if you’re not careful. Mastering Diddy requires a balance of aggression, smart positioning, and making the most of his versatile moveset.
Key Moves in Diddy Kong’s Arsenal
To truly maximize Diddy Kong’s potential, it’s important to understand his most powerful moves and how to use them effectively in different situations. Here’s a breakdown of Diddy’s key moves:
1. Banana Peel (Down B)
Diddy Kong’s Banana Peel is his defining move. When thrown, the banana trips opponents, leaving them open for punishing follow-ups. This move is crucial for Diddy’s stage control and combos. Whether you’re creating space or setting traps, the Banana Peel allows you to dictate your opponent’s movements.
Casters frequently praise how top players use Diddy’s banana to control the stage and force opponents into defensive positions. Throwing the banana into an area where your opponent will land or approach can create opportunities for a Smash Attack or combo starter. Practice placing bananas strategically to limit your opponent’s options and capitalize on their mistakes.
2. Monkey Flip (Side B)
Monkey Flip is a versatile move that lets Diddy either grab or kick his opponent. It can be used both offensively and defensively, making it difficult for your opponent to predict your next move. The grab version allows Diddy to latch onto an opponent, while the kick deals damage and knocks them away.
Casters often highlight the unpredictability of Monkey Flip, especially when combined with banana setups. It’s an excellent tool for catching opponents off-guard and keeping up the pressure. You can use Monkey Flip to mix up your approach or to close the gap on an opponent who’s keeping their distance.
3. Forward Air (Fair)
Diddy’s Forward Air (Fair) is one of his most reliable tools. It’s fast, has good range, and can be used to edge-guard or build combos. Fair’s quick startup makes it ideal for both offensive and defensive play, allowing Diddy to get in and out of his opponent’s range quickly.
In competitive play, Diddy’s Fair is often used to control the air and prevent opponents from recovering. It’s also a great combo starter, particularly when paired with the Banana Peel or Down Tilt. Use Fair to keep your opponent off balance and create opportunities for follow-up attacks.
4. Up Smash
Up Smash is go-to kill move, especially after a Banana Peel trip or a Down Tilt. It’s fast, has a decent range, and is a reliable option for closing out stocks.
Casters often highlight how Up Smash is used to punish opponents after a trip or during a juggle. When your opponent is at high percentages, a well-timed Up Smash can secure the knockout. However, it’s important not to rely on it too much, as it can leave Diddy vulnerable if whiffed.
Stage Control: Diddy’s Key to Victory
One of the reasons Diddy Kong is such a dangerous character in Smash Ultimate is his ability to control the stage. The Banana Peel is central to this, giving Diddy Kong the ability to influence where his opponent can safely move. By placing the banana strategically, you force your opponent to jump over it, shield, or risk slipping. This gives you the upper hand and opens up opportunities for attacks.
Diddy Kong’s fast movement also plays a role in his stage control. He can quickly move in and out of danger while applying pressure with his banana or Monkey Flip. Skilled Diddy players use his mobility to stay just out of their opponent’s reach, punishing their mistakes with precise attacks.
Patience and Adaptation
While Diddy Kong is known for his fast, aggressive playstyle, patience is crucial to unlocking his full potential. Casters frequently point out that the best Diddy players don’t rush in recklessly—they wait for the right moment to strike. Diddy’s Banana Peel allows you to play a more patient, calculated game, setting traps and baiting your opponent into making mistakes.
Adapting to your opponent is key. If they learn to counter your banana setups or Monkey Flip approaches, you’ll need to adjust your strategy. Diddy’s versatility allows you to switch between aggressive and defensive play depending on how your opponent responds.
Combos and Kill Setups
Diddy Kong’s toolkit includes several strong combo starters and kill setups. Here are a few examples of effective combos:
Banana Peel → Down Tilt → Up Smash: This is one of Diddy’s most reliable kill setups. The Banana Peel trips your opponent, and a quick Down Tilt can confirm into an Up Smash at higher percentages for the KO.
Down Tilt → Fair: A simple but effective combo that works at mid to high percentages, great for racking up damage and controlling the air.
Banana Peel → Grab → Up Throw → Up Air: This combo is excellent for juggling your opponent and keeping them in the air, forcing them into a disadvantageous position.
Mastering these setups and learning to chain Diddy’s moves together is essential for maximizing his combo potential.
Conclusion: Mastering Diddy Kong
Diddy Kong is an exciting character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate thanks to his fast-paced, high-skill gameplay. With his Banana Peel setups, versatile movement options, and powerful combo potential, Diddy has the tools to dominate matches. However, he requires precise execution, smart stage control, and adaptability.
By focusing on mastering his key moves like Banana Peel, Monkey Flip, and Up Smash, and practicing patience and spacing, you can unleash Diddy Kong’s full potential. Whether you’re a competitive player or just looking to improve, Diddy Kong offers a rewarding, dynamic playstyle that can give you the edge in any match.
