ChatGPT Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)
Roy only becomes terrifying once he reaches chest-to-chest spacing where the sweetspot starts cashing out. Bowser has to use walk, shield, and flame pressure to make Roy swing from half a step too far away.
Down Smash, Forward Smash, Up Smash, Side B, and Up Tilt are the committed moments that matter most. Once those are blocked, Bowser gets Up B or Grab and Roy suddenly has to land under Bowser instead of mauling him on the ground.
Neutral Air, Forward Air, and Back Air are where impatience hurts. Pressing instantly after shield usually helps Roy stay glued to Bowser, so cover the landing and next dash first.
The kill flow is better at ledge than in center because Roy’s recovery line is narrower there and Bowser’s corner threat is much heavier.
Full Move Frame Quick Reference
| Opponent Move | Startup | On Shield | Bowser OOS Candidate Moves | Barely Missed Moves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jab | 5 | -9/-12 |
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| Forward Tilt | 8 | -13/-16/-17 |
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| Up Tilt | 6 | -21/-25 |
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| Down Tilt | 7 | -3/-7 |
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| Dash Attack | 13 | -17/-21 |
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| Forward Smash | 13 | -27/-29/-32 |
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| Up Smash | 12/15/17/19/22 | -29 |
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| Down Smash | 6/21 | -46/-49/-30/-33 |
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| Neutral Air | 6/15 | -6/-6/-5/-6 |
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| Forward Air | 10 | -4/-5 |
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| Back Air | 8 | -5/-6 |
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| Up Air | 5 | -4/-5 |
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| Down Air | 16 | -9/-10 |
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| Neutral B | 21-260 | -15 to Shieldbreak |
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| Side B | 9 | -26/-16(air) |
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| Up B | 9/11… | ** | ||
| Down B | 8 (Start of Counter) | — | ||
| Grab | 7 | — | ||
| Dash Grab | 10 | — | ||
| Pivot Grab | 11 | — |
Win Condition Checklist
- Use shield, walking, and flame pressure to stop Roy’s dash from arriving at the sweetspot distance he wants.
- If Down Smash, Forward Smash, Up Smash, Side B, or Up Tilt hits shield, go straight into Up B or Grab and carry Roy to the corner.
- After blocking Neutral Air, Forward Air, or Back Air, track the landing and next dash lane instead of swinging on the spot.
- Once Roy is cornered, watch the Up B angle and keep Fair or Down Smash ready before giving center stage back.
Actions to Avoid
- Volunteering for chest-to-chest scrambles and letting Roy’s sweetspot damage become the whole matchup.
- Challenging every blocked aerial immediately and helping Roy loop into another landing mix.
- Trying to win in center with repeated hard reads while Roy still has room to dash back in.
- Chasing too far offstage and turning Roy’s narrow recovery into Bowser’s big landing problem.