Squirtle Matchup (Chrom)

ChatGPT Matchup Summary (Win Condition and Game Plan)

Squirtle wants the small hurtbox and bursty movement to make Chrom swing over the top, then cash in with jab, grab, or fast aerial pressure before the sword can reset.
That is why this matchup is less about staring at Water Gun and more about walking or shielding forward from a height where low profile cannot steal a free whiff. Once Chrom gets to the corner first, the damage gap changes fast.
The table shows that Up Smash, Jab 3, Forward Smash, Side B, and Jab 2 all give Chrom consistent answers through OOS Uair, OOS Nair, Grab, and Up B, and even modest punishes are enough because Squirtle’s weight makes the next ledge touch dangerous.
Against the safer aerials, the cleanest answer is often to move outside the landing spot and swing second, which prevents Squirtle from abusing the tiny body in place.

Full Move Frame Quick Reference

Win Condition Checklist

• Avoid placing aerials at the low angle where Down Tilt or Forward Air can slip under them before you ever touch Squirtle.
• After you block Up Smash, Jab 3, Forward Smash, Side B, or Jab 2, keep the punish short if needed but never give center stage back.
• On blocked Neutral Air, Forward Air, or Up Air, watch the landing tile or dodge path and stack a second sword there instead of flailing immediately.
• Once the opponent is in kill range, lock down ledge jump and normal get-up before looking for the flashy launcher.

Actions to Avoid

• Letting Water Gun push you farther back each time until Squirtle gets a full runway for low-profile burst-ins.
• Overusing falling Fair to chase the tiny hurtbox and giving up a free punish on your own landing.
• Hitting once and drifting away to center, which wastes the biggest benefit of fighting a light character with poor reach.
• Forcing an offstage Back Air too early and turning a missed edgeguard into a Chrom recovery check.