Quick Attack

Quick Attack, known in Japan as Lightning Speed (電光石火), is Pikachu's up special move in Super Smash Flash 2.

Overview[]

When performed, Pikachu quickly dashes in a straight line in one of eight directions of the player's input, contorting Pikachu's shape as he does. Afterwards, Pikachu can immediately follow with a second dash, though it cannot be in the same direction as the first dash. If Pikachu lands on a platform after aiming the move downward, the rest of the move will be cancelled, and Pikachu will slide across the ground when aimed diagonally. If an opponent is in the path of Pikachu during the attack, they will take 3% electric damage from the first dash and 5% from the second, with extremely minor knockback.

The move is one of the most effective and diverse recovery moves in the game, as the long distance both dashes travel make it useful for both horizontal and vertical recovery from almost anywhere on the stage, though it also leaves Pikachu helpless afterward. Additionally, the quick speed of each dash and the variety of movement patterns can make it hard for opponents to predict. However, the move also suffers from slight lag when Pikachu is not dashing: at the start, end, and between dashes.

Techniques[]

Quick Attack cancel[]

Quick Attack cancel, abbreviated as "QAC", is a technique that Pikachu can use. It is performed by using Quick Attack in the air, aiming at the ground and jumping after hitting the ground which will cancel the ending lag of the move. This will allow Pikachu to follow up with any aerial while also being a means for mobility and approaching.

Origin[]

Ash Pikachu Quick Attack — Ash's Pikachu using Quick attack in the anime, *Pokemon Journeys: The Series*.

Quick Attack is a damage-dealing Normal-type attack that was introduced in the Generation I Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue. It is a rather weak move, with a low base power similar to Tackle and Pound. Unlike these other moves, it has a +1 priority, meaning it will allow the user to attack before others do unless the opponent uses a move whose priority is higher. Pikachu learns Quick Attack by leveling up and it can be learned among early levels in any game.

In the main Pokémon games, Quick Attack is commonly depicted as a single quick dash towards the foe. Pikachu's Quick Attack in SSF2, instead has a unique trail of electrical bubbles, which also deal electric damage, despite the attack being Normal-type in the origin games.