Pokemon Trainer Character Guide for Smash Ultimate

Character overview

Pokemon Trainer is a flexible trio character that rotates Ivysaur, Squirtle, and Charizard by game state.

Difficulty level

Intermediate

Playstyle identity

Use Squirtle for neutral openings, Ivysaur for advantage control, and Charizard for survivability and kill power.

Strengths

• Adaptable toolkit across matchups
• Strong advantage conversions with Ivysaur
• Reliable kill and recovery options with Charizard

Weaknesses

• Requires smart switching decisions
• Can lose momentum from poor form choice
• Each form has clear exploitable weaknesses

Best beginner gameplan

• Start with form that fits matchup speed
• Switch to maintain momentum, not by habit
• Close stocks using Charizard or Ivysaur setups

Neutral strategy

• Squirtle weaves burst range and pokes
• Ivysaur controls space with disjoints
• Do not force Charizard neutral when behind

Advantage state

• Ivysaur juggles and ledge traps are core
• Squirtle can extend low-percent pressure
• Charizard secures stocks from corner

Disadvantage state

• Switch strategically to survive specific states
• Avoid panic switching under direct pressure
• Use form mobility strengths to reset

Recovery tips

• Choose form based on edgeguard threat
• Mix tether, jump, and drift routes
• Avoid predictable high recoveries on Ivysaur

Common beginner mistakes

• Staying on one form too long
• Switching without state purpose
• Ignoring form-specific weaknesses

Key moves

• Squirtle fair/tilts: quick neutral starters
• Ivysaur up air: juggle and kill threat
• Ivysaur vine tools: spacing
• Charizard back air: kill pressure

Out of shield options

• Squirtle quick options out of shield
• Charizard up-B out of shield punish
• Form switch reset when pressure allows

Basic combos

• Squirtle low-percent strings into stage carry
• Ivysaur launcher into platform juggles
• Charizard hit into ledge kill pressure

Kill confirms

• Ivysaur up-air callouts
• Charizard back air and smash reads
• Ledge trap confirms from Ivysaur pressure

Matchup considerations

• Against zoners, use Squirtle mobility to enter
• Against heavies, lean into Ivysaur advantage
• Against swordies, switch based on spacing needs

Practical gameplay advice

• Trainer wins by correct form in correct state
• Keep your switch logic simple in tournament
• Adapt form choice by opponent habits

Training priorities

• Form-switch decision drills
• Ivysaur juggle consistency
• Recovery routes per form

Related guides

• What is neutral
• How to keep advantage
• Landing safely
• Best training mode drills