Seven years into its lifespan, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate continues to surprise its dedicated community. The latest revelation? A groundbreaking King K. Rool crown duplication technique that could significantly elevate the character`s standing in the competitive meta—all without the need for a costly self-sacrifice.
From Self-Sabotage to Strategic Advantage: The Evolution of the Crown Tech
For some time, a peculiar “crown duplication” glitch existed for King K. Rool players. This technique, while intriguing, demanded a steep price: the player had to intentionally lose a stock. The process typically involved throwing the crown, getting hit by it while respawning, which somehow caused a duplicate to appear. The trade-off was rarely worth it, as sacrificing a life early in a match puts any player at a severe disadvantage, relegating the tech to a niche, almost ironic, curiosity.
However, the analytical minds within the Smash Ultimate community never truly rest. Recently, players on social media platforms have unveiled a refined, vastly superior method. This new approach achieves the same crown duplication effect, but crucially, without the self-destruction penalty. The discovery has sent ripples of excitement through the competitive scene, hinting at a potential renaissance for the Kremling King.
Unlocking the Duplication: How the New Tech Works
The mechanics of this updated crown duplication are as precise as they are potent. To execute it, a King K. Rool player must perform a specific sequence of actions near the blast zone – the invisible boundary at the edge of the stage that triggers a KO. The process involves:
- Proximity to the Blast Zone: Position King K. Rool very close to the blast zone.
- Crown Throw: Throw the crown projectile.
- Upward Momentum Catch: As the crown is thrown, K. Rool must immediately use any form of upward momentum (like a jump or up-special) to catch the crown.
If executed correctly, a duplicate crown will automatically spawn. This newly generated crown persists for the remainder of the match. To be able to interact with (i.e., pick up) the duplicate, the initially caught crown must despawn, typically by throwing it a second time. This intricate ballet of movement and timing transforms a previously impractical trick into a potentially powerful strategic tool.
A Royal Resurgence? King K. Rool`s Place in the Meta
King K. Rool, despite his imposing presence and unique toolkit, has long languished at the lower echelons of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tier list. Ranked around 78th out of 82 characters, his competitive viability has been hampered by slow movement, predictable recovery, and a generally exploitable defensive posture. The original crown tech did little to alleviate these issues, as the cost of a stock was simply too high.
This new, stock-neutral duplication, however, presents a different narrative. A permanent second crown opens up a plethora of tactical options: enhanced zone control, increased projectile pressure, and even a unique form of defensive utility with K. Rool`s inherent crown armor. Imagine the havoc a skilled K. Rool could wreak with two bouncing projectiles on screen, constantly forcing opponents to adapt and creating openings for his powerful smash attacks.
“So you’re telling me that seven years after Ultimate is released, we have an extremely niche, situational tech that allows K. Rool to sacrifice one of his own stocks in order to become a high tier for the rest of the game,” remarked professional Smash player Juan `Hungrybox` DeBiedma, humorously reflecting on the initial, less practical iteration of the tech. While his comment predates the no-stock-loss discovery, it perfectly encapsulates the community`s amazement at the game`s enduring depth.
The Edge of Risk: Vulnerability and Mind Games
While the prospect of a double-crown K. Rool is enticing, the execution of the tech isn`t without its risks. The necessity of performing the setup near the blast zone leaves King K. Rool vulnerable to edge-guarding from astute opponents. A misstep could lead to an early KO, negating the very advantage the tech seeks to create.
However, this inherent risk also breeds a fascinating layer of mind games. A savvy K. Rool player might feint the setup, baiting an overzealous opponent into an unsafe edge-guard attempt, only to punish them with a well-timed spike or recovery. The interaction evolves beyond simple execution into a psychological battle of anticipation and deception.
The Unending Quest for Mastery
As of this writing, the new crown duplication technique remains functional, and it`s uncertain whether Nintendo will address it in a future patch. Regardless, this discovery serves as a powerful testament to the longevity and depth of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Seven years post-release, its dedicated community continues to dissect, innovate, and redefine the competitive landscape, proving that even in seemingly exhausted territories, new paths to mastery can always be forged.
Will this be enough to finally crown King K. Rool a true contender? Only time, and the relentless pursuit of perfection by the Smash Ultimate community, will tell.
Callum Darby