53. SHULK

Franchise / home series: Xenoblade Chronicles

Notable non-Smash games: Xenoblade Chronicles (2010); Xenoblade Chronicles: Definitive Edition (2020)

Shulk joined Smash 4 as the protagonist of Xenoblade Chronicles, representing Nintendo’s modern large-scale JRPG catalog. Known for his ability to see into the future and wield the Monado, he brought a deeply mechanic-heavy style to the roster.

In Smash, Shulk’s defining feature is the Monado Arts system. By cycling through Arts (Jump, Speed, Shield, Buster, Smash), Shulk can temporarily alter his stats—trading power for speed, defense for knockback, and more. This makes him incredibly flexible but also demanding, as players must choose the right Art for each situation.

His long sword range, strong aerials, and art-enhanced capabilities allow Shulk to be played in multiple styles depending on the matchup and game state. He has become a favorite among advanced players who enjoy dynamic decision-making, and his “I’m really feeling it!” catchphrase has become a Smash staple.