[Complete] Pokken Tournament Machamp Guide

[Ky0greK1ng]

Hey!

I've been a huge Pokken Tournament fan since day one, and I've loved all of the community member-made character guides! That said, I noticed there was a distinct lack of Machamp guides... I think we can all agree Machamp is the best, am I right? With that said, I decided to take matters into my own hands and wrote up a guide:

https://www.pokecommunity.com/showthread.php?p=9338268#post9338268

I was wondering if we could have this published as an official article. I worked hard on writing this, and would be happy to make any changes you all would see fit! As you can see, I divided the guide into five neat parts: field phase, duel phase, synergy burst, additional notes, and combos. Each section goes in-depth about what moves to use in what situations!

Thank you for reading, and I hope we can work something out!

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

Edit: My guide is now finished and ready to be published!

Here is my third draft! I've read through it a few times, but there may be a few mistakes that I missed... I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could take a look at it and give me a few pointers. (Also, I'll resize the pictures and make them look nice later, so don't worry about those.)

Summary: Machamp is a powerful character in Pokkén Tournament. This guide will teach you how to be just as strong!

Four Legs Good, Four Arms Better - A Guide to Machamp:

Hey trainers! Welcome to my Machamp guide! I've been a Machamp main since the day Pokkén Tournament released. Not to brag, but I think I've gotten pretty good with the four-armed fighting-type! I wrote this guide because I was bored to share my knowledge with anyone else struggling to learn the way of the fist. The guide is divided into five sections: field phase, duel phase, synergy burst, additional notes, and combos!

Before we get started, if you got the reference in the article's title, then I sympathize you having to suffer through that boring book… Unless you enjoyed it, in which case this just got awkward…

Field Phase:

Ah, Field Phase… This place consists of projectiles and even more projectiles. If you main Machamp, you will grow to hate this phase. Here are a few tricks to make it less hate-able.

Midair X homes in on your opponent and has very little startup-lag. Upon landing, this move shifts the match over to Duel Phase! It's a punishable, but very effective move, and the best way to land it is to punish a projectile attack with loads of end-lag (Chandelure's Forward Y, for example). If your opponent shields this, you're not in a good position… You can try a counter or jump, but none of those options are able to avoid a quick attack. If your opponent never gives you the opportunity to use this move, you're going to have to resort to your Enhanced Neutral A, Neutral X X, and Forward Y.

Machamp's Enhanced Neutral A is an awesome move; if you thought the Midair X was fast, then just wait until you see this! Before I ramble on about the uses for this attack, you should know about Bulk Up. Bulk Up powers up each of Machamp's A moves and changes the Neutral A into a lunge attack! Bulk Up is essential to winning battles, and it's discussed more in the 'Additional Notes' section. Back to the Enhanced Neutral A, it can punish most X attacks, plenty of Y moves, multiple A attacks, and – well, you get the point. It's worth noting that this move has even more range than Machamp's projectiles. The only downside to this incredible move is the slight end-lag after the attack… A way to ensure this move hits is to use a Back Y --> Enhanced Neutral A combo!

Neutral X X is only somewhat reliable. The attack makes Machamp run towards his opponent, but he moves slower than… umm… something very slow. When he finally reaches his opponent, he slams his fist down and switches it to Duel Phase. If your opponent shields the first hit, hold X to break their shield with the second hit. Honestly, this move is not the best and shouldn't be used too often, but it works as a good mix-up move and disposes of foes whom shield excessively.

You'll need to get close in order to land a Forward Y. That said, this move has a surprising amount of range! Your best bet is to launch a Midair Y and use that to cover your approach. A counter-cancelled forward dash will prove to be useful, as it will get you closer whilst soaking up the abundance of projectiles coming your way. Machamp hates projectiles…

The biggest struggle, as a Machamp main, is dealing with projectile spam… Most of his attacks are slow and have outrageous amounts of lag. All in all, he's about as mobile as a Shuckle with an Iron Ball, and has the hitbox size of a four-armed elephant. How are we supposed to home in on the enemy and land one of the aforementioned attacks? We pray… Oh, and we use a lot of shields and counter-cancels. Machamps slowly make their way towards camping opponents… Remember that Midair X flies over projectiles and, if you space it correctly, will be the perfect punish tool! Fight fire with fire—or rather, projectiles with projectiles—and use your Midair Y a lot. That flying fist has a lot of priority, and Machamp hovers in the air while shooting it out. This allows him to stay above most of your enemy's projectiles. All of this is easier said than done…

Duel Phase:

This is the fun part – or the annoying part, if your opponent continues to spam projectiles… Machamp has some awesome combos, most of which average at 180 damage! Most of these have brutal startup-lag, so you need to play very cautiously.

Down X X is the mother of all (painfully slow) combo starters! If your opponent gives you the opportunity to unleash this, then they have got to be one of the most incompetent trainers in Ferrum. Follow up with a Midair Y, then another Down X X. This will allow you to use just about any move you want! However, if the initial Down X X doesn't connect, you are going to seem like the most incompetent trainer in Ferrum…

A somewhat safer alternative to Down X X is the charged Forward X! Not only does it start combos, it can also close the distance between you and a projectile spammer (or a non-projectile spammer, for that matter). Even if this move hits your opponent's shield, you still have a few options… You can go for a grab, a Midair X, or a Down Y. If they don't avoid this move, then you can use the aforementioned combo of Midair Y --> Down X X --> Any move you want. When uncharged, this move is much less powerful, but still does a good job of pressuring your opponent. All things considered, this is a very versatile attack!

Your Midair X is another combo starter. It gives you less options than the Down X X or Forward X does, but it has some counter attack properties, and it's very easy to land! Okay, maybe not VERY easy… I use this move a lot; keep in mind that this set-up can become predictable. Make sure you mix it up with the others! Up Y Y is the simplest follow-up to a Midair X. If your opponent shields the initial hit, I recommend using one of the following: X+A, Down Y, or another Midair X. If you happened to fail to land a Midair X, they won't expect you to use another one… and if they do, that stinks.

The last attack I'll go over is the Up A. When playing offensively, it's best to input forward after activating it. This will launch Machamp behind the opponent, where he'll roll backwards, ready to combo! This move is so cool because it can cover so much distance; it functions as an anti-air move; and sets up one of the most stylish combos in Pokkén Tournament! If this move is shielded, try to catch your opponent off guard and let out a few Down Ys. Down Ys are always great for recovering from moves with end-lag. If the Up A isn't shielded, check out the combo section to see what you can do!

Of course, there's still the threat of a projectile-spammer… Machamp's Forward X and Up-Forward A cover a lot of distance, as said before. Despite the usual 'punch-punch-punch kill-kill-kill' strategy, you're going to have to play defensively… Shields are your best friend, and counter-cancelled forward dashes can help too. Take it very, very slowly… Another thing to keep in mind is that a few characters have ranged grabs (like Chandelure and Sceptile). Memorize the grab's distance and jump when within that range!

Another problem Machamp faces is speedy characters… By 'speedy' characters, I'm referring to - well - the entire cast of Pokkén tournament. Against the particularly quick ones, you should play semi-defensively, and bait as many slow attacks as possible. Your Enhanced Neutral A and Forward X are fast and somewhat safe on shields, so use these plentifully!

Synergy Burst:

Now that we've covered the basics, you may be wondering, "When should I use my synergy burst? How should I go about landing the burst attack?"

To answer the first question, I like to use mine when my opponent has less than two hundred HP left. That way I can finish them off with my burst attack! Some other situations to use it in (and this goes for every character) are when you have low HP and need a comeback, or when your opponent attempts a burst attack. The shockwave from the activation of your synergy burst will wither out their burst attack.

Before using your burst attack, you should take advantage of having Bulk Up permanently charged! This makes approaching a lot easier, since you have unlimited access to the Enhanced Neutral A. You can perform a few different combos, utilizing the Enhanced Down A as a powerful combo-finisher! Overall, this is awesome!

Landing the burst attack isn't so easy… First of all, I find it much easier to land it in Duel Phase as opposed to Field Phase. I only ever attempt it in Field Phase if I shield an aerial attack from my opponent, and even then, they can get out of the way… Remember that the more moves you string together before the burst attack will weaken the burst attack's potential… That's lame. To avoid being lame, we simply use one move before activating our burst attack. There are a LOT of moves that combo into the burst attack: Down X X, Back X X, Forward X, Forward Y Y Y, Up-Forward A, and Back A. If your opponent shields a Midair X, you can probably break their shield with your burst attack… Probably.

Additional Info:

ALWAYS HAVE BULK UP CHARGED – plain and simple. This is the one move that keeps Machamp from falling off the tier lists altogether. Unless it's a small circular battling arena, you should always tap A at the beginning of the match. If you cause a phase shift, you should tap A. If you're far away from your opponent, tap A. If you land a Forward A in either phase, tap A.

Choosing a support Pokémon set is no easy task—it's almost as difficult as using Machamp… If your opponent is using a character known for seemingly-endless projectiles, go with the Jirachi/Whimsicott set as a last-ditch effort to protect yourself from those dreadful ranged attacks. Cubone/Diglett can sometimes help Machamp land one of his attacks with end-lag, leading into a combo. Reshiram/Cresselia is a good set in general, since it's always nice to have healing from Cresselia!

Allocate your skill points and choose your cheer skill based on your playstyle. I prioritize my skill points in defense, then attack, then synergy, and finally, support. That's just how I play – you can spread these however you want and end up fine. I personally use the Synergy Cheer Skill. Why do I use that one? Because I chose that one a long time ago and have been too lazy to change it.

Combos:

We're moving onto my favorite section of the guide! All of Machamp's combos fall into the 'high risk, high reward' category, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it means you need to be careful!

Down X X --> Jump Forward --> Midair Y --> Down X X --> Down A
Don't jump immediately after landing the Down X X. Time it so that Machamp's fists will be lined up with the opponent for the Midair Y. Otherwise, you won't be able to land the second Down X X! Once you land that, you're home-free! Oh, and remember that the initial Down X X can be used interchangeably with the charged Forward X.

Midair X --> Up Y Y
There's a chance I stole this one from the Combo Dojo… A pretty big chance, but hey – it's an easy to use, high-damaging combo! There's not much else to say about this one.

Up Forward A --> Down Y --> Down X X --> Jump Forward --> Midair Y --> Back A
This is the mother of all stylish combos! Here are a few tips to land this beast: land the Up Forward A BEHIND your opponent, carefully time that jump, and use the Back A immediately as you land! It's a lot easier to pull off than it sounds. Just go to free training and perform it a few times!

X+A (Counter) --> Enhanced Neutral A
I can't remember if this combo came from the combo dojo or not… It probably did. Anyways, this is one of the Enhanced Neutral A's best uses! You're bound to use a counter at some point, so you might as well max out your damage potential and throw in the Neutral A!

Forward Y Y Y --> Down X X
I use this combo much less than some of the other ones, but the Forward Ys make for a quick attack to stop a quick opponent. Make sure you don't hit the Y button a fourth time when starting this combo. After landing the Down X X, you can go for an Up X or Down A. Sadly, a Midair Y will switch it to Field Phase before you have the opportunity to land a powerful combo-finisher.

(Opponent Against Wall) --> Down Y --> Up Y Y
Some ideal moves for knocking your opponent up against the wall are the Forward X, Down X X, or even a counter attack! Then, input the Down Y and Up Y Y as quickly as possible!

Back Y --> Enhanced Neutral A
This combo only works in Field Phase. I repeat: it only works in FIELD PHASE! Once the rock hits, you're pretty much guaranteed to shift it to Duel Phase. As we know, Duel Phase is (almost) always a good thing!

For less practical (but equally stylish) combos, check out my thread HERE.

Conclusion:

That about wraps it up… Thank you very much for reading my guide, and I hope you enjoyed it! We are the Machampions, my friends! We will keep on fighting 'til the end!

If anyone has any questions or comments, please leave a post in the comments below!

 

[Pebbles]

Here is my third draft! I've read through it a few times, but there may be a few mistakes that I missed... I'd greatly appreciate it if someone could take a look at it and give me a few pointers. (Also, I'll resize the pictures and make them look nice later, so don't worry about those.)

need some assistance with a cover image?​

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

need some assistance with a cover image?​

Considering my artistic skills are equivalent to those of a five-year-old, I'd say I definitely need some assistance... Thank you very much!

I've never written a Daily article before, so I have a silly question... Do I tell you what I want the image to look like, or do you just handle that for me?

Thanks again. {XD}

 

[Pebbles]

Considering my artistic skills are equivalent to those of a five-year-old, I'd say I definitely need some assistance... Thank you very much!

I've never written a Daily article before, so I have a silly question... Do I tell you what I want the image to look like, or do you just handle that for me?

Thanks again. {XD}

you tell me what you want the image to look like
keep in mind, i do not draw, i only do photoshop​

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

you tell me what you want the image to look like
keep in mind, i do not draw, i only do photoshop​

Photoshop will be perfect!

Have you seen the back of the Pokken Tournament Wii U case, where all the playable characters are lined up? Would it be possible to highlight Machamp and darken the other fighters, drawing more attention to my favorite fighting-type?

If not, I'll go back to the drawing board... :P

 

[Pebbles]

Photoshop will be perfect!

Have you seen the back of the Pokken Tournament Wii U case, where all the playable characters are lined up? Would it be possible to highlight Machamp and darken the other fighters, drawing more attention to my favorite fighting-type?

If not, I'll go back to the drawing board... :P

yes i can do that, of course
anything else? text?​

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

yes i can do that, of course
anything else? text?​

(Sorry for the late response...)

Now that you mention it, the phrase 'Four Legs Good, Four Arms Better' would look nice beneath all of the characters! You can surprise me with the font and color--I don't have any preferences. :)

 

[bobandbill]

Some comments on the text!

One thing for everywhere - replace Pokken with Pokkén (the accented é). A find + replace will do that easily enough. Same for the one case of Pokemon (Pokémon).

Before we get started, if you got the reference in the article's title, then I sympathize you having to suffer through that boring book… Unless you enjoyed that book, in which case this conversation just got awkward…

Worth linking to the book as well for those who don't get the reference but are interested. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ FIELD PHASE: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Go without the tildes, and maybe even without the capslock. On Wordpress we'll have it formatted as a heading anyway so it'll stand out enough.

Machamp's Enhanced Neutral A is an awesome of a move

Needs a re-word.

Another problem Machamp faces is speedy characters… By 'speedy' characters, I'm referring to Pikachu, Pikachu Libre, Blaziken, Braixen, Weavile, Mewtwo, Shadow Mewtwo, Chandelure – the entire cast of Pokken Tournament, to put it simply.

Bit too wordy imo. If every character being faster than it is a problem, then just say "Machamp is the slowest of the Pokken cast, and so has a problem keeping up with them."

Before using your burst attack, you should take advantage of having Bulk Up permanently charged!

I feel you should introduce Bulk Up much earlier then if this is important - it's the first mention of the move in the article, but the reader may not know of the move until now.

If you've read up until this point, then you either A) Don't have enough to do in a day or B) Have the patience of a saint… Either way, I appreciate you taking the time to read all of this. Back to the task at hand… We're moving onto my favorite section of the guide!

I'd suggest against this - it disrupts the flow of the article and isn't particularly funny imo, and makes you sound a touch 'desperate' for lack of a better word.

If anyone has any questions or comments, please let me know!

Change to 'leave a post in the comments below!' at the end, as we'll have a 'read comments' link below the article.

Overall it reads well and the images seem fine to me. =) Need an excerpt as well (short sentence or two describing the article - it goes below the thread title on the article page/Daily homepage).

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

Some comments on the text!

One thing for everywhere - replace Pokken with Pokkén (the accented é). A find + replace will do that easily enough. Same for the one case of Pokemon (Pokémon).

Worth linking to the book as well for those who don't get the reference but are interested. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Farm

Go without the tildes, and maybe even without the capslock. On Wordpress we'll have it formatted as a heading anyway so it'll stand out enough.

Bit too wordy imo. If every character being faster than it is a problem, then just say "Machamp is the slowest of the Pokken cast, and so has a problem keeping up with them."

I feel you should introduce Bulk Up much earlier then if this is important - it's the first mention of the move in the article, but the reader may not know of the move until now.

I'd suggest against this - it disrupts the flow of the article and isn't particularly funny imo, and makes you sound a touch 'desperate' for lack of a better word.

Change to 'leave a post in the comments below!' at the end, as we'll have a 'read comments' link below the article.

Overall it reads well and the images seem fine to me. =) Need an excerpt as well (short sentence or two describing the article - it goes below the thread title on the article page/Daily homepage).

When I wrote the initial draft, I didn't know where to find the accented e. That will be an easy fix!

As for the 'wordy' paragraph, that was a failed attempt at humor... I'm going to assume it wasn't very funny and that I should remove it.

Should I start talking about Bulk Up in the first or second paragraph? Where do you think would be a good spot to introduce that spectacular move? EDIT: I moved Bulk Up into the paragraph where I discuss Enhanced Neutral A. Does it look out of place there, or is it alright?

Thank you very much for taking the time to correct this! I'll get started on those grammatical errors, removing the tildes, disposing of some dull jokes, and linking the book.

Oh, and where should I write the excerpt? Should I put it in the post with the guide for the time being?

Thanks again!

 

[Pebbles]

(Sorry for the late response...)

Now that you mention it, the phrase 'Four Legs Good, Four Arms Better' would look nice beneath all of the characters! You can surprise me with the font and color--I don't have any preferences. :)

 

[bobandbill]

When I wrote the initial draft, I didn't know where to find the accented e. That will be an easy fix!

Depending on your OS/keyboard setup, there's ways to type it out (e.g. for me on Windows it's ctrl+' before typing e). At worst, googling 'pokemon' gets you to accented versions of the e to copy easily enough. Or just scroll to the bottom of any page on PC - it's in the site name! =)

Should I start talking about Bulk Up in the first or second paragraph? Where do you think would be a good spot to introduce that spectacular move? EDIT: I moved Bulk Up into the paragraph where I discuss Enhanced Neutral A. Does it look out of place there, or is it alright?

Seems fine to me!

Oh, and where should I write the excerpt? Should I put it in the post with the guide for the time being?

Thanks again!

In that post works. If in a separate post just make it clear it's the excerpt, is all.

Pebbles - looks good to me! Nice effect. =)

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

Oh my gosh, that is incredible! Thank you so much!

It's exactly what I had in mind, and yet it's so much more. Also, I really like your choice with the font. Overall, this is perfect, and I can't wait to post my article!

 

[Ky0greK1ng]

In that post works. If in a separate post just make it clear it's the excerpt, is all.

Unfortunately, I have to manually copy and paste the e... Although I will keep in mind that it's at the bottom of the website. That'll be better than going to Google every single time.

I'll work on writing that later today or tomorrow. A sentence or two shouldn't be too hard. {XD}

 

[bobandbill]

This has approval! One minor change to the end (referring to comments thread rather than comments below) is it.

I'll see to putting this up during my morning.