Project+ on Smash Box - Getting Started

The Smash Box is the best alternative to a GameCube controller or fight stick for Project+. In order to help you take advantage of the precision of this arcade controller, we have compiled this post to go over the basics of the Smash Box and key techniques to learn in P+.

If you have any questions about Project+ on Smash Box, please join our community on Discord and visit the #project-m channel. In addition, be sure explore the "Smash Box" and "P+" tags at the bottom of the post for more How-To content.

The Basics

Profile and Layout

First thing to do is to ensure you are using the Default P+ profile. If you just received your Smash Box, you will have to Load the Default P+ Profile onto your Smash Box: Loading and Exporting Profiles.

We will go over the default layout we have for the Smash Box.

Each cluster of buttons are a representation of the GameCube controller flattened out!

The Analog Stick is controlled by your left fingers.
The D-pad / Tilts are controlled by your left thumb.
The C-Stick is controlled by your right thumb.
The 8-buttons on the right are controlled by your right fingers.

Smash Box is designed so that you will always be able to cover your options without contorting your hand or moving your thumbs all over the place. By following the hand position above, you will be off the best start possible!

Tilt Modifiers

In order to get certain angles, walk, and access Tilt Attacks, we use modifiers we call Tilts. By holding down Tilt 1 or Tilt 2, similar to "shift" on a keyboard, you modify the full direction of the digital directions to slight tilts.

How to play

Walking

With just the directional buttons, you only Dash. Using Tilt Modifiers, you can Walk at different speeds. The gif below showcases the different Walks using Tilt 1, Tilt 2, and X1.

Wavedash

One on the most pivotal techniques in Project+ is the Wavedash. On the Smash Box it comes down simply to the flick of the fingers. Below we showcase the various wavedash angles you can get. For more in depth info on wavedashing, check out our Melee-oriented post: SSBM - Wave Dash Angles.

Modifiers help control your wave dash distance!

Tilt Attacks

The main modifiers to use for Tilt Attacks are Tilt 1 and Tilt 2, we also use these to Walk. These give you Tilt Attacks in all directions. When you press a diagonal, however, it will give you an Angled Forward Tilt with Tilt 1 and a Turnaround Up/Down Tilt with Tilt 2.

Shield Drops

Our Shield Drop works very simply: hold Y2, hold Shield, press Down. You can use this method for standing still or running.

You can also dash/run Forward into a Shield, and simply tap Down to get Shield Drops.

Recovery Angles

Using the modifier buttons at your left thumb, you can get even more recovery angles!

The gif above showcases the main 24 recovery angles with Smash Box. Keep an eye out for a full overview of all 72 angles.

Pivots

There are a few ways to Pivot on a Smash Box, and each are more consistent than dealing with an analog stick and its snap-back. Below we showcase most pivot methods on Smash Box - after the gif are the button sequences.

Tilt 1 Pivot: Forward -> Back + Tilt 1
Tilt 2 Pivot: Forward -> Back + Tilt 2
Crouch Pivot: Forward -> Back -(immediately)> Back + Down
No Tap Pivot: Forward -> Back -(immediately)> Back + Up

SOCD Neutral

On the Smash Box, when you press Left and Right at the same time, it outputs a neutral or "center" input. This allows us to do some interesting things, like an additional option for pivots! Below is a basic showcase of how SOCD Neutral works.

DACUS

Short for "Dash Attack Cancelled Up Smash," this technique is accessible to a few characters. It allows you to cancel a dash attack while keep the momentum and get a long-range up smash.

Dash/run and Dash Attack with C-Stick Down. Hold C-Stick Down as you press Up and Z at the same:

Forward -> C-Stick Down -(immediately)> C-Stick Down + Up + Z.

Run Cancel into Jab

You can stop our run and go directly into jab. This is great for characters that have really good jabs that can confirm into combos or KOs. Simply run Forward, tap Down, then time your A for jab. (You can also use SOCD Neutral.)

Dashing out of Crouch

You can get more precision with dashing back out of crouch by using SOCD Neutral. First, start a crouch with SOCD activated (Left + Down + Right), then release Down and the direction you want to go at the same time. If done properly, you should dash back out of your crouch. And remember, this is still a difficult technique to pull off, so practice to get it down.

Pivot Tilt Attacks

Using the Tilt Pivots from above, you can use Tilt 1 and Tilt 2 to get pivot Tilt Attacks.

Pivot F-Tilt: Forward -> Tilt 1/Tilt 2 + Back + Attack
Pivot Up/Down Tilt: Forward -> Tilt 2 + Back + Up/Down + Attack
Pivot Angled F-Tilt: Forward -> Tilt 1 + Back + Up/Down + Attack

Tags: P+ Platform Fighters Smash Box