Hitbox & Hurtbox Fundamentals

Hitboxes and hurtboxes are the invisible shapes that determine when attacks connect. Understanding these concepts improves your spacing and defensive play. ## Basic Definitions ### Hitboxes - The attacking portion of moves - Usually shown in red - If a hitbox touches a hurtbox, the attack connects ### Hurtboxes - Your vulnerable areas - Usually shown in green or blue - Where you can be hit ### Special Properties - **Invulnerable**: No hurtbox during certain frames - **Projectile Invuln**: Immune to projectiles only - **Throw Invuln**: Cannot be grabbed ## Practical Applications ### Disjointed Hitboxes Attacks where the hitbox extends beyond your hurtbox are incredibly valuable: - Weapon normals - Certain kicks - Projectiles ### Low Profile Some moves shrink your hurtbox, allowing you to dodge attacks: - Many crouching normals - Certain special moves - Character-specific stances ## Common Scenarios ### Anti-Air Interactions - Strong anti-airs have hitboxes above and in front - Jump-ins extend hurtboxes downward - Upper body invulnerability beats jump-ins cleanly ### Cross-Up Situations - Ambiguous jump-ins abuse hitbox/hurtbox positioning - Some moves hit on both sides - Understanding boxes helps with defense ## Using Hitbox Knowledge 1. **Optimize Spacing**: Know the max range of your key moves 2. **Identify Low Profile Options**: Find moves that avoid common attacks 3. **Understand Trading**: Sometimes trading is favorable 4. **Meaty Timing**: Use active frames to your advantage Remember: While hitbox knowledge is valuable, don't get too caught up in frame-by-frame analysis during matches. Use it to inform your overall strategy.