Should Supernova 2025 keep its anti-stalling rule?

The competitive Super Smash Bros. Ultimate community is conflicted over a strict anti-stalling rule for the upcoming Supernova competition in August 2025.

Melee God and Ultimate pro Juan ‘Hungrybox’ DeBiedma was first to bring it up to the FGC at large. As a Jigglypuff player, stalling is a massive part of his playstyle and other competitors pointed out that’s the case for some top Smash characters as well.

On May 15th, Supernova tournament organisers shared the latest version of the tournament rules. Not much was out of the usual, but Hungrybox was quick to point out the ‘Anti-Stalling Rule’ section in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate section for its strict take on the regulation.

It states: “Any player that uses a special move more than five (5) times without returning to the stage (ledge does not include stage) is stalling.”

Anyone who uses a special move five or more times off the stage will be forced to forfeit a stock. They will lose the entire game on the second infraction. If they do it a third time, the player will be disqualified.

Added Supernova: “This rule only applies to action taken beneath or outside of the stage ledges.” However, if they are using these special moves to survive and return to the stage, there will be no penalty. They then specified an example, R.O.B.’s Up Special, ‘Robo Burner,’ which lets him take out a jetpack and fly quite a long distance.

“My take is that the Anti-Stalling Rule should be removed/modified due to way too many fringe cases that could result in an accidental DQ (Bayo, Samus, Sora, Pikachu, etc),” Hungrybox tweeted.

Stalling is when a character utilises various special abilities and movements to switch up their approach as they make their way back to the stage. This can help them outmaneuver their opponent and avoid being predictable. However, some characters have a lot of extra stall tactics up their sleeve, allowing them to stay off the stage for an extended period of time.

Many Smash players agreed that the rules would be complicated to enforce. Not only would it be awkward to call on a judge if it’s suspected mid-game, but it would be quite difficult to tell if some characters are purposefully stalling or just making their way back to the stage.

One Smash player said that the rule should be time-based rather than the number of special moves. Another argued that playstyle shouldn’t be policed, since a lot of characters have stall-related tactics.

However, some Smash players felt the rule was needed to prevent characters like Min Min from exploiting off-stage and on-ledge situations. She is a straight-up zoner that doesn’t excel without the ability to control her distance from the opponent. They felt the Supernova’s rules made it clear what was allowed — getting back to the stage — versus what would lead to a penalty.

On the other hand, almost everyone agreed with the rules that followed regarding Steve’s planking and tech.

Supernova tournament organisers have not made any further statements about the controversial rule.