Some fighters are more hands-on than others. Enter grapplers, characters that excel at arm's length. While zoners are synonymous with projectiles, grapplers are defined by grabs. Every character in a fighting game can grab and throw, but grapplers rely on them to thrive in the meta.

Grappler Character Archetype Basics

Grapplers usually have specific inputs they use while grabbing an opponent, making them a bit more technical to play. These are called command grabs (note a few non-grapplers have command grabs). Some can’t be teched or escaped making these powerful moves even deadlier. Grapplers typically struggle to win if they can’t land command grabs.

The most iconic example is Zangief, who is perhaps the most famous grappler in the fighting game world.

How do Grapplers Work

Zangief’s piledriver requires players to make a 360-degree motion with the control stick, an input that you’ll quickly get used to if you want to main a big boy.

What do Grapplers Look Like

Grapplers are fairly easy to recognize. They’re generally big and slow. Like most characters, if you don’t know what you’re doing, they are hard to use.

Are Grapplers Hard to Fight

In the right hands, grapplers will dominate you. While they often aren’t at the top of the meta, skilled players can be difficult to beat.

How to Beat Grapplers

Grapplers need to be close to be effective. If you can successfully zone or keep them away, they’ll struggle to get anything started and become easy to beat.

Examples of Grapplers

Bowser and Wario are good examples in Super Smash Bros. In MK 11 Ultimate, Terminator fits the bill. King is a good one from the Tekken franchise, and Mike Haggar from Marvel Vs. Capcom exemplifies the archetype to a T.

Grappler Gameplay - Why Justin Wong Hates Zoners

Watch Zangief take on a zoner in the hands of one of the best players in the FGC for a taste of the grappler archetype, then grab participatory prizes when you enter free PlayStation fighting game tournaments.