A projectile is an attack or object that operates independently of the character that used it. They are typically used to create pressure on an opponent. This may be shield pressure or pressure to give up stage control. Common examples of projectiles include the Charge Shot, Blaster shots, and thrown items. Almost all projectiles can be reflected, while others can also be absorbed.
A majority of characters have at least one projectile attack, while some have two or even three, and for the most part, one these projectiles serves as the character's neutral special attack. It is considered a disadvantage to lack a projectile (with there being 13 characters who do not have a projectile), as they can be very useful in both approaching and camping out opponents' approaches. Projectiles also cause the target to take hitlag while the user does not, which allows a few free frames of action.
As projectiles are (in general) considered indirect attacks, the vast majority of enemies in the Subspace Emissary resist them outside of any weak points they may have — in fact, only Porky, Meta Ridley, and Tabuu do not. Projectiles are also generally special moves executed with the B button, but since Brawl, some characters, such as Snake, Olimar, the Villager, and Mega Man, have standard attacks that are projectiles.
Projectiles used by characters
This table includes all non-Final Smash projectiles for every character, as well as some important properties of each. Note that, while a projectile may not be absorbable, that does not exclude the ability to be Pocketed.
Characters without projectiles
The following playable characters currently lack any projectiles.