Sword

Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe artwork

Sword

Name (JA)

ソード (Sōdo)

- Meaning

Sword

In Games

In the anime

#J03/#E03 - #J04/#E04 - #J21/#E19 - #J83/#E83 - #J60/#E60

Type

Weaponry

Appearance

Green, conic cap with a yellow cotton ball at the point similar to one worn by Link in The Legend of Zelda series.

Properties

With Ability Scroll (Fire, Ice and Spark, via Fire Sword, Ice Sword, and Thunder Sword mix abilities, respectively)
Sizzle and Bluster (Morpho Knight Sword only)

Other Powers

Cuts rope and grass

Regular enemies

Sword Knight, Blade Knight, Heavy Knight, Snapper, Swordory

Bosses

Dark Meta Knight's stars, Meta Knight's offered sword or projectiles, Galacta Knight's cutter projectiles, Flamberge's cooled down sword, Clawroline's thrown claws, Phantom Clawroline's thrown claws, Phantom Meta Knight's offered sword

amiibo

Meta Knight, Link, Marth, Ike, Roy

“	Slice through this new world as a sword-wielding, green-hatted hero! Try charging up before you swing for extra power. Train hard, and become this world's new sword master!”
	— Capsule description • Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Sword is one of Kirby's Copy Abilities, debuting in Kirby's Adventure. By eating sword wielding foes, Kirby becomes a skilled swordsman capable of using a variety of techniques.

General Information

Perhaps one of his most iconic powers, Sword Kirby wears a long green hat similar to Link from The Legend of Zelda series and wields a sword. Beyond its design, the Sword ability is often easily accessed, as Kirby can get it from a wide array of enemies in each game. Notable sword-yielding enemies include Sword Knight, Blade Knight, and Heavy Knight. Meta Knight is known to chivalrously offer Kirby a sword before Kirby fights him.

Sword is also one of the few abilities that may be used while under water, along with Parasol, Hammer, UFO, Master, Spear, Bell, and Staff.

In earlier Kirby games, Sword Kirby's moveset is limited to a basic horizontal swipe. However, in more recent games, Sword Kirby is capable of using more advanced swordplay techniques, sometimes including Final Cutter, one of Cutter's primary attacks.

In Kirby: Squeak Squad, the Sword ability can be mixed into Ice Sword, Fire Sword, or Thunder Sword with the correct ability. However, this can only be done if Kirby finds the necessary Ability Scroll.

In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, there is a Sword Challenge that can be accessed after collecting seven Energy Spheres.

Sword is a Mode for Robobot Armor in Kirby: Planet Robobot.

In Kirby: Planet Robobot, using the Kirby series Meta Knight amiibo will result in Kirby obtaining a unique costume, which has Meta Knight's color scheme, a mini Meta Knight mask and a replica of Galaxia.

In Team Kirby Clash, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, and Super Kirby Clash, Sword (referred to as Sword Hero) is one of the four roles Kirby can choose from. The Sword Hero's Spin Slash and Twister Slash can be charged to up to 3 levels, but no longer give invincibility to Kirby. A unique aspect given to the Sword Hero was his shield, which renders him completely immune to most attacks, and also shields other allies within a small area.

Moveset

Move	Controls	Description	Notes
Overhead Slash	B/Y/1	Kirby slashes forwards with his sword.	This attack was known as Chop. Kirby swings automatically.
Sword Beam	B/Y/1 with full health	Kirby slashes and a blade of energy comes out to damage enemies.	This attack was known as Chop & beam.
Uppercut	B/Y after Chop	Kirby makes a second quick slash motion up. It is less accurate than the Sword Slash, but it is more powerful and can hit slightly airborne enemies.	This attack only appears in Kirby Super Star and its remake.
Multisword Attack	B/Y/1 after Overhead Slash (Most games) B B B	Kirby attacks with fast barrage of stabs that are nearly impossible to see.	This attack occurs after Uppercut and Kirby rapidly stabs with a lot of horizontal range. This attack was known as the Multi-sword attack. Kirby is invincible while flashing.
Cleave	B/Y/1 after Multisword Attack	Kirby ends his rapid slashing with one final swing.	This attack was only named in Kirby Battle Royale and Kirby's Dream Collection: Special Edition as Final Stroke ; it is otherwise considered part of Multisword Attack
Drill Stab	Dash + B/Y/1 (Most games) ↓ + A/B	Kirby lunges forwards with his sword extended.	This attack was known as the Sword stab. This attack was known as the Sword Slide. Deals more damage than the Normal slide. This attack was known as the Lunging Stab.
Sword Spin	Dash + B/Y/1 in midair B/Y/1 in midair	Kirby rolls with his sword extended.
Underwater Spin	B/Y/1 underwater	Kirby rolls with his sword extended while underwater.	This attack only works underwater.
Chop and Thrust	B/Y/1 in midair	Kirby slashes and holds his sword in the air, doing damage and pushing Kirby back.	This attack was known as Chop, creating ambiguity with the grounded move of the same name. If Kirby holds out his sword for a prolonged period of time before striking an enemy, the sword will go through the enemy and Kirby will not be pushed back. Due to how Kirby and the Forgotten Land in 3D platformer, this move is absent from this game.
Hat Thrust	Chop and Thrust, and then ↓ + B/Y in midair Hold B/Y during Chop and Thrust, then ↓	Kirby holds his sword downwards and can bounce off the enemy this way. Similar to the Down Thrust in Kirby Super Star/Kirby Super Star Ultra, but Kirby does not retract his sword after hitting the enemy.	This attack debuted in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The move is absent in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Down Thrust	↓ + B/Y/1 in midair	Kirby thrusts his sword downwards below himself.	In the original, this attack was known as the Down air stab. Down Thrust works near identically to Chop and Thrust, sharing the same ending animation and slightly more damage with a slightly smaller hitbox. Hat Thrust effectively replaces this move in the following games. Down Thrust is executed identically to Meta Knight's; he drops straight down at a higher speed and is not pushed back by enemies after attacking. The move is absent in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Upward Slash	↑ + B/Y/1	Kirby jumps and slashes upwards with his sword, damaging enemies above him.	This attack debuted in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
Sword Dive	↓ + B/Y/1 while rising during Upward Slash	Kirby slams down on top of foes as if using Final Cutter.	This attack debuted in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. This move was most likely added as an "optional" move because Cutter's arsenal once again included Final Cutter.
Final Sword	↑ + B (cannot be used in midair)	Kirby jumps in the air and does a flip, then he falls, sword outstretched throughout the move; landing produces a projectile that moves along the ground. This move comes from Cutter, but the first two slashes are removed.
Spin Slash	Press and hold B/Y/1, and then release	Kirby spins many times with his sword extended.	This attack debuted in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.
Twister Slash	Press and hold B/Y, and then release + ↑	Kirby jumps while spinning many times with his sword extended.	This attack debuted in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.
Sky Energy Sword	Press and hold ↑, and then B/Y	Kirby raises his sword over his head to charge it with energy. He then performs a Crescent Shot upon using Overhead Slash or Chop and Thrust.	This attack debuted in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The move was absent in both Kirby Star Allies (due to the mechanic of weapon raising to obtain elemental attributes) and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
Super Spin Slash	Press and hold B/Y longer, and then release	Kirby spins many times with his sword extended that lasts for a longer period of time.	This attack debuted in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

Damage Values

Move	Damage	Damage	Damage	Damage ^[1]	Damage
Overhead Slash	16	16	20 (early), 16 (late)	20 (early), 16 (late)	35
Sword Beam	16	16	16, 4 (repeated use)	16	N/A
Uppercut	18	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Multisword Attack/Cleave	8 (all hits)	8 (1st hit, no combo from Overhead Slash), 7 (combo'd 1st hit / 2nd, 3rd hits), 10 (4th hit), 28 / 32 (5th hit near / far); max. damage = 63	9 (1st hit), 4 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th hits), 20 (5th hit)	6 (initial hits), 20 (final hit)
Drill Stab	12 (1st hit), untested (2nd hit)	12 (1st hit), 10 (2nd hit)	12 (1st hit), 2 (2nd hit)	12
Sword Spin/Underwater Spin	12	12	12 (1st hit), 6 (2nd hit/repeat hits)	12	20
Chop and Thrust	22	16	22 (early), 16 (late), 6 (repeat hits)	22 (early), 16 (late)	N/A
Down Thrust	24	22 (sword), 16 (impact)	22 (sword), 6 (grazing hit), 16 (impact) 8 (combo'd)	8 (startup), 30 (falling), 16 (shock wave)	N/A
Hat Thrust	N/A	N/A	16 (1st hit), 3 (repeat hits)	16	N/A
Upward Slash	N/A	12 (1st hit), 8 (2nd hit)	8 (startup), 12 (ascent), 5 (early hits), 3 (late hits)	12	N/A
Sword Dive	N/A	12 (dive hit not combo'd from Upward Slash), 10 (dive hit combo'd), 32 (ground impact)	24 (dive hit not combo'd from Upward Slash), 12 (grazing hit), 4 (dive hit combo'd), 24 (ground impact), 16 (if combo'd)	8 (startup), 12 (dive), 24 (impact)	N/A
Final Sword	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	35 (1st hit), 10 (Wave)
Spin Slash	N/A	12 (1st hit), 10 (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th hits), 28 (6th hit); max. damage = 80	12 (if not combo'd from Overhead Slash), 5 (if combo'd, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th hits), 18 (6th hit)	12 (initial hits), 26 (final hit)	N/A
Twister Slash	N/A	N/A	8 (if not combo'd from Overhead Slash), 3 (if combo'd, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th hits), 11 (6th hit)	8 (initial hits), 18 (final hit)	N/A
Sky Energy Sword	N/A	N/A	24	24 (unused)	N/A

Kirby Battle Royale Moveset

Move	Controls	Description	Damage (Robo Bonkers)
Horizontal Slash	B	Kirby slashes his sword in front of him. Similar to Overhead Slash, but performed horizontally.	40
Successive Slash	B + B	Kirby rapidly slashes in front of him following the horizontal slash. Similar to Multisword Attack.	30x4
Cleave	B + B + B	Kirby finishes his rapid slashing with a slam into the ground.	125
Sword Spin	B during jump	Kirby spins his sword around him perpendicular to the ground.	65
Spin Slash	Hold/release B	Kirby charges up his sword with energy, and then spins parallel to the ground. Kirby can move while charging.	500
Drill Stab	Y	Kirby lunges forward with his sword outstretched. Can be used in the air.	65x3

Video

Kirby Battle Royale Sword, Bomb, and Cutter Showcase

Robobot Armor Mode

Move	Controls	Description	Element
Power Beam Saber	B	The Robobot Armor slashes forward with a beam blade.	Zap
Combo Beam Slash	B repeatedly	The Robobot Armor performs a combo attack consisting of four chops forward and one final spinning move.	Zap
Twin Saber Dance	↓ + B	The Robobot Armor drills downward with two beam blades.	None

Elemental Attributes in Kirby Star Allies

Move	Blizzard Sword	Bluster Sword	Sizzle Sword	Splash Sword	Zap Sword
Drill Stab	Kirby leaves a trail of crystalline ice on the ground behind him.	Kirby dashes forward for a much greater distance.	Kirby leaves a trail of fire on the ground behind him.	Kirby leaves a trail of water on the ground behind him.	Kirby leaves a trail of sparks on the ground behind him.
Sword Spin	N/A	Kirby floats up a small distance when performing this move.	N/A	N/A	N/A
Chop and Thrust	N/A	Kirby's falling speed is slowed while he performs this move.	N/A	N/A	N/A
Hat Thrust	N/A	Kirby descends slowly.	N/A	N/A	N/A
Down Thrust	When Kirby slams into the ground, he creates four icicles, two to either side of him.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he raises a small whirlwind around himself.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he creates a fiery explosion that sets off a blaze on the floor.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he releases two water droplets that splash to either side of him.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he summons a bolt of lightning to hit his sword and create a small electrical explosion.
Upward Slash	Kirby creates a mass of crystalline ice as he leaps upward.	Kirby leaps up a much greater distance.	N/A	Kirby releases a fine mist of water before he leaps into the air.	N/A
Sword Dive	Kirby shatters the ice he made with the Upward Slash, shooting ice debris forward.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he raises a large whirlwind around himself.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he leaps forward and slams his sword into the ground again, sending a wave of fire forward.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he releases three water droplets that splash onto the ground, two in front of himself and one behind himself.	When Kirby slams into the ground, he summons a bolt of lightning to hit his sword and create a large electrical explosion.
Spin Slash	Kirby creates four large icicles, two to either side of him.	Kirby leaps into the air while spinning, creating a small cyclone.	Kirby creates a fiery cyclone that sets off a blaze on any nearby floor.	Kirby releases four water droplets that splash onto the ground, two to either side of himself.	After charging, Kirby raises his sword to absorb a bolt of lightning, then uses it to create a large electrical explosion as he spins.
Twister Slash	N/A	Kirby leaps high into the air while spinning, creating a large cyclone.	N/A	Kirby releases three water droplets that splash onto the ground, one in front of himself and two behind himself.	At the apex of his jump, Kirby summons a bolt of lightning onto himself, creating a large electrical explosion.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land movesets

Sword is tied with Hammer for the largest number of evolutions it can attain in Kirby and the Forgotten Land, with three such evolutions each. Gigant sword is slower than the base ability but hits harder per strike and forgoes dodging in favor of giving Kirby a shield that completely blocks most attacks (but makes Kirby very slow moving); Meta Knight Sword closely emulates Meta Knight's move set in the game; and Morpho Knight sword (obtained very late in the game) emulates Morpho Knight's attacks (resulting in this copy ability having properties reminiscent of both of its prior evolutions depending on whether Kirby has recently used Morpho Slam/Morpho Giant Slam) and even allowing Kirby to heal slightly when he uses certain attacks. None of Sword's variations give Kirby invincibility frames during certain attacks, however, unlike many 2D Kirby games; in addition, sword (and its evolutions) lacks the Sword Beam as Sword or Gigant Sword, Underwater Spin, Chop and Thrust, Hat Thrust, Down Thrust, and Sky Energy Sword as Sword or Gigant Sword abilities in this game. However, Drill Stab can be performed by Slide instead of Dash + B or Dash + Y, similar to Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Kirby: Squeak Squad's Sword Slide.

Techniques

Move	Controls		Description	Element
Move	Type A	Type B	Description	Element
Shared Moves
Move while charging	L-Stick during Hold "Attack"		Kirby moves while charging the attack, but cannot jump. However, Gigant Sword and Morpho Knight Sword's Gigant version move very slowly.	N/A
Sword
Horizontal Slash	B	Y	Kirby slashes with his sword in front of him. Similar to Overhead Slash, but performed horizontally.	None
Multisword Attack	B after Horizontal Slash	Y after Horizontal Slash	Kirby slashes multiple times quickly.	None
Cleave	B after Multisword Attack	Y after Multisword Attack	Kirby ends his rapid slashing with one final swing.	None
Sword Spin	B in midair	Y in midair	Kirby spins his sword around him in the air.	None
Spin Slash	Hold B and release	Hold Y and release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash.	None
Super Spin Slash	Hold B longer, then release	Hold Y longer, then release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash that lasts for a longer period of time.	None
Twister Slash	A during Super Spin Slash	B during Super Spin Slash	Kirby jumps while performing a spinning slash.	None
Drill Stab	L/R + A	L/R + B	Kirby lunges forwards with his sword extended.	None
Upward Slash	A during Drill Stab	B during Drill Stab	Kirby jumps and slashes upwards with his sword, damaging enemies above him.	None
Sword Dive	B during Upward Slash	Y during Upward Slash	Kirby slams down on top of foes as if using Final Cutter.	None
Counter Slash	B after a Perfect Dodge	Y after a Perfect Dodge	Like Cleave, Kirby performs the last slash of the Multisword Attack.	None
Gigant Sword
Gigant Slash	B	Y	Kirby slashes with his giant blade.	None
Gigant Combo Slash	B + B after Gigant Slash	Y + Y after Gigant Slash	Kirby slashes two more times with his giant blade.	None
Gigant Cleave	B after Gigant Combo Slash	Y after Gigant Combo Slash	Kirby ends his third slashing with one final swing.	None
Gigant Spin	B in midair	Y in midair	Kirby spins with his giant blade in the air.	None
Gigant Crack	Hold B and release	Hold Y and release	Kirby charges up, then performs a slow but powerful slam.	None
Super Gigant Crack	Hold B longer, then release	Hold Y longer, then release	Kirby charges up longer, then performs a larger slamming attack.	None
Gigant Shield	L/R		Kirby pulls out a shield in front of him. While guarding, he can walk and rotate around, but can no longer dodge. The shield's spikes deal minor damage to enemies that touch it.	None
Gigant Stab	L/R and A	L/R and B	Kirby lunges forwards with his giant blade extended.	None
Gigant Upward Slash	A during Gigant Stab	B during Gigant Stab	Kirby jumps and slashes upwards with his giant blade, damaging enemies above him.	None
Gigant Dive	B during Gigant Upward Slash	Y during Gigant Upward Slash	Kirby slams down, creating a large shockwave upon impact.	None
Meta Knight Sword
Meta Slash	B	Y	Kirby slashes with his Galaxia.	None
Meta Double Slash	B after Meta Slash	Y after Meta Slash	Kirby slashes with his Galaxia one more times, ending his attack with a wide overhead slash.	None
Meta Cleave	B after Meta Double Slash	Y after Meta Double Slash	Kirby ends his second slashing with one final swing.	None
Knight Spin	B in midair	Y in midair	Kirby spins with the Galaxia in the air.	None
Crescent Shot	Meta Slash/Meta Double Slash/Meta Cleave/Knight Spin while at full health		Kirby releases dark purple crescent-shaped sword beams with his Galaxia.	None
Meta Spin Slash	Hold B and release	Hold Y and release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash.	None
Meta Super Spin Slash	Hold B longer, then release	Hold Y longer, then release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash that lasts for a longer period of time. The move finishes with a massive shockwave with bats.	None
Mach Tornado	A during Meta Super Spin Slash	B during Meta Super Spin Slash	Kirby jumps while performing a spinning slash.	None
Piercing Slash	L/R + A	L/R + B	Kirby lunges forwards with his sword extended.	None
Meta Upper	A during Piercing Slash	B during Piercing Slash	Kirby jumps and slashes upwards with his sword, damaging enemies above him.	None
Upper Calibur	B during Meta Upper	Y during Meta Upper	Kirby does multiple, fast slices in the air. Pressing B repeatedly will attack more before finishing with a powerful downward strike that produces a purple shockwave beneath Kirby.	None
Counter Slash	B after a Perfect Dodge	Y after a Perfect Dodge	Like Cleave, Kirby performs the last slash of the Multisword Attack.	None
Morpho Knight Sword
Morpho Backhand Slash	B	Y	Kirby performs a backhand slash with his Doomblade.	Sizzle
Morpho Double Slash	B after Morpho Backhand Slash	Y after Morpho Backhand Slash	Kirby slashes one more time with his Doomblade.	Sizzle
Morpho Cleave	B after Morpho Double Slash	Y after Morpho Double Slash	Kirby ends his second slashing with one final swing. This move has life drain on the last hit.	Sizzle
Morpho Spin	B in midair	Y in midair	Kirby spins in the air with his Doomblade.	Sizzle
Morpho Spin Slash	Hold B, then release	Hold Y, then release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash.	Sizzle
Morpho Super Spin Slash	Hold B longer, then release	Hold Y longer, then release	Kirby charges up, then performs a spinning slash that lasts for a longer period of time. The move finishes with a massive shockwave with fiery butterflies. This attack drains life from hit opponents.	Sizzle
Morpho Twister Slash	A during Morpho Super Spin Slash	B during Morpho Super Spin Slash	Kirby jumps while performing a spinning slash.	Sizzle
Sukhavati New World Slash-Flash	Hold B much longer, then release	Hold Y much longer, then release	Kirby charges up, then their Doomblade grows in size into a giant Doomblade, then performs a slow but powerful slam that releases a singular fiery tornado. It finishes with the sword being large for a short while. Kirby can also use this move to pound stakes.	Sizzle, Bluster (tornado)
Super Sukhavati New World Slash-Flash	Hold B even longer, then release	Hold Y even longer, then release	Kirby charges up longer, then performs a larger slamming attack that releases two fiery tornadoes. It finishes with the Doomblade being large for a short while. Like Sukhavati New World Slash-Flash, Kirby can also use this move to pound stakes.	Sizzle, Bluster (tornadoes)
Giant Morpho Slash	After Morpho Slam, B	After Morpho Slam, Y	Kirby slashes with his giant Doomblade.	Sizzle
Giant Morpho Combo Slash	After Morpho Slam, B + B after Giant Morpho Slash	After Morpho Slam, Y + Y after Giant Morpho Slash	Kirby slashes two more times with his giant Doomblade.	Sizzle
Giant Morpho Cleave	B after Giant Morpho Combo Slash	Y after Giant Morpho Combo Slash	Kirby ends his third slashing with one final swing.	Sizzle
Judgment Shot	B at full health	Y at full health	Kirby shoots scarlet crescent-shaped beams from his Doomblade as he swings it.	Sizzle
Crescent Judgement Shot	Morpho Backhand Slash/Morpho Double Slash/Morpho Cleave/Morpho Spin while at full health		Kirby releases glowing red crescent-shaped sword beams with his Doomblade.	Sizzle
Giant Judgement Shot	After Morpho Slam, B at full health	After Morpho Slam, Y at full health	Kirby slashes with his giant Doomblade, and fires a large glowing red arc-shaped beam.	Sizzle
Giant Crescent Judgement Shot	After Morpho Slam, Giant Morpho Slash/Giant Morpho Combo Slash/Giant Morpho Cleave while at full health		Kirby releases large glowing red crescent-shaped sword beams with his Doomblade.	Sizzle
Morpho Piercing Slash	L/R + A	L/R + B	Kirby lunges forwards with his blade extended.	Sizzle
Morpho Upper	A after Morpho Piercing Slash or Teleport	B after Morpho Piercing Slash or Teleport	Kirby jumps and slashes upwards with his blade, damaging enemies above him.	Sizzle
Morpho Dive	B after Morpho Upper	Y after Morpho Upper	Kirby slams down on top of foes with a powerful downward strike as if he was using Final Cutter, which produces a red shockwave and a lingering flame beneath him.	Sizzle
Sukhavati Psychic Beast	Hold L/R + B then release	Hold L/R + Y then release	Kirby summons two Soul Forgo familiars that orbit him and float towards nearby enemies.	Sizzle
Sukhavati Scale Wave	Hold L/R + B then release in midair	Hold L/R + Y then release in midair	Kirby releases a wave of energy by buzzing his wings, identical to the one Morpho Knight uses to tilt the player's screen.	None
Teleport	Dodge		Kirby's dodge is replaced with a teleport, allowing him to rapidly reposition farther than the normal dodge with minimal risk of taking damage. A shockwave is produced when Kirby reappears. Kirby's direction when teleporting can be influenced while moving by tilting the Control Stick.	N/A
Counter Slash	B after a Perfect Dodge	Y after a Perfect Dodge	Like Cleave, Kirby performs the last slash of the Multisword Attack.	Sizzle

Sword Spin
Gigant Slash
Gigant Combo Slash
Gigant Spin
Gigant Slam
Meta Triple Slash
Knight Spin
Meta Super Spin Slash
Judgment Shot
Morpho Spin
Morpho Slam
Giant Morpho Slash
Giant Morpho Combo Slash
Giant Morpho Spin Slash

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

	This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon.	(Similar)

Along with Fighter, this is perhaps one of Kirby's most powerful melee abilities in the anime. It uses the same green hat, but the color of the blade itself is yellow-gold instead of silver or blue.

The ability retains several of its previous attacks, such as Spinning Sword, but also adds the powerful Sword Beam. Taught to him by Meta Knight, it is an attack that uses the limits of one's power in a huge blade of energy (if Kirby can clear his mind first). It cannot be blocked except for when Kracko used one his powerful lightning bolts to block it. Sword Kirby can also cause his sword to expand in size, but he only does that in one episode, Kirby's Duel Role. It's also possible for the sword to be broken as shown in Crusade for the Blade.

Similar to Sword is the Galaxia ability, which works the same way, only much more powerful (another difference is how the regular Sword Beam is white, but the Galaxia Sword Beam is green-yellow).

Transformation Sequence

Sword Kirby Transformation (English)

Sword Kirby Transformation

In the transformation sequence, Kirby spins and forms his hat, the tip of which then falls on his face. He straightens the hat and takes out his sword.

Appearances

Sword, along with Tornado and Ice, are the fourth most commonly seen Copy Abilities in the anime, with five appearances each. If Galaxia appearances are also counted, it would have seven appearances, making it the second most common ability in the anime. For the purposes of this list, however, Sword and Galaxia are considered separate abilities.

In the Super Smash Bros. series

Sword Kirby appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

The hats Kirby gets when copying Link, Young Link, and Toon Link look just like Sword Kirby's hat (but Kirby gets either a boomerang or a bow & arrow, and not a sword), though this is to be expected since Sword's hat is a reference to Link in the first place. Sword's version of Final Cutter is taken from these games.

Flavor Texts

Game	Flavor text
	Use the sword to defeat enemies! If you attack in midair, Kirby will spin and slash!
	The King of weapons! Fire beams from the tip of your sword. Become a master by practicing multi-sword attacks.
	I can't lose with this sword! If they zig, I cut 'em! (If they zag, I cut 'em, too!)
	CUT
	You wield the king of blades! At full health, you shoot beams! Show your sword mastery!
	Don a green hat and take sword in hand! Spin Slash! Do a Sword Dive as your finishing strike! It's all about the flourish.
	The undisputed king of melee weapons. Drill Stab, Down Thrust, Spin Slash--the list goes on. Finish with a Sword Dive, and then raise your blade to the heavens and let out a war cry!
	The undisputed king of melee weapons. Drill Stab, Down Thrust, Spin Slash—the list goes on. Finish with a Sword Dive, and then raise your blade to the heavens and let out a war cry!
	The undisputed king of melee weapons. Drill Stab, Down Thrust, Spin Slash - the list goes on. You can even pretend to be a certain legendary green hero!
	Get close to your opponent and slash! An easy ability to learn, even for novices.
	Use ↑ to raise your noble blade, and then work with a friend to add Sizzle, Zap, Blizzard, and other effects to it! If you've got an icy blade, create ice and smash it with a Sword Dive. Got a windy blade? Use its wild updraft!

Related Quotes

“	Kirby is brave when he has a sword!”
	— Intro description • Kirby's Adventure

“	Sword Kirby's a blur as he swings his sword at incredible speeds. He can also cut ropes and grass.”
	— Some Copy Abilities • Kirby: Squeak Squad Instruction Booklet

“	A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a sword-wielding foe or a sword itself. Doing so provides Kirby with a rapid sword slash, a jumping sword spin, or even the energy-beam blast of the Final Sword. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that this is the #1 Copy Ability in terms of accessibility.”
	— Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Brawl

“	When Kirby dons a green cap and gets that blade in his hand, watch out! Launch charge attacks, lightning-speed slices, and more.”
	— Sword's description • Kirby's Return to Dream Land official site

“	Cut evil down to size with the sword of science! Power Beam Saber!”
	— In-game description for the Sword Mode of Robobot Armor • Kirby: Planet Robobot

“	That green cap makes Kirby seem heroic, doesn't it? Maybe wearing it just inspires Kirby, but while he's wearing it, he gets all kinds of neat moves, like Spin Slash, Multisword Attack, and Sword Dive. He's even able to pull off these moves in the air, on the ground, or underwater!”
	— Trophy Description • Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

“	Deliver swiping and slashing attacks!”
	— Kirby Battle Royale - Kirby's 25th Anniversary Copy Ability Poll

“	Cool sword you've got there. Hope you're putting it to good use. Spin Slash is fairly unbeatable. Be sure to train every day!”
	— Knuckle Joe • Kirby Battle Royale

“	Jump into the melee with moves like Drill Slab, Down Thrust, and Spin Slash.”
	— Official Kirby Battle Royale Website

In Other Languages

Names, etymology and in other regions
Language	Name	Definition, etymology and notes
Japanese	ソード	Officially romanized as Sword.
English	Sword
Traditional Chinese	利劍	Translates to Sharp Sword.
Simplified Chinese	利剑	Translates to Sharp Sword.
Korean	스워드	Translates to Sword.
German	Schwert	Translates to Sword.
Dutch	Zwaard	Translates to Sword.
French	Épée	Translates to Sword
Italian	Spada	Translates to Sword
Spanish	Espada	Translates to Sword

Trivia

Kirby's hat and the sword are direct references to Link, the main protagonist in The Legend of Zelda series. Despite this though, he instead gets the Boomerang when he copies Link in Super Smash Bros., and the Bow & Arrow when he copies him in Super Smash Bros. Melee and all future entries, since Kirby copies whatever his opponent's standard special is in that series.
- Kirby can only shoot sword beams when he is at full health. This is also a direct reference to The Legend of Zelda series, as in various games, Link was able to shoot beams from his sword at full health.
- The Spin Slash is a direct reference to the Spin Attack, a recurring sword technique in The Legend of Zelda series.
- The Sky Energy Sword is a direct reference to the Skyward Strike in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It functions similarly by the fact it involves pointing the sword upwards to charge in order to shoot beams of increased strength.
- The sword's current design also resembles the Master Sword in color and appearance.
In Kirby: Right Back at Ya! Kirby gets the Sword ability from a sword-wielding Bugzzy, who only gives Backdrop or Suplex in the games, and from Kracko's sword-shaped lightning bolt, even though Kracko's lightning bolts cannot be inhaled in the games.
When using the elemental sword abilities (Fire Sword, Ice Sword and Thunder Sword) in Kirby: Squeak Squad, the pom-pom and the yellow edge of Kirby's hat change colors to match the element.
Sword Kirby and the Blade Knight Helper cannot use Up Thrust; this move is instead only usable by Meta Knight and Sword Knight, who are only playable in certain sub-games in Kirby Super Star Ultra.
Sword is the only Copy Ability to have more than one Helper for it in Helper to Hero.
In Kirby's Return to Dream Land, there is an upgraded version of Sword called Ultra Sword, alongside other Super Abilities.
The Spin Slash attack was originally seen in the Kirby GCN trailer. It was transferred to Kirby's Return to Dream Land in the end.
Notes from the ESRB that explain Kirby: Triple Deluxe’s E rating explicitly mention the Sword ability, saying: "As players traverse through colorful levels, they defeat enemies by swallowing them, spitting back projectiles or using “cartoony” weapons (e.g., swords, whips, bows)."^[2]
In Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Sword's alternate costume is Blade Knight's helmet. This outfit would return in Kirby Fighters 2.
In the 25th Anniversary Poll that ran on the Official Kirby Website, Sword was unveiled on November 7, 2017 to have placed in the top ten.^[3]
In Kirby Star Allies, Zap Sword looks very similar to the Levin Sword from the Fire Emblem series.
In Kirby Star Allies, a sword that looks very similarly to the one from this ability appears as one of the symbols on Void Termina's body.
In Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn, the Wire Ravel Ability gives Kirby a paperclip sword that functions in a similar manner to the Sword Copy Ability.
In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, if Sword Kirby disarms Meta Knight or Phantom Meta Knight, it is possible to grab Galaxia, which automatically changes Kirby's ability to Meta Knight Sword, regardless of which evolution Sword is set to; this also allows Kirby to use the Meta Knight Sword before properly obtaining its Blueprint and purchasing the evolution.
The Gigant Sword evolution is referred to as "KirbySwordGalactic" in the game's code, implying that at some point in the game's development the second Sword upgrade was going to be Galacta Knight's lance, as Galacta Knight's Japanese name translates to "Galactic Knight."
Sword is the Copy Ability to appear in the most games, including its appearances as Sword Hero.
Starting in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Sword has become an increasingly prominent Copy Ability.
- It is the first ability obtainable in Kirby's Return to Dream Land (and is used for the sign post for copying abilities), Kirby: Triple Deluxe (although the sign post here uses Beam if the player doesn't copy Sword beforehand), Kirby Star Allies, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
- It is the first Copy Ability to have a Challenge Stage in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition.
- It is the first Copy Ability to have a Super Ability based on it, which additionally appears on the Kirby's Return to Dream Land box art, appears more frequently than other Super Abilities due to being present in multiple boss fights (one specifically against the final boss), and appears as Kirby's Final Smash starting in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.
- It is the default Copy Ability in Kirby Fighters, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby Battle Royale, and Kirby Fighters 2.
- Sword Hero is the default role in Team Kirby Clash, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, and Super Kirby Clash. It is also the only role in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe to receive bonus content from Kirby: Planet Robobot.
- It is the Copy Ability with the most Headgear in Kirby Battle Royale (due to amiibo, tied with Bomb), most Rare Hats in Kirby Fighters 2 (due to bonus content from both Kirby Star Allies and Super Kirby Clash), and most evolutions in Kirby and the Forgotten Land (tied with Hammer).
- Sword's evolutions have the most amount of changes, cost more Star Coins than most same level evolutions (excluding Gigant Sword), its third-level evolution is only obtainable in the Colosseum and can additionally be obtained by disarming Meta Knight, and the final evolution is only obtained after beating Isolated Isles: Forgo Dreams.