Back Slash (XC1)

Back Slash (, Back Slash) is one of 's physical s in Xenoblade Chronicles and Future Connected. Activating this Art causes Shulk to jump forward at his target enemy, dealing damage to a single target. If he strikes his target from behind, he will deal twice as much damage.

Overview
Back Slash is Shulk's main method of damage. It's powerful by itself, but it probably shouldn't be used if not from behind, since not only will the bonus damage be lost but it'll make it harder for Shulk to lose the aggro so he can get behind later. Similarly, Shulk needs to be careful about using it even when in position if his aggro is still high. It's an excellent way to start battles with unaware enemies, assuming the tank can quickly compensate for the aggro generated or the target instantly dies.

In the Super Smash Bros. games
In the, Shulk uses Back Slash as his side special attack. Initiating the attack causes Shulk to jump forward with the Monado and strike the ground in an arc, dealing average damage with a clean hit, and high damage if he strikes his opponent from behind. If Shulk initiates this from the air or goes off a ledge, he will fall until he hits a solid surface or the blast line, meaning this move is not safe to use off-stage.

When Shulk uses Back Slash, the Monado's blade glows red instead of its normal blue, referencing the colour of the move's icon in his home game. In Ultimate, an additional yellow starburst effect shows on back hits, referencing the bonus effect graphic.