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Copy Ability

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KRtDLD Fire.png
The Fire ability, one of the most well-known Copy Abilities and often one of the first ones seen in games it appears in.
This familiar sound effect plays when Kirby obtains a Copy Ability (Kirby's Return to Dream Land version).
If you swallow a foe who has a special ability...
Kirby will copy its special ability!
This is Kirby's special move. It's called his Copy Ability.

— Narrator's dialogue from the Beginner's Room in Kirby Super Star Ultra

Copy Ability is a catch-all term referring to Kirby's trademark ability to inherit and utilize the special powers and/or skills of the entities he swallows using his inhale. First introduced in Kirby's Adventure, this ability grants the pink puffball a potentially massive array of different methods of attack and means of traversing the lands he finds himself in. Starting with games like Kirby Super Star, acquiring a Copy Ability also bestows a unique hat, outfit, or other distinguishing feature upon Kirby, which serves as a quick-glance way to determine what kind of power he has obtained.

When Kirby obtains a Copy Ability, he (usually) loses his ability to inhale, instead now relying on the ability's unique attacks to battle his foes. Acquiring an ability often causes Kirby to pose ecstatically or demonstrate the new ability and causes a distinctive chipper sound to play. Kirby's HUD name and icon are also typically replaced with those signifying the ability in question. When Kirby has an ability, he is often referred specifically with that ability as part of his name (e.g. "Fire Kirby", "Sword Kirby", "Plasma Kirby", etc.). However, these abilities are seldom permanent, as Kirby can easily lose them, either by discarding them willingly, occasionally taking damage, or simply using them too many times in some instances. When an ability is lost in the former two methods, it will bounce away as an Ability Star, which can be re-absorbed with another inhale.

In main-series Kirby games, Copy Abilities tend to play a central role in gameplay, as many enemies are designed with weaknesses to specific abilities, and many stage devices require certain abilities or combinations thereof to deal with. Several of these games also offer more elaborate mechanics involving these abilities, whether that be by using them to call helpers, combining them with other entities or with each other to create powerful combo attacks, or imposing game rules restricting the use of certain ability functions. Copy Abilities also tend to play a role in the spin-off games, where it is often the case that Kirby has permanent access to one as a form of character selection, or the ability is heavily modified to cater to the specific type of gameplay.

Lists of Copy Abilities[edit]

The following tables list every Copy Ability featured in games in the Kirby series.

Standard Copy Abilities[edit]

Standard Copy Abilities are those which Kirby can get simply by inhaling and swallowing the appropriate enemy (with two exceptions). So far, there are 68 Copy Abilities in the Kirby series of video games, with 28 being the most abilities that have appeared in a single game (Kirby Star Allies):

Ability Appearance First game Latest game Other games Total appearances Primary provider(s) Description Notes
Animal
AnimalKirby.png
Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Squeak Squad 1 Gaw Gaw Kirby gains the ability to dig through soft ground and attack with sharp claws.
Archer
KTD Archer artwork.png
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Kirby Fighters 2 Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot 4 Spynum Kirby gains a bow and arrow, and can fire with pinpoint accuracy.
Artist
KSA Artist Artwork.png
Kirby Star Allies Kirby Fighters 2 2 Vividria Kirby gains a paintbrush and can attack using artistic implements and living paintings. He can also paint food for his friends. Artist has an attack that, when used, causes Kirby to lose this ability. Not to be confused with Paint.
Backdrop
KNiDL Backdrop artwork.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land 2 Bugzzy Kirby gains the ability to grab opponents and slam them to the ground in various ways. This ability functions very similarly to Suplex. In Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, it uses a headband identical to Fighter's original headband.
Ball
KNiDL Ball Kirby artwork.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land 2 Bubbles Kirby gains the ability to bounce around at high velocity, defeating foes he crashes into. This list does not count Kirby's ball-like appearance which appears in certain spin-off titles.
Balloon
Balloon Kirby.png
Kirby: Canvas Curse Kirby: Canvas Curse 1 Bloon Kirby inflates like a balloon, and is able to float gently through the air.
Beam
KRtDLD Beam.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 14 Waddle Doo Kirby gains the power to shoot energy attacks in a whip or as orbs. Also appears as Beam Mage in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash. (not counted toward total)
Beetle
KTD Beetle.png
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Kirby Fighters 2 Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies 5 Beetley Kirby gains a beetle horn and wings, and can fight enemies with powerful horn lunges and swipes.
Bell
KTD Bell.png
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Kirby Fighters 2 Kirby Fighters Deluxe 3 Ringle Kirby gains two bells which he can use to whack enemies and create sound-based attacks.
Bomb
KRtDLD Bomb.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 15 Poppy Bros. Jr. Kirby gains the ability to toss bombs at his opponents. The hat for Bomb Kirby changed to its modern incarnation in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Prior to that, the hat was a blue cap similar to the Sword hat.
Bubble
Kirby Bubble Art SS.png
Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Squeak Squad 1 Bubble Head Kirby gains a bubble wand which blows a cone of magic bubbles that capture enemies and turn them into usable objects.
Burning
KNiDL Burning artwork.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse 10 Flamer Kirby combusts into a fireball and flies forward for a short period, defeating foes he hits. Also referred to as Fireball, Flame, and Burn.
Not to be confused with Fire.
Circus
KTD Circus artwork.png
Kirby: Triple Deluxe Kirby: Planet Robobot 2 Clown Acrobot Kirby gains access to a bunch of moves reminiscent of clowns and circus performances.
Cleaning
KSA Cleaning Artwork.png
Kirby's Dream Land 3 Kirby Star Allies 2 Broom Hatter, Keke Kirby uses a broom to sweep enemies and clutter away. He gains a number of other powers when paired with his Animal Friends. Also referred to as Clean and Broom.
Cook
KSA Cook Artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Star Allies Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby Super Star Ultra 4 Chef Kawasaki Kirby pulls out a large soup pot and cooks his enemies, turning them into food. This is a single-use ability. Also referred to as Chef. This ability is used as Kirby's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Copy
KSSU Copy artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Super Star Ultra 2 Tac Kirby is able to "scan" an enemy and copy its essence to gain a new ability. The ability is replaced by whichever new ability is acquired.
Crash
KRtDLD Crash.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 12 Bomber, Searches Kirby charges up and releases a massive explosion that defeats all enemies on screen and deals large damage to bosses. This is a single-use ability.
Cupid
KSqS Cupid Kirby Artwork.png
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Kirby: Squeak Squad 2 Cupie Kirby hovers around on angelic wings and can fire arrows at short distance.
Cutter
KRtDLD Cutter.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 18 Sir Kibble Kirby gains the ability to toss razor-sharp boomerangs at his foes. This and Parasol are the most prevalent Copy Abilities in the series as of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
Doctor
KPR Doctor artwork.png
Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby Battle Royale 2 Chemitory Kirby can use several attacks based on doctor implements and medicine. Also appears as Doctor Healmore in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash. (not counted toward total)
Drill
KatFL Drill Kirby artwork.png
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Kirby's Dream Buffet 2 Digguh Kirby gains the ability to tunnel through the ground and attack foes with his drill helmet.
ESP
KPR ESP artwork.png
Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby Star Allies 2 NESP Kirby can attack his foes using psychokinetic energy and teleport at will. ESP Kirby's hat is a deliberate reference to Ness from Earthbound.
Festival
KRtDLD Festival.png
Kirby Star Allies Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe 2 Don Puffle Kirby initiates a dance which turns all nearby enemies into food and Point Stars. This is a single-use ability.
Fighter
KRtDLD Fighter.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 13 Knuckle Joe Kirby gains access to a large array of martial arts-based moves.
Fire
KRtDLD Fire.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 13 Hot Head, Burning Leo Kirby gains the ability to breathe fire and perform other fiery attacks. Not to be confused with Burning.
Freeze
Freeze KAR.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Canvas Curse Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride 5 Chilly Kirby can conjure a frigid aura around himself to freeze enemies solid. Not to be confused with Ice.
Ghost
KSqS Ghost Kirby Artwork.png
Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Squeak Squad 1 Tedhaun Kirby can possess common enemies and control them to a degree. Ghost Kirby has appeared in other games, but not as a copy ability.
Hammer
KRtDLD Hammer.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 15 Bonkers Kirby can whack his opponents using a powerful wooden mallet. Also appears as Hammer Lord in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash. (not counted toward total)
Hi-Jump
KRtDLD Hi-Jump.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Buffet 7 Starman Kirby can make huge leaps to soar into the air and defeat enemies.
Ice
KRtDLD Ice.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 16 Chilly, Pengy Kirby can breathe a cone of ice to freeze his enemies and perform other icy attacks. Not to be confused with Freeze.
Jet
KDB Jelly Kirby artwork.png
Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's Dream Buffet 1 Jiggly Jelly Copy Food Kirby turns into amorphous gelatin and can phase through breakable objects as well as many enemy attacks.
Jet
KSSU Jet Artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby Super Star Ultra 3 Capsule J series of enemies Kirby gains the ability to fly and tackle opponents at high speeds using a jet engine.
Laser
Laser Squeak.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror 4 Laser Ball Kirby can fire lasers which ricochet off slopes.
Leaf
KRtDLD Leaf.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot 4 Leafan Kirby can attack using flurries of razor-sharp leaves.
Light
KNiDL Light artwork.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land 2 Cool Spook Kirby can use this ability to light up dark places. This is a single-use ability and cannot be used to battle enemies. This is one of the few abilities that never received a hat or other appearance alteration.
Magic
KSqSArtMagic.png
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Kirby: Squeak Squad 2 Boxy Kirby can attack using magician's implements. He can also trigger a powerful roulette which uses up the ability when activated.
Mecha
KRtDLD Mecha.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe 1 Armoroid Kirby gains a pair of robotic jet boosters, gloves, and a visor, and can attack his foes using powerful electric and explosive attacks. This and Sand are the first abilities to be introduced in a remake of a previous game.
Metal
Metal Kirby.png
Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Squeak Squad 1 Metalun Kirby transforms into solid metal, becoming almost invincible, but moving much more slowly than usual.
Mike
KRtDLD Mike.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies 10 Walky Kirby can shout into a microphone to defeat enemies. He can use this ability only three times before losing it.
Mini
KatAMArtMini.png
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Kirby & The Amazing Mirror 1 Minny Kirby becomes tiny, able to fit through small spaces, but is unable to fight.
Mirror
KPR Mirror artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Battle Royale (DLC) Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby: Planet Robobot 4 Simirror Kirby can attack using mirror images of himself and can reflect projectiles. Mirror gained a new look in Kirby: Planet Robobot, with the older hat resembling the Beam hat.
Missile
MissileAbility.png
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Kirby: Canvas Curse 2 Bang-Bang Kirby can transform into a fast-flying missile which can travel in any direction and explode when hitting an object.
Needle
KRtDLD Needle.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby's Dream Buffet 14 Needlous Kirby can shoot out spikes from his body which defeat enemies that get too close.
Ninja
KRtDLD Ninja.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 11 Bio Spark, Moonja Kirby gains access to a large number of ninja skills and weapons. The hat for this ability changed to its modern look in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Previously, it was a red cap with a blue ponytail attached.
Paint
KSSU Paint Kirby Artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Super Star Ultra 2 Chameleo Arm Kirby can splatter paint during some boss fights to deal small damage and cause an additional effect based on the boss. This is a single-use ability. Not to be confused with Artist.
Parasol
KRtDLD Parasol.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 18 Parasol Waddle Dee Kirby can attack his enemies with a parasol and float gently downward in the air. This and Cutter are the most prevalent Copy Abilities in the series as of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe.
Plasma
PlasmaKSSU.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Star Allies Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Super Star Ultra 4 Plasma Wisp, Plugg Kirby can charge up waves of static electricity and fire them at opponents. Not to be confused with Spark.
Poison
KPR Poison artwork.png
Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby: Planet Robobot 1 Venog Kirby attacks his foes with deadly toxins.
Ranger
KatFL Ranger Kirby artwork.png
Kirby and the Forgotten Land Kirby and the Forgotten Land 1 Bernard Kirby gains a small blunderbuss which he can use to fire stars at his foes.
Sand
KRtDLD Sand.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe 1 Sandran Kirby gains a sandy headdress that allows him to conjure sandstorms, hide in sand piles, and create sandy fists or sandcastles to defeat enemies. This and Mecha are the first abilities to be introduced in a remake of a previous game.
Sleep
KRtDLD Sleep.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale (DLC), Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 14 Noddy Kirby falls asleep, causing the player to lose control of him for a moment. Sleep gains a proper fighting moveset in Kirby Battle Royale, exclusive to that game. In earlier games, Kirby's sleep cap was green.
Smash
Final Cutter.png
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages) 3 Master Hand Kirby gains access to several of his moves from the Super Smash Bros. series. Also referred to as Smash.
Spark
KRtDLD Spark.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot 15 Sparky Kirby can create an electric field around himself, defeating enemies who get too close. Not to be confused with Plasma.
Spear
KRtDLD Spear.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Battle Royale 4 Lanzer Kirby gains a spear which he can use to battle enemies at range with. Spear appears with Bandana Waddle Dee in Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, but not as a copy ability.
Spider
KSA Spider Artwork.png
Kirby Star Allies Kirby Star Allies 1 Como Kirby can throw webs to trap his opponents.
Staff
KSA Staff artwork.png
Kirby Star Allies Kirby Fighters 2 2 Jammerjab Kirby gains an extendable red quarterstaff which he can use to battle enemies at a distance.
Stone
KRtDLD Stone.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby's Dream Land 3, Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby's Dream Buffet 17 Rocky Kirby transforms into a stone and falls to the ground, becoming impervious to most forms of damage. He cannot move on his own while in stone form, but can slide down slopes. The modern hat first appeared in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. In older titles, the Stone hat resembles the classic Ninja hat somewhat.
Suplex
KSSU Suplex Kirby artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Star Allies Kirby Super Star Ultra 3 Bugzzy Kirby attacks his opponents with various wrestling moves. This ability is an upgraded version of Backdrop. Older hats share the same blue headband with Throw.
Sword
KRtDLD Sword.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2, Kirby and the Forgotten Land 17 Blade Knight Kirby gains a sword to battle his opponents with. Also appears as Sword Hero in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe and Super Kirby Clash (not counted toward total). Sword Kirby's hat is a deliberate reference to Link from The Legend of Zelda.
Throw
KSqS Throw Kirby Artwork.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Squeak Squad Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror 4 Phan Phan Kirby can grab opponents at a distance with his inhale, then toss them hard in a straight line. Throw Kirby's blue headband is identical to the early Suplex headband.
Tornado
KRtDLD Tornado.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby's Dream Buffet 12 Twister Kirby can spin rapidly through the air in a small tornado and defeat enemies he hits.
UFO
UFO.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby: Planet Robobot Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Squeak Squad 6 UFO Kirby transforms into a flying saucer and can attack using various beam-like weapons. In earlier titles, Kirby would lose this ability after leaving the stage he is in.
Water
KRtDLD Water.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 4 Driblee, Water Galbo Kirby can attack his opponents using water globs, waves, and sprays.
Wheel
WheelKTD.png
Kirby's Adventure Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby Super Star, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot 12 Wheelie Kirby transforms into a wheel and can roll very quickly along the ground, defeating enemies he runs over.
Whip
KRtDLD Whip.png
Kirby's Return to Dream Land Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Fighters Deluxe, Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby Battle Royale, Kirby Star Allies, Kirby Fighters 2 9 Wester, Whippy Kirby gains a whip which he can use to attack enemies and grab items at a distance.
Wing
KRtDLD Wing.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Kirby Air Ride, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition (New Challenge Stages), Kirby: Triple Deluxe, Kirby Star Allies 8 Birdon Kirby gains a set of wings which he can use to fly quickly, attack with feathers, and divebomb opponents.
Wrestler
KF2 Wrestler artwork.png
Kirby Fighters 2 Kirby Fighters 2 1 N/A Kirby gains access to several powerful grappling and fighting techniques. This ability functions similarly to Backdrop, Suplex and Fighter. It is also the only ability with no provider, enemy or otherwise.
Yo-Yo
KSA Yo-Yo Kirby Artwork.png
Kirby Super Star Kirby Fighters 2 Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby Star Allies 4 Gim Kirby gains a yo-yo which he can attack enemies with using stylish moves.


Special Abilities[edit]

In addition to standard abilities, most titles feature special kinds of abilities that differ from regular copy abilities in various ways. While some are much more closely related to copy abilities than others, all of the following are officially grouped into a big category called "Special Ability" in the official Kirby Portal website.[1] Some Special Abilities based on vehicles fall under a sub-category called メカ (Mecha), while all others fall under a sub-category simply called 能力 (Ability). The following is a complete list of every Special Ability:

Type Game(s) Description Examples Notes
Last Battle Abilities All main series games except Kirby's Dream Land and Kirby: Triple Deluxe Special and unique abilities used at the end of a game to defeat a final boss or late-game boss. Star Rod, Rainbow Sword, Starship, Love-Love Stick, Ribbon's Crystal, Master, Triple Star, Landia, Halberd Mode, Star Allies Sparkler, Big-Rig Mouth These abilities sometimes overlap with other types of special abilities: for example, the Star Allies Sparkler is a type of Friend Action as well.
Animal Friends Kirby's Dream Land 2, Kirby's Dream Land 3 Kirby can pair with one of six different animal buddies to alter the effect of his Copy Ability attacks. Each animal/ability combination is unique, and often resembles other Copy Abilities or attacks not otherwise present in the games alone. Each combination only offers one type of attack, however. Rick, Kine, Coo, Nago, ChuChu, Pitch Animal friends are also capable of absorbing copy abilities for Kirby from enemies while he is riding them. Does not include Gooey.
Helpers/Friends Kirby Super Star, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby Star Allies Friendly versions of copy ability-wielding enemies that venture alongside Kirby and assist him. Burning Leo, Broom Hatter, Poppy Bros. Jr., etc. Also includes Wheelie Rider. Not to be confused with Friend Abilities, Friend Actions, and Dream Friends from Kirby Star Allies
Power Combos Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Exclusively in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby is able to combine two Ability Stars together to form a Power Combo. This creates an all-new ability that combines elements from the two base abilities into a single attack. Some of the combinations are more powerful than others, and some create quite odd results. Stone-Ice, Stone-Stone, Spark-Cutter, Ice-Spark, etc. Not to be confused with Friend Abilities from Kirby Star Allies.
Air Ride Machines Kirby Air Ride Special transportation machines that are ridden by Kirbys in Kirby Air Ride. They all have unique stats and properties. Two of them are called "Legendary Air Ride Machines", Dragoon and Hydra. Warp Star, Slick Star, Wagon Star, Dragoon, etc. One of the "Mecha" Special Abilities.
Metamortex Transformations Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn Throughout the regular stages of Kirby's Epic Yarn and Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn are Metamortexes which transform Kirby and Prince Fluff into special forms with unique abilities. Digger, Dolphin, Fire Engine, Off-Roader, Rocket, Saucer, Spin Boarder, Star Shooter, Tankbot, Train One in particular, the Tankbot, is used to battle Yin-Yarn at the end of the game.
Super Abilities Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe Five super-powerful variants of standard Copy Abilities which can be absorbed from special variants of enemies and used to clear away large obstacles and defeat certain bosses. Ultra Sword, Monster Flame, Flare Beam, Snow Bowl, Grand Hammer
Hypernova Kirby: Triple Deluxe After eating a Miracle Fruit, Kirby's Inhale becomes massively more powerful, able to suck in giant objects and spit them back out again. This ability is used to defeat Flowered Sectonia at the end of the game. N/A
Transformations Kirby and the Rainbow Curse At specific points in stages, Elline can transform Kirby into one of three different forms to tackle various obstacles. Kirby Tank, Kirby Submarine, Kirby Rocket One of the "Mecha" Special Abilities. Kirby Rocket is used to battle Dark Crafter at the end of the game.
Robobot Armor Kirby: Planet Robobot In Kirby: Planet Robobot, Kirby gains access to the Robobot Armor, a powerful robotic suit which Kirby pilots to dispose of large threats on his adventure. The Robobot Armor is compatible with certain Copy Abilities, and can absorb them from enemies to gain new attacks and functions. Unlike Kirby, however, only some abilities are compatible. Fire Mode, Sword Mode, Spark Mode, Jet Mode, etc. One of the "Mecha" Special Abilities. Much like Wheelie Rider, Kirby's currently equipped regular ability does not affect the Robobot Armor, and Kirby does not lose his ability when using it.
Roles Team Kirby Clash, Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, Super Kirby Clash Essentially the Dream Kingdom's version of Copy Abilities in the Team Kirby Clash series games. They are simply obtained by equipping gear, and the type of gear worn by the Kirby also affects the various stats of said role. Sword Hero, Hammer Lord, Doctor Healmore, Beam Mage
Friend Abilities Kirby Star Allies In Kirby Star Allies, Kirby and his allies can combine their attacks together to create new combination moves. There are two distinct forms this can take; Power Effects and friend attacks. The former adds a permanent elemental boost to a weapon, and the latter acts as a one-time special move that will need to be repeated to use again. Sizzle, Bluster, Icicle Lance, Still Life, Geokinesis, Fatal Chorus, etc. Power Effects are similar to the fusion abilities in Kirby: Squeak Squad, and friend attacks are similar to the Power Combos in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.
Friend Actions Kirby Star Allies Five special actions which are used at intermittent points in stages to cross certain obstacles. They all require four Friends and they are activated by standing on a Friend Platform. Friend Circle, Friend Bridge, Friend Star, Friend Train, Star Allies Sparkler
Ravel Abilities Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn Six special powers in Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn which function almost identically to Copy Abilities in the main series. Bobbin, Button, Knitting Needles, Marking Pins, Nylon, Wire
Mouthful Mode Kirby and the Forgotten Land Mouthful Mode is a mysterious new ability that Kirby gains when he arrives in the new world. This ability allows him to inhale objects that are much larger than himself and use their properties to his advantage. This ability functions separately from Copy Abilities and can only be used in pre-determined locations in each stage. Car Mouth, Cone Mouth, Water-Balloon Mouth, Coaster Mouth, Vending Mouth, etc. One particular Mouthful Mode, Big-Rig Mouth, also serves as this game's Last Battle Ability.
Evolved Copy Abilities Kirby and the Forgotten Land In Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Kirby can find Blueprints and take them to Waddle Dee's Weapons Shop to have his Copy Abilities "evolved", making them more powerful and giving them new properties (as well as giving them a new look). These various forms can be swapped between, and also individually powered-up. Chakram Cutter, Dragon Fire, Noble Ranger, Deep Sleep, etc.
Copy Food Abilities Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby obtains abilities in Kirby's Dream Buffet through Copy Food given from Food Boxes. When used, in addition to gaining an ability for a limited time, Kirby takes the form of a food representing the ability. Burning, Tornado, Stone, Jelly, etc. Unlike all other Special Abilities, Copy Food Abilities share names with their regular Copy Ability counterparts.


Other[edit]

The following are miscellaneous abilities or game mechanics which are not officially categorized in the other categories, but are either closely related to Copy Abilities and/or similar to other Special Abilities:

Other Copy Ability categories  
Type Game(s) Description Examples Notes
All main series games, plus Kirby's Dream Course, Kirby's Block Ball, Kirby Air Ride, Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition, Kirby's Blowout Blast, Kirby's Dream Buffet Kirby's default state when he has no ability equipped, and can either copy one or inhale enemies and split them out as Star Bullets. Not every appearance of Normal allows Kirby to do both of these actions: for example, in Kirby's Dream Land, Normal Kirby cannot Copy Abilities, and in Kirby: Canvas Curse, Normal Kirby cannot inhale enemies. N/A Normal is sometimes classified as a regular Copy Ability (in particular, it is one in the Kirby Portal website), but most of the time it's not treated as one. For instance, Kirby's Adventure is treated as the game that debuted copy abilities, even though Normal is said to have appeared in Kirby's Dream Land; moreover, it's never counted in ability counts of games (for example, the Japanese website of Kirby Star Allies says the game has 28 Copy Abilities, which does not include Normal).
Most games that allow Kirby to copy abilities A Mix occurs whenever Kirby swallows multiple enemies which provide abilities, and grants him a new ability from a roulette. Different games have different mechanics on how said roulette works and is triggered. N/A
Kirby: Squeak Squad In Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby can find scrolls which grant new moves or properties to his existing Copy Abilities, making them more effective. Firing three arrows with Cupid, recovering HP with Sleep, turning into a ball with Metal, etc.
Kirby: Squeak Squad In Kirby: Squeak Squad, Kirby can gain the ability to fuse certain abilities together once he obtains the appropriate Ability Scrolls. He can do this by combining two compatible Copy Essences together in the Copy Palette. Fire Sword, Ice Sword, Thunder Sword, Ice Bomb, Thunder Bomb Only a small handful of abilities can be combined in this manner.
Kirby's Epic Yarn, Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn Transformations that Kirby and Prince Fluff can undergo without the need of a Metamortex. They are simply part of their moveset. Car, Parachute, Pendulum, Roll Up, Snake, etc.
Kirby Star Allies Special playable characters in Kirby Star Allies based on major characters of the franchise. They share many similarities with Friends from that game, but are not based on Copy Abilities. Gooey, Dark Meta Knight, Magolor, The Three Mage-Sisters, etc. It should be noted that the characters that are Dream Friends are only treated as such in Kirby Star Allies, even if they are playable in other games (like King Dedede in Kirby's Return to Dream Land).

Copy Ability utilities[edit]

While each ability is unique in its own right, there are multiple abilities which can be used for the same sort of task in-game. A few abilities are multi-purpose, able to clear many different types of hazards or puzzles. The following table shows various obstacles and which Copy Abilities can be used to clear them in the main series:

Can break metal blocks Can pound Stakes Can break Ice Blocks and light Fuses Can cool down Flame Blocks Can cut Ropes Can clear away foliage Can strike objects through walls Can electrify Wires Can light up dark places Can be used underwater Can grab enemies and/or objects

[A] Only in Kirby: Squeak Squad after obtaining the appropriate Ability Scroll.
[B] Only in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.
[C] Can only light fuses prior to Kirby's Return to Dream Land and cannot break Ice Blocks onward.
[D] Only from Kirby's Return to Dream Land onward.
[E] Only in Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Kirby & The Amazing Mirror and Kirby: Squeak Squad.
[F] Only in Kirby Super Star, its remake and Kirby's Return to Dream Land onward.
[G] Only in Kirby: Planet Robobot.
[H] Only in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.
[I] Cannot light fuses in Kirby's Adventure, its remake, or Kirby Star Allies.
[J] Only in Kirby Star Allies.
[K] Only in Kirby: Squeak Squad, and Kirby's Return to Dream Land onward.

This chart does not account for more specific scenarios, or Special Abilities.

Non-series Copy Abilities[edit]

These Copy Abilities are from games and other media that Kirby has appeared in, but which may not be considered as an actual Kirby game.

Kirby: Right Back at Ya![edit]

Anime-exclusive Copy Abilities
Ability Image Episode Description
Baton
Baton Kirby.png
Air-Ride-in-Style - Part II Kirby synchronizes the opponent with a baton, causing any action with the baton (such as throwing it) to also be performed on the opponent.
Iron
Iron Kirby.png
Air-Ride-in-Style - Part II Kirby transforms into a giant iron statue of himself.
Top
Top Kirby.png
Air-Ride-in-Style - Part II Kirby gains a top that can cut through metal.
Kabuki
Kabuki.jpg
Kirby 3D Allows Kirby to transform into a human using the techniques of kabuki theatre.

Water also appeared in the anime prior to appearing in the games.

Super Smash Bros. series[edit]

Main article: Copy Ability/Super Smash Bros.

In the Super Smash Bros. series, Kirby is able to copy the neutral special move of any other character and use it against them (with only some moves differing in function based on circumstance). There are a total of 91 unique abilities that Kirby can utilize in the series when he copies an opponent, though only a maximum of 89 can be used in a single game (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate being that game). Like in the Kirby series, Kirby gains a costume based on the character inhaled. Kirby can discard abilities willingly by taunting, but it might be forced out of him if he takes a certain amount of damage.

Trivia[edit]

  • As of Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe, the abilities with the most appearances are Parasol and Cutter, with 18 each.
    • However, if Sword Hero is counted as a Sword appearance, then it has the most, at 19.
  • Of all the abilities that have shown up more than once in the series, the ability that has waited the longest in between playable appearances is Cleaning, which had a 21 year gap between its appearances in Kirby's Dream Land 3 and Kirby Star Allies.

Gallery[edit]

Main article: Copy Ability/gallery

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning
Japanese コピー能力のうりょく
Kopī Nōryoku
Copy Ability
Traditional Chinese 複製能力
fù zhì néng lì
Copy Ability
Simplified Chinese 复制能力
fù zhì néng lì
Dutch Kopieervaardigheid Copy ability
French Pouvoir
Don d'imitation
Ability
Imitation skill
German Spezial-Power[2]
Kopierfähigkeit[2]
Spezial-Fähigkeit[2]
Spezialfähigkeit[2]
Special-Power
Copy ability
Special-Ability
Special ability
Italian Abilità di copia Copy ability
Korean 카피 능력
Kapi Neungnyeok
Copy Ability
Polish Zdolność[3]
Zdolność kopiowania[4]
Copy Ability[5]
Ability
Copy Ability
-
Portuguese Habilidade de cópia[6]

Habilidade[6]

Copy ability
Ability
Russian Способность
Sposobnost'
Способностей копирования[7]
Sposobnostey kopirovaniya
Ability
Copy Abilities
Spanish Habilidad de copia
Habilidad copiada
Copy ability
Copied skill
Thai Copy Ability
-


References