Needle

Needle Artwork of Needle Kirby from Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Details First game Kirby's Adventure (1993) Latest game Kirby and the Forgotten Land (2022) Other game(s) 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 Usage type Unlimited uses Obtained from Boten, Bukiset, Captain Stitch, Ghost Knight, Jabhog, Kacti, Needlous, Pichikuri, Punc, Spikey, Tick, Togezo, Totenga Power(s) Surrounding Kirby with spikes and performing needle-based attacks. Similar to Spark, Freeze

Needle is a Copy Ability that allows Kirby to protrude sharp spikes from himself, making its debut in Kirby's Adventure. It can typically be obtained by inhaling a Tick, a Togezo, or a Needlous, though there are other enemies that also provide it. Depending on the game, when Kirby uses this ability, he either generates the needles from his skin or from the hat he obtains, with the latter case also often allowing him to shoot the needles at opponents along with other prickly attacks. Despite being one of the original Copy Abilities and recurring regularly throughout the series, it does not appear as often as many others.

Game appearances

Kirby's Adventure / Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

Kirby using the Needle ability to attack enemies in Kirby's Adventure.

Needle makes its debut appearance in Kirby's Adventure. Kirby surrounds himself with needles, hurting any enemy that is too close to him. If Kirby is falling, the spikes hit enemies from below.

Needle also reappears in the remake, Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land. There, Kirby is colored yellow, and he wears a pink-colored cap filled with golden needles.

Kirby's Dream Course

Needle is one of the abilities in Kirby's Dream Course, provided by Togezo, where it has a primarily movement-oriented function rather than an offensive one. When Kirby activates the Needle ability, he can pin himself to any surface, preventing him from moving, bouncing, or sliding. This is handy to prevent Kirby from rolling too far or bouncing off a ledge. In the 2P Game, the Needle ability can be held through the other player's turn, and the other player will take 4 tomatoes of damage if he runs into the needles.

Kirby's Dream Land 2

Needle reappears in Kirby's Dream Land 2. Kirby acquires this ability from Captain Stitch and Spikey. By itself, this ability performs similar to the one in Kirby's Adventure. When on an Animal Friend, however, Kirby can perform variations of the ability, as detailed in the following table:

Animal Friend	Appearance	Description
Coo		Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine		Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Rick		Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

Throughout Kirby's Dream Land 2, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with a series of dots on them.

Kirby's Block Ball

“

Press the B button just before the ball hits the paddle, then re-launch the ball.

”

— Kirby's Block Ball North American instruction booklet

Needle appears in Kirby's Block Ball, obtainable from Spikey or an Ability Swap item. When Kirby has this ability, he can flare up in spikes, temporarily halting his movement (though not altering his course) when doing so. This can be used to break certain blocks and deal increased damage to bosses, though its most unique use comes with its ability to re-attach Kirby to a paddle when he uses it near one. Once attached, Kirby can be served as if he was starting a new ball or entering the area, granting much more control over where Kirby goes.

Kirby's Dream Land 3

In Kirby's Dream Land 3, using Needle in conjunction with ChuChu causes the octopus to shoot pink spike projectiles in many directions.

Needle makes another appearance in Kirby's Dream Land 3. It functions similarly to its previous appearance in Kirby's Dream Land 2. New Animal Friends, though, create more Needle-related abilities with Kirby or Gooey, as follows:

Animal Friend	Appearance	Description
ChuChu		ChuChu shoots out five needles around herself which travel a short distance and hurt enemies on contact.
Coo		Kirby shoots out a large spike from his body which can harm foes below.
Kine		Using this power causes Kirby and Kine to grow spikes all around them.
Nago		Kirby rapidly launches harmful pink spikes forward from his face as long as the Y button is held, but cannot move while doing so.
Pitch		While the Y button is held, Pitch flies forward in a straight line, continuously pecking at the air before him and defeating opponents in his path.
Rick		Rick extends quills from his back, but leaves his front vulnerable.

Throughout Kirby's Dream Land 3, there are specific blocks which can be broken only with the Needle ability. They are marked with the Needle icon on them.

Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

Kirby using the Needle ability in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards.

Needle Kirby returns in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. Here, activating the ability causes Kirby to flare up and then retract on a timer, rather than holding it for as long as the button is held down. Like with other copy abilities in this game, Needle can be combined with others or itself to make Power Combos as follows:

• Needle-Needle - Combining Needle with itself creates a larger attack involving various pointy objects emitting from Kirby's body.
• Needle-Bomb - Using this combo, Kirby turns into a Gordo-like entity and can float through the air for a moment before detonating and shooting his spikes out.
• Needle-Cutter - Kirby's hands turn into a gaping maw full of sharp teeth which he can clamp above himself to defeat enemies.
• Needle-Burn - Kirby can transform into a bow and arrow, shooting flaming arrows in an arc.
• Needle-Ice - Kirby turns into a giant spiky snowflake that grows outward, freezing any enemies it touches.
• Needle-Spark - Kirby turns into a pointy lightning rod and shoots a lightning bolt upward.
• Needle-Stone - Kirby gains a drill which he can use to bore through obstacles or shoot as a projectile that passes through walls.

Kirby Air Ride

Needle returns as an usable Copy Ability in Kirby Air Ride. Kirby can receive this ability if he swallows a Pichikuri or if he touches a Needle Copy Ability Panel. If Kirby charges with the Needle ability, Kirby's spikes extends, hurting any opponent or enemy that is nearby, similar to the Ice ability in that game.

Kirby: Canvas Curse

Needle is one of the few Copy Abilities that make an appearance in Kirby: Canvas Curse. If the player taps Kirby, Kirby turns yellow and spikes protrude from him. He can ride the drawn lines and stick to walls, defeating enemies that touch him. Kirby can receive this ability from Needlous and Tick.

Kirby's Return to Dream Land

Kirby uses the Mega Needle in Kirby's Return to Dream Land.

Needle makes a prominent return in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Kirby can receive it by inhaling Needlous, Tick, or Totenga's head. Compared to its appearances in previous games, Kirby has more attacks at his disposal when using the Needle ability, but it still has less attacks overall than other abilities in the game.

Needle moveset in Kirby's Return to Dream Land
Skill	Button Execution	Skill	Button Execution
Needle Attack	1	Needle Burst	Waggle or mash D-pad during Needle Attack
Rolling Needle	Dash + 1	Mega Needle	↑ + 1

Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Needle appears again in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. The ability has had a few changes: the Rolling Needle attack was removed (most likely due to its similarity to the Wheel ability), and a new move was added. Needle Burst has also been given some changes, as the move now only fires 5 needles instead of 6, and no extra needles are shot out in mid-air, making it so that the move always fires 5 needles no matter the situation.

Needle moveset in Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Skill	Button Execution	Skill	Button Execution
Needle Attack	B	Wall Stick	Touch a wall during Needle Attack
Needle Burst	Hold B and mash +Control Pad	Mega Needle	↑ + B
Falling Spine	↓ + B

Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Needle Kirby catching enemies with a new rolling attack in Kirby and the Forgotten Land.

After an 8 year absence, Needle Kirby returns in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Here, he gains the ability to roll along the ground with spines in all directions, catching enemies as he travels similar to Snow Bowl or Ice-Ice. In addition, Needle has a couple Evolved Copy Ability forms, those being Clutter Needle and Crystal Needle.

Moveset

All attack names are conjectural unless otherwise stated.

Needle moveset in Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Move	Button execution	Description
Needle Attack	Hold B	Kirby extends spikes all around his body. In this state, Kirby is able to ignore strong winds.
Needle Dash	B in midair	Kirby spins and dashes in the direction the L-Stick is tilted, which then transitions into Needle Ball.
Needle Ball	Move during Needle Attack or Needle Dash	Kirby rolls around like a ball and is able to catch enemies and objects with his spikes. As Kirby rolls, he gradually slows down, however catching enemies and objects also briefly speeds him up.
Needle Jump	Jump while using Needle Ball	Kirby jumps while in ball form, allowing him to clear small ledges or hit high-up enemies.
Roll Up and Throw	Release B after Needle Ball	Kirby tosses any enemies or objects stuck to his spikes ahead of him.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

The Needle ability appears as one of the many trophies in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Needle Kirby reappears as a collectible trophy.

In Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

Needle Needle Kirby in Kirby: Right Back at Ya! Details First episode Flower Power Last episode Sweet and Sour Puss Other episode(s) Here Comes the Son and Sheepwrecked Obtained from Inhaling needles Power(s) Curling up into a spiked ball, shooting guided needles

Needle appears as a Copy Ability in four episodes of the anime series Kirby: Right Back at Ya!. When Kirby acquires this ability, he gains several powers, many of which are not present in the video games. Needle Kirby is able to roll up into a ball, fling his needles out as missiles, and then guide them through the air as they slice through his opponents. Unlike in the games, Needle Kirby is not readily able to replenish his needles once using them, and often loses this ability quickly. In fact, the only enemy that Kirby defeats directly using his own needles is the Pukey Flower.

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  Needle Kirby struggling against Amon in Sheepwrecked

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  Needle Kirby battling Togeira in Sweet and Sour Puss

Profiles

Flavor text

Image	Game	Flavor text
	Kirby's Adventure	Lots of needles, just like a porcupine's, come out of Kirby! It's a great defense!
	Kirby's Dream Course	Needle, when you have a grounder, will make Kirby stick to the ground. He can also stop while rolling down a hill. You can hit the next shot from there!
	Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land	Hands off! Here: pointy spikes! There: pokey spikes!
	Kirby: Canvas Curse	Spike anything! Ride rainbows!
	Kirby's Return to Dream Land	Prick your foes with a thorny jab! Really stick it to 'em! Roll from a dash to bring the pain with a Rolling Needle!
	Kirby: Triple Deluxe	Cover yourself in pointy needles to poke your enemies and attach to walls! You can also poke needles into the ceiling and floor!
	Kirby and the Forgotten Land	Ouch! Ooch! Careful with those spikes! Jab enemies in place, or pick 'em up by rolling around. Nab a whole bunch of 'em together, then launch them off all at once! POW!

Super Smash Bros. Brawl trophy

Name	Image	Appears in	Description
Needle Kirby		NES: Kirby's Adventure DS: Kirby: Canvas Curse	A Kirby ability made when Kirby inhales a spiked enemy. When attacking, the needles on Needle Kirby's body extend, giving him a porcupine-like look. This ability provides both offensive and defensive measures against nearby enemies. Plus, needles which extend on Kirby's underside when jumping eliminate any threats on landing.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U trophy

Name	Image	Appears In	American English Description	British English Description
Needle Kirby		NES: Kirby's Adventure 3DS: Kirby: Triple Deluxe	Kirby normally looks as tasty as a big ol' marshmallow, but he's significantly less appetizing when he's copied the Needle ability. Those pokey spikes won't add any flavor at all. With this ability, Kirby can bash into enemies or launch the spikes at them. A great, easy-to-use ability!	Kirby's soft, fluffy and just...so huggable! Except when he's got the Needle ability, that is - then it's like there's a hug-free zone all around him. Being covered in spikes comes in handy, though, for rolling into enemies, and even shooting at them! However, whether that really makes up for his loss of huggableness is hard to say...

Kirby's Dream Course manual

• "Using Needle will make Kirby come to a full stop even on a slope. Remember to make adjustments when Kirby is moving at a fast speed."

Kirby's Block Ball manual

• "Press the B Button just before the ball hits the paddle, then re-launch the ball."

Trivia

• Needle is the only Copy Ability that is translated as only one Chinese character (針/针) in the official localization, instead of two or three characters which are more common.

Gallery

Artwork

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  Kirby's Adventure

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  Kirby's Dream Land 2

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  Kirby's Dream Land 2

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  Kirby's Dream Land 2

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  Kirby's Dream Land 2

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  Kirby's Dream Land 3

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  Kirby's Dream Land 3

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  Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

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  Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

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  Kirby Air Ride

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  Kirby: Canvas Curse

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  Kirby: Canvas Curse

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  Kirby: Triple Deluxe

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  Figure from Kirby and the Forgotten Land

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  Treasure Road artwork from Kirby and the Forgotten Land

Sprites

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  Kirby's Dream Course

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  Keychain from Kirby: Triple Deluxe

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  Keychain from Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Icons

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  Icon from Kirby's Adventure

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  Icon from Kirby's Dream Course

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  Icon from Kirby's Dream Land 2

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  Icon from Kirby's Dream Land 3

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  Icon from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards

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  Icon from Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land.

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  Copy Ability Panel from Kirby Air Ride.

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  Icons from Kirby: Canvas Curse

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  Ability Star from Kirby's Return to Dream Land

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  Ability Star from Kirby: Triple Deluxe

Videos

Click to load content Official Kirby Portal video showcasing Needle

Names in other languages

Language	Name	Meaning
Japanese	ニードル Nīdoru	Needle
Traditional Chinese	針 Zhēn	Needle
Simplified Chinese	针 Zhēn
Dutch	Stekel	Spine
French	Aiguille	Needle
German	Igel	Hedgehog
Italian	Spino	Thorn
Korean	니들 Nideul	Needle
Brazilian Portuguese	Espinho	Thorn
European Portuguese	Ouriço	Hedgehog
Russian	Игла Igla	Needle
Spanish	Erizo	Hedgehog