Invincibility Frames

Background

Invincibility Frames is the ability to temporarily become immune to damage during a short timeframe, typically triggered by specific actions, abilities, or events. Unlike invulnerability, which offers long-lasting or permanent immunity, invincibility frames last only for a brief period, during which the user cannot be harmed by any attack or damage source. These frames are commonly activated during actions such as attacks, transformations, or dodges.

Invincibility Frames allow a character to briefly become impervious to damage. This immunity typically occurs in a very short window and is tied to specific actions or conditions. While invincibility frames are not permanent, they offer a strategic advantage by allowing the user to evade harm temporarily.

Unlike invulnerability, which provides lasting protection, invincibility frames only function for a few moments, often in the middle of an action, making them ideal for avoiding powerful attacks during combat or for escaping dangerous situations.

Invincibility frames are often tied to invulnerability, intangibility, or both. During this short window of time, the character is typically unable to be harmed, and in some cases, they may even become intangible, allowing them to phase through attacks. This makes invincibility frames both a defensive and evasive ability, granting the user an advantage when timed correctly.

The key difference between invincibility frames and invulnerability is the duration—while invulnerability offers immunity over a long period, invincibility frames are active for only a brief moment, offering protection only for a short time.

This ability is a natural sub-ability of Invulnerability and Intangibility.

Also Called

• I-Frames
• Invulnerability Windows
• Damage Immunity Frames
• Intangibility Frames

Possible Applications

• Evasion of harm during combat or attacks.
• Protection during offensive maneuvers or counterattacks.
• Temporary immunity when performing a transformation or activating a special move.
• Invulnerability during specific actions like dodges, jumps, or special attacks.
• Intangibility during specific actions or while performing a movement.

Types

• Action-based Invincibility Frames
  These frames occur when the user performs a specific action, like attacking, dodging, or using a special move. The invincibility frames activate during the action and last for a short duration.
  • Example: The Shoryuken move in Street Fighter or the Screw Attack in Metroid. The Dodge Roll ability in Kingdom Hearts.

• Condition-based Invincibility Frames
  These frames occur under specific conditions, such as perfect timing or avoiding an attack at the last moment. The user gains invincibility frames based on the action they perform or the specific situation.
  • Example: Witch Time from Bayonetta is triggered when the player successfully dodges an incoming attack in the nick of time.

• Intangibility-based Invincibility Frames
  In some cases, the user gains invincibility frames while also becoming intangible, allowing them to phase through attacks or obstacles during this brief window.
  • Example: Phantom Dash from Bayonetta 2 or Phase Dash in Super Smash Bros..

Limitations

• Short Duration: Invincibility frames are temporary and typically last only for a fraction of a second to a few seconds.
• Trigger Dependency: These frames are activated by specific actions or conditions, requiring precise timing or proper execution.
• Vulnerability After Expiration: Once the invincibility frames end, the user returns to their normal state and is vulnerable again.
• Limited Effectiveness: Some attacks, especially those with time manipulation or other specific properties, may bypass invincibility frames.

Scale

The duration and effectiveness of invincibility frames can vary significantly based on the character or ability to use them. Some may have invincibility for only a split second, while others may have longer periods of immunity. The strength of invincibility frames also depends on the nature of the character's actions or abilities.

Variations

• Perfect Timing Invincibility: Some invincibility frames are granted only when specific timing conditions are met, such as dodging an attack at the last moment.
• Power-up Invincibility: Certain power-ups or transformations may grant invincibility frames as a temporary boost or transformation.
• Damage Immunity Frames during Movement: Some abilities activate invincibility frames while the character is moving, such as when performing rolls, flips, or other evasive maneuvers.
• Intangibility Frames: In addition to invulnerability, some users may be able to phase through objects or attacks during their invincibility frames, granting both intangibility and protection.

Users

• Frisk (Undertale): Undertale acknowledges that whenever Frisk takes damage they have a brief moment of invincibility, with boss fights like Sans outright removing their invincibility frames entirely.
• Mario with the Power Star (Super Mario Bros.): With the Power Star, Mario is completely invincible for a short period of time.