Unblockable Attack

Enemies can do unblockable attacks in Super Mario RPG

Background

Unblockable Attack is the ability to perform an attack that cannot be defended against through conventional or supernatural means, including the use of forcefields or barriers. Most commonly seen in turn-based RPGs, these attacks often take the form of omni-directional shockwaves, unavoidable blasts, or scripted moves that bypass any manual or timed guarding attempts.

Even advanced defensive techniques such as Perfect Guard may be bypassed if the unblockable nature of the move is absolute. These attacks disregard both physical positioning and reaction speed, often functioning as guaranteed hits within the game's mechanics. In broader terms, this ability can be considered a specialized form or subcategory of Durability Negation, as it negates the target's ability to resist or lessen the blow.

Also Called

• Irresistible Attack
• Unavoidable Blow
• Defense Bypass

Possible Applications

• Guarantees damage regardless of the target’s defensive stance
• Forces reliance on evasion, immunity, or preemptive avoidance
• Useful against users with reactive or auto-blocking abilities
• Functions as a check against invincible shielding or over-reliance on defense
• Can work in tandem with other attack-negating abilities for pressure

Practical Uses

• Bypasses traditional and magical defense systems entirely
• Ensures hits in games or scenarios where blocking is a key mechanic
• Effective for scripting boss battles or narrative moments where damage must land
• Useful for weakening defense-reliant characters

Potential Types

• Scripted Unblockable: Pre-determined hits that are coded to always land regardless of player action
• Wave-Type Unblockable: Area-of-effect or omni-directional attacks that leave no safe zone
• Mechanic-Based Unblockable: Circumvents specific defense mechanics like perfect parries or reactive guards

Possible Limitations

• May not bypass Evasion or certain types of Intangibility
• Can sometimes be resisted through Damage Reduction or Invulnerability
• Might be telegraphed or slow enough to avoid despite being unblockable
• Ineffective against abstract, non-physical targets unless specially empowered

Users

• Culex (Super Mario Bros.): Culex and his crystals use several attacks that are unblockable, such as omni-directional elemental blasts.