Hedgehog

Boat mode

The Hedgehog build is often mistaken to be a smaller version of the porcupine, but they are not at all related. The hedgehog build is a show of how gimicks can still be successful, as it relies heavily on it's spines. Although not being OP or terrible, it is a fun build to play, and they are rarely bodied by other players.

## Overview

The hedgehog has high defense, but not because it cannot be attacked or the defense takes health from the other person, but because it inflicts the **Pain** status effect. Its intelligence is not great for the European meta, but it makes up for that with its advanced strategies. Due to its ability to go into a ball, it can easily hide all parts of the body that don't match with the camouflage. It also hides in bushes to evade predators. Its health is not going to defend from anything, because it can only be attacked at its weak point, and that has critical hits. It has surprisingly good mobility, but this is not because of running from predators as they would still be too slow to run from a dog with their small body, but instead to evade birds that are eyeing them by moving around trying to dodge their dive. This works well with their stealth as the birds do not have good enough intelligence to keep track of where the hedgehog is. They are not openly offensive creatures, and if in a standoff will use intimidation. They are solitary animals that live in forests and are omnivorous, but they are not scavengers and only eat things that are below their weight class, notably meal worms.

## Abilities and Skills

### Spines

The creature has spines all over its body, greatly increasing defense. These spines can be raised or lowered at will for better mobility or better defense, respectively.

### Ball

The creature is able to completely form itself into a ball, allowing complete defense from the spines.

### Hibernation

This creature skips the hardest part of the playthrough by slowing down almost all bodily functions and dropping their temperature down to the surroundings.

## Weaknesses

Although hedgehogs don't get especially bodied by anyone, because if they don't evade a predator they can intimidate them (which they do have great intimidation stats), their worst matchup is against birds of prey. This is why they have great stealth and use the birds bad attention to make them lose track, but if a bird hits them or grabs them, it is game over, since they can easily get to their weak point. They also lack an actual offensive move, and even though they do have biting, the bite is more of a deterrence than an actual lethal move.

## Moves

### Bite

This creature uses its teeth to attack the opponent in PvP. This creature has pointed teeth, increasing grab ability.

### Spine Stab

This creature raises its spine or forms into a ball to deflect an attack.

### Size Up

This creature uses its spines to make it look bigger and more dangerous, increasing intimidation.

## Pros and Cons

### Pros

* Omnivorous
* Excellent defense, stealth, and mobility
* Clever and working techniques
* One of the best intimidation, able to intimidate creatures in much higher weight classes, like dogs and cats
* Moderate venom resistance against snake builds

### Cons

* Low intelligence
* Game over if weak point exposed
* Can't take down anything above its own weight class

## Tier Placement

Although it has a few weaknesses it is an overall good build. It does not struggle to survive, but in the competitive scene it is helpless as it has no good offensive options. Due to its lack of offense and HP, it must be placed in high C-Tier.