I am new to Smash Bros and am looking for a starter main. I like being far from my opponents, so I prefer ranged combat. I prefer damage over move speed, but I would not give up jumping height. I would also like a method to escape close combat situations. Which character would suit me best?
I am also inexperienced with Switch controls, so I would prefer a character with combos and controls that are not difficult to learn.
In Smash you'll find zoning characters and aggro characters. There's no character that can rely too much on "ranged combat", but there's many that use it in order to connect melee attacks without risking their own hide, i.e. hitting someone who is already flying away from a ranged attack, and for starting true combos (inescapable).
The only competitive mention so far has been Simon/Richter. For something more balanced out and even more competitive, see Palutena (probably the best performing zoner so far). For something fun and less competitive, see Zelda. For a more melee-focused zoner that is very viable, see Young Link. For the only character who relies on laying traps, see Snake. He's pretty strong and has very unique gameplay.
Other less viable options that still aren't too weak are R.O.B. (bleh) and Mewtwo (hella fun and floaty air combos). The easiest to pick up are Zelda and Mewtwo, in that order. Both are a good introduction to the zoning playstyle.
