====== Hidden Melee ======

~~CLOSETOC~~
<block classes #clip right width :language>{{ ::universaltech:sevenlightningballhiddenmelee.mp4 |}}
<wrap center lo>A short clip of Seven executing a Hidden Melee</wrap>
</block>

A **Hidden Melee** is a **[[universaltech:heavymelee|Heavy Melee]]** that is obscured using abilities. This technique hides the animation of a **Heavy Melee** by allowing other animations to take priority.

==== Mechanics ====
  * **Hidden Animations:** The Heavy Melee animation is hidden by another ability’s animation.
  * **Sound & Particles:** If a Heavy Melee has no sound or particles, this is **client-sided only**. Your opponent will still hear and see the attack.
  * **Usage:** This technique makes it harder for opponents to parry and creates deceptive **close-quarters combat** scenarios.

==== Execution ====
  * Execution varies between characters.
  * Some characters can **Hidden Melee throughout an ability’s entire duration**, while others can only do so during a specific window.
  * Example: <viscous_mm> **Viscous** can Hidden Melee during the entirety of **Puddle Punch**, while <seven_mm> **Seven** can only Hidden Melee when initially casting **Lightning Ball**.

==== Characters That Can Perform a Hidden Melee ====
{{tablelayout?rowsHeaderSource=Auto}}
| **Character**                       | **Ability**         | **Notes**                                                                                         |
| <bebop_card> **Bebop**              | Exploding Uppercut  | Animation hidden. Buffer Heavy Melee when using Exploding Uppercut. Heavy Melee is much shorter.  |
| <grey-talon_card> **Grey Talon**    | Charged Shot        | Animation hidden. Buffer Heavy Melee when using Charged Shot.                                     |
| <holliday_card> **Holliday**        | Bounce Pad          | Animation hidden. Buffer when landing (only when stomping, can only occur once per pad).          |
| <kelvin_card> **Kelvin**            | Ice Path            | Animation hidden. Heavy Melee, then cast Ice Path.                                                |
| :::                                 | Ice Dome            | Animation hidden. Heavy Melee while casting Ice Dome or cast then Heavy Melee.                    |
| <lash_card> **Lash**                | Grapple             | Animation hidden. Can Hidden Melee during Grapple for ~3 seconds after initial Grapple.           |
| :::                                 | Flog                | Animation hidden. Cast Flog and buffer Heavy Melee.                                               |
| :::                                 | Ground Strike       | Animation hidden. Cast Ground Strike and buffer Heavy Melee.                                      |
| <mo-and-krill_card> **Mo & Krill**  | Sand Blast          | Animation hidden. After throwing Sand Blast, Heavy Melee.                                         |
| <seven_card> **Seven**              | Lightning Ball      | Animation hidden. Cast Lightning Ball and buffer Heavy Melee.                                     |
| :::                                 | Static Charge       | Animation hidden. Cast Static Charge and buffer Heavy Melee.                                      |
| <shiv_card> **Shiv**                | Killing Blow        | Animation hidden. Buffer Heavy Melee after casting Killing Blow.                                  |
| <viscous_card> **Viscous**          | Puddle Punch        | Animation obscured. While Puddle Punch is emerging, Heavy Melee.                                  |
| <vyper_card> **Vyper**              | Screwjab            | Animation hidden. Cast Screwjab and buffer Heavy Melee.                                           |
| :::                                 | Petrifying Bola     | Animation hidden. Cast Petrifying Bola and buffer Heavy Melee.                                    |
| <yamato_card> **Yamato**            | Shadow Form         | Animation hidden. Buffer Heavy Melee after casting Shadow Form                                     |