Hitfalling

Hitfalling is a technique and game mechanic in Rivals of Aether that is performed by buffering a fastfall at any point during an aerial during hitpause (the few frames after an attack where both characters are frozen), causing the character to fastfall despite not reaching the peak of their jump. It is the fastest way to reach the ground after performing an aerial, and is a core and vital technique in the game.

Inputs and technical details
To perform a hitfall, the player needs to hit the opponent with an aerial. Then, during the hitpause frames, buffer a fastfall by holding downwards.

Strategies and applications
Even besides its obvious speed benefits, hitfalling is a vital technique and has several strategies, applications, and use-cases.

Combos
Hitfalling is an essential part of advanced combos, as its benefit of cancelling aerial endlag allows for lengthened strings.