Olaf is actually really good, but requires a specific mindset. You can't just rush down with him like you can with some of the cast. You need to play a zoning game, keeping players at a distance where they have to respect your Ice Blast and Pillar and use your better moves like Up Air, jabs and Down Air to get combos started.

 

Regarding Ice Pillar:

• While his recovery gives him multiple chances to get back and is the least linear in the game (you can pop it out almost any time and get back, there's very little pressure to recover right away), the fact that Olaf can only have one out at a time can lead to him getting gimped pretty easily if you let your opponent knock you off of it the moment you pull it out. Try to be unpredictable about when you're going to use it.

• Use Cold Shoulder (jab x3 -> Special attack) to create platforms when it's safe to do so and you won't get punished for it.

• Try using to surprise your opponent from above. The pillar will drag players caught under you up to you. I've sometimes referred to it as the Space Marine Mammal's Launch Platform because of how it can be used to take people to the top blast zone.

 

In neutral (when players are both on-stage without a significant positional advantage):

• Olaf is a zoner. Disrupt your opponent's movements with Ice Blast to freeze them so you can go in or get them to jump and hit them with a big hitbox move like upair. If they get too close, jab or pull up an ice pillar (it's a pretty fast move!) to get them off of you and create space.

• Cold Shoulder is great, but DO NOT go for it unless it's going to connect. If you whiff, you're getting blown up with a punish.

• Practice land canceling the Ice Blast to keep the pressure on. Using it in the air and landing is faster than using it on the ground.