Complete Guide to Unlocking Every Character in Super Smash Bros.
1: Introduction To Character Unlocking
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch boasts the largest roster in the series’ history. While you start with only the original eight fighters from the Nintendo 64 version, the rest must be unlocked through gameplay. This guide covers every method available, making it easy to expand your roster as quickly as possible.
2: Starting Roster
At the beginning, you have access to: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. These iconic characters form the foundation of your roster before unlocking the rest of the fighters.
3: Unlocking Through Classic Mode
Classic Mode is one of the fastest ways to unlock characters. Each character you use has a unique unlock path. For example, completing Classic Mode with Mario may unlock Sonic, while completing it with Kirby may unlock Meta Knight. The unlock order is predetermined, and switching characters lets you progress faster.
4: Unlocking Through Versus Matches
Playing Versus matches gradually triggers new challenger encounters. After completing a match, there’s a chance a new fighter will appear as a challenger. Win the battle to unlock that character permanently. The more matches you play, the faster new challengers show up.
5: World of Light Adventure Mode
The World of Light campaign also unlocks characters as you progress. You start with Kirby, but rescuing fighters in different regions adds them to your roster. While slower than Classic Mode or Versus matches, this method doubles as a story-driven way to expand your lineup.
6: Rematch Option For Lost Battles
If you lose against a challenger, don’t worry. The game offers a “Challenger’s Approach” option that allows you to rematch the fighter later. This ensures you’ll eventually unlock every character, even if you fail the first time.
7: Smashdown Mode
In Smashdown mode, each character you use becomes unavailable for the rest of the session, forcing you to play with new fighters. This mode is a fun way to try out different characters while naturally unlocking new ones through repeated battles.
8: Tips For Unlocking Faster
- Play shorter matches (1-stock or 1-minute battles) to trigger challengers more quickly.
- Cycle through different characters in Classic Mode for variety.
- Use the World of Light mode for casual unlocking while experiencing the story.
- If struggling with tough challengers, lower the difficulty or use strong items.
9: Full Roster Size
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features over 80 playable fighters (including DLC). Unlocking them all takes time, but the variety ensures you’ll have plenty of new characters to experiment with across single-player and multiplayer modes.
10: DLC Fighters
In addition to the base roster, DLC adds characters like Joker (Persona 5), Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII), and Sora (Kingdom Hearts). These fighters are not unlockable in-game — they must be purchased through the Fighters Pass or individually.
Conclusion
In conclusion, unlocking every character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a rewarding process that encourages you to try different modes and playstyles. Whether you focus on Classic Mode, Versus battles, or the World of Light campaign, you’ll steadily grow your roster until you have the full lineup. With both base characters and DLC fighters, Ultimate truly lives up to its name by offering the most complete Smash experience yet.
