Ever stare at the massive roster in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, feeling overwhelmed? That shiny new copy of the game sits there, but picking your first fighter feels like a monumental task. You want to jump in and start winning, but with over 80 unique characters, how do you choose who clicks with your fighting style?
The sheer variety is both Smash’s greatest strength and its biggest hurdle. Maybe you tried a fast character and felt too fragile, or perhaps a heavy hitter felt too slow. Frustration builds when you can’t find that perfect match, making early gameplay feel less like fun and more like a chore. You see others dominate with seemingly effortless combos, and you wonder, “What am I missing?”
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down what makes each type of fighter tick, helping you understand the core mechanics behind the roster. By the end of this post, you will have a clear roadmap for testing characters effectively and zeroing in on the one that feels like an extension of your own hands.
Ready to stop guessing and start mastering? Let’s dive into the exciting world of Smash Ultimate character selection!
Top Characters In Smash Ultimate Recommendations
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Black, Jacob (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 12 Pages - 12/24/2018 (Publication Date)
- Hardcover Book
- Prima Games (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 464 Pages - 12/07/2018 (Publication Date) - Prima Games (Publisher)
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Iconic Character: Unlock Sora from the beloved Kingdom Hearts series in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with this Amiibo figure.
- In-Game Enhancements: Gain access to exclusive features, new abilities, and enhanced gameplay in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
- Quality Craftsmanship: Expertly designed and crafted for detailed and accurate representation of Sora.
- Collectible Item: A must-have for any Super Smash Bros. or Kingdom Hearts collector, perfect for display or in-game use.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Davis, Lavonne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 46 Pages - 01/19/2021 (Publication Date)
- Premium Ceramic Quality:Crafted from high-quality ceramic for superior durability and a refined finish.
- Ideal 11oz Capacity:Perfectly sized to hold your favorite hot or cold beverages.
- Comfortable C-Handle Design:Features an ergonomically designed handle for a secure and comfortable grip.
- Vibrant High-Resolution Print:Stunning graphics that remain crisp and colorful, enhancing your décor.
- A hardware bundle for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is here! The bundle contains a specially designed dock featuring fighters from the original Super Smash Bros. game, a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Super Smash Bros. themed Joy-Con controllers
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you’re on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
Choosing Your Champion: A Buying Guide for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters
Picking the right fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can make all the difference between victory and defeat. This guide helps you understand what makes a character great and what you should look for before you decide who to master.
Key Features to Look For
Every fighter brings something unique to the battlefield. You need to find the features that match how you like to play.
Speed and Mobility
How fast can your character move? Fast characters, like Fox or Captain Falcon, can rush down opponents quickly. Slower characters, like Ganondorf, might hit harder but need careful positioning. Consider if you prefer quick strikes or heavy, deliberate attacks.
Range and Projectiles
Some fighters use special “projectiles”—things they shoot across the stage, like Samus’s charge shot or Link’s arrows. Characters with good range keep opponents at a safe distance. If you struggle up close, look for strong projectile options.
Recovery
Recovery is how well a character gets back to the stage after being knocked off. Fighters with excellent recovery, such as Kirby or Meta Knight, are harder to KO. Poor recovery means you must play safer near the edge of the stage.
Combo Potential
Combos are sequences of attacks that keep an opponent trapped. Characters with high combo potential let skilled players rack up damage very fast. New players might prefer simpler, high-damage moves instead.
Important Materials (Understanding Character Archetypes)
While there are no physical materials in a video game, we talk about “archetypes.” These describe the character’s basic style. Think of these as the core build of your chosen fighter.
- Rushdown: These characters are aggressive and rely on constant close-range pressure. (Example: Pikachu)
- Zoners: They control space from far away using projectiles. (Example: Snake)
- Grapplers: These fighters rely on grabs and throws for big damage. (Example: King K. Rool)
- All-Rounders: They have a balanced mix of speed, power, and range. (Example: Mario)
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Character quality often depends on how well they fit the current game balance (the “meta”).
Factors That Improve Quality (Strengths)
- Low Lag: Moves that finish quickly give you less time to be punished by your opponent.
- Strong Kill Power: The ability to KO opponents reliably at lower percentages is crucial.
- Good Frame Data: This technical term means their moves come out fast and are safe on shield.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Weaknesses)
- Predictable Recovery: If everyone knows exactly where the character will land when recovering, they become easy targets.
- Reliance on One Tool: If a fighter only wins by landing one specific, easily avoided move, they struggle against smart players.
- Light Weight: Lighter characters get launched off the screen much easier than heavyweights.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your character depends on your goals.
Casual Play (Fun with Friends)
For casual fun, choose characters whose style you enjoy, even if they are considered “low tier.” If you love big, slow hits, Ganondorf offers a great experience. Focus on characters whose moves feel satisfying to land.
Competitive Play (Tournaments)
In competitive settings, you should prioritize characters known for their consistency and strength (often called “Top Tier”). These fighters usually have fewer exploitable weaknesses. You must practice their advanced techniques consistently.
Remember, practice beats perfection. A well-mastered mid-tier character will always beat a poorly played top-tier character.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Smash Ultimate Characters
Q: How many characters are there in Smash Ultimate?
A: The game features a massive roster, including all previous fighters plus many newcomers. The total count is over 80 unique fighters.
Q: Do I have to unlock all the characters?
A: Yes. When you first start, only a small core group is available. You unlock the rest by playing matches, completing certain modes, or waiting for them to appear.
Q: Are DLC characters better than the base roster characters?
A: Not necessarily. DLC characters are often very powerful and unique, but many base characters remain highly competitive. Power levels change with game updates.
Q: What is the “tier list”?
A: A tier list ranks characters from best (S-Tier) to worst (C or D-Tier) based on their competitive strength and matchup spread.
Q: Which characters are best for beginners?
A: Beginners should try All-Rounders like Mario, Kirby, or Cloud. These fighters have straightforward moves that teach basic game mechanics well.
Q: Does my chosen character affect my online ranking?
A: Your character choice influences your success, but your individual skill level is the biggest factor in your online ranking points.
Q: Can I change my character’s costume?
A: Yes. Most characters have several color swaps or alternate costumes available right away, or unlocked through gameplay.
Q: What is a “Mii Fighter,” and should I use one?
A: Mii Fighters let you customize appearance and choose from a selection of special moves. They are fun for casual play but are often seen as less consistent in high-level tournaments.
Q: How often does Nintendo update the character balance?
A: Nintendo occasionally releases patches that adjust character strengths and fix bugs. These updates can cause the competitive viability of characters to shift.
Q: Where can I find reliable character guides?
A: Look for community resources like dedicated Smash Bros. subreddits, YouTube tutorial channels, and high-level player streams. They provide in-depth matchup knowledge.
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