Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Character Guide

Welcome to the ultimate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Guide! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned fighter, our comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to dominate the battlefield. Dive into the intricate details of Understanding Each Fighter, master the Best Strategies for Each Fighter, and learn how to Use Abilities Effectively to gain the upper hand. You'll also discover expert tips for Managing Health and Resources, and how to Unlock Fighter-Specific Rewards to enhance your gameplay. Get ready to level up and become the ultimate champion!

Understanding Each Fighter

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts an enormous roster of over 80 characters, each with unique playstyles, strengths, and weaknesses. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newcomer, getting to grips with each fighter can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down what you need to know about the different types of fighters and provides tips to master them.

1. Mario - The All-Rounder

Mario is the go-to guy for beginners. He has a balanced set of moves that make him effective in almost every situation. His fireballs are great for zoning, while his aerials and up smash can kill at higher percentages. His cape can reflect projectiles, adding a strategic element to his playstyle.

• Tip: Practice mixing up your approaches with Mario’s aerial attacks and keep opponents guessing with his cape and F.L.U.D.D.

2. Donkey Kong - The Powerhouse

Donkey Kong is all about raw power. Heavily reliant on grabs and strong aerials, DK can rack up damage quickly. However, his large size makes him an easy target. Learn to utilize his back air and neutral air to keep foes at bay.

• Tip: Master the "cargo throw" combo to deal massive damage and steer your opponent off-stage.

3. Link - The Trapper

Link excels at controlling space with his array of projectiles. Bombs, arrows, and the boomerang provide Link with an arsenal for setting traps and baiting opponents. His sword gives him decent close-combat abilities, too.

• Tip: Use Link's bombs creatively; toss them to restrict your opponent's movement or set them on the ground to control space.

4. Pikachu - The Speedster

Pikachu is one of the fastest characters in the game, making him incredibly evasive. His Thunder Jolt can be a menace for opponents and his quick attacks allow for seamless combos. He thrives in getting in and out of danger quickly.

• Tip: Utilize Pikachu's Quick Attack to recover from precarious situations. Edge-guarding with Thunder can also secure early KOs.

5. Samus - The Zoner

Samus uses her long-range projectiles to keep foes at a distance. Her charged shot and missiles can zone opponents effectively, while her grab gives her options for punishing excessive shield usage.

• Tip: Charge your neutral special whenever you have a moment; it's one of Samus’s best kill options. Use her missiles to control the space on-stage.

6. Fox - The Combo King

Fox is renowned for his rapid-fire combos and excellent air game. Though he's lightweight and can be KO'd easily, Fox's speed allows him to constantly pressure opponents.

• Tip: Master his Reflector to turn enemy projectiles back on them. Get comfortable with his up-air and up-smash as primary KO moves.

7. Kirby - The Copycat

Kirby's unique ability is to inhale enemies and copy their neutral special. This, combined with his strong aerials and easy-to-land tilts, makes him a versatile fighter. Plus, his recovery options are extraordinary.

• Tip: Experiment with different characters' abilities to expand Kirby’s moveset. Down-B can be a useful tool at higher damages, but be careful not to spam it.

8. Captain Falcon - The Bruiser

Captain Falcon thrives on rush-down tactics. Known for his incredible speed on the ground, his moves often leave him vulnerable if whiffed. Master his grabs and aerials to string together high-damage combos.

• Tip: Using Falcon Kick sparingly can throw off opponents. Perfect your read game to land his devastating Falcon Punch.

9. Lucina - The Swordfighter

Lucina is a balanced swordfighter with consistent damage across her blade. She doesn’t have a tipper mechanic like Marth, making her more straightforward to play. Her reliable attacks make her a solid choice for both offense and defense.

• Tip: Utilize her Dancing Blade to rack up damage and break enemy defenses. Keep your spacing to maximize the reach advantage.

10. Inkling - The Trickster

Inkling’s abilities revolve around ink mechanics. Opponents hit with ink will take extra damage from her attacks. Master her mobility and unique tools to dominate.

• Tip: Always keep your ink meter in check. Use splat bombs and roller wisely to apply pressure and secure KOs.

Final Thoughts

Understanding each fighter’s strengths, weaknesses, and unique playstyles is critical to mastering Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Spend time in Training Mode to get a feel for their moves and experiment with different strategies to find the ones that work best for you. With dedication and practice, you’ll be climbing the victory ladder in no time!

Mario

Mario is the quintessential all-rounder. He’s got great speed, handy projectiles, and some solid combo potential. A key strategy is to use his Fireballs to control space and approach safely. If you hit a Fireball, follow it up with a quick grab or a Smash attack.

His Up Special (Super Jump Punch) is fantastic for both recovering back to the stage and KO-ing opponents up close. Don't forget his Cape; it can reverse enemy projectiles and spin opponents around, setting them up for some big plays.

Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is a powerhouse, but he’s slow. Use his reach and heavy attacks to your advantage. Look to land his Down Special (Hand Slap) for area control and easy damage. Grab and cargo throw enemies off-stage to pressure their recovery.

His Giant Punch is a strong tool; charge it when you can and release it when your opponent least expects it. Don't overlook his back aerial; it’s fast, it’s powerful, and it’s a prime move for KO-ing.

Link

Link excels at zoning with his arsenal of projectiles. Use arrows, bombs, and boomerangs to keep distance from your foes. Set bombs strategically to keep pressure or break up an opponent’s approach.

When opponents close in, use Link's sword attacks to fend them off. His up special (Spin Attack) has great KO potential both on the ground and in the air, so make sure to use that when they're at higher percentages.

Pikachu

Pikachu is quick and nimble, perfect for hit-and-run tactics. Use Quick Attack to get in and out, playing mind games with your opponent. Thunder Jolt is a good way to keep them on their toes and to follow up with a dash attack or grab.

Don't forget Pikachu’s multi-hitting attacks like his back-air and down-air. They rack up damage quickly and can set up for a Thunder finisher.

Kirby

Kirby’s main strategy involves using his versatile aerials and his Copy Ability. Stay in the air as much as possible and use attacks like down-air to combo into ground attacks.

Swallowing opponents to gain their abilities opens up new strategies, so don't hesitate to mix it up. Use Kirby’s stone transformation (Down Special) for a surprise KO, but be careful -- it's risky if your opponent sees it coming.

Samus

Samus is all about ranged attacks. Charge Beam is your bread and butter; use it to pressure opponents and force them to approach. Missiles can disrupt their rhythm, and Bombs are great for edge-guarding.

In close quarters, use Samus’s grapple and throws to set up for aerial combos. Her Up Special (Screw Attack) is crucial for escaping pressure and attacking foes above you.

Fox

Fox shines with his speed and aggressive style. Use his Blaster for chip damage from afar, but don’t rely on it -- Fox's real strength is in his close combat. Utilize fast tilts and aerials to keep your opponent on the defensive.

Fox Illusion is great for closing gaps quickly or escaping sticky situations. His up-air is one of his best KO moves, so try to juggle opponents into it.

Captain Falcon

Captain Falcon thrives on speed and power. Use his dash attack and aerials to break through defenses. Falcon Punch is risky but devastating if it connects, so use it sparingly to keep opponents guessing.

Falcon's grab game is strong; down-throw to follow up with aerial combos. His Knee Smash (forward-air) is infamous for its knockout power -- practice landing it out of dash attacks or short hops.

Samus

Samus, though slower, is a formidable zoning character. Her Charge Shot can pressure opponents into unfavorable positions. Use her missiles and bombs to keep your distance and control the stage.

Up-close, Samus has great grabs and throws that can lead to aerial follow-ups. Her Screw Attack is a reliable out-of-shield option and can secure KOs on airborne enemies.

Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff excels in the air. Use aerial attacks to juggle opponents and keep them off-balance. Rest (down special) is a high-risk, high-reward move; if you can land it, it’s a guaranteed KO.

Pound is key for recovery and setting up aerial strings. Don't forget to use Sing to put foes to sleep at ledge sites for an easy rest combo.

With these basics, you're ready to hit the battlefield with confidence. Each fighter has incredible depth, so keep practicing and exploring their unique movesets to discover even more strategies! Happy smashing!

Using Abilities Effectively

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, each character comes with a unique set of abilities that can be the key to victory if used correctly. Whether you're mastering basic attacks or pulling off complex combos, understanding how to use your character's abilities effectively is essential. Let's dive into some strategies and tips that can help you make the most of your fighter's strengths.

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Learn Your Moves

First things first, get to know your character's moveset. Spend some time in Training Mode to experiment with each move. Learn the range, speed, and power of your normal attacks (A button), special moves (B button), and aerial attacks.

• Normal Attacks: These are your bread and butter. Useful for racking up damage and quick attacks. Each direction on the joystick (neutral, forward, down, and up) combined with the A button performs a different move.
• Special Moves: These are your character's unique skills triggered by pressing B. Each direction on the joystick paired with B will unleash a different special attack.
• Smash Attacks: These powerful attacks are performed by pressing A and a direction together with a flick of the joystick. They can send your opponents flying off the stage!
• Aerials: When in the air, each direction combined with A performs a different aerial move. They are crucial for juggling opponents or edge-guarding.

Spacing and Zoning

Understanding the concept of spacing and zoning can drastically improve your gameplay. Spacing is all about positioning your character at a distance where you can strike the opponent without getting hit yourself. Zoning involves using projectiles or long-range attacks to control specific areas of the stage.

• Close Combat: Fighters like Little Mac and Fox excel in close quarters. Use their speed and short-range combos to constantly stay on top of the opponent.
• Mid-Range: Characters like Marth and Lucina benefit from maintaining a medium distance, using their swords to punish opponents who get too close.
• Long-Range: Projectile users like Samus or Zelda can create space and force opponents to approach them, making it easier to set up powerful attacks.

Shielding, Dodging, and Parrying

Defense is just as important as offense in Smash. Learning when to shield, dodge, or parry can save you from taking heavy damage or being knocked off the stage.

• Shielding: Hold the shield button (usually L or R) to block incoming attacks. Remember, your shield can break if used too long or against powerful moves.
• Dodging: Tap the shield button and a direction to sidestep or roll out of harm's way. Dodging is effective for avoiding attacks and repositioning quickly.
• Parrying: Release your shield at the moment an attack hits it to deflect the move and create an opportunity for a counter-attack. Timing is crucial here!

Combos and Follow-Ups

Combos are sequences of moves that string together to deal massive damage. Each character has different combo potential, so explore your options in practice mode.

• Basic Combos: Start with simple sequences like a jab (neutral A) followed by a forward tilt or dash attack.
• Advanced Combos: These might involve multiple hits and varied moves, such as Mario's up-tilt into up-air combo, juggling the opponent in the air.
• Edge Guards and Off-Stage Play: Don't be afraid to chase opponents off-stage for a KO. Characters like Villager with excellent recovery options can follow opponents far off the edge and still make it back.

Ultimate and Final Smashes

Ultimate attacks (Final Smashes) are game-changers. Your character's Final Smash is a powerful move that can turn the tides of battle when used properly.

• Smash Ball: When this item appears, break it to unleash your Final Smash. Timing and precision are key - these moves are often cinematic and ensure a KO if they connect.
• Final Smash Meter: In some modes, a meter fills up over time, allowing you to unleash a Final Smash once it's full. Use it wisely when the opportunity arises to catch multiple opponents off-guard.

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Remember, mastering a character's abilities takes time and practice. Keep experimenting with different fighters to find which playstyle best suits you, and don't get discouraged if it takes a bit to get the hang of it. Stay patient, keep smashing, and soon you'll be dominating the stage!

Managing Health and Resources in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Taking charge of your health and resources in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can make the difference between a clutch victory and a disappointing loss. Here are some key tips to help you manage these crucial aspects of the game effectively.

Understanding Percentages

In Super Smash Bros., "health" isn't represented by a typical health bar. Instead, you have a percentage that increases as you take damage. The higher your percentage, the easier it is to get knocked off the stage. Here are a few tips for managing your damage percentage:

1. Avoid unnecessary hits: It sounds obvious, but try to dodge and shield as much as possible to keep your percentage low.
2. Use your shield wisely: Holding your shield too long will cause it to break, leaving you vulnerable for a few seconds. Remember to also use spot dodges and rolls.

The Art of Recovery

Recovery is the ability to get back to the stage when you’re launched off. Every character has different moves that can help them recover, known as "recovery moves". Here’s how you can manage your recovery resources:

1. Know your character's recovery options: Every fighter has different recovery moves, like Mario’s 'Super Jump Punch' or Pikachu’s 'Quick Attack'. Be sure you know how far your moves can carry you and the best times to use them.
2. Save your double jump: Don’t use your double jump until you absolutely need it. If you're launched far from the stage, having that extra jump can often make the difference.
3. Grab the ledge: Ledge grabbing gives you a brief moment of invincibility and is a great way to safely return to the stage.

Managing Special Moves

Special moves (activated by pressing the B button with different directions) are great, but they often come with their own sets of risks and limitations:

1. Energy and cooldowns: Some characters have special attacks that use up energy or have cooldowns. Wii Fit Trainer’s 'Deep Breathing' and Robin’s 'Thunder' spells, for example, need time to recharge. Make sure you’re aware of when these moves are available.
2. Don't spam specials: Repeatedly using special moves can make you predictable. Mix up your strategies to keep opponents guessing.
3. Risk vs reward: Some specials are powerful but leave you vulnerable if they miss. Consider how and when to use these moves carefully.

Utilizing Items

Items can turn the tide of battle, and knowing how to manage them is crucial:

1. Know what they do: There’s a wide variety of items in the game, from healing items like the Heart Container to explosive items like the Bob-omb. Knowing what each item does will help you decide when and if you should go for it.
2. Be mindful of your environment: Running for an item can make you an easy target for attacks. Make sure it's safe, or at least worthwhile, before committing.
3. Throwing items: Sometimes it's better to throw items at your opponents rather than using them directly. Thrown items can disrupt an opponent's strategy and give you an opening.

Stage Awareness

Each stage has unique features and hazards. Here’s how to keep on top of things:

1. Learn the stage hazards: Some stages have moving platforms, falling blocks, or environmental hazards that can damage you. Learn these hazards and be ready to avoid or use them to your advantage.
2. Control the center: Staying near the center of the stage usually means you have a shorter distance to travel if you get knocked off. It also gives you more control over the stage.

Final Smash Management

The Final Smash is a powerful move unique to each character, activated by breaking the Smash Ball or filling up a special meter:

1. Breaking the Smash Ball: It usually floats around the stage and takes several hits to break. Be aggressive but cautious; going all-in on the Smash Ball can make you an easy target.
2. Use it wisely: When you have the Final Smash, consider when to use it for maximum effect. Catching multiple opponents or securing a critical KO can change the course of the match.

Mastering health and resource management in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate can take some practice, but understanding these fundamentals will give you a significant advantage. Stay smart, play strategically, and most importantly, have fun!

Unlocking Fighter-Specific Rewards in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn't just about smashing your opponents off the stage; there's a ton of cool content you can unlock specific to each fighter! From alternate costumes to special spirits, this guide will help you nab all those sweet, sweet rewards for your favorite characters.

Why Unlock Fighter-Specific Rewards?

Each fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has unique rewards tied to their progression. These goodies range from cosmetic changes to new abilities that can enhance your gameplay experience. Not only do these rewards showcase your mastery of a character, but they also add variety and flair to your battles.

Classic Mode Rewards

Classic Mode offers a tailored experience for each fighter, with a series of battles ending in a climactic boss fight. Here's how you can get the most out of it:

• Completion Bonuses: Finish Classic Mode with a specific fighter to unlock their character-specific reward. These can include exclusive spirits or trophies.
• Intensity Levels: Higher intensity levels yield better rewards. Aim to keep your difficulty high to maximize your loot.
• Colosseum Clear: Some fighters unlock iconic milestone rewards once they clear the Colosseum on higher difficulties.

Spirit Board and Fighter Spirits

Each fighter has their spirit board, filled with character-specific spirits you can unlock. Here's how to dominate the Spirit Board:

• Unique Spirits: Each fighter can unlock unique spirits by completing their spirit board. This can range from items enhancing your fighter's abilities to special bonuses.
• Spirit Battles: Win spirit battles using the specific fighter to earn exclusive spirits. These are usually significant to the character's history or theme.
• Timed Events: Participate in timed events for a chance to unlock rare or time-limited spirits relevant to the featured fighter.

Alternate Costumes and Skins

Looking good never hurt anyone! Alternate costumes and skins are among the most sought-after rewards. Here's how to strut your fighter's stuff:

• In-Game Achievements: Complete various in-game achievements with your fighter to unlock different costumes. Check the achievement menu to track your progress.
• Challenges: Some fighter-specific challenges reward you with alternate costumes. These challenges are typically tied to in-game milestones or feats performed with the character.
• DLC and Amiibos: Some costumes can be unlocked by purchasing DLC packs or scanning Amiibos related to the fighter. Be sure to stay updated on new releases.

Techniques to Fast-Track Unlocks

Why slog through when you can speedrun? Here are some tips to fast-track those fighter-specific goodies:

• Smash Mode: Play Smash Mode regularly. Points earned contribute to unlocking various rewards.
• Events and Tournaments: Participate in events and tournaments. Many feature character-specific rewards and are an excellent way to unlock them quickly.
• Training Mode: Use Training Mode to practice and perfect your combos. A well-practiced fighter can breeze through challenges and unlocks faster.

Final Thoughts

Unlocking fighter-specific rewards in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate not only adds depth to your gameplay but also gives you bragging rights among your friends. Whether you're aiming for the coolest costumes or the most powerful spirits, this guide helps you navigate the vast world of unlocks effectively. So, grab your controller, pick your fighter, and start smashing your way to those exclusive rewards!