How Many Characters in Smash Ultimate Without DLC?

Alright, Smash aficionados, let’s cut to the chase! The burning question on everyone’s mind: How many characters are in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate without any of that fancy DLC? The answer, plain and simple, is 76.

But, as any seasoned Smash player knows, the devil is in the details. This number can be a little misleading if you don’t understand how the game counts characters. We’re talking about the base roster, the fighters you get just by owning the game. Let’s delve deeper into what this number truly represents and how it affects your Smash experience.

Understanding the Base Roster: A Deep Dive

Those initial 76 fighters include a staggering collection of gaming icons, from Mario and Link to Pikachu and Samus. It’s a veritable who’s who of video game history. But within that 76, some nuance needs to be considered.

Echo Fighters: More Than Just Clones

First, we need to talk about Echo Fighters. These characters share a similar moveset to another fighter but possess distinct characteristics and animations. Think of Princess Daisy as an echo of Peach, or Richter Belmont as an echo of Simon Belmont. While they are functionally similar, they are treated as separate characters on the roster. Ultimate has 7 Echo Fighters within the base game.

Pokémon Trainer’s Trio

Then there’s the Pokémon Trainer. This character technically occupies one character slot on the selection screen but allows you to switch between three different Pokémon: Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard. Some fans argue that the Pokémon Trainer should be counted as three characters, which would adjust the total number of unique fighters in the base game.

The Actual Number of Unique Fighters

So, if we subtract the Echo Fighters, we’re left with 69 unique fighters. And if we consider Pokémon Trainer as just one slot filled by three different fighter options? This means we have 74 playable fighters if you consider Pokemon Trainer as one fighter, but 76 if each Pokémon is a standalone character.

Why This Matters

Understanding this breakdown is important because it impacts how you approach the game. The initial unlock process is different for each character, with various paths of unlocking characters. Also, the different fighters’ playstyle is very different. Knowing the composition of the base roster helps you strategize your unlocking methods and start mastering your favorite characters.

Unlocking the Base Roster

Unlike previous Smash Bros. games, Ultimate starts you off with a relatively small initial roster of eight characters: the original crew from Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo 64. This means you’ll need to unlock the rest! Luckily, there are multiple ways to do this:

• Smash Mode: Playing standard Versus matches is the most straightforward method. After each match, a new challenger will appear. Beating that challenger unlocks them for use.
• World of Light: The single-player adventure mode, World of Light, allows you to unlock characters as you progress through the story. This is a more time-consuming method, but it offers a unique and engaging experience.
• Classic Mode: Each character has their own Classic Mode route. Completing these routes unlocks a different character, and the path to unlocking them is different.
• Rematch: If you lose to a challenger, they’ll be added to a “Challenger’s Approach” menu in the Games & More section. You can rematch them here to finally unlock them.

Regardless of the method you choose, unlocking the base roster is a significant undertaking. It requires dedication, skill, and a whole lot of Smash matches. It’s a journey that many players consider the core experience of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. GamesLearningSociety.org could do an amazing study on the unlock process. It’s something worth diving deeper into!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to clarify any lingering uncertainties about the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster:

1. How many characters are in Smash Ultimate in total, including DLC?

Including all DLC characters, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts a massive roster of 89 playable fighters.

2. Is it possible to unlock all characters in Smash Ultimate without buying DLC?

Yes, you can unlock all 76 base game characters without purchasing any DLC. The DLC characters are entirely separate and must be bought individually or as part of the Fighters Pass.

3. What is a “Fighters Pass,” and what does it include?

The Fighters Pass is a DLC bundle that grants you access to a set of DLC characters, stages, and music tracks. Buying the Fighters Pass is a more economical way to obtain multiple DLC characters compared to purchasing them individually.

4. Who was the last DLC character added to Smash Ultimate?

The final DLC character for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was Sora from the Kingdom Hearts series.

5. How do I unlock the Mii Fighters?

The Mii Fighters are unique because they are available from the start. You can create and customize Mii Brawler, Mii Swordfighter, and Mii Gunner to add your personal touch to the roster.

6. Why am I not unlocking characters after playing multiple matches?

The game might prevent you from unlocking new characters if you have too many failed challenges. Rematch the characters you lost to in the Challenger’s Approach menu to clear the backlog and continue unlocking new fighters.

7. How much does it cost to buy all the DLC characters individually?

Purchasing each DLC character separately would cost more than buying the Fighters Pass. It’s generally more cost-effective to buy the bundle if you want to unlock all the DLC content.

8. How do Echo Fighters affect the total character count?

Echo Fighters are counted as individual characters on the roster, even though they share similar movesets with their original counterparts.

9. Does Super Smash Bros. Ultimate come with all characters unlocked from the start?

No, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate starts with only the initial eight characters from the Nintendo 64 game. All other characters must be unlocked through gameplay.

10. Are there any secret characters in the base game that are particularly hard to unlock?

While no character is secret in the traditional sense, some characters might take longer to unlock depending on your chosen method and playstyle. Some characters have to be unlocked playing as other characters in Classic Mode.

11. How many music tracks are in Smash Ultimate without DLC?

The base game contains over 700 music tracks, with more unlockable through various means like completing challenges, progressing in World of Light, and finishing Classic Mode. DLC adds even more music tracks to the total.

12. Is it true that there will be no more DLC for Smash Ultimate?

Yes, Masahiro Sakurai confirmed that Sora was the final DLC character and that there are no plans for further DLC additions.

13. Are there any alternate ways to unlock characters besides playing through the game?

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts or cheat codes to instantly unlock all characters. The game is designed to encourage players to engage with its various modes and challenges to gradually unlock the roster.

14. What’s the fastest way to unlock characters in Smash Ultimate?

The “one stock and then suicide method” for smash mode is a quick way to unlock characters. There are many guides that can assist with the fastest method of unlocking characters.

15. With no more DLC planned, is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the last Smash Bros. game?

While Masahiro Sakurai has stated he has no current plans for the series, that doesn’t necessarily mean Ultimate is the definitive end. The future of the Super Smash Bros. franchise remains uncertain, but the possibility of another game hasn’t been entirely ruled out. The Games Learning Society may be able to offer some predictions with more data.

So there you have it! A comprehensive look at the base roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, along with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. Happy smashing!