Table of Contents

How to Unlock Dark Samus in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to add the menacing, Phazon-infused Dark Samus to your Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster? Excellent choice! This echo fighter, mirroring Samus Aran in many ways but boasting a unique visual flair and subtle gameplay differences, is a force to be reckoned with.

How do you unlock black Samus? There are multiple ways to unlock Dark Samus in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The most direct and potentially fastest method is to play through Classic Mode with Incineroar. However, the alternative is to gradually unlock fighters by playing Versus Mode.

Now, let’s dive deep into each method and explore everything you need to know about unlocking this iconic villain.

Unlocking Dark Samus: The Incineroar Classic Mode Method

This is often cited as the fastest method, but it requires a little initial legwork:

Unlock Incineroar: If you haven’t already, you’ll need to unlock Incineroar. He’s not available from the start. While the exact method can vary slightly based on your unlock history (the game tries to present a balanced roster), a common path is to play Versus mode. Characters are unlocked in a pre-determined sequence. Keep playing matches, and Incineroar will eventually be among the new challengers.
Play Classic Mode as Incineroar: Once you have Incineroar, select him as your fighter in Classic Mode.
Complete Classic Mode: Successfully complete Classic Mode with Incineroar. The difficulty setting may influence the order of fighter unlocks, but it doesn’t guarantee Dark Samus.
Defeat Dark Samus: After finishing Classic Mode, you will be challenged by Dark Samus. Beat her in this fight, and she’ll join your roster! If you lose the fight, don’t worry! Navigate to Games & More, then to the bottom right where there is a golden gate icon, you can rematch any challenger you have lost to.

Unlocking Dark Samus: The Versus Mode Method

This method is slower but reliable:

Play Versus Matches: Keep playing matches in Versus mode. After a certain number of matches (usually a few), a new challenger will appear.
Defeat Challengers: When Dark Samus appears as a challenger, defeat her in battle.
Repeat: If you lose, you can rematch by navigating to Games & More and selecting the challenger rematch option as mentioned above.
Persistence is Key: The exact order of fighter unlocks is somewhat predetermined, but playing Versus mode consistently will eventually lead to Dark Samus appearing as a challenger.

Exploring Dark Samus: Why She’s a Great Addition

Dark Samus is more than just a visual clone of Samus. While they share a core moveset, subtle differences make her a unique character to master. She uses Phazon-based attacks, giving her a distinct visual style. Dark Samus’ initial dash turnaround animation starts 1 frame faster than Samus’ does (3 frames → 2), making her retreat slightly faster. Knowing these subtleties will help you leverage her strengths in combat.

Mastering Dark Samus: Tips and Tricks

Zoning Power: Like Samus, Dark Samus excels at zoning. Use her projectiles – missiles, charge beam – to control the stage and keep opponents at bay.
Strategic Spacing: Maintain a comfortable distance. Her grounded options up close aren’t as strong, so use your mobility to create space and punish over-aggressive opponents.
Edgeguarding: Dark Samus’ aerials and projectiles can be very effective for edgeguarding, preventing opponents from recovering.
Practice: Spend time in training mode to master her movement, attacks, and combos. This will give you a significant edge in battles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Dark Samus and unlocking characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:

1. Is Dark Samus just a reskin of Samus?

No, Dark Samus is an echo fighter. While she shares many of the same moves as Samus, there are subtle differences in animations, hitboxes, and overall feel that make her a unique character. Her dash turnaround is faster than Samus and many consider her to be better than Samus.

2. Is Dark Samus heavy?

Yes, Dark Samus has a heavy weight, similar to Samus. This means she’s more difficult to launch and knock off the stage.

3. Can you unlock Dark Samus in World of Light?

Yes, unlocking Dark Samus in World of Light is possible, but it relies on the game’s general character unlock progression within that mode. World of Light characters are unlocked by completing the story mode and defeating different bosses in the game.

4. Is Dark Samus a villain?

Yes, Dark Samus is generally portrayed as a villain. She’s an evil doppelganger of Samus driven by a lust for Phazon.

5. How many characters are in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a massive roster of over 80 playable characters, including DLC fighters.

6. Is there a specific order to unlocking characters in Versus mode?

Yes, there is a predetermined order for unlocking characters in Versus mode. The specific order can be influenced by factors like which characters you started with, but it follows a set pattern.

7. Can I change the unlock order in Versus mode?

No, you cannot directly change the unlock order. However, losing to a challenger and choosing not to rematch immediately can slightly alter the sequence.

8. What’s the easiest way to unlock all characters?

There is no “easiest” way, as it depends on your skill level and patience. However, playing through World of Light and repeatedly playing Versus matches are the most reliable methods. The Classic mode method works, but is limited to one challenger per completed run.

9. Does difficulty affect character unlocks in Classic Mode?

While there’s no concrete evidence, many players believe that playing on higher difficulties in Classic Mode may increase the chances of unlocking specific characters or influencing the unlock order.

10. What are echo fighters?

Echo fighters are characters that share a moveset similar to an existing fighter, but with visual differences and subtle gameplay tweaks. They offer a slightly different playstyle while still feeling familiar.

11. Can I rematch challengers I’ve lost to?

Yes, you can rematch challengers you’ve lost to. Go to Games & More on the main menu, and look for the golden gate icon in the bottom-right corner.

12. Is Zero Suit Samus a separate character from Samus?

Yes, Zero Suit Samus is a separate character. They have different movesets, strengths, and weaknesses. You must select them separately on the character select screen.

13. Where can I find more information about Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay and strategy?

There are numerous online resources, including websites, forums, and YouTube channels dedicated to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Check out resources like Smashboards, Reddit’s r/SmashBrosUltimate, and various professional player channels on YouTube.

14. What is the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society is an organization dedicated to researching the intersection of games and education. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

15. How do I get better at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Practice, practice, practice! Watch professional players, learn character matchups, understand stage control, and master your chosen character’s moveset. Consider joining a local Smash Bros. community for tips and training. You can also check out Games Learning Society for studies on how games can improve your cognitive skills and abilities.

Unlocking Dark Samus is just the beginning! With practice and dedication, you can master her unique abilities and dominate the competition in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Good luck, and have fun smashing!