Unlocking Lucario in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re itching to unleash the aura and dominate the arena with Lucario in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate? Excellent choice! This powerful Pokémon, known for its scaling damage based on how injured it is, is a force to be reckoned with. Luckily, unlocking Lucario isn’t too arduous, though it does require some dedication. Here’s the lowdown:
You can unlock Lucario through three primary methods: Classic Mode, Vs. Smash Matches, and the World of Light Adventure Mode.
-
Classic Mode: This is often considered the fastest and most reliable method. Beat Classic Mode one time as Yoshi or anyone that Yoshi unlocks. This method presents a fixed progression, meaning that beating Classic mode with Yoshi will always result in Lucario appearing as a challenger, assuming you haven’t unlocked him already.
-
Vs. Smash Matches: This is the “random encounter” method. After playing a Smash match (Versus mode), you’ll occasionally be challenged by a new character you haven’t unlocked yet. Win the fight, and they’re yours! Keep playing matches, and eventually, Lucario will appear as one of these challengers.
-
World of Light Adventure Mode: While possible, unlocking Lucario in World of Light is the most time-consuming method. He’s located somewhere on the massive map, and it’ll likely take hours of gameplay before you stumble upon his location.
Choosing the Right Method for You
Ultimately, the best method depends on your playstyle and goals. If you want a targeted and relatively quick unlock, Classic Mode with Yoshi is your best bet. If you prefer a more unpredictable and natural progression while enjoying regular Smash matches, stick to the Vs. Smash Matches method. Avoid World of Light if you’re primarily focused on quickly adding Lucario to your roster.
Pro Tips for Unlocking
-
Prepare for the Fight: Once Lucario appears as a challenger, be ready for a tough battle. Practice with your main characters and understand Lucario’s moveset to give yourself the best chance of winning.
-
Challenger’s Approach: If you lose the initial fight against Lucario (or any other challenger), don’t fret! They won’t disappear forever. A hidden mode called “Challenger’s Approach” will allow you to retry these battles. This mode isn’t immediately obvious; you’ll need to trigger its availability by playing a quick Smash match after losing to a challenger.
-
Persistence Pays Off: Unlocking all characters in Smash Ultimate takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to beat Lucario. Keep practicing and refining your skills!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unlocking Characters in Smash Ultimate
1. What are the starting characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
When you first start up the game, you’ll have access to eight iconic characters: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. All other characters must be unlocked.
2. Is there a specific order to unlocking characters in Versus mode?
Yes, there’s a set order in which characters appear as challengers after Versus matches. This order is consistent for all players, so you can find lists online detailing the unlock sequence. Knowing this can help you anticipate when Lucario might appear.
3. Can I unlock characters faster by playing with specific rulesets?
There are some theories that certain rulesets might slightly influence the frequency of challenger appearances, but these are largely unconfirmed and debated within the community. It’s generally recommended to just play with rulesets you enjoy, rather than focusing on optimization.
4. What happens if I lose to a challenger? Can I retry?
Yes! If you lose to a challenger, you can rematch them via the “Challenger’s Approach” mode. To access this, play another quick Smash match after losing, and the option to rematch will appear in the main menu.
5. Does playing co-op in Versus mode affect character unlocks?
Yes, playing co-op can affect the unlock process. If you’re playing with a friend, and one of you unlocks a character, both of you will unlock that character. This can speed up the process if you coordinate effectively.
6. How does unlocking characters in Classic Mode work?
Each character in the starting roster (and those you unlock along the way) has a unique “unlock route” associated with their Classic Mode run. This means that completing Classic Mode with different characters will unlock different sets of challengers. For Lucario, beating classic mode with Yoshi or his unlock tree will trigger the match.
7. Is World of Light a good method for unlocking characters quickly?
Generally, no. While you can unlock characters in World of Light, it’s a very lengthy process that requires significant time investment. It’s far more efficient to use Classic Mode or Versus matches if your primary goal is unlocking the full roster.
8. How many characters are there to unlock in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (without DLC)?
There are 74 unlockable fighters in the base game of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, in addition to the eight starting characters, giving you a total of 82 characters, but counting the Pokemon Trainer as one character brings the total to 81.
9. Are DLC characters unlocked the same way as the base game characters?
No. DLC characters must be purchased separately through the Nintendo eShop. Once purchased, they are immediately available in your roster. There is no unlocking process required.
10. Who is Yoshi’s girlfriend?
This is a common question! The character most often depicted as being romantically involved with Yoshi is Birdo. Birdo has appeared as Yoshi’s partner in various Mario games, including Mario Tennis and Mario Golf.
11. How many different ways are there to unlock characters?
There are three main methods for unlocking characters in the base game: Classic Mode, Versus Matches, and World of Light. DLC characters are unlocked through purchase.
12. Is there a limit to how many times I can fight a challenger in Challenger’s Approach?
No, there’s no limit. You can continue to retry the Challenger’s Approach battles until you successfully defeat the challenger and unlock the character.
13. If I have Amiibo, can they unlock characters for me?
Amiibo can train to fight alongside you in the game, but they cannot unlock characters. Unlocking characters must be done through the methods described above.
14. What is the easiest way to unlock characters in Smash Ultimate?
Many players find that Classic Mode is the easiest and most efficient method. This is because it is targeted and requires less time than playing random Smash matches.
15. Can I get banned for using glitches to unlock characters?
While there have been glitches found in the past that could potentially speed up the unlocking process, it’s generally not recommended to exploit them. Nintendo may issue bans or patches to address these glitches, and using them could violate the game’s terms of service. It’s best to stick to the intended gameplay methods.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that encourages learning through playing and adapting to new situations. For more insight into the educational benefits of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Now get out there, train hard, and unlock that Lucario! Good luck, and happy smashing!