How Does 8-Player Smash Work? A Comprehensive Guide
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Understanding 8-Player Smash
8-Player Smash is a thrilling mode in the Super Smash Bros. series that dramatically expands the chaotic fun by allowing up to eight players to battle simultaneously. This mode significantly increases the intensity and unpredictability of matches, creating a truly unique and exhilarating experience compared to the standard four-player mode. Instead of simply being an expanded version, 8-Player Smash changes the dynamic of the game, turning every match into a grand, multi-character brawl. It does this by allowing up to eight controllers to be connected, either wirelessly or through a wired connection.
How to Play 8-Player Smash
In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the process for starting an 8-Player Smash is straightforward:
- Start Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on your Nintendo Switch.
- From the Main Menu, select Smash.
- Once inside Smash mode, players can join up using their desired controllers. Up to eight players can participate.
- Select your chosen character.
Key Differences from Standard Smash
Unlike the standard Smash mode that allows a maximum of four players, 8-Player Smash doubles the participant count. This difference fundamentally alters the gameplay experience. It’s no longer a small skirmish; it becomes an all-out war. The increase in characters on screen leads to:
- Increased chaos: With more characters, more attacks are flying, making it more difficult to track the action, and even more so to predict what is going to happen next.
- Strategic changes: Players need to be much more aware of their surroundings and consider the potential for multiple opponents.
- More unpredictable moments: With so many characters, unexpected chain reactions and eliminations are much more common.
FAQs About 8-Player Smash
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to give you a deeper understanding of 8-Player Smash and related mechanics in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:
1. How Do You Get 8 Players on Smash?
To play 8-Player Smash, you must have **eight controllers** connected to your Nintendo Switch, either wirelessly (Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers) or through a wired connection. Once connected, up to eight players can join the Smash mode and select their characters.
2. How Many Controllers Can You Connect to a Switch?
You can connect up to **eight controllers** to a Nintendo Switch at the same time. These controllers can be Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or even wired controllers. This is what allows you to have 8-player Smash.
3. Why Are Only 8 Characters Available at the Start?
*Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* begins with only the **original eight characters** from the N64 game (Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu). The rest of the roster must be **unlocked** through gameplay or by using DLC.
4. How Do You Unlock Characters in Smash Ultimate?
Most characters are unlocked by **playing through the game’s various modes**, primarily World of Light, Classic Mode, or by simply playing a lot of Smash battles. There are **three main ways** to unlock most fighters and a **fourth way for DLC characters**.
5. What is GSP in Smash?
**Global Smash Power (GSP)** is a ranking system used in *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* to measure your skill level against other players online. Your GSP is determined by **how many players you rank higher than**, and it changes after every online battle.
6. How Many People Can Play Super Smash at Once?
*Super Smash Bros. Ultimate* allows up to **eight players** to play together simultaneously, either locally on one console or online with multiple consoles connected.
7. Can You Play 8-Player Smash Online?
Yes, **8-Player Smash can be played online**. You can connect with friends or get matched with other players based on your GSP and preferred rules. Multiple Switch consoles can also be linked together for 8-player local matches.
8. What Stages Are Banned in Competitive Smash?
Certain stages are banned from competitive play because they can create imbalances, such as hazards or the potential for camping. In the past these included: Big Blue, Brinstar, Corneria, Green Greens, Jungle Japes, Kongo Jungle, Kongo Jungle (N64), Mushroom Kingdom, Mushroom Kingdom II, Mute City, Onett, Poké Floats, Princess Peach’s Castle, Rainbow Cruise, Yoshi’s Island.
9. What is Considered High GSP?
A **high GSP** is generally considered to be around **12.8 million and above**. At this level, gains become very slow, and you'll often face very skilled opponents.
10. How Do Matchup Charts Work in Smash?
Matchup charts are used to show the **relative difficulty of matchups** between different characters. They typically use a color-coded system to indicate how favorable or unfavorable a matchup is, assuming both players have equal skill.
11. Can You Have 8 Players on a Single Switch?
Yes, you can have eight players using a single Nintendo Switch system, provided you have enough controllers connected.
12. Is There a Limit to How Many Characters You Can Play?
In *Super Smash Bros. Ultimate*, there are **89 playable characters** across the entire roster, including all base characters, unlockable fighters, and DLC fighters. This is the total count of characters that you can play in the game.
13. Who is the Heaviest Hitter in Smash?
**Captain Falcon** is often considered one of the hardest-hitting characters, especially with his Falcon Punch. While there are other heavy-hitters, Captain Falcon is well known for his devastating moves.
14. What is a Spike in Smash?
A **spike** is an attack that sends an opponent downwards, often resulting in a KO if they are off-stage. Some characters have better spike options than others. Some of the best spikes in the game are Wolf's Side Special, King K. Rool's B-Air, and Ganondorf's D-Air.
15. How Hard is it to get Elite Smash?
Getting into **Elite Smash** is considered a considerable achievement. It generally means being in the **top 10%** of players for a specific character. The exact GSP required can vary by character and fluctuate as new players join or leave.
Conclusion
8-Player Smash is a fantastic addition to the Super Smash Bros. series, offering a chaotic and exciting experience. Whether you’re battling with friends on the couch or facing off against random opponents online, this mode provides a unique twist on the classic Smash gameplay. By understanding the mechanics and having the right equipment, you can dive into the fun of an 8-player brawl and discover a whole new level of enjoyment in the game.