Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Unlocking the Entire Roster
The ultimate crossover fighting game, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch boasts an absolutely massive roster. The definitive answer to the question “How many characters can you get on Super Smash Bros. Switch?” is: 89 playable characters. This includes all base game fighters, downloadable content (DLC) characters, and echo fighters. Understanding how to unlock these characters, the DLC situation, and other nuances of the roster can significantly enhance your enjoyment of the game.
Unlocking the Colossal Roster: A Step-by-Step Guide
While 89 characters is the ultimate goal, you don’t start with them all unlocked. The initial roster is significantly smaller, incentivizing players to actively unlock the rest. Here’s a breakdown of the primary unlocking methods:
1. World of Light Adventure Mode
World of Light is the sprawling single-player adventure mode. Progressing through this mode is one of the main methods of unlocking characters. As you explore the map, you’ll encounter spirits that, upon defeating them, unlock the associated fighter. The mode is extensive, requiring significant playtime to fully complete and unlock every fighter obtainable through it. This method provides a structured and engaging way to build your roster.
2. Classic Mode
Each character in the game has a unique Classic Mode route. Completing Classic Mode with any character will unlock a new challenger. However, the character unlocked is pre-determined based on the initial character used. The challenger that appears is linked to that character’s unlocking branch. Repeatedly completing Classic Mode with different starting characters is an effective way to expand your roster quickly. Experimentation is key to discovering which characters unlock which challengers.
3. Challenger Approach
This is the primary method most players will encounter. After playing a certain number of matches, a new challenger will appear. Defeating the challenger adds them to your roster. If you lose the fight, the challenger won’t disappear forever. You’ll have a rematch opportunity available in the Challenger’s Approach menu, accessible from the Games & More section. This ensures you don’t miss out on any characters simply due to a loss. This is often the most common and straightforward method of unlocking characters.
4. Spirits Mode
While World of Light uses Spirits extensively, regular Spirits Mode battles can also unlock characters. Certain Spirit battles act as a precursor to unlocking a fighter. By clearing these specific battles, you trigger the appearance of the corresponding fighter as a challenger. This is less common than the other methods, but it provides another avenue for unlocking characters.
5. Buying DLC Fighters
The Fighters Pass and individual DLC packs add entirely new characters to the game. These characters are not unlockable through any of the in-game methods mentioned above; they must be purchased separately. The DLC characters significantly expand the roster and introduce new gameplay mechanics.
The DLC Fighters: Expanding the Universe
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a substantial amount of DLC content, introducing characters from various other franchises. These DLC fighters are not part of the base game and must be purchased to be playable.
Fighters Pass 1
- Piranha Plant: Available as an early purchase bonus and later for individual purchase.
- Joker (Persona 5): A stylish and strategic fighter.
- Hero (Dragon Quest): Features multiple command selections and powerful magic.
- Banjo & Kazooie: A classic platforming duo brought to the fight.
- Terry Bogard (Fatal Fury): A traditional fighting game character with complex inputs.
- Byleth (Fire Emblem: Three Houses): A versatile fighter with multiple weapon options.
Fighters Pass 2
- Min Min (ARMS): A unique fighter with extendable arms.
- Steve & Alex (Minecraft): Brings the building and crafting mechanics of Minecraft to Smash.
- Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII): A powerful and elegant swordsman.
- Pyra/Mythra (Xenoblade Chronicles 2): A dynamic duo with distinct playstyles.
- Kazuya (Tekken): A hard-hitting fighter with brutal combos.
- Sora (Kingdom Hearts): A beloved character with a magical keyblade.
Understanding Echo Fighters
Echo Fighters are characters that share a similar moveset to an existing character. They often have minor differences in animations, stats, or special move properties, but their core gameplay remains consistent. They are also included in the total count of 89 characters.
Notable Echo Fighters
- Daisy (Echo of Peach)
- Lucina (Echo of Marth)
- Dark Pit (Echo of Pit)
- Richter Belmont (Echo of Simon Belmont)
- Chrom (Echo of Roy)
- Dark Samus (Echo of Samus)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to unlock all characters?
No, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to unlock the base game characters. However, it is required to download and play with the DLC fighters online, and also required for online multiplayer battles.
2. Is there a specific order to unlocking characters?
While some characters might be easier to unlock earlier, there is no rigid order. The Challenger’s Approach system randomizes the order of characters that appear to a degree, but the unlocking branches tied to Classic Mode do have a predetermined sequence.
3. Can I speed up the unlocking process?
Yes. Closing and re-opening the game resets the timer for Challenger Approach appearances. Short single-stock matches against weak CPUs can be used to quickly trigger the next challenger fight.
4. What happens if I lose to a challenger?
Losing to a challenger doesn’t mean you lose the opportunity to unlock them. They will reappear in the Challenger’s Approach menu, allowing you to rematch them later.
5. Are DLC characters stronger than base game characters?
No. DLC characters are designed to be balanced within the game’s ecosystem. Some players may find certain DLC characters easier to use or more suited to their playstyle, but they are not inherently stronger.
6. Can I play as the DLC characters offline?
Yes. Once purchased and downloaded, DLC characters can be used in all offline modes, including local multiplayer, World of Light, and Classic Mode.
7. How much does it cost to get all the DLC characters?
Purchasing both Fighters Passes is the most economical way to obtain all DLC fighters. The exact cost will vary based on region and currency, but it’s significantly cheaper than buying each character individually. Check the Nintendo eShop for current pricing.
8. Do Echo Fighters count towards completion?
Yes, Echo Fighters are considered unique characters and contribute to the total roster count. Unlocking them is necessary for “completing” the roster.
9. Is Piranha Plant still available?
Yes, Piranha Plant can be purchased separately from the Fighters Passes on the Nintendo eShop.
10. Can I transfer unlocked characters between Nintendo Switch consoles?
Character unlocks are tied to your Nintendo Account. If you use the same account on multiple consoles, your unlocks should transfer over. Save data must also be synced or transferred.
11. What is the “Spirit Board”?
The Spirit Board is a mode where you battle spirits to add them to your collection. While it doesn’t directly unlock fighters in most cases, certain Spirit Battles may act as prerequisites for fighter unlocks.
12. Does playing on higher difficulty affect unlocking characters?
The difficulty setting does not impact the unlocking process. You can unlock characters on any difficulty level.
13. Are there any hidden characters besides the DLC?
No, there are no secret or hidden characters beyond those unlockable through the game’s various modes and the DLC packs.
14. Is there any character I can’t unlock?
Assuming you have the base game and have either unlocked all characters through gameplay, or have purchased all the DLC, then no. It is possible to unlock every single character.
15. Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate the biggest crossover in gaming history?
While subjective, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is widely considered one of the most ambitious and comprehensive crossovers in gaming history, bringing together iconic characters from a vast array of franchises. The sheer scale and diversity of the roster are unmatched.