Unlocking the Roster: How Many Smash Characters Are Free in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
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The burning question on every new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate player’s mind is: how many characters can I actually play without spending extra cash? The answer, thankfully, is a very respectable 74 (or 76, depending on how you count the Pokémon Trainer). That’s a massive starting point, offering countless hours of brawling fun with iconic characters. It’s important to note that this number refers to the base game roster, those characters unlockable through gameplay alone. To fully appreciate the scope of the game and plan your unlocking strategy, let’s dive into the details.
Unlocking the Base Roster: Three Paths to Victory
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate doesn’t hand you the entire roster on a silver platter from the moment you boot it up. The feeling of unlocking new characters is core to the game’s progression and sense of reward. You can use the following three primary methods to expand your selection of fighters:
1. Classic Mode: A Nostalgic Journey
This mode offers a series of themed battles culminating in a boss fight. It’s not just about beating the mode; each character you play through Classic Mode with will unlock a specific challenger afterward. Experimenting with different characters in Classic Mode is a great way to discover new favorites and expand your roster concurrently.
2. World of Light: The Adventure Awaits
This is the adventure mode within Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As you progress through the World of Light, you’ll encounter and battle various fighters who are being controlled by spirits. Defeating them unlocks them for use in all other game modes. While it’s the most time-consuming, it’s also the most narrative-driven way to unlock characters, and an enjoyable single-player experience.
3. The Challenger Approach (or Rotating List): The Brawl Never Ends
This is where you periodically get to face a new challenger in a standard match. After playing matches, the game will present you with a new challenger. Beat them, and they join your roster. Lose, and you’ll get another chance later. This is the most common and arguably the easiest method for unlocking characters organically through regular gameplay.
DLC Fighters: Expanding the Universe, One Purchase at a Time
While a significant portion of the roster is unlockable for free through gameplay, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate also features a selection of Downloadable Content (DLC) fighters that must be purchased separately. These characters represent exciting additions from other gaming universes and offer unique playstyles that you cannot get anywhere else.
Understanding Echo Fighters
The game includes Echo Fighters, which are characters based on existing fighters with slightly altered movesets and appearances. The game considers Echo Fighters to be their own separate character, adding to the overall roster count. Echo Fighters are unlockable via the same free methods as other base game characters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions about characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, designed to help you navigate the vast world of the game and unlock the fighters of your dreams.
1. How many DLC characters are there in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
There are 12 DLC fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. These characters are not included in the base game and must be purchased separately.
2. Is there a way to unlock DLC characters for free?
No. DLC characters can only be unlocked by purchasing them individually or as part of a Fighters Pass. There are no in-game methods to unlock them without payment.
3. What is the difference between the Fighters Pass and buying characters individually?
The Fighters Pass offers a discounted bundle of several DLC characters, including stages and music tracks. Buying characters individually is more expensive if you plan to acquire multiple DLC fighters.
4. How much does a single DLC character cost?
A single DLC fighter typically costs $5.99.
5. How much does the Fighters Pass cost?
There are two Fighters Passes. Fighters Pass Vol. 1 and Fighters Pass Vol. 2 cost $24.99 each.
6. What is the fastest way to unlock base game characters?
The rotating challenger approach method is often considered the fastest way to unlock base game characters. Constantly replaying matches will give you opportunities to fight and unlock new fighters. There are methods that can be found online for quickly unlocking the characters, but they may be glitchy or less fun than playing through the game.
7. Can I unlock all characters in World of Light?
Yes, you can unlock nearly all the base game characters by playing through the World of Light adventure mode. It’s a long and arduous process, but it is a great way to unlock characters.
8. Are Echo Fighters harder to unlock?
No, Echo Fighters are unlocked in the same way as other base game characters – through Classic Mode, World of Light, or the challenger approach. Their difficulty in unlocking is no different from any other fighter.
9. Does the order I unlock characters affect gameplay?
No, the order in which you unlock characters doesn’t affect the gameplay or your overall progress. You can choose to unlock your favorite characters first, or follow the order provided by the game through the challenger approach.
10. Do I need to buy all the DLC characters to enjoy the game fully?
No, the base game provides a massive amount of content and a diverse roster of characters to enjoy. DLC characters enhance the experience but aren’t essential for having fun with the game.
11. What happens if I lose to a challenger?
If you lose to a challenger, you’ll have another opportunity to fight them later. The game will eventually give you a rematch.
12. Is Piranha Plant part of the Fighters Pass?
No, Piranha Plant is a separate DLC character and is not included in either Fighters Pass.
13. How long does it take to unlock all base game characters?
The time required to unlock all base game characters varies depending on the method you use and your play style. It can take anywhere from 20 to 50 hours or more.
14. How do I unlock specific characters through Classic Mode?
Each character in the base roster is linked to a certain Classic Mode path. Playing Classic Mode with a specific character will trigger the unlock of another fighter on the roster. Check online guides to see which character unlocks which.
15. Is there a character select cheat code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
No, there is no character select cheat code in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. All characters must be unlocked through gameplay or by purchasing DLC.
The Joy of Discovery and Community
Ultimately, the joy of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lies not just in the size of its roster, but in the journey of discovering each character’s unique moveset, strategies, and playstyles. The game is designed to encourage experimentation and exploration, fostering a deep connection between the player and the characters. As a community, we also strive to promote learning within our favorite games and others. The Games Learning Society is a great source for learning about the connection between gameplay and learning: GamesLearningSociety.org.
While the allure of DLC fighters is undeniable, the core game provides an incredible amount of content and countless hours of entertainment. So, dive in, start brawling, and unlock your favorites through gameplay. Enjoy the journey, and may the best Smasher win!