Why Do I Only Have 8 Characters in Smash Bros?
The initial shock of booting up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and finding only eight playable characters is a common experience for new players. Unlike previous entries that offered a larger starting roster, Ultimate begins with just the original cast from the Nintendo 64 iteration. The core reason is a design choice by Nintendo to create a sense of progression and reward, encouraging players to explore various game modes and challenges to unlock the extensive roster of fighters. This ensures a feeling of discovery and accomplishment, and it also lengthens the overall playtime of the game. The eight characters you start with are: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. To expand your selection, you’ll need to actively participate in the game’s many modes.
Unlocking Characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
How to Expand Your Roster
The primary method for unlocking characters is through playing the game. Whether you engage in Vs. Smash matches, Classic Mode, or even the extensive World of Light Adventure Mode, you’ll encounter new challengers. Defeating them in battle will unlock them as playable characters. However, it’s not always as straightforward as just playing matches. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Vs. Smash Matches: After a certain number of matches (or sometimes even after just one), a new challenger will appear. It’s important to note that losing to a challenger doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. The game keeps track of any character you’ve lost against in these battles.
- Challenger’s Approach: If you’ve lost against challengers, you won’t unlock them by playing normal vs. matches. Instead you need to find the Challenger’s Approach option in the Games & More menu. This option allows you to rematch all characters you have been defeated by and try again to unlock them.
- Classic Mode: Each character has their own specific path in Classic Mode. Certain characters have specific unlock conditions and rewards for completing their Classic Mode runs, sometimes unlocking another character afterwards. It’s a good idea to explore each character’s Classic Mode path to see what they unlock. For example, Mewtwo is unlocked by beating Classic Mode 8 times with Fox, or with other character that he unlocks. Greninja is unlocked by beating Classic Mode 6 times with Donkey Kong, or other characters he unlocks.
- World of Light: The World of Light adventure mode is a massive single-player experience. Many characters can be unlocked through this mode as well, although it may take a considerable amount of time depending on which character you are trying to unlock and how far along you are in the World of Light campaign. Sonic the Hedgehog for instance can be found in the Sacred Land Zone of the Dark World in this mode.
Alternative Options and Considerations
While most characters can be unlocked through gameplay, some exceptions exist:
- Mii Fighters: These custom characters can be created at any time and do not need to be unlocked. They offer a unique way to play with your own style.
- DLC Fighters: Downloadable content (DLC) characters such as Joker from Persona 5, are unlocked through purchasing them from the Nintendo eShop. Once purchased, they usually become available after awakening a certain number of fighters in the World of Light Adventure mode.
Why This Approach?
Nintendo opted for this method to give players a strong sense of progression. The initial small roster encourages players to experiment with the starting characters, learn their move sets, and then venture out to discover more. It makes the act of unlocking characters a reward, not just an automatic process, and gives the overall game longevity as you unlock the full roster over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about unlocking characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate:
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How many characters are there in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts a massive roster of 89 playable characters, including both base game characters and those added via DLC. -
Can I unlock all the characters for free?
Yes, the majority of characters can be unlocked for free by simply playing through the game’s various modes. Only the DLC characters require a purchase. -
What are the first 8 characters I start with?
You begin with the original eight fighters from the N64 game: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. -
Why am I not unlocking any more characters?
A likely reason is that you may have lost to some challengers and need to use the Challenger’s Approach option in the Games & More menu. You might also need to keep progressing in the World of Light or Classic mode to meet unlock conditions for some characters. -
How do I access the Challenger’s Approach?
Navigate to the Games & More option on the main menu, and you’ll find the Challenger’s Approach option there. This allows you to rematch any characters you’ve lost against. -
How do I unlock Sonic?
Sonic can be unlocked by beating Classic Mode 1 time as Mario, through Vs. Matches, or found in the World of Light Adventure mode in the Sacred Land Zone of the Dark World. -
How do I unlock Mewtwo?
Mewtwo can be unlocked by playing Classic Mode 8 times with Fox or any character that Fox unlocks, in addition to potentially being encountered in Vs. mode or the World of Light Adventure Mode. In World of Light, Mewtwo is in the Mysterious Dimension and unlocks after defeating Wispy Woods’ spirit. -
How do I unlock Greninja?
Greninja can be unlocked by playing Classic Mode 6 times with Donkey Kong or any character that Donkey Kong unlocks, by encountering him during Vs. Matches, or by finding him during the World of Light Adventure Mode. -
How many people can play on the same console?
Up to 8 people can play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate locally on the same console if you are on a local multiplayer match. -
How do I access 8-player smash?
On the main menu, select Smash and then select 8-Player Smash at the character selection screen. -
How does multiplayer work with multiple consoles?
Up to 8 players can connect via local wireless using different Nintendo Switch consoles. You can also battle it out online! -
What is Global Smash Power?
Global Smash Power (GSP) is a rating system used in online battles to match you with players of similar skill levels. -
Is there any way to get a character immediately?
Other than using DLC fighters, there isn’t a way to instantly unlock all characters. The game is designed to reward progress. -
What about Ash-Greninja?
Ash-Greninja is a transformation of Greninja in the anime, but it exists in Smash Ultimate as part of Greninja’s Final Smash move. The Greninja character in the game is confirmed as being male, which is why he transforms into the Ash version for that move. -
Is Ness from Earthbound?
Yes, Ness is the main protagonist of the Earthbound game. He is known for his psychic PSI powers.
By understanding these aspects of the game, you can efficiently grow your roster and enjoy all that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has to offer. The intentional design of a smaller starting roster ensures that unlocking each new fighter feels rewarding, adding longevity and fun to the overall experience.