Why Do I Only Have 8 Fighters in Smash Ultimate?

The initial shock of firing up Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and seeing only eight playable characters is a common experience for new players. Unlike previous entries in the series, Ultimate deliberately starts you with a minimal roster. This isn’t a glitch or a problem with your game; it’s the intended design. The game begins with the original cast of eight fighters from the Nintendo 64’s Super Smash Bros.: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. All other fighters, a vast and impressive roster, must be unlocked through gameplay. This approach incentivizes players to engage deeply with the game’s various modes and offers a rewarding sense of progression. Essentially, the limited initial roster is a way to guide you into the game’s full experience, ensuring you don’t feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters available.

Unlocking the Full Roster

The path to unlocking the rest of the roster is a key part of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate experience. Unlike previous Smash titles, where many characters were available right away or unlockable through simple progression, Ultimate employs a more varied and engaging system. You don’t simply play through the game; you actively earn each new fighter.

Methods of Unlocking Characters

There are several ways to unlock fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, encouraging different playstyles:

• Vs. Matches: Simply playing standard Smash matches will eventually lead to new character encounters. After a set number of matches, a new challenger will appear. These are not always the character you expect and may be on any given stage and have any type of rule set, which changes with each challenger.
• Classic Mode: Progressing through Classic Mode with specific characters will unlock other fighters connected to that character. For example, beating Classic Mode with Donkey Kong several times will lead to Greninja as a challenger. This is a great method for targeting specific characters you want to play.
• World of Light Adventure Mode: The single-player World of Light campaign features a huge map with fighters to rescue, but you will need to fight them in order to awaken them and add them to the roster. This mode is a more structured and narrative-driven way to unlock characters. However, many characters will be locked behind specific paths and spirits.
• Challenger’s Approach: If you are defeated by a challenger in the methods above, they can be found in the Challenger’s Approach option in Games & More. This allows you to rematch those characters so you don’t miss out on the chance to unlock them. If you lose to them again you will need to play a few more matches before the challenger will appear again.
• Special Considerations: It is important to note that Mii Fighters are not locked; you can create and customize Mii Brawler, Mii Swordfighter, and Mii Gunner at any time.

The Unlock Process

When a challenger approaches, you will face them in a one-on-one battle. If you win, the character is immediately added to your roster. If you lose, you’ll need to go to Challenger’s Approach to rematch them. This system encourages players to explore different characters and hone their skills. The sense of achievement that comes with unlocking each fighter is part of what makes Ultimate such a compelling game.

FAQs About Smash Ultimate’s Starting Roster

To help you better understand the unlock system in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

1. How many fighters are playable in Smash Ultimate?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features an impressive roster of 89 playable fighters, including all characters from previous Super Smash Bros. games, newcomers, and DLC characters.

2. How many free fighters are in Smash Ultimate at the start?

You begin with only 8 free fighters unlocked when you first start Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu.

3. How many characters are in Smash Ultimate without DLC?

The base game contains 76 fighters (74 if you count Pokémon Trainer as one). This includes 69 unique fighters and 7 Echo Fighters. Piranha Plant was initially available as a free bonus but is now considered a DLC Fighter.

4. What is the fastest way to unlock all fighters in Smash Ultimate?

The fastest method involves deliberately losing a 1-stock match by falling off the stage, triggering a new challenger. Then, win the fight against the challenger. If you do not, find them in the Challenger’s Approach option. After winning, close and restart the game to repeat the process.

5. Can you unlock all characters in Smash Ultimate without DLC?

Yes, you can unlock all base game characters without DLC. The DLC characters must be purchased separately, however.

6. Why am I not getting any more Smash characters?

If you’re not getting new challengers, it’s likely you were defeated by them and haven’t rematched them via the Challenger’s Approach. Additionally, new challengers will appear less often if they have been defeated and not rematch them.

7. Is SSBU the last Smash game?

While it was widely accepted that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate would be the last, recent comments and the fact that Masahiro Sakurai no longer directs the franchise has indicated new Smash games may be a possibility after all.

8. How do you unlock Greninja in Smash Ultimate?

Greninja can be unlocked by playing Classic Mode with Donkey Kong (or anyone he unlocks) six times. He can also be unlocked through other methods, like normal matches and the World of Light.

9. How many fighters do you need to awaken in World of Light to access DLC?

Purchased DLC characters will become available in World of Light after awakening at least 10 base game fighters. In total, there are 73 base game characters (including Pokémon Trainer as one) to rescue.

10. Which Smash game has the most characters?

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has the most characters, living up to its “Everyone is Here!” tagline, with 89 playable fighters.

11. How do you get 8 people on Smash Ultimate?

Up to 8 players can play on a single system by using multiple controllers. Alternatively, you can link multiple Nintendo Switch consoles together for local multiplayer with up to 8 players or use online multiplayer.

12. Who is the easiest smash character to master?

Characters like Mario, Captain Falcon, and Ganondorf are often recommended for beginners due to their balanced movesets and easy-to-learn mechanics.

13. Who is the hardest character to play in Smash Ultimate?

Characters with more complex mechanics, such as Peach, Ice Climbers, and Rosalina & Luma, are considered some of the hardest to play well.

14. Where is Mewtwo in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?

Mewtwo is located in the Mysterious Dimension in World of Light. He is unlocked after defeating the spirit of Wispy Woods. It can take upwards of 20 hours of gameplay to find him.

15. How do you unlock the Joker in Smash Ultimate?

After purchasing the DLC, Joker will become available in World of Light after awakening at least 10 base game fighters.

Conclusion

The limited starting roster in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a deliberate design choice that encourages engagement and progression. By understanding the various ways to unlock fighters, you can fully experience the game’s impressive collection of characters. This system rewards persistence and exploration, making the full roster unlock a satisfying achievement. Happy smashing!