If you just started playing Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, you might notice that the full roster is not available right away. While the game proudly advertises “Everyone Is Here,” you still need to unlock most fighters through gameplay. This system makes progression feel rewarding and gives you a reason to keep battling.
When you first launch Smash Ultimate, you begin with only a small group of characters. The rest are unlocked by triggering special “Challenger Approaches” battles. Each time you meet certain conditions, a new fighter challenges you. Win the fight, and they join your roster.
If you lose, do not worry. The game allows you to rematch them later from the “Games & More” menu under Challenger’s Approach.
There are three main ways to unlock characters:
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Playing Classic Mode
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Playing regular Smash battles
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Playing World Of Light mode
Let’s break down each one.
Unlocking Characters Through Smash Mode
The fastest way to unlock characters in Smash Ultimate is by playing standard Smash battles. This method works both offline and in local multiplayer.
Here’s how it works:
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Play a regular Smash match.
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After a certain amount of playtime or matches, a challenger appears.
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Defeat them in a one-on-one battle.
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The character becomes playable.
Many players use a quick method to speed this up:
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Start a one-stock match.
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Jump off the stage immediately to end it fast.
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Wait for the challenger.
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Close and reopen the game to reset the internal timer.
This technique allows you to trigger new challengers quickly without playing full matches. It is one of the most popular methods for unlocking all fighters in a short time.
Unlocking Characters Through Classic Mode
Classic Mode offers a more structured and reliable path. Each starting character has a specific unlock tree tied to them. When you complete Classic Mode with one fighter, you unlock a specific new character. Then completing Classic Mode with that newly unlocked fighter unlocks another one, and so on.
This method is ideal if you want a predictable order instead of random challengers. It also allows you to practice with different characters while unlocking new ones.
Classic Mode fights follow themed routes. Some are easy, others are intense. Your final score does not matter for unlocking characters, so focus on winning.
Unlocking Characters In World Of Light
World Of Light is the story mode of Smash Ultimate. Instead of traditional challenger battles, you unlock fighters by freeing them from spirits across the map.
This method takes longer but provides a cinematic experience. You explore different regions, complete spirit battles, and eventually face the captured character. Win, and they join your roster permanently.
World Of Light is perfect for players who enjoy adventure-style progression rather than grinding quick matches.
How Many Characters Can You Unlock?
Smash Ultimate originally launched with over 70 fighters. As you progress, you unlock nearly all of them through gameplay. However, downloadable content characters must be purchased separately through Fighter Passes.
Some well-known fighters you can unlock include:
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Sonic
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Cloud Strife
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Ridley
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King K. Rool
All of these are unlockable through normal gameplay.
What Happens If You Lose A Challenger Battle?
If you lose against a challenger, the character does not disappear forever. Instead:
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Go to Games & More.
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Select Challenger’s Approach.
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Rematch the fighter.
This option appears after some time has passed. The rematch does not cost anything, and you can retry until you win.
Fastest Way To Unlock All Characters
If your goal is to unlock every character as quickly as possible, follow this strategy:
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Use one-stock Smash battles.
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End matches immediately.
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Trigger challenger fights.
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Close and reopen the game after each unlock to reset the timer.
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Repeat.
This method can unlock the full base roster in just a few hours.
However, some players prefer to experience the unlock journey slowly. Smash Ultimate was designed to reward consistent play, and unlocking fighters naturally can feel satisfying.
Tips For Winning Challenger Battles
Challenger fights can be surprisingly difficult. Here are a few tips:
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Lower the CPU difficulty in your settings before matches.
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Use characters you are comfortable with.
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Play defensively if the opponent is aggressive.
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Take advantage of stage edges for early knockouts.
Remember, challenger battles are standard one-on-one fights. Smart positioning and patience matter more than flashy combos.
Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
No. You do not need an online subscription to unlock characters. All unlock methods work offline. Online play is optional and does not affect the unlock system directly.
