Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a huge roster of fighters from Nintendo games and other popular franchises. However, not every character is available when you first start playing. You must unlock most of the roster by playing different modes, completing battles, and challenging new fighters.
There are several ways to unlock characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, including Classic Mode, Smash battles, and World of Light. Each method has its own advantages, so choosing the right one can help you build your roster faster.
How Character Unlocking Works
When you begin Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, only eight fighters from the original Super Smash Bros. roster are available. These are Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu.
You can unlock additional fighters by triggering encounters with new challengers. After winning a challenger battle, the character joins your roster. If you lose, you will need another opportunity to challenge that fighter.
The game includes 74 base-game fighters at launch, with additional characters available through downloadable content. The exact roster depends on which downloadable fighters you own.
1. Unlock Characters Through Classic Mode
Classic Mode is one of the fastest and most reliable ways to unlock new fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Each run involves a series of battles, and completing the mode triggers a challenger encounter.
Follow these steps:
- Open the main menu and select Games & More.
- Choose Classic Mode.
- Select one of your available fighters.
- Complete the series of battles.
- Defeat the new challenger to unlock that character.
The fighter you choose affects which challenger appears next. Each of the eight starting characters has its own unlock path, so you can influence the order in which you encounter new fighters.
For example, completing Classic Mode with Donkey Kong can lead to a battle against Bowser. If you prefer a structured approach, this method lets you unlock characters while learning how different fighters play.
2. Unlock Characters Through Regular Smash Battles
Another way to unlock fighters is to play regular Smash matches. As you play, the game tracks your progress and can introduce new challengers.
When a challenger appears, you must defeat them in a one-on-one battle to add them to your roster.
Here are some useful tips:
- Play regular matches and keep moving between battles.
- Complete matches rather than repeatedly restarting them.
- Watch for the Challenger Approaching screen after a match.
- Win each challenger battle before continuing with other modes.
New challengers do not necessarily appear after every match. The game uses specific conditions to determine when encounters become available, so simply playing a few quick matches may not unlock everyone immediately.
The first several challenger encounters can happen without the usual waiting period. Later encounters generally have additional timing requirements. If you want to unlock fighters efficiently, combining regular matches with Classic Mode is a practical strategy.
3. Unlock Characters in World of Light
World of Light is the adventure mode in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. It features a large map, battles against various opponents, and encounters that allow you to rescue and unlock fighters.
You begin the adventure with Kirby and gradually discover other characters as you explore the world.
To unlock fighters through this mode:
- Select World of Light from the main menu.
- Explore the map and follow available routes.
- Complete battles that lead to new fighters.
- Defeat the fighter when required to unlock them.
- Continue exploring to discover more characters.
Characters awakened during World of Light also become available in the game’s regular modes.
This method is ideal for players who enjoy single-player adventures. However, it takes longer to complete than some other approaches because you must progress through the map and overcome different challenges.
4. What Happens If You Lose a Challenger Battle?
Losing a challenger battle does not mean you have lost your only opportunity to unlock that fighter.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate includes a feature called Challenger’s Approach, which lets you retry certain encounters you previously failed.
To access it, follow these steps:
- Return to the main menu.
- Select Games & More.
- Look for Challenger’s Approach when it becomes available.
- Select the fighter you previously failed to defeat.
- Win the rematch to unlock the character.
This feature is especially useful when you encounter a difficult opponent early in the game.
If you struggle to win, try changing your fighter, learning the opponent’s attack patterns, and practising defensive techniques. Dodging, shielding, and recovering safely after being knocked away can make a significant difference.
5. How to Unlock Mii Fighters
Mii Fighters work differently from most characters in the game. You do not need to wait for a traditional challenger battle to unlock them.
Instead, open Games & More and select the option to create a Mii Fighter. You can create three different types:
- Mii Brawler: Focuses on close-range physical attacks.
- Mii Swordfighter: Uses a sword and offers a mix of melee and projectile attacks.
- Mii Gunner: Specialises in ranged attacks using various weapons.
You can customise their appearance and select special moves to suit your preferred playstyle.
6. Can You Unlock Every Character for Free?
Most fighters included in the base game can be unlocked through normal gameplay without purchasing additional content.
However, some characters are downloadable content (DLC) fighters. These include Joker, Steve, Sephiroth, and Sora. Access to these additional fighters generally requires purchasing the relevant downloadable content, although availability depends on what you already own.
Purchasing DLC is separate from unlocking the standard roster. You do not need to buy a Fighters Pass to unlock the regular base-game characters.
