Editing Fighter

{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}

A '''fighter''', also known as a '''playable character''' or simply '''character''', is a character (or in some cases, multiple characters simultaneously) in the ''{{b|Super Smash Bros.|series}}'' series roster that can be controlled by players in [[Versus Mode]] and other modes. These characters are located on the [[character selection screen]] and can be used without a cheat device (e.g. [[Action Replay]]). Playable characters can further be divided into [[starter character|starter]], [[Unlockable character|unlockable]], and [[Downloadable character|downloadable]], which distinguishes whether characters can be played right away, whether they need to be unlocked, or whether they need to be downloaded.

|{{bg|#ffcfcf}}|Unlockable in {{GameIcon|SSB4-3|16px}}, Starter in {{GameIcon|SSB4-U|16px}}

|{{bg|#cfffcf}}|Customizable<ref>[[Mii Fighter]]s are automatically unlocked upon creation in the Mii Fighter menu, or, in ''[[Ultimate]]'', upon unlocking them in World of Light.</ref>

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|Transformation<ref>Some characters are accessible through others' movesets. Transformation characters share a slot on the [[character selection screen]], but in most situations players can start the match as whichever form they wish. In ''Ultimate'', transformation characters may appear independently as enemies in single-player modes.</ref>

!width="10%"|{{GameIcon|SSBU|24px}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|bayo|24px}}{{uv|Bayonetta}}

|{{bg|#ffffaf}}|{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=24px}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Byleth]]<ref name="gender">This fighter's alternate costumes have male and female variants. Only the default gender's stock icon is shown on the table.</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|fz|24px}}{{uv|F-Zero}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|<ref name="pokeball">Is a [[Poké Ball]] Pokémon.</ref>

|<ref name="pokeball"/>

|<ref name="chrom">Appears in [[Robin]]'s [[Final Smash]].</ref>

|{{bg|#dfdfdf}}|{{Head|Chrom|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name="chrom"/>

|{{bg|#ffffaf}}|{{Head|Cloud|g=SSB4|s=24px}}

|{{bg|#ffffaf}}|{{Head|Corrin|g=SSB4|s=24px}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|<ref name="assist">Is an [[Assist Trophy]].</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Duck Hunt]]{{NTSC}}<br/>Duck Hunt Duo{{PAL}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|fox|24px}}{{uv|Star Fox}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|fox|24px}}{{uv|Star Fox}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Hero]]<ref>Half of Hero's costumes represent 4 different protagonists from across the franchise: Luminary, Erdrick, Solo, and Eight. Luminary is the default, and only his stock icon is shown on the table.</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|st|24px}}{{uv|Splatoon}}

|<ref name="assist"/>

|style="text-align:left"|[[Ivysaur]]

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Ivysaur|g=SSBB|s=24px}}<ref name="trainer"/>

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Ivysaur|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name="trainer"/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Kazuya]]

|style="text-align:left"|[[Ken]]

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|sf|24px}}{{uv|Street Fighter}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|<ref name="assist"/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Mii Swordfighter]]{{NTSC}}<br/>Mii Sword Fighter{{GameIcon|SSB4}}{{PAL}}

|{{Head|Olimar|g=SSB4|s=24px}}<ref name="alph">In ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'', half of Olimar's costumes allow players to control [[Alph]] instead.</ref>

|{{bg|#dfdfdf}}|{{Head|Olimar|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name="alph"/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name="gender"/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|<ref name=plant>Is a [[stage hazard]].</ref>

|{{bg|#ffffaf}}|{{Head|Piranha Plant|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name=plant/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|{{bg|#dfdfdf}}|{{Head|R.O.B.|g=SSB4|s=24px|cl=Grey}}<ref name="R.O.B.">R.O.B.'s default appearance in ''Smash 4'' and ''Ultimate'' changes depending on the language the game is set to. His Famicom design is his default appearance in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean languages, while all other languages use his NES design.</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|cv|24px}}{{uv|Castlevania}}

|<ref>Is a [[boss]].</ref>

|<ref>Is a [[stage hazard]] in {{forwiiu}}.</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|smb|24px}}{{uv|Mario}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|sf|24px}}{{uv|Street Fighter}}

|{{Head|Samus|g=SSBB|s=24px}}<ref name="samus">Samus can transform into Zero Suit Samus by rapidly using the up and down taunts or by using her [[Zero Laser|Final Smash]]. Zero Suit Samus can transform into Samus with her own [[Power Suit Samus|Final Smash]] (but not through taunting). They were split into separate characters starting in ''Smash 4''.</ref>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=24px}}<ref name="zelda">Both Zelda and Sheik can [[Transform]] into each other using their down special. They have new special moves starting in ''Smash 4'', thus they can no longer transform.</ref>

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBB|s=24px}}<ref name="zelda"/>

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|cv|24px}}{{uv|Castlevania}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|sth|24px}}{{uv|Sonic the Hedgehog}}

|style="text-align:left"|[[Sora]]

|style="text-align:left"|[[Squirtle]]

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|pkmn|24px}}{{uv|Pokémon}}

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Squirtle|g=SSBB|s=24px}}<ref name="trainer"/>

|{{bg|#cfcfff}}|{{Head|Squirtle|g=SSBU|s=24px}}<ref name="trainer"/>

|style="text-align:left"|[[Steve]]<ref name="steve">[[Alex]], [[Zombie]], and [[Enderman]] appear as alternate costumes.</ref>

|style="text-align:left|{{symbol|mc|24px}}{{uv|Minecraft}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|fox|24px}}{{uv|Star Fox}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|style="text-align:left"|{{symbol|loz|24px}}{{uv|The Legend of Zelda}}

|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBM|s=24px}}<ref name="zelda"/>

|{{Head|Zelda|g=SSBB|s=24px}}<ref name="zelda"/>

! align="center" |{{rollover|14|13 if Zelda and Sheik are counted as one fighter.|y}}

! align="center" |{{rollover|18|15 if Zero Suit Samus isn't counted due to being a transformation of Samus and all three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon are counted as one fighter.|y}}<ref name="fighter">Pokémon Trainer is not counted because he isn't controlled by the player and he lacks a [[fighter number]] in ''Ultimate''. Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard are counted instead.</ref>

! align="center" |{{rollover|24|23 if Pyra and Mythra are counted as one fighter.|y}}

! align="center" |{{rollover|21|20 if Zelda and Sheik are counted as one fighter.|y}}

! align="center" |{{rollover|65|63 if all three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon are counted as one fighter.|y}} <ref name="fighter"/>

! align="center" |{{rollover|26|25 if Zelda and Sheik are counted as one fighter.|y}}

! align="center" |{{rollover|39|35 if Zelda and Sheik, Samus and Zero Suit Samus, and all three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon are each counted as one fighter.|y}}

! align="center" |{{rollover|89|86 if all three of Pokémon Trainer's Pokémon and Pyra and Mythra are each counted as one fighter.|y}}

A '''newcomer''' is a character who appears as playable for the first time in the series in a given game. A '''veteran''' is the opposite: a character who has been playable in a previous game. For example, Diddy Kong is a newcomer in ''Brawl'', as he did not appear as playable in any previous games, but is a veteran in all subsequent games. Note that the definition of newcomers is distinct from that of "[[unlockable character|unlockable]]" or "secret" characters, which are playable characters who must be unlocked by completing certain tasks; ''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and ''Smash 4'' all had starter veterans, starter newcomers, unlockable veterans, and unlockable newcomers. ''Ultimate'' is the first game in which all newcomers to the base game are unlockable; however, most veterans are also unlockable.

Less commonly, the term "veteran" can also denote the "eight regulars" or "perfect-attendance fighters", which are the eight [[starter character]]s in the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' which have been in all subsequent games of the series. The "perfect attendance" part of the term is a reference to the fact that these eight fighters have always been available from the start of every game without needing to be unlocked. The terms originated in the description for the 10th ''Brawl'' event match [[Event 10: All-Star Battle Regulars|All-Star Battle Regulars]], reading: ''"The Smash Bros. perfect-attendance crew! Fight the eight regulars in order!"'' A popular, unofficial term referring to this group is "The Original 8" ([[Mario]], [[Donkey Kong]], [[Link]], [[Samus]], [[Yoshi]], [[Kirby]], [[Fox]], and [[Pikachu]]), which may also be called "The Original 12" if including the four unlockable characters ([[Luigi]], [[Ness]], [[Captain Falcon]], and [[Jigglypuff]]), who have likewise appeared in every game in the series. The 29th ''Brawl'' event match [[Event 29: All-Star Semifinal Regulars|All-Star Semifinal Regulars]] states: ''"Four hidden characters from the past game! They're secret perfect attendees."'' {{forwiiu}} is the only installment where all the "Original 12" are starter characters. ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' refers to the concept of the perfect-attendance crew by making the only starter characters the aforementioned "Original 8".

*{{uv|Pokémon}} is the only universe to have multiple fighters cut throughout the series, being Mewtwo, Pichu, and Pokémon Trainer's Squirtle and Ivysaur.

**However, it is also the only universe to have newcomers in all games.

*{{uv|Metal Gear}} and {{uv|Ice Climber}} are the only universes to have the entirety of their characters cut from a game.

*Pichu and Young Link are the only fighters to have been absent from multiple consecutive installments.

*Ice Climbers are the only characters to have been a fighter in multiple games before being cut.

*Lucas is the only fighter to have been a starter character, unlockable character, and downloadable character in separate games. Lucas is also the only playable character who has never appeared in a non-''Smash'' game released outside Japan.

*[[Roy]] is the only playable character to debut in ''Super Smash Bros.'' before appearing in any other game. His inclusion in ''Melee'' was intended to promote ''{{s|fireemblemwiki|Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade}}'', his debut in his home series, which was released shortly after ''Melee'' in Japan. According to [[Masahiro Sakurai]], ''The Binding Blade'' was originally scheduled for release before ''Melee''.<ref>https://sourcegaming.info/2015/12/13/sakurai-fe25/</ref>

*[[Charizard]], [[Little Mac]], [[Ridley]], [[Dark Samus]], [[Isabelle]], [[Chrom]], and [[Piranha Plant]] are the only characters to have been made fully playable after major non-playable appearances, excluding characters that are playable via items such as [[Metal Mario]]. These include [[Poké Ball]] Pokémon, [[Boss]]es, [[Assist Trophies]], [[stage hazard]]s, or part of another character's moveset. Of these characters, Chrom and Piranha Plant are the only ones to retain their non-playable roles even after becoming playable.

**Inversely, Samus is the only character who was initially a standalone character before being able to transform into Zero Suit Samus, before the two were split in their next appearances.

*{{SSB|Captain Falcon}} (in ''Smash 64''), the {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s in both of their appearances, and {{SSBU|Pac-Man}} (in ''Ultimate'') are the only fighters to use head icons that don't portray their faces.

*Prior to ''Ultimate'', the only unlockable characters whose playable status was not kept a secret in official sources prior to release were {{SSBB|Snake}} and {{SSBB|Sonic}} in ''Brawl'', and {{SSB4|Lucina}} in ''Smash 4''.