Editing Unlockable character

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{{redirect|Challenger|info on fighters, to whom the title "challenger" is often applied|Fighter}}
[[File:Starter characters SSB64.png|200px|thumb|Character selection screen in ''Super Smash Bros.'' indicating the unlockable characters.]]
An '''unlockable character''' (also referred to as a '''secret character''' or '''hidden character''', and in-game as '''challengers''', or '''newcomers''' in the N64 game's [[Backup Clear]] menu) is one that is not available at the start of the game (unlike a [[starter character]]), but instead must be received in-game (unlike [[downloadable character]]s) through other means.

Unique criteria must be met in order to unlock each character, as outlined below. Once such criteria are met, the challenger will appear the next time the player returns to the menu. If the player wins the subsequent battle, a [[Notice|message]] will appear congratulating them for unlocking the new fighter.

In ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'', the character select screen displayed placeholders for not yet unlocked characters. This was changed in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', where the [[clone]]s didn't have placeholders prior to unlocking, with their portraits simply appearing afterward. The placeholder slots were completely removed from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' onward.

Whenever a character is unlocked, a screen telling the player that the character is now playable will be displayed:
*In ''Super Smash Bros.'', the screen says that "you can now use" the character, featuring a unique title for each of them.
*In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', the screen displays a sentence that is unique to each character and features the unlocking timestamp.
*In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', the screen says that the character, with their unique title too, "has joined the brawl", and also features a portrait of the character.
*In ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', the screen says that the character "joins the battle!" while playing ''{{SSBMMusicLink|Rare Trophy}}'' from ''Melee'', before archiving their corresponding milestones. This also applies to [[downloadable content]] characters once they are downloaded, or when the game is booted after a character's release date in case of being purchased via Fighters Pass in the latter game.

=="Challenger Approaching!" screen==
<!--Please refrain from changing the "challenger approaching" pictures to other characters-->
[[File:Challenger Approaching Falcon(SSB).png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Captain Falcon challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. 64'']]
[[File:SSBU Inkling Approaches.png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Inkling challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']]
The "Challenger Approaching!" ({{ja|挑戦者が現れました！|Chōsensha ga arawaremashita!}}, ''A Challenger has Appeared!'') screen is a message that will be displayed after the player has met a criteria required to unlock any of the available characters. Every game has its unique screen.

''Super Smash Bros.'' had a silhouette of the character merely displayed in a blue box in front of a black background, with an exclamation point in a red circle on the top of the screen, and the phrase "Challenger Approaching" next to it. The screen uses similar music to the 1P-Game's intro, with the only difference being the absence of drums for the "challenger approaching" tune. As a result, this is the only game where the challengers' silhouettes are animated, showing them in their fighting stances while rotating (like in the character select screen), rather than just shadowed versions of their official illustrations.

''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' added the phrase "A new foe has appeared!," and also had a silhouette of the approaching challenger. The poses for the challengers were silhouettes of their renders when selected on the character select screen (some, however, like Luigi and Ganondorf's, were their renders from inside the boxes). The game also added animations to the screens, with an undulating matrix effect in the background, while the exclamation point, text and silhouette would be eased in. Original music was also provided solely for the screen, which took the sound of a slow, ominous siren. 

''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' returned to the plain black background (there would be a silhouette of an unlockable character the player would face); but this would only occur if the [[Subspace Emissary]] method was not used. Also, ''Brawl'' removed the word "Warning" and the circle explanation point logo from the challenger approaching screen. It still had animations that would ease in, and when the player pressed any button, the images would fade to black, while the "Challenger Approaching!" text would scatter all over the screen; the siren is also considerably faster and more panicky in its sound than how it sounds in ''Melee''. 

''Super Smash Bros. 4'' reused ''Brawl''{{'}}s warning siren, but there are some differences in both versions. The 3DS version added in considerably more colors, including hues of green, black, and violet; the screen also says "A challenger approaches!" instead of its previous quotations. The Wii U version uses a font style similar to the ones in the newcomer trailers, and the background contains a picture of a supernova; the text is nonetheless reused from past games. The unlockable character in both versions of ''Super 4'' on the screen is still a silhouette that the player would face (just like in the previous three installments).

As in ''Smash 4'', the warning siren from ''Brawl'' is used in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''. This time there is a dark pink background with a white/pink light shining behind the silhouette of the unlockable character. The text about unlocking characters remains the same from prior games.

After the "Challenger Approaching!" screen, the unlockable character will then be fought in an ordinary one stock match with no time limit, on a [[Home stage|predetermined stage]] with predetermined music. The AI difficulty of the duel depends on the game, usually at low difficulty for the first fighter, then it gradually increases with every fighter unlocked, however, it is reversed in ''Melee'', and always high in the Wii U version of ''Smash 4''. The player uses the last character played as, including the last used [[alternate costume|costume]]. In the case of multiplayer battles, in the first three ''Smash'' games, the player who won the match will fight the challenger; if a CPU wins the match, the challenger will not appear. ''Super Smash Bros. 4'' changed this formula such that if a CPU wins the match, then the human-controlled player with the highest rank will battle the challenger.

By defeating the opponent, the character becomes playable. If the player fails, however, they will not unlock the character, but in the next battle they win, they are guaranteed to meet with the challenger again.

The "Challenger Approaching!" screen has become somewhat of a meme in the ''Smash'' community. Many digitally manipulated versions of these screens have appeared, often featuring characters who do not appear in the games, mostly using artwork of the character from another game instead of original artwork (which gives away its falseness). The screens became so popular that they were featured as part of the [[DOJO!!]]; in earlier updates, whenever a new character was introduced, a banner that said "Warning! Challenger Approaching!" would appear above the entry.

===Challenger Approaching Screens===
<!--Please refrain from changing the "challenger approaching" pictures to other characters-->
<gallery>
Challenger Approaching Ness(SSB).png|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Ness challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. 64''.
ChallengerApproachingMarth(SSBM).png|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Marth challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee''.
Challenger Approaching Sonic (SSBB).png|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Sonic challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''.
ChallengerApproachingDarkPit.png|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Dark Pit challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
SSB4-U Duck Hunt Approaches.png|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Duck Hunt challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSBU Simon Approaches.png|200px|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Simon challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''.
</gallery>

===Challenger Approaching Alarms===
<gallery>
ChallengerApproaching64.ogg|''Smash 64''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingMelee.ogg|''Melee''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingBrawl.ogg|''Brawl'', ''Smash 4'', and ''Ultimate''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
</gallery>

==''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!Unlock location
|-
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete Bonus 1: [[Break the Targets]] with all starter characters.||[[Peach's Castle]]
|-
|{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] in 20 minutes or less.||[[Planet Zebes]]
|-
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] on Normal or higher with three lives or less and without using any continues.||{{SSB|Dream Land}}
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] with any character.||[[Saffron City]]
|}

===Gallery===
<gallery>
Challenger Approaching Luigi(SSB).png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Smash 64''
Challenger Approaching Falcon(SSB).png|Captain Falcon challenging the player in ''Smash 64''
Challenger Approaching Ness(SSB).png|Ness challenging the player in ''Smash 64''
Challenger Approaching Jigglypuff(SSB).png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Smash 64''
</gallery>

==''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS matches required!!Unlock Location!!Music
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with any character.|| |50||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Pokémon Stadium}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with {{SSBM|Mario}} without using any continues. || |100||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Dr. Mario}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Pichu|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[Event 37: Legendary Pokémon]].|| |200||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Battle Theme}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete the [[100-Man Melee]].|| |300||{{SSBM|Battlefield}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Corneria}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Marth|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with all 14 starter characters, or use all starter characters at least once in [[VS. mode]].|| |400||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Young Link|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with 10 different characters.  || 500||[[Great Bay]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Saria's Theme}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]].|| |600||{{SSBM|Final Destination}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Great Bay}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Mewtwo|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Play [[Versus Mode]] for a combined total of 20 hours.<ref group=note name=player-hours/>|| |700||{{SSBM|Final Destination}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Poké Floats}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[Adventure Mode]] when the second on the time limit in the first stage gets a "2". For example: XX:X2:XX. Afterwards, defeat Luigi and {{SSBM|Peach}} within 1 minute. || |800||[[Mushroom Kingdom II]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Mushroom Kingdom II}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Roy|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Unlock {{SSBM|Marth}}, then complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> as him without using any continues. || |900||[[Temple]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/>, or [[Break the Targets]] with all 24 other characters.|| |1000||[[Flat Zone]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Flat Zone}}''
|}
<references group=note>
<ref name=erase>Because [[All-Star Mode]] is itself unlocked by unlocking all characters, it is only possible to unlock a character via All-Star Mode if the player had previously used the [[Erase Data]] > Hidden Characters [[Options|option]] after unlocking All-Star Mode.</ref>
<ref name=player-hours>The time required is calculated in "player-hours" (e.g. two human players gives two hours for every hour of game-time, three human players give three and four players give four).</ref>
</references>

===Gallery===
<gallery>
Challenger Approaching Jigglypuff.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Dr. Mario.png|Dr. Mario challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingPichu(SSBM).png|Pichu challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingFalco(SSBM).png|Falco challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingMarth(SSBM).png|Marth challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingYoungLink(SSBM).png|Young Link challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Ganondorf.png|Ganondorf challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingMewtwo(SSBM).png|Mewtwo challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Luigi.png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingRoy(SSBM).png|Roy challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingGW(SSBM).png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Melee''
</gallery>

==''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', the first game to feature third-party characters, both third-party characters ({{SSBB|Solid Snake}} and {{SSBB|Sonic the Hedgehog}}) are unlockable characters.

===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS matches required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Reflect ten projectiles.
|5
|[[Onett]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Mother (Melee)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Marth|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}}.
|10
|[[Castle Siege]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Fire Emblem (Melee)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} without using any continues.
|22
|[[Luigi's Mansion]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Luigi's Mansion Theme}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete [[100-Man Brawl]].
|50
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Area 6}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Play through {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Normal or higher and beat it in 12 minutes or less.
|70
|[[Port Town Aero Dive]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City}}''
|-
||{{CharHead|Lucario|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear all levels of [[Target Smash!!]] with any single character.
|100
|[[Spear Pillar]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Snake|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Play 15 Vs. Matches on [[Shadow Moses Island]].
|130
|[[Shadow Moses Island]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Collect 250 different trophies.
|160
|[[Mario Bros.]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Mario Bros.}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Hard with Link or Zelda.
|200
|{{SSBB|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Hidden Mountain & Forest}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear [[Target Smash!!]] with 30 different characters on any single difficulty level.
|250
|[[Flat Zone 2]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Sonic|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} with ten characters, or Brawl for ten combined total hours.
|300
|[[Green Hill Zone]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Sonic Heroes}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Have 20 or more [[event]]s cleared after beating the [[Subspace Emissary]].
|350
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Center}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Toon Link|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} after beating the Subspace Emissary.
|400
|[[Pirate Ship]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Dragon Roost Island}}''
|-
||{{CharHead|Wolf|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete [[Boss Battles]] mode with {{SSBB|Fox}} or {{SSBB|Falco}}.
|450
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf}}''
|}

===[[The Subspace Emissary]]===
In addition to the challenges and versus match method of unlocking, all unlockable characters can be unlocked by playing through The Subspace Emissary. The majority of these characters are unlocked as part of the linear story of SSE. However, Toon Link, Wolf, and Jigglypuff are only unlockable after the main story is completed by finding a secret door while replaying certain levels. Once a character joins a group of playable characters, the character will be instantly unlocked for normal play (without requiring a "Challenger Approaching" battle).


*[[Midair Stadium]]: {{SSBB|Kirby}} is unlocked alongside either {{SSBB|Peach}} or {{SSBB|Zelda}}/{{SSBB|Sheik}} depending on which princess is freed from [[Petey Piranha]]. {{SSBB|Mario}} and the princess that was not freed are both playable but are not unlocked.

*[[Skyworld (SSE)|Skyworld]]: {{SSBB|Pit}} and Mario.

*[[The Jungle]]: {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}. {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} is playable but is not unlocked.

*[[The Lake]]: {{SSBB|Fox}}.

*[[The Ruined Zoo]]: {{SSBB|Lucas}} and {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} exclusively with {{SSBB|Squirtle}}. {{SSBB|Ness}} is playable but is not unlocked for neither Adventure Mode nor any other mode.

*[[The Battlefield Fortress]]: {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, and {{SSBB|Ike}}.

*[[The Forest]]: {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}. After completing the Great Maze, {{SSBB|Toon Link}} can be found through a hidden door.

*[[The Research Facility I]]: {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} and {{SSBB|Pikachu}}.

*[[The Lake Shore]]: Either Peach or Zelda/Sheik, depending on who was rescued in the Midair Stadium, will be removed.

*[[The Ruins]]: {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBB|Charizard}} are now acquired by the Pokémon Trainer. After completing the Great Maze, {{SSBB|Wolf}} can be found through a hidden door.

*[[The Swamp]]: {{SSBB|Falco}}. After completing the Great Maze, {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}} can be found through a hidden door.

*[[The Research Facility II]]: {{SSBB|Samus}} replaces Zero Suit Samus.

*[[Outside the Ancient Ruins]]: Donkey Kong, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, and {{SSBB|Olimar}}. Fox and Falco will be removed from Adventure Mode.

*[[The Glacial Peak]]: {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}.

*[[Battleship Halberd Interior]]: {{SSBB|Snake}}.

*[[Battleship Halberd Exterior]]: Fox, Peach, and Zelda/Sheik are unlocked again, or in the case of the princess not rescued in the Midair Stadium for the first time.

*[[Battleship Halberd Bridge]]: {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}. Falco will also be unlocked for Adventure Mode again.

*[[The Subspace Bomb Factory II]]: {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}.

*[[Entrance to Subspace]]: Everyone will be removed.

*[[Subspace I]]: Ness, {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, and {{SSBB|Bowser}}. The following characters can optionally be rescued: Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, and Pokémon Trainer.

*[[Subspace II]]: Kirby will be guaranteed, and he can optionally rescue the following characters: Link, Yoshi, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Meta Knight, Lucario, R.O.B., Snake, and {{SSBB|Wario}}. {{SSBB|Ganondorf}} will also be unlocked if Link and Zelda were rescued.

*[[The Great Maze]]: {{SSBB|Sonic}}.

===Gallery===
<gallery>
Challenger Approaching Ness (SSBB).png|Ness challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Marth (SSBB).png|Marth challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Luigi (SSBB).png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Falco (SSBB).png|Falco challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Falcon (SSBB).png|Captain Falcon challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Lucario (SSBB).png|Lucario challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Snake (SSBB).png|Snake challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching R.O.B. (SSBB).png|R.O.B. challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Ganondorf (SSBB).png|Ganondorf challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Mr. Game & Watch (SSBB).png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Sonic (SSBB).png|Sonic challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Jigglypuff (SSBB).png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Toon Link (SSBB).png|Toon Link challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Wolf (SSBB).png|Wolf challenging the player in ''Brawl''
</gallery>

=={{for3ds}}==
===[[Fighter]]s===
The inclusion of [[Wendy O. Koopa]] (as one of {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}'s {{SSB4|alternate costume}}s) and {{SSB4|Lucina}} as unlockable characters makes them the first female characters to be unlockable. After every tenth VS. match, the player gets to challenge an unlockable character, starting with {{SSB4|Ness}} and finishing with {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}} when 120 matches are played.

In addition to the characters below, {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s are not shown on the character select screen until the player has created at least one. However, since the ability to create Mii Fighters is granted from the beginning, the characters cannot truly be called unlockable.

Despite {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}} having a [[home stage]] [[Duck Hunt (stage)|of the same name]] added into the game in the {{h2|List of updates (SSB4-3DS)|1.1.1}} update, they will be fought on {{SSB4|Battlefield}} for their unlocking battle regardless of which version of the game is being played.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on any difficulty||10||[[Magicant]]<ref group=note>Flying Men do not appear.</ref>||''{{SSB4MusicLink|EarthBound|Magicant / Eight Melodies (Mother)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without using any continues||20||[[Corneria]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Corneria}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Wario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[100-Man Smash]]||30||[[WarioWare, Inc.]]<ref group=note>Microgames do not occur.</ref>||''{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Lucina|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||As {{SSB4|Marth}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without any continues||40||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Dark Pit|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with three or more characters||50||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kid Icarus|Wrath of the Reset Bomb (Remix)|Wrath of the Reset Bomb}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||As {{SSB4|Mario}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on intensity 4.0 or higher||60||[[Mushroomy Kingdom]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.) (Remix)|Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSB4|hsize=20px|color=Grey}}||Collect at least 200 different trophies||70||[[PictoChat 2]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Nintendo|PictoChat}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||As {{SSB4|Link}} or {{SSB4|Zelda}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on intensity 5.0 or higher||80||[[Gerudo Valley]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley (Remix)|Gerudo Valley}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with 10 or more characters||90||[[Flat Zone 2]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Bowser Jr.|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||As {{SSB4|Bowser}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} on intensity 6.0 or higher||100||[[3D Land]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Super Mario 3D Land Theme / Beach Theme}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with 8 or more characters||110||{{SSB4|Battlefield}}||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Battlefield}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Collect at least 30 different [[equipment]] items||120||[[Unova Pokémon League]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Pokémon|N's Castle Medley}}''
|}
<references group=note/>

===Gallery===
<gallery>
ChallengerApproachingNess.png|Ness challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingFalco.png|Falco challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingWario.png|Wario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingLucina.png|Lucina challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingDarkPit.png|Dark Pit challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingDrMario.png|Dr. Mario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingROB.png|R.O.B. challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingGanondorf.png|Ganondorf challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingGameandWatch.png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingBowserJr.png|Bowser Jr. challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingDuckHunt.png|Duck Hunt challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingJigglypuff.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
</gallery>

=={{forwiiu}}==
===[[Fighter]]s===
Unlike {{for3ds}}, Ness, Jigglypuff, Ganondorf and Bowser Jr. are [[starter character]]s. Like the 3DS version, a character is unlocked for every ten versus matches played starting with Falco. Two exceptions to this are {{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}} and {{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}, which they need 20 more versus matches than {{SSB4|R.O.B.}} and Mr. Game & Watch, respectively. Unlike the previous three installments (''Melee'', ''Brawl'', and the 3DS version), no {{uv|Super Smash Bros.}} universe stages are used for challenger approaching battles. Instead, all unlockable characters use a stage from their respective universe except for R.O.B., in which he uses the Wrecking Crew stage due to him not having a stage from his [[R.O.B. (universe)|own universe]].

In addition to the characters below, {{SSB4|Mii Fighter}}s are not shown on the character select screen until the player has created at least one. However, since the ability to create Mii Fighters is granted from the beginning and there is no Challenger Approaching fight, the character cannot truly be called unlockable.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}}||10||[[Orbital Gate Assault]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Theme from Area 6 / Missile Slipstream}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Wario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear [[100-Man Smash]]||20||[[Gamer]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|Gamer}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Lucina|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}} on intensity 5.5 or higher||30||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|The Devoted}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Dark Pit|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear [[All-Star Mode]] on Normal||40||[[Palutena's Temple]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Kid Icarus|Boss Fight 1 (Kid Icarus: Uprising)}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear [[Master Orders]] on Hard||50||[[Delfino Plaza]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Delfino Plaza}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSB4|hsize=20px|color=Grey}}||Clear [[Crazy Orders]] after ten rounds and defeat Crazy Hand||60||[[Wrecking Crew]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Nintendo|Wrecking Crew Medley}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}} on intensity 2.0 or higher with five characters||80||[[Flat Zone X]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|{{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Get at least one KO in [[Cruel Smash]]||100||{{b|Duck Hunt|stage}}<ref group=note>Dog and ducks do not appear.</ref>||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Duck Hunt|Duck Hunt Medley}}''
|}
<references group=note/>

===Gallery===
<gallery>
SSB4-U Falco Approaches.png|Falco challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Wario Approaches.png|Wario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Lucina Approaches.png|Lucina challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Dark Pit Approaches.png|Dark Pit challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Dr. Mario Approaches.png|Dr. Mario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U R.O.B. Approaches.png|R.O.B. challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Mr. Game & Watch Approaches.png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
SSB4-U Duck Hunt Approaches.png|Duck Hunt challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
</gallery>

==''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
The starting roster in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' comprises the [[original 8|eight starter characters]] from the original ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' game, with all other fighters being unlockable or downloadable. There are two ways to unlock characters: by defeating them in a Challenger Approaching fight, or by awakening them in the [[World of Light]]. With the vast majority of the roster being unlockable, unlocking characters is advertised as a core feature of the game; no characters are left "secret" like in previous games, and character unlocks are designed to occur at a more streamlined and consistent pace than in previous games.

In the World of Light, only characters that have been awakened in that mode can be used, with only {{SSBU|Kirby}} initially being available. However, awakening a fighter in the World of Light that is not a starter character also unlocks them for the regular roster as well. 

====[[Fighter]]s====
Below is a table listing the stage and music for each character's unlock battle. It also includes the order they are unlocked in as time-based challenges.

The values listed under "Cumulative Wait Time" are idealized values that assume that no characters are unlocked in the World of Light or have their Challenger Approaching fights triggered by Classic Mode, that the player never closes the game after first opening it until they trigger Palutena's Challenger Approaching fight, and the player never spends longer than the minimum amount of time (10 minutes) between triggering Challenger Approaching fights.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!data-sort-type="number"|Order!!Character!!Cumulative Wait Time!!Stage!!Music
|-
|1st||{{CharHead|Ness|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||0 minutes||[[Onett]] (hazards off)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Bein' Friends}}''
|-
|2nd||{{CharHead|Zelda|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||10 minutes||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ocarina of Time Medley}}''
|-
|3rd||{{CharHead|Bowser|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||20 minutes||[[Mushroom Kingdom U]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''
|-
|4th||{{CharHead|Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||30 minutes||[[Skyworld]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Underworld}}''
|-
|5th||{{CharHead|Inkling|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||40 minutes||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Splattack! (Original)|Splattack!}}''
|-
|6th||{{CharHead|Villager|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||50 minutes||[[Smashville]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Title Theme - Animal Crossing}}''
|-
|7th||{{CharHead|Marth|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Story 5 Meeting}}''
|-
|8th||{{CharHead|Young Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour & 10 minutes||[[Great Bay]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Saria's Theme}}''
|-
|9th||{{CharHead|Wii Fit Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour & 20 minutes||[[Wii Fit Studio]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Wii Fit|Main Menu - Wii Fit}}''
|-
|10th||{{CharHead|Ice Climbers|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour & 30 minutes||[[Summit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Ice Climber|Ice Climber (Brawl)}}''
|-
|11th||{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour & 40 minutes||[[Port Town Aero Dive]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|F-ZERO Medley}}''
|-
|12th||{{CharHead|Peach|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1 hour & 50 minutes||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Rolling Hills A}}''
|-
|13th||{{CharHead|Ryu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours||{{SSBU|Battlefield}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''
|-
|14th||{{CharHead|Ike|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours & 10 minutes||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Eternal Bond}}''
|-
|15th||{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours & 20 minutes||[[Saffron City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (64)}}''
|-
|16th||{{CharHead|King K. Rool|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours & 30 minutes||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Gang-Plank Galleon}}''
|-
|17th||{{CharHead|Sonic|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours & 40 minutes||[[Green Hill Zone]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Green Hill Zone}}''
|-
|18th||{{CharHead|Simon|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2 hours & 50 minutes||[[Dracula's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Vampire Killer (Remix)}}''
|-
|19th||{{CharHead|Zero Suit Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours||[[Brinstar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior}}''
|-
|20th||{{CharHead|Little Mac|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours & 10 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Punch-Out!!)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Jogging / Countdown}}''
|-
|21st||{{CharHead|Isabelle|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours & 20 minutes||[[Town and City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Plaza / Title Theme - Animal Crossing: City Folk / Animal Crossing: Wild World}}''
|-
|22nd||{{CharHead|Shulk|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours & 30 minutes||[[Gaur Plain]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Xenoblade|Xenoblade Chronicles Medley}}''
|-
|23rd||{{CharHead|Lucina|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours & 40 minutes||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}''
|-
|24th||{{CharHead|Wario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3 hours & 50 minutes||[[WarioWare, Inc.]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}''
|-
|25th||{{CharHead|Ridley|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Vs. Ridley}}''
|-
|26th||{{CharHead|Pokémon Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours & 10 minutes||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl)}}''
|-
|27th||{{CharHead|Lucario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours & 20 minutes||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Team Galactic)}}''
|-
|28th||{{CharHead|Daisy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours & 30 minutes||[[Figure-8 Circuit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Mario Tennis / Mario Golf}}''
|-
|29th||{{CharHead|Roy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours & 40 minutes||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure}}''
|-
|30th||{{CharHead|King Dedede|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4 hours & 50 minutes||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|King Dedede's Theme (Brawl)}}''
|-
|31st||{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Grey}}||5 hours||[[Wrecking Crew]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Stack-Up/Gyromite}}''
|-
|32nd||{{CharHead|Falco|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5 hours & 10 minutes||[[Corneria]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Fox Medley}}''
|-
|33rd||{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5 hours & 20 minutes||[[Luigi's Mansion]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Main Theme - Luigi's Mansion}}''
|-
|34th||{{CharHead|Pichu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5 hours & 30 minutes||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}''
|-
|35th||{{CharHead|Richter|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5 hours & 40 minutes||[[Dracula's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Divine Bloodlines}}''
|-
|36th||{{CharHead|Lucas|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5 hours & 50 minutes||[[New Pork City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Unfounded Revenge / Smashing Song of Praise}}''
|-
|37th||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''
|-
|38th||{{CharHead|Meta Knight|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours & 10 minutes||[[Halberd]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Meta Knight's Revenge}}''
|-
|39th||{{CharHead|Snake|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours & 20 minutes||[[Shadow Moses Island]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''
|-
|40th||{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours & 30 minutes||[[Bridge of Eldin]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Death Mountain}}''
|-
|41st||{{CharHead|Corrin|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours & 40 minutes||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Lost in Thoughts All Alone (Remix)}}''
|-
|42nd||{{CharHead|Mega Man|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6 hours & 50 minutes||[[Wily Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Mega Man|Mega Man 2 Medley}}''
|-
|43rd||{{CharHead|Bayonetta|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours||[[Umbra Clock Tower]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Bayonetta|Let's Hit The Climax!}}''
|-
|44th||{{CharHead|Toon Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours & 10 minutes||[[Pirate Ship]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Dragon Roost Island}}''
|-
|45th||{{CharHead|Rosalina & Luma|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours & 20 minutes||[[Mario Galaxy]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Egg Planet (Remix)}}''
|-
|46th||{{CharHead|Incineroar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours & 30 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Super Smash Bros.)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|The Battle at the Summit!}}''
|-
|47th||{{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours & 40 minutes||[[Gerudo Valley]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley (Remix)}}''
|-
|48th||{{CharHead|Olimar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7 hours & 50 minutes||[[Distant Planet]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pikmin|Main Theme - Pikmin (Remix)}}''
|-
|49th||{{CharHead|Pac-Man|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours||[[Pac-Land]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''
|-
|50th||{{CharHead|Dark Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours & 10 minutes||[[Frigate Orpheon]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Multiplayer - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes}}''
|-
|51st||{{CharHead|Wolf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours & 20 minutes||[[Lylat Cruise]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf (Brawl)}}''
|-
|52nd||{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours & 30 minutes||[[Flat Zone X]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|53rd||{{CharHead|Robin|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours & 40 minutes||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Prelude (Ablaze)}}''
|-
|54th||{{CharHead|Dark Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8 hours & 50 minutes||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Dark Pit's Theme}}''
|-
|55th||{{CharHead|Cloud|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours||[[Midgar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Final Fantasy|Fight On!}}''
|-
|56th||{{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours & 10 minutes||{{b|Duck Hunt|stage}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Duck Hunt|Duck Hunt Medley}}''
|-
|57th||{{CharHead|Ken|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours & 20 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Punch-Out!!)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''
|-
|58th||{{CharHead|Greninja|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours & 30 minutes||[[Kalos Pokémon League]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}''
|-
|59th||{{CharHead|Chrom|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours & 40 minutes||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose) (Remix)}}''
|-
|60th||{{CharHead|Mewtwo|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||9 hours & 50 minutes||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar}}''
|-
|61st||{{CharHead|Bowser Jr.|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||10 hours||[[Delfino Plaza]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Delfino Plaza (Remix)}}''
|-
|62nd||{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||10 hours & 10 minutes||[[New Donk City Hall]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''
|-
|63rd||{{CharHead|Palutena|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||10 hours & 20 minutes||[[Palutena's Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Destroyed Skyworld}}''
|}

===Challenger Approaching===
In a Challenger Approaching fight, the character must be fought in a one-on-one fight, with the stage and music being specific to that fighter. The difficulty of Challenger Approaching fights start out at being very low, but progressively increases with each character unlocked. If the player loses the fight, they can redo the Challenger Approaching fight via [[Challenger's Approach]] on the Games and More menu after a few minutes pass.

All characters except {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s can be unlocked in a Challenger Approaching fight. Instead, each {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}} can be unlocked by creating a [[character customization|custom]] Mii Fighter of that type. However, Mii Fighters may also be unlocked by awakening them in the [[World of Light]].

====Timed encounters====
When the player finishes a VS. match, a [[Mob Smash]], a [[Spirit Board]] fight or exits the World of Light, a new character can challenge the player to a Challenger Approaching duel. However, the player must then wait 10 minutes before a new Challenger Approaching challenge will be issued. This 10 minute cooldown can be bypassed by closing the game and reopening it. <!--Do not add changing language settings here as another method, this only works because changing the language reboots the game.-->

Time-based Challenger Approaching challenges are issued in a specific order, skipping any characters unlocked in the World of Light or whose Challenger Approaching fight has already been triggered due to Classic Mode.

===={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}====
When the player completes Classic Mode with a given character, a new character will challenge the player to a Challenger Approaching duel. All of the eight starter characters have their own character unlock trees, each with eight characters to unlock, except for Pikachu, who has seven. The challenger is determined by the 1st Player character's assigned tree, and will be the next character from the top of their tree down (as indicated on the table below) who has not already been unlocked or issued a Challenger Approaching duel.

When all the characters in a tree are unlocked, completing Classic Mode with those characters will unlock the next available character in Mario's tree, then Donkey Kong's, and so on. Completing Classic Mode with [[Downloadable content (SSBU)|downloadable fighters]] will also unlock fighters in this order, as these characters are not assigned an unlock tree.

The Challenger Approaching duels are the same as those issued on a timed basis, this is simply another way to trigger them. Notably, all [[clone]]s, semi-clones, and pseudo-clones except for {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBU|Roy}}, and {{SSBU|Chrom}} are in the same tree as the character they are based on.

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
!Unlock Order!!{{head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Link|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Samus|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Yoshi|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Kirby|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Fox|g=SSBU|s=32px}}!!{{head|Pikachu|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|1st||{{head|Sonic|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|King K. Rool|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Lucario|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ness|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Villager|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|2nd||{{head|Bayonetta|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Pokémon Trainer|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ice Climbers|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Wii Fit Trainer|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Marth|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Jigglypuff|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Shulk|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|3rd||{{head|Little Mac|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Rosalina & Luma|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Simon|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Pit|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ryu|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Pac-Man|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Peach|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|R.O.B.|g=SSBU|s=32px|cl=Grey}}
|-
|4th||{{head|Ike|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|King Dedede|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Meta Knight|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Incineroar|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ganondorf|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Zelda|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Falco|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Mega Man|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|5th||{{head|Luigi|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Sheik|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Dark Samus|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Lucina|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Robin|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Daisy|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Isabelle|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|6th||{{head|Roy|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Greninja|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Young Link|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Cloud|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ridley|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Corrin|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Bowser Jr.|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|7th||{{head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Richter|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Wario|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Chrom|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Lucas|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Wolf|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Pichu|g=SSBU|s=32px}}
|-
|8th||{{head|Olimar|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Duck Hunt|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Toon Link|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Dark Pit|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Ken|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Palutena|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||{{head|Mewtwo|g=SSBU|s=32px}}||None
|}

===[[World of Light]]===
In World of Light, each fighter must be unlocked through a fighter battle, with a few exceptions:
:{{CharHead|Kirby|SSBU|hsize=20px}} is always available from the beginning.
:{{CharHead|Bowser|SSBU|hsize=20px}} is unlocked after defeating [[Giga Bowser]] within the [[Molten Fortress]] sub-world in [[The Light Realm]].
:{{Head|Piranha Plant|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Joker|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Hero|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Banjo & Kazooie|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Terry|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Byleth|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Min Min|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Steve|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Sephiroth|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|PyraMythra|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Kazuya|g=SSBU|s=20px}} {{Head|Sora|g=SSBU|s=20px}} [[Downloadable content (SSBU)#Fighters|Downloadable fighters]] are directly available once finished downloading them, after freeing a total of 10 fighters. If a file is loaded where those conditions have been already met previously before downloading them, they will be made instantly available.

The fighter battles all feature the same single condition: ''Win the battle to awaken the fighter''

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;"
|-
!style="width:2%;"|No.
!Image
!Name
!Type
!Power
!Stage
!Music
!Location
|-
|01
|[[File:Mario SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mario}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}} <center>{{color|#796581|Neutral}}</center>
|2,500
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (right at the beginning)
|-
|02
|[[File:Donkey Kong SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Donkey Kong}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Kongo Jungle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Jungle Level (64)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (middle of the western jungle)
|-
|03
|[[File:Link SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Link}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,600
|{{OmegaStage|Great Plateau Tower}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (the Sheikah Tower in the south)
|-
|04
|[[File:Samus SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Samus}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Brinstar}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Title Theme - Metroid}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (just beyond the light breach)
|-
|04<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Dark Samus SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Dark Samus}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Frigate Orpheon}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Multiplayer - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes}}''
|In {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}} area (dark side)
|-
|05
|[[File:Yoshi SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Yoshi}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,600
|{{OmegaStage|Super Happy Tree}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Yoshi|Obstacle Course - Yoshi's Island}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the ribbon hills)
|-
|07
|[[File:Fox SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Fox}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,700
|{{OmegaStage|Corneria}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Fox Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (before the red button in the heart pond)
|-
|08
|[[File:Pikachu SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Pikachu}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Pokémon Stadium}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Melee)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (the rapids above the wall)
|-
|09
|[[File:Luigi SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Luigi}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|10,600
|{{OmegaStage|Luigi's Mansion}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Main Theme - Luigi's Mansion}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, in the flames)
|-
|10
|[[File:Ness SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ness}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Magicant}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Magicant (for 3DS / Wii U)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, in the pink clouds)
|-
|11
|[[File:Captain Falcon SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Port Town Aero Dive}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|F-ZERO Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (race track east of the starting area)
|-
|12
|[[File:Jigglypuff SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Jigglypuff}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Mushroom Kingdom U}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Road to Viridian City - Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (forest north of the starting area)
|-
|13
|[[File:Peach SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Peach}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|7,500
|[[Mushroom Kingdom U]] (Slide Lift Tower)
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fortress Boss - Super Mario World}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Molten Fortress]] sub-world)
|-
|13<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Daisy SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Daisy}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,600
|[[Mushroom Kingdom U]] (Slide Lift Tower)
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Underground Theme - Super Mario Land}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|15
|[[File:Ice Climbers SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Summit}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Ice Climber|Ice Climber (Brawl)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (bottom of the icy mountain)
|-
|16
|[[File:Sheik SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Sheik}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|2,500
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]], one of the 3 starter routes (north route)
|-
|17
|[[File:Zelda SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Zelda}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|10,100
|{{OmegaStage|Temple}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ocarina of Time Medley}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, in Kakariko Village)
|-
|18
|[[File:Dr. Mario SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,400
|{{OmegaStage|Mario Bros.}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (north of the city towards the ribbon hills)
|-
|19
|[[File:Pichu SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Pichu}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Prism Tower}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Power Plant]] sub-world)
|-
|20
|[[File:Falco SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Falco}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Lylat Cruise}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Space Armada}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (the space area, on the yellow planet)
|-
|21
|[[File:Marth SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Marth}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|2,500
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]], one of the 3 starter routes (west route)
|-
|21<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Lucina SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Lucina}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,000
|{{OmegaStage|Arena Ferox}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (south-eastern path)
|-
|22
|[[File:Young Link SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Young Link}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|10,300
|{{OmegaStage|Temple}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Saria's Song}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, in the Lost Woods)
|-
|23
|[[File:Ganondorf SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ganondorf}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,700
|{{OmegaStage|Bridge of Eldin}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Death Mountain}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, in the Gerudo Fortress)
|-
|24
|[[File:Mewtwo SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mewtwo}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|12,000
|{{OmegaStage|Spear Pillar}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, in the red-leafed trees)
|-
|25
|[[File:Roy SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Roy}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Castle Siege}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure}}''
|In {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}} area (light side)
|-
|25<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Chrom SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Chrom}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,600
|{{OmegaStage|Castle Siege}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose) (Remix)}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, by jumping into a treasure chest in the Lost Woods)
|-
|26
|[[File:Mr. Game & Watch SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Flat Zone X}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, in the maze)
|-
|27
|[[File:Meta Knight SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Meta Knight}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|11,800
|{{OmegaStage|Halberd}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Meta Knight's Revenge}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world)
|-
|28
|[[File:Pit SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Pit}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Skyworld}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Underworld}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Temple of Light]] sub-world)
|-
|28<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Dark Pit SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Dark Pit}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|11,200
|{{OmegaStage|Reset Bomb Forest}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Dark Pit's Theme}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world, through a fireplace)
|-
|29
|[[File:Zero Suit Samus SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Brinstar Depths}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, on the volcano)
|-
|30
|[[File:Wario SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Wario}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,100
|{{OmegaStage|WarioWare, Inc.}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|31
|[[File:Snake SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Snake}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|9,000
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Base]] sub-world)
|-
|32
|[[File:Ike SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ike}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|11,200
|{{OmegaStage|Coliseum}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Eternal Bond}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world)
|-
|33-35
|[[File:Pokemon Trainer SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBU|Squirtle}}, {{SSBU|Ivysaur}}, and {{SSBU|Charizard}})
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Battlefield}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, east of the coastal town)
|-
|36
|[[File:Diddy Kong SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|9,000
|{{OmegaStage|Kongo Jungle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbrush Symphony}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the {{b|DK Island|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|37
|[[File:Lucas SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Lucas}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|6,600
|{{OmegaStage|New Pork City}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Unfounded Revenge / Smashing Song of Praise}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the western village)
|-
|38
|[[File:Sonic SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Sonic}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|9,800
|{{OmegaStage|Green Hill Zone}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Green Hill Zone}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, between Kakariko Village and the Lost Woods)
|-
|39
|[[File:King Dedede SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|King Dedede}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|9,000
|{{OmegaStage|Fountain of Dreams}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|King Dedede's Theme (Brawl)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Gourmet Race]] sub-world, after obtaining a score of 11)
|-
|40
|[[File:Olimar SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Olimar}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Distant Planet}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pikmin|Main Theme - Pikmin}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (the mushroom forest)
|-
|41
|[[File:Lucario SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Lucario}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Spear Pillar}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Team Galactic)}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (along the wall, near the light breach)
|-
|42
|[[File:R.O.B. SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|R.O.B.}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|10,500
|{{OmegaStage|Wrecking Crew}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Stack-Up/Gyromite}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, eastern optional path)
|-
|43
|[[File:Toon Link SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Toon Link}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|7,500
|[[Wuhu Island]]
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Main Theme - The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Forest Hill]] sub-world)
|-
|44
|[[File:Wolf SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Wolf}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|11,800
|{{OmegaStage|Lylat Cruise}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf (Brawl)}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, on the crashed plane)
|-
|45
|[[File:Villager SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Villager}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|2,500
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]], one of the 3 starter routes (east route)
|-
|46
|[[File:Mega Man SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mega Man}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Wily Castle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Mega Man|Mega Man 2 Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (near the [[Base]] entrance)
|-
|47
|[[File:Wii Fit Trainer SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Wii Fit Studio}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Wii Fit|Yoga}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (northern part of the city)
|-
|48
|[[File:Rosalina & Luma SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|10,000
|{{OmegaStage|Mario Galaxy}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Egg Planet}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (northern path, 2nd path from the left)
|-
|49
|[[File:Little Mac SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Little Mac}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Boxing Ring}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Jogging / Countdown}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the city's stadium after clearing [[Power Plant]])
|-
|50
|[[File:Greninja  SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Greninja}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|10,600
|{{OmegaStage|Kalos Pokémon League}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world)
|-
|51
|[[File:Mii Brawler SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mii Brawler}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,000
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination - Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, in Kakariko Village after setting the clock to 4:40)
|-
|52
|[[File:Mii Swordfighter SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mii Swordfighter}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|3,300
|{{SSBU|Final Destination}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination - Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (north of the eastern town)
|-
|53
|[[File:Mii Gunner SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Mii Gunner}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|7,500
|[[Tortimer Island]]
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Final Destination - Super Smash Bros. for 3DS / Wii U}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, on the southern island)
|-
|54
|[[File:Palutena  SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Palutena}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Palutena's Temple}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Destroyed Skyworld}}''
|In {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}} area (light side after beating Crazy Hand)
|-
|55
|[[File:Pac-Man SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Pac-Man}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Pac-Land}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (between the mushroom forest and [[Base]])
|-
|56
|[[File:Robin SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Robin}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|10,700
|{{OmegaStage|Castle Siege}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Prelude (Ablaze)}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|57
|[[File:Shulk SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Shulk}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|8,200
|{{OmegaStage|Gaur Plain}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Xenoblade|Xenoblade Chronicles Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (beyond the light breach, atop the waterfall)
|-
|58
|[[File:Bowser Jr. SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Bowser Jr.}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Mushroomy Kingdom}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fortress Boss - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, on top of a pyramid in the Gerudo Desert)
|-
|59
|[[File:Duck Hunt SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Duck Hunt}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Duck Hunt|Duck Hunt Medley}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the shrouded forest)
|-
|60
|[[File:Ryu SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ryu}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|9,000
|{{OmegaStage|Suzaku Castle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[World Tour]] sub-world)
|-
|60<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Ken SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ken}}
|{{SpiritType|Neutral}} <center>{{color|#796581|Neutral}}</center>
|10,600
|{{OmegaStage|Boxing Ring}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|61
|[[File:Cloud SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Cloud}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|11,200
|{{OmegaStage|Midgar}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Final Fantasy|Fight On!}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Sacred Land]] sub-world, before the Master Sword)
|-
|62
|[[File:Corrin SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Corrin}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|10,700
|{{OmegaStage|Castle Siege}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Lost in Thoughts All Alone}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, on white clouds)
|-
|63
|[[File:Bayonetta SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Bayonetta}}
|{{SpiritType|Shield}} <center>{{color|#18aef5|Shield}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Umbra Clock Tower}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Bayonetta|Let's Hit the Climax!}}''
|In {{b|The Final Battle|World of Light}} area (dark side after beating Master Hand)
|-
|64
|[[File:Inkling SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Inkling}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|3,300
|{{OmegaStage|Moray Towers}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Splattack!}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (southern part of the city)
|-
|65
|[[File:Ridley SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Ridley}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,600
|{{OmegaStage|Brinstar Depths}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Vs. Ridley (Brawl)}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world)
|-
|66
|[[File:Simon SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Simon}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|7,500
|{{OmegaStage|Dracula's Castle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Vampire Killer (Remix)|Vampire Killer}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (in the [[Temple of Light]] sub-world)
|-
|66<sup>ε</sup>
|[[File:Richter SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Richter}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|11,800
|{{OmegaStage|Dracula's Castle}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Divine Bloodlines}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the {{b|Dracula's Castle|World of Light}} sub-world, after killing all evil ghosts)
|-
|67
|[[File:King K. Rool SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|King K. Rool}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|10,600
|[[Pirate Ship]]
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Gang-Plank Galleon}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (in the [[Mysterious Dimension]] sub-world, the pirate ship optional path)
|-
|68
|[[File:Isabelle SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Isabelle}}
|{{SpiritType|Grab}} <center>{{color|#17ba17|Grab}}</center>
|3,900
|{{OmegaStage|Town and City}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Plaza / Title Theme - Animal Crossing: City Folk / Animal Crossing: Wild World}}''
|In [[The Light Realm]] (east of the town by taking the bus from the western village)
|-
|69
|[[File:Incineroar SSBU.png|center|64x64px]]
|{{SSBU|Incineroar}}
|{{SpiritType|Attack}} <center>{{color|#dc1029|Attack}}</center>
|12,500
|{{OmegaStage|Spear Pillar}}
|''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|The Battle at the Summit!}}''
|In [[The Dark Realm]] (south-western path)
|}

===Gallery===
<gallery>
SSBU Ness Approaches.png|Ness challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Zelda Approaches.png|Zelda challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Bowser Approaches.png|Bowser challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Pit Approaches.png|Pit challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Inkling Approaches.png|Inkling challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Villager Approaches.png|Villager challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Marth Approaches.png|Marth challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Young Link Approaches.png|Young Link challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Wii Fit Trainer Approaches.png|Wii Fit Trainer challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ice Climbers Approaches.png|Ice Climbers challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Captain Falcon Approaches.png|Captain Falcon challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Peach Approaches.png|Peach challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ryu Approaches.png|Ryu challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ike Approaches.png|Ike challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Jigglypuff Approaches.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU King K. Rool Approaches.png|King K. Rool challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Sonic Approaches.png|Sonic challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Simon Approaches.png|Simon challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Zero Suit Samus Approaches.png|Zero Suit Samus challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Little Mac Approaches.png|Little Mac challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Isabelle Approaches.png|Isabelle challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Shulk Approaches.png|Shulk challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Lucina Approaches.png|Lucina challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Wario Approaches.png|Wario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ridley Approaches.png|Ridley challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Pokémon Trainer Approaches.png|Pokémon Trainer challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Lucario Approaches.png|Lucario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Daisy Approaches.png|Daisy challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Roy Approaches.png|Roy challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU King Dedede Approaches.png|King Dedede challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU R.O.B. Approaches.png|R.O.B. challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Falco Approaches.png|Falco challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Luigi Approaches.png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Pichu Approaches.png|Pichu challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Richter Approaches.png|Richter challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Lucas Approaches.png|Lucas challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Diddy Kong Approaches.png|Diddy Kong challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Meta Knight Approaches.png|Meta Knight challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Snake Approaches.png|Snake challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ganondorf Approaches.png|Ganondorf challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Corrin Approaches.png|Corrin challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Mega Man Approaches.png|Mega Man challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Bayonetta Approaches.png|Bayonetta challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Toon Link Approaches.png|Toon Link challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Rosalina & Luma Approaches.png|Rosalina & Luma challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Incineroar Approaches.png|Incineroar challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Sheik Approaches.png|Sheik challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Olimar Approaches.png|Olimar challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Pac-Man Approaches.png|PAC-MAN challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Dark Samus Approaches.png|Dark Samus challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Wolf Approaches.png|Wolf challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Mr. Game & Watch Approaches.png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Robin Approaches.png|Robin challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Dark Pit Approaches.png|Dark Pit challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Cloud Approaches.png|Cloud challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Duck Hunt Approaches.png|Duck Hunt challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Ken Approaches.png|Ken challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Greninja Approaches.png|Greninja challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Chrom Approaches.png|Chrom challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Mewtwo Approaches.png|Mewtwo challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Bowser Jr. Approaches.png|Bowser Jr. challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Dr. Mario Approaches.png|Dr. Mario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
SSBU Palutena Approaches.png|Palutena challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate''
</gallery>

==Trivia==
*In each of his unlockable appearances, [[Ness]] has always been the first one unlocked through Vs. Mode matches.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. 64]]'' is the only game in the series in which playing [[VS. Mode]] matches cannot trigger a "Challenger Approaching" battle, and the only game in which each unlockable character only has a single unlock criterion.
**Conversely, ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' is the first game which does not have unique unlock criteria to unlock unlockable characters. 
*When a player fights a secret character to unlock in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', their character always uses their default costume even if the player was originally using an alternative costume.
*In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', each character unlock notification has a different tone depending on the debut game of the character.
**Strangely, {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}'s unlock notification tone is the same as the ''Brawl'' newcomers despite debuting in ''Super Smash Bros. 64''. This is likely because it is unlocked in the post-game [[Subspace Emissary]], as well as its internal ID being right next to {{SSBB|Toon Link}} and {{SSBB|Wolf}}, ''Brawl'' newcomers.
**''Super Smash Bros. 64'' newcomers (except Jigglypuff) use "Rare Trophy" from ''[[Melee]]'', ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' newcomers use the stage unlock fanfare from ''Brawl'', and ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' newcomers (and Jigglypuff) use the sound effect in ''Brawl'' when collecting songs or completing minor challenges.
*In {{forwiiu}} and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', unlock matches are treated as VS. Mode matches - that is, they count towards the total number of VS. Mode matches, and all statistics accumulated during unlock matches are saved.
*Masahiro Sakurai [http://www.gamnesia.com/news/sakurai-considered-having-all-fighters-available-from-the-start-in-smash-br originally intended] for all the characters in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' to be available from the start, but eventually decided against it.
*In ''Super Smash Bros. 64'', ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', {{for3ds}}, and ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', the AI level of unlockable character fights starts out very low, but increases with each consecutive character unlocked.
**In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', the opposite is the case.
**In ''Ultimate'', the difficulty of the AI was lowered in patch 1.2.0, after notorious reports of the level of difficulty for each match.
*Counting ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'' and ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' separately, [[Jigglypuff]], [[Falco]], and [[Mr. Game & Watch]] are tied for the most unlockable appearances, with five each.
**Of the three of them, {{SSB4|Jigglypuff}} is the only one to have an appearance as something other than an unlockable. This appearance was in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
*[[Wario]] was the first starter character to become an unlockable character in a later installment.
*{{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} is the only character whose moveset involves transforming into another character to become unlockable.
*Prior to ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', the only unlockable characters whose playable status was not kept a secret in official material prior to release were {{SSBB|Snake}} and {{SSBB|Sonic}} in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', and {{SSB4|Lucina}} in ''Super Smash Bros. 4''.
**Out of all of these, Lucina is the only one who is not a third-party character.
*''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'' is the first game to have more unlockable characters than [[starter character]]s, and the first game to feature unlockable characters on the box art.
*While {{SSBU|Sephiroth}} is a downloadable fighter rather than unlockable, from 17 December to 22 December 2020, defeating him through the limited-time [[Sephiroth Challenge]] enabled access to him, [[Northern Cave]] and his music if the player had purchased Challenger Pack 8 or Fighters Pass Vol. 2 prior to his official release.
*In ''Ultimate'', {{SSBU|Villager}} and {{SSBU|Isabelle}} can have different music play during their regular unlock battles. Specifically, when they're unlocked between 8:00pm and 12:00am on Saturday, K.K. Slider will perform.

==See also==
*[[Unlockable stage]]
*[[Starter character]]
*[[Starter stage]]
*[[Downloadable content]]

[[Category:Characters]]
[[es:Personaje desbloqueable]]
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