Editing Unlockable character

{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{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 8 starter characters.||[[Peach's Castle]]
|-
|{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Mode]] With any Character in 20 minutes.||[[Planet Zebes]]
|-
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Mode]] With any Character on Normal Mode  with 3 lives  without continues.||{{SSB|Dream Land}}
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Mode]] 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===
''Melee'' introduces a alternate method for unlocking each fighter, by completing a certain number of VS matches, in intervals of 100.

{|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]]===
The Subspace Emissary features its own storyline and [[character selection screen]], with characters met and joining the mode's roster as part of the story. (For example, {{SSBB|Wario}} is a starter character, but he cannot be played as in the SSE until he is 'unlocked' in the SSE.) Characters can also leave The Subspace Emissary's roster as part of the story, and cannot be played as until they are met again.

Unlocking any non-starter character in The Subspace Emissary will also unlock them for play in other modes. This occurs instantly, without requiring a "Challenger Approaching" battle. Thus the Subspace Emissary serves as a third method for unlocking characters, in addition to the challenges and versus match methods. All characters can be met in The Subspace Emissary; however, Toon Link, Wolf, and Jigglypuff are only unlockable after the main story is completed by finding a secret door while replaying certain levels.

Below is a chart of when each fighter is unlocked, removed, or changes or combines teams; stages with none of these are omitted.

[[File:Map-labeled.png|thumb|Every level numerically ordered:<br>1: Midair Stadium<br>2: Skyworld<br>3: Sea of Clouds<br>4: The Jungle<br>5: The Plain<br>6: The Lake<br>7: The Ruined Zoo<br>8: The Battlefield Fortress<br>9: The Forest<br>10: The Research Facility I<br>11: The Lake Shore<br>12: The Path to the Ruins<br>13: The Cave<br>14: The Ruins<br>15: The Wilds I<br>16: The Ruined Hall<br>17: The Wilds II<br>18: The Swamp<br>19: The Research Facility II<br>20: Outside the Ancient Ruins<br>21: The Glacial Peak<br>22: The Canyon<br>23: Battleship Halberd Interior<br>24: Battleship Halberd Exterior<br>25: Battleship Halberd Bridge<br>26: The Subspace Bomb Factory I<br>27: The Subspace Bomb Factory II<br>28: Entrance to Subspace<br>29: Subspace I<br>30: Subspace II<br>31: The Great Maze]]
The Subspace Emissary consists of 31 different stages. As some stages share the same name, the earlier stage is denoted with an I while the later-appearing stage is followed by a II.

{|class=wikitable
!width="5%"|Icon
!width="5%"|Stage
!width="20%"|Fighters available
!width="10%"|Unlocked fighters
!width="20%"|Lost fighters
!width="20%"|Recovered fighters
!width="5%"|Total fighters
!Width="5%"|Teams
|-
|[[File:SSE-Midair Stadium.png]]
|[[Midair Stadium]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}} (the battle with Kirby if he was chosen, and the battle with Subspace army), {{SSBB|Kirby}} (all phases, except the battle with Mario if he was not chosen), {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}} (both only in the battle with Subspace army)
|{{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}} (Mario is sent flying and Wario kidnaps either Zelda/Peach when the other princess is freed from Petey)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|2
|1, new team: {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Skyworld.png]]
|{{b|Skyworld|SSE}}
|{{SSBB|Pit}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Mario}} (the last sidescrolling section after Pit rescues him)
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|4
|2, new team: {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Jungle.png]]
|[[The Jungle]]
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} 
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} (Bowser captures Donkey Kong)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|5
|3, new team: {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Lake.png]]
|[[The Lake]]
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}
|{{SSBB|Fox}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|6
|3, {{SSBB|Fox}} joins {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruined Zoo.png]]
|[[The Ruined Zoo]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Ness}} (only the battle with Porky), {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}} only) (only after defeating Porky)
|{{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}) (Wario kidnaps Ness; Ness will not be unlocked in any mode)
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|8
|4, new team: {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}})
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Battlefield Fortress.png]]
|[[The Battlefield Fortress]]
|{{SSBB|Marth}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (second and third phases), {{SSBB|Ike}} (third phase only)
|{{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|11
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Forest.png]]
|[[The Forest]]
|{{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}
|{{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Toon Link}} <ref name="pre1">Toon Link, Wolf and Jigglypuff appear after completing story mode and revisiting the stage to find a hidden door. Entering the door intiates a one stock match against the character. Win and the character joins the team.</ref>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|13
|6, new team: {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} 
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Research Facility pt1.png]]
|[[The Research Facility (Part I)|The Research Facility I]]
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Pikachu}} (all phases starting with the second)
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|15
|7, new team: {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Lake Shore.png]]
|[[The Lake Shore]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}} (entire level if Zelda was rescued, only the last section if Peach was rescued), {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} (entire level if Peach was rescued, only the last section if Zelda was rescued), {{SSBB|Kirby}} (only the last section)
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Peach}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}} (Bowser captures her)
|&mdash;
|14
|5, the groups of {{SSBB|Mario}} and {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, and {{SSBB|Kirby}} combine.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruins.png]]
|[[The Ruins]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} (with {{SSBB|Squirtle}} for all phases and {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} after Pokémon Trainer finds it)
|{{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}, {{SSBB|Wolf}}<ref name="pre1"/>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|5, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}} and {{SSBB|Charizard}} now are in {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}'s team
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Ruined Hall.png]]
|[[The Ruined Hall]]
|{{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|14
|4, the groups of {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Ike}} and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, and {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} combine.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Swamp.png]]
|[[The Swamp]]
|{{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Fox}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Falco}} (all phases except the first)
|{{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}<ref name="pre1"/>
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|15
|4, {{SSBB|Falco}} joins {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} and {{SSBB|Fox}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Research Facility pt2.png]]
|[[The Research Facility (Part II)|The Research Facility II]]
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (all phases, transforming from Samus by taunting whenever possible), {{SSBB|Pikachu}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Samus}} (after defeating the False Samuses)
|{{SSBB|Samus}}
|{{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (Samus replaces her; playing as Zero Suit Samus is still possible by taunting or pressing C on the nunchuck)
|&mdash;
|15
|4, {{SSBB|Samus}} replaces {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Outside the Ancient Ruins.png]]
|[[Outside the Ancient Ruins]]
|{{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} (both all phases), {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}} (both only in the battle with Subspace army)
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}
|{{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Falco}} (they did not become trophies, but Diddy Kong leaves their group, and they all go their separate ways)
|&mdash;
|16
|4, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}} leaves {{SSBB|Fox}} and {{SSBB|Falco}} and joins {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}} and {{SSBB|Olimar}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Glacial Peak.png]]
|[[The Glacial Peak]]
|{{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} (only the sidescrolling section), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} (the sidescrolling section and the battle with Lucario if the player chose him), {{SSBB|Lucario}} (only if the player chose it in the battle with Meta Knight)
|{{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|18
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}. {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}} replace Meta Knight in {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}) and {{SSBB|Ike}}'s group
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Canyon.png]]
|[[The Canyon]]
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|18
|4, the groups of {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}} and {{SSBB|Kirby}}, and {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}) and {{SSBB|Ike}} combine
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Interior.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Interior]]
|{{SSBB|Snake}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}} (after they meet Snake)
|{{SSBB|Snake}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|19
|4, {{SSBB|Snake}} joins {{SSBB|Meta Knight}} and {{SSBB|Lucario}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Exterior.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Exterior]]
|{{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Sheik}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}}
|{{SSBB|Zelda}}/{{SSBB|Peach}}
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}}
|22
|5, new team: {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-Battleship Halberd Bridge.png]]
|[[Battleship Halberd Bridge]]
|{{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Sheik}}/{{SSBB|Zelda}}
|{{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}} 
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Falco}}
|24
|4, the groups of {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Peach}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}}, and {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}} and {{SSBB|Snake}} combine, along with adding {{SSBB|Falco}} and {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Subspace Bomb Factory pt2.png]]
|[[The Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)|The Subspace Bomb Factory II]]
|{{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}} (all phases); {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} (by taunting as Samus), {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|R.O.B.}} (second section onwards)
|{{SSBB|R.O.B.}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|25
|1, all three teams combine into one
|-
|[[File:SSE-Entrance to Subspace.png]]
|[[Entrance to Subspace]]
|{{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}}, {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}} (only four chosen characters can be played as)
|&mdash;
|All current characters (Tabuu turns them into trophies)
|&mdash;
|0
|0, All characters were turned into trophies
|-
|[[File:SSE-Subspace pt1.png]]
|[[Subspace (Part I)|Subspace I]]
|{{SSBB|King Dedede}} (all phases), {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}} (only in the sidescrolling sections)
|{{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Bowser}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}), {{SSBB|Ike}} (only if rescued by King Dedede, Ness, and Luigi; fighters not rescued can still be found when replaying the level)
|From 4 to 19
|1, new team: {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Ness}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Bowser}}, and any recovered fighters
|-
|[[File:SSE-Subspace pt2.png]]
|[[Subspace (Part II)|Subspace II]]
|{{SSBB|Kirby}}
|{{SSBB|Ganondorf}} (if Kirby found Link and Zelda, who rescue him), {{SSBB|Wario}} (If Kirby found him)
|&mdash;
|{{SSBB|Kirby}} (guaranteed), {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBB|Snake}} (only if Kirby rescues them; fighters not found can be rescued upon replaying the level)
|From 5 to 31
|1, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, and any recovered fighters, alongside Ganondorf if Link and Zelda are found, and Wario if he is found, will join the previous group.
|-
|[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt1.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt2.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt3.png]]<br>[[File:SSE-The Great Maze pt4.png]]
|[[The Great Maze]]
|{{SSBB|Bowser}}, {{SSBB|King Dedede}}, {{SSBB|Kirby}}, {{SSBB|Luigi}}, {{SSBB|Ness}} (guaranteed), {{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSBB|Diddy Kong}}, {{SSBB|Donkey Kong}}, {{SSBB|Falco}}, {{SSBB|Fox}}, {{SSBB|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBB|Ice Climbers}}, {{SSBB|Ike}}, {{SSBB|Link}}, {{SSBB|Lucario}}, {{SSBB|Lucas}}, {{SSBB|Mario}}, {{SSBB|Marth}}, {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}, {{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBB|Olimar}}, {{SSBB|Peach}}, {{SSBB|Pikachu}}, {{SSBB|Pit}}, {{SSBB|Pokémon Trainer}} ({{SSBB|Squirtle}}, {{SSBB|Ivysaur}}, {{SSBB|Charizard}}), {{SSBB|R.O.B.}}, {{SSBB|Samus}}, {{SSBB|Snake}}, {{SSBB|Wario}}, {{SSBB|Yoshi}}, {{SSBB|Zelda}} (only if they were rescued in Subspace Parts 1 and 2), {{SSBB|Sonic}} (only in the battle with Tabuu)
|{{SSBB|Sonic}}
|&mdash;
|&mdash;
|From 6 to 32
|1, {{SSBB|Sonic}} joins
|}
<gallery>
Subspace Emissary Plotmap.svg|A map of the stages and which characters are available in each one, not counting Wolf, Toon Link, and Jigglypuff.
</gallery>

===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 {{SSB4|Lucina}} and [[Wendy O. Koopa]] (as one of {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}'s {{SSB4|alternate costume}}s) 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 [[Duck Hunt (stage)|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 different 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 different 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 different 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. 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.

Unlockable characters no longer have unique criteria to unlock them. Instead, Challenger Approaching fights take place after completing {{SSBU|Classic Mode}} with any character, and as timed encounters.

As in ''Smash 4'', {{SSBU|Mii Fighter}}s can be unlocked by creating a [[character customization|custom]] Mii Fighter of that type, and do not have a standard Challenger Approaching match.

The player may also unlock characters by awakening them in the [[World of Light]]. 

==={{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 first player character, and will be the next character below them on the tree who has not already been unlocked or issued a Challenger Approaching duel. For example, completing Classic Mode as {{SSBU|Marth}} with {{SSBU|Ryu}} already unlocked (or met in Challenger Approaching) will cause the challenger to be {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}, even if {{SSBU|Lucario}} has not yet been unlocked or met in Challenger Approaching.

If the bottom of a tree is reached, the search resumes from the top of Mario's tree, then Donkey Kong's, and so on. Completing Classic Mode with [[Downloadable content (SSBU)|downloadable fighters]] will also start from the top of Mario's tree, as these characters are not assigned an unlock tree. For example, completing Classic Mode as {{SSBU|Duck Hunt}} will receive a challenge from {{SSBU|Sonic}}, even if some characters in Donkey Kong's tree have not been unlocked or met in Challenger Approaching yet.

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
|}

===Timed encounters===
When the player finishes a VS. match, a [[Mob Smash]], a [[Home-Run Contest]] round, a [[Spirit Board]] fight, or exits the World of Light, a new character may challenge the player to a Challenger Approaching duel. This character will be the one closest to the top of the list below who has not already been unlocked or issued a Challenger Approaching duel. However, the player must have performed enough in-battle stick inputs and, in most cases, have waited at least 10 minutes since the previous Challenger Approaching duel. (Quitting a match/mode other than World of Light will not cause a challenge, and neither will VS matches that only consist of CPUs or that are themselves Challenger Approaching matches.)

The in-battle stick input count considers the total since the save file was started. Its mechanics appear to be similar to how {{b|Gold|collectible}} in VS matches is counted (for example, [[dash-dancing]], Sudden Death, other Challenger Approaching matches, and jumping with the X Button do not count, but jumping with the Control Stick does count). However, unlike Gold, actions made in a VS match that is quit still count (they will not cause a challenge but will still contribute toward the total behind the scenes). If a controller disconnects during a VS match and it is still disconnected by the time the match ends, actions made by that player do not count (even though they count for Gold). Actions made during Classic Mode and World of Light count, excluding any Gold modifiers (e.g. due to difficulty level). Notably, the 5th through 30th characters in the list all have the same action count requirement, so meeting the requirement for any one of them will unlock all of them with no further in-battle actions required, provided that the wait time requirement is met between each one. Unlike the time requirements, the action count requirements cannot be changed. For example, unlocking {{SSBU|Palutena}} through a timed encounter will always require approximately 8,100 actions, regardless of if any other characters have already been unlocked through any method.

The 10-minute delay requirement does not apply to the first five Challenger Approaching fights specifically. For example, if the player unlocks all but five characters through World of Light, then no time delay requirements apply to the remaining five regardless of who they are. However, Challenger Approaching fights initiated through Classic Mode will count toward the five despite Classic Mode not having a time delay requirement. For example, if the player's first Challenger Approaching fight is a character below {{SSBU|Inkling}} on the list (regardless of if the player wins or loses), and then the player attempts to unlock the rest of the characters through timed encounters, then Inkling will require a 10-minute wait.

The player can bypass any wait time by closing the game and reopening it. (Note that changing the [[Language]] setting causes the game to automatically close and reopen.) The wait time applies regardless of if the previous Challenger Approaching fight was won or lost. Time spent idling on the title screen or loading screens counts, but time spent idling during a Challenger Approaching fight does not count (the time starts after the Challenger Approaching fight ends). Wait times do not carry over (if the player waits 20 minutes between one pair of Challenger Approaching fights, all future wait times are still 10 minutes).

===[[Fighter]] table===
Classic Mode and timed encounters result in the same Challenger Approaching fights.

The values listed under "Theoretical cumulative wait time" apply only if the player exclusively attempts to unlock characters through timed encounters, never closes the game after challenging Inkling, and never spends longer than the minimum time between Challenger Approaching fights.

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!data-sort-type="number"|Order!!Character!!Actions required<br/>(approx.)!!Theoretical<br/>cumulative wait time!!Stage!!Music
|-
|1st||{{CharHead|Ness|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||200||0 minutes||[[Onett]] (hazards off)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Bein' Friends}}''
|-
|2nd||{{CharHead|Zelda|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||400||0 minutes||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ocarina of Time Medley}}''
|-
|3rd||{{CharHead|Bowser|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||700||0 minutes||[[Mushroom Kingdom U]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''
|-
|4th||{{CharHead|Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,100||0 minutes||[[Skyworld]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Underworld}}''
|-
|5th||{{CharHead|Inkling|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||0 minutes||[[Moray Towers]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Splatoon|Splattack! (Original)|Splattack!}}''
|-
|6th||{{CharHead|Villager|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||10 minutes||[[Smashville]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Title Theme - Animal Crossing}}''
|-
|7th||{{CharHead|Marth|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||20 minutes||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Story 5 Meeting}}''
|-
|8th||{{CharHead|Young Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||30 minutes||[[Great Bay]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Saria's Theme}}''
|-
|9th||{{CharHead|Wii Fit Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||40 minutes||[[Wii Fit Studio]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Wii Fit|Main Menu - Wii Fit}}''
|-
|10th||{{CharHead|Ice Climbers|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||50 minutes||[[Summit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Ice Climber|Ice Climber (Brawl)}}''
|-
|11th||{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour||[[Port Town Aero Dive]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|F-Zero|F-ZERO Medley}}''
|-
|12th||{{CharHead|Peach|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour & 10 minutes||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Rolling Hills A}}''
|-
|13th||{{CharHead|Ryu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour & 20 minutes||{{SSBU|Battlefield}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ryu Stage}}''
|-
|14th||{{CharHead|Ike|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour & 30 minutes||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Eternal Bond}}''
|-
|15th||{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour & 40 minutes||[[Saffron City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (64)}}''
|-
|16th||{{CharHead|King K. Rool|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||1 hour & 50 minutes||[[Jungle Japes]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Gang-Plank Galleon}}''
|-
|17th||{{CharHead|Sonic|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours||[[Green Hill Zone]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Green Hill Zone}}''
|-
|18th||{{CharHead|Simon|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours & 10 minutes||[[Dracula's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Vampire Killer (Remix)}}''
|-
|19th||{{CharHead|Zero Suit Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours & 20 minutes||[[Brinstar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Theme of Samus Aran, Space Warrior}}''
|-
|20th||{{CharHead|Little Mac|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours & 30 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Punch-Out!!)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Punch-Out!!|Jogging / Countdown}}''
|-
|21st||{{CharHead|Isabelle|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours & 40 minutes||[[Town and City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Animal Crossing|Plaza / Title Theme - Animal Crossing: City Folk / Animal Crossing: Wild World}}''
|-
|22nd||{{CharHead|Shulk|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||2 hours & 50 minutes||[[Gaur Plain]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Xenoblade|Xenoblade Chronicles Medley}}''
|-
|23rd||{{CharHead|Lucina|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}''
|-
|24th||{{CharHead|Wario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours & 10 minutes||[[WarioWare, Inc.]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}''
|-
|25th||{{CharHead|Ridley|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours & 20 minutes||[[Norfair]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Vs. Ridley}}''
|-
|26th||{{CharHead|Pokémon Trainer|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours & 30 minutes||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Brawl)}}''
|-
|27th||{{CharHead|Lucario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours & 40 minutes||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Team Galactic)}}''
|-
|28th||{{CharHead|Daisy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||3 hours & 50 minutes||[[Figure-8 Circuit]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Mario Tennis / Mario Golf}}''
|-
|29th||{{CharHead|Roy|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||4 hours||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure}}''
|-
|30th||{{CharHead|King Dedede|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,400||4 hours & 10 minutes||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|King Dedede's Theme (Brawl)}}''
|-
|31st||{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSBU|hsize=20px|color=Grey}}||1,600||4 hours & 20 minutes||[[Wrecking Crew]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Nintendo|Stack-Up/Gyromite}}''
|-
|32nd||{{CharHead|Falco|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,700||4 hours & 30 minutes||[[Corneria]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Fox Medley}}''
|-
|33rd||{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||1,900||4 hours & 40 minutes||[[Luigi's Mansion]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Main Theme - Luigi's Mansion}}''
|-
|34th||{{CharHead|Pichu|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,000||4 hours & 50 minutes||[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley}}''
|-
|35th||{{CharHead|Richter|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,200||5 hours||[[Dracula's Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Castlevania|Divine Bloodlines}}''
|-
|36th||{{CharHead|Lucas|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,300||5 hours & 10 minutes||[[New Pork City]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Unfounded Revenge / Smashing Song of Praise}}''
|-
|37th||{{CharHead|Diddy Kong|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,400||5 hours & 20 minutes||[[Kongo Falls]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Donkey Kong|Stickerbush Symphony}}''
|-
|38th||{{CharHead|Meta Knight|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,600||5 hours & 30 minutes||[[Halberd]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kirby|Meta Knight's Revenge}}''
|-
|39th||{{CharHead|Snake|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,700||5 hours & 40 minutes||[[Shadow Moses Island]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''
|-
|40th||{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||2,900||5 hours & 50 minutes||[[Bridge of Eldin]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Death Mountain}}''
|-
|41st||{{CharHead|Corrin|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,000||6 hours||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Lost in Thoughts All Alone (Remix)}}''
|-
|42nd||{{CharHead|Mega Man|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,200||6 hours & 10 minutes||[[Wily Castle]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Mega Man|Mega Man 2 Medley}}''
|-
|43rd||{{CharHead|Bayonetta|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,300||6 hours & 20 minutes||[[Umbra Clock Tower]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Bayonetta|Let's Hit The Climax!}}''
|-
|44th||{{CharHead|Toon Link|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,500||6 hours & 30 minutes||[[Pirate Ship]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Dragon Roost Island}}''
|-
|45th||{{CharHead|Rosalina & Luma|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,600||6 hours & 40 minutes||[[Mario Galaxy]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Egg Planet (Remix)}}''
|-
|46th||{{CharHead|Incineroar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,700||6 hours & 50 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Super Smash Bros.)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|The Battle at the Summit!}}''
|-
|47th||{{CharHead|Sheik|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||3,900||7 hours||[[Gerudo Valley]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Gerudo Valley (Remix)}}''
|-
|48th||{{CharHead|Olimar|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4,000||7 hours & 10 minutes||[[Distant Planet]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pikmin|Main Theme - Pikmin (Remix)}}''
|-
|49th||{{CharHead|Pac-Man|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4,200||7 hours & 20 minutes||[[Pac-Land]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pac-Man|PAC-MAN}}''
|-
|50th||{{CharHead|Dark Samus|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4,300||7 hours & 30 minutes||[[Frigate Orpheon]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Metroid|Multiplayer - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes}}''
|-
|51st||{{CharHead|Wolf|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4,600||7 hours & 40 minutes||[[Lylat Cruise]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf (Brawl)}}''
|-
|52nd||{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||4,900||7 hours & 50 minutes||[[Flat Zone X]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|53rd||{{CharHead|Robin|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5,200||8 hours||[[Castle Siege]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Prelude (Ablaze)}}''
|-
|54th||{{CharHead|Dark Pit|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5,500||8 hours & 10 minutes||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Dark Pit's Theme}}''
|-
|55th||{{CharHead|Cloud|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||5,800||8 hours & 20 minutes||[[Midgar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Final Fantasy|Fight On!}}''
|-
|56th||{{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6,100||8 hours & 30 minutes||{{b|Duck Hunt|stage}}||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Duck Hunt|Duck Hunt Medley}}''
|-
|57th||{{CharHead|Ken|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6,400||8 hours & 40 minutes||[[Boxing Ring]] (Punch-Out!!)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Street Fighter|Ken Stage}}''
|-
|58th||{{CharHead|Greninja|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6,700||8 hours & 50 minutes||[[Kalos Pokémon League]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Trainer Battle) - Pokémon X / Pokémon Y}}''
|-
|59th||{{CharHead|Chrom|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||6,900||9 hours||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose) (Remix)}}''
|-
|60th||{{CharHead|Mewtwo|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7,200||9 hours & 10 minutes||[[Spear Pillar]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Pokémon|Battle! (Dialga/Palkia) / Spear Pillar}}''
|-
|61st||{{CharHead|Bowser Jr.|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7,500||9 hours & 20 minutes||[[Delfino Plaza]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Delfino Plaza (Remix)}}''
|-
|62nd||{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||7,800||9 hours & 30 minutes||[[New Donk City Hall]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Fever}}''
|-
|63rd||{{CharHead|Palutena|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||8,100||9 hours & 40 minutes||[[Palutena's Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Kid Icarus|Destroyed Skyworld}}''
|}

===[[Challenger's Approach]]===
If the player loses any Challenger Approaching fight, that character will not appear again either from Classic Mode or as a timed encounter. However, the character will later reappear under [[Challenger's Approach]] on the Games & More menu.

===[[World of Light]]===
In the World of Light, only characters that have been awakened in the current World of Light save file 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.

Awakening a Mii Fighter in the World of Light automatically creates a custom Mii Fighter of the awakened type.

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]] become available after freeing a total of 10 fighters. If the player has already freed 10 fighters on a file, any characters downloaded afterwards will immediately be 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.
*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.
*Starting in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', no items appear at all during the unlocking battle.
*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. The other ''Smash 64'' newcomers use "Rare Trophy" from ''[[Melee]]'', ''Melee'' newcomers use the stage unlock fanfare from ''Brawl'', and ''Brawl'' newcomers (alongside 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 be a starter character at any point, which was in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
*[[Wario]] was the first starter character to become an unlockable character in a later installment. He is also the only character to have this distinction from ''Brawl'' to ''Smash 4''.
*{{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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