Super Smash Bros. series

Unlockable character: Difference between revisions

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m (Undid edit by 64.124.38.132: Pretty much already mentioned on the "Subspace Emissary" section.)
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{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{ArticleIcons|series=y}}
{{redirect|Challenger|info on fighters, to whom the title "challenger" is often applied|List of Super Smash Bros. series characters}}
{{redirect|Challenger|info on fighters, to whom the title "challenger" is often applied|Fighter}}
[[File:The Original 8.jpg|200px|thumb|Character selection screen in ''Super Smash Bros.'' indicating unlockable characters.]]
[[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''') 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.
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.
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 ''[[Melee]]'', where some characters didn't have placeholders prior to unlocking, with their portraits simply appearing afterward. The placeholder slots were completely removed from ''[[Brawl]]'' onward.
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==
=="Challenger Approaching!" screen==
[[File:Challenger Approaching Luigi(SSB).png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Luigi challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. 64'']]
<!--Please refrain from changing the "challenger approaching" pictures to other characters-->
[[File:Challenger Approaching Dr. Mario.png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Dr. Mario challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'']]
[[File:Challenger Approaching Falcon(SSB).png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Captain Falcon challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. 64'']]
[[File:Challenger Approaching Sonic (SSBB).png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Sonic challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]
[[File:SSBU Inkling Approaches.png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Inkling challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'']]
[[File:ChallengerApproachingDarkPit.png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Dark Pit challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS'']]
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.
[[File:SSB4-U Lucina Approaches.png|200px|thumb|The Challenger Approaching! screen which Lucina challenges the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']]


The "Challenger Approaching!" ({{ja|挑戦者が現れました！|''chousensha ga urawaremashita!''}}, ''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.


The original game 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.  
''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.  


''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 louder, faster and more panicky in its sound than how it sounds in ''Melee''.  


''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 [[Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary]] method was not used. 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).


''Smash 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 Smash Bros. 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 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.
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 after the next battle played (or [[mode]] completed), they are guaranteed to meet with the challenger again.
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.
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>
<gallery>
ChallengerApproaching64.ogg|''Smash 64''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproaching64.ogg|''Smash 64''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingMelee.ogg|''Melee''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingMelee.ogg|''Melee''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingBrawl.ogg|''Brawl''{{'}}s, ''Smash 3DS''{{'}}s and ''Smash U''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
ChallengerApproachingBrawl.ogg|''Brawl'', ''Smash 4'', and ''Ultimate''{{'}}s challenger alarm.
</gallery>
</gallery>
{{-}}


==''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
==''[[Super Smash Bros.]]''==
===[[List of Characters|Characters]]===
===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!Unlock location
!Character!!How to unlock!!Unlock location
|-
|-
|{{SSB|Captain Falcon}}||Complete [[1P Game]] in 20 minutes or less.||[[Planet Zebes]]
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete Bonus 1: [[Break the Targets]] with all starter characters.||[[Peach's Castle]]
|-
|{{SSB|Jigglypuff}}||Complete [[1P Game]] with any character.||[[Saffron City]]
|-
|-
|{{SSB|Luigi}}||Complete Bonus 1: [[Break the Targets]] with all starter characters.||[[Peach's Castle]]
|{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] in 20 minutes or less.||[[Planet Zebes]]
|-
|-
|{{SSB|Ness}}||Complete [[1P Game]] on Normal with three lives and no continues.||{{SSB|Dream Land}}
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] on Normal or higher with three lives or less and without using any continues.||{{SSB|Dream Land}}
|-
|-
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSB|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[1P Game]] with any character.||[[Saffron City]]
|}
|}


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


==''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
==''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===[[List of Characters|Characters]]===
===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable"
''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
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS matches required!!Unlock Location!!Music
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Jigglypuff}}<ref group=note name=erase/>||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} or [[Adventure Mode]] with any character.|| align="right"|50||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Pokémon Stadium}}''
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with any character.|| |50||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Pokémon Stadium}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Dr. Mario}}<ref group=note name=erase/>||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} or [[Adventure Mode]] with Mario without using a continue. || align="right"|100||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Dr. Mario}}''
|{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> as {{SSBM|Mario}} without using any continues. || |100||[[Princess Peach's Castle]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Dr. Mario}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Pichu}}||Complete [[Event 37: Legendary Pokémon]].||align="right"|200||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Battle Theme}}''
|{{CharHead|Pichu|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[Event 37: Legendary Pokémon]].|| |200||[[Pokémon Stadium]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Battle Theme}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Falco}}||Complete the [[100-Man Melee]].||align="right"|300||{{SSBM|Battlefield}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Corneria}}''
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete the [[100-Man Melee]].|| |300||{{SSBM|Battlefield}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Corneria}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Marth}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} or [[Adventure Mode]] with all starter characters, or use all starter characters at least once in [[VS. mode]].|| align="right"|400||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|{{CharHead|Marth|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Use all 14 [[starter character]]s in [[Versus Mode]], {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, or [[All-Star Mode]].<ref group=note name=erase/> A complete playthrough is not required for the single-player modes.|| |400||[[Fountain of Dreams]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Young Link}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} or [[Adventure Mode]] with 10 different characters. || align="right"|500||[[Great Bay]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Saria's Theme}}''
|{{CharHead|Young Link|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> with 10 different characters.|| 500||[[Great Bay]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Saria's Theme}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Ganondorf}}||Complete [[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]].|| align="right"|600||{{SSBM|Final Destination}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Great Bay}}''
|{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[Event 29: Triforce Gathering]].|| |600||{{SSBM|Final Destination}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Great Bay}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Mewtwo}}<ref group=note name=player-hours/>||Play [[VS. mode]] for 20 hours.||align="right"|700||{{SSBM|Final Destination}}||''{{MeleeMusic|Poké Floats}}''
|{{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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Luigi}}||Complete [[Adventure Mode]] when the second on the time limit in the first stage gets a "2". For example: XX:X2:XX.||align="right"|800||[[Mushroom Kingdom II]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Mushroom Kingdom II}}''
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|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 and clear the rest of the mode.|| |800||[[Mushroom Kingdom II]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Mushroom Kingdom II}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Roy}}<ref group=note name=erase/>||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}} or [[Adventure Mode]] with Marth without using a continue. ||align="right"|900||[[Temple]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|{{CharHead|Roy|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Unlock {{SSBM|Marth}}, then complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, or [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/> as him without using any continues.|| |900||[[Temple]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Fire Emblem}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBM|Mr. Game & Watch}}<ref group=note name=erase/>||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, [[Adventure Mode]], or [[Break the Targets]] with all 24 other characters.||align="right"|1000||[[Flat Zone]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Flat Zone}}''
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBM|hsize=20px}}||Complete {{SSBM|Classic Mode}}, {{SSBM|Adventure Mode}}, [[All-Star Mode]]<ref group=note name=erase/>, or [[Target Test]] with all 24 other characters.|| |1000||[[Flat Zone]]||''{{MeleeMusic|Flat Zone}}''
|}
|}
<references group=note>
<references group=note>
<ref group=note name=erase>If the player had previously used the Erase Data > Hidden Characters option in the Options menu, these characters can be unlocked again if [[All-Star Mode]] is cleared under the established conditions.</ref>
<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 group=note name=player-hours>The time required is calculated in "player-hours" (e.g. 2 human players gives 2 hours for every hour of game-time, 3 human players give 3, and four players give 4).</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>
</references>


===Gallery===
===Gallery===
<!--Please discuss the order on the talk page if you disagree with it-->
<gallery>
<gallery>
Challenger Approaching Jigglypuff.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Jigglypuff.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Melee''
Line 105: Line 121:
ChallengerApproachingMewtwo(SSBM).png|Mewtwo challenging the player in ''Melee''
ChallengerApproachingMewtwo(SSBM).png|Mewtwo challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Luigi.png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Melee''
Challenger Approaching Luigi.png|Luigi challenging the player in ''Melee''
RoyApproaching.png|Roy 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''
ChallengerApproachingGW(SSBM).png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Melee''
</gallery>
</gallery>


==''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
==''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''==
[[Masahiro Sakurai]] stated that it would be appropriate that third-party, or "guest" characters, like {{SSBB|Solid Snake}} and {{SSBB|Sonic the Hedgehog}}, would be unlockable characters. This became true when ''Brawl'' was first released in Japan.
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.
 
In addition to the challenges and versus match method of unlocking, all unlockable characters can be unlocked by playing through [[Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary]]. The majority of these characters are unlocked as part of the linear story of SSE. However, Jigglypuff, Wolf, and Toon Link are only unlockable after the main SSE gameplay is completed by finding a secret area while replaying levels. Once a character joins a group of playable characters, the character will be instantly unlocked for normal play (without requiring a "Challenger Approaching" battle). However, some characters, as per the SSE's story, must be battled before they will join the player's party, such as {{SSBB|Lucario}} (depending on the path chosen in [[The Glacial Peak]]).


===[[List of Characters|Characters]]===
===[[Fighter]]s===
{|class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
!Character!!How to unlock!!Subspace Emissary method!!VS matches required!!Unlock location (if Subspace Emissary method is not used)!!Music
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS matches required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Ness}}
|{{CharHead|Ness|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Reflect 10 projectiles.
|Reflect ten projectiles.
|Complete [[Subspace (Part I)]].
|5
|align="right"|5
|[[Onett]]
|[[Onett]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Mother (Melee)}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Mother (Melee)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Marth}}
|{{CharHead|Marth|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}}.
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}}.
|Complete [[Battlefield Fortress]].
|10
|align="right"|10
|[[Castle Siege]]
|[[Castle Siege]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Fire Emblem (Melee)}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Fire Emblem (Melee)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Luigi}}
|{{CharHead|Luigi|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} without using any continues.
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} without using any continues.
|Complete [[Subspace (Part I)]].
|22
|align="right"|22
|[[Luigi's Mansion]]
|[[Luigi's Mansion]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Luigi's Mansion Theme}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Luigi's Mansion Theme}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Falco}}
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete [[100-Man Brawl]].
|Complete [[100-Man Brawl]].
|Complete [[The Swamp]].
|50
|align="right"|50
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Area 6}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Area 6}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Captain Falcon}}
|{{CharHead|Captain Falcon|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Play through {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Normal or higher and beat it in 12 minutes or less.
|Play through {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Normal or higher and beat it in 12 minutes or less.
|Complete [[Outside the Ancient Ruins]].
|70
|align="right"|70
|[[Port Town Aero Dive]]
|[[Port Town Aero Dive]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|F-Zero|Mute City}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Lucario}}
||{{CharHead|Lucario|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear all levels of [[Target Smash!!]] with any single character.
|Clear all levels of [[Target Smash!!]] with any single character.
|Complete [[Glacial Peak]].
|100
|align="right"|100
|[[Spear Pillar]]
|[[Spear Pillar]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Victory Road}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Snake}}
|{{CharHead|Snake|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Play 15 Vs. Matches on [[Shadow Moses Island]].
|Play 15 Vs. Matches on [[Shadow Moses Island]].
|Complete [[Battleship Halberd Interior]].
|130
|align="right"|130
|[[Shadow Moses Island]]
|[[Shadow Moses Island]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Metal Gear|Encounter}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|R.O.B.}}
|{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Collect 250 different trophies.
|Collect 250 different trophies.
|Complete [[Subspace Bomb Factory (Part II)]].
|160
|align="right"|160
|[[Mario Bros.]]
|[[Mario Bros (stage)|Mario Bros]]
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Mario Bros.}}''
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Mario Bros.}}
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Ganondorf}}
|{{CharHead|Ganondorf|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Hard with Link or Zelda.
|Clear {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} on Hard as Link or Zelda.
|Collect both {{SSBB|Link}} and {{SSBB|Zelda}}'s trophies in [[Subspace (Part II)]].
|200
|align="right"|200
|{{SSBB|Final Destination}}
|{{SSBB|Final Destination}}
|{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Hidden Mountain & Forest}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Hidden Mountain & Forest}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|{{CharHead|Mr. Game & Watch|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Clear [[Target Smash!!]] with 30 different characters on any single difficulty level.
|Clear [[Target Smash!!]] with 30 different characters on any single difficulty level.
|Complete [[Battleship Halberd Bridge]].
|250
|align="right"|250
|[[Flat Zone 2]]
|[[Flat Zone 2]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Flat Zone 2}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Nintendo|Flat Zone 2}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Sonic}}
|{{CharHead|Sonic|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} with 10 characters, or Brawl for 10 combined total hours.
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} with ten characters, or Brawl for ten combined total hours.
|Complete [[The Great Maze]].
|300
|align="right"|300
|[[Green Hill Zone]]
|[[Green Hill Zone]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Sonic Heroes}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Sonic The Hedgehog|Sonic Heroes}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}<ref group=note name=subspace/>
|{{CharHead|Jigglypuff|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Beat 20 or more [[event]]s after beating the [[Subspace Emissary]].
|Have 20 or more [[event]]s cleared after beating [[The Subspace Emissary]].
|After completing [[The Great Maze]], defeat it in a secret room in [[The Swamp]].
|350
|align="right"|350
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Center}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Pokémon|Pokémon Center}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Toon Link}}<ref group=note name=subspace/>
|{{CharHead|Toon Link|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} after beating the Subspace Emissary.
|Complete {{SSBB|Classic Mode}} after beating The Subspace Emissary.
|After completing [[The Great Maze]], defeat him in a secret room in [[The Forest]].
|400
|align="right"|400
|[[Pirate Ship]]
|[[Pirate Ship]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Dragon Roost Island}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Dragon Roost Island}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSBB|Wolf}}<ref group=note name=subspace/>
||{{CharHead|Wolf|SSBB|hsize=20px}}
|Complete [[Boss Battles]] mode with {{SSBB|Fox}} or {{SSBB|Falco}}.
|Complete [[Boss Battles]] mode as {{SSBB|Fox}} or {{SSBB|Falco}}.
|After completing [[The Great Maze]], defeat him in a secret room in [[The Ruins]].
|450
|align="right"|450
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|[[Lylat Cruise]]
|{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf}}
|''{{SSBBMusicLink|Star Fox|Star Wolf}}''
|}
|}
<references group=note>
<ref group=note name=subspace>Toon Link, Jigglypuff and Wolf are not part of the main plot of Subspace Emissary; players must beat the main story first then revisit certain stages to find them that way.</ref>
</references>


Sonic is the only character who can be unlocked 4 different ways.
===[[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===
Line 230: Line 465:
Challenger Approaching Falcon (SSBB).png|Captain Falcon 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 Lucario (SSBB).png|Lucario challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Snake (SSBB).png.png|Snake challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching Snake (SSBB).png|Snake challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Challenger Approaching R.O.B. Brawl.png|R.O.B. 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 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 Mr. Game & Watch (SSBB).png|Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in ''Brawl''
Line 241: Line 476:


=={{for3ds}}==
=={{for3ds}}==
===[[List of Characters|Characters]]===
===[[Fighter]]s===
The inclusion of [[Wendy O. Koopa]] (as one of {{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}'s {{SSB4|alternate costume}}s) and {{SSB4|Lucina}} as unlockable characters makes them the first female characters to be unlockable.
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.
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.


{|class="wikitable"
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.
!Character!!How to unlock!!Vs. Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
 
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Ness}}||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|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)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Falco}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without any continues||20||[[Corneria]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Corneria}}
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without using any continues||20||[[Corneria]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Corneria}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Wario}}||Complete [[100-Man Smash]]||30||[[WarioWare, Inc.]]<ref group=note>Microgames do not occur.</ref>||{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}
|{{CharHead|Wario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Complete [[100-Man Smash]]||30||[[WarioWare, Inc.]]<ref group=note>Microgames do not occur.</ref>||''{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|WarioWare, Inc.}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Lucina}}||As {{SSB4|Marth}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without any continues||40||[[Arena Ferox]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}
|{{CharHead|Lucina|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||As {{SSB4|Marth}}, clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} without any continues||40||[[Arena Ferox]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|Id (Purpose)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Dark Pit}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with three or more characters||50||[[Reset Bomb Forest]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Kid Icarus|Wrath of the Reset Bomb (Remix)|Wrath of the Reset Bomb}}
|{{CharHead|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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}||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|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.)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|R.O.B.}}||Collect at least 200 different trophies||70||[[PictoChat 2]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Nintendo|PictoChat}}
|{{CharHead|R.O.B.|SSB4|hsize=20px|color=Grey}}||Collect at least 200 different trophies||70||[[PictoChat 2]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Nintendo|PictoChat}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Ganondorf}}||As {{SSB4|Zelda}} or {{SSB4|Link}}, 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|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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with 10 or more characters||90||[[Flat Zone 2]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}
|{{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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Bowser Jr.}}||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|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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with 8 or more characters||110||{{SSB4|Battlefield}}||{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Battlefield}}
|{{CharHead|Duck Hunt|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-3DS|Classic Mode}} with eight different characters||110||{{SSB4|Battlefield}}||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Smash Bros.|Battlefield}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Jigglypuff}}||Collect at least 30 different [[equipment]] items||120||[[Unova Pokémon League]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Pokémon|N's Castle Medley}}
|{{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/>
<references group=note/>
Line 277: Line 514:
===Gallery===
===Gallery===
<gallery>
<gallery>
ChallengerApproachingNess.png|Ness challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.  
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''.
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''.
ChallengerApproachingWario.png|Wario challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
Line 288: Line 525:
ChallengerApproachingBowserJr.png|Bowser Jr. 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''.
ChallengerApproachingDuckHunt.png|Duck Hunt challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingJigglypuff.jpg|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
ChallengerApproachingJigglypuff.png|Jigglypuff challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


=={{forwiiu}}==
=={{forwiiu}}==
===[[List of Characters|Characters]]===
===[[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]].
Unlike {{for3ds}}, Ness, Jigglypuff, Ganondorf & Bowser Jr. are [[starter character]]s. Like the 3DS version, a character is unlocked for every 10 versus matches played. 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.


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.
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"
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
!Character!!How to unlock!!Vs. Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
!Character!!How to unlock!!VS Matches Required!!Unlock location!!Music
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Falco}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}}||10||[[Orbital Gate Assault]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Theme from Area 6 / Missile Slipstream}}
|{{CharHead|Falco|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}}||10||[[Orbital Gate Assault]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Star Fox|Theme from Area 6 / Missile Slipstream}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Wario}}||Clear [[100-Man Smash]]||20||[[Gamer]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|Gamer}}
|{{CharHead|Wario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear [[100-Man Smash]]||20||[[Gamer]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|WarioWare|Gamer}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Lucina}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}} on intensity 5.5 or higher||30||[[Coliseum]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|The Devoted}}
|{{CharHead|Lucina|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}} on intensity 5.5 or higher||30||[[Coliseum]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Fire Emblem|The Devoted}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Dark Pit}}||Clear [[All-Star Mode]] on Normal||40||[[Palutena's Temple]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Kid Icarus|Boss Fight 1 (Kid Icarus: Uprising)}}
|{{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)}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Dr. Mario}}||Clear [[Master Orders]] on Hard||50||[[Delfino Plaza]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Delfino Plaza}}
|{{CharHead|Dr. Mario|SSB4|hsize=20px}}||Clear [[Master Orders]] on Hard||50||[[Delfino Plaza]]||''{{SSB4MusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|Delfino Plaza}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|R.O.B.}}||Clear [[Crazy Orders]] after 10 rounds and defeat Crazy Hand||60||[[Wrecking Crew]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Nintendo|Wrecking Crew Medley}}
|{{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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Mr. Game & Watch}}||Clear {{SSB4-Wii U|Classic Mode}} on intensity 2.0 or higher with 5 characters||80||[[Flat Zone X]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Game & Watch|Flat Zone 2}}
|{{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}}''
|-
|-
|{{SSB4|Duck Hunt}}||Earn 1 KO in [[Cruel Smash]]||100||[[Duck Hunt (stage)|Duck Hunt]]||{{SSB4MusicLink|Duck Hunt|Duck Hunt Medley}}
|{{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===
<gallery>
<gallery>
SSB4-U Falco Approaches.png|Falco challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''
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 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 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 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 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 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 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''
SSB4-U Duck Hunt Approaches.png|Duck Hunt challenging the player in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U''.
</gallery>
</gallery>


==''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
==''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''==
It has been stated that the characters from the original ''Super Smash Bros.'' will be the starting roster, and all other fighters will be unlockable. This includes:
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.
*{{SSBU|Bayonetta}}
 
*{{SSBU|Bowser}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Bowser Jr.}}
 
*{{SSBU|Chrom}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Cloud}}
 
*{{SSBU|Corrin}}
The player may also unlock characters by awakening them in the [[World of Light]].
*{{SSBU|Daisy}}
 
*{{SSBU|Dark Pit}}
==={{SSBU|Classic Mode}}===
*{{SSBU|Dark Samus}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Diddy Kong}}
 
*{{SSBU|Dr. Mario}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Duck Hunt}}
 
*{{SSBU|Falco}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Ganondorf}}
 
*{{SSBU|Greninja}}
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
*{{SSBU|Ice Climbers}}
!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}}
*{{SSBU|Ike}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Inkling}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|King Dedede}}
|-
*{{SSBU|King K. Rool}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Little Mac}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Lucario}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Lucas}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Lucina}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Marth}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Mega Man}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Meta Knight}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Mewtwo}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Olimar}}
|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}}
*{{SSBU|Pac-Man}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Palutena}}
|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
*{{SSBU|Peach}}
|}
*{{SSBU|Pichu}}
 
*{{SSBU|Pit}}
===Timed encounters===
*{{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}}
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.)
*{{SSBU|R.O.B.}}
 
*{{SSBU|Richter}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Ridley}}
 
*{{SSBU|Robin}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Rosalina & Luma}}
 
*{{SSBU|Roy}}
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).
*{{SSBU|Ryu}}
 
*{{SSBU|Sheik}}
===[[Fighter]] table===
*{{SSBU|Shulk}}
Classic Mode and timed encounters result in the same Challenger Approaching fights.
*{{SSBU|Simon}}
 
*{{SSBU|Snake}}
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.
*{{SSBU|Sonic}}
 
*{{SSBU|Toon Link}}
{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center; min-width: 40%"
*{{SSBU|Villager}}
!data-sort-type="number"|Order!!Character!!Actions required<br/>(approx.)!!Theoretical<br/>cumulative wait time!!Stage!!Music
*{{SSBU|Wario}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Wii Fit Trainer}}
|1st||{{CharHead|Ness|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||200||0 minutes||[[Onett]] (hazards off)||''{{SSBUMusicLink|EarthBound|Bein' Friends}}''
*{{SSBU|Wolf}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Young Link}}
|2nd||{{CharHead|Zelda|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||400||0 minutes||[[Temple]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|The Legend of Zelda|Ocarina of Time Medley}}''
*{{SSBU|Zelda}}
|-
*{{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}
|3rd||{{CharHead|Bowser|SSBU|hsize=20px}}||700||0 minutes||[[Mushroom Kingdom U]]||''{{SSBUMusicLink|Super Mario Bros.|King Bowser - Super Mario Bros. 3}}''
However it is currently unknown if {{SSBU|Luigi}}, {{SSBU|Ness}}, {{SSBU|Captain Falcon}}, and {{SSBU|Jigglypuff}} are included as starters or unlockables.
|-
|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 Theme}}''
|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==
==Trivia==
*The AI level of unlockable character fights increases with each consecutive character, though the opposite is the case in ''Melee''.
*In each of his unlockable appearances outside of ''Smash 64'', [[Ness]] has always been the first one unlocked through Vs. Mode matches.
*The music in challenger encounters may be music that cannot otherwise play on the stage in question, such as the Fire Emblem theme playing on [[Fountain of Dreams]] in ''Melee'' when {{SSBM|Marth}} is unlocked.
*''[[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.
**In {{forwiiu}}, the AI level for all eight characters is high, no matter what order they are fought in.{{fact}}
*When a player fights a secret character to unlock in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', the character they used always uses their default costume even if the player was originally using an alternative costume. As ''Brawl'' mods often if not always make the entire roster available by default (regardless of if they were unlocked in the vanilla game) and the player can still trigger Challenger Approaching fights, using the same character as the one the player is trying to “unlock” will make both participants use the same palette swap.
*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 {{forwiiu}} to be available from the start, but eventually decided against it.
*Starting in ''[[Super Smash Bros. 4]]'', no items appear at all during the unlocking battle.
*[[Dr. Mario]], [[Pichu]], [[Falco]], [[Young Link]], [[Mr. Game & Watch]], [[Snake]], [[R.O.B.]], [[Wolf]], [[Dark Pit]], [[Lucina]] and [[Duck Hunt]] are the only playable characters to remain unlockable in every installment they appear in.
*In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', each character unlock notification has a different tone depending on the debut game of the character.
*The {{uv|Yoshi}} series is the only franchise to have never had any unlockable characters.
**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.
*[[Roy (SSBM)|Roy]] and [[Mr. Game and Watch (SSBM)|Mr. Game and Watch]] in ''Melee'' and [[Wolf (SSBB)|Wolf]] in ''Brawl'' are the only unlockable characters to have unlock criteria that involve other unlockable characters.
*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.
**In fact, Mr. Game and Watch in ''Melee'' is the only character in which all of the other playable characters must be unlocked prior to unlocking him making him the only character that players must unlock last in any Smash game.  
*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.
*[[Wario]] was the first character who debuted as a starter to become an unlockable character afterwards, being a starter in ''Brawl'' before becoming unlockable in ''Smash 4''.
*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 {{forwiiu}}, [[Downloadable content|DLC]] characters have a "(character name) Joins the Battle!" screen that appears once they are purchased, much like the unlockable characters. Unlike with unlockable characters, the last letters of their names are not larger.
**In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', the opposite is the case.
*When a player fights a secret character to unlock in ''Brawl'', their character always uses their default costume even if the character was originally using an alternative costume.
**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.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' marks the unlockable debut for many characters that debuted as starters, as all characters that debuted from ''Melee'' onwards have been made unlockable regardless of their status in previous games.
*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.
*''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' is the first game in the series to feature unlockable characters in its cover artwork.
**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''.
*In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', each character unlock notification has a different tone depending on the debut game of the character.
*[[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''.
**Strangely though, {{SSBB|Jigglypuff}}'s unlock notification tone is the same as the ''Brawl'' newcomers despite debuting from ''Smash 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.
*{{SSBU|Pokémon Trainer}} is the only character whose moveset involves transforming into another character to become unlockable.
**Specifically, the ''Smash 64'' newcomers (except Jigglypuff) have "Rare Trophy" from ''Melee'', used in ''Brawl'' when getting certain trophies, the ''Melee'' newcomers have the fanfare used in ''Brawl'' when unlocking stages, and the ''Brawl'' newcomers (and Jigglypuff) have the sound used in ''Brawl'' when collecting songs or completing minor challenges.
*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==
==See also==
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[[Category:Characters]]
[[Category:Characters]]
[[es:Personaje desbloqueable]]

Latest revision as of 11:53, November 14, 2024

"Challenger" redirects here. For info on fighters, to whom the title "challenger" is often applied, see Fighter.
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 characters) 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 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 clones 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 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[edit]

The Challenger Approaching! screen which Captain Falcon challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. 64
The Challenger Approaching! screen which Inkling challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

The "Challenger Approaching!" (挑戦者が現れました！, 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 louder, 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 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 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[edit]

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Ness challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. 64.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Ness challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. 64.

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Marth challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Marth challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Sonic challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Sonic challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Dark Pit challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Dark Pit challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Duck Hunt challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Duck Hunt challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • The Challenger Approaching! screen which Simon challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

    The Challenger Approaching! screen which Simon challenges the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Challenger Approaching Alarms[edit]

  • Smash 64's challenger alarm.

  • Melee's challenger alarm.

  • Brawl, Smash 4, and Ultimate's challenger alarm.

Super Smash Bros.[edit]

Fighters[edit]

Character How to unlock Unlock location
Luigi (SSB) Luigi Complete Bonus 1: Break the Targets with all starter characters. Peach's Castle
Captain Falcon (SSB) Captain Falcon Complete 1P Game in 20 minutes or less. Planet Zebes
Ness (SSB) Ness Complete 1P Game on Normal or higher with three lives or less and without using any continues. Dream Land
Jigglypuff (SSB) Jigglypuff Complete 1P Game with any character. Saffron City

Gallery[edit]

  • Luigi challenging the player in Smash 64

    Luigi challenging the player in Smash 64

  • Captain Falcon challenging the player in Smash 64

    Captain Falcon challenging the player in Smash 64

  • Ness challenging the player in Smash 64

    Ness challenging the player in Smash 64

  • Jigglypuff challenging the player in Smash 64

    Jigglypuff challenging the player in Smash 64

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Fighters[edit]

Melee introduces a alternate method for unlocking each fighter, by completing a certain number of VS matches, in intervals of 100.

Character How to unlock VS matches required Unlock Location Music
Jigglypuff (SSBM) Jigglypuff Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with any character. 50 Pokémon Stadium Pokémon Stadium
Dr. Mario (SSBM) Dr. Mario Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] as Mario without using any continues. 100 Princess Peach's Castle Dr. Mario
Pichu (SSBM) Pichu Complete Event 37: Legendary Pokémon. 200 Pokémon Stadium Battle Theme
Falco (SSBM) Falco Complete the 100-Man Melee. 300 Battlefield Corneria
Marth (SSBM) Marth Use all 14 starter characters in Versus Mode, Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode.[note 1] A complete playthrough is not required for the single-player modes. 400 Fountain of Dreams Fire Emblem
Young Link (SSBM) Young Link Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with 10 different characters. 500 Great Bay Saria's Theme
Ganondorf (SSBM) Ganondorf Complete Event 29: Triforce Gathering. 600 Final Destination Great Bay
Mewtwo (SSBM) Mewtwo Play Versus Mode for a combined total of 20 hours.[note 2] 700 Final Destination Poké Floats
Luigi (SSBM) Luigi 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 Peach within 1 minute and clear the rest of the mode. 800 Mushroom Kingdom II Mushroom Kingdom II
Roy (SSBM) Roy Unlock Marth, then complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] as him without using any continues. 900 Temple Fire Emblem
Mr. Game & Watch (SSBM) Mr. Game & Watch Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, All-Star Mode[note 1], or Target Test with all 24 other characters. 1000 Flat Zone Flat Zone
  1. ^ a b c d e f 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 option after unlocking All-Star Mode.
  2. ^ 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).

Gallery[edit]

  • Jigglypuff challenging the player in Melee

    Jigglypuff challenging the player in Melee

  • Dr. Mario challenging the player in Melee

    Dr. Mario challenging the player in Melee

  • Pichu challenging the player in Melee

    Pichu challenging the player in Melee

  • Falco challenging the player in Melee

    Falco challenging the player in Melee

  • Marth challenging the player in Melee

    Marth challenging the player in Melee

  • Young Link challenging the player in Melee

    Young Link challenging the player in Melee

  • Ganondorf challenging the player in Melee

    Ganondorf challenging the player in Melee

  • Mewtwo challenging the player in Melee

    Mewtwo challenging the player in Melee

  • Luigi challenging the player in Melee

    Luigi challenging the player in Melee

  • Roy challenging the player in Melee

    Roy challenging the player in Melee

  • Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Melee

    Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Melee

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the first game to feature third-party characters, both third-party characters (Solid Snake and Sonic the Hedgehog) are unlockable characters.

Fighters[edit]

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

The Subspace Emissary[edit]

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, 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.

Every level numerically ordered:
1: Midair Stadium
2: Skyworld
3: Sea of Clouds
4: The Jungle
5: The Plain
6: The Lake
7: The Ruined Zoo
8: The Battlefield Fortress
9: The Forest
10: The Research Facility I
11: The Lake Shore
12: The Path to the Ruins
13: The Cave
14: The Ruins
15: The Wilds I
16: The Ruined Hall
17: The Wilds II
18: The Swamp
19: The Research Facility II
20: Outside the Ancient Ruins
21: The Glacial Peak
22: The Canyon
23: Battleship Halberd Interior
24: Battleship Halberd Exterior
25: Battleship Halberd Bridge
26: The Subspace Bomb Factory I
27: The Subspace Bomb Factory II
28: Entrance to Subspace
29: Subspace I
30: Subspace II
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.

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

    A map of the stages and which characters are available in each one, not counting Wolf, Toon Link, and Jigglypuff.

Gallery[edit]

  • Ness challenging the player in Brawl

    Ness challenging the player in Brawl

  • Marth challenging the player in Brawl

    Marth challenging the player in Brawl

  • Luigi challenging the player in Brawl

    Luigi challenging the player in Brawl

  • Falco challenging the player in Brawl

    Falco challenging the player in Brawl

  • Captain Falcon challenging the player in Brawl

    Captain Falcon challenging the player in Brawl

  • Lucario challenging the player in Brawl

    Lucario challenging the player in Brawl

  • Snake challenging the player in Brawl

    Snake challenging the player in Brawl

  • R.O.B. challenging the player in Brawl

    R.O.B. challenging the player in Brawl

  • Ganondorf challenging the player in Brawl

    Ganondorf challenging the player in Brawl

  • Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Brawl

    Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Brawl

  • Sonic challenging the player in Brawl

    Sonic challenging the player in Brawl

  • Jigglypuff challenging the player in Brawl

    Jigglypuff challenging the player in Brawl

  • Toon Link challenging the player in Brawl

    Toon Link challenging the player in Brawl

  • Wolf challenging the player in Brawl

    Wolf challenging the player in Brawl

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS[edit]

Fighters[edit]

The inclusion of Lucina and Wendy O. Koopa (as one of Bowser Jr.'s alternate costumes) 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 Ness and finishing with Jigglypuff when 120 matches are played.

In addition to the characters below, Mii Fighters 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 Duck Hunt having a stage of the same name added into the game in the 1.1.1 update, they will be fought on Battlefield for their unlocking battle regardless of which version of the game is being played.

Character How to unlock VS Matches Required Unlock location Music
Ness (SSB4) Ness Clear Classic Mode on any difficulty 10 Magicant[note 1] Magicant / Eight Melodies (Mother)
Falco (SSB4) Falco Clear Classic Mode without using any continues 20 Corneria Corneria
Wario (SSB4) Wario Complete 100-Man Smash 30 WarioWare, Inc.[note 2] WarioWare, Inc.
Lucina (SSB4) Lucina As Marth, clear Classic Mode without any continues 40 Arena Ferox Id (Purpose)
Dark Pit (SSB4) Dark Pit Clear Classic Mode with three different characters 50 Reset Bomb Forest Wrath of the Reset Bomb
Dr. Mario (SSB4) Dr. Mario As Mario, clear Classic Mode on intensity 4.0 or higher 60 Mushroomy Kingdom Ground Theme (Super Mario Bros.)
R.O.B. (SSB4) R.O.B. Collect at least 200 different trophies 70 PictoChat 2 PictoChat
Ganondorf (SSB4) Ganondorf As Link or Zelda, clear Classic Mode on intensity 5.0 or higher 80 Gerudo Valley Gerudo Valley
Mr. Game & Watch (SSB4) Mr. Game & Watch Clear Classic Mode with 10 different characters 90 Flat Zone 2 Flat Zone 2
Bowser Jr. (SSB4) Bowser Jr. As Bowser, clear Classic Mode on intensity 6.0 or higher 100 3D Land Super Mario 3D Land Theme / Beach Theme
Duck Hunt (SSB4) Duck Hunt Clear Classic Mode with eight different characters 110 Battlefield Battlefield
Jigglypuff (SSB4) Jigglypuff Collect at least 30 different equipment items 120 Unova Pokémon League N's Castle Medley
  1. ^ Flying Men do not appear.
  2. ^ Microgames do not occur.

Gallery[edit]

  • Ness challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Ness challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Ganondorf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Ganondorf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Bowser Jr. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Bowser Jr. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

  • Jigglypuff challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

    Jigglypuff challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

Fighters[edit]

Unlike Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Ness, Jigglypuff, Ganondorf and Bowser Jr. are starter characters. Like the 3DS version, a character is unlocked for every ten versus matches played starting with Falco. Two exceptions to this are Mr. Game & Watch and Duck Hunt, which they need 20 more versus matches than R.O.B. and Mr. Game & Watch, respectively. Unlike the previous three installments (Melee, Brawl, and the 3DS version), no 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 own universe.

In addition to the characters below, Mii Fighters 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.

Character How to unlock VS Matches Required Unlock location Music
Falco (SSB4) Falco Clear Classic Mode 10 Orbital Gate Assault Theme from Area 6 / Missile Slipstream
Wario (SSB4) Wario Clear 100-Man Smash 20 Gamer Gamer
Lucina (SSB4) Lucina Clear Classic Mode on intensity 5.5 or higher 30 Coliseum The Devoted
Dark Pit (SSB4) Dark Pit Clear All-Star Mode on Normal 40 Palutena's Temple Boss Fight 1 (Kid Icarus: Uprising)
Dr. Mario (SSB4) Dr. Mario Clear Master Orders on Hard 50 Delfino Plaza Delfino Plaza
R.O.B. (SSB4) R.O.B. Clear Crazy Orders after ten rounds and defeat Crazy Hand 60 Wrecking Crew Wrecking Crew Medley
Mr. Game & Watch (SSB4) Mr. Game & Watch Clear Classic Mode on intensity 2.0 or higher with five characters 80 Flat Zone X Flat Zone 2
Duck Hunt (SSB4) Duck Hunt Get at least one KO in Cruel Smash 100 Duck Hunt[note 1] Duck Hunt Medley
  1. ^ Dog and ducks do not appear.

Gallery[edit]

  • Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

  • Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

    Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

The starting roster in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate comprises the 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 Classic Mode with any character, and as timed encounters.

As in Smash 4, Mii Fighters can be unlocked by creating a 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.

Classic Mode[edit]

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 Marth with Ryu already unlocked (or met in Challenger Approaching) will cause the challenger to be Ganondorf, even if 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 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 Duck Hunt will receive a challenge from Sonic, even if some characters in Donkey Kong's tree have not been unlocked or met in Challenger Approaching yet.

Notably, all clones, semi-clones, and pseudo-clones except for Ganondorf, Roy, and Chrom are in the same tree as the character they are based on.

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

Timed encounters[edit]

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 Gold 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 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 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[edit]

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.

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

Challenger's Approach[edit]

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[edit]

In the World of Light, only characters that have been awakened in the current World of Light save file can be used, with only 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:

Kirby (SSBU) Kirby is always available from the beginning.
Bowser (SSBU) Bowser is unlocked after defeating Giga Bowser within the Molten Fortress sub-world in The Light Realm.
Piranha Plant (SSBU) Joker (SSBU) Hero (SSBU) Banjo & Kazooie (SSBU) Terry (SSBU) Byleth (SSBU) Min Min (SSBU) Steve (SSBU) Sephiroth (SSBU) PyraMythra (SSBU) Kazuya (SSBU) Sora (SSBU) 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

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

Gallery[edit]

  • Ness challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ness challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Zelda challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Zelda challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Bowser challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Bowser challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Inkling challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Inkling challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Villager challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Villager challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Marth challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Marth challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Young Link challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Young Link challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Wii Fit Trainer challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Wii Fit Trainer challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ice Climbers challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ice Climbers challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Captain Falcon challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Captain Falcon challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Peach challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Peach challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ryu challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ryu challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ike challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ike challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Jigglypuff challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Jigglypuff challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • King K. Rool challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    King K. Rool challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Sonic challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Sonic challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Simon challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Simon challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Zero Suit Samus challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Zero Suit Samus challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Little Mac challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Little Mac challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Isabelle challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Isabelle challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Shulk challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Shulk challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Lucina challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Wario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ridley challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ridley challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Pokémon Trainer challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Pokémon Trainer challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Lucario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Lucario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Daisy challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Daisy challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Roy challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Roy challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • King Dedede challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    King Dedede challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    R.O.B. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Falco challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Luigi challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Luigi challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Pichu challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Pichu challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Richter challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Richter challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Lucas challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Lucas challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Diddy Kong challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Diddy Kong challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Meta Knight challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Meta Knight challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Snake challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Snake challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ganondorf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ganondorf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Corrin challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Corrin challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Mega Man challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Mega Man challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Bayonetta challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Bayonetta challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Toon Link challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Toon Link challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Rosalina & Luma challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Rosalina & Luma challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Incineroar challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Incineroar challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Sheik challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Sheik challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Olimar challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Olimar challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • PAC-MAN challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    PAC-MAN challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Dark Samus challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Dark Samus challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Wolf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Wolf challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Robin challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Robin challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Dark Pit challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Cloud challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Cloud challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Duck Hunt challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Ken challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Ken challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Greninja challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Greninja challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Chrom challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Chrom challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Mewtwo challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Mewtwo challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Bowser Jr. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Bowser Jr. challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Dr. Mario challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

  • Palutena challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    Palutena challenging the player in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Trivia[edit]

  • In each of his unlockable appearances outside of Smash 64, 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, the character they used always uses their default costume even if the player was originally using an alternative costume. As Brawl mods often if not always make the entire roster available by default (regardless of if they were unlocked in the vanilla game) and the player can still trigger Challenger Approaching fights, using the same character as the one the player is trying to “unlock” will make both participants use the same palette swap.
  • 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, 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 Toon Link and 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 Super Smash Bros. for Wii U 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 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, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, 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, 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.
  • 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 Snake and Sonic in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and 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 characters, and the first game to feature unlockable characters on the box art.
  • While 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, Villager and 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[edit]

  1. ^ a b c 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.
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