No KO

A basic example of a No KO stage.

A No KO is a custom stage that can be created in the Stage Builder which consists of objects which cannot be passed through, where it is generally impossible to be KO'd or self-destruct. These types of stages provide a different twist on the normal setup, as players fight continuously in an inescapable area, without re-spawning and with high damage percentages. They would generally only be used for matches with various externally generated goals, such as being the first to reach a certain amount of damage, or having the least damage at the end of a time match, and are also conducive to the more traditional Stamina Mode. A No KO stage might also be used simply for sparring without the need for recovery.

Design Requisites

A standard/typical No KO is composed of a square/rectangular area of basic blocks, with spikes along the top to prevent characters from spawning there. Variations include triangular shape to cause a slant for items, hindering item usage as soon as they spawn, a more rounded stage to provide an aiming challenge, made of icy blocks, and a roof of drop blocks.

Box

A box is a common type of a No KO stage. It is impossible to get knocked out of a box due to its design. There are two main ways to build a box. The first is to simply build a stage-builder stage and make the walls and bottoms of the stage sealed by blocks. Then seal the "top" of the box with spikes and falling blocks. The other method is to have the top, left and right sides sealed by blocks and the bottom as drop through ledges, allowing combatants to enter from the bottom and not be able to leave accidentally. In order to make this easier, another strip underneath can be used to land on before jumping in.

Exceptions

As the stage requires at least one space between the stage border and the blast line, there are several Final Smashes that allow players to cross this barrier and be KO'd. Ike's Great Aether sends him and his victim to the peak of the stage, causing a Star KO outside of the main play area. Lucario's Aura Storm also sends him to the peak, allowing him to escape, and Pikachu's Volt Tackle allows passage through solid objects and may culminate outside of the intended arena. Snake's Grenade Launcher and Olimar's End of Day also puts them to the stage peak after the Final Smash is over as they come back down from the top of the screen. Furthermore, all three Star Fox characters' Landmasters will put them at the top as well. It is also possible to escape using a Warp Star or if all three Dragoon pieces are collected and used. An opponent can be pushed/launched through a wall under certain situations as well.