- "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
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 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
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 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 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.
Challenger Approaching Alarms
Smash 64's challenger alarm.
Melee's challenger alarm.
Brawl, Smash 4, and Ultimate's challenger alarm.
Gallery
Luigi challenging the player in Smash 64
Captain Falcon challenging the player in Smash 64
Ness challenging the player in Smash 64
Jigglypuff challenging the player in Smash 64
Character |
How to unlock |
VS matches required |
Unlock Location |
Music
|
Jigglypuff |
Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with any character. |
50 |
Pokémon Stadium |
Pokémon Stadium
|
Dr. Mario |
Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with Mario without using any continues. |
100 |
Princess Peach's Castle |
Dr. Mario
|
Pichu |
Complete Event 37: Legendary Pokémon. |
200 |
Pokémon Stadium |
Battle Theme
|
Falco |
Complete the 100-Man Melee. |
300 |
Battlefield |
Corneria
|
Marth |
Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with all 14 starter characters, or use all starter characters at least once in VS. mode. |
400 |
Fountain of Dreams |
Fire Emblem
|
Young Link |
Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, or All-Star Mode[note 1] with 10 different characters. |
500 |
Great Bay |
Saria's Theme
|
Ganondorf |
Complete Event 29: Triforce Gathering. |
600 |
Final Destination |
Great Bay
|
Mewtwo |
Play Versus Mode for a combined total of 20 hours.[note 2] |
700 |
Final Destination |
Poké Floats
|
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. |
800 |
Mushroom Kingdom II |
Mushroom Kingdom II
|
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 |
Complete Classic Mode, Adventure Mode, All-Star Mode[note 1], or Break the Targets with all 24 other characters. |
1000 |
Flat Zone |
Flat Zone
|
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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
Jigglypuff challenging the player in Melee
Dr. Mario challenging the player in Melee
Pichu challenging the player in Melee
Falco challenging the player in Melee
Marth challenging the player in Melee
Young Link challenging the player in Melee
Ganondorf challenging the player in Melee
Mewtwo challenging the player in Melee
Luigi challenging the player in Melee
Roy challenging the player in Melee
Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Melee
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.
In addition to the challenges and versus match method of unlocking, all unlockable characters can be unlocked by playing through The Subspace Emissary. The majority of these characters are unlocked as part of the linear story of SSE. However, Toon Link, Wolf, and Jigglypuff are only unlockable after the main 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 Lucario (depending on the path chosen in The Glacial Peak).
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 a I while the later-appearing stage is followed by a II.
Icon
|
Stage
|
Fighters available
|
Bosses
|
Unlocked fighters
|
Lost fighters
|
Recovered fighters
|
Total fighters
|
Teams
|
|
Midair Stadium
|
Mario (the battle with Kirby if he was chosen, and the battle with the Subspace army), Kirby (all phases, including the battle with Mario if he was chosen), Peach, Zelda (both only in the battle with the Subspace army)
|
Kirby (battled by Mario)/Mario (battled by Kirby), Petey Piranha (battled only by Kirby)
|
Kirby, Peach/Zelda
|
—
|
—
|
2
|
1, new team: Kirby, Peach/Zelda
|
|
Skyworld
|
Pit (all phases), Mario (the last sidescrolling section after being rescued)
|
—
|
Mario, Pit
|
—
|
—
|
4
|
2, new team: Mario, Pit
|
|
Sea of Clouds
|
Kirby, Peach/Zelda
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
4
|
2
|
|
The Jungle
|
Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong
|
—
|
Diddy Kong (Donkey Kong was trapped by Bowser)
|
—
|
—
|
5
|
3, new team: Diddy Kong
|
|
The Plain
|
Mario, Pit
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
5
|
3
|
|
The Lake
|
Diddy Kong, Fox
|
Rayquaza, False Bowser
|
Fox
|
—
|
—
|
6
|
3, Fox joined Diddy Kong
|
|
The Ruined Zoo
|
Lucas, Ness (only the battle with Porky), Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle) (the last sidescrolling sections)
|
Porky (battled by Lucas and Ness)
|
Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle) (Ness was captured by Wario)
|
—
|
—
|
8
|
4, new team: Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle)
|
|
The Battlefield Fortress
|
Marth, Meta Knight (all phases except for the first one), Ike (only during final sidescrolling section)
|
—
|
Marth, Meta Knight, Ike
|
—
|
—
|
11
|
5, new team: Marth, Meta Knight, Ike
|
|
The Forest
|
Link, Yoshi
|
Toon Link[1]
|
Link, Yoshi, Toon Link[1]
|
—
|
—
|
13
|
6, new team: Link, Yoshi
|
|
The Research Facility I
|
Zero Suit Samus, Pikachu (all phases except for the first one)
|
—
|
Zero Suit Samus, Pikachu
|
—
|
—
|
15
|
7, new team: Zero Suit Samus, Pikachu
|
|
The Lake Shore
|
Mario and Pit (against false Zelda, followed by Link and Yoshi), Link and Yoshi (against false Peach, followed by Mario and Pit), Kirby (after Mario, Pit, Link, and Yoshi fight)
|
False Peach (battled by Link and Yoshi)/False Zelda (battled by Mario and Pit), Mario and Pit (after Link and Yoshi had fought false Peach)/Link and Yoshi (after Mario and Pit had fought false Zelda)
|
—
|
Peach/Zelda (Bowser captured her)
|
—
|
14
|
5, the groups of Mario and Pit, Link and Yoshi, and Kirby joined in one
|
|
The Path to the Ruins
|
Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle)
|
Wario
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
5
|
|
The Cave
|
Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, Kirby
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
5
|
|
The Ruins
|
Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur (after being found))
|
Charizard, Wolf[1]
|
Ivysaur, Charizard, Wolf[1]
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
5, Ivysaur and Charizard now are in Pokémon Trainer's team
|
|
The Wilds I
|
Marth, Ike, Meta Knight
|
Galleom
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
5
|
|
The Ruined Hall
|
Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard)
|
Galleom
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
4, the groups of Marth, Ike and Meta Knight, and Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard) joined in one
|
|
The Wilds II
|
Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, Kirby
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
14
|
4
|
|
The Swamp
|
Diddy Kong, Fox, Falco (all phases except the first one)
|
Giant False Diddy Kong, Jigglypuff[1]
|
Falco, Jigglypuff[1]
|
—
|
—
|
15
|
4, Falco joined Diddy Kong and Fox
|
|
The Research Facility II
|
Zero Suit Samus (prior to the battle with two false Samus, when she puts on her Power Suit), Pikachu, Samus (the last sidescrolling section and the battle with Ridley)
|
False Samus (×2) (battled by Pikachu and Zero Suit Samus), Ridley (battled by Samus and Pikachu)
|
Samus
|
Zero Suit Samus (Samus replaces her because she put on her Power Suit)
|
—
|
15
|
4, Samus is now with Pikachu
|
|
Outside the Ancient Ruins
|
Olimar, Captain Falcon (both all phases), Diddy Kong, Donkey Kong (both only in the battle with the Subspace army)
|
—
|
Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar
|
Fox, Falco (both went on their way)
|
—
|
16
|
4, Diddy Kong left Fox and Falco to join Donkey Kong, Captain Falcon and Olimar
|
|
The Glacial Peak
|
Ice Climbers (only the sidescrolling sections), Meta Knight (sidescrolling sections and the battle with Lucario (if chosen by the player)), Lucario (if chosen by the player in the battle with Meta Knight)
|
Lucario (battled by Meta Knight)/Meta Knight (battled by Lucario)
|
Ice Climbers, Lucario
|
—
|
—
|
18
|
5, new team: Meta Knight, Lucario, Ice Climbers replaced Meta Knight in the Marth, Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard) and Ike's group
|
|
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 joined in one
|
|
Battleship Halberd Interior
|
Snake, Meta Knight (after joining Snake), Lucario (after joining Snake)
|
False Peach and Zelda
|
Snake
|
—
|
—
|
19
|
4, Snake joined Meta Knight and Lucario
|
|
Battleship Halberd Exterior
|
Peach, Zelda/Sheik
|
—
|
Zelda/Peach
|
—
|
Fox, Peach/Zelda (now rescued by Snake)
|
22
|
5, new team: Fox, Peach, Zelda
|
|
Battleship Halberd Bridge
|
Snake, Lucario, Fox, Falco, Peach, Sheik/Zelda
|
Duon
|
Mr. Game & Watch (rescued by Peach)
|
—
|
Falco (returned to join the team)
|
24
|
4, the groups of Fox, Peach and Zelda, and Meta Knight, Lucario and Snake joined in one, and also added Falco and Mr. Game & Watch
|
|
The Subspace Bomb Factory I
|
Samus, Pikachu
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
24
|
4
|
|
The Subspace Bomb Factory II
|
Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar, Samus, Pikachu, R.O.B. (prior three after the first sidescrolling section)
|
Meta Ridley
|
R.O.B.
|
—
|
—
|
25
|
1, all the teams joined: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Captain Falcon, Olimar, Samus, Pikachu and R.O.B.'s group gathered with Mario, Pit, Link, Yoshi, Kirby, Ice Climbers, Marth, Lucas, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard) and Ike, and also Fox, Peach, Zelda, Meta Knight, Lucario, Snake, Falco and Mr. Game & Watch
|
|
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 (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), R.O.B., Samus, Snake, Yoshi, Zelda
|
—
|
—
|
Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Meta Knight, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), Lucario, Ike, R.O.B., Snake (Tabuu turned them all into trophies)
|
—
|
0
|
0
|
|
Subspace I
|
King Dedede, Ness, Luigi
|
Bowser (battled only by King Dedede)
|
Luigi, Ness (both revived due to the Dedede Brooches), Bowser (after the battle), King Dedede
|
—
|
If rescued: Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), Ike
|
From 4 to 19
|
1, new team: King Dedede, Ness, Luigi, Bowser; if rescued: Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), and Ike
|
|
Subspace II
|
Kirby
|
—
|
Ganondorf (if Link and Zelda were rescued), Wario (if rescued)
|
—
|
Kirby (revived due to the Dedede Brooch he swallowed); if rescued: Link, Yoshi, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Meta Knight, Lucario, R.O.B., Snake
|
From 5 to 31
|
1, Kirby, King Dedede, Ness, Luigi, Bowser; if rescued: Link, Yoshi, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Meta Knight, Lucario, R.O.B., Snake and Wario; if rescued prior: Mario, Donkey Kong, Samus, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), and Ike, and also added Ganondorf (if Link and Zelda were rescued)
|
|
The Great Maze
|
Bowser, King Dedede, Kirby, Luigi, Ness, Sonic (only in the battle with Tabuu); if rescued prior: 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
|
False Characters, Petey Piranha, Rayquaza, Porky, Ridley, Galleom, Duon, Meta Ridley (battled by all except Sonic), Tabuu
|
Sonic
|
—
|
—
|
From 6 to 32
|
1, Sonic joined Kirby, King Dedede, Ness, Luigi, Bowser; if rescued: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Fox, Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Peach, Zelda, Ice Climbers, Marth, Mr. Game & Watch, Falco, Ganondorf, Wario, Meta Knight, Pit, Olimar, Lucas, Diddy Kong, Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, Charizard), Lucario, Ike, R.O.B. and Snake
|
Notes
Sonic is the only character who can be unlocked four different ways.
- ^ a b c d e f If the player has completed Adventure Mode, any character can be used.
When only one character is available in Co-op mode, the character has two different colors. This happens in nine stages, with eight or nine characters: Mario (in the Midair Stadium if he was chosen in the battle with Kirby, curiously only happens in this battle), Kirby (in the Midair Stadium, in the battle with Petey Piranha, and occasionally in the battle against Mario, and in the Subspace II, all stage), Pit (in The Skyworld, before having Mario join), Lucas (in The Ruined Zoo, before joining Ness and Pokémon Trainer), Marth (in The Battlefield Fortress, before joining Meta Knight and Ike) Zero Suit Samus (in The Research Facility, I before she joined Pikachu), Meta Knight/Lucario (in The Glacial Peak, only in the battle against Lucario/Meta Knight), Snake (in the Battleship Halberd Interior, before he joined Meta Knight and Lucario) and King Dedede (in the Subspace I, only in the battle against Bowser). This does not happen when there is only one player, but this might happen when there are two players.
A map of the stages and which characters are available in each one, not counting Wolf, Toon Link, and Jigglypuff.
Gallery
Ness challenging the player in Brawl
Marth challenging the player in Brawl
Luigi challenging the player in Brawl
Falco challenging the player in Brawl
Captain Falcon challenging the player in Brawl
Lucario challenging the player in Brawl
Snake challenging the player in Brawl
R.O.B. challenging the player in Brawl
Ganondorf challenging the player in Brawl
Mr. Game & Watch challenging the player in Brawl
Sonic challenging the player in Brawl
Jigglypuff challenging the player in Brawl
Toon Link challenging the player in Brawl
Wolf challenging the player in Brawl
The inclusion of Wendy O. Koopa (as one of Bowser Jr.'s alternate costumes) and Lucina as unlockable characters makes them the first female characters to be unlockable. After every tenth VS. match, the player gets to challenge an unlockable character, starting with 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 home 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.
- ^ Flying Men do not appear.
- ^ Microgames do not occur.
Gallery
Ness 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.
Lucina 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.
R.O.B. 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.
Bowser Jr. 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.
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.
- ^ Dog and ducks do not appear.
Gallery
Falco 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.
Dark Pit 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.
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.
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. There are two ways to unlock characters: by defeating them in a Challenger Approaching fight, or by awakening them in the World of Light. With the vast majority of the roster being unlockable, unlocking characters is advertised as a core feature of the game; no characters are left "secret" like in previous games, and character unlocks are designed to occur at a more streamlined and consistent pace than in previous games.
In the World of Light, only characters that have been awakened in that mode can be used, with only Kirby initially being available. However, awakening a fighter in the World of Light that is not a starter character also unlocks them for the regular roster as well.
Below is a table listing the stage and music for each character's unlock battle. It also includes the order they are unlocked in as time-based challenges.
The values listed under "Cumulative Wait Time" are idealized values that assume that no characters are unlocked in the World of Light or have their Challenger Approaching fights triggered by Classic Mode, that the player never closes the game after first opening it until they trigger Palutena's Challenger Approaching fight, and the player never spends longer than the minimum amount of time (10 minutes) between triggering Challenger Approaching fights.
Challenger Approaching
In a Challenger Approaching fight, the character must be fought in a one-on-one fight, with the stage and music being specific to that fighter. The difficulty of Challenger Approaching fights start out at being very low, but progressively increases with each character unlocked. If the player loses the fight, they can redo the Challenger Approaching fight via Challenger's Approach on the Games and More menu after a few minutes pass.
All characters except Mii Fighters can be unlocked in a Challenger Approaching fight. Instead, each Mii Fighter can be unlocked by creating a custom Mii Fighter of that type. However, Mii Fighters may also be unlocked by awakening them in the World of Light.
Timed encounters
When the player finishes a VS. match, a Mob Smash, a Spirit Board fight or exits the World of Light, a new character can challenge the player to a Challenger Approaching duel. However, the player must then wait 10 minutes before a new Challenger Approaching challenge will be issued. This 10 minute cooldown can be bypassed by closing the game and reopening it.
Time-based Challenger Approaching challenges are issued in a specific order, skipping any characters unlocked in the World of Light or whose Challenger Approaching fight has already been triggered due to Classic Mode.
When the player completes Classic Mode with a given character, a new character will challenge the player to a Challenger Approaching duel. All of the eight starter characters have their own character unlock trees, each with eight characters to unlock, except for Pikachu, who has seven. The challenger is determined by the 1st Player character's assigned tree, and will be the next character from the top of their tree down (as indicated on the table below) who has not already been unlocked or issued a Challenger Approaching duel.
When all the characters in a tree are unlocked, completing Classic Mode with those characters will unlock the next available character in Mario's tree, then Donkey Kong's, and so on. Completing Classic Mode with downloadable fighters will also unlock fighters in this order, as these characters are not assigned an unlock tree.
The Challenger Approaching duels are the same as those issued on a timed basis, this is simply another way to trigger them. Notably, all 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 |
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1st |
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2nd |
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3rd |
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4th |
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5th |
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6th |
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7th |
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8th |
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None
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In World of Light, each fighter must be unlocked through a fighter battle, with a few exceptions:
- Kirby is always available from the beginning.
- Bowser is unlocked after defeating Giga Bowser within the Molten Fortress sub-world in The Light Realm.
- Downloadable fighters are directly available once finished downloading them, after freeing a total of 10 fighters. If a file is loaded where those conditions have been already met previously before downloading them, they will be made instantly available.
The fighter battles all feature the same single condition: Win the battle to awaken the fighter
No.
|
Image
|
Name
|
Type
|
Power
|
Stage
|
Music
|
Location
|
01
|
|
Mario
|
Neutral
|
2,500
|
Final Destination
|
Final Destination
|
In The Light Realm (right at the beginning)
|
02
|
|
Donkey Kong
|
Grab
|
3,300
|
Kongo Jungle Ω
|
Jungle Level (64)
|
In The Light Realm (middle of the western jungle)
|
03
|
|
Link
|
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
|
Shield
|
7,500
|
Brinstar Ω
|
Title Theme - Metroid
|
In The Light Realm (just beyond the light breach)
|
04ε
|
|
Dark Samus
|
Grab
|
12,500
|
Frigate Orpheon Ω
|
Multiplayer - Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
|
In The Final Battle area (dark side)
|
05
|
|
Yoshi
|
Grab
|
3,600
|
Super Happy Tree Ω
|
Obstacle Course - Yoshi's Island
|
In The Light Realm (in the ribbon hills)
|
07
|
|
Fox
|
Shield
|
3,700
|
Corneria Ω
|
Star Fox Medley
|
In The Light Realm (before the red button in the heart pond)
|
08
|
|
Pikachu
|
Attack
|
3,300
|
Pokémon Stadium Ω
|
Main Theme - Pokémon Red & Pokémon Blue (Melee)
|
In The Light Realm (the rapids above the wall)
|
09
|
|
Luigi
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
3,300
|
Port Town Aero Dive Ω
|
F-ZERO Medley
|
In The Light Realm (race track east of the starting area)
|
12
|
|
Jigglypuff
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Grab
|
7,500
|
Summit Ω
|
Ice Climber (Brawl)
|
In The Light Realm (bottom of the icy mountain)
|
16
|
|
Sheik
|
Shield
|
2,500
|
Final Destination
|
Final Destination
|
In The Light Realm, one of the 3 starter routes (north route)
|
17
|
|
Zelda
|
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
|
Shield
|
3,400
|
Mario Bros. Ω
|
Fever
|
In The Light Realm (north of the city towards the ribbon hills)
|
19
|
|
Pichu
|
Attack
|
7,500
|
Prism Tower Ω
|
Pokémon Red / Pokémon Blue Medley
|
In The Light Realm (in the Power Plant sub-world)
|
20
|
|
Falco
|
Attack
|
7,500
|
Lylat Cruise Ω
|
Space Armada
|
In The Light Realm (the space area, on the yellow planet)
|
21
|
|
Marth
|
Attack
|
2,500
|
Final Destination
|
Final Destination
|
In The Light Realm, one of the 3 starter routes (west route)
|
21ε
|
|
Lucina
|
Attack
|
10,000
|
Arena Ferox Ω
|
Id (Purpose)
|
In The Dark Realm (south-eastern path)
|
22
|
|
Young Link
|
Grab
|
10,300
|
Temple Ω
|
Saria's Song
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Sacred Land sub-world, in the Lost Woods)
|
23
|
|
Ganondorf
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
12,500
|
Castle Siege Ω
|
Beyond Distant Skies - Roy's Departure
|
In The Final Battle area (light side)
|
25ε
|
|
Chrom
|
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
|
Shield
|
7,500
|
Flat Zone X Ω
|
Flat Zone 2
|
In The Light Realm (beyond the light breach, in the maze)
|
27
|
|
Meta Knight
|
Attack
|
11,800
|
Halberd Ω
|
Meta Knight's Revenge
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Mysterious Dimension sub-world)
|
28
|
|
Pit
|
Shield
|
3,300
|
Skyworld Ω
|
Underworld
|
In The Light Realm (in the Temple of Light sub-world)
|
28ε
|
|
Dark Pit
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
10,100
|
WarioWare, Inc. Ω
|
WarioWare, Inc.
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Dracula's Castle sub-world)
|
31
|
|
Snake
|
Grab
|
9,000
|
Final Destination
|
Encounter
|
In The Light Realm (in the Base sub-world)
|
32
|
|
Ike
|
Attack
|
11,200
|
Coliseum Ω
|
Eternal Bond
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Mysterious Dimension sub-world)
|
33-35
|
|
Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard)
|
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
|
Grab
|
9,000
|
Kongo Jungle Ω
|
Stickerbrush Symphony
|
In The Light Realm (in the DK Island sub-world)
|
37
|
|
Lucas
|
Shield
|
6,600
|
New Pork City Ω
|
Unfounded Revenge / Smashing Song of Praise
|
In The Light Realm (in the western village)
|
38
|
|
Sonic
|
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
|
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
|
Grab
|
3,300
|
Distant Planet Ω
|
Main Theme - Pikmin
|
In The Light Realm (the mushroom forest)
|
41
|
|
Lucario
|
Attack
|
3,300
|
Spear Pillar Ω
|
Battle! (Team Galactic)
|
In The Light Realm (along the wall, near the light breach)
|
42
|
|
R.O.B.
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Grab
|
2,500
|
Final Destination
|
Final Destination
|
In The Light Realm, one of the 3 starter routes (east route)
|
46
|
|
Mega Man
|
Shield
|
7,500
|
Wily Castle Ω
|
Mega Man 2 Medley
|
In The Light Realm (near the Base entrance)
|
47
|
|
Wii Fit Trainer
|
Shield
|
3,300
|
Wii Fit Studio Ω
|
Yoga
|
In The Light Realm (northern part of the city)
|
48
|
|
Rosalina & Luma
|
Shield
|
10,000
|
Mario Galaxy Ω
|
Egg Planet
|
In The Dark Realm (northern path, 2nd path from the left)
|
49
|
|
Little Mac
|
Attack
|
3,300
|
Boxing Ring Ω
|
Jogging / Countdown
|
In The Light Realm (in the city's stadium after clearing Power Plant)
|
50
|
|
Greninja
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
12,500
|
Palutena's Temple Ω
|
Destroyed Skyworld
|
In The Final Battle area (light side after beating Crazy Hand)
|
55
|
|
Pac-Man
|
Grab
|
3,300
|
Pac-Land Ω
|
PAC-MAN
|
In The Light Realm (between the mushroom forest and Base)
|
56
|
|
Robin
|
Grab
|
10,700
|
Castle Siege Ω
|
Prelude (Ablaze)
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Dracula's Castle sub-world)
|
57
|
|
Shulk
|
Attack
|
8,200
|
Gaur Plain Ω
|
Xenoblade Chronicles Medley
|
In The Light Realm (beyond the light breach, atop the waterfall)
|
58
|
|
Bowser Jr.
|
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
|
Grab
|
3,300
|
Duck Hunt Ω
|
Duck Hunt Medley
|
In The Light Realm (in the shrouded forest)
|
60
|
|
Ryu
|
Attack
|
9,000
|
Suzaku Castle Ω
|
Ryu Stage
|
In The Light Realm (in the World Tour sub-world)
|
60ε
|
|
Ken
|
Neutral
|
10,600
|
Boxing Ring Ω
|
Ken Stage
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Dracula's Castle sub-world)
|
61
|
|
Cloud
|
Attack
|
11,200
|
Midgar Ω
|
Fight On!
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Sacred Land sub-world, before the Master Sword)
|
62
|
|
Corrin
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
3,300
|
Moray Towers Ω
|
Splattack!
|
In The Light Realm (southern part of the city)
|
65
|
|
Ridley
|
Attack
|
10,600
|
Brinstar Depths Ω
|
Vs. Ridley (Brawl)
|
In The Dark Realm (in the Dracula's Castle sub-world)
|
66
|
|
Simon
|
Grab
|
7,500
|
Dracula's Castle Ω
|
Vampire Killer
|
In The Light Realm (in the Temple of Light sub-world)
|
66ε
|
|
Richter
|
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
|
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
|
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
|
Attack
|
12,500
|
Spear Pillar Ω
|
The Battle at the Summit!
|
In The Dark Realm (south-western path)
|
Gallery
Ness 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
Pit 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
Marth 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
Ice Climbers 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
Ryu 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
King K. Rool 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
Zero Suit Samus 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
Shulk 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
Ridley 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
Daisy 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
R.O.B. 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
Pichu 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
Diddy Kong 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
Ganondorf 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
Bayonetta 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
Incineroar 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
PAC-MAN 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
Mr. Game & Watch 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
Cloud 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
Greninja 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
Bowser Jr. 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
Trivia
- In each of his unlockable appearances, Ness has always been the first one unlocked through Vs. Mode matches.
- Super Smash Bros. 64 is the only game in the series in which playing VS. Mode matches cannot trigger a "Challenger Approaching" battle, and the only game in which each unlockable character only has a single unlock criterion.
- Conversely, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is the first game which does not have unique unlock criteria to unlock unlockable characters.
- When a player fights a secret character to unlock in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, their character always uses their default costume even if the player was originally using an alternative costume.
- In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, each character unlock notification has a different tone depending on the debut game of the character.
- Strangely, 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.
- Super Smash Bros. 64 newcomers (except Jigglypuff) use "Rare Trophy" from Melee, Super Smash Bros. Melee newcomers use the stage unlock fanfare from Brawl, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl newcomers (and Jigglypuff) use the sound effect in Brawl when collecting songs or completing minor challenges.
- In 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 have an appearance as something other than an unlockable. This appearance was in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.
- Wario was the first starter character to become an unlockable character in a later installment.
- 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