Gameplay modification: Difference between revisions

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Specific changes to the game depend on the preferences of the developers, as well as their ultimate goal. There are a few different categories most mods fall into:
Specific changes to the game depend on the preferences of the developers, as well as their ultimate goal. There are a few different categories most mods fall into:
* '''Balance''' mods usually don't significantly change the core gameplay and apply buffs and nerfs to characters to reduce [[tier list|competitive inequality between characters]].
* '''Balance''' mods usually don't significantly change the core gameplay and apply buffs and nerfs to characters to reduce [[tier list|competitive inequality between characters]].
* '''Overpowered''' mods give every character huge buffs so that they are all equally overpowered.
* '''Overpowered''' mods are a variant of Balanced mods, giving every character absurd buffs so that they are all equally overpowered.
* '''Melee-inspired''' mods change the gameplay and movesets to be more fast-paced and technical like in ''Melee'', sometimes adding mechanics such as [[wavedashing]].
* '''Melee-inspired''' mods change the gameplay and movesets to be more fast-paced and technical like in ''Melee'', sometimes adding mechanics such as [[wavedashing]].
* '''Competitive''' mods don't change anything gameplay-wise, but add features for players to practice their skill and/or improvements for tournament play, such as quality of life changes.
* '''Competitive''' mods don't change anything gameplay-wise, but add features for players to practice their skill and/or improvements for tournament play, such as improved training modes.
* '''New character''' mods that introduce new characters into the game with new 3D models, animations and movesets, either replacing another character or being a new addition.
* '''New character''' mods that introduce new characters into the game with new 3D models, animations and movesets, either replacing another character or being a new addition.
* '''Skin''' mods add new Alternate Costumes to characters using File Replacement/Addition.
* '''Skin''' mods add new Alternate Costumes to characters using File Replacement/Addition.
* '''Silly''' mods change characters or game mechanics in certain ways to result in humorous outcomes, like modifying characters such as [[Ganondorf]] to have their moves stretch to absurd proportions (which was likely inspired from the Gum Gum Fruit). Silly mods often times have overlap with Overpowered mods.
* '''Silly''' mods change characters or game mechanics in certain ways to result in humorous outcomes, like modifying characters such as [[Ganondorf]] to have their moves stretch to absurd proportions (which was likely inspired from the Gum Gum Fruit from ''One Piece'') or having hitboxes from powerful moves such as [[Rest]] or [[Falcon Punch]] be active at all times, turning a character into a walking hazard. Silly mods often times have overlap with Overpowered mods.


The first attempts at modding involved ''Brawl'', with such projects generally being viewed as novelties, such as [[palette swap]]s for characters and UI changes. Outside of this, forcing the Wii to load such mods was considered difficult, requiring use of the [http://www.wiibrew.org/wiki/Twilight_Hack now-inoperable Twilight hack]. The increasing complexity of game play mods and the discovery of the [[Smash Stack]] exploit, however, caused mods to develop considerably more attention with observers.
The first attempts at modding involved ''Brawl'', with such projects generally being viewed as novelties, such as [[palette swap]]s for characters and UI changes. Outside of this, forcing the Wii to load such mods was considered difficult, requiring use of the [http://www.wiibrew.org/wiki/Twilight_Hack now-inoperable Twilight hack]. The increasing complexity of game play mods and the discovery of the [[Smash Stack]] exploit, however, caused mods to develop considerably more attention with observers.
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===In ''64''===
===In ''64''===
''[[19XX]]'' modifies the stage selection screen to contain otherwise unplayable in versus mode stages [[Battlefield]], [[Final Destination]], and [[Meta Crystal]]. ''[[19XXTE]]'' 's selection screen contains 11 instead of the original 9 slots for stages, and ''[[19XXCE]]'' has 16 slots.
''[[19XX]]'' modifies the stage selection screen to contain [[Battlefield]], [[Final Destination]], and [[Meta Crystal]], stages otherwise unplayable in Versus mode. ''[[19XXTE]]'' 's selection screen contains 11 instead of the original 9 slots for stages, and ''[[19XXCE]]'' has 16 slots.


In 2018, modders found a way to change stages, first only replacing [[Hyrule Castle]], but later it became possible to replace all stages. The mod ''[[SSBMSE]]'' replaces most stages in the game with more competitive stages modeled after their appearance in other ''Smash'' games.
In 2018, modders found a way to change stages. At first only [[Hyrule Castle]] could be replaced, but later it became possible to replace all stages. The mod ''[[SSBMSE]]'' replaces most stages in the game with more competitive stages modeled after their appearance in other ''Smash'' games.


''[[Smash Remix]]'' is the most popular mod for the game, and as of Patch 1.5.0, it includes five pages of stages, including stages from newer ''Smash'' games and brand new custom stages, as well as multiple "Remix" variants for stages.
''[[Smash Remix]]'' is the most popular mod for the game, and as of Patch 1.5.0, it includes five pages of stages, including stages from newer ''Smash'' games and brand new custom stages, as well as multiple "Remix" variants for stages.
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Adding stages to Melee quickly escalated after the m-ex engine added the possibility to import custom stage models with separate slots, as well as custom high poly models over existing ones.
Adding stages to Melee quickly escalated after the m-ex engine added the possibility to import custom stage models with separate slots, as well as custom high poly models over existing ones.
<gallery>
MeleeHappyTreeLayoutMod.png|A mod for ''Melee'' that gives [[Super Happy Tree|Yoshi's Island (64)]] a more neutral layout, with a flat base platform and the disintegrating cloud relocated to a space where it cannot be used for camping.
AnimalForestMeleeMod.png|A backport of [[Smashville]] into ''Melee'' - to play into a "what-if" scenario of if {{uv|Animal Crossing}} actually recieved major representation in ''Melee'', small aesthetic changes have been made to more closely resemble ''Population: Growing!'' instead of ''Wild World''.
</gallery>


===In ''Brawl''===
===In ''Brawl''===
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BrawlMinusTemple.jpg|In ''Brawl-'', the stage [[Temple]] has been significantly condensed compared to its vanilla counterpart.
BrawlMinusTemple.jpg|In ''Brawl-'', the stage [[Temple]] has been significantly condensed compared to its vanilla counterpart.
ProjectM Skyloft.png|In [[Project M]], the same stage layout was used to make the Skyloft stage.
ProjectM Skyloft.png|In [[Project M]], the same stage layout was used to make the Skyloft stage.
Brawl Delfino Plaza Remake.png|The ''Brawl'' stage [[Delfino Plaza]] remade with BrawlBox adding a lot of missing elements like the Grand Pianta Statue, the Red Canon to Pinna Park, and more compared to its vanilla counterpart.
Brawl Delfino Plaza Remake.png|The ''Brawl'' stage [[Delfino Plaza]] remade with BrawlBox, adding many setpieces from ''Super Mario Sunshine'' usually absent from the stage such as the Grand Pianta Statue, and the red cannon to Pinna Park.
Waluigi_PM_WarioLand_Reskin.jpg|"1-to-1" stages, which replace the aesthetics of a competitive stage, but keep all geometry perfectly intact, are very popular in ''Project M'' and ''Project +'' modding - this stage skin changes [[WarioWare, Inc.|Wario Land]] to resemble Waluigi Stadium from ''Mario Kart: Double Dash''
</gallery>
</gallery>


===In ''Smash 4''===
===In ''Smash 4''===
Creating new stages is possible in {{forwiiu}}.
Creating new stages is possible in {{for3ds}}/{{forwiiu}}.


===In ''Ultimate''===
===In ''Ultimate''===
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Any use of new stages in Ultimate will result in disconnection, or a possible ban depending on the user and how often attempts to go online happen.
Any use of new stages in Ultimate will result in disconnection, or a possible ban depending on the user and how often attempts to go online happen.


As of 2023 it is now possible to add stage alts to the game, with a recent mod for ''Ultimate'' making a plugin that lets you add stages to the game without having to replace anything.{{fact}}
As of 2023 it is now possible to add stage alts to the game, with a recent mod for ''Ultimate'' making a plugin that lets you add stages to the game without having to replace anything.<ref>https://gamebanana.com/mods/460711</ref>
 
<gallery>
Garfield_Stage_SSBU_Mod.png|A mod for ''Ultimate'' that adds the ''Garfield'' lasagna stage from ''Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2''.
Mushroomyrestored.jpg|A texture edit for [[Mushroomy Kingdom]] that removes the oft-criticised "fallen empire" theming.
Tomodachi_competitive_mod.jpg|A layout edit for [[Tomodachi Life]] to make it suited for competitive play.
</gallery>


==Gameplay adjustments==
==Gameplay adjustments==
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===In ''64''===
===In ''64''===
''[[Smash Remix]]'' is one of the few mods for Smash 64 that would count as a gameplay adjustment. The original 12 characters and the mechanics of the game are unchanged, however, it mainly adds 18 new fighters (alongside 10 new boss characters), 63 new stages (with about half of them being original), and many various new gamemodes, like [[All Star]] and [[Home-Run Contest]]. Additionally, there are optional selections to change the gameplay significantly by adding elements such as footstooling, air dodging, air dashing, and tripping.
''[[Smash Remix]]'' is one of the few mods for Smash 64 that would count as a gameplay adjustment. The original 12 characters and the mechanics of the game are unchanged, however, it adds 18 new fighters (alongside 10 new boss characters), 63 new stages (with about half of them being original), and many new gamemodes, like [[All Star]], [[Multi-Man Mode]], [[Cruel Mode|Cruel Multi-Man Mode]] and [[Home-Run Contest]]. Additionally, there are optional selections to change the gameplay significantly by adding elements such as footstooling, air dodging, air dashing, tripping, perfect shielding and ledge trumping.


===In ''Melee''===
===In ''Melee''===
''Beyond Melee'' is also one of the few mods for Melee that change up the gameplay. ''Beyond Melee'' changes mechanics of the game, changes the balancing of characters to try and rebalance them, alongside adding new fighters. Characters like Bowser and Zelda, notable for being nigh unusable in the base game, were given many buffs in order to make them more viable, with some like Zelda and Ness receiving complete overhauls. There are also 7 newcomers to the mod, being Skull Kid, Fay, Wolf, Raichu, Shadow Mewtwo, Sonic, and Meta Knight.
Gameplay adjustments are rare for Melee, and typically take the form of balance changes, improving lower tier characters or nerfing higher tier characters to remedy the game's notoriously large tier gap. ''SD Remix'' was the first balance mod to attempt to balance the entire game as opposed to experimental single-character mods, improving every character lower on the tier list than Peach, though it makes no changes to the base gameplay.
 
''Beyond Melee'' is also one of the few mods for Melee that change the basic gameplay. ''Beyond Melee'' changes mechanics of the game, changes the balancing of characters to try and rebalance them, alongside adding new fighters. Characters like Bowser and Zelda, notable for being nigh unusable in the base game, were given many buffs in order to make them more viable, with some like Zelda and Ness receiving complete overhauls. There are also 7 newcomers to the mod, being Skull Kid, Fay, Wolf, Raichu, Shadow Mewtwo, Sonic, and Meta Knight.


===In ''Brawl''===
===In ''Brawl''===
[[File:Lucario P+ changes.gif|thumb|{{PM|Lucario}} using the updated [[Force Palm]] and [[Double Team]] in ''[[Project+]]''.]]
''[[Project M]]'' is one of the many modifications made to ''Brawl'', due to the Wii's accessibility for modding. It's also the most popular modification for the game, due to it changing ''Brawl'''s engine to be more like that of ''Melee'', alongside extensive rebalancing of the cast. Many fighters got new moves and overhauls, such as Samus gaining an ice beam and Wario gaining a side special based on the dash attack from the ''Wario Land'' series.
''[[Project M]]'' is one of the many modifications made to ''Brawl'', due to the Wii's accessibility for modding. It's also the most popular modification for the game, due to it changing ''Brawl'''s engine to be more like that of ''Melee'', alongside extensive rebalancing of the cast. Many fighters got new moves and overhauls, such as Samus gaining an ice beam and Wario gaining a side special based on the dash attack from the ''Wario Land'' series.


===In ''Smash 4''===
===In ''Smash 4''===
[[File:Wii u greninja wavedash mod.gif|thumb|right|[[Greninja]] wavedashing in the ''Melee HD'' mod for ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U.'']]
''Super Smash Bros for Wii U'' has had its gameplay modded relatively extensively, but not to the degree that ''Brawl'' and ''Ultimate'' have, with multiple large mods attempting to replicate the appeal of ''Project M'', though none were as successful as said mod or the eventual ''HewDraw Remix'' for ''Ultimate''.
The 3DS game has been even less explored - while character and mechanical changes have been made, they have been limited, to the point where not even a Melee mechanics mod is known to exist.


===In ''Ultimate''===
===In ''Ultimate''===
Further clarification for all of these mods can be found further down the page
[[File:Hew draw remix donkey kong air grab.gif|thumb|left|[[Donkey Kong]] using a new special move - an air-based command grab - in ''Hewdraw Remix''.]]
Gameplay mods for ''Ultimate'' first appeared in 2019, a year after the game's launch, with the cancelled and unreleased ''ProjectNX'', which added techniques from ''Melee''. Since then, ''Melee'' adjacent ''Ultimate'' mods have increased in popularity and accessibility, alongside mods that decrease the game's much-derided offline input lag. Character movesets can also be modified. ''HewDraw Remix'' has an improved netcode toggle, though the team behind the mod refrained from releasing it for vanilla Ultimate as using it against someone without the mod would be considered cheating, which could cause legal issues with Nintendo. [https://twitter.com/willy_crescent/status/1602701257365389312]


==Animations/models==
==Animations/models==
{{Main| File replacement}}
===In ''64''===
===In ''64''===
For ''Smash 64'', editing animations or models was once very limited. In 2019, ''[[Smash Remix]]'' became the first mod with such features: A Ganondorf model replacing Captain Falcon got newly created animations for his smash attacks, where he uses a trident weapon, since then ''Smash Remix'' has added multiple other characters, some of which are completely original.
For ''Smash 64'', editing animations or models was once very limited. In 2019, ''[[Smash Remix]]'' became the first mod with such features: A Ganondorf model replacing Captain Falcon got newly created animations for his smash attacks, where he uses a trident weapon. Since then ''Smash Remix'' has added multiple other characters, some of which are completely original.


===In ''Melee''===
===In ''Melee''===
[[File:Melee DK Mod - Smash 64 Green Team Color.png|thumb|left|A texture hack for ''Melee'' that revives {{SSBM|Donkey Kong}}'s cut green color palette from ''64''.]]
For ''Melee'', editing animations or models was limited and rarely done, although the m-ex engine for Melee did make the process much easier.
For ''Melee'', editing animations or models was limited and rarely done, although the m-ex engine for Melee did make the process much easier.


In 2017, the Smash 4 modding tool Smash Forge became compatible with Melee, making it possible import new models over models over Melee characters [https://www.reddit.com/r/SSBM/comments/6hrrwp/melee_modding_tool_smash_forge/]. Some small mods that replace a costume of a character have been created, for example, a [[Ryu]] model import over [[Captain Falcon]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KikbcDyNx_0].
In 2017, the Smash 4 modding tool Smash Forge became compatible with Melee, making it possible import new models over models over Melee characters [https://www.reddit.com/r/SSBM/comments/6hrrwp/melee_modding_tool_smash_forge/]. Some small mods that replace a costume of a character have been created, for example, a [[Ryu]] model import over [[Captain Falcon]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KikbcDyNx_0].


In ''SD Remix'', a few characters got different animations for some moves, reusing animations from different moves; for example, Pichu used its roll animation for its [[Dash attack]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brEeX54mwsc], and Bowser, his aerial item down-throw for his [[Down aerial]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4fwlo0T7dg]. In March 2019, the first custom animation on a Melee character happened: Falco got his Forward Air imported from Ultimate [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpqWY2kc2Xc]
In March 2019, the first custom animation on a Melee character was released: Falco got his Forward Air imported from Ultimate [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpqWY2kc2Xc]


''Beyond Melee'' added new animations not reused replacing moves for some characters, such as giving ''Dr. Mario'' his Down Air from ''Ultimate'', ''Donkey Kong'' gets his dash attack from later Smash Games, and gives Pichu a shine.
In ''SD Remix'', a few characters got different animations for some moves, though this was done through recycling animations from different moves; for example, Pichu used its roll animation for its [[Dash attack]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brEeX54mwsc], and Bowser used his aerial item down-throw for his [[Down aerial]] [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4fwlo0T7dg].
 
''Beyond Melee'' would later add fully original animations for some characters, such as giving Dr. Mario his Down Air from ''Ultimate'', Donkey Kong getting his dash attack from later ''Smash'' games, and Pichu getting a shine.


===In ''Brawl''===
===In ''Brawl''===
{{incomplete|history}}
{{incomplete|history}}
For ''Brawl'', the tool BrawlBox easily allows modders to replace models and animations. Brawl mods usually feature a lot of new custom models and animations.
For ''Brawl'', the tool BrawlBox easily allows modders to replace models and animations. Brawl mods usually feature a lot of new custom models and animations. A popular form of modding introduced with ''Brawl'' that would only become possible for earlier games much later is "model swaps", which outright replace an alternate costume with a model from another game, such as another character not yet in or outright inellegible for Smash, or an alternate model for the existing character from a game with a different art style, but without making any modifications to a character's animations or attacks.


===In ''Smash 4''===
===In ''Smash 4''===
For ''Smash 4'', there is a tool called Smash Forge for changing models and animations [https://github.com/jam1garner/Smash-Forge/wiki]. Mods replacing Fox with Wolf [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P6xpF6MG-Q] and Dr. Mario with one of the Ice Climbers [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO1BSz2A1eQ] from their ''Brawl'' appearances have been created.
For ''Smash 4'', there is a tool called Smash Forge for changing models and animations [https://github.com/jam1garner/Smash-Forge/wiki]. Mods that replace Fox with Wolf [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P6xpF6MG-Q] and Dr. Mario with Popo [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO1BSz2A1eQ], both using animations and attacks from Brawl, have been created. Additionally, those same two mods also exist for the ''3DS'' game, alongside a port of ''Project +''{{'}}s Knuckles.


===In ''Ultimate''===
===In ''Ultimate''===
For ''Ultimate'', there is a tool called StudioSB, which allows for model imports and animation imports. Add-ons for Blender were also made to edit some animation/model files. Material edits are done via ParamXML or CrossMod, to change properties like how metallic or bright an object appears. Brawlbox is also compatible with Ultimate animations & models.
[[File:Ssbu model swap homer marge.jpg|thumb|right|{{SSBU|Ryu}} and {{SSBU|Kazuya}} fight under the guises of Homer and Marge Simpson respectively using a simple model swap mod for ''Ultimate''.]]For ''Ultimate'', there is a tool called StudioSB, which allows for model imports and animation imports. Add-ons for Blender were also made to edit some animation/model files. Material edits are done via ParamXML or CrossMod, to change properties like how metallic or bright an object appears. Brawlbox is also compatible with Ultimate animations & models.


==Adding new characters==
==Adding new characters==
===In ''64''===
===In ''64''===
[[File:Smash 64 remix - peppy marth and marios.png|thumb|left|[[Marth]], [[Peppy Hare]], and [[List of regional version differences (SSB)||two versions]] of {{SSB|Mario}} (his larger-headed Japanese self and smaller-headed international self) fight in ''Smash Remix''.]]
[[File:Smash 64 remix - peppy marth and marios.png|thumb|left|[[Marth]], [[Peppy Hare]], and [[List of regional version differences (SSB)|two versions]] of {{SSB|Mario}} (his larger-headed Japanese self and smaller-headed international self) fight in ''Smash Remix''.]]
In it's first few public versions, [[Smash Remix]] added [[Ganondorf]], [[Young Link]], [[Falco]] and [[Dr. Mario]] to the game, working however as replacements for Captain Falcon, Link, Fox and Mario respectively.
The first few public versions of [[Smash Remix]] added [[Ganondorf]], [[Young Link]], [[Falco]] and [[Dr. Mario]] to the game, working however as replacements for Captain Falcon, Link, Fox and Mario respectively. In version "0.9" released in October 2019, the dev team of ''Smash Remix'' managed to give those characters their own roster slots, restoring the full original cast.
In version "0.9" released in October 2019, the dev team of ''Smash Remix'' managed to add those characters as full new entries to the roster, restoring the full original cast.


As of version ''1.5.0'' of ''Smash Remix'' several characters have been added in addition to the original 12, with backports from future entries including [[Ganondorf]], [[Young Link]], [[Falco]], [[Dr. Mario]], [[Mewtwo]], [[Marth]], [[Sonic]], [[Wario]], [[Dark Samus]], [[King Dedede]], [[Wolf]], [[Bowser]], [[Sheik]], [[Lucas]], and [[Banjo]] & [[Kazooie]], as well as brand new characters like Conker (from ''Conker's Bad Fur Day''), Marina (from ''Mischief Makers'') and [[Goemon]]. Some characters, such as [[Giga Bowser]], Super Sonic, Mad Piano, Peppy, Slippy, Ebisumaru, Dragon King, and Metal Luigi have also been added as playable boss characters, and balance-changed versions of characters from between the different regional versions of ''Smash 64'' are avaliable, as well as [[Fighting Polygon Team]] variants for all new non-boss characters.
As of version ''1.5.0'' of ''Smash Remix'' several characters have been added in addition to the original 12, with backports from future entries including [[Ganondorf]], [[Young Link]], [[Falco]], [[Dr. Mario]], [[Dark Samus]], [[Wario]], [[Lucas]], [[Bowser]], [[Wolf]], [[Mewtwo]], [[Marth]], [[Sonic]], [[Sheik]], [[King Dedede]], and [[Banjo & Kazooie]], as well as brand new characters like Conker (from ''Conker's Bad Fur Day''), Marina (from ''Mischief Makers'') and [[Goemon]]. Some characters, such as [[Giga Bowser]], Mad Piano, Super Sonic, Peppy, Slippy, Ebisumaru, Dragon King, and Metal Luigi have also been added as playable boss characters, and balance-changed versions of characters from between the different regional versions of ''Smash 64'' are available, as well as [[Fighting Polygon Team]] variants for all new non-boss characters.


===In ''Melee''===
===In ''Melee''===
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In 2013, the '''addition of characters''' has become a possibility for ''Brawl'' mods. ''Project M'' notably added {{PM|Roy}} and {{PM|Mewtwo}} as playable characters in version 3.0 after the absence of the duo in ''Brawl''.
In 2013, the '''addition of characters''' has become a possibility for ''Brawl'' mods. ''Project M'' notably added {{PM|Roy}} and {{PM|Mewtwo}} as playable characters in version 3.0 after the absence of the duo in ''Brawl''.


In 2015, a build called ''Project M Ex'' was created, mainly by hacker PyotrLuzhin/Петр Лужин, that worked as template for builds to easily add new slots for characters. It included all characters present in ''Project M'', as well as [[Ridley]]. All future builds that were based on ''Project M'' and added new characters are based on this template, and mods like ''Brawl-'' switched to this template reimplementing their changes.
In 2015, a build called ''Project M Ex'' was created, mainly by hacker PyotrLuzhin/Петр Лужин, that works as a template for builds to easily add new character slots. It included all characters present in ''Project M'', as well as [[Ridley]]. All future builds that were based on ''Project M'' and added new characters are based on this template, and mods like ''Brawl-'' switched to this template reimplementing their changes.


''[[Brawl-]]'' added [[Pichu]], Roy, Mewtwo, and newcomer [[Waluigi]] to the game. Newer mods based on ''Project M'' like ''Legacy XP'' add even more characters, that might have never been playable, into the game with completely original movesets.
''[[Brawl-]]'' added [[Pichu]], Roy, Mewtwo, and newcomers [[Ridley]] and [[Waluigi]] to the game. Newer mods based on ''Project M'' like ''Legacy XP'' add even more characters into the game with new movesets, including backports of characters from later Smash games like [[Cloud]] and [[Banjo & Kazooie]].


===In ''Smash 4''===
===In ''Smash 4''===
{{incomplete}}
{{incomplete}}
There are currently no known means to add playable characters to {{forwiiu}}. A mod called [[4XM]] added {{SSBU|Chrom}} by giving {{SSB4|Lucina}} an extra costume, but they both share the same slot.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q5cjw_HPPc</ref>
There are currently no known means to add playable characters to either version of ''Smash 4'' without replacing another character. A mod called [[4XM]] added {{SSBU|Chrom}} by giving {{SSB4|Lucina}} an extra costume, but they both share the same slot.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_q5cjw_HPPc</ref>


===In ''Ultimate''===
===In ''Ultimate''===
Adding new characters to ''Ultimate'' the same way Brawl and Melee did isn't currently possible. However, the mod ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Championship Edition'' "added" Akuma from the ''Street Fighter'' series in its version 1.00 update released on July 1st 2021, with entirely unique moves and Final Smashes. Despite this, and without file and directory addition being possible during that time, the developer used a method called "model stacking" over Ryu and used various code edits to deal with name checks and mesh visibility toggles.
Adding new characters to ''Ultimate'' the same way 64, Brawl and Melee did isn't currently possible. However, the mod ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: Championship Edition'' "added" Akuma from the ''Street Fighter'' series in its version 1.00 update released on July 1st 2021, with entirely unique moves and Final Smashes. Despite this, and without file and directory addition being possible during that time, the developer used a method called "model stacking" over Ryu and used various code edits to deal with name checks and mesh visibility toggles.


While proper fighter addition still isn't possible as of 2023, there have recently been alternatives. Due to Arcropolis supporting file and directory addition, it is possible to increase a fighter's costume count past 8 and add more. These added slots can also have their own UI, names, sound effects, voice clips, animations, and even classic mode routes. There is also a Skyline plugin (still in closed beta) that can actually redirect a fighter's added costumes to have their own new slot on the Character Select Screen. It is also possible to give certain costumes their own frame data within their moveset through various code edits. Currently, this method is widely considered to be the closest thing to "fighter addition" in Ultimate. However, it isn't flawless and can still suffer from problems.
While proper fighter addition still isn't possible as of 2024, functionally close alternatives have been discovered. Due to Arcropolis supporting file and directory addition, it is possible to increase a fighter's costume count past 8 and add more. These added slots can also have their own UI, names, sound effects, voice clips, animations, and even classic mode routes. There is also a Skyline plugin (still in closed beta) that can redirect a fighter's added costumes to have their own new slot on the Character Select Screen. It is also possible to give certain costumes their own frame data within their moveset through various code edits. This method is widely considered to be the closest thing to "fighter addition" in Ultimate; however, it isn't flawless and can still suffer from problems.


==Notable gameplay mods==
==Notable gameplay mods==
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====''Smash Remix''====
====''Smash Remix''====
{{main|Smash Remix}}
{{main|Smash Remix}}
{{stub|Version 1.4.0 release info}}
[[File:SmashRemixLogo.png|300px|center]]
[[File:SmashRemixLogo.png|300px|center]]
''Smash Remix'' is a mod with the goal to expand Smash 64 with new characters, stages, etc. while staying true to its core gameplay. New mechanics from the other ''Smash'' games, like [[wavedashing]], are added as optional bonuses. The vision involves having tournaments where the new characters are pitched against the old ones, with most of the newcomers being viable against the originals, alongside a set of more powerful boss characters.
''Smash Remix'' is a mod with the goal to expand Smash 64 with new characters, stages, etc. while staying true to its core gameplay. New mechanics from the other ''Smash'' games, like [[wavedashing]], are added as optional bonuses. The vision involves having tournaments where the new characters are pitched against the old ones, with most of the newcomers being viable against the originals, alongside a set of more powerful boss characters.
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====''Balanced Brawl''====
====''Balanced Brawl''====
[[File:Balancedbrawllogo.png|500px|center]]
[[File:Balancedbrawllogo.png|500px|center]]
''Balanced Brawl'' is unusual amongst ''Brawl'' mods in that it does not significantly alter the core gameplay physics of ''Brawl''. In its attempts to make the game more balanced, it instead primarily focuses buffing and nerfing all the characters, as well as adding some universal nerfs, such as altering how [[ledge]]s work in order to combat [[planking]]. In addition to its various character tweaks, some of the stages were also changed, though not to an extent seen in other mods; most stage hazards are still present, but instead are either weakened or occur less often. Likely as a result of its lack of immediately visible changes, ''Balanced Brawl'' was unable to find the popularity of other mods for ''Brawl'', though it did attain a small niche composed of those who opposed the changes made by ''Brawl+''.
''[http://www.balancedbrawl.net Balanced Brawl]'' is unusual amongst ''Brawl'' mods in that it does not significantly alter the core gameplay physics of ''Brawl''. In its attempts to make the game more balanced, it instead primarily focuses buffing and nerfing all the characters, as well as adding some universal nerfs, such as altering how [[ledge]]s work in order to combat [[planking]]. In addition to its various character tweaks, some of the stages were also changed, though not to an extent seen in other mods; most stage hazards are still present, but instead are either weakened or occur less often. Likely as a result of its lack of immediately visible changes, ''Balanced Brawl'' was unable to find the popularity of other mods for ''Brawl'', though it did attain a small niche composed of those who opposed the changes made by ''Brawl+''.


While not officially abandoned, the last notable update for ''Balanced Brawl'', version 3, was released in 2010, with only a 2011 bugfix patch for [[PAL]] regions being released since then. Because of the effectively ceased development, ''Balanced Brawl'' is generally considered to be antiquated. As its last version was based on the ''Brawl'' [[metagame]] from 2010, some notable developments are not reflected in ''Balanced Brawl''{{'}}s changes, such as the emergence of {{SSBB|Olimar}} as a top tier character (who saw no nerfs by the final release of ''Balanced Brawl''), as well as the gradually decreasing dominance of {{SSBB|Snake}} (who saw the most amount of nerfs besides {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}).
While not officially abandoned, the last notable update for ''Balanced Brawl'', version 3, was released in 2010, with only a 2011 bugfix patch for [[PAL]] regions being released since then. Because of the effectively ceased development, ''Balanced Brawl'' is generally considered to be antiquated. As its last version was based on the ''Brawl'' [[metagame]] from 2010, some notable developments are not reflected in ''Balanced Brawl''{{'}}s changes, such as the emergence of {{SSBB|Olimar}} as a top tier character (who saw no nerfs by the final release of ''Balanced Brawl''), as well as the gradually decreasing dominance of {{SSBB|Snake}} (who saw the most nerfs besides {{SSBB|Meta Knight}}).


====''Brawl+''====
====''Brawl+''====
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''Legacy TE'' is a tourney-viable modification of ''Project M 3.6'' that aims to add new content while also keeping core, fundamental gameplay unmodified. It features a variety of tourney-safe alternative stage skins, costumes, and quality of life features. This includes shortcuts to edit a players' controls without leaving the character selection screen, an improvement to character files to reduce crashing likelihood, and an improved menu interface. A debug menu made for the mod allows players to train their skills for professional tournaments. For example, there is an option to show [[DI]] lines that show how directional influence affects where an attack sends an opponent, with a clearly defined end point that either aims to the ground or stops in the air. A variety of tools and resources have also been made for the mod, allowing tournament organizers to easily customize their builds, including changing the stagelist, replacing costumes, or editing brand assets on menus. ''Legacy TE'' has received worldwide adoption and is generally considered the go-to edition of ''Project M'' by tournament players. Version 2.11 was released in January 2019. Version 2.5 was released on August 26, 2019, and features 15 costumes per character, alternate stage toggle options in the code menu, and many other features.
''Legacy TE'' is a tourney-viable modification of ''Project M 3.6'' that aims to add new content while also keeping core, fundamental gameplay unmodified. It features a variety of tourney-safe alternative stage skins, costumes, and quality of life features. This includes shortcuts to edit a players' controls without leaving the character selection screen, an improvement to character files to reduce crashing likelihood, and an improved menu interface. A debug menu made for the mod allows players to train their skills for professional tournaments. For example, there is an option to show [[DI]] lines that show how directional influence affects where an attack sends an opponent, with a clearly defined end point that either aims to the ground or stops in the air. A variety of tools and resources have also been made for the mod, allowing tournament organizers to easily customize their builds, including changing the stagelist, replacing costumes, or editing brand assets on menus. ''Legacy TE'' has received worldwide adoption and is generally considered the go-to edition of ''Project M'' by tournament players. Version 2.11 was released in January 2019. Version 2.5 was released on August 26, 2019, and features 15 costumes per character, alternate stage toggle options in the code menu, and many other features.


Development ceased on March 13, 2020, with an announcement on their website "[https://smashbroslegacy.com Smash Bros. Legacy]" and removal of all downloads. Project co-lead David V. Kimball stressed no Nintendo involvement in the shutdown, and directed further questions to Ryan Morrison,<ref>[https://twitter.com/davidvkimball/status/1238928426716692480]</ref> similar to the Project M shutdown.
Development ceased on March 13, 2020, with an announcement on their website "[https://web.archive.org/web/20191119070843/https://smashbroslegacy.com/ Smash Bros. Legacy]" and removal of all downloads <ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20201130162107/http://www.smashbroslegacy.com/.</ref> Project co-lead David V. Kimball stressed no Nintendo involvement in the shutdown, and directed further questions to Ryan Morrison,<ref>[https://twitter.com/davidvkimball/status/1238928426716692480]</ref> similar to the Project M shutdown.


====''Project+''====
====''Project+''====
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''Legacy XP'' is a modification of Project M 3.6 that includes more characters, 700+ additional stages, and new modes. While the characters from Project M were mostly unaltered ([[Yoshi]] and [[Link]] received some non-PM 3.6 moveset-fixing edits, and [[Snake]] gained the ability to walk while using his [[Cardboard box|box taunt]]), 10 more fighters were added: [[Young Link]], [[Pichu]], and [[Dr. Mario]] returned from Melee, and [[Ridley]], [[Waluigi]], [[Geno]], [[Lucina]], and Metal-Sonic were added in the beta build released in September 2016. [[Shadow]] and Mage Ganondorf (inspired by his [[Ocarina of Time]] appearance) followed in version 2.0 Full in May 2018. Version 2.1, featuring some balance changes, was released in March 2019.
''Legacy XP'' is a modification of Project M 3.6 that includes more characters, 700+ additional stages, and new modes. While the characters from Project M were mostly unaltered ([[Yoshi]] and [[Link]] received some non-PM 3.6 moveset-fixing edits, and [[Snake]] gained the ability to walk while using his [[Cardboard box|box taunt]]), 10 more fighters were added: [[Young Link]], [[Pichu]], and [[Dr. Mario]] returned from Melee, and [[Ridley]], [[Waluigi]], [[Geno]], [[Lucina]], and Metal-Sonic were added in the beta build released in September 2016. [[Shadow]] and Mage Ganondorf (inspired by his [[Ocarina of Time]] appearance) followed in version 2.0 Full in May 2018. Version 2.1, featuring some balance changes, was released in March 2019.


Just like the aforementioned ''Legacy TE'', development ceased on March 13, 2020 with an announcement on their website [https://smashbroslegacy.com] and removal of all downloads. Project co-lead David V. Kimball stressed no Nintendo involvement in the shutdown, and directed further questions to Ryan Morrison [https://twitter.com/davidvkimball/status/1238928426716692480], similar to the Project M shutdown.
Just like the aforementioned ''Legacy TE'', development ceased on March 13, 2020 with an announcement on their website [https://web.archive.org/web/20201130162107/http://www.smashbroslegacy.com/] and removal of all downloads. Project co-lead David V. Kimball stressed no Nintendo involvement in the shutdown, and directed further questions to Ryan Morrison [https://twitter.com/davidvkimball/status/1238928426716692480], similar to the Project M shutdown.


''Legacy XP Lite'' is a combination of ''Legacy XP'' with some of the more competitive-friendly stages from ''Legacy TE'', greatly reducing the number of stages and the mod size from over 5 GB to under 2 GB. Version 2.1 was released in March 2019.
''Legacy XP Lite'' is a combination of ''Legacy XP'' with some of the more competitive-friendly stages from ''Legacy TE'', greatly reducing the number of stages and the mod size from over 5 GB to under 2 GB. Version 2.1 was released in March 2019.
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''Smash 2 Omega'' is considered the third installment of ''Smash 2'', making further adjustments and also adding characters such as [[Ridley]], [[mariowiki:Toad|Toad]], and [[Daisy]] to the roster. The current build is Version 1.5, which released on February 2nd, 2023.
''Smash 2 Omega'' is considered the third installment of ''Smash 2'', making further adjustments and also adding characters such as [[Ridley]], [[mariowiki:Toad|Toad]], and [[Daisy]] to the roster. The current build is Version 1.5, which released on February 2nd, 2023.


====''Project M EX Remix''====
====''REX''====
[[File:ProjectMEXRemix.png|500px|center]]
[[File:ProjectMEXRemix.png|500px|center]]
''Project M EX Remix'' (''REMIX'' for short) is a more casual expansion of ''Project+'', adding many new characters and stages. Like the aforementioned ''Legacy XP'', the goal of this build is to balance quantity with quality. Good character balancing is also a goal of ''REMIX'', and the developers strive to maintain a meta that isn't completely dominated by just a few characters.
''REX'' is a more casual expansion of ''Project+'', adding many new characters and stages. Like the aforementioned ''Legacy XP'', the goal of this build is to balance quantity with quality. Good character balancing is also a goal of ''REX'', and the developers strive to maintain a meta that isn't completely dominated by just a few characters.


''REMIX''{{'}}s roster covers a wide range of franchises and characters, including characters that were added to later Smash titles (some with redesigned movesets like [[Ridley]] and [[Lucina]], others more faithful backports like [[Wii Fit Trainer]] and [[Sora]]), popular characters that never quite made it to Smash like [[Waluigi]], [[Geno]], and {{iw|wikirby|Bandana Waddle Dee}}, and more obscure picks like {{iw|fzerowiki|Deathborn}} from ''F-Zero GX'' and [[Sukapon]] from ''Joy Mech Fight''.
''REX''{{'}}s roster covers a wide range of franchises and characters, including characters that were added to later Smash titles (some with redesigned movesets like [[Ridley]] and [[Lucina]], others more faithful backports like [[Wii Fit Trainer]] and [[Sora]]), popular characters that never quite made it to Smash like [[Waluigi]], [[Geno]], and {{iw|wikirby|Bandana Waddle Dee}}, and more obscure picks like {{iw|fzerowiki|Deathborn}} from ''F-Zero GX'' and [[Sukapon]] from ''Joy Mech Fight''. The mod has also added hundreds of new stages, both new and backported, as well as various features. ''REX'' enjoys continued development from both the internal dev team and external collaborators, including polishing character movesets and animations, redesigning textures to better fit ''Brawl''{{'}}s art style, and even providing new voice work for some characters.


The build enjoys continued development from both the internal dev team and external collaborators, with the most recent update polishing several character movesets, redesigning some textures to better fit ''Brawl''{{'}}s art style, adding 3 new characters ([[King K. Rool]] and [[Kazuya Mishima]] being backports from ''Ultimate'', and [[Alucard]] being a brand new moveset), and introducing a brand new English voice dub for [https://typemoon.fandom.com/wiki/Elizabeth_Báthory Elizabeth] from the ''Fate'' series.
Originally, the project began in 2018 as a separate mod pack known as ''Project M EX Remix'' (''REMIX'' for short), but after reaching version 0.95DX, ''REMIX'' ceased development in February 2024 due to the departure of three of the project leaders.<ref>https://twitter.com/Smash_REX/status/1761019671862464579</ref> The remaining project leader and other members of its development team subsequently shifted over to ''REX'', which will feature all of the existing content from ''REMIX'' along with its previous planned content and other new additions.


====''Project Horizon''====
====''Project Horizon''====
{{Image}}
{{Image}}
''Project Horizon'' follows a similar design philosophy to ''REMIX'', but distinguishes itself with several characters not in ''REMIX'' (including 4th parties like [https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Goku Goku] from the ''Dragon Ball'' series or [https://scottpilgrim.fandom.com/wiki/Scott_Pilgrim Scott Pilgrim] from ''Scott Pilgrim vs. The World''), other stages that have not made it to ''REMIX''{{'}}s stage list, and an intentional lack of backported characters from future Super Smash Bros. games.
''Project Horizon'' follows a similar design philosophy to ''REX'', but distinguishes itself with several characters not in ''REX'' (including non-gaming 3rd parties like [https://dragonball.fandom.com/wiki/Goku Goku] from the ''Dragon Ball'' series and [https://scottpilgrim.fandom.com/wiki/Scott_Pilgrim Scott Pilgrim] from ''Scott Pilgrim vs. The World''), other stages that have not made it to ''REX''{{'}}s stage list, and an intentional lack of backported characters from future Super Smash Bros. games.
 
====''Project Meta Plus EX''====
{{Image}}
Project Meta Plus EX is a Project+EX build with a different roster, adding characters who did not debut in a video game such as Goku and Kirito, alongside 2 new original characters, as well as characters who are not in REX such as Roxas, Proto-Man, Mach Rider, Doom Slayer, and Ayumi Tachibana. The modification also includes stages from manga and anime such as My Hero Academia, and stage recreations of Earthbound 64 locations. Finally, the mod features stages from fangames such as Super Smash Land.


==={{forwiiu}}===
===''Super Smash Bros. 4''===
{{stub|more details, release history, etc.}}
{{stub|more details, release history, etc.}}


====4XM====
====4XM====
[[File:4XMLogo.jpg|300px|center]]
[[File:4XMLogo.jpg|300px|center]]
''4XM'' (previously Melee HD) [https://twitter.com/4xmmod] is a modification of {{forwiiu}} that aims to change the engine to make the game more like ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and add most mechanics like [[L-Canceling]] and [[Wavedashing]] back. Development started in 2017, and in December 2022, 4xM Beta v1.8 was released.
''4XM'' (previously Melee HD) [https://twitter.com/4xmmod] is a modification of {{for3ds}}/{{forwiiu}} that aims to change the engine to make the game more like ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'', and add most mechanics like [[L-Canceling]] and [[Wavedashing]] back. Development started in 2017, and in December 2022, 4xM Beta v1.8 was released.


''USM-eM'' [https://twitter.com/usm_em] is another modification independent from ''4XM'' with the same goal.
''USM-eM'' [https://twitter.com/usm_em] is another modification independent from ''4XM'' with the same goal.
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Many global changes have been added to the game, such as wavedashing, ledge hogging, and knockback tweaks. ''HDR'' also adds some advanced techniques from ''Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. 4'',  such as [[dash attack canceled up smash]] and [[Pivoting|perfect pivoting]], as well as some new mechanics of its own, such as upwards wavelanding and wavedropping- by dropping through a platform during a wavedash, a character will keep their momentum. Additionally, ''HDR'' changes how perfect shields function- instead of releasing shield at the right time, a player instead presses the special button while holding shield to activate a parry.
Many global changes have been added to the game, such as wavedashing, ledge hogging, and knockback tweaks. ''HDR'' also adds some advanced techniques from ''Brawl'' and ''Super Smash Bros. 4'',  such as [[dash attack canceled up smash]] and [[Pivoting|perfect pivoting]], as well as some new mechanics of its own, such as upwards wavelanding and wavedropping- by dropping through a platform during a wavedash, a character will keep their momentum. Additionally, ''HDR'' changes how perfect shields function- instead of releasing shield at the right time, a player instead presses the special button while holding shield to activate a parry.


Many characters have new mechanics and moveset overhauls. For example, Ryu, Ken, and Terry have received meter and combo mechanics akin to their home series and ''Marvel vs Capcom'', Palutena gained a new meter mechanic inspired by Nine the Phantom from ''BlazBlue'', and characters like Sonic and Banjo & Kazooie received heavy reworks of their moveset. Further changes and reworks are planned for many characters in the cast. A list of changes from all beta releases can be found [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVRs8wPN8f1kzUJRiJabtrMZaNamRSQsGCKc7ezwXjA here], although a site akin to UltimateFrameData and RukaiData is under development.
Many characters have new mechanics and moveset overhauls. For example, Palutena gained a new meter mechanic inspired by Nine the Phantom from ''BlazBlue'', and characters like Sonic and Banjo & Kazooie received heavy reworks of their moveset. Further changes and reworks are planned for many characters in the cast. A list of changes from all beta releases can be found [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QVRs8wPN8f1kzUJRiJabtrMZaNamRSQsGCKc7ezwXjA here].


''HDR'' also adds the ability to strike stages on the Stage Select Screen, with both the CSS and the SSS having redone designs, alongside the Main Menu. ''HDR'' also adds several new control options, such as the addition of a dedicated smash attack and short hop button. The mod also has an in-built option to decrease online latency, at the potential cost of stability and lag.
''HDR'' also adds the ability to strike stages on the Stage Select Screen, with both the CSS and the SSS having redone designs, alongside the Main Menu. ''HDR'' also adds several new control options, such as the addition of a dedicated smash attack and short hop button. The mod also has an in-built option to decrease online latency, at the potential cost of stability and lag.
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====''Ultimate S''====
====''Ultimate S''====
[[File:Ult_S Logo.png|500px|center]]
[[File:Ult_S Logo.png|500px|center]]
Initially released on April 13th, 2021, the mod [https://github.com/chrispo-git/ult-s/releases/latest Ultimate S] is a fresh take on Ultimate with a large overhaul including lots of new features, character reworks and balancing. It also re-adds popular mechanics such as edge canceling, DACUS, and wavedashing, as well as decloning echo fighters. Most notably, the majority of the cast has received a variety of brand new moves and even command inputs. Despite this mod making major changes to characters' movesets and mechanics, it is still well-balanced and would be suitable for competitive play. As of update 3.1.0's release on August 26th, 2023, Toad and Rayman have been added as brand-new fighters, replacing Villager and Olimar respectively.
Initially released on April 13th, 2021, the mod [https://github.com/chrispo-git/ult-s/releases/latest Ultimate S] is a fresh take on Ultimate with a large overhaul including lots of new features, character reworks and balancing. It also re-adds popular mechanics such as edge canceling, DACUS, and wavedashing, as well as decloning echo fighters. Most notably, the majority of the cast has received a variety of brand new moves and even command inputs. As of update 3.1.0's release on August 26th, 2023, Toad and Rayman have been added as brand-new fighters.


====''TR4SH Rebuffed''====
====''TR4SH Rebuffed''====
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