What is Super Smash Bros Ultimate?
Super Smash Bros Ultimate is a crossover fighting game for the Nintendo Switch, released in December 2018. It features a huge roster of characters from Nintendo and many other game series, all battling on themed stages. The goal is to knock opponents off the stage and be the last one standing.
How many characters are in the game?
The base game includes over 70 fighters, and with DLC (Fighters Pass 1 and 2), the roster grows to more than 80 characters. It’s billed as “Everyone is here!” because it brings back every fighter that has ever appeared in a Smash Bros game, plus new additions.
What game modes are available?
You can play Classic Mode (single-player arcade style), World of Light (adventure mode with a large map and spirits), Squad Strike, Tourney, Training, and more. There’s also local and online multiplayer: Quick Play, Elite Smash, and Battle Arenas for competitive or casual matches.
What are Spirits and how do they work?
Spirits are collectible power-ups that represent characters and items from other games. You equip them to your fighter to boost stats (attack, defense, etc.) and grant abilities. Primary Spirits have types (Attack, Grab, Shield) that interact in a rock-paper-scissors way. You collect them in World of Light, the Spirit Board, and the Shop.
How does online play work?
Online requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Quick Play matches you with others based on your Global Smash Power (GSP). Elite Smash is for high-GSP players. Battle Arenas let you create or join rooms with custom rules. Note: matchmaking and stability can vary by region and connection.
Can I play with friends locally?
Yes. You can play with up to 8 players locally on one Switch (with enough controllers), or link multiple Switch consoles for local wireless play. There’s no split-screen; everyone shares the same stage view, which stays manageable thanks to the camera zooming out as needed.
What DLC is available?
Fighters Pass Vol. 1 added 5 fighters (Joker, Hero, Banjo & Kazooie, Terry, Byleth) plus stages and music. Fighters Pass Vol. 2 added 6 more (Min Min, Steve/Alex, Sephiroth, Pyra/Mythra, Kazuya, Sora) with their content. You can also buy individual fighter packs. DLC does not affect core gameplay for players who don’t own it.
What’s the difference between stocks and time battles?
In Stock mode, each player has a set number of lives (stocks). When you’re knocked out, you lose a stock; the last player with stock left wins. In Time mode, you play for a set duration and earn points for each knockout (and lose points for each death). The player with the most points when time runs out wins. Stock is common in competitive play; Time is often used for casual party play.
Is there a single-player story mode?
Yes. World of Light is the main adventure. The world is taken over by spirits, and you free fighters and spirits on a large map, clearing battles and puzzles. It can take many hours to complete and is a major way to unlock and level up spirits.
How do I unlock characters?
New fighters are unlocked by playing through Classic Mode, meeting them in World of Light, or in the “Challenger Approaching” battles that appear after certain versus matches or play time. You can also unlock everyone quickly via the Games & More → Challenges path or by replaying failed challenger battles in the same menu.