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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsTo unlock the base-game fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, win the challenger battles that appear as you play, clear Classic Mode, or encounter fighters in World of Light. Lose a challenger battle? Retry it from Games & More → Challenger’s Approach. DLC fighters are separate and require their corresponding purchase.
How base-game character unlocks work
A new save starts with eight fighters: Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu. Most other base-game fighters join the roster after you beat them in a challenger battle.
![Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61bkI3XqQ7L._SL160_.jpg)
Nintendo’s gameplay guide explains that challengers approach during play and that winning unlocks them. You can meet challengers through ordinary play, after completing Classic Mode, or as you progress through World of Light.
Choose a route to meet challengers
| Route | How it works | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary play | Challenger encounters occur as you play. Beat each challenger to add that fighter. | Players who want to unlock fighters naturally while playing. |
| Classic Mode | Completing a run can trigger a challenger battle. The character you use affects which fighter appears next on that character’s unlock tree, so there is no single universal sequence. | Players who want a structured single-player route. |
| World of Light | Find and awaken fighters as you progress through the adventure. | Players who prefer an exploration-based route; this mode is not required to unlock the roster. |
The encounter and unlock details for Classic Mode and World of Light are documented by the community-maintained SmashWiki unlockable-character guide. The official Nintendo guide covers challenger battles and retries, but does not lay out those mode-specific mechanics.
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#1 Best Overall
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
What to do if you lose a challenger battle
You do not have to wait for another random encounter. Open Games & More → Challenger’s Approach and select the rematch. Nintendo’s official guide gives this menu path. SmashWiki’s Challenger’s Approach entry notes that update 4.0.0 made the rematch available immediately after a loss.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which fighters are DLC?
DLC fighters are not unlocked by winning the ordinary base-game challenger battles. Nintendo Support lists 11 Challenger Packs, each containing one fighter, one stage, and music, as well as two Fighters Pass bundles. The first pass covers packs 1–5; the second covers packs 6–11.
| Challenger Pack | Fighter |
|---|---|
| 1 | Joker |
| 2 | Hero |
| 3 | Banjo & Kazooie |
| 4 | Terry Bogard |
| 5 | Byleth |
| 6 | Min Min |
| 7 | Steve & Alex |
| 8 | Sephiroth |
| 9 | Pyra/Mythra |
| 10 | Kazuya |
| 11 | Sora |
Nintendo Support’s DLC overview lists Piranha Plant as a standalone fighter, separate from both Fighters Pass bundles. Regional purchase availability and prices are not listed here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Nintendo Super Smash Bros. Ultimate + Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighter Pass Bundle - [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516jRPfTrLL._SL160_.jpg)
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
Rank #4
- International Version. ESRB rated. This game is tied to the USA region and any DLC content is available on the USA regional Nintendo eShop. Works on all systems worldwide. (Middle East / Southeast Asia -- Official Nintendo Product).
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
Rank #3
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