New to Super Smash Bros.? Here’s what it’s all about!
06/12/2018
Want to get involved in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch, but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Read on to see how to play, as well as some of the fun things you’ll find in the game. No matter who your favourite Nintendo characters are, and how seriously you want to take it, there’s fun for everybody in this party fighting game!
The basics
Unlike more traditional fighting games, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is all about launching your opponent (or opponents) off the stage and off the screen. Use all sorts of attacks to build up your rivals’ damage, then send them flying off the stage – the more damage a fighter has, the further they’ll fly!
If you really want to make an impact, try using a smash attack. These moves can be charged up, and can be devastating when timed correctly.
If you get sent off the stage, don’t give up! As long as you’re not too far away, you can try to make your way back to the playing field using jumps and special moves. Fighters like Kirby, Villager and Pit have useful moves that’ll make it easier to get back on stage – give them a try if you’re having a hard time getting back on your feet!
Make a move
Each fighter has their own strengths and weaknesses: for example, the plucky boxer Little Mac can hit hard, but isn’t so hot at recovery after being smashed off the stage. There are loads of fighters to try out – over 70 in fact! – so you’re sure to find a favourite with a bit of trial and error.
As well as basic attacks, fighters have special moves unique to them. Some moves will be very familiar if you’ve played a fighter’s own games: Mario can hurl fire balls, Inkling can ink up a storm, and Pikachu can unleash electrifying attacks.
If you want to get a feel for each fighter’s move set, the Training mode is a great place to do so!
Smash Ball!
If a special item called a Smash Ball appears and you can activate it before anybody else, you can even unleash a super-powerful move called a Final Smash that should help you even the odds – and look really cool in the process!
Having trouble activating the Smash Ball? By turning on “Final Smash Meter” in the rules before a battle, you can fill a meter during the fight that, once maxed out, lets you perform a Final Smash.
Grab Items!
Again, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate isn’t like other fighting games! In this game, items can appear on stage and be used to give you an edge. A hard-hitting, oversized Hammer, an explosive Bob-omb, a slippy Banana Peel or the most terrifying thing of all, a blue Spiny Shell…all of these items and many, many more can be used as you battle!
Some special items called Assist Trophies even let you summon characters from other series to give you a helping hand, like Chain Chomp or ARMS star Spring Man. On top of that, if you find and throw a Poké Ball, a Pokémon will temporarily join your side in battle!
If you see an item, Assist Trophy or Poké Ball appear on the stage, consider picking it up as quickly as you can!
Set the stage
There are over 100 stages to fight on, and you’re sure to recognise some of them from your favourite games. Moray Towers from Splatoon…a special Animal Crossing town called Smashville…Super Mario Odyssey’s New Donk City Hall…even Figure-8 Circuit from Mario Kart!
Get to know each level’s layout and obstacles to gain the upper hand! Some have platforms to jump around, others scroll along automatically, and others still have dynamic hazards that can cause all kinds of trouble, like stage enemies that cause damage to any fighter in their way.
When you want to show off your skills without any distractions, switch off platforms and hazards and play on a straightforward stage.
Smash your way
Those are just the basics! There are loads of different ways to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, with many rules to suit all play styles.
If you want a multiplayer party with relaxed rules, jump into matches for up to eight players with all items on and stage hazards on, or settle the score in a more serious throwdown, by reducing the number of – or even switching off – items and battle on a plain, flat battlefield. Smash however you want, wherever you are!
There's also a single-player adventure mode to sink your teeth into: World of Light!
Find out more at the official Super Smash Bros. Ultimate website, or by joining our Smash Bros. Facebook community! You can also get updates by following @NintendoUKVS on Twitter.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate arrives December 7th, only on Nintendo Switch.