Smash Bros. Ultimate Tier List: A Comprehensive Ranking of Fighters

Introduction

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the latest installment in the beloved fighting game series, boasts an impressive roster of over 80 fighters. With such a diverse cast of characters, it's natural to wonder who reigns supreme in the ultimate battleground. This comprehensive tier list provides an in-depth analysis of each fighter's strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance in competitive play.

Tier S: The Elite

1. Steve (Minecraft): Steve's unique building abilities grant him unprecedented control over the stage, allowing him to create platforms, traps, and even summon a giant TNT block.
2. Joker (Persona 5): Joker combines swift movement with powerful projectiles and high-damage combos. His Arsene meter can unleash devastating attacks.
3. Pyra/Mythra (Xenoblade Chronicles 2): This duo offers versatility with Pyra's heavy attacks and Mythra's agility. Their combined abilities create a formidable force.
4. Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII): Sephiroth excels in keepaway tactics with his long-range sword attacks and devastating aerial moves.
5. Palutena (Kid Icarus): Palutena's strong projectile game and effective traps make her a deadly zoning character. Her teleport recovery also provides excellent mobility.

Tier A: The Contenders

1. Mario (Super Mario): Mario remains a consistent threat with his balanced stats and iconic moves. His FLUDD nozzle grants him strong zoning abilities.
2. Min Min (ARMS): Min Min's extendable arms allow her to control the pace of battle from afar. Her powerful smashes and projectile options can overwhelm opponents.
3. Roy (Fire Emblem): Roy's blazing sword attacks and high mobility make him a dangerous close-range fighter. His recovery move can also be used offensively.
4. Lucina (Fire Emblem): Lucina's precision-based sword attacks deal consistent damage. Her lack of a tipper on her attacks makes her more accessible than Marth.
5. Wolf (Star Fox): Wolf's high-damage projectiles and powerful blaster make him a formidable zoning character. His reflector also provides excellent defensive options.

Tier B: The Mid-Tier

1. Snake (Metal Gear Solid): Snake's stealth abilities and powerful explosives make him a versatile threat. His Nikita missile can control the stage and set up combos.
2. Zero Suit Samus (Metroid): ZSS combines agility with projectile zoning. Her paralyzer pistol and grab game can be deadly.
3. Greninja (Pokémon): Greninja's swift movement and powerful Water Shuriken give him excellent combo potential. His recovery can be difficult to master.
4. Hero (Dragon Quest): Hero's random spells add a unique element to his gameplay. His high-damage critical hits can turn the tide of battle.
5. Incineroar (Pokémon): Incineroar is a powerful wrestler with strong close-range attacks. His recovery is limited, making mobility a challenge.

Tier C: The Underdogs

1. Little Mac (Punch-Out!!): Little Mac's incredible punching power is offset by his poor recovery and vulnerability to projectiles.
2. Ness (EarthBound): Ness's psychic abilities and Yo-Yo tricks provide versatility, but his slow movement and lack of kill power hinder him.
3. Jigglypuff (Pokémon): Jigglypuff's aerial mobility and Rest move can be dangerous, but her low weight and poor ground game make her easy to defeat.
4. Pac-Man (Pac-Man): Pac-Man's unique game mechanics revolve around eating opponents. His recovery can be predictable, making him vulnerable to edgeguarding.
5. Mii Brawler (Mii): Mii Brawler offers customizable fighting styles, but their inconsistent stats and limited range hinder their performance against top-tier fighters.

Tier List Considerations

This tier list is based on the competitive metagame at the time of writing. It considers factors such as:

• Character matchups: Which fighters excel against others based on their move sets and playstyles.
• Stage selection: Certain stages favor specific fighters and influence their tier placement.
• Player skill level: Higher-skilled players can unlock the full potential of some characters, while others remain more accessible to beginners.
• Meta shifts: The metagame is constantly evolving, affecting the relative strengths and weaknesses of characters.

Strategies for Success

To succeed in Smash Bros. Ultimate, consider these effective strategies:

• Master your main: Focus on learning the strengths and weaknesses of your chosen character. Practice their combos, techniques, and best strategies.
• Adapt to your opponent: Pay attention to your opponent's playstyle and adjust your tactics accordingly. If they rely on projectiles, consider using a character with strong zoning abilities.
• Control the stage: Movement and platform positioning are crucial. Use your character's abilities and projectiles to control the space and limit your opponent's options.
• Manage your stocks: Every stock counts. Avoid unnecessary risks and focus on preserving your lives while taking advantage of your opponent's mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To avoid common pitfalls, keep these mistakes in mind:

• Overreliance on smash attacks: Smash attacks are powerful, but can be slow and predictable. Balance them with other moves to keep your opponent guessing.
• Neglecting edgeguarding: Edgeguarding is essential to prevent opponents from recovering. Learn your character's edgeguarding techniques and practice timing them correctly.
• Falling for gimmicks: Be wary of your opponent's gimmicks, such as trapping or ledgetrapping. Learn how to escape or counter these tactics.
• Being too passive: Don't be afraid to take risks and go on the offensive. Constant pressure can force your opponent into making mistakes.
• Not adjusting to different stages: Each stage has its own unique layout and hazards. Learn how to adapt your playstyle to different stages.

Conclusion

The Smash Bros. Ultimate tier list provides a comprehensive view of the fighters' strengths and weaknesses in competitive play. By understanding the nuances of each character and adhering to effective strategies, players can maximize their chances of victory in the ultimate battleground. It's important to remember that the metagame is constantly evolving, so stay up-to-date on the latest developments and adapt accordingly.