Super Smash Bros Ultimate is out now, boasting the largest roster of fighting characters in the series so far, if not any game ever. As such, it can be somewhat daunting, especially if you haven’t played a game in the series before. Which characters are the best to choose from? Which fighters are the best for newcomers? Which ones will dominate opponents? We’ve got a Smash Ultimate Tier List which will help you decide.
The first thing to realize when we’re talking about tier lists, especially for a game like Smash Bros Ultimate with such a vast line-up of fighters, is that it’s absolutely not set in stone. Characters can move up or down the list, based on performance, balance changes in patches, or competitive match-ups, which haven’t really started yet (at least not for Ultimate). There are DLC characters to consider too when they get added, such as Persona 5‘s Joker. Most importantly though, just pick the one you want, since there will be a lot of personal preference in any tier list.
Here’s the Full Smash Ultimate Tier List
As usual, the Smash Ultimate Tier List is divided into 7 ranks. S Tier are the best of the best, that any player can get their hands on a dominate, and pros could be unstoppable. E Tier, on the other hand, are characters that struggle in most competitive match-ups. F Tier you shouldn’t even consider, unless for fun. You probably won’t be surprised at the names on the F Tier list. Nevertheless, if you’re not planning on being really competitive you should just pick a character you like. Once you’ve got a perfect handle on that character you’ll probably beat the majority of opponents anyway, if you’re good enough.
S Tier
The best of the best. The perfect marriage of speed, power, and useful moves. The only classic character on the list is Pikachu, with his devilishly unpredictable lightning strike and quick speed. The floaty Mewtwo may be a surprise entry on this list for some people. While he’s not the quickest character, he is exceptionally good at staying away from fights, dodging blows, and attacking from a distance. Some of these characters can take some getting used to, but once you do, you may be unbeatable. Unless you pick Ike, in which case you can get out of our house.
- Marth
- Ike
- Sheik
- Sonic
- Pikachu
- Roy
- Diddy Kong
- Lucina
- Cloud
- Mewtwo
A Tier
While not as devastating in the right hands as the S Tier, the A Tier is full of excellent fighters which any reasonably good Smash Bros veteran can easily bring to victory. If these characters have one downfall over the S Tier, it’s in speed. They’re all generally a little slower than fighters such as Pikachu and Marth, and that can cost you the match. Then again, they’re also a little easier to handle. Just be careful with Olimar, since his Pikmin attacks can take a lot of getting used to.
- Meta Knight
- Ken
- Snake
- Ryu
- Inkling
- Shulk
- Bayonetta
- Young Link
- Peach
- Lucario
- Donkey Kong
- Olimar & Pikmin
B Tier
None of these fighters are particularly bad, but they either lack punch, speed, or powers that would raise them to a higher tier. Daisy in particular is basically the same as Peach, but just a little less powerful. That’s why she’s on the B Tier instead of A Tier. Still, you could do worse than a lot of these fighters.
- Greninja
- Robin
- Corrin
- Villager
- Chrom
- Mario
- Ridley
- King K. Rool
- Simon
- Daisy
- Richter
- Zero Suit Samus
- Pichu
- Fox
C Tier
Again, there’s nothing particularly wrong with picking these characters if you want to, but they all have definite disadvantages that a smart opponent can use against you. Mother/Earthbound duo Lucas and Ness, for example, have some strong moves but are very floaty, and have a truly awful Up + B recovery move which can easily get them killed.
- Mega Man
- Zelda
- Toon Link
- Samus
- Dark Samus
- Lucas
- Piranha Plant
- Ganondorf
- Squirtle
- Incineroar
- Rosalina & Luma
- Captain Falcon
- Falco
- Ness
D Tier
We’re getting worse now. The D Tier characters can be fun to play, but they have no specific advantages and a great deal of disadvantages. The Ice Climbers, for example, need need to both be alive to be in any way useful. Link, on the other hand, is an excellent starting character, but he’s very slow and predictable. Be careful with this lot.
- Wii Fit Trainer
- Isabelle
- Duck Hunt
- Palutena
- Wolf
- Mr. Game & Watch
- Pit
- Wario
- R.O.B.
- Pokemon Trainer
- Ivysaur
- Charizard
- Ice Climbers
- Link
- Dark Pit
E Tier
Almost the worst of the worst. These characters can certainly be taken to victory, and it’s surprising how often a pro player will do that with Jigglypuff, but they’re difficult to handle and very easy to destroy. Kirby and Yoshi are good characters for beginners as they’re simple to play as, with a good range of moves, but they’re highly predictable. Use at your own risk.
- Bowser Jr.
- Kirby
- King Dedede
- Luigi
- Bowser
- Dr. Mario
- Yoshi
- Little Mac
- Pac Man
- Jigglypuff
F Tier
The Mii Fighters stand alone in the F Tier. The three Mii characters are meant to be customizable characters that are fun to play, but unfortunately this translates as “default characters, with no advantages or interesting moves.” They have all basic moves, with nothing special to make them stand out, like Jigglypuff’s devastating Sleep move. If you want to put your little brother’s face on a Mii and beat them up that’s fine, but otherwise pick any of the other characters on this list. They’re more interesting, at the very least.
- Mii Brawler
- Mii Swordfighter
- Mii Gunner
