All Unlockable Characters In Super Smash Bros Brawl: Complete Guide & Key Details
Hey there, Smash Bros. enthusiasts and casual button-mashers alike! Ever found yourself staring at that tantalizingly incomplete character select screen in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, wondering how on earth you're supposed to unlock all those hidden gems? Don't sweat it! We're here to walk you through the entire roster, with just the right amount of chill and a sprinkle of essential deets. Think of this as your laid-back roadmap to a truly epic roster. No need for intense training montages; we’re talking about unlocking characters in a way that feels more like a fun weekend quest than a grueling grind. So, grab your favorite snack, settle in, and let's dive into the wonderful world of Brawl's unlockable fighters.
The Sweet, Sweet Sound of a New Challenger Approaching!
There's a unique thrill, isn't there? That iconic fanfare, the dimmed screen, and then BAM! A new fighter has joined the fray. In Brawl, this moment is even more satisfying because not everyone is available from the get-go. It encourages exploration, rewards persistence, and honestly, just makes the game feel bigger and more exciting. We've all been there, right? Staring at that empty slot, dreaming of the day you can finally play as your secret favorite. Well, those days are about to be a lot closer.
The Core Unlock Methods: Keeping it Simple, Stupid!
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each character, let's break down the primary ways Nintendo decided we'd earn our stripes (or rather, our fighters). It's pretty straightforward, and thankfully, not overly complicated. You've got your classic:
- Vs. Mode Matches: The most common method. Just keep playing matches against CPUs or friends. The game tracks your total matches played, and after certain thresholds, a new challenger appears. Easy peasy.
- Classic Mode: Defeating a certain number of opponents in Classic Mode also triggers unlock challenges. This is a great way to learn a character's moveset while also working towards your goal.
- Subspace Emissary: This is the big one! The adventure mode is packed with unlockable characters, often as boss battles or by finding them hidden throughout the sprawling levels. If you want to experience the full story and unlock the most characters efficiently, this is your jam.
- Specific Character Challenges: Some characters are tied to very specific actions, like playing as a certain character a number of times or performing a particular feat. We’ll cover those as we go.
It’s like collecting trading cards, but way more interactive and with the potential for epic couch co-op battles. The beauty of Brawl is that these methods often overlap. Play through Subspace Emissary, and you'll be racking up Vs. matches simultaneously. It’s a win-win-win scenario.
Meet the Mystery Makers: Unlocking the Gang
Alright, enough preamble. Let's get down to business. Who are these elusive warriors, and how do we bring them into the light?
Falco Lombardi: The Maverick Aviator
Ah, Falco. The cocky, yet undeniably cool, avian ally of Fox McCloud. He's got that distinct flair, doesn't he? His lasers might be a bit trickier to land consistently than Fox's, but his aerial game is super strong.
- How to Unlock: Play Vs. Mode a total of 100 times. That’s it! Just keep battling, and eventually, he’ll show up. You can also unlock him in Subspace Emissary by clearing the Norfair stage.
- Key Detail: Falco's reflector acts a bit differently than Fox's. It’s more of a blast shield. Handy for surprise counters!
- Fun Fact: Falco's voice actor in Japanese, also voices Ganon in the Zelda series. Talk about range!
Meta Knight: The Shadowy Swordsman
Now here’s a character who oozes mystery and raw power. Meta Knight is a force to be reckoned with, his speed and combo potential are insane. He’s often a top-tier pick for a reason.
- How to Unlock: This one requires a bit more dedication. You need to defeat Meta Knight himself in a special 1-on-1 match in Subspace Emissary. He's a boss in the Halberd area. Alternatively, if you're a true grind-master, play 900 Vs. Mode matches. We recommend the Subspace route for a more epic reveal!
- Key Detail: His "Shuttle Loop" is an incredibly potent combo starter and finisher. Practice that!
- Fun Fact: Meta Knight is one of the few characters in the series to have a distinct theme song that isn't a remix of existing franchise music.
Pit: The Angelic Warrior
From the Kid Icarus series, Pit is a cheerful and agile fighter who's surprisingly resilient. He's got a nice mix of projectile and melee attacks, making him quite versatile.
- How to Unlock: Clear Subspace Emissary with any character. That's the easiest and most direct way. If you’re avoiding the adventure mode for some reason, you can unlock him by playing 300 Vs. Mode matches.
- Key Detail: Pit's neutral special, the "Palutena's Arrow," is a fantastic tool for controlling space and racking up damage from a distance.
- Fun Fact: This was Pit's first playable appearance in a Smash Bros. game. It paved the way for his triumphant return in Smash 4 and Ultimate!
Zero Suit Samus: The Unarmored Bounty Hunter
Taking a page from her iconic Power Suit, Zero Suit Samus is all about agility, speed, and some seriously stylish kicks. She’s a rushdown character who excels at close-quarters combat.
- How to Unlock: This is tied to Samus herself. You must first unlock Samus (she's available from the start, thankfully!). Then, after unlocking Samus, play 50 Vs. Mode matches. Or, in Subspace Emissary, you need to complete the Sacred Land stage.
- Key Detail: Her flip kick and backflip are great for evasion and setting up combos. And that paralyzer whip? Deadly.
- Fun Fact: Zero Suit Samus is actually based on her appearance in the Metroid: Zero Mission game, where she sheds her suit for a portion of the game.
Wario: The Grumpy, Garlic-Loving Rival
Wario! The greedy, fart-happy, mustachioed menace. He's quirky, he's powerful, and he's got some of the most unique moves in the game, including his infamous Waft.
- How to Unlock: Complete 200 Vs. Mode matches. Alternatively, find him in the Halberd area of Subspace Emissary.
- Key Detail: The "Wario Waft" is a powerful, albeit delayed, burst of noxious gas that can KO opponents. Charge it up for maximum impact!
- Fun Fact: Wario's signature laugh is actually performed by Charles Martinet, the same voice actor for Mario, Luigi, and Wario in many Nintendo games.
Snake: The Legendary Infiltrator
Solid Snake. Yes, that Solid Snake. The master of stealth and tactical espionage. His inclusion in Brawl was a massive crossover moment, and his gameplay reflects his tactical genius.
- How to Unlock: This is one of the more specific unlocks. You need to defeat Snake in a 1-on-1 match in the Shadow Moses Island stage in Subspace Emissary. If you prefer the Vs. mode grind, that's 300 matches.
- Key Detail: His C4 explosive and Remote Missile are incredibly effective for stage control and surprise attacks. Master the art of placement!
- Fun Fact: Snake's iconic codec calls, where he talks to Colonel Campbell and Otacon, were a unique feature Brawl introduced for him.
Ike: The Radiant Hero
From the lands of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn, Ike is a powerful sword-wielder with incredible range and devastating attacks. He's the strong, silent type.
- How to Unlock: Clear Classic Mode 10 times. That’s your straightforward path. In Subspace Emissary, you can find him in the Lake of the Aurora area.
- Key Detail: Ike's "Aether" is a multi-hit move that heals him slightly upon successful execution. A great comeback mechanic!
- Fun Fact: Ike is one of the few Smash Bros. characters who doesn't have a direct counterpart in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's base roster (until later DLC).
Sonic the Hedgehog: The Blue Blur
Gotta go fast! Sonic's inclusion was another huge crossover moment, bringing Sega's iconic mascot into the Nintendo arena. He’s all about speed and spin attacks.
- How to Unlock: Play 500 Vs. Mode matches. Alternatively, in Subspace Emissary, he’s found after defeating the giant robot in the Forest level.
- Key Detail: His spin dash and homing attack are essential for quickly closing gaps and engaging opponents.
- Fun Fact: Sonic's iconic design was created by Naoto Ohshima, who also designed other memorable Sega characters.
King Dedede: The King of Dream Land
The ever-so-slightly tyrannical, yet oddly charming, King Dedede is a heavy-hitter with a surprisingly large hitbox. His hammer is no joke!
- How to Unlock: You need to beat him in a 1-on-1 match in Subspace Emissary. He's the boss of the Great Maze! If you're avoiding that, it's 400 Vs. Mode matches.
- Key Detail: His "Waddle Dee Toss" can be used to launch Waddle Dees at opponents, creating projectiles that can rack up damage.
- Fun Fact: King Dedede is often portrayed as a rival to Kirby, but sometimes they're allies against a common enemy. It's complicated!
Olimar: The Tiny Explorer
Captain Olimar, the little guy from Hocotate, is a unique fighter who relies on his Pikmin to do most of the dirty work. He’s a zoner with incredible depth.
- How to Unlock: Clear Subspace Emissary with Olimar’s ship! This means you have to play through Subspace Emissary and find a specific area where you can activate his ship. Or, for the patient among us, play 50 Vs. Mode matches.
- Key Detail: The color of your Pikmin (Red, Yellow, Blue, Purple, White) determines their attack power, speed, and special abilities. Mastering Pikmin management is key!
- Fun Fact: Olimar's species communicates through a series of whistles and squeaks. We're lucky they gave him subtitles in Brawl.
Lucario: The Aura Pokémon
The Aura Pokémon arrives with a bang! Lucario is a fighter who gets stronger as he takes damage, embodying the concept of "fighting spirit."
- How to Unlock: Play 100 Vs. Mode matches. That’s the main requirement. Alternatively, find him in Subspace Emissary in the Submerged Ship area.
- Key Detail: Lucario's "Aura" mechanic means his attacks become more powerful the higher his damage percentage is. A true comeback character!
- Fun Fact: Lucario's signature move, the "Aura Sphere," is directly inspired by the Kamehameha from Dragon Ball Z.
R.O.B.: The Robotic Operating Buddy
Remember R.O.B. from the NES days? He’s back, and he’s ready to rumble! This quirky robot uses his gyroscopic abilities and spinning top to dominate the battlefield.
- How to Unlock: This is a bit of a multi-step process. First, you need to unlock Captain Olimar. Once Olimar is unlocked, play 50 Vs. Mode matches. You can also find R.O.B. in the Subspace Emissary on the Great Temple, but you’ll need to have rescued Olimar first.
- Key Detail: R.O.B.'s "Robotic Beam" and "Gyro Attack" offer unique zoning and control options.
- Fun Fact: R.O.B. was originally released as a peripheral for the NES to combat the video game crash of 1983, making him a piece of gaming history!
Mr. Game & Watch: The Retro Icon
The man, the myth, the legend. Mr. Game & Watch is an abstract, yet surprisingly effective, fighter who brings a touch of pure retro charm to the roster. His moves are… well, they’re something else.
- How to Unlock: This is a bit of a final reward for the dedicated. You need to clear the Subspace Emissary mode with all other characters unlocked. If you’re avoiding the adventure mode (which we highly recommend against!), it’s 1000 Vs. Mode matches, the highest of the lot.
- Key Detail: His "Judge" move, where he flips a coin with numbers 1-9, can result in incredibly powerful hits (a 9!) or a whiff (a 1). High risk, high reward!
- Fun Fact: Mr. Game & Watch is the only character whose primary existence is as a Smash Bros. character, rather than originating from a pre-existing game series.
A Final Thought: The Journey is the Reward
Unlocking all these characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl isn't just about expanding your playable roster; it's about the experience. It's about venturing through the imaginative world of Subspace Emissary, enjoying those unexpected Vs. Mode victories, and appreciating the sheer breadth of characters Nintendo has brought together. Each unlock feels like a small victory, a testament to your time spent with the game. And much like in life, the most fulfilling achievements often come from engaging with the process, not just the destination. So, go forth, play, explore, and enjoy the journey to a complete Brawl roster. Who knows, you might even discover a new favorite fighter you never expected!