How To Unlock Characters On Super Smash Bros Brawl Wii (step-by-step Guide)
Ah, Super Smash Bros. Brawl on the Wii! The mere mention of it conjures up images of frantic button mashing, epic comebacks, and the sheer joy of finally landing that Final Smash. But as any seasoned brawler knows, the true thrill doesn't just come from duking it out with the initial roster. It comes from the chase, the challenge, and the ultimate satisfaction of unlocking every single character, transforming your roster from a modest gathering into an all-star fighting extravaganza.
Unlocking characters in Brawl is more than just a completionist's dream; it's a fundamental part of the Smash Bros. experience. Each new fighter you add to your roster brings with it a unique playstyle, a fresh set of moves, and a whole new dimension of strategic possibilities. It's like discovering hidden treasures, each one waiting to be mastered and unleashed upon your unsuspecting opponents. The journey to unlocking them all is as rewarding as the destination itself, providing countless hours of fun and replayability.
Think of it this way: you start with a solid lineup of iconic Nintendo heroes and villains. That's great for casual fun, but as you delve deeper into the game, you realize the potential for truly epic battles lies in exploring the full spectrum of fighters. Want to experiment with a speedster? Or perhaps a heavy-hitter? Maybe you're curious about that mysterious character from an obscure franchise? Unlocking them is your ticket to exploring every corner of the Smash Bros. universe.
This guide is your step-by-step roadmap to achieving that ultimate roster. We'll break down each character's unlock requirements in a clear, concise, and friendly way, ensuring that no fighter remains a hidden secret for long. Whether you're a newcomer to the Smash Bros. series or a veteran looking to ensure you haven't missed a single unlockable, this guide is designed to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So, grab your Wii Remote, power up your console, and let's embark on the quest to unlock every single contender in Super Smash Bros. Brawl!
Unlocking the Legends: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let's get down to business! Unlocking characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl is primarily achieved through a few key gameplay modes. We'll go through them one by one to make sure you’re equipped with all the knowledge you need.
1. Classic Mode: The Traditional Path to Victory
This is arguably the most straightforward way to unlock a good chunk of the roster. Classic Mode is where you battle through a series of themed stages against various opponents, culminating in a boss fight.
How it works: Play through Classic Mode with any character. After completing a certain number of stages and defeating the final boss, you'll often unlock a new character. The specific character unlocked depends on which character you used to complete Classic Mode and sometimes on your performance.
Step-by-Step:
- Select Classic Mode: From the main menu, choose "Classic Mode."
- Choose Your Fighter: Pick any of the starting characters you enjoy playing.
- Battle Through Stages: Defeat your opponents in each stage. The difficulty can be adjusted, so start at a comfortable level if you're new.
- Defeat the Boss: Overcome the final boss (often Master Hand or Crazy Hand).
- Check for Newcomers: After the credits roll, a "New Challenger Approaching!" screen will pop up if you've unlocked a character. You'll then need to defeat them in a one-on-one battle to add them to your roster. Don't worry if you lose; you can usually challenge them again later by replaying Classic Mode or through other unlock methods.
Pro Tip: Try completing Classic Mode with a variety of characters. Some characters are specifically tied to completing the mode with particular fighters.
2. The Subspace Emissary: An Epic Adventure
This is Brawl's story mode, and it's a massive adventure that will introduce you to a significant number of unlockable characters. It's a fantastic way to experience the game's narrative while steadily growing your roster.
How it works: Progress through the various worlds and stages of The Subspace Emissary. Many characters are unlocked by simply reaching them on the map and defeating them in battle. Others are unlocked after completing specific story events or stages.
Step-by-Step:
- Start The Subspace Emissary: Navigate to the "Subspace Emissary" option from the main menu.
- Play Through the Levels: Advance through the story, navigating the 2D-style stages.
- Encountering New Fighters: Many times, you’ll find characters trapped or needing assistance. After a brief cutscene, you'll typically have to fight them. Win the battle, and they join your cause!
- Key Story Points: Keep an eye out for major story progression points, as some characters are unlocked as rewards for completing significant chapters or defeating powerful bosses.
Important Note: You can revisit stages in The Subspace Emissary if you missed a character or want to try and get a better score. The game saves your progress, so you don't have to start from the beginning.
3. Versus Mode: The Power of Pure Playtime
Sometimes, the simplest method is the most effective. Simply playing the game is often enough to unlock new challengers!
How it works: The game tracks the number of Versus Mode matches you play. After a certain threshold is reached, a new challenger will appear.
Step-by-Step:
- Select Versus Mode: Choose "Smash" from the main menu, then "Smash."
- Set Up a Match: You can set the stock to 1 and the timer to 1 minute for quick matches. Play against CPU characters or a friend.
- Keep Playing: The game will automatically keep track of your matches. After you've played a specific number of matches (this number varies, but it's usually in the hundreds), you'll hear the "New Challenger Approaching!" sound effect during or after a match.
- Defeat the Challenger: Just like with Classic Mode, you'll need to defeat the arriving challenger in a battle to unlock them.
Efficiency Tip: If you're just looking to rack up Versus matches quickly, set the stock to 1, time to the minimum, and play against a low-level CPU. You can even use two controllers to fight yourself, though this might be less exciting!
4. Collecting the Stickers and Trophies: A Hint of What's to Come
While not a direct unlock method for characters, collecting items like Stickers and Trophies in modes like Classic Mode, The Subspace Emissary, and even the Training Mode can sometimes offer hints or triggers for character unlocks.
How it works: Certain characters are linked to specific collectible items. Finding these items can sometimes be a prerequisite or a way to more reliably trigger their appearance.
Example: For instance, unlocking Mr. Game & Watch is heavily tied to collecting the Mr. Game & Watch Trophy and completing specific challenges.
The Bottom Line: Focus on playing through Classic Mode and The Subspace Emissary, and don't neglect Versus Mode. The combination of these modes will ensure you’re on the fast track to unlocking every character. Happy brawling!