how to unlock all smash bros melee characters

Super Smash Bros. Melee is renowned for its fast-paced gameplay and deep competitive scene, but for many players, the initial roster of 14 characters is just the beginning. The game hides an additional 11 fighters behind various unlock conditions, turning the process of revealing the full cast into a rewarding journey of its own. This guide details every method to unlock all characters, ensuring you can build the complete roster for your battles.

Table of Contents

Understanding Unlock Methods
Unlocking Characters Through VS. Matches
Unlocking Characters Through Classic Mode
Unlocking Characters Through Adventure Mode
Unlocking Characters Through Target Test
The Special Case of Jigglypuff and Mewtwo
Final Verification and Tips

Understanding Unlock Methods

Characters in Super Smash Bros. Melee are unlocked through specific, repeatable in-game actions. Unlike later entries in the series, there is no central "Challenges" menu or in-game shop. Instead, characters appear as challengers after meeting certain criteria, most commonly by playing a set number of VS. Mode matches or by completing specific single-player modes with particular characters. After a challenger appears, you must defeat them in a one-stock battle on a random stage to add them to your roster. If you lose this battle, you can re-encounter them later by returning to the main menu and entering VS. Mode again, where they will reappear after a single match.

Unlocking Characters Through VS. Matches

The most straightforward method to unlock the majority of the secret cast is by playing VS. Mode matches. The game counts cumulative matches played, and after reaching certain thresholds, a new challenger will approach. It is crucial to note that these matches must be played on a single save file; starting a new file resets the counter. The VS. Match unlocks are as follows: Dr. Mario appears after 10 VS. matches, Luigi after 50, Falco after 100, Young Link after 200, Ganondorf after 400, and Mr. Game & Watch after 1000 matches. This method requires patience but is reliable and can be expedited by setting up one-stock matches against a level 1 CPU and finishing them quickly.

Unlocking Characters Through Classic Mode

Classic Mode serves as the unlock path for several iconic fighters. To unlock these characters, you must complete the mode with a specific character, often on any difficulty. Marth is unlocked by completing Classic Mode with any character without using continues. Completing Classic Mode with Zelda will unlock her alter-ego, Sheik. Roy, Marth's fiery counterpart, is unlocked by completing Classic Mode with Marth himself. This method ties character progression directly to gameplay mastery, encouraging players to explore different fighters within the single-player experience.

Unlocking Characters Through Adventure Mode

Adventure Mode offers a more narrative-driven path to unlocking characters. To unlock the Kong family's patriarch, you must complete Adventure Mode with any character on any difficulty. This will trigger a battle against Donkey Kong. Similarly, completing Adventure Mode with all 14 starting characters, a significant but rewarding undertaking, will unlock the final secret character of this method. This approach incentivizes players to master the entire initial roster across the varied worlds and enemies of Adventure Mode.

Unlocking Characters Through Target Test

A unique and skill-based unlock method involves the Target Test mini-games. To unlock the versatile bounty hunter Samus Aran, you must clear all five Target Test stages with any five different characters. This means you need to successfully complete the individual time-trial challenge for five separate fighters. This method tests a player's understanding of character-specific movement and attack options, providing a distinct challenge from standard combat.

The Special Case of Jigglypuff and Mewtwo

Two characters, Jigglypuff and Mewtwo, have unlock conditions based purely on time investment. Jigglypuff, the balloon Pokémon, becomes available after completing any single-player game mode, such as Classic or Adventure, a total of 50 times. These completions can be spread across different modes and characters. Mewtwo, the legendary Psychic-type Pokémon, has the most demanding time-based requirement. A challenger will appear after a total of 20 hours of cumulative playtime across all modes on a single save file. This includes time spent in VS. Mode, making it a passive unlock for players who enjoy the game extensively. Both conditions underscore Melee's design philosophy of rewarding prolonged engagement.

Final Verification and Tips

After meeting an unlock condition, the "Challenger Approaching!" screen will appear upon returning to the main menu from any mode. Victory in the subsequent battle is permanent. For those seeking efficiency, focusing on VS. Matches unlocks six characters relatively quickly. Simultaneously, working through Classic and Adventure Mode with various fighters will unlock others. The 20-hour timer for Mewtwo runs continuously, so leaving the game idle on the menu can technically fulfill this requirement, though engaging with the game is more rewarding. Ultimately, the process of unlocking every fighter in Super Smash Bros. Melee is a comprehensive tour of the game's features, designed to transform a new player into a seasoned veteran familiar with every facet of its rich content.

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