How To Unlock All Smash Bros Melee Characters
Hey there, fellow Smash Bros. adventurer! So, you've dusted off that trusty GameCube controller, right? And you're ready to dive back into the glorious chaos of Super Smash Bros. Melee. Awesome! But wait, are you staring at a roster that looks… a little sparse? Like, where's everyone else? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Unlocking all those hidden gems isn't some impossible quest, nope. It's more like a fun scavenger hunt. Think of it as the game's way of giving you little presents. Presents that punch, kick, and occasionally explode. Pretty sweet deal, eh?
We're gonna go through this together, sip by sip, like a good coffee break. No need to stress. Most of these unlocks are pretty straightforward. It's all about playing the game, doing cool stuff, and proving you're worthy of wielding their mighty power. So, grab your favorite mug, get comfy, and let's get cracking. Ready to meet your new mains?
The OG Crew is Just the Beginning!
So, you start the game, and you’ve got your initial lineup. You know, the heavy hitters, the speedy ones, the ones who are kinda… weird? They're all there, ready to rumble. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg, my friend. Melee is famous for its massive roster. It’s like a party, and you’ve only invited like, five people. Where’s the rest of the guest list? They’re waiting for you to earn them!
And honestly, earning them is half the fun. It’s not like you have to spend hours grinding or solving ancient riddles. It’s more about… playing. Just good old-fashioned brawling. So, if you’re looking to complete your collection, you’re in the right place. We’re gonna break down how to get everyone.
Jigglypuff: The Balloon of Doom
First up, let’s talk about one of the most iconic unlocks. You want Jigglypuff? The adorable, yet surprisingly deadly, pink puffball? Easy peasy. All you gotta do is play 50 Vs. Matches. Yep, just fifty. That’s it. Go ahead, pick your favorite character, and just fight. Doesn't matter if you win or lose, just rack up the matches. Fifty rounds of pure, unadulterated Smash. Before you know it, a little notification will pop up. “A new challenger approaches!” And there she is, ready to sing you to sleep… or a brutal defeat.
Think about it. Fifty matches. That’s like, a long afternoon of fun. Or maybe spread it out over a week. No pressure! And the reward? A character who can absolutely wreck house with her Rest attack. So worth it, right?
Mewtwo: The Psychic Powerhouse
Now, for the legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo. This one's a little more involved, but still totally doable. You need to have played through Classic Mode with 10 different characters. That’s the mode where you fight a series of opponents, usually ending with a boss. So, you’ll need to beat it with Mario, then Luigi, then Link, and so on. Ten different characters. It sounds like a lot, but think of it as a tour of the entire Melee roster. You’ll get a feel for everyone!
Once you’ve conquered Classic Mode ten times with ten different folks, Mewtwo will appear. He’s a real powerhouse, with those psychic abilities and that incredible aerial game. He’s a fan favorite for a reason. So, get ready to master those ten characters and unlock this magnificent beast.
Mr. Game & Watch: The Retro Icon
Ah, Mr. Game & Watch. The man, the myth, the… well, the flat dude. He's a blast to play, with his quirky moveset and that iconic bucket. To unlock him, you’ve got two main routes. The easiest, arguably, is to play 1000 Vs. Matches. Yeah, a grand total of a thousand. Don't panic! This sounds like a huge number, but Melee is a game you can sink hundreds, if not thousands, of hours into anyway. So, if you're planning on really playing Melee, you'll probably get him naturally.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling a bit more ambitious, you can beat Classic Mode with every single character. That’s right, all of them. That's a significant commitment, but it also means you'll be a Melee master by the time you're done. Whichever path you choose, Mr. Game & Watch is a unique addition to your roster. His 9-hit aerial combo? Unmatched. Pure chaos.
Dr. Mario: The Other Mario?
Yep, there’s another Mario. Dr. Mario, specifically. He’s got a slightly different feel to his moveset, a bit more grounded and punchy. To get him, you need to beat Classic Mode with Mario 10 times. So, you’re gonna be playing through Classic Mode with the main man himself, a solid ten times. This is a great way to really get to grips with Mario's ins and outs, and maybe even discover some cool combos you never knew existed.
Ten runs through Classic Mode as Mario might sound a bit repetitive, but consider it practice! You'll be a Mario expert by the end. And who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy it so much you’ll want to use him in actual matches. He’s got that iconic F.L.U.D.D. replacement, the Mega Buster. Classic.
Pichu: The Tiny Electric Menace
Pichu! The little guy who hurts himself as much as he hurts his opponents. He’s a high-risk, high-reward character. To unlock this adorable little lightning bolt, you need to play 200 Vs. Matches. That’s a step up from Jigglypuff, but still very achievable. Just keep on smashing! The more you play, the closer you get.
And when Pichu finally appears, get ready for some electrifying gameplay. Just try not to get too close to yourself, okay? It's a bit of a self-sabotage situation, but when it works, it’s glorious. A tiny, zapping force of nature.
Falco: The Bird of Prey
Falco Lombardi. The hotshot pilot from Star Fox. He’s got a different vibe than Fox, a bit more methodical, a bit more… cool. To unlock him, you need to beat Classic Mode with Fox. That’s it! Just one run through Classic Mode as the main Star Fox himself, and Falco will be yours. Pretty straightforward, right?
This is a great introduction to the Star Fox characters. You get to play as Fox, get a feel for his abilities, and then unlock his wingman. Falco’s laser is a great zoning tool, and his aerial combos are insane. Definitely a character worth unlocking.
Marth: The Hero of Fire Emblem
Marth. The legendary swordsman from Fire Emblem. He’s known for his tipper mechanic, where the tip of his sword does more damage. To unlock Marth, you need to beat Classic Mode with 10 different characters. Wait, didn't we just say that for Mewtwo? Yep! So, if you're aiming for Mewtwo, you'll get Marth along the way. Double win!
Marth is a fantastic character with a high skill ceiling. Mastering his tipper can lead to some incredibly satisfying KOs. So, if you haven’t already, start working on that Classic Mode completion. You’ll be thanking me later.
Luigi: The Green Machine
Even Luigi needs unlocking! It’s wild, right? The second most famous plumber in the world, and you gotta earn him. To get Luigi, you need to beat Classic Mode with Mario 1 time. Seriously, just one run. That’s it. So, if you're just starting out and exploring the roster, you'll probably unlock Luigi before you even realize it.
Luigi has a unique floaty jump and some hilarious taunts. He’s a blast to play and adds another fun dimension to the Mario Bros. family. So go ahead, give Mario a spin, and Luigi will be waiting.
Roy: The Other Fire Emblem Swordsman
Roy. Another swordfighter from Fire Emblem, with a more aggressive playstyle than Marth. To unlock him, you need to beat Classic Mode with Marth. So, once you've unlocked Marth, just play through Classic Mode with him. Easy enough, right?
Roy’s sweet spot is actually at the hilt of his sword, making him a close-range brawler. He’s got that fiery personality to match his sword. Definitely a character you’ll want to have in your arsenal.
Young Link: The Younger Hero
Young Link. A familiar face, but with a slightly different moveset from Link. He’s faster and has some different projectile options. To unlock Young Link, you need to beat Classic Mode with 5 different characters. So, if you’re working towards Mewtwo or Marth, you’ll get Young Link along the way. See? It all ties together!
Young Link is a great character for players who like a mix of zoning and rushdown. His boomerang and bomb are still effective, but he feels a bit more nimble. A good stepping stone to mastering the other Links.
Ganondorf: The King of Evil
Ah, Ganondorf. The embodiment of evil. Huge, slow, and hits like a truck. To unlock this mighty villain, you need to beat Classic Mode with Captain Falcon. That’s right, the blue blur’s nemesis is unlocked by playing as the blue blur. A little irony there, eh?
Ganondorf is a pure power character. If you like to feel the impact of every hit, he’s your guy. Just try not to get hit yourself, because he’s not exactly the fastest mover. But when he connects, it's devastating. Prepare for some epic down-airs.
Ness: The Psychic Kid from EarthBound
Ness! The lovable psychic kid from EarthBound. He’s got some weird and wonderful moves, like that yo-yo and the PK Fire. To unlock Ness, you need to beat Classic Mode with 5 different characters. Again, if you’re working on the other unlocks, you’ll likely get Ness naturally. It's like the game rewards you for playing!
Ness is a unique character. His PK Thunder recovery can be a bit tricky to master, but when you do, he’s incredibly rewarding. And who can forget that iconic PK Starstorm? So satisfying.
Mewtwo: The Second Mention, Because He’s That Cool (And Slightly Misunderstood)
Okay, yes, I know we already mentioned Mewtwo. But I wanted to reinforce how you get him, because he's such a sought-after unlock. Remember? Play through Classic Mode with 10 different characters. Seriously, that’s the key. It sounds like a lot, but it’s a fantastic way to explore the entire roster. You’ll be a seasoned Melee pro by the time you’ve done it.
And honestly, Mewtwo is worth the effort. His psychic powers are devastating, and he has a really cool, imposing presence. Don’t skip out on this one.
Captain Falcon: The Blue Blur's Rival
Captain Falcon! The guy with the knee of justice. He’s all about speed and powerful combos. To unlock him, you need to beat Classic Mode with 15 different characters. Whoa! That’s a big one. But think of it as the ultimate Melee challenge. You'll become a master of almost every character on the roster by the time you're done.
And when you finally unlock Captain Falcon? It’s a glorious feeling. That Falcon Punch. That Down-Air Knee. It’s all pure, unadulterated hype. So, put in the work, and you'll be shining bright like a Falcon.
Bowser: The King of the Koopas
Bowser! The big, bad turtle king. He’s slow but incredibly powerful. To unlock him, you need to beat Classic Mode with 5 different characters. See a pattern here? This game really wants you to try out different fighters. So, if you're still working on those earlier unlocks, Bowser will come to you.
Bowser’s sheer weight and power are undeniable. He’s a great character for beginners who want to feel like they’re dominating. Just don’t expect to be doing any fancy aerial dodges with him. He’s more of a ground-and-pound kind of guy. And that Fire Breath? So satisfying.
Ice Climbers: The Duo of the Tundra
The Ice Climbers! Popo and Nana, working together. They’re a unique duo, and their synergy can be devastating. To unlock them, you need to beat Classic Mode with 10 different characters. Yep, that again. It’s the magic number for a lot of these unlocks. So, keep on trucking through that Classic Mode!
The Ice Climbers are all about coordinating your attacks. When both Popo and Nana hit, the damage racks up quickly. They’re a bit of a challenge to control initially, but incredibly rewarding when you get them down. Their Desyncd grab? Legendary. And that frozen enemy? Chef’s kiss.
Sheik: The Ninja of Hyrule
Sheik! Zelda’s ninja alter-ego. Fast, agile, and surprisingly deadly. To unlock Sheik, you need to beat Classic Mode with 20 different characters. Twenty! This is one of the tougher unlocks, but it also means you’ll be a Melee expert by the time you achieve it. That’s a badge of honor, right there.
Sheik’s speed and mix-up potential are incredible. She can be a bit squishy, but her ability to control the pace of the match is unmatched. Get ready to master those combos and show everyone what you're made of.
Zelda: The Princess of Hyrule
And speaking of Zelda, she’s also an unlockable! To get Zelda, you need to beat Classic Mode with Sheik. So, once you've unlocked Sheik, just play through Classic Mode with her. It’s a bit of a chain unlock, but it makes sense lore-wise, doesn’t it?
Zelda herself has a more projectile-heavy playstyle compared to Sheik. Her Phantom Hurricane is a powerful move, and her Din’s Fire can control space. She’s a great complement to Sheik’s fast-paced attacks.
Pichu: A Second Mention, Because He's That Chaotic
Okay, I know, Pichu again. But sometimes, when you're just having fun playing, you might forget how you unlocked someone. So, for clarity: Play 200 Vs. Matches. That’s the ticket. This little electric terror will zap his way into your roster before you know it.
He's a fun, albeit self-harming, character. Just remember his electric moves can hurt him too. A true daredevil of the Smash universe.
Captain Falcon: The Hype Machine, Again!
You guessed it. Captain Falcon. Another reminder because he's that cool. Beat Classic Mode with 15 different characters. That’s the goal. Keep that Classic Mode grind going, and you’ll be kneeing your opponents into oblivion in no time.
His speed and power are what make him so beloved. And that final smash? Pure hype. You'll be screaming "FALCON PUNCH!" at your TV in no time. Just try not to break the controller.
The Final Frontier: The Hidden Characters
So, you've unlocked a good chunk of the roster. Feeling good? Awesome! But we're not quite done yet. There are a few more special characters hidden away, and they require a bit more… specific action.
Ganondorf: The Dark Lord Beckons
Yes, Ganondorf again! He's so cool, he deserves a double mention. How do you get him? Simple: Beat Classic Mode with Captain Falcon. That’s it. The King of Evil is unlocked by the guy who embodies pure speed. A classic rivalry, turned into a character unlock. So satisfying.
His power is immense. He’s slow, but every hit counts. A perfect reward for mastering Captain Falcon's aggressive style. Prepare for some earth-shattering blows.
Ness: The Psychic Power of EarthBound
And Ness! Our favorite psychic kid. How do you get him? Beat Classic Mode with 5 different characters. That’s the key. So, if you're working on unlocking other characters, you'll likely stumble upon Ness. He’s like a little surprise gift from the game!
His unique moveset and his iconic "OKAY!" are always a joy. Just be careful with that PK Thunder recovery. It’s a bit of a gamble, but when it pays off, it’s glorious.
The True Grind: The 1000 Match Challenge
Now, for the characters that require a bit more of a time investment. These are for the dedicated players, the ones who truly love Melee. Don't worry, it’s not impossible, it's just… a marathon, not a sprint.
Mewtwo: The Psychic Powerhouse (Yet Again!)
Yes, Mewtwo. One last time. We’ve covered the Classic Mode route. But you can also unlock him by playing 700 Vs. Matches. So, if you prefer the endless fun of Vs. battles over the structured Classic Mode, you can still get him. It just takes a little longer. Think of it as a gradual accumulation of awesome.
Seriously, Mewtwo is worth it. His psychic abilities are insane, and he’s a truly unique character. The more you play, the more you’ll appreciate his depth.
Mr. Game & Watch: The Retro Icon (One Last Time!)
And Mr. Game & Watch! We talked about the "beat Classic with everyone" route. But the other way to unlock this retro legend is to play 1000 Vs. Matches. Yes, a whole thousand! This is for the true grinders out there. But hey, if you’re enjoying the game, a thousand matches will fly by. And when you get him, his quirky moveset will be a breath of fresh air.
Think of all the amazing matches you'll have in those thousand games. You'll be a Melee master by then. And Mr. Game & Watch will be your well-deserved reward.
Pro-Tips for Unlocking Everyone!
Okay, so you've got the rundown. But how do you make this process go smoother? A few little tricks up my sleeve, my friend.
First off, focus on Classic Mode for most of the unlocks. It might seem repetitive, but it’s the fastest way to get many characters. Plus, you get better with the characters you’re playing as. It’s a win-win.
Secondly, don't be afraid to lower the difficulty if you're struggling. Nobody's judging! The goal is to unlock characters, not to prove you're the world's greatest Melee player (yet). So, set it to easy, blast through Classic Mode, and get those unlocks.
Thirdly, play with friends! Vs. Matches are more fun with others, and you’ll rack up those match counts without even realizing it. Plus, you can challenge each other to unlock specific characters. It adds a fun competitive element.
And finally, just have fun! Melee is an amazing game. The journey to unlocking all the characters is part of the experience. Don't rush it. Savor the victories, learn from your losses, and enjoy the ride. You'll be a Melee maestro in no time!
So there you have it! Your complete guide to unlocking every single character in Super Smash Bros. Melee. Go forth, my friend, and conquer the roster. The world of Smash is waiting for you. And who knows, maybe you'll discover a new main along the way. Happy smashing!