The Smash Bros. Power Scale
Super Smash Bros. has one of the biggest and most diverse character rosters in gaming history. But let's be honest—not all of the characters are great. At the end of the day, some are just way more powerful and fun to play with than others. Let's explore the 10 worst and 10 best characters in this gaming universe, breaking down what makes them struggle or shine and why they deserve their ranking.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - Official Minecraft Steve Reveal Trailer by IGN
1. Little Mac
Little Mac is a perfect example of a fighter who looks intimidating but just doesn't deliver. His punches hit like a freight train, and his KO Punch is one of the deadliest moves in the game. The problem? He's completely useless in the air.
Little Mac Valentine's (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Machinima) by SmashWonders
2. Ganondorf
In any fast-paced game, slow characters get punished hard. Despite his raw strength, Ganondorf is slow and usually unimpressive. He's a big target, and his recovery is absolutely terrible, meaning that getting him offstage can be a death sentence.
23: Ganondorf – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
3. Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff is a legendary Smash character, and she has great aerial movement, but that's about it. Being light means she can be knocked out easily compared to heavier characters, and in Melee, this becomes a real issue. Without Rest landing at the right time, you'll struggle to rack up damage.
12: Jigglypuff – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
4. Pichu
While Pichu's speed and agility give it some great offensive options, the self-inflicted damage is a huge drawback. It's like trying to win a race while tripping over your own shoelaces. Pichu's fragility and lightweight make it an unreliable pick compared to other speedy characters like Fox or Pikachu.
19: Pichu – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
5. Wario
The infamous rival of Mario, Wario, was introduced in Brawl as a heavy-hitting character with a mix of aerial moves, oddball attacks, and the Wario Waft—a powerful move that charges up over time. Nevertheless, his sluggish movement and clunky attacks didn't mesh well with the game's fast-paced style.
30: Wario – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
6. Roy
Yes, Roy has a solid presence in later games, but his time in Melee left him somewhat overshadowed by more powerful characters. His biggest flaw was his poor range and slower speed compared to other swordfighters like Marth. While his attacks are powerful, they're difficult to land against faster characters.
25: Roy – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
7. Olimar
The tiny leader of the Pikmin, Olimar, is known for his ability to throw and control up to six Pikmin at once. However, his tiny size makes him very vulnerable to being knocked around. He also relies heavily on his Pikmin to deal damage, which can be difficult to manage under pressure.
40: Olimar – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
8. Charizard
As part of Pokemon Trainer in Brawl, Charizard has some heavy-hitting moves, and he retains that same raw power when he returns with Ultimate. Yet, his large hitbox and low mobility make him a prime target for faster characters. Also, Charizard's lightweight for his size makes him easier to launch than you'd expect.
Super Smash Bros 4 Charizard Greninja Pokemon Gameplay Trailer OFFICIAL by HassanAlHajry
9. Ice Climbers
The Ice Climbers made their Smash debut in Melee, where both Nana and Popo worked together to perform special combos. Nevertheless, their reliance on a complex two-character system makes them a high-skill pick that can be tough to use consistently.
15: Ice Climbers – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
10. Toon Link
Toon Link has a more agile playstyle compared to his older counterpart, Link. He focuses on projectiles, but he suffers from a lightweight frame that makes him vulnerable to being launched easily. Overall, his lack of range allows more aggressive fighters to overwhelm him easily.
43: Toon Link – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
Now, let's take a look at some of the best and most popular characters of the Smash Bros. Universe.
1. Fox
Smash Bros. fans love Fox's incredible speed, quick attacks, and advanced tech. He's one of the most dominant characters, with a toolkit that allows players to perform precise combos and control the stage with ease. Fox can outmaneuver most opponents with his lightning-fast attacks and exceptional mobility.
07: Fox – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
2. Pikachu
The iconic mascot of Pokemon, Pikachu, is another character that consistently ranks high across multiple Smash games. He's a fast, nimble character with a well-rounded moveset that gives him great combo potential. Moreover, his reliable recovery, thanks to Thunder Jolt and Quick Attack, makes it challenging to edge-guard or edge-trap him.
08: Pikachu – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
3. Marth
In both Melee and Ultimate, Marth is a dominant force thanks to his exceptional reach and ability to control the stage with his long-range attacks. His focus on spacing and timing makes him a popular pick for players who enjoy a more calculated, strategic approach to Smash.
21: Marth – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
4. Steve
Steve from Minecraft is one of the most unique additions to the Smash Bros. roster. He immediately became a force to be reckoned with due to his ability to mine resources, craft items, build structures, and use various tools to control the pace of the game.
5. Joker
A few characters managed to establish themselves the way Joker did. When his Rebel's Guard is charged, he summons Arsene, who gives him access to more powerful moves. Without Arsene, Joker is already a fast, mobile fighter with great combo potential using moves like his Down B and Up Smash.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Joker Fighter Reveal Trailer 4K by B.Weird Gaming
6. Sheik
Many fear Sheik from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for her ability to zero-to-death opponents with just a few quick hits. Her neutral air (Nair) is one of the best combo starters in the game. Even in Ultimate, she remains a high-tier character.
16: Sheik – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
7. Wolf
Wolf, from the Star Fox series, has a well-rounded moveset that allows him to effectively control close-range and long-range combat. His blaster is a fantastic tool for zoning and pressuring opponents from a distance. Plus, his recovery is also solid, making it harder for opponents to take him off the stage.
44: Wolf – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
8. Samus
While Samus has appeared in multiple Smash games, her role as a ranged fighter who can control space with projectiles remains a consistent part of her strength. Her arsenal of Charge Shots, Missiles, and Bombs makes her a fantastic zoning character, as she can keep opponents at bay while dealing damage.
04: Samus – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
9. Lucina
Known for her balance, Lucina is a great character for players who prefer solid attacks. She excels because of her consistent damage, not risky moves. Her forward smash and down tilt are reliable kill options, and her neutral Shield Breaker is perfect for breaking through defensive options.
21ᵋ: Lucina – Super Smash Bros. Ultimate by Super Smash Bros.
10. Snake
Snake's greatest strength is his tactical gameplay. His grenades, mines, and C4 give him the ability to control large sections of the stage, forcing opponents to play cautiously and avoid his traps. Overall, his projectile game and ability to zone make him a difficult character to approach.
