How many characters in Smash Ultimate: A Complete Count

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stands as a monumental title in the world of competitive gaming and casual play alike. Launched in December 2018 for the Nintendo Switch, it quickly escalated to fame, not just as a fighting game but as a celebration of gaming history. The game's core appeal lies in its expansive and diverse character roster, featuring fighters from various video game universes.

This inclusivity has attracted a broad spectrum of gamers and sparked curiosity about just how many characters players can choose from. The number of characters in Smash Ultimate is more than a mere statistic; it represents the game's philosophy of embracing and uniting various gaming cultures under one exhilarating experience.

The Evolution of Smash Ultimate's Roster

• Initial Release (December 2018): The game debuted with an impressive roster of 74 fighters, including fan favorites and unexpected newcomers.
• First Expansion Wave: Introduced additional characters like Joker from Persona 5, capturing the attention of RPG fans.
• Subsequent DLC Packs: Continually expanded the roster with diverse characters like Banjo-Kazooie, appealing to nostalgia and introducing classic characters to a new generation.
• Surprise Additions: Including characters like Steve from Minecraft showcased Nintendo's commitment to unexpected, cross-universe collaborations.
• Final Roster Updates: The game's roster reached its zenith with adding characters such as Sephiroth from Final Fantasy and Sora from Kingdom Hearts, each bringing their unique gameplay styles and fanbases.
• Legacy Impact: Over time, The evolving roster expanded the gameplay possibilities and strengthened the game's position as a melting pot of gaming culture.

Counting the Characters

1. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)

• Total Characters: 89 (including Echo fighters and DLC characters).
• Notable Increase: The largest roster in the series, showcasing a significant leap from previous titles.

1. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS (2014)

• Total Characters: 58 (including DLC characters).
• Evolution: Introduced the concept of DLC characters, expanding the roster post-launch.

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (2008)

• Total Characters: 39.
• Milestone: Introduced third-party characters, broadening the scope of the series.

1. Super Smash Bros. Melee (2001)

• Total Characters: 26.
• Expansion: Doubled the roster of the original game, adding more depth and variety.

1. Super Smash Bros. (1999)

• Total Characters: 12.
• Beginning: The modest start of the iconic series, focusing on key Nintendo characters.

Spotlight on Notable Characters

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a treasure trove of gaming history, and some characters stand out for their impact and uniqueness. Mario, the face of Nintendo, is a staple in the series, representing the core of classic gaming. His versatility and familiarity make him a perennial favorite.

Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII was a groundbreaking addition to the roster, being one of the first major third-party characters. His inclusion brought a slice of RPG history into the game and surprised and delighted fans who never expected to see a Final Fantasy character in Smash.

Bayonetta, another third-party character, showcases the series' willingness to embrace more mature-themed games. Her complex combat style and unique aesthetic add a different flavor to the roster, appealing to a distinct segment of gamers.

King K. Rool from the Donkey Kong series represents the deep dive into Nintendo's history, bringing a classic villain into the modern gaming era. His inclusion resulted from fan requests, demonstrating Nintendo's responsiveness to its community.

Lastly, the addition of Steve from Minecraft was a testament to the game's cultural reach. Minecraft's global popularity and unique block-building gameplay introduced a completely new style to the Smash universe, underscoring the game's diverse appeal and adaptability.

Each of these characters' distinct origins and impacts illustrates the breadth and depth of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's roster, making it a vibrant tapestry of gaming history and culture.

DLCs and Future Expansions

• Initial Role of DLC: DLCs introduced new characters, stages, and music, significantly expanding the gameplay experience and roster diversity post-launch.
• Fighters Pass Vol. 1 & 2: These passes added 11 new characters, ranging from highly requested fan favorites to surprising picks from various gaming franchises.
• Impact on Game Longevity: DLCs have extended the game's life, continually renewing interest and engagement within the community.
• Community-Driven Choices: Some DLC characters were influenced by community feedback, showing a symbiotic relationship between the developers and the players.
• Speculation on Future Content: While the game's director, Masahiro Sakurai, has indicated the end of major character additions, there's always potential for smaller-scale updates or new cosmetic items.
• Potential for Spin-offs or Sequels: The success of DLCs might influence the development of future games or spin-offs, potentially continuing the legacy of Smash Ultimate's diverse character roster.

Conclusion

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate stands as a monumental achievement in gaming, not just as a fighting game but as a celebration of gaming culture. Its roster, enriched through successive expansions and DLCs, offers an unparalleled diversity, bringing together characters from various gaming universes under one roof. This vast assortment of fighters has provided endless entertainment and replayability and served as a homage to the rich history of video gaming. The game transcends traditional genre boundaries, uniting players from all walks of gaming life, and continues to surprise and delight with its evolving content. As it stands, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is more than just a game; it's a continuously unfolding story that celebrates the joy, creativity, and community spirit of the gaming world.