With Super Smash Bros. Ultimate offering such an interesting roster of fighters, with every character unique in terms of design, strengths, weaknesses, and fighting style, the competitive scene is heating up faster. The community’s insight into which characters are most shining through differently matched games is disclosed more and more nowadays. Thus, this is what is called the SSBU tier list, or the ranking that helps understand each fighter’s viability in competitive play.
Table of Contents
Using this guide, we will break down the current SSBU tier list, including the top-tier fighters, middle-tier characters, and lower-tier picks. Additionally, we will define what makes characters great (or terrible) and how to pick the best main for your play style.
What is a SSBU Tier List?
A tier list is a ranked system where characters get categorized into groups based on how viable they are for competitive play. The tiers vary from “S-Tier,” which exemplifies the crème de la crème, to the infamous “F-Tier,” representing the least viable in high-stakes competition. Factors that cut inclusion in tier list rankings are:
- Versatility in moveset
- Recovery options and defensive strengths
- Speed and agility
- Combo potential
- Strength in specific matchups
Remember that tier lists fluidize. They may change depending on changes, updates, or corrections regarding the games or with feedback from players and emerging strategies. Having said that, let’s dive into this current tier list of SSBU, as well as what would make each fighter at the spike or the downfall.
SSBU Tier List Breakdown
S-Tier: The Best of the Best
Flexible toolkits of competitive S-Tier characters have stood atop the competitive play due to their powerful performances in matchups, results in tournaments, and good performances by most of them. Some of the much-hyped S-Tier players include
- Pikachu
This is an S-Tier fighter, and all thanks go to its speed, great combo potential, and effective edge-guarding. With awesome recovery and versatility, Pikachu can handle almost any opponent and makes one of the game’s most deadly picks. - Peach and Daisy
These two are technically rewarding shows of powerful combo chains and zoning abilities. Their unique floating mechanic allows them to put up aerial attacks with incredibly precise ranges, making it hard for most opponents to counter. - Wolf
Wolf is a simple choice with ample raw power behind solid projectiles, incredible kill moves, and an overbearing neutral game. He’s easily adaptable and easy to learn. That is why he is the favorite among players at all levels.
A-Tier: Highly Competitive Choices
A-tier fighters perform well in tournaments and have strong toolkits but are not at all flexible. They do not share the versatility of S-tier fighters. The best-of-the-A-tier roster includes the following:
- Palutena
Palutena has an all-around strong toolkit. She’s got a very good zoning game with attacks like “Explosive Flame” and “Auto-Reticle.” She has solid airdaltons and recovery ranks among the best. This is why Palutena is a favorite among veterans. - Roy
Roy has great speed and power with his attacks to become a close-range threat. He deals fantastic damage and is considered an aggressive pick, but poor range sometimes puts him in weak situations. - Zero Suit Samus
Zero Suit Samus is agile and strong in both air and ground play. Her versatile moveset rewards quick reactions, and good zoning, but against heavy hitters, her light weight becomes an issue for her.
B-Tier: Solid but Situational
B-tier fighters are decent choices with their strengths but at the cost of particular drawbacks. Notable B-tiers are:
- Mega Man
Mega Man can play quite projectile-based, a very strong zoning game. When close, however, the character is a disaster without learning projectile-based moves first. - Greninja
Greninja is quick, combo-vicious, and has moves that no one ever expects to see coming. While tricky and rewarding, Greninja’s low weight also means he can KO much more easily at lower percentages than most fighters.
C-Tier: Niche but Usable
C-tier characters are usable in specific situations and may have difficulty keeping up in the general sense of things with the higher-tiered competition. Standouts in the C-tier include:
- Dr. Mario
Dr. Mario has amazing close-range attacks, but his bad recovery and lack of response make him quite unsafe. In some matchups, he can simply take over, but the fact that he lacks flexibility puts him in lower ranks. - Jigglypuff
Jigglypuff is known for her solid aerial game. It’s a niche pick with low weight and high vulnerability to early knockouts, but she is rewarding for those who master her air-centric gameplay.
D-Tier and Below: Rarely Seen in Competitive Play
Characters in this tier have clear flaws that severely hinder them in competitive play. Examples include:
- Ganondorf
Ganon has a ton of raw power, and he will be dishing out huge hits on his opponents. However, combined with both of his speed stats being low, and his recovery being pathetic, he is extremely easy to punish for faster fighters. - Little Mac
Little Mac is a ground powerhouse with tremendous KO potential, but his air game and terrible recovery make him tough to succeed with, especially when edge guards are involved.
Key Factors Affecting SSBU Tier List
Many elements play into which tier a character falls into. For ease of reading, here’s a general summary:
- Matchup Versatility
Characters that tend to perform well across a wide variety of match-ups often rank higher. - Recovery Options
Good recovery is vital as it will mean a character survives edge-guarding or not. - Combo Potential
Characters with good combo moves which also have a smooth linking up of attacks are far more utility. - Community Feedback and Updates
Player strategies on one side and patches by the developers normally result in tier list shifting due to new strengths and weaknesses found.
Tips for Choosing Your Main Based on the SSBU Tier List
But while a tier list can be useful, make sure to choose a character you would like to play. Here are some pointers to help in the choice of main:
- Playstyle Compatibility
Choose a character that suits your preferred style of play or one of aggression, defense, or zoning. If you want to play high-paced fights, then it might be Pikachu or Roy, and if you prefer playing balanced games, try Palutena or Wolf. - Matchup Consideration
If you encounter a specific character often, look for a main with positive matchups against them. - Mastery Over Tier Rank
A high-tier character won’t make you better instantly-all about practice and gaining knowledge of their toolkit.
Conclusion: The Evolving SSBU Tier List
The tier list for SSBU is a continuation of the continually critical and dynamic competitive community. Although S-tier entries such as Pikachu and Wolf appear to specify the best of the game, each playable offers something different, which speaks to the high range of experiences and gameplay balance within the game. For the competitive player or someone looking to try some more serious gaming, understanding the tier list may help you grow and decide upon a great character to play according to your strengths.
With this guide, you will be able to make the right decision about your main in the next SSBU, keep up with your favorite tier list trends, and deepen your understanding of each fighter. Keep practicing, exploring your favorites, and most importantly, enjoy the game!
