10 best Super Smash Bros. characters, ranked

Nothing like having a friendly brawl in Super Smash Bros…

In a series featuring over 89 playable fighters, there’s no shortage of options for the player to choose from. While the franchise has always been known for stuffing each subsequent title full of characters, usually each with their respective balancing concerns, there are still a decent number of standout figures that most people in the Smash community can probably agree warrant inclusion on any list of must-picks.

10. Donkey Kong

When it comes to heavy-weight powerhouses, it’s hard to overlook the king of the virtual Nintendo jungle, Donkey Kong. Regardless of which Super Smash Bros title you’re playing, if you’re looking for a brawler that can quickly rack up your opponent’s damage numbers, at the risk of having an enormous hitbox, Donkey Kong will always be a great pick. Few things are as satisfying as using DK’s grapple to forcibly hoist your opponent onto your back, and carry them off the cliff in a move of spiteful, self-destructive pettiness. Just be careful not to find yourself too close to a ledge, as it’s easy to fall, but difficult to rise.

9. Toon Link

Having three Links in the same game, as is the case with Super Smash Bros Ultimate, probably raises a few eyebrows, but it would be a clear mistake to dismiss each of these characters based on their similarities in name and appearance, as their respective playstyles are anything but identical. Landing successful combos using Toon Link’s bombs and hookshot, in addition to the usual light and heavy attacks, will allow you to steadily punish any opponent foolish enough to not counter with shields or a dodge. However, be careful, as your reduced physical stature also affects your damage numbers, resulting in less damage per hit than the adult Link variant. Consistency is more important than landing individual attacks.

8. Samus

Samus has always been something of a glass cannon when compared to most other Super Smash Bros characters, with high damage output potential, but with the added tradeoff of being incredibly vulnerable when within melee range. While these tendencies are also reflected in other characters included on this list, this is doubly true for Samus. Relying on her Charge Shot ability (which unleashes a charged energy blast dealing enormous damage and knockback) will allow you to clear the field of any distracted combatants. Alternatively, her Bomb attack will allow her to drop a series of small bombs that will be sure to irritate any foe unfortunate enough to find themselves below you at the time.

7. Snake

In a fighting game, long-range damage isn’t usually the de facto playstyle, but as Snake here proves, it can definitely be a rewarding play style. A fast-moving character, Snake specializes in both hand-to-hand combat, with quick jabs and dash attacks that can easily interrupt slower enemy attacks, as well as long-range missiles and grenades that can absolutely ruin someone’s day even at a distance. Like the reptile of the same name, Snake can strike fast and subsequently get out of range again faster than one might expect. Stay on top of him if you want to live to tell the tale.

6. Meta Knight

Knowing when to dive in, and when to run away, are key pieces of information for any Meta Knight player to know, if they ever want to find themselves landing in the top spot. His wide range of powerful attacks, all of which can be initiated in rapid succession, allow for many different combo opportunities. His recovery moves can be difficult for less experienced players to pull off, which is likely why the developers allow for the player multiple attempts, rather than a singular failed recovery resulting oftentimes in immediate death, as is the case with most other characters. Given the cheap cost and high reward of basic moves, along with the knockback that can be produced from more powerful abilities, Meta Knight remains a powerful contestant on the battlefield.

5. Kirby

If you’re after adaptability, it’s hard not to pick Kirby. His ability to swallow enemies whole, absorb some of their characteristics, and spit them back out, has always made his playstyle unique compared to the other fighters. Super Smash Bros Ultimate saw Kirby get a decent-sized buff, with his Inhale ability now being able to absorb projectiles, in addition to players and most objects. His Hammer Flip ability also proves crucial in destroying an enemy’s shield, leaving them momentarily exposed for a follow-up attack. While far from the strongest in the roster, the variety of options for play and counter-play in Kirby’s kit can make him a strong asset for a moderately-skilled player.

4. Peach

If you’re looking to put people in the ground while still appearing prim and proper, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to play a few matches as Peach. Whether you enjoy sending people flying with a well-timed slap, or putting your opponents to sleep with a melodious display of your vocal talents, Peach is a versatile fighter who specializes in recovery, rather than raw damage output. Her umbrella allows her to easily reach vertical heights, or glide down at a leisurely pace. Mistaking this princess for your typical damsel in distress could very well be a fatal mistake.

3. Ness

For those who might consider it potentially unethical to beat up an underage child, you might want to reserve your sympathy for this particular child prodigy. Equipped with telekinesis and a rather intimidating baseball bat, you’re not safe either up close, where Ness can eliminate you with potentially one swing from his bat, or at range, where he can deal steady small amounts of damage with PK Thunder. (A manually-aimed burst of electric energy.) As with other aforementioned characters like Donkey Kong, one of Ness’s primary weaknesses is his limited recovery options, so if you’re fighting a good Ness player, just send them off the stage and spam damage after them, to make it more difficult for them to regain their footing in time.

2. Fox

If speed, almost to the exclusion of all else, is your preference, Fox is a perfect pick. His blaster is great for poking enemies at range, and his Fox Illusion and Fire Fox (not related to any browser you may have heard of) abilities are good for either recovery or closing the distance between you and your opponents. As a lightweight character, similar to Toon Link, building up damage on your opponents will take time, but the aforementioned speed and survivability make Fox a great pick in nearly any situation.

1. Pikachu

The near-perfect balance between power, speed, and recovery, Pikachu is a highly-accessible character with only a minimal learning curve, while nevertheless offering a ton of value to those who have taken the time to master the move set. Similar to Ness, Pikachu utilizes a combination of elemental and melee abilities, which can deal moderate to high amounts of damage to the target. Pikachu combines its recovery moves with damage output, ensuring that not only can the player find their way back to the battlefield, but they can also simultaneously punish the nearest opponent with a generous dose of damage. Mastering this clean energy-fueled rodent will get you far, whether you’re playing casually or competitively.

Daniel Lenois

When not writing pieces for Destructoid and other sites, Daniel enjoys playing videogames, discovering narrative plot holes in books, films, and shows, and planning small getaway trips where unexpected adventures will likely ensue.