Who Are the Best Smash Ultimate Characters?

Super Smash Bros Ultimate is huge, but it’s also left active development. The game has a big roster that you could spend forever mastering. Being done evolving though means that players have as long as they want to try and get to know their main, which makes finding the character to use even more important. How do you narrow a roster of 86 down to just the very best Smash Ultimate characters? The game’s fairly balanced, but there’s a handful of names which are fairly universal on the higher end.

Top 5 Best Smash Ultimate Characters

1. Steve

It’s difficult to pick an objective best, especially in as balanced of a game as Smash, but we have to acknowledge Steve.

If we’re picking a best, it would be him. The late-game DLC addition wasn’t ever really properly balanced. Smash active development ended before he could be reined in or really cracked. Since, players have evolved with Steve to make him one of the best characters to play in the game. Many even want Steve banned for having unfair tech.

One thing to bear in mind with Steve though is that he’s not the easiest to play. Just because players want him banned, it doesn’t mean he’s a win button. You’ll have to spend time learning some of the more advanced mechanics to really get the hang of him. While he is rewarding, especially to the very dedicated, he still needs work.

2. Pyra/Mythra

The Xenoblade Chronicles duo is one of the best Smash Ultimate characters. The game has a controversial number of “swordies”. However, this pair still manages to stand out. They have great aerial and ground options, a sword, finishing strength, and decent range. Their combos can work great here. They have strong mobility and a solid juggle too.

That’s really just their core kit too. One of their pair’s speed especially means it can take some time to exactly master them but they’re effective when you do.

3. Lucina

Another swordie pick who rises to the very top is Lucina. They’re well known for featuring heavily in sets from one of the best Smash Bros players. They can be taken to the pinnacle of the game, with fantastic combo potential. Lucina is another faster-paced character once you really drill down but with a more interesting variety of moves.

4. Joker

When Joker was first added to the game, they were a character who some thought might be repeating Smash 4’s mistake of overpowered DLC. Especially once we saw what MKLeo could do with him. In the time since they’ve definitely been a lot more balanced though.

The Persona protagonist has a unique range of moves that cover different ranges in the game. He even has the extra Arcane mechanic which can make him unstoppable in skilled hands. If you can master his combos, Joker is one of the best Smash Ultimate characters.

5. Pikachu

While we’re focusing on the faster characters in the game, Pikachu also deserves a call out. His moveset isn’t too different to past games, but Ultimate’s different pacing has elevated him. Pikachu’s tiny little hitbox, great speed, and unique lightning attacks are a lot of fun. His smaller size can even make him a bit more forgiving to learn Smash Ultimate at first. Although, you’ll have to adjust to his floatier handling. Pikachu Smash Ultimate combos can make a strong pick.

Are There Worst and Best Smash Ultimate Characters? Is It Balanced?

Smash Ultimate is a lot better balanced than quite a few of its predecessors. The characters are evenly balanced. The most skilled players have taken low-tier characters to win Majors. Although, on the other hand, there are still some characters who stand out for their outsized kit.

The game is much better balanced than most with a similar roster could hope to be. For every Steve, there’s another pick who a committed player brings from obscurity to the top flight of Smash Bros esports. We’ve made out picks for the best Smash Ultimate characters, but the vast majority are worth delving into.