Choosing a character in Super Smash Bros Ultimate can feel overwhelming. With more than 80 fighters available, many players spend hours testing characters without knowing whether they are investing their time in the right one. A fighter that feels powerful in casual matches may struggle in competitive play, while a character with a lower reputation might become extremely strong in the hands of the right player.
This Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list explains how characters are ranked, which fighters consistently perform well, and how you should use tier lists to improve your gameplay. Instead of simply copying a ranking, this guide focuses on practical experience: understanding matchups, learning character strengths, and choosing a fighter that fits your playstyle.
Whether you are looking for the current Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list, comparing older rankings like the October 2020 tier list, or searching for a reliable way to choose your main character, this article will help you make a smarter decision.
What Is a Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tier List?
A tier list is a ranking system that places fighters into groups based on their overall effectiveness in competitive matches.
In Super Smash Bros Ultimate, rankings usually consider:
- Tournament performance
- Matchup advantages and disadvantages
- Recovery options
- Speed and mobility
- Damage output
- Difficulty level
- Consistency against different opponents
A tier list does not mean a “low-tier” character cannot win. It simply shows how difficult it may be for that character to succeed against the strongest fighters.
For example, a skilled player using a character with fewer advantages can defeat a beginner using a top-tier fighter. Player skill, experience, and matchup knowledge often matter more than the ranking itself.
Current Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tier List Overview
The competitive scene continues to change as players discover new strategies. While exact rankings vary between players and organizations, the strongest characters generally share similar qualities:
- Excellent neutral game
- Reliable damage options
- Strong recovery
- Good tournament consistency
- Ability to handle many matchups
A general competitive ranking looks like this:
S Tier Fighters (Elite Characters)
S-tier characters are considered the strongest overall. They usually have few major weaknesses and perform well against a wide variety of opponents.
Common S-Tier Examples:
Steve
Steve is one of the most unique fighters in Smash Ultimate. His ability to collect materials, create blocks, and control space gives him tools that other characters simply do not have.
Why players value Steve:
- Extremely strong damage output
- Creative stage control
- Powerful edge-guarding
- Excellent defensive options
The biggest challenge is his complicated gameplay. A player who does not understand resource management will not get the same results as a tournament-level Steve player.
Sonic
Sonic’s speed makes him incredibly difficult to deal with. He controls the pace of the match and forces opponents to approach carefully.
Strengths:
- Best movement speed in the game
- Strong recovery
- Great survival ability
- Excellent at controlling time
However, Sonic requires patience. Many new players struggle because they try to play aggressively instead of using his speed strategically.
Joker
Joker remains one of the most complete fighters because of his mobility and flexibility.
Advantages:
- Fast movement
- Strong combos
- Excellent recovery
- Powerful Arsene transformation
Joker rewards players who enjoy aggressive but technical gameplay.
A Tier Fighters (Strong Competitive Choices)
A-tier characters are highly competitive and can win major tournaments with the right player.
Examples include:
- Palutena
- Pikachu
- Roy
- Kazuya
- Fox
- R.O.B.
- Cloud
- Wolf
These characters may have slightly bigger weaknesses than S-tier fighters, but their strengths are powerful enough to compete at the highest level.
Why A-Tier Characters Are Often Better For New Players
Many players make the mistake of choosing only S-tier characters. In reality, an A-tier fighter can be a better choice because:
- They may be easier to learn
- Their game plan is clearer
- They require less technical execution
- You can improve faster
For example, Cloud is often easier to understand than a character like Steve. A beginner may achieve better results with Cloud even if Steve is technically stronger.
B Tier Fighters (Good But More Specialized)
B-tier characters can perform well but usually require more matchup knowledge.
Examples:
- Mario
- Luigi
- Link
- Zelda
- Meta Knight
- Captain Falcon
- Yoshi
These fighters are not weak. They simply need better decision-making from the player.
A common mistake is assuming B-tier means “bad.” Many successful players specialize in characters outside the highest rankings because they understand them deeply.
Lower Tier Fighters: Can They Still Win?
Yes.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate is different from many fighting games because the gap between characters is smaller than most people expect.
A lower-ranked fighter can succeed because:
- The player understands their moves better
- Opponents may not know the matchup
- Character-specific strategies can surprise people
For example, a player who has spent hundreds of hours mastering a unique character may defeat someone who only recently started using a top-tier fighter.
How Tier Lists Changed From 2020 to Today
Older rankings such as the Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list January 2020 and October 2020 tier list looked very different from modern opinions.
Early in Ultimate’s competitive life, players were still discovering character potential. Some fighters were underestimated because their strategies had not been fully developed.
Important changes over time:
Characters Became Stronger Through Discovery
Some fighters improved because players discovered:
- New combos
- Better recovery techniques
- More effective neutral strategies
- Advanced movement options
A character’s ranking is not permanent. Community knowledge changes constantly.
Online Play Influenced Early Rankings
During periods when online competition became more important, some characters appeared stronger because their moves were harder to react to online.
This created differences between:
- Offline tournament strength
- Online ladder performance
A character dominating online does not always mean they are the strongest in professional tournaments.
How To Choose Your Main Character Using a Tier List
A tier list should guide your decision, not control it.
Follow these steps:
1. Identify Your Playstyle
Ask yourself:
Do you enjoy:
- Fast aggressive attacks?
- Defensive strategies?
- Long combos?
- Heavy power moves?
- Tricky setups?
Examples:
Aggressive players may enjoy:
- Fox
- Roy
- Joker
Players who prefer control may like:
- Steve
- Sonic
- Pac-Man
Players who enjoy powerful attacks may prefer:
- Bowser
- Kazuya
- Donkey Kong
2. Test Characters Beyond Five Minutes
A common mistake is judging a fighter too quickly.
A character may feel weak because:
- You do not know their combos
- Their movement feels unusual
- Their recovery requires practice
Spend several hours before deciding whether a character fits you.
3. Consider Difficulty Level
Some top-tier characters are difficult to master.
For example:
- Steve requires resource management
- Kazuya requires precise execution
- Peach requires advanced movement skills
A simpler character played extremely well is often stronger than a complicated character played poorly.
Common Mistakes Players Make With Tier Lists
Mistake 1: Changing Characters Every Week
Many players constantly switch because they see a new ranking.
The problem:
You never develop deep matchup knowledge.
Improvement comes from:
- Understanding your character’s limits
- Learning opponent habits
- Practicing difficult situations
Mistake 2: Believing Tier Lists Guarantee Wins
A top-tier character does not automatically create success.
A player using Steve with no strategy will lose to an experienced Mario player.
Skill still matters.
Mistake 3: Ignoring Personal Strengths
A character’s ranking is based on the entire competitive community.
Your personal performance may be different.
Some players naturally perform better with:
- Heavy characters
- Technical characters
- Defensive fighters
- Rushdown characters
The best character is often the one you enjoy enough to master.
Unique Insights About Smash Ultimate Tier Lists
1. Matchup Knowledge Can Beat Tier Differences
One overlooked factor is familiarity. A player who understands a difficult matchup can remove many advantages from a higher-tier character.
A well-prepared low-tier specialist can be more dangerous than a casual top-tier player.
2. Character Difficulty Changes Real Power
A fighter’s theoretical strength is not always their practical strength.
A character may rank highly because professionals can maximize their tools, but average players may perform better with a simpler fighter.
The “best” character depends on the person controlling them.
3. Consistency Matters More Than Highlight Moments
Some characters look incredible when everything works perfectly but struggle in difficult situations.
Competitive strength comes from reliability:
- Safe moves
- Strong recovery
- Good defense
- Multiple winning strategies
Consistency often separates tournament winners from flashy players.
Super Smash Bros Ultimate Tier List Maker: Are They Useful?
Tier list makers are popular because they allow players to create personal rankings.
They are useful for:
- Comparing opinions
- Understanding character preferences
- Creating casual rankings with friends
However, they should not replace competitive analysis.
A personal tier list may be completely different from a professional ranking because it depends on:
- Player skill
- Experience
- Favorite playstyle
- Character knowledge
FAQ
What is the current Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list?
The current tier rankings generally place characters like Steve, Sonic, Joker, and other highly consistent fighters near the top. Rankings change as players discover new strategies and tournament results develop.
Is the Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list from 2020 still accurate?
No. Older tier lists from January 2020 or October 2020 reflect the knowledge of that time. Many characters have changed positions as players discovered new techniques and strategies.
Who is the strongest character in Super Smash Bros Ultimate?
There is no universally accepted single strongest fighter, but Steve is often considered one of the most powerful characters because of his unique abilities and competitive success.
Should beginners choose an S-tier character?
Not always. Beginners often improve faster with characters that match their preferred playstyle and have easier learning curves.
Can low-tier characters win tournaments?
Yes. Skilled players can succeed with lower-ranked characters through strong fundamentals, matchup knowledge, and character mastery.
Conclusion
The Super Smash Bros Ultimate tier list is a helpful tool, but it should not decide your entire journey. Rankings show competitive potential, not guaranteed success.
The strongest player is usually not the person who chooses the highest-ranked character. It is the person who understands their fighter deeply, practices consistently, and learns how to adapt.
Whether you choose a top-tier competitor like Steve or a less popular character that fits your style, long-term improvement comes from knowledge and dedication. Use tier lists as guidance, but choose a character you are willing to master.
