TL;DR
- World of Light mode provides steady character unlocks through story progression and Spirit collection
- Multiplayer matches trigger New Challenger appearances every 10 minutes or 3-4 matches
- Classic mode runs offer the fastest individual character unlocks at approximately 6 minutes each
- Advanced players can use one-stock suicide methods with 10-minute cooldowns
- Unlocking all base characters typically requires 10+ hours of gameplay
- DLC characters require separate purchase through Fighters Pass or individual packs
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features the most extensive character roster in series history, encompassing every fighter from previous installments alongside exciting newcomers such as King K. Rool, Isabelle from Animal Crossing, and Simon and Richter Belmont from Castlevania. However, new players encounter a significant limitation: only the original eight characters from the first Super Smash Bros. game are initially available. This deliberate progression system requires players to earn access to the complete roster through dedicated gameplay across various modes.
While no single predetermined path exists for unlocking most fighters, multiple reliable methods provide consistent progress. Understanding these systems helps optimize your unlocking efficiency and reduces unnecessary gameplay time.

Common mistakes include focusing exclusively on one unlocking method or failing to utilize the Challenger’s Approach feature for rematches. Advanced players should rotate between methods to maximize efficiency and avoid hitting artificial cooldowns that slow progress.
World of Light represents Ultimate’s innovative RPG-inspired single-player experience, where the Spirits system becomes central to gameplay. Starting exclusively with Kirby, you’ll navigate through hundreds of unique battles while collecting Spirits and acquiring various upgrades throughout your journey.
As you advance through the narrative, you’ll systematically rescue additional playable characters. Successfully freeing these fighters permanently unlocks them across all game modes, making World of Light an excellent choice for players seeking both story content and character progression.
Strategic progression through World of Light involves prioritizing character rescue missions when they appear. The mode’s non-linear structure allows for efficient routing to maximize character unlocks per hour of gameplay. Players should balance exploration with targeted progression toward known character locations.
For players preferring competitive matches or lacking interest in World of Light’s solo adventure, regular multiplayer battles offer another reliable unlocking pathway. During these sessions, you’ll periodically encounter the series’ signature “New Challenger” opportunities, where you face off against locked characters in one-on-one combat.
Successfully defeating these challengers immediately unlocks them for all game modes. Fortunately, the game provides generous retry mechanics, eliminating pressure to win on initial attempts. After accumulating sufficient playtime, you’ll gain access to Challenger’s Approach mode, enabling repeated attempts at previously failed unlock battles.
Based on extensive testing, New Challenger appearances typically occur every 3-4 matches or approximately every 10 minutes of gameplay. These encounters trigger between multiplayer sessions, so players focused on rapid character acquisition should periodically exit World of Light to capitalize on upcoming opportunities.
Optimization strategy involves alternating between short multiplayer sessions and other gameplay modes to maintain consistent unlock progression. Advanced players can track their unlock timing to predict optimal session lengths.
Solo players have additional options beyond World of Light, including the returning Classic mode. Completing any character’s Classic run reliably triggers New Challenger fights. This approach potentially represents your fastest individual character unlocking route, with complete runs requiring only about six minutes each when optimized.
Each fighter features a unique Classic mode route with specific opponent patterns and final bosses. Understanding these character-specific paths enables more efficient completion times.
Character-specific strategies include selecting fighters with shorter predetermined routes or those facing easier final bosses. Recording your completion times helps identify the most efficient characters for rapid unlocking sessions.
For players seeking maximum efficiency, creating custom rulesets with single-stock limits enables extremely rapid match completion. When the battle begins, immediately jumping off the stage to self-destruct quickly concludes the match, potentially triggering New Challenger appearances.
This advanced technique operates on an approximate 10-minute cooldown between forced unlocks. However, strategic players can bypass this limitation by completely closing and restarting the game software.
Based on community testing, unlocking the complete base roster typically requires around 10 hours of dedicated gameplay. However, this estimate varies significantly based on individual skill, method selection, and gameplay efficiency.
Critical optimization tip: Maintain detailed records of your unlock progress and method timing. This documentation helps identify patterns and optimize your approach for maximum efficiency.
Beyond the extensive base game roster, additional fighters continue releasing through DLC. The initial post-launch character, Piranha Plant, requires game purchase and registration by January 31, 2019 for free access.
Subsequently, five additional DLC characters will release by February 2020, beginning with Joker from Persona 5. Players can purchase individual character packs containing each fighter plus additional content, or opt for the Fighters Pass bundle offering all content at a discounted rate.
The identities of remaining DLC characters remain officially unannounced, maintaining anticipation within the community.
No methods exist to bypass the character unlocking process entirely. The progression system remains integral to the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate experience.
Action Checklist
- Complete World of Light story missions to rescue characters while collecting Spirits
- Play 3-4 multiplayer matches or wait 10 minutes between New Challenger appearances
- Speedrun Classic mode with different characters (6 minutes per run)
- Use one-stock suicide method for rapid attempts with 10-minute cooldown management
- Reset game software to bypass cooldown limitations when necessary
- Purchase Fighters Pass or individual DLC packs for additional characters
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » How To Quickly Unlock Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Master character unlocking strategies in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with proven methods and time-saving techniques
