The new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has a pretty steep learning curve. We show you tips and tricks that will make your battles easier.
In the new Super Smash Bros. game, as always, it’s about fast fights and the best combinations to achieve victory. We have gathered some tips that should help you become a better fighter.
But besides all the tricks, there is one saying that is worth its weight in gold: Practice makes perfect!
These tips will help you improve
Tip 1: Learn the controls and change them if necessary

Before you fight well, you should internalize the controls. You should know where to execute each attack. In the settings, you can also change the controls, so try out different settings on your controller. How does it play best for you? Here it takes some experimentation. For starters, it is helpful to disable “Stick Jump” in the settings. This way, you won’t jump automatically when you move the stick up.
Tip 2: Fight against weak NPCs
Before you dive into online battles, you should first apply your combat knowledge against NPCs. If this is your first Super Smash Bros., set the NPCs to easy. Here you can practice your attacks and get better. Once you feel confident enough, plunge into the online battle.
Tip 3: Try to stay alive
In a fight against NPCs, you should try the following: Let yourself get beaten up and try to dodge the opponents’ attacks. If you get hit and fly off the stage, try to return to the battlefield with your character through flying abilities or special attacks. If you master these skills well, you will survive longer in real situations.
Tip 4: Try out characters

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has over 70 different characters. Try out each fighter and choose a main character. You will internalize their special attacks. However, also look for other fighters. There may always be someone who fits you even better. We provide an incentive on which characters are good in our tier list.
Tip 5: Change the rules in your battles
New rules also mean a new fighting experience. If you fight with many items, you can try out all the new items and use them effectively. If you fight without items, more emphasis is placed on pure combat. Both will enhance your skills significantly.
Tip 6: Use your character’s rage
The longer a fight lasts, the more likely it is that your character will become enraged. Smoke rises over your character. When you see that, you should go on the offensive. Your fighter will become stronger and deal more damage to the opponent.
Tip 7: Use spirits

In the “World of Light” game mode, you unlock spirits of characters. They are the souls of fighters and make your characters stronger. The more you play in that game mode, the more spirits you can unlock. Each fighter can equip multiple spirits.
There are primary spirits that directly improve your character’s strength. They can increase the attack and defense of the fighter. The more you fight with them, the stronger they become. Additionally, there are support spirits that grant your characters special abilities. For example, your fighter can become immune to certain attacks.
Tip 8: Use the battlefield to your advantage
There are numerous battlefields in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Many of these arenas bring various advantages. Some arenas move quickly in one direction, for example. Knock your opponent in the opposite direction. This way, they can fall off the battlefield faster and get knocked out.
Tip 9: Fight with shields
When you fight, always use your shield for defense. In the standard controls, you can use ZL or ZR to activate it. Not only is the attack important, but also the defense. You can also use the shield in the air. There, you don’t use the shield itself, but jump to the side. This way, you can often save yourself from further damage.
Update: This article was updated on December 28th with two additional tips.
What are your tips for improving?
Super Smash Bros Ultimate gets top ratings, but the online mode is terrible. We show you the players’ opinions.


