Following the release of the final DLC character, the roster forSuper Smash Bros. Ultimatetotals over 80 characters. The long-running series is one ofNintendo’s most popular franchises, featuring characters from video game history battling it out. While every character is meant to be treated equal, some unfortunately get sidelined.
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Over the years, several characters have been added to theSuper Smash Brosroster and lack originality or strength. Oftentimes, these characters will get buffs or redesigns, such as the addition of Ganondorf’s sword inUltimate. These ten characters, as they currently are inUltimate, could definitely use some updates.
10Kirby
Kirby made his debut all the way back in the originalSuper Smash Brosfor Nintendo 64. His design has been pretty simple, featuring some iconic moves like his Stone form and hammer attack. However, most of his moveset design has been based arounda gimmick where he copies any player’s neutral special attacks.
Unfortunately, this gimmick has not helped Kirby in the long-run. As ofUltimate, Kirby ranks near the bottom of the tier list in competitive play. In future games, it’d be helpful if Kirby’s design wasn’t so reliant on his neutral special, and contained some alternate attack options that won’t be affected based on his opponent.
9Luigi
Luigi’s original moveset design inSmash 64was basically a carbon copy of Mario’s. Since then, the two have strayed in different directions, with Mario utilizing F.L.U.D.D. and Cappy, whereasLuigi gets alternate specials like the Luigi Missile and the Luigi Cyclone. However, Luigi could use more changes to differentiate him from Mario.
As ofUltimate, Luigi’s grab moves now utilize the Poltergust G-00 fromLuigi’s Mansion 3, and the invention also appears in his Final Smash. It would be interesting to see Luigi’s moveset incorporate it more into his special moves. By the nextSmashgame, Luigi’s playstyle could make him entirely unique from his brother.
8Zelda
The titular character fromThe Legend of Zeldahas gone through a lot of changes sinceSuper Smash Bros Brawl. As of the Wii U/3DS installments of the game, Zelda and Sheik are now two separate characters. As a result, Zelda has performed poorly competitively and often ranks low in competitive tier lists.
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Some changes made to Zelda could make her moveset fresh. Her new moveset could be based on the Champion’s abilities fromBreath of the Wild, giving her moves that restore health and recovery high and fast. Her Phantom move could also be removed to make room for a Toon Zelda fighter who battles in the Phantom armor.
7Young Link
Young Link suffers from a similar problem as Luigi. When the character was first introduced inMelee, he was similar in most aspects to Link. Few overhauls were made in the transition toUltimate, despite Young Link having incredibly potential foran original moveset based on theZeldatitleMajora’s Mask.
This improved Young Link could make use of the Masks that players acquire throughout the game. The specials could all use an ability that summon the Goron Mask, Deku Mask, and Zora Mask. Finally, Young Link’s Final Smash could incorporate the Fiercy Deity Mask, which would improve upon the Triforce Slash.
6Meta Knight
In theBrawldays, Meta Knight was considered to be the most broken character inSuper Smash Broshistory. As a result, the character was heavily nerfed inSuper Smash Bros 4, and received few buffs in the transition toUltimate. However, it may be time for the character to reclaim his former glory on theSmashtier list.
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Currently, Meta Knight ranks significantly low on theUltimatetier list, which is a harsh drop fromSSB4. To even get back to the way he was in the previous entry, Meta Knight would need some serious buffs in his dash attacks and combo potential. Hopefully, Meta Knight can become good without being frustrating to fight against.
5Toon Link
The replacement for Young Link was introduced inBrawl, yetsuffers similar shortcomings to the original Link clone. It can be exhausting forSmashfans to have three Links in the game with very few differences between them. Considering the changes suggested for Young Link, Toon Link could have similar reworks.
Fortunately,The Wind Wakerprovides lots of options for new special moves for Toon Link. These new specials can utilize the unique items in this game, such as the Grappling Hook, Mirror Shield, and Skull Hammer. There could also be moves that make use of Toon Link’s nautical abilities, as well as the Wind Waker instrument.
4Little Mac
Little Mac’s competitive potential was doomed from the start. Upon the character’s introduction toSSB4, it was revealed that Little Mac would be exclusively a grounded fighter, having little to no options for airborne fights. This has essentially crippled Little Mac’s strength, keeping him low tier in bothSSB4andUltimate.
Suffice it to say, for a character as anticipated as Little Mac throughout Smash’s history,thePunch-Outstar deserves better. These changes could include making Little Mac’s grounded potential even more threatening than it already is. Increased speed could also make this character hard to avoid when not airborne.
3Dark Pit
Not manySmashfans were predicting Dark Pit’s appearance inSSB4. However, the Echo Fighter of Pit has proven to be a worthwhile variation of theKid Icaruscharacter. Among the few differences between the two include different Final Smashes and an altered Side Special. However, more could still be done.
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It’s odd that only Dark Pit’s side special was changed.Kid Icarus Uprisinghas a large inventory of weapons that could potentially make for a good moveset. Dark Pit’s neutral special could make use of his Dark Pit Staff, while his down special could replace the Guardian Orbitars with more offensive options.
2King K. Rool
Similar to Little Mac, King K. Rool’s appearance inUltimatehas been a long-time coming. That’s why it’s so shocking that the heavyweight icon lingers near the bottom of the competitive tier list.A character like King K. Rool deserves to be way more menacing on the battlefield, and that could be done with a few small changes.
While K. Rool’s strengths are quite significant, his weaknesses often prove to be detrimental in fights. Because of this, the nextSmashgame could see King K. Rool get increased mobility, allowing him to evade easy combos better. It’d be hard to change aspects like his weight or hurtbox, so changes like this would be integral.
1Piranha Plant
Piranha Plant might be the least-expected character in all ofSmashhistory, even next to Wii Fit Trainer and R.O.B.. As the first DLC character inUltimate, Piranha Plant was a solid choice as a fun, bonus character for those who bought the game early. Still, it would be exciting to see the character become impossibly strong.
To increase Piranha Plant’s viability, many of his attacks would have to become quicker to not suffer from end lag. Additionally, his weight and mobility could also be altered, making him be less susceptible to combo attacks. The day whenPiranha Plant wins a competitive tournamentwill be a hilarious day inSmashhistory.
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