- Home
- /
- The games we play
- /
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a popular crossover fighting game developed by Nintendo. It features a diverse roster of characters from various gaming franchises, allowing players to compete in dynamic battles across imaginative stages. Renowned for its accessibility and depth, the game offers both casual fun and competitive gameplay, making it a favourite among gamers of all skill levels. Its vibrant graphics and engaging mechanics contribute to an exciting and inclusive gaming experience.
When it comes to competing in tournaments, two players face off on a stage as iconic characters from across gaming, and to win, they must knock their opponent off the screen. Instead of health bars, damage is shown as a percentage — the higher it rises, the further each hit sends the opponent flying. Players control the pace of the match through smart movement, spacing, and punishing mistakes, all while staying alive and avoiding the blast zones.
There’s a huge level of strategy involved. Every character has a unique toolkit, with different ranges, speeds, combos, and recovery options, so players need to analyse matchups, adapt to their opponent’s habits, and recognise when to pressure and when to hold back. Stage choice also matters: platforms, layouts, and blast-zone sizes can completely shift how a character performs. Items are turned off in competitive play, so everything comes down to skill, decision-making, and knowing your character inside and out.
Precision, reaction speed, mental endurance, and reading your opponent are the key attributes required to succeed.
There’s a lot to keep track of — characters each have dozens of moves, combo routes change based on percent, and situational awareness is constant, from edge-guarding to spacing to managing neutral. With the ever-evolving meta and global tournament scene, strategies shift and develop all the time. This means newcomers always have a way in, as the game rewards adaptation, creativity, and the ability to learn from every match.
Smash’s Roster
The roster of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate boasts a diverse selection of 82 characters, each bringing unique abilities, playstyles, and strategies to the game. This extensive lineup includes beloved icons from various gaming franchises, ensuring a wide range of options for players to explore and master. The variety within the roster fosters dynamic gameplay and encourages players to experiment with different characters to find their perfect fit.
Whether you are a casual button masher, a high school player looking for some friendly competition, or a seasoned Smash player, the Esports Ōtautahi / AfterShockFGC community has you covered. We regularly run Rārākau Rumble events at the Rārākau Forge esports space, a welcoming and inclusive environment where people come together to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (and sometimes Melee), meet other players, and enjoy community vibes. Keep an eye on our calendar to catch the next Rumble, and whether you are here to win or just hang out, we would love to see you join the action.