How to Play Multiplayer on Smash Bros: A Guide to Chaos, Friendship, and Occasionally Broken Controllers

How to Play Multiplayer on Smash Bros: A Guide to Chaos, Friendship, and Occasionally Broken Controllers

Super Smash Bros is not just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings friends together, tears them apart, and then brings them back together again over the shared trauma of losing to a level 9 CPU. Multiplayer mode is where the magic happens, and if you’re wondering how to dive into this chaotic yet exhilarating experience, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down step by step, with a sprinkle of humor and a dash of existential dread.

Step 1: Gather Your Friends (or Enemies)

The first step to playing multiplayer on Smash Bros is to find willing participants. This could be your best friend, your sibling, your roommate, or that one person you barely know but who happens to own a Nintendo Switch. The beauty of Smash Bros is that it accommodates up to 8 players, so the more, the merrier. Just remember: the more players you add, the higher the chances of someone throwing a controller in frustration.

Step 2: Choose Your Mode

Smash Bros offers several multiplayer modes, each with its own flavor of chaos:

  • Smash: The classic mode where the goal is to knock your opponents off the stage. Simple, yet endlessly entertaining.
  • Team Battle: Pair up with a friend and take on another duo. Just make sure your teammate doesn’t accidentally hit you instead of the opponent.
  • Tournament: For the more competitive souls, this mode lets you set up brackets and crown a champion. Warning: this may lead to bruised egos.
  • Special Smash: Want to play with giant characters, or maybe everyone is invisible? This mode lets you customize the rules for maximum absurdity.

Step 3: Pick Your Fighter

This is where things get personal. Do you go with your tried-and-true main, or do you experiment with a new character to keep things fresh? Whether you’re a Pikachu purist or a Kirby enthusiast, remember that every character has strengths and weaknesses. And if someone picks Meta Knight, just know they’re probably here to win, not to make friends.

Step 4: Customize the Rules

Smash Bros allows you to tweak the rules to suit your playstyle. Want a quick match? Set the time limit to 2 minutes. Prefer a more strategic battle? Turn on stock mode, where each player has a set number of lives. You can also adjust items, stage hazards, and even the frequency of Final Smashes. Pro tip: turning on “Smash Balls only” can lead to some truly cinematic moments.

Step 5: Select the Stage

The stage you choose can make or break a match. Some stages are straightforward, like Final Destination, while others are chaotic nightmares, like the Great Cave Offensive. If you’re playing with a group, consider voting on the stage to avoid arguments. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, turn on random stage selection and let fate decide.

Step 6: Embrace the Chaos

Once the match starts, all bets are off. Items will fly, characters will be launched into the stratosphere, and someone will inevitably complain about how “cheap” your playstyle is. Remember, the goal is to have fun, even if that means losing spectacularly. And if you do win, try not to gloat too much—unless you’re into that sort of thing.

Step 7: Post-Game Analysis

After the match, take a moment to reflect. Did you win because of skill, or was it pure luck? Did someone spam the same move over and over again? (Looking at you, Ness players.) This is also a good time to console the loser, unless they’re the type to rage-quit, in which case, maybe just let them cool off.

Bonus Tips for Multiplayer Success

  • Communication is Key: If you’re playing in teams, coordinate with your partner. A well-timed assist can turn the tide of battle.
  • Know Your Items: Some items are more powerful than others. Keep an eye out for the Home-Run Bat or the Poké Ball, which can summon a game-changing Pokémon.
  • Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll get. And if you’re consistently losing, maybe it’s time to switch up your main.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play multiplayer online? A: Yes! Smash Bros Ultimate offers online multiplayer, so you can battle friends or strangers from around the world. Just be prepared for some lag and the occasional teabagger.

Q: How do I unlock characters in multiplayer? A: Characters can be unlocked by playing through the game’s various modes, including multiplayer. Keep playing, and you’ll eventually have the full roster at your disposal.

Q: What’s the best character for beginners? A: Mario and Kirby are great starting points due to their balanced movesets. But don’t be afraid to experiment—you might discover a hidden talent for playing as Mr. Game & Watch.

Q: Can I use a GameCube controller? A: Absolutely. Many players swear by the GameCube controller for its nostalgic feel and precise controls. Just make sure you have the necessary adapter.

In conclusion, playing multiplayer on Smash Bros is an experience like no other. It’s a blend of strategy, skill, and sheer chaos that can bring people together—or drive them apart. So grab your controller, pick your fighter, and get ready to smash your way to victory (or defeat). And remember: it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about the friends you made (and possibly lost) along the way.