Super Smash Bros Ultimate is not just a party game anymore. It has become one of the biggest competitive fighters in the esports scene. To reach new heights of skill and elevate action in the game, players are pushing the limits of what can be done in-game with the varied Smash Ultimate Roster. But what makes Smash Bros Ultimate a competitive fighter? It’s the Smash Bros Ultimate tournament rules that set the standard for fair play and raw test of skill.
STANDARD COMPETITIVE SMASH BROS ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT RULES
Smash Bros Ultimate is the biggest game yet with more characters, stages, items, hazards, and other elements that can pop up. But players can set an entirely custom ruleset and play competitively with the following standard competitive Smash Bros Ultimate tournament rules:
Stocks – 3 Time Limit – 6-8 Items – Off Stage Hazards – Off Final Smash Meter – Off Spirits – Odd
This ruleset eliminates most of the randomness and focuses on letting players compete in a raw test of skill. It removes items, hazards, and the spirits which enter other random items and changes in the game. Final Smash Meter is also turned off as it can ruin the flow of a competitive game and often give a lifeline to a losing player. Competitive Smash keeps the focus on which player is better, not who gets the better luck in-game.
THE “NO JOHNS RULE”
In the world of Smash tournaments, there’s also the “No Johns rule”. It’s an in-joke for Smash tournaments and not a rule you have to worry about if you’re a good sportsman.
CHARACTER BANS IN SMASH BROS ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT RULES
A more controversial part of the Smash Bros Ultimate tournament rules is increasing character bans. One of the top fighters in the Smash Ultimate tier list is now routinely banned at local and Major events. Tournaments like Collision, Coinbox, and more have already outlawed Steve. It’s best to check with your tournament organizer if Steve has made the cut or not for any specific event.
LEGAL STAGES IN SMASH BROS ULTIMATE TOURNAMENT RULES
Stage legal rules get a bit more complicated since different organizers ban different stages. However, most legal starting stages include those with floating platforms like Smashville or a fairly plain layout such as Battlefield, Final Destination, Pokémon Stadium, and Smashville.
After the first battle, losing players can choose counter picks from more exciting legal stages such as Yoshi’s Story, Lylat Cruise, Kalos Pokémon League, Town and City, Northern Cave, Hollow Bastion, and Dream Land. However, the stages that are legal vary depending on the exact Smash Ultimate tournament rules for each event. Each one has different standards for what goes for stages.
