Who are the most powerful fighters in Super Smash Bros. Melee?

Looking into playing competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee? If so, then you’re probably wondering which character you’ll want to play as. Lucky for you the game has a good number of strong fighters to choose from. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, so you’ll want to be familiar with them before playing each character. Here are the top ten most powerful characters in Super Smash Bros. Melee.

10. Yoshi

Yoshi leaping forward across his little cardboard island. Pak E. Derm peaks out from the scenery behind Yoshi.

While Yoshi might seem like an odd choice, recent events have shown just how good he can be. Despite that, you will need a lot of practice to perform at your highest potential when playing as Yoshi. He can be surprisingly technical but also catch some players off-guard.

Yoshi excels in the air and can survive longer than many of the other stronger characters, but can get combo’d easily and lacks a third jump. Watch professional player aMSa to see what a peak Yoshi can look like. Pick Yoshi if you’re looking to play a more unusual character.

What’s Great About Yoshi:

• Super Armor on his double jump makes him hard to knock around in the air.
• His unique egg-shaped shield makes him very safe while shielding.
• Can keep opponents from getting on stage by throwing eggs from a distance.

9. Pikachu

Pikachu minding his own business in Onett. A fire flower sits behind him.

The lovable mascot for the Pokémon series ranks in at number nine. Armed with some solid electric attacks, Pikachu can easily keep opponents from recovering on stage and punish their mistakes. However, be ready to get up close and personal and get sent flying if you slip up…

Pikachu is another character that will take a lot of work to play at higher levels. His special moves can be very effective when used appropriately. Axe, a Pikachu player, is one of the best Super Smash Bros. players right now, so give him a look sometime if you’re interested in seeing what a top level Pikachu looks like.

What’s Great About Pikachu:

• Crazy recovery options allow for cool off-stage plays.
• Very powerful up-smash and forward-smash attacks.
• His abnormal projectile attack, Thunder Jolt, hugs floors and walls as it moves.

8. Ice Climbers

Ice Climbers Nana and Popo high-five in the streets in front of Ness.

Two heads are better than one! Ice Climbers are the only characters in this game that allow you to play as two characters, Popo and Nana, at the same time. This special trait allows them to be some of the deadliest fighters in the series’ history.

Through an advanced technique known as “desyncing”, a player can control Popo and Nana at separate times. This allows for crazy combos that can go on, and on, and on. But be careful, as if you lose Nana, you will be severely disadvantaged until she comes back.

What’s Great About Ice Climbers:

• “Wobbling” allows for infinite grabs and attacks.
• Very powerful attacks when on the ground.
• Able to perform one of the longest wavedashes in the game.

7. Peach

Peach throwing a smiling turnip she recently plucked.

With powers like hers, it’s a wonder why Peach needs to be saved so often… While she might be the damsel in distress in most other games, in Super Smash Bros. Melee, the princess can lay the smackdown.

Former #1 ranked professional player Armada played Peach for many years, and it’s no wonder he was as successful as he was. Peach has access to a variety of strong projectiles through the turnips she can pluck. Just be sure you don’t spend too much time on the ground, as Peach shines when she’s airborne.

What’s Great About Peach:

• The only character who can float from side to side after jumping.
• Plucking a “stitch face” turnip can spell “knock-out” for your opponent.
• Has very good throws that can combo into even more throws.

6. Captain Falcon

Captain Falcon dashes forward, showing off his stylish racing gear.

Infamous for his world-famous Falcon Punch, Captain Falcon is one of the flashiest fighters in the game. Equipped with fiery punches and kicks, he’ll chase down his opponents and let them have it. If you’re looking for a fighter with lots of speed and raw strength, this is the character for you.

His agility allows him to combo easily and send opponents flying. However, his recovery is weak, so if you’re knocked off the stage you’ll have a hard time getting back on. Look into players like S2J, Wizrobe, or n0ne if you want to see how professional players handle the captain.

What’s Great About Captain Falcon:

• His “Knee of Justice” can obliterate opponents if timed and aimed properly.
• Can send opponents flying straight down with his down-air attack.
• Is typically a crowd favorite who everyone roots for and loves to watch.

5. Sheik

Sheik in the middle of a powerful kick at Kongo Jungle.

While technically only one half of another character, Sheik proves to be far more effective without her princess counterpart. Sheik is an agile fighter who can capitalize when her opponents make a mistake. There’s a reason why players like Mew2King and Plup made a name for themselves by playing Sheik.

Sheik has the ability to punish opponents unlike any other character. If your opponent misses a move, Sheik can swoop in, start throwing them around, and really make them pay. But much like Captain Falcon, her recovery is weak and can have her getting punished just as badly if used improperly.

What’s Great About Sheik:

• Can constantly chase opponents around in endless grabs and throws.
• Her devastating and easy-to-combo-into forward-air attack is very useful.
• Has a good set of defensive tools alongside her great offensive moves.

4. Falco

Falco striking the pose he makes after winning a match.

Falco is a fighter who can be seen comboing characters across the stage and blasting them with his laser pistol before sending them down to their doom. Boasting some of the most powerful individual moves in the game, Falco is a fan favorite but very technical.

Falco has a few moves he can use to easily shut down a player on top of a strong ability to combo well. Players like Mango and Westballz have gone far with him and are worth watching. Just know that Falco also can also be grabbed and thrown around easily on top of having a hard time recovering.

What’s Great About Falco:

• His down-air attack sends opponents flying down with little to no chance of recovering.
• His “shine” can quickly pop opponents up, allowing Falco to use his strong aerial attacks.
• His laser pistol allows him to safely approach and attack his opponent.

3. Jigglypuff

Jigglypuff peacefully resting on one of the platforms at the Fountain of Dreams.

Looking for an absolute glass cannon? Jigglypuff might be your character. Although she’s small, soft, and cute, she has some surprisingly amazing tricks up her sleeves.

Jigglypuff’s aerial moves have a deceptively long range which, combined with all of her five jumps, allow her to pummel enemies through the air and off the stage. Professional player Hungrybox has made a career off of Jigglypuff due to her immense strength and potential. On the other hand, she is the second lightest character in the game, meaning she can get KO’d very quickly.

What’s Great About Jigglypuff:

• Rest, while seeming useless, can cause enemies to explode if she is close enough to them.
• A lot less technical and tricky to play compared to other strong characters.
• Other players can have a hard time comboing her due to her being so lightweight.

2. Marth

Marth poses as his cape blows in the wind.

The only swordsman on the list, Marth, clocks in at second place on this list, and for good reasons. Marth’s sword provides him with a lot of utility. Whether it be ending your opponent's recovery, comboing them, or poking them out, Marth has you covered.

Range is the name of the game when playing Marth. Use the area you can cover with your sword to your advantage by striking enemies while keeping your distance. Zain is one of the best players in the world and has made it that far thanks to Marth.

What’s Great About Marth:

• The “Ken Combo” provides Marth with a quick and easy way to dispose of opponents.
• Can utilize the tip of his sword to do more damage and maximize knockback.
• One of the most efficient characters at guarding the edge of the stage.

1. Fox

Fox taunts his opponent while on one of the platforms of Yoshi's Story.

Well-known for his speed and technicality, Fox is one of the most difficult but most rewarding characters to play as. While he and Falco share similarities, Fox takes the cake. His versatility and consistent performance over the years puts him at the top of this list. 

While many characters on this list have great combo potential, Fox’s combo game combined with his speed and ability to cover a variety of decisions your opponent might make allow Fox to be outstanding. He can knock out players early and force their hand when they’re on the defensive. Professional players Leffen and Mango are some of the most technical, skilled, and accomplished Fox players.

What’s Great About Fox:

• His “shine” comes out quickly and can be used to deny recoveries, combo, and defend.
• His up-smash and up-air can kill at low percentages.
• Like Falco, his laser pistol can be used to rack up damage before going in for the kill.

If you enjoyed this top ten list, check out more of our articles on the Super Smash Bros. series!

You may also be interested in:

• Super Smash Melee Best Characters That Are Powerful

• Super Smash Melee Best Stages That Are Great

• Super Smash Melee Best Beginner Characters

• Super Smash Melee Best Players In The World 

• Super Smash Bros Best Combos That Are Freakin' Awesome!