How Many Characters Are In Super Smash Bros Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl features a total of 35 playable characters available for combat on the Nintendo Wii. This roster includes a mix of returning veterans from previous installments and new challengers making their debut in the series. The following breakdown details the initial starting lineup, the unlockable fighters, and specific mechanics regarding character slots like the Pokemon Trainer.

The base roster consists of 23 characters available from the start without any additional requirements. These starters include iconic Nintendo mascots such as Mario, Link, Kirby, and Samus. Notably, this installment introduced third-party guest characters for the first time in the franchise history, with Solid Snake from Metal Gear and Sonic the Hedgehog joining the fight, though Sonic is an unlockable character rather than a starter.

To access the full lineup, players must unlock the remaining 12 characters through various in-game challenges. These challenges range from completing Classic Mode with specific fighters to accumulating a certain number of versus matches. Among the unlockable fighters is Zero Suit Samus, who occupies a separate character slot from her armored counterpart, and the Pokemon Trainer, who counts as a single playable slot despite controlling three different Pokemon: Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard.

When counting the total playable entities, the standard accepted number remains 35 distinct character slots. While the Pokemon Trainer switches between three models during gameplay, the selection screen treats them as one entry. This comprehensive roster expanded the strategic depth of the game significantly compared to its predecessors, offering a wide variety of fighting styles and special moves for players to master in both single-player and multiplayer modes.