at Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

We will show you several basic tips and tricks

that can improve your fighting skills.

Use our clickable sections below

to keep track of what step you're on during this tutorial.

First, understand different control schemes.

Smash has several control schemes outside of the default,

so determining which is best for you

is a great place to start improving.

Also pay attention to the other settings options.

You can find these settings by going to Smash,

and then go to the controller icon in the bottom right.

This is where you can enter a name or edit an existing one

and attach it to a controller scheme.

Click a name,

choose the controller in use,

and then choose "Other Settings" in the bottom left corner.

Other controls can be fine-tuned here

to better fit your style of play.

For example, lots of players prefer to turn off stick jump

so they don't accidentally jump

with the analog stick and die.

Learn how to properly use items.

While many players choose to turn the items feature off,

using items can be beneficial to upping your game.

Most items can be used

by pressing the attack button while equipped

but can also be dropped in place

by pressing the grab button.

This is useful even for games

where items are turned off,

as certain Smash characters, like Link or Olimar,

can spawn in their own items for use.

The objective of Smash Ultimate

is to knock your opponents offstage,

so knowing multiple ways of returning is a game changer.

All characters have an up special attack move

that can help return to the stage.

You can also use a character's regular double-jump feature.

If you are having trouble,

some characters, like Kirby or Pit,

can naturally float in the air for a period of time,

so there's a better chance of survival.

Other characters, like Sora, also have horizontal moves

that can help return you to the stage,

adding an extra layer of unpredictability

to your play style.

When on the ledge,

it's imperative to avoid being knocked back down.

You can do a standard recovery by pressing forward,

a ledge attack by pressing the attack or special button,

or a rolling recovery by pressing shield.

Sometimes it may be better to let go of the ledge

and use a special move to put yourself

in a better position on the stage.

Switching between these tactics will make it harder

for your opponent to read your actions.

Once an enemy's offstage,

it's important to keep them from returning.

Certain moves called spikes can be used to force a knockout.

They can be risky, as they require jumping off the stage,

but have good results when timed correctly.

To perform a spike, jump off the stage

and time a downward attack at your opponent.

You can also interrupt their return

by meeting them in the air

and using regular attacks or special moves.

Using your shield is the first step

towards a good defense.

Holding the shield button creates a defensive bubble

that shrinks over time.

Letting go of the button right before an enemy attack

activates perfect shield,

a technique that keeps your shield from shrinking

and lets you move sooner after blocking.

You can tell this is executed correctly

if the screen freezes for a moment

and your character's eyes glow yellow.

Performing it right can also allow for a counterattack.

If an opponent sends you flying,

you can control your recovery in the air

by pressing the shield button.

It will give you a moment of invincibility

and return to fighting.

On the ground, you can roll by pressing left or right

before pressing the shield button.

You can also recover in place

by pressing down while pressing the shield button.

You can play over 70 different characters

in Smash Ultimate.

Some characters will perform better or worse

depending on who they are fighting.

Find a character you feel comfortable playing

and determine their strengths and weaknesses.

Certain characters will be better for close-range combat,

and others will be better with projectiles

and maintaining distance.

Understanding your character's match-up

against the rest of the roster will be a key factor

in competing effectively against other players.