Smash is weird. Honestly, if you’re still trying to argue that your favorite character is "underrated" while getting 3-stocked at a local, you’re probably looking at the wrong numbers. The Smash Bros Ultimate tier list isn't just a list of who hits the hardest. It’s a map of who can actually survive a three-day tournament gauntlet without their hands falling off or their soul leaving their body.
In 2026, the meta has basically settled into a terrifying rhythm.
The Blocky Elephant in the Room
Let's just say it: Steve is still a problem. Most pros—about 67% according to recent panel data—still put him at the dead top of S+ tier. He isn't just "good." He breaks how the game is supposed to work. When acola or Onin starts digging for diamonds, the entire tempo of the match shifts. You aren't playing Smash anymore; you're playing a survival horror game where the monster has a minecart and a diamond sword.
It’s not just the resource management. It’s the blocks. The way they can just... stop a recovery? It’s tilting to watch, let alone play against.
Why Sonic and Snake Joined the God Tier
For a long time, people thought Sonic was just annoying. Now? Everyone realizes he’s actually optimal. Sonix proved that if you play perfectly safe, most of the cast literally cannot touch you. It’s "timeout meta," and while it’s not exactly a crowd-pleaser at Genesis, it wins sets.
Snake’s rise to S+ alongside Steve and Sonic surprised a lot of people recently. He used to be that "solid high tier" guy. But players like Hurt have shown that Snake’s stage control is actually oppressive. If the floor is covered in C4 and grenades are raining down, you aren't playing neutral. You’re just trying to breathe.
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The High Tier Shuffle: Who’s Actually Climbing?
If you aren't playing the "Big Three," you’re probably looking at the A+ and S tiers. This is where the "real" game happens for 90% of competitive players.
- Pyra & Mythra: Still the gold standard for "I want a top tier but I don't want to learn Steve tech." Mythra’s frame data is still stupidly fast. Pyra still kills at 60% with a stray hit. They are the ultimate "I have a tool for this" character.
- Kazuya: Riddles and Tea have basically bullied the community into moving him from A+ to S. If he touches you once, you might as well put the controller down and go get a snack. His "Electric Wind God Fist" is arguably the best move in the history of the franchise.
- Mr. Game & Watch: Maister and Miya have turned this 2D silhouette into a nightmare. His Up-B is essentially a "get out of jail free" card that works on frame 3. It’s obnoxious, it’s effective, and it’s why he’s firmly in S tier now.
- Luigi: This is the big one. Luigi jumped from B+ all the way to A+. Why? Because the "0-to-death" combos became so consistent that players like Luugi are making Top 8s at majors. If you miss a tech against a good Luigi in 2026, you’re dead. Period.
Regional Bias is Real
Don't let anyone tell you there's one "objective" list.
Japan is playing a different game. Over there, they value Captain Falcon and Isabelle way higher than we do in North America. They think our love for Mega Man and Marth is weird. In Latin America, the "Marth Renaissance" is still going strong, with players proving that his tipper isn't as inconsistent as the internet says—it's just that most of us aren't good enough to hit it.
Europe is currently the only place where you'll see Mewtwo getting real respect. Elsewhere, he’s just a "big hitbox" liability.
The Truth About the Bottom Tiers
Ganondorf is still at the bottom. Sorry.
Even in 2026, with all the tech discoveries, his recovery is still a joke. You can play the best neutral of your life, but if you get tapped off-stage once by a Mario cape, it's over. Little Mac is right there with him. Sure, Peanut makes him look like a god sometimes, but one back-throw at the ledge usually ends the dream.
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Interestingly, Zelda and Dr. Mario have slipped further down into D tier. They just don't have the mobility to keep up with the current "burst option" meta. If you can't move, you can't win.
How to Actually Use This Information
If you’re trying to get better, don't just pick Steve because he’s #1. You will lose. Steve requires a level of "lab time" that most humans don't have.
Instead, look at the "reliable" high tiers. Characters like Cloud, Palutena, and Wolf are widely considered the best picks for someone who wants to win without needing a PhD in frame data. They have simple win conditions: hit the opponent, control the center, and use your big aerials.
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What to Do Next
- Check your replays: Are you losing because of your character, or because you keep jumping into the same R.O.B. gyro? Usually, it's the gyro.
- Pick a secondary: The 2026 meta is all about matchups. If you main a brawler, you need a zoner or a swordie for those Steve/Min Min matches.
- Watch the VODs: Look at how Sparg0 uses Cloud's movement or how MkLeo spaces with Joker. Don't just watch the combos; watch how they stand still.
The Smash Bros Ultimate tier list will keep changing. New tech like "Deep Stance Canceling" for Wii Fit Trainer or optimized "Pin" setups for Corrin are already starting to shake things up. The game is technically finished, but the players definitely aren't.
Stop worrying about the "perfect" character. Pick someone in the A or S tier that actually feels fun to move with. If you hate playing as Sonic, don't play as Sonic. Winning a tournament doesn't feel that great if you hated every second of the eight hours it took to get there. Focus on mastering your movement and learning the specific "kill confirms" for your main. That is how you actually climb the ranks.