RosenBerryRooms is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
Smash Brawl Tier List (November 2025) Best Characters
By: Kiara Nanda
Updated On: October 31, 2025
Meta Knight dominates the Super Smash Bros. Brawl tier list as the undisputed S-tier character, followed by Olimar and Ice Climbers in the top tier. Our comprehensive SSBB tier list for November 2025 reveals the current competitive meta based on community voting, tournament results, and expert analysis from the active Brawl scene that continues thriving in 2025.
Key Information Summary
Aspect
Details
Top Character
Meta Knight (S-Tier)
High Tier
Olimar, Ice Climbers, Falco, Marth
Meta Evolution
Stable since 2013, minor shifts in 2024
Competitive Scene
Active with major tournaments in 2024
Data Sources
Community voting, tournament results, expert panels
This definitive guide combines historical tier list evolution with current competitive data to provide the most accurate Super Smash Bros. Brawl character rankings available. Whether you're a veteran player returning to the scene or a newcomer looking to understand the meta, this comprehensive tier list will help you master the competitive landscape of SSBB.
Contents
Complete Super Smash Bros. Brawl Tier List 2025
S-Tier: The Dominant Force
1. Meta Knight (Score: 256.0)
Why S-Tier: Meta Knight remains the most broken character in Brawl history, possessing unparalleled mobility, multiple recovery options, and incredible priority on all attacks
Key Strengths: 5 mid-air jumps, Mach Tornado for damage building, Shuttle Loop for KOing, Dimensional Cape for unpredictability
Weaknesses: Light weight makes him susceptible to early KOs if caught
Matchup Spread: 9.2 average matchup score, loses only to specific counter-strategies
A-Tier: Elite Contenders
2. Olimar (Score: 228)
Why A-Tier: Pikmin management creates devastating zoning and damage-racking capabilities
Weaknesses: Vulnerable when Pikmin are depleted, linear recovery
Tournament Performance: Consistent top 8 placements in 2024 majors
3. Ice Climbers (Score: 227.1)
Why A-Tier: Infinite grab combos (wobbling) and devastating chain grabs
Key Strengths: Desync techniques for pressure, strong edge-guarding, high damage output
Weaknesses: Nana can be separated, vulnerable to anti-grab strategies
Meta Impact: Forces opponents to play extremely cautiously
4. Falco (Score: 225)
Why A-Tier: Laser camping and incredible combo potential
Key Strengths: Fast aerial attacks, strong projectile game, excellent recovery
Weaknesses: Predictable recovery, struggles against disjoints
Playstyle: Aggressive rushdown with zoning capabilities
5. Marth (Score: 224)
Why A-Tier: Long disjoints and incredible tipper spacing
Key Strengths: Dolphin Slash for recovery, Dancing Blade for combos, excellent edge-guarding
Weaknesses: Struggles against projectile camping, predictable recovery
Skill Ceiling: High reward for perfect spacing and timing
B-Tier: High-Tier Viability
6. Pikachu (Score: 220)
Lightning-fast attacks and excellent recovery
Strong edge-guarding and combo game
Lightweight makes him vulnerable to early KOs
7. Snake (Score: 219)
Explosive camping and incredible damage output
Strong aerial game and recovery
Slow ground speed and predictable recovery
8. King Dedede (Score: 215.1)
Heavy weight with strong grab game
Excellent edge-guarding and gimping potential
Slow movement and large hurtbox
9. Diddy Kong (Score: 215)
Banana control for stage dominance
Strong aerial mobility and combos
Vulnerable when bananas are unavailable
10. Wario (Score: 210)
Incredible air mobility and bite command grab
Strong recovery and heavy weight
Unpredictable playstyle with bike mechanics
C-Tier: Middle of the Pack
11. Zero Suit Samus (Score: 208)
Fast movement and strong aerial game
Excellent recovery and edge-guarding
Light weight makes her vulnerable
12. Mr. Game and Watch (Score: 201)
Unpredictable with strong aerial attacks
Bucket can reflect projectiles for massive damage
Light weight with inconsistent kill power
13. Toon Link (Score: 200)
Strong projectile game and aerial attacks
Good recovery and edge-guarding
Struggles against disjoints and camping
14. Lucario (Score: 200)
Aura mechanic makes him stronger at high percents
Good recovery and aerial game
Weak at low percents, predictable recovery
15. Wolf (Score: 197)
Strong aerial attacks and laser game
Good recovery and kill power
Predictable recovery and linear movement
D-Tier: Low-Tier Challenges
16. Pit (Score: 194)
Good recovery and aerial mobility
Multiple jumps for survival
Lacks kill power and strong neutral game
17. Fox (Score: 191)
Fast movement and strong aerial attacks
Good recovery and combo potential
Light weight and predictable recovery
18. Peach (Score: 188)
Strong aerial game and turnip camping
Good recovery and floating mechanics
Slow ground movement and predictable recovery
19. Kirby (Score: 185.9)
Multiple jumps and copy abilities
Strong edge-guarding potential
Light weight and short range
20. Sheik (Score: 183)
Fast movement and strong aerial game
Good combo potential and recovery
Lacks kill power and strong neutral game
E-Tier: Significant Struggles
21. R.O.B. (Score: 179)
Strong projectile game and recovery
Good aerial mobility and edge-guarding
Large hurtbox and slow ground speed
22. Sonic (Score: 177)
Incredible movement speed and recovery
Strong edge-guarding and combo potential
Lacks kill power and strong neutral game
23. Yoshi (Score: 175)
Strong aerial game and egg camping
Good recovery and heavy weight
Predictable recovery and slow ground speed
24. Ike (Score: 174.2)
Strong kill power and heavy weight
Good aerial attacks and recovery
Slow movement and large hurtbox
25. Donkey Kong (Score: 170)
Strong grab game and heavy weight
Good aerial attacks and recovery
Slow movement and large hurtbox
F-Tier: Bottom Tier Difficulties
26. Pokemon Trainer (Score: 161)
Three different playstyles with unique strengths
Type switching for matchup adaptability
Individual Pokemon are weak and vulnerable
27. Luigi (Score: 154)
Strong aerial game and recovery
Good combo potential and edge-guarding
Predictable recovery and weak neutral game
28. Ness (Score: 151)
Strong aerial attacks and recovery
Good edge-guarding and combo potential
Predictable recovery and weak neutral game
29. Mario (Score: 147)
Balanced stats and good recovery
Strong aerial game and combo potential
Lacks kill power and strong neutral game
30. Samus (Score: 146)
Strong projectile game and recovery
Good aerial attacks and edge-guarding
Slow movement and predictable recovery
G-Tier: Major Disadvantages
31. Lucas (Score: 144)
Strong aerial attacks and recovery
Good edge-guarding and combo potential
Predictable recovery and weak neutral game
32. Bowser (Score: 126)
Heavy weight and strong kill power
Good aerial attacks and recovery
Slow movement and large hurtbox
33. Captain Falcon (Score: 124)
Strong aerial attacks and recovery
Good edge-guarding and combo potential
Predictable recovery and weak neutral game
34. Link (Score: 123)
Strong projectile game and aerial attacks
Good recovery and edge-guarding
Slow movement and predictable recovery
35. Jigglypuff (Score: 119.9)
Multiple jumps and strong aerial game
Good edge-guarding and recovery
Light weight and weak neutral game
H-Tier: The Bottom
36. Zelda (Score: 118.1)
Strong aerial attacks and recovery
Good edge-guarding and combo potential
Predictable recovery and weak neutral game
37. Ganondorf (Score: 83.7)
Heavy weight and strong kill power
Good aerial attacks and recovery
Extremely slow movement and large hurtbox
Historical Meta Evolution
Early Meta (2008-2009)
The initial Brawl meta was characterized by uncertainty and rapid development. Snake was initially considered the best character until Mew2King demonstrated Meta Knight's dominance. The first official tier list in September 2008 showed Snake at #1, but by January 2009, Meta Knight had been elevated to his own SS tier above Snake in S tier.
Middle Meta (2010-2011)
This period saw significant character development and meta stabilization. Diddy Kong rose dramatically thanks to NinjaLink's banana control innovations, while characters like Wario and Sonic made substantial jumps as players discovered their potential. The tier list structure became more refined, with clear distinctions between tiers.
Late Meta (2012-2013)
The meta reached maturity with Olimar and Ice Climbers rising to challenge Meta Knight's dominance. The final official tier list from April 2013 established the hierarchy that largely persists today, with minor adjustments based on continued tournament play.
Current Meta (2024)
While no new official tier lists have been released since 2013, the competitive scene remains active with major tournaments throughout 2024. The character hierarchy has remained remarkably stable, with Meta Knight maintaining his dominant position and the top tiers remaining consistent. Community voting and tournament results continue to validate the established tier list.
Competitive Scene Analysis
2024 Tournament Landscape
The Super Smash Bros. Brawl competitive scene continues to thrive in 2025 with numerous major tournaments:
Supernova 2024 (August 8-11): S-tier tournament with 187 entrants
GENESIS X (February 16-18): B+ tier tournament featuring international competition
Sweet Spot 8 (March 2-3): A-tier tournament with multiple rulesets
Wavelength 2024 (October 5-6): B+ tier tournament showcasing current meta
Top Players of 2024
Based on the 2024 SSBBRank, the current top players are:
Cody - Consistent tournament winner, known for Meta Knight mastery
686M - Former #1, exceptional Olimar player
Player-1 - Diddy Kong specialist with strong tournament results
Lux - Rising star with multiple character mastery
Hoenn - Ice Climbers main with technical precision
Regional Meta Differences
Different regions have developed unique playstyles and character preferences:
USA: Heavy Meta Knight and Olimar representation
Europe: More diverse character usage with strong Ice Climbers presence
Japan: Technical playstyles with emphasis on precision and spacing
Advanced Tier List Analysis
Matchup Dynamics
The tier list is heavily influenced by character matchups, with Meta Knight maintaining a 9.2 average matchup score. Key matchup dynamics include:
Meta Knight vs. Ganondorf: 9.2 - 0.8 (most lopsided matchup)
Ice Climbers vs. Ganondorf: 9.1 - 0.9
Sheik vs. Ganondorf: 9.0 - 1.0
Falco vs. Ganondorf: 9.0 - 1.0
Skill Ceiling Impact
Characters with high skill ceilings tend to perform better in tournament play:
Meta Knight: High skill ceiling with incredible reward for mastery
Ice Climbers: Extremely high technical ceiling with desync and wobble techniques
Olimar: High skill floor with Pikmin management complexity
Falco: Moderate-high ceiling with laser and combo optimization
Stage Influence
Different stages significantly impact character viability:
Battlefield: Benefits characters with strong aerial games (Meta Knight, Pit)
Final Destination: Favors projectile characters and disjoints (Olimar, Marth)
Smashville: Balanced stage that rewards neutral game proficiency
Pokemon Stadium 2: Transformations can dramatically shift matchups
Pro Tips and Strategies
Meta Knight Mastery
Master Mach Tornado: Use for damage building and recovery mix-ups
Shuttle Loop Timing: Perfect the timing for guaranteed KOs at high percents
Dimensional Cape: Incorporate for unpredictability and recovery options
Edge-guarding: Utilize multiple jumps for devastating edge-guards
Olimar Optimization
Pikmin Management: Learn optimal Pikmin order and color usage
Recovery Mix-ups: Vary recovery height and timing to avoid edge-guards
Zoning Control: Use Pikmin throw to control space and force approaches
Matchup Adaptation: Adjust Pikmin strategy based on opponent's character
Ice Climbers Techniques
Desync Mastery: Learn various desync methods for pressure and combos
Wobble Consistency: Practice grab confirms for guaranteed KOs
Nana Protection: Keep Nana safe while applying pressure
Edge-guarding: Utilize both climbers for devastating edge-guards
Counter-Pick Strategies
Against Meta Knight: Use heavy characters with strong disjoints (Ike, Ganondorf)
Against Olimar: Choose characters with good projectile reflection (Fox, Wolf)
Against Ice Climbers: Select characters with good grab releases (Meta Knight, Pikachu)
Against Falco: Pick characters with good approach options (Wario, Sonic)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginner Errors
Over-reliance on Special Moves: Balance special moves with standard attacks
Poor Recovery Management: Save recovery options and mix-up recovery patterns
Ignoring Stage Control: Understand stage positioning and advantage states
SmashWiki: Comprehensive wiki with detailed character information and tier list history
EventHubs: Community voting tier lists and matchup data
SmashBoards: Active discussion forums and tournament organization
Brawl Central: Current tournament organization and player rankings
Discord Communities
Brawl Discord: Active community for discussion and matchmaking
Smash Bros. Discord: General Smash community with Brawl channels
Regional Discords: Local communities for tournaments and practice
Reddit Communities
r/smashbros: General Smash discussion with Brawl content
r/SSBB: Dedicated Brawl subreddit (less active but still relevant)
r/SmashBrosUltimate: While Ultimate-focused, often discusses Brawl comparisons
YouTube Resources
Educational Content: Character guides, combo tutorials, and matchup analysis
Tournament VODs: Recent tournament footage and top player matches
Historical Matches: Classic Brawl matches from the game's prime
Tech Chasing Videos: Advanced technique demonstrations and explanations
FAQ Section
What makes Meta Knight so dominant in Brawl?
Meta Knight's dominance comes from his unparalleled mobility (5 mid-air jumps), incredible priority on all attacks, multiple recovery options, and strong kill moves. His Mach Tornado builds damage safely, Shuttle Loop provides reliable KOs, and Dimensional Cape adds unpredictability. No other character combines these attributes so effectively.
Is Brawl still played competitively in 2025?
Yes, Super Smash Bros. Brawl maintains an active competitive scene in 2025 with major tournaments throughout the year. The 2024 SSBBRank tracked over 20 tournaments with hundreds of participants, proving the game's enduring competitive appeal.
How often do tier lists change for Brawl?
Brawl's tier list has been remarkably stable since 2013, with no major shifts in character rankings. While individual player performance and small meta developments occur, the fundamental character hierarchy remains consistent due to the game's mature meta.
What's the best way to learn a high-tier character in Brawl?
Start by studying tournament footage of top players using your chosen character. Join Discord communities for character-specific advice, practice fundamental techniques consistently, and participate in online or local tournaments to gain experience. Focus on mastering one character before expanding your repertoire.
Are there any banned characters or techniques in Brawl?
Meta Knight was controversially discussed for banning but remains legal in all major tournaments. Some local tournaments may have specific rules, but the standard competitive ruleset allows all characters and techniques, including Ice Climbers' wobbling.
What controller should I use for competitive Brawl?
The GameCube controller is the preferred input method for competitive Brawl due to its analog triggers and comfortable button layout. However, many players also use the Wii Remote + Nunchuk or Classic Controller with success.
How does Brawl compare to other Smash games competitively?
Brawl features slower gameplay, more defensive options, and a unique meta dominated by a few top characters compared to Melee and Ultimate. While less popular than those games, Brawl maintains a dedicated community that appreciates its distinct gameplay and strategic depth.
What's the biggest misconception about Brawl's competitive scene?
The biggest misconception is that Brawl is "dead" competitively. While smaller than Melee or Ultimate scenes, Brawl maintains active tournaments, dedicated players, and evolving strategies, proving its enduring competitive viability.
Can I still play Brawl online?
While Nintendo's official Wi-Fi Connection was discontinued, the community has developed solutions. Dolphin emulator with netplay allows for online play, and some community-run servers provide alternative online options for Wii players.
What's the best stage for competitive Brawl?
Battlefield and Final Destination are the most commonly used starter stages in competitive play. Smashville is also popular for its balanced design. The stage list varies by tournament but typically includes these neutral stages plus some counterpicks like Pokemon Stadium 2.
Final Thoughts
Super Smash Bros. Brawl remains a fascinating competitive game with a deep, evolved meta that continues to captivate players in 2025. While Meta Knight's dominance is undeniable, the diversity of viable characters and strategic depth ensures engaging competition at all levels. Whether you're a returning veteran or new to the Brawl scene, this comprehensive tier list provides the foundation you need to understand and excel in the current competitive landscape.
The game's enduring appeal lies in its unique mechanics, character diversity, and the dedicated community that keeps the competitive scene alive. As we've seen throughout 2024, Brawl tournaments continue to draw significant participation and showcase high-level play that rivals any fighting game.
Bookmark this guide for reference as you continue your Brawl journey, and don't hesitate to join the community Discord servers and forums to connect with fellow players. The Super Smash Bros. Brawl competitive scene welcomes all players, and there's never been a better time to get involved with this classic fighting game.
Remember: Tier lists are guides, not gospel. The best character is ultimately the one you enjoy playing and can master. Use this tier list as a starting point, but develop your own playstyle and strategies that work for you.
RosenberryRooms is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
