Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: how stocks and recovery work

Damage makes launching more dangerous

The percentage is accumulated damage, not remaining HP. As damage rises, attacks can generally launch a fighter farther. A low-percentage hit can still be dangerous near an edge, while a high-percentage fighter may survive with a good position and recovery.

In a stock match, each stock is a life. Losing every stock eliminates you under that ruleset. Timed and other rule configurations can score the match differently, so inspect the selected rules before comparing results.

Learn to return to the stage

Practice jumps, the character’s recovery move and grabbing the ledge in a safe setting. Do not spend every aerial resource immediately after being launched; keep a plan for reaching the stage.

Different characters recover in different ways. A habit learned with one fighter can be unreliable with another, so test the actual move before taking it into a match.

Separate basic attacks and special moves

Direction and input change which action you use. Learn a small set you can choose deliberately rather than pressing every button and hoping for the strongest animation.

Shielding, grabbing and movement create opportunities around attacks. If an opponent keeps blocking, another slow attack into the same shield may not solve the problem.

Use simple practice rules

Start with a clear stage and a manageable opponent or training setup. Add items and unusual stages when you want that kind of match. Reducing distractions makes it easier to understand why a stock was lost.

The official how-to-play pages below explain the controls and game modes. This guide is a starting framework, not a competitive matchup chart or frame-data claim.