We rank the ten greatest stages in all of Smash Bros.
The stages of the Super Smash Bros. series are much more than just the locations of where you fight, as they can determine how much fun you have while playing these incredible games. If you play on stage that is unique, designed well, and has great music, you’re definitely going to have a good time. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at our top 10 favorite stages in all of Smash Bros. This list will cover stages from every game in the series, N64 to Wii U.
Choose your character, set the stock to four, and GO!
10: PokéFloats (Super Smash Bros. Melee)
Let’s get the controversial picks out of the way first. Yes, Poké Floats is a scrolling nightmare, yes it’s frustrating, and yes, Chansey has killed you too many times to count, but at the end of the day, this stage is just charming. Leaping from Pokémon to Pokémon to stay alive or trap opponents is an experience unlike any other on this list. Plus, you’ve probably memorized the order in which the Pokémon appear by now, as well as strategy like staying on an Unknown until it flies off the screen. Floats isn’t everyone’s favorite stage, but there is no denying how unique it is.
9: Wily Castle (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS)
The announcement that Mega Man would be playable in Smash for Wii U and 3DS was a big deal, and his accompanying stage is a big deal too. While the setup for the stage isn’t anything too extraordinary, it’s the aesthetic and music here that counts. Having Dr. Wily’s awesome castle in the background is one thing, but smashing to gorgeous melodies of classic Mega Man tunes is another. Try not to rock out to the Mega Man 2 Medley, I dare you. This could be a top-tier stage, but points need to be subtracted due to the Yellow Devil stage boss. Yeah, he’s cool, but his novelty quickly wears off after he pummels you.
8: Onett (Super Smash Bros. Melee, Brawl, and Wii U)
Earthbound is a special game, and it’s fitting that the only Mother stage to appear in most Smash games is also very special. First, the setup for this stage is great. The rooftops, awning, and surrounding trees of the Drug Store and nearby houses embody excellent design. The passing-by cars can often be annoying, but they’re at least a fitting stage hazard. Second, dat music. An incredible blend of “Bein’ Friends” and “The Eight Melodies” creates a beautiful and dynamic narrative playing while you duke it out. That’s what bein’ friends is about, indeed.
7: WarioWare, Inc. (Super Smash Bros. Brawl and 3DS)
This stage absolutely nails the feel of its source material. The WarioWare series is all about frantic micro-mini games, and this stage brilliantly integrates these while you fight. Whether it’s dodging, sidestepping, or taunting, these ‘microgames’ never feel intrusive during the fight, thanks in part to the rewards you receive if you win, like increased size or invincibility. Plus, with catchy tunes like Mona Pizza or Ashley’s Song playing, you can’t go wrong with this quirky stage.
6: Saffron City (Super Smash Bros.)
What Saffron City does so well that others stages don’t is variety. There are three distinct sections of this shining big city: left, center, and right. Fight on the left side to use the floating platforms of doom to your advantage. Fight in the middle to hopefully leverage an emerging Electrode explosion, or a Venusaur Razor Leaf attack; or fight on the helipad building to the right for the ultimate close-quarters combat. The unique layout of Saffron City coupled with the Pokémon theming make it not only a standout of Smash 64, but also of the entire series.
5: Sector Z (Super Smash Bros.)
In this classic stage you fight in Sector Z, but you actually fight on the Great Fox, the command ship for Star Fox. Yes, this stage technically appears in most Smash games as Corneria, but the Great Fox has shrunk in each new entry. So perhaps what really makes this specific stage so excellent is the sheer size of the Great Fox. As a huge stage with no platforms, Sector Z is minimal, but effective. When you get struck by a laser from an enemy ship it feels like a natural element of the stage rather than a forced hazard; and the small right side of the ship becomes an ideal one-on- one arena once the other opponents have fallen off the ship for good. There isn’t a lot to Sector-Z, but that’s what makes it so wonderful.
4: Fountain of Dreams (Super Smash Bros. Melee)
I think there’s a reason why competitive players constantly use this stage, even though Battlefield has an almost identical layout. No, it’s not because it’s ideal for wave-dash strategy, or whatever, it’s because the stage is gorgeous. Fountain of Dreams is beautiful; the dark background surrounded by bright cosmic colors create an attractive aesthetic ideal for fighting. This stage is gorgeous, but there is even more to it. The slightly moving platforms create enough variation between matches to keep things fresh; and the music! It’s amazing that a song originally used in a mini-game where Kirby is competing in a race against King Dedede while eating desserts can become so epic when orchestrated. This stage is beautiful; an encompassing beauty created through its many brilliant features.
3: Hyrule Castle (Super Smash Bros., Wii U and 3DS (DLC))
Close your eyes. Picture yourself playing Smash 64. What stage are you fighting on? Is it Hyrule Castle? It’s probably Hyrule Castle. Yes, this is stage is just so damn memorable. It’s gigantic, the Zelda theme is blaring away, and that wind…how many times have you tried to grab a heart, only for the wind to carry you to your doom? CURSE YOU NATURE!!!
Hyrule Castle is the stage from Smash 64, for all the right reasons. It’s super memorable, and now as DLC for Smash Wii U and 3DS, you can relive those wonderful memories in HD.
2:Final Destination (Super Smash Bros. Melee)
Let’s talk about Omega Stages really quick. In Smash for Wii U and 3DS, you have the option to turn almost every stage into a Final Destination or “omega form” of itself. Meaning, the stage becomes a singular, small, flat surface. Is this cool? Yes, but it doesn’t mean every stage becomes the same. The locations, and music remain, so each stage retains features that make them unique and great.
With that out-of-the-way, here’s the OG Omega Stage, Final Destination. The reason why the Melee version is the one on this list is because it truly feels “final.” The spiraling nothingness that surrounds the player creates a sense of dread and finality, as if this fight is the one battle to rule them all. The killer music does this too. Final Destination lives up to its name as the place to settle the score, and determine who is the best of the best.
1: Temple (Super Smash Bros. Melee, Brawl, Wii U)
Yep, Temple is number 1. Why? Is it because of its sheer size? The excellent design? The awesome Zelda II remix? Well, yes to all of those, but more importantly, it is just so much fun. Temple embodies what makes Super Smash Bros. one of the greatest video game series of all time: it’s a blast to play. The grand scope of this stage allows for any sort strategy, or type of match you could imagine. You could have a battle where everyone fights in just one area, like the far right, or the underground “Fight Club.” You could try to exhaust your opponent by jumping around the map, or you can even hide and emerge when the time is right. The possibilities are endless with this stage; it offers variety in not just design, but also how you can play. Temple may not be the small, intimate experience that Final Destination is, but it can be. Temple is Smash Bros. at its best: wacky, crazy, ginormous, and all kinds of fun.
Agree with our picks? Disagree? Let us know; and keep smashing.
