Super Smash Bros. Melee Setup and Learning Guide
Do you have what it takes to be the next Armada, Mang0, Hungrybox or Zain? Are you a Smash Ultimate veteran looking to try out something new? Did you see a clip on Twitter and want to try it out yourself?
Melee is a game of an almost infinite ceiling, and is one of those games where it could all be 0-deaths each stock if we were all robots – but we’re not.
Hopefully this will give any aspiring player the tools they need to play the most resilient esport there is!
Setting Up
Join the Newbie Melee Discord
Find your scene’s Discord or Facebook group! See regional links for Upstate NY here.
Scroll through Blippi.gg – the best one-stop shop for Melee resources, regional Discords, learning resources, related programs & more
Check out Grab’s (top 100 Marth) newbie guide (echoes much of this guide, but may help if confused)
Get a Vanilla Melee ISO by extracting from the disc or by other means.
Controllers
Thanks to the Universal Controller Fix mod (UCF), pretty much any otherwise well-functioning first-party GameCube controller is acceptable, with new controllers typically going for about $50 or so on Amazon.
UCF minimizes controller differences and is included in the Slippi Dolphin Setup, UnclePunch, and Multimod.
Others seeking greater potential longevity or modifications should seek a controller modder for PHOB models, notches, or other customizations.
For those with a fighting game background or concerned over hand issues linked to the analog stick, consider a box controller such as a Frame1 or B0XX.
If you’re looking to play on PC, you will need to get some form of Gamecube Controller Adapter. Otherwise you can use another standard controller or keyboard, but know that you will be very limited in your ability to compete at any in-person events without a GameCube or box style controller that can plug into a Wii or GameCube.
In-Person Play
Use a CRT television or a gaming monitor (144hz) paired with the Multimod with a Wii to HDMI adapter and in order to have a lag-free experience on official hardware! Slippi Nintendont also offers lag reduction capabilities.
Multimod + Wii to HDMI ($10)
No usable disc? Install the homebrew channel on the Wii and use the Nintendont app to use an ISO with an SD Card!
Homebrew Channel Using Nintendont
Dolphin Emulator, Netplay, and playing Melee on your computer!
Optional:
Training Packs
20XX Hack Pack (With UCF)
Uncle Punch Training Pack
Gameplay Guides
The Melee Library is an incredibly comprehensive collection of information about the game
Smashboards forums on Melee topics and characters
Here’s some great pro sets for you to look at. Check out some characters you find interesting. What kind of playstyle do you prefer? All of these characters have seen success at a high level!
Must-Learns for All Characters
Will take a while, but super rewarding to work on one at a time, then combine with what you have learned so far!
Utilize training packs like 20XX and Uncle Punch to master the game and any situation.
Remember 5-10 min a day of practice before you jump into games with others will give you way more out of it than one big tech grind session every week!
- Short Hop, Fast Fall, L-Cancel -> SHFFLing
- Jump-cancel grab and when to use (hit jump then z within the jumpsquat window to do a standing grab instead of a dash grab, typically for less end lag)
- Wavedashing on ground
- Wavedash to ledge
- Wavedash off platforms
- Wavelanding (landing into a wavedash while airborne)
- Light Shield Uses
Character-Specific Guides
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