Custom Stages

Custom Stages

Unleash your inner stage designer and craft the battlefield of your dreams (or nightmares!) with the Custom Stage builder in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. This robust feature allows for incredible creativity, from simple platforms to intricate, multi-layered arenas. Mastering the tools can give you a significant edge in local multiplayer or simply provide endless hours of fun experimentation.

Accessing the Stage Builder

To begin your custom stage journey, navigate to the main menu and select "Games & More". From there, choose "Stage Builder". You'll be presented with an empty canvas and a suite of tools to bring your vision to life.

Building Your Masterpiece

The Stage Builder offers several elements to construct your stage. Understanding each tool is key to creating functional and exciting levels.

1. Drawing Platforms

This is the bread and butter of stage creation. You'll use the Wii U GamePad's touchscreen to draw shapes directly onto the canvas. Here's how to make the most of it:

• Basic Platforms: Tap and drag your stylus to draw solid platforms. These are the most common elements and form the foundation of your stage.
• Pass-Through Platforms: To create platforms that fighters can jump through from below, draw a line and then tap the "Pass-Through" icon (represented by a dashed line). This is crucial for multi-tiered stages.
• Slopes: Draw a diagonal line to create a sloped surface. Fighters will slide down these, which can be used for interesting movement options or hazards.
• Eraser: Made a mistake? Select the eraser tool (a pink eraser icon) and drag it over the unwanted section to remove it.
• Undo/Redo: Don't be afraid to experiment! The undo (left-curving arrow) and redo (right-curving arrow) buttons are your best friends for quick corrections.

2. Adding Stage Elements

Beyond basic platforms, you can incorporate various interactive elements to make your stage dynamic and unpredictable.

• Moving Platforms:
  • Select the "Moving Platform" tool (an arrow icon).
  • Draw the platform as you would a regular one.
  • Once drawn, you can tap on it to adjust its movement path. Drag the start and end points to define its trajectory.
  • You can also set the speed and delay of its movement, allowing for precise timing challenges.
  • Strategy Tip: Create a moving platform that cycles over a bottomless pit to force players into risky aerial maneuvers.
• Conveyor Belts:
  • Choose the "Conveyor Belt" tool (a belt with arrows).
  • Draw the platform. After drawing, you can tap it to change the direction of the conveyor (left or right) and its speed.
  • Strategy Tip: Combine a fast conveyor belt with a low ceiling to create a crushing hazard, or use it to push opponents off the edge.
• Lava/Water:
  • Select the "Liquid" tool (a wavy line icon).
  • Draw a boundary for your liquid. You can choose between Lava (damages fighters) or Water (slows fighters, allows swimming).
  • Strategy Tip: A pool of lava at the bottom of the stage can act as a constant threat, encouraging aerial combat.
• Cannons:
  • Pick the "Cannon" tool (a cannon icon).
  • Place the cannon on a solid surface. You can then adjust its firing angle and power.
  • Strategy Tip: Position cannons strategically to launch fighters into hazards or to provide quick recovery options.
• Springs:
  • Select the "Spring" tool (a coiled spring icon).
  • Place the spring on a platform. Fighters who touch it will be launched upwards.
  • Strategy Tip: Use springs to create vertical challenges or to set up unexpected aerial attacks.

3. Backgrounds and Themes

While not directly affecting gameplay, choosing the right background and theme sets the mood for your custom stage.

• Backgrounds: Tap the "Background" icon (a landscape image) to cycle through various pre-set backgrounds, such as "Sky," "Cave," "City," and "Space."
• Music: The background music will typically default to the theme associated with the chosen background, but you can sometimes select specific tracks if available.

Saving and Sharing Your Stages

Once you're satisfied with your creation, it's time to save it:

1. Tap the "Save" icon (a floppy disk) in the top right corner of the screen.
2. You'll be prompted to give your stage a name. Use the on-screen keyboard to enter a memorable title.
3. Your stage will be saved to your console's memory.

To play on your custom stage, simply select "Smash" from the main menu, then choose "Custom" when selecting a stage. You'll see a list of all your saved creations.

Sharing Online: While direct online sharing of custom stages was a feature in previous iterations, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U primarily supports local saving. You can, however, share screenshots of your creations with friends or upload them to social media to inspire others!

Advanced Tips for Stage Design

• Balance is Key: Avoid creating stages that heavily favor one character or playstyle. Aim for a balance of open spaces, platforms, and hazards.
• Test Thoroughly: Always playtest your stage multiple times with different characters to identify any unfair advantages, infinite combos, or unintended glitches.
• Consider Blast Zones: Pay attention to how close platforms are to the blast zones. A stage with very close blast zones will lead to quicker KOs.
• Theme Consistency: If you're going for a specific theme (e.g., a "lava fortress" or a "floating island"), try to make all your elements fit that theme.
• Less is More: Sometimes, a simple, well-designed stage is more enjoyable than an overly cluttered one. Don't feel pressured to use every single tool.