Home-Run Contest

Learn how to achieve high scores in the Super Smash Bros. Home-Run Contest! Discover strategies, tips, and unlockable rewards for this classic game mode.

The Home-Run Contest is a returning mode in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, accessible via Games & More → Home-Run Contest. The objective is to launch Sandbag as far as possible within a 10-second damage window using the Home-Run Bat or other attacks. Higher damage results in greater distance.

A barrier on the podium prevents Sandbag from launching prematurely, but high damage can shatter it. Be cautious with powerful attacks when Sandbag is heavily damaged to avoid breaking the barrier. The Home-Run Bat appears with 4 seconds remaining. To maximize launch distance, initiate the swing animation as close to the timer's expiration as possible, as the animation can complete after the timer ends.

During Sandbag's skid, there's a chance to obtain reward bags containing spirits, music, snacks, or Mii Outfits and Headgear. A special button can be pressed to speed up the process.

There are three milestones to achieve in this mode:

1. Cleared the 200 km mark in Home-Run Contest!
2. Cleared the 350 km mark in Home-Run Contest!
3. Cleared the 500 km mark in Home-Run Contest!

These milestones can be earned solo or in co-op. A strategy for achieving high scores, demonstrated with Ness, involves the following attack pattern:

Stage 1: Forward Smash → PK Fire (Side Special) → Forward Smash → PK Fire (Side Special) → Forward Smash. Do not wait for PK Fire to finish before using Forward Smash. PK Fire helps prevent Sandbag from launching prematurely and breaking the barrier. Note that PK Fire causes backward movement, potentially causing Forward Smashes to miss. Adjust position slightly forward before each smash to compensate.

When the 5-second warning appears:

Stage 2: PK Fire (Side Special) x 4. With approximately 1 second left, grab the Home-Run Bat and launch Sandbag. Ensure Sandbag is not on fire when the bat hits, as this prevents launch. Dramatic effects on Forward Smashes may prevent completing the pattern in time.