Milestones

Milestones in the original Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo 64 are not explicitly tracked in an in-game menu like in later titles. Instead, they represent significant achievements that unlock new content, such as hidden characters and stages, and mark your progression through the game. Understanding these "milestones" is crucial for any player aiming for 100% completion or simply looking to expand their roster and battlegrounds. This section will guide you through the primary milestones of Super Smash Bros. N64 and how to achieve them, focusing exclusively on the game's original content and mechanics.

Unlocking Hidden Fighters

The core roster of Super Smash Bros. N64 consists of eight iconic Nintendo characters. However, four additional, powerful fighters are hidden and must be unlocked through specific gameplay achievements. Unlocking these characters is often the first major milestone for new players.

Unlock Methods Overview

There are two primary methods to unlock hidden fighters in Super Smash Bros. N64:

Versus Matches: Playing a certain number of Versus (multiplayer) matches will trigger a "Challenger Approaching!" event.
Classic Mode Completions: Completing Classic Mode under specific conditions will also trigger challenger encounters.

Once a challenger appears, you must defeat them in a one-on-one battle. If you lose, don't despair! The challenger will reappear after you play a few more Versus matches or complete another Classic Mode run. You can also simply restart the game and try again.

Detailed Fighter Unlock Conditions

Here's a breakdown of each hidden fighter and the precise conditions required to unlock them:

Luigi
- Method 1 (Versus Matches): Play 100 Versus Matches.
- Method 2 (Classic Mode): Complete Classic Mode with Mario without losing a single stock (i.e., no KOs against you). This is often considered the more challenging but rewarding method.
- Challenger Encounter: After meeting either condition, Luigi will challenge you on the Peach's Castle stage.
- Strategy Tip: For the Classic Mode method, focus on defensive play and utilizing Mario's powerful aerial attacks and Fireball projectile to keep opponents at bay. On higher difficulties, prioritize throwing opponents off the stage for quick KOs.
Captain Falcon
- Method 1 (Versus Matches): Play 50 Versus Matches.
- Method 2 (Classic Mode): Complete Classic Mode in under 20 minutes on any difficulty. This requires efficient stage clearing and quick KOs.
- Challenger Encounter: Captain Falcon will challenge you on the Saffron City stage.
- Strategy Tip: To clear Classic Mode quickly, choose a character you are proficient with, such as Fox or Pikachu, who have fast attacks and good recovery. Prioritize getting KOs quickly, often by launching opponents off the top or sides of the screen. Don't waste time on excessive damage; focus on kill moves.
Ness
- Method 1 (Versus Matches): Play 100 Versus Matches.
- Method 2 (Classic Mode): Complete Classic Mode with any character three times on any difficulty.
- Challenger Encounter: Ness will challenge you on the Dream Land stage.
- Strategy Tip: This is one of the easier unlocks. Simply playing through Classic Mode with your favorite characters will eventually lead to Ness. Focus on enjoying the game and practicing your skills.
Jigglypuff
- Method 1 (Versus Matches): Play 20 Versus Matches.
- Method 2 (Classic Mode): Complete Classic Mode with any character once on any difficulty.
- Challenger Encounter: Jigglypuff will challenge you on the Sector Z stage.
- Strategy Tip: Jigglypuff is often the first hidden character players encounter due to its relatively low unlock requirement. Simply completing Classic Mode once is a straightforward task for any player.

Efficient Unlock Strategy: Versus Match Farming

For players who want to unlock all characters as quickly as possible, "Versus Match Farming" is the most efficient method:

Go to the "VS. Mode" from the main menu.
Select "1 Player" and choose any character.
Set the rules to "Stock" with 1 stock, and "Time" to 1 minute.
Choose a stage that allows for quick self-destruction, such as Sector Z (jump off the Great Fox) or Hyrule Castle (jump into the left pit).
Start the match and immediately self-destruct.
Repeat this process. Each match counts towards the total, even if it's a quick self-destruct.
After the required number of matches, a "Challenger Approaching!" screen will appear. Defeat the challenger to unlock them.

Using this method, you can unlock all four hidden characters in a relatively short amount of time by repeatedly playing and ending matches. Keep track of your match count if you want to predict when the next challenger will appear.

Unlocking Hidden Stages

While most stages are available from the start, Super Smash Bros. N64 features one hidden stage that provides a unique battleground. Unlocking this stage is another significant milestone for completionists.

Mushroom Kingdom Stage

Unlock Condition: Complete Classic Mode with all eight starting characters. This means you must finish Classic Mode at least once with Mario, Donkey Kong, Link, Samus, Yoshi, Kirby, Fox, and Pikachu.
Reward: After completing Classic Mode with the eighth starting character, the "Mushroom Kingdom" stage will become available in Versus Mode.
Stage Features: Mushroom Kingdom is a relatively flat stage with two small platforms. Its unique feature is the presence of "Pipes" on either side. If a character enters a pipe, they will be transported to the pipe on the opposite side of the stage. This can be used for quick escapes, surprise attacks, or to recover from being launched. Occasionally, a "Poison Mushroom" will appear, shrinking any character that touches it and making them lighter and easier to launch.
Strategy Tip: When playing on Mushroom Kingdom, be mindful of the pipes for both offense and defense. Use them to escape dangerous situations or to quickly reposition for an attack. The Poison Mushroom can be a game-changer; try to force opponents into it or avoid it yourself if you're already at high damage.

Completing Classic Mode on All Difficulties

While not explicitly unlocking new content beyond the initial stage and characters, completing Classic Mode on all five difficulty settings (Very Easy, Easy, Normal, Hard, Very Hard) with every character is a significant personal milestone. It demonstrates mastery of the game and its various fighters.

Classic Mode Progression

Classic Mode involves a series of battles against CPU opponents, culminating in a fight against Master Hand. The difficulty setting affects:

CPU Skill: Opponents become more aggressive, smarter, and more adept at dodging and countering on higher difficulties.
Damage Output: CPU characters deal more damage and take less knockback on higher difficulties.
Lives: You start with fewer lives on higher difficulties.
Bonus Points: Higher difficulties offer greater bonus point multipliers for achievements like "No Damage Clear" or "Speed Clear."

Tips for Higher Difficulties (Hard/Very Hard)

Character Choice: Some characters excel on higher difficulties due to their move sets. Fox, with his speed and powerful Reflector, and Pikachu, with his quick attacks and recovery, are often strong choices.
Defensive Play: Dodging, shielding, and rolling become crucial. Don't rush in blindly. Wait for openings.
Grab & Throw: Grabbing and throwing opponents off the stage is often the most reliable way to get KOs, especially against heavy or high-damage CPU opponents.
Edge Guarding: Learn to anticipate and intercept opponents trying to recover to the stage after being launched.
Master Hand Strategy: Master Hand has several predictable attack patterns. Learn to recognize them and exploit the openings.
- Finger Walk: Master Hand walks across the stage. Stay in the air or shield.
- Finger Poke/Flick: A quick jab or flick. Shield or dodge.
- Laser Beam: Fires a laser from its fingertips. Get behind it or shield.
- Clap: Claps its hands together. Get to the edge of the stage or in the air between its hands.
- Drill: Dives down with fingers spinning. Move out of the way.
- Hand Slap: Slams its palm down. Roll out of the way or shield.
- Grab: Attempts to grab you. Break free quickly if caught.
The most consistent strategy is to attack Master Hand's thumb or fingers when it's vulnerable after an attack, then retreat. Characters with strong up-smashes or aerial attacks can deal significant damage.

Achieving High Scores and Records

While not unlocking content, striving for high scores in the various modes is a classic arcade-style milestone in Super Smash Bros. N64. These scores are tracked in the "Records" section of the game.

Modes with Score Tracking

Classic Mode: Your score is based on damage dealt, KOs, time taken, and various bonus points (e.g., "No Damage Clear," "Speed Clear," "Smash-less Clear").
Bonus Stages:
- Break the Targets: Each character has a unique target stage. Completing these quickly is a test of precision and character knowledge. Aim for the fastest time possible.
- Board the Platforms: Similar to Break the Targets, each character has a unique platform stage. The goal is to touch all platforms in the fastest time.
Training Mode: While not scored, spending time in Training Mode to perfect combos, recoveries, and advanced techniques is a milestone in itself, leading to improved performance in other modes.

Tips for High Scores in Classic Mode

Difficulty: Play on "Very Hard" for the highest score multipliers.
Speed: Finish stages quickly. Don't waste time.
Damage Taken: Avoid taking damage. A "No Damage Clear" bonus is significant.
Bonus Points: Learn what actions grant bonus points (e.g., using specific attacks, not using certain attacks, getting multiple KOs at once).
Master Hand: Defeat Master Hand quickly and efficiently, ideally without taking damage.

Tips for Bonus Stages

Character Specific: Each character's Break the Targets and Board the Platforms stage is designed around their unique movement and attack properties. Experiment with each character to find the optimal path and techniques.
Practice: These stages require practice and memorization. Repeat them until you find the most efficient route.
Precision: Many targets or platforms require precise jumps or attacks.

Playing with All Characters

A simple yet satisfying milestone is to simply play a Versus Match with every character on the roster, both starting and unlocked. This ensures you've experienced each fighter's unique playstyle, strengths, and weaknesses.

Experimentation: Try out each character's basic attacks, special moves, and recovery options.
Matchups: Discover which characters you enjoy playing and which ones you struggle against. This knowledge is invaluable for both casual and competitive play.
Mastery: While playing one match is a start, truly mastering a character involves countless hours of practice and understanding their nuanced mechanics.

Multiplayer Milestones

While Super Smash Bros. N64 doesn't track online play or extensive multiplayer statistics, local multiplayer is the heart of the game. Achieving milestones with friends can be just as rewarding as single-player accomplishments.

"Smash King/Queen": Becoming the undisputed champion among your local friend group.
Tournament Wins: Organizing and winning local tournaments.
Epic Comebacks: Pulling off incredible comebacks from a significant stock deficit.
Signature Moves: Developing a signature combo or strategy that your friends dread.

Achieving these milestones in Super Smash Bros. N64 is a journey through the game's foundational mechanics and iconic roster. Whether you're unlocking every character, mastering every stage, or simply enjoying the chaos with friends, these accomplishments define the classic Smash experience. Happy smashing!