The nine VS stages
Eight starting arenas and the secret Mushroom Kingdom stage.
Original Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 64 (1999). Controls use the N64 controller; regional balance differences and later sequels are outside this introductory guide.
Starting arenas
Peach’s Castle · Congo Jungle · Hyrule Castle · Planet Zebes · Yoshi’s Island · Dream Land · Sector Z · Saffron City.
Mushroom Kingdom
Clear 1P Game with each of the eight starting fighters and play on all eight starting stages in VS Mode. Mushroom Kingdom then becomes available in VS Mode.
Watch the arena
Platforms and hazards change the space available to fight. Our suggestion: explore each layout with a low-level CPU before increasing the difficulty.
Learn edges and platforms first
Explore a new arena without rushing toward the opponent. Notice where the ground ends, where a jump can land and where the scenery creates an interruption. The same recovery move may feel safe on one layout and awkward on another. Choose a familiar stage while learning a fighter, then change the arena after the basic movement is dependable so you can distinguish matchup problems from navigation mistakes.
Make stage selection part of the session
For a relaxed local game, rotate arenas so everyone encounters their hazards and platforms. For focused practice, repeat one stage and compare how different opponents use its space. An item landing on a platform can also change where the next exchange happens. Watch the whole arena between attacks; the opponent’s position and the nearest edge matter more than the scenery’s recognizable series origin.
Practise one skill at a time in Training Mode before trying it in a match.