Super Smash Bros. Brawl beginner guide: controls, Smash Balls and recovery
Learn the basics of Brawl: damage and knockback, Smash attacks, the Smash Ball and Final Smashes, items and recovering to the stage.
Original 2008 Wii release. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online play ended in 2014; Project M and other mods are outside this guide.
Damage and knockback
Attacks raise a fighter's damage percentage. The higher it is, the further they fly. A fighter is knocked out when they leave the screen's edge.
Smash attacks and specials
Tilt the stick and press attack at the same time for a powerful Smash attack. The special button with a direction gives four special moves per fighter.
The Smash Ball
When a Smash Ball floats onto the stage, break it to charge your Final Smash, then press the special button to use it.
Recovering
After being launched, use your mid-air jumps and up special move to return. Grabbing the ledge gives brief invincibility.
If you are new to the game, set stock matches against level 3 computers: you learn recovery without being overwhelmed.
Picture details
Game artwork belongs to its respective rights holders.