True fans of Super Smash Bros. know every trick in the book. However, Super Smash Bros. Melee invites players to a whole other side of crossover fighting. First released in 2001 for the GameCube, Melee is the second game in the Smash Bros. series and there are even more characters that fans can explore. 

RELATED: Ten Least Viable Characters in Super Smash Bros Melee

Famously, Melee combines characters from Mario, Pokemon, Star Fox, and The Legend Of Zelda, and offers a fun party-fighting experience with its swift, solid mechanics. Long story short, it's a Nintendo fan's dream game, and a fun go-to for parties and social gatherings. There are many characters that are available to play right from start, but there are also plenty of great ones that need to be unlocked. In case fans do not know how to unlock each fighter, here are instructions on how to land everybody on the roster.

Updated July 19th, 2021 by Stephen LaGioia: While the robust Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on Nintendo Switch is all the rage these days, there's a certain charm and quality to Melee that is hard to deny—and it's why many diehards swear by it to this day. Put simply, there's a reason this groundbreaking GameCube fighter is still a popular go-to when it comes to esports and gaming tournaments. Its blend of depth and accessibility has given it an appeal scarcely matched in local multiplayer gaming. The sharp mechanics and fast-paced nature of the game continue to be a draw for social and competitive gaming, as well as a popular target for modders. Given the longevity and popularity of this timeless classic, it seemed fitting to beef up this list with a refresh.

11 Marth: Play A Game With Every Starter Character

The swordsman supreme from Fire Emblem is one of the easier characters to unlock. All players have to do is play a game in either Classic or Adventure Mode with every starter character. Specifically, combine the level Jungle Japes with Level 9 CPU. The starter character simply runs forward and kills themselves by falling off the bridge in Jungle Japes. This allows for a relatively quick way to notch this requirement.

Once every starter character is used, Marth appears as the new foe, and players are taken to the visual spectacle that is Fountain Of Dreams. Once Kirby takes care of Marth, he's locked in the lineup for good. While he's a fairly quick character, he shouldn't put up much of a fight, though he may be a bit tough to strike at times.

Alternatively, players can play 400 VS matches to trigger the same result.

10 Jigglypuff: Complete Classic Or Adventure Mode

Unlocking the cute ball of singing, rolling joy is a breeze for the most part. All players have to do is complete Classic or Adventure Mode with any character of their choice.

Alternatively, those who prefer the addictive nature of the multiplayer gameplay can notch 50 VS matches.

Jigglypuff appears as the new foe, and players go to the level Pokemon Stadium to engage in the Poke-battle. Players should make sure that this Jigglypuff does not sing them to sleep—and the pesky ball can be evasive as well. For the most part, though, Jigglypuff is pretty easy to best.

9 Dr. Mario: Complete Classic Or Adventure Mode As Mario With No Continues

It's-a him, Dr. Mario! To unlock Mario's doctor alter-ego, players need to complete Classic or Adventure Mode. There is, however, a bit of a catch, as Mario is fittingly required to trigger this showdown; and he cannot use any continues.

Dr. Mario appears on Princess Peach's castle; a stage that's somewhat minimal, but can still be a bit hazardous. This sibling squabble can be tough at times, as Dr. Mario's long jumps and quick moves can keep unprepared players on their heels. The up + B Super Jump Punch is quite handy here.

Classic Mode is easier for some players since the alternative is playing 100 VS matches, but it's really up to the player.

8 Falco: Complete The 100-Man Melee

This fan-favorite clone fighter is not the easiest to unlock, so be ready! Players have to complete 100-Man Melee, which involves the player staving off and taking out a whopping hundred polygonal foes of varying fighting styles and moves. So it's advised to select one's absolute best fighter and saddle up for an intense, grind-it-out battle.

The alternative is for players to fight in 300 VS matches.

Using techniques that players have mastered over time is a surefire way to defeat Falco, particularly speedier or disruptive attacks to counter the swift opponent. The fight will be on the Battlefield stage with raised platforms, so using fighters with solid upward attacks and up + B specials are a good idea. Be ready to shield from his gunfire as well. Those diehard Smash players can also use the Master Hand glitch.

7 Ganondorf: Complete Event 29

Players can channel their inner-villain with this sinister character. Believe it or not, Gannondorf's a fairly easy fighter to best in battle, but getting there still requires effort. One option is for the player to play 600 VS matches.

The alternative is to complete Event 29, which is the Triforce Gathering.

RELATED: Super Smash Bros. Melee: Every Character Cut From The Roster

Players will need to have knocked out all of the previous event matches to get to the Triforce Gathering. Keep in mind that neither Link nor the CPU-controlled Zelda can be KO'd, or the event ends in failure. Completion of this situational fight will bring players to the Final Destination stage, where the new foe Ganondorf awaits. With his sluggish mechanics and the minimal nature of the arena, this one shouldn't be too tough. Still, Ganondorf both literally and figuratively packs a punch, so be ready!

6 Roy: Complete Classic Or Adventure Mode As Marth

Many players will likely enjoy securing this potent Fire Emblem swordfighter. All that's required is to complete Classic or Adventure Mode using Marth. While players will need to be sure to have Marth unlocked beforehand, the task becomes a degree simpler once this is achieved.

Alternatively, players can play 900 VS. matches, which will take quite a bit longer.

Players dual with Roy at level Hyrule Temple, and despite Roy's speed and offensive prowess, the fight is usually pretty simple and uneventful. Cheekier players can opt to try and lure Roy into the trap on the lower part of the stage, where he can be coaxed into getting stuck and falling from the lower platform off to the right side. But for those who wish to play it straight, whittle down his health with Marth's quick sword strikes and be ready to counterattack.

5 Luigi: Finish Mushroom Kingdom's First Level With A "Two" In The Seconds Meter

At last, Luigi gets to step out of Mario's shadow and shine in all his underrated glory! To get Mario's brother, players must complete the first level of Adventure mode at the Mushroom Kingdom. But there is a rather odd caveat—they must also finish with a two in the seconds meter (for example: 04:02). Mushroom Kingdom is a pretty simple platforming stage to deal with, and hitting that time isn't as tough as it seems, as long as players keep an eye on that clock when hitting the flag.

RELATED: Ranked: Top Fighting Games Of The 2000s

When these tasks are complete, a cutscene showing Luigi kicking Mario out of the way will roll before he and Peach fight the player. Then begins a pretty quick, frantic showdown against Luigi, whose defeat triggers the unlock. The process is somewhat lengthy, but the actual steps are typically pretty simple.

Alternatively, players can play 800 VS matches.

4 Pichu: Complete Event 37

He might look cute and cuddly, but Pichu can really be a force of nature! To unlock him, players must complete Event 37: Legendary Pokemon.

This one isn't too bad given the weak state of the polygonal fighters, but it can get deceptively rough and chaotic, as players will be dealing with a barrage of unpredictable Pokeballs which fittingly spawn legendary Pokemon. Players will then head to Pokemon Stadium and have a chance to "catch" their own Pichu by defeating the feisty electric rodent in combat.

Instead of this, those who favor the multiplayer skirmishes can choose to fight in 200 VS matches.

3 Young Link: Complete Classic Or Adventure Mode Using 10 Characters

Players are likely accustomed to the iconic Link as a go-to fighter, but as it happens, his youthful counterpart can also be unlocked. Classic or Adventure Mode will need to be completed—with ten different characters of one's choice.

Players are then directed to the level Great Bay to fight Young Link. It's generally a short fight, however—as the relatively small size of the stage will allow for Smash Attacks that can sufficiently blast the small fighter into the water. Players might also choose to lure him to the bottom platform, where he can be knocked underneath the top platform. This tight space will make it tough for him to recover.

Alternatively, players with more time on their hands can fight in 500 VS. matches.

2 Mewtwo: Play VS. Mode For 20 Hours

Much like the Pokemon titles he's featured in, much time and patience will be required to score this coveted creature. This is the most time-consuming character in the entire Super Smash Bros. series to unlock. Here, players have to play VS. Mode for a whopping 20 hours. 

The other lengthy option is that 700 matches in VS. Mode can be played.

However, a nifty little trick is that one can cut this time down to five hours by using four players and four controllers. The fewer players and controllers involved, the longer it takes to run out this clock. Another option is to simply leave the game rolling overnight. Players will then be sent to the level Final Destination to defeat Mewtwo. While he's on the slower side, Mewtwo can really pack a punch, so be prepared to shield, counter, or dodge his blasts. Don't be too discouraged if the fight is lost, as he'll soon show up again.

1 Mr. Game & Watch: Complete The Target Tests Using All Characters

Let's kick it old school and unlock a Nintendo antique; Mr. Game & Watch. On either Classic or Adventure Mode, players need to complete the Target Tests with every single character in the game, including the starters and those that were unlocked prior to this.

After this is done, get ready for a frantic fight on the level Flat Zone. Mr. Game & Watch isn't much trouble to defeat, as the flat, minimal arena allows one to keep focused and avoid disruptions. However, he can be fairly unpredictable and has quite a few tricks up his sleeve. He can blindside unsuspecting players with a few powerful moves—namely the number 9 hammer of his side special, so be prepared!

The alternative is playing a whopping 1000 VS matches.

NEXT: Ten Least Viable Characters In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate