In Super Smash Bros Ultimate there are nearly one hundred characters to choose from, representing video games across decades and franchises. It can be daunting to know which character to pick, so many players like to stick with an archetype they can feel comfortable in. One of these archetypes is known by fans as a zoner. Zoners are characters who play defensively, electing to control space on the stage over going in for direct attacks.
These characters rely on projectiles, reach weapons, and area of effect attacks to force their opponents where they want them when they want them there. Zoners try to win by wearing their opponents down from a distance. There are a number of zoners to choose from, with each approaching the playstyle a little differently.
10 Jigglypuff Is A Master Of The AOE Attack
Jigglypuff is a character of extremes in Smash Ultimate, though you wouldn't know it by its cute appearance. Though incredibly slow on the ground, Jigglypuff has some of the best airspeed in the game, allowing it to leap from platform to platform and avoid attacks with ease.
Its zoning capabilities lie in its Rest and Sing special moves. Rest sends opponents flying and makes them take more damage, while Sing puts them to sleep for a short time.
9 Young Link Is A Reliable Favorite
The youthful version of the Legend of Zelda protagonist is one of the most reliable characters in the game. His sword has an excellent reach that keeps him safe while dealing damage, and he can launch Fire Arrows at range to stack up hits while remaining untouched.
His Boomerang is a slower ranged attack that hits harder, giving him a bit of versatility. Finally, his Bomb ability works like a held item, able to be thrown or dropped wherever it is needed.
8 Samus And Dark Samus Are Packing Heat
Samus and her dark reflection play basically identically, and they make great zoners. Their primary attack is a projectile, already guaranteeing the control over space that a good zoner is trying for.
Combine this attack with a Charge Shot version and Homing and Super Missiles and Samus is able to strike at range without ever getting a scratch. The Grapple Beam ability is also very useful, allowing Samus players to grab and place enemies where they want them, or perform recoveries if necessary.
7 Mega Man Is All About The Projectiles
Megaman is totally invested in projectiles, making him an easy choice for zoners. Metal Blade can be thrown to keep opponents at bay with a brief stun, while Crash Bomber creates a hazard on the field that will send opponents running. Mega Man also utilizes throws to his advantage, with all his throws being decent options for putting enemies at a distance.
Like with any projectile-based character, he struggles against enemies that can reflect or pocket his attacks, but he is a solid choice for anyone looking to try out zoning.
6 The Belmonts Control Space With Weaponry
Simon and Richter Belmont are echo fighters of one another, meaning they play nearly identically. Their signature whips make them great zoners, with the second-longest reach of any character in the game.
They can threaten a good chunk of space around them, playing defensively and entering fights on their own terms. When used in conjunction with the Axe and Holy Water projectiles, the Belmont brothers are masters of controlling space and landing hits.
5 Lucas and Ness Use Magic To Their Advantage
Hailing from the Earthbound series, these two kids have somewhat different movesets, but both work perfectly well as zoners. Ness has three magic-based projectiles that travel in different directions around him, allowing him to tackle enemies from any angle.
Somewhat different from other zoners, Ness also has fast normal attacks that make him threatening at close ranges as well. Lucas plays similarly, sharing some of the same projectile attacks, but where Nes shines on the ground, Lucas is at home fighting in the air.
4 King Dedede Is Heavy And Hard To Move
King Dedede is tied for the third heaviest character in the game along with Donkey Kong, and he uses his bulk to his advantage. Dedede zones by being nearly impossible to move, punishing any opponents who get too close.
His Inhale ability allows him to grab opponents and toss them where he wants them and doubles as a reflector. With Gordo Throw, he can launch spiky balls that inflict significant damage at range.
3 Villager Plays It Defensive And Safe
When not catching butterflies or digging up fossils, Animal Crossing's Villager puts their garden implements to good use as a great zoner. While in the air, Villager can launch projectiles from a slingshot or ride a Lloid Rocket to hit opponents from across the stage. Their ability to pocket enemy projectiles o items lets them control the space around them and protect themselves from their enemy's most dangerous attacks.
If all else fails, Villager can grow a tree to hide behind before chopping the tree down and dealing massive damage to anyone it hits.
2 Duck Hunt Is A Gunslinging Duo
This duo character excels at zoning with their hunting-themed projectiles. Trick Shot allows the pair to launch a can that will explode upon contact with the enemy, letting them set up traps that guide enemy movement. Clay Shooting is another exploding projectile that has strong potential as a combo starter.
Wild Gunman conjures a gunman that fires at the enemy on his own, allowing Duck Hunt to escape a sticky situation or close in for the kill.
1 Min Min Can Strike From A Distance
Min Min's strongest weapons are her arms, appropriately enough. She carries three options with her ARMS Changeability, allowing her to match her weapon to the situation. These arms grant her incredible reach, able to strike at opponents from a distance while remaining safe herself.
This strategy has a unique advantage over projectile-based zoners, as her ARMS cannot be reflected or pocketed. The drawback, however, is that her fists have hitboxes, allowing quick players to score hits while she attacks.