Super Smash Bros. Ultimate: The Ultimate Guide to All Characters Unlocked Save Files

Unlock Every Fighter Instantly – Is It Safe, How to Do It, and What Are the Alternatives?

Since its release in December 2018, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has earned its title as the ultimate crossover fighting game. With a roster that proudly declares “Everyone is Here!” – spanning 89 distinct fighter slots (including DLC and Echo Fighters) – the grind to unlock every character is both a rite of passage and, for many players, a significant time sink.

But what if you’ve lost your save data? What if you’re a competitive player switching consoles? Or what if you simply want to play as Sonic, Ridley, or King K. Rool without spending 20+ hours in World of Light?

Enter the “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate all characters unlocked save” – a pre-modified game save file that promises to hand you the full roster instantly.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know: how these saves work, the step-by-step method to install them, the risks involved, ethical alternatives, and a definitive verdict on whether this shortcut is right for you.

How It Works: The Homebrew Factor

It is important to clarify the technical reality: Nintendo does not officially support importing save files from the internet.

On a standard, unmodified Nintendo Switch, you cannot simply download a file from a website and load it onto your console. The process almost always requires Homebrew (custom firmware) or specialized hardware like the SaveMii device.

• The Homebrew Route:

There is no single "text" string that can be pasted to unlock all characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

. Unlocking characters requires either replacing your system_data.bin file with a 100% complete save file or using a save editor. Method 1: Using a Save Editor (Recommended)

The most direct way to "edit the text" of your save is through the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Savegame Editor.

Export your save: Use a homebrew tool like JKSV or Checkpoint to dump your current save data from your Nintendo Switch.

Upload the file: Drag and drop your system_data.bin into the online Savegame Editor. Unlock Characters: Check the option to unlock all fighters.

Download and Restore: Save the edited file and use JKSV or Checkpoint to restore it back to your console. Method 2: Hex Editing (Technical)

For those comfortable with hex editors, you can manually change the values in your system_data.bin: Target Offset: Scroll to +0x53FF30.

The Change: There are several columns of 00 or 01 leading down to offset 540250. Changing these values to 01 typically triggers character unlocks. Method 3: Fastest Way to Unlock Manually (Non-Modded)

If your console isn't modded, you can speed up the "Challenger Approaching" cycle using a restart glitch:

Start a 1-stock Smash match and jump off the stage to end it immediately. Fight and defeat the new challenger.

Restart the Game: Immediately close the software and reopen it. This resets the internal 10-minute cooldown timer, allowing a new challenger to appear after just one more match.

Here’s a high-impact feature you could highlight for a “Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – All Characters Unlocked” save file:

Feature Name:
“Tournament-Ready Roster – No Grind, No Wait”

Why it’s good:
Unlocking all 80+ characters in Smash Ultimate normally requires hours of Vs. matches, Classic Mode runs, or specific character unlocks via Challenger’s Approach. A save with all characters already unlocked lets players skip that entirely – which is especially valuable for:

• Local tournaments – No time wasted unlocking characters before a bracket.
• Party settings – Friends can jump straight into choosing their favorite fighter.
• New players – No need to grind just to try out DLC or hidden characters like Mewtwo, Ridley, or Cloud.
• Alternate accounts / console swaps – Quickly restore a full roster after a factory reset or when borrowing a Switch.

Bonus technical detail (if listing specs):

• Includes all base + DLC characters (if DLC owned separately)
• Works with game version 13.0.x (final major update)
• No online ban risk (as long as it's used on a hacked Switch or via proper save management on an unmodified console)

Would you like this feature description adapted for a product listing, a modding guide, or a YouTube video title?

The Verdict

If you have fought through World of Light twice already, just grab the save file. Life is too short to fight Incineroar 15 times.

Do the grind once for respect. Do the save file for convenience.

Have a favorite main that took forever to unlock? Drop a comment below. (Mine is Cloud—that FF7 challenge was brutal.)

Here’s content you can use for a blog post, YouTube description, or download page for a "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – All Characters Unlocked Save File":

Who Uses These Files?

While purists argue that unlocking characters is part of the fun, there are legitimate use cases for these pre-made saves:

1. The Tournament Scene Fighting game tournaments rely on speed. If a console crashes or a setup needs to be swapped, tournament organizers cannot spend 20 hours unlocking characters. A pre-loaded save ensures every fighter and stage is available instantly for bracket play.

2. The "Wombo Combo" Makers Content creators and montage editors often need access to specific characters and stages to test combos or set up cinematic shots. An unlocked save allows for immediate access to training mode with any fighter.

3. The Returning Player If you lost your Switch or had it stolen, starting from scratch can be demoralizing. Restoring a save file that mirrors your previous progress (or exceeds it) helps players jump right back into the competitive scene.

For Modded Switch Users (Atmosphere)

If you have a modded Switch running CFW, you can use JKSV or Checkpoint.

1. Download the 100% SSBU save file from a trusted community forum.
2. Place the folder on your SD card (/JKSV/Smash Ultimate/).
3. Launch JKSV, restore the save.
4. Reboot the game. You’re done.

⚠️ Important Notes:

• This works only on a hacked Switch (Atmosphere or SX OS) with save management homebrew.
• Do NOT use online with modded saves unless you want a ban risk.
• Back up your original save before restoring.
• DLC characters only appear if you own the DLC legally. The save unlocks the slot, but the game checks for purchase.

For Emulator Users (Ryujinx / Yuzu)

This is the easiest route.

1. Download a "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 100% Save File" from a reputable source (search GitHub or r/Ryujinx).
2. Locate your emulator’s save directory (usually right-click the game in the emulator menu > "Open Save Data Location").
3. Drag and drop the downloaded file (usually save_data.bin) into the folder.
4. Launch the game. Every character, stage, and Mii costume will be there.

Q4: What about “mature” or “reviewer” saves that claim to have DLC without purchase?

These are scams. DLC characters are locked behind an eShop entitlement check. No save file can bypass that.

Part 7: The Verdict – Should You Use an All Characters Unlocked Save?

Use an unlocked save file ONLY if:

• You have a dedicated offline-only Switch that never connects to the internet.
• You are a content creator needing immediate access to the full roster for video production.
• You lost your original save after 200+ hours and are willing to risk a ban to recover it.
• You fully understand and accept the risks of console modding.

Do NOT use an unlocked save if:

• You enjoy playing Smash Online (Elite Smash, Battle Arenas).
• You want to keep your Switch warranty valid.
• You are not technically comfortable with RCM jigs, payloads, and custom firmware.
• You have any intention of selling the console later – banned units sell for half the price.