07. FOX

Franchise / home series: Star Fox

Notable non-Smash games: Star Fox (1993); Star Fox 64 (1997); Star Fox Zero (2016)

Fox McCloud has been a mainstay in the Smash roster since the Nintendo 64 era, representing the Star Fox series and Nintendo’s sci-fi space shooter heritage. As the leader of the Star Fox team, he brings a cocky, courageous personality and a fast-paced combat style that contrasts with many of the heavier Nintendo icons.

In Smash, Fox is known for his extremely high speed, fast attacks, and technical potential. His kit includes a rapid-fire Blaster, the Reflector (“shine”), and the Fire Fox recovery. In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Fox became one of the most iconic high-skill characters in competitive play, with advanced techniques such as shine combos, wavedashing, and perfect movement defining the game’s top-level meta for years.

Although his overall power has been tuned differently across the series, Fox consistently plays the role of a fast rushdown character who rewards precision and technical mastery. His inclusion keeps the Star Fox franchise visible to new generations and gives Smash one of its signature high-speed archetypes, appealing to players who enjoy aggressive, combo-heavy gameplay.