31. SNAKE

Franchise / home series: Metal Gear

Notable non-Smash games: Metal Gear Solid (1998); Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001); Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater (2004)

Solid Snake entered Smash with Brawl as the first Konami representative and one of the earliest “mature” third-party characters in the series. His inclusion signaled a major expansion of Smash beyond pure Nintendo-owned franchises and was famously born from a request by Hideo Kojima.

In Smash, Snake is a heavy, projectile-focused fighter who relies on explosives, traps, and careful stage control. His toolkit includes grenades, C4, remote missiles, and powerful tilts and aerials. While he’s slower and bulkier than many fighters, his damage output and zoning tools make him a formidable presence, especially in the hands of players who master his advanced grenade tech.

Snake’s absence in Smash 4 and triumphant return in Ultimate further cemented his legendary status in the roster. His codec conversations in Brawl and his grounded, tactical presentation differentiate him from more fantastical characters, showcasing Smash as a true celebration of gaming history across genres and tones.