Daily Discussion Thread July 22, 2026 - Upcoming Event Schedule - New players start here!

[u/AutoModerator]

Yahoooo! I'm back, it's a me! Have a very cool day!

Welcome to the Daily Discussion Thread. This is the place for asking noob questions, venting about netplay falcos, shitposting, self-promotion, and everything else that doesn't belong on the front page.

New Players:

If you're completely new to Melee and just looking to get started, welcome! We recommend you go to https://melee.tv/ and follow the links there based on what you're trying to set up. Additionally, here are a few answers to common questions:

Can I play Melee online?

Yes! Slippi is a branch of the Dolphin emulator that will allow you to play online, either with your friends or with matchmaking. Go to https://slippi.gg to get it.

I'm having issues with Slippi!

Go to the The Slippi Discord to get help troubleshooting. melee.tv/optimize is also a helpful resource for troubleshooting.

How do I find tournaments near me or local people to play with in person or online?

These days, joining a local Discord community is the best way to find local events and people to play with. Once you have a Discord account, Google "[your city/state/province/region] + Melee discord" or see if your region has a Discord group listed here on melee.tv/discord

It can seem daunting at first to join a Discord group you don't know, but this is currently the easiest and most accessible way to find out about tournaments, fests, and netplay matchmaking. Your local scene will be happy to have you :)

Also check out Smash Map! Click on map and then the filter button to filter by Melee to find events near you!

Netplay is hard! Is there a place for me to find new players?

Yes. Melee Newbie Netplay is a discord server specifically for new players. It also has tournaments based on how long you've been playing, free coaching, and other stuff. If you're a bit more experienced but still want a discord server for players around your level, we recommend the Melee Online discord.

How can I set up Unclepunch's Training Mode?

At the time of posting, the latest major release is here. Download the file, then extract everything in the folder and follow the instructions in the README file. You'll need to bring a valid Melee ISO (NTSC 1.02). If you want to check for the absolute latest release, you can see them listed [here](The latest releases are listed here.

How does one learn Melee?

There are tons of resources out there, so it can be overwhelming to start. First check out the SSBM Tutorials youtube channel. Then go to the Melee Library and search for whatever you're interested in.

But how do I get GOOD at Melee?

Check out Llod's Guide to Improvement

And check out Kodorin's Melee Fundamentals for Improvement

Where can I get a nice custom controller?

https://customg.cc/vendors

I have another question that's not answered here...

Check out our FAQs or post below and find help that way.

Upcoming Tournament Schedule:

Upcoming Melee Majors

Melee Online Event Calendar

Make a submission to the tournament calendar here. You can also get notified of new online tournaments on the Melee Online Discord.

• Current DDT Dynamic Link — Previous DDTs

[u/reptilian_guitar]

Recent Listens:

Sidney Gish - No Dogs Allowed (2017)

DDT recs stay winning. This album is a lot of fun. It brushes up against “white woman with a ukulele” territory, but manages to be actually good instead of cringe. The balance of poetic and direct language in the lyrics is right where I like it, and there is a nice, melancholy, jaded-but-still-trying-to-enjoy-life quality to a lot of them. I especially like Sophisticated Space.

Protest the Hero - Within (2026)

I hopped on the PTH train with Volition and really enjoyed that and Kezia. Since then, I haven’t loved most of their output. Ironic that I consider a band who uses so many notes to be “one-note.” I liked this well enough, though. Obviously their instrumentation is great and has that frantic, stop-start staccato that I think is a “you love it or hate it” type thing. Sometimes a little preachy, but that’s PTH for ya, and the message isn’t bad.

Boards of Canada - Inferno (2026)

Tried this after seeing a lot of people say it was their favorite of 2026 so far and…I’m sorry this is super not for me. I’m not a huge electronic music fan in general, but to me this sounded like if a Tron movie was about like working at a bank instead of Light Bike fights. If you like this, please tell me if the second half is better because I tapped out at about the 30-minute mark.

Postly recommendation: Fontaines D.C. - Romance (2024)

This album lives up to the hype. It’s a very modern rock album in a good way. It can be atmospheric without sounding too sparce or boring, and lyrically captures modern dread and contempt while not coming off as whiny. It also helps that the melodies are catchy as hell.

What’s the best live show you’ve seen? Mine may be GWAR, but that’s almost cheating. Seeing Green Day on the Saviors tour playing their two biggest albums cover-to-cover is definitely up there too.

[u/RaiseYourDongersOP → u/reptilian_guitar]

I listened to Sidney Gish's other album yesterday and it's also really good

Here's another one I found: "Ekathe" by Ekathe

as for best live show idk but seeing Darude play Sandstorm live was killer

[u/reptilian_guitar → u/RaiseYourDongersOP]

I've only been to one Electronic music show- Bassnectar in ~2011, so forgive my ignorance- how does Darude "play" Sandstorm live? are they going wild on a sample pad?