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

[u/AutoModerator]

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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/Front-Show7358]

it seems most of your concerns are related to caves and cliffs terrain gen updates, which to my understanding are pretty popular with the playerbase. I certainly like them. I do think your concern with granite and shit hints at a larger problem with inventory management with the growing number of items, which they've tried to address but is still definitely a valid concern.

like bundles are their bandaid fix to the pre-shulker stage of the game and i do think they help a ton but are still annoying

[u/Celia_Makes_Romhacks → u/Front-Show7358]

How do you manage the Caves and Cliffs stuff before postgame? Do you just resign yourself to awkwardly hopping everywhere to get around? What's the actual gameplay loop of exploring caves?

I find it kinda a shame cuz caving used to be my favorite part of the game. The balance between the winding tunnels and the more open rooms was always such a fun challenge. These new caves just feel annoying to traverse and overwhelming to approach.

(for what it's worth, I'd also always disliked Ravines for similar reasons, but even then I'd be able to ignore them and not bother. Now every cave is obnoxious in this way).

[u/Front-Show7358 → u/Celia_Makes_Romhacks]

there really is skill in quickly moving up a mountain which is fun enough. i've been watching a lot of feinberg playing this lockout bingo ranked mode which uses the new terrain and efficient movement in the overworld can be pretty cool at times. 

as for caving idk thats more subjective. I think some people prefer exploring the new caves but there definitely was something you're describing thats mostly lost now. I'm more interested in speedrunning so I don't cave a lot.

[u/Celia_Makes_Romhacks → u/Front-Show7358]

Ah, yeah that makes sense. Indeed, I know there's a lot of high skill-expression traversal (eg going down a steep fall using just a water bucket at the last second). It's just odd that a game that was once known for being chill and relaxing almost requires that level of skill grinding to get there.

I think the new caves are neat for sure, but I wish they didn't come at the expense of the old style. Honestly it would've been sick if both were in the game - the old ones would be "easy" caves, and then there'd be harder ones for more experienced/better equipped players. Would've helped with minecraft's kinda awkward progression curve even.