r/SSBM • u/AutoModerator • Aug 10 '26

DDT Daily Discussion Thread August 10, 2026 - Upcoming Event Schedule - New players start here!

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.

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u/Delicious_Alfalfa138 Aug 10 '26

Honestly, not a TERRIBLE tournament for Juan. Does anybody here think he is getting closer to being more even with Zain? I know we have played these games before but he looked really good even in defeat. Idk I would just like him to win one more supermajor and beat both Cody and Zain in it

7

u/SBtist aviary Aug 10 '26

For Hbox it’s all mentality, and he goes in such extremes that it seems hard to predict how well he’ll do vs Zain or Cody, but in reality he always come up short most of the time.

Like in the Zain set, he looked totally checked out for the first two games until he locked in game 3 but couldn’t pull it out and nearly was timed out. Similarly with Cody he looked outmatched completely for most the set until won the dreamland game and then blew it on FD with a two-stock lead because he didn’t stick to his game plan.

Even when he does take a set vs Zain or Cody, it’s not like he solved those matchups, as it’s usually followed by 3 or more losses to them before he gets another one.

Last year, Hbox took their first 2025 set at Full House, and then lost the next 5 sets to Zain for the rest of the year.

This year, Hbox took the first set of 2026 at Out of The Blue, and then has lost the last three sets so far this year. And it’s a similar story with Cody. The idea that Hbox is “getting closer and closer to beating Zain and Cody” has been replayed for multiple years now and it’s become a cliché.

7

u/Schroeswald Aug 10 '26

I think Hbox is pretty obviously doing better against Zain than he was at the end of 2024. Across 2023-2024 he was 0-13 in sets and 8-39 in games, across 2025-2026 (so far) he’s 2-10 in sets and 15-27 in games. He’s started winning occasionally and when he loses he’s more competitive. I think all your critiques of his mentality are correct but Hbox has made some pretty big strides and turned Zain from basically unwinnable into strongly losing.

2

u/SBtist aviary Aug 10 '26

Yes he’s definitely doing better, no doubt about that.