Kirby and Peach, cloaked

Clear is a transformation in theSuper Smash Bros. series that debuted inSuper Smash Bros. Melee and has appeared in every subsequent game. A character under the effect of clear has their model be completely transparent. They are invisible to the player, though this is only an aesthetic change and the characters otherwise function normally. Clear characters may occasionally have a distortion effect around them and certain visualeffects are unaffected, giving away their location. Except inSuper Smash Bros. Melee, if a clear fighter has aname, that name is not displayed.

An advantage to being invisible is that the opponent cannot see the character, removing the element of telegraphing entirely and allowing an element of stealth and surprise by the player who is unable to easily tell what the invisible character is doing. However, the player is also unable to see their own character, sometimes causing them to lose track of their own character which lead to accidental self-inflicted damage and aself-destruct at worst. Important visual elements being obscured can also cause issues if the player is not paying close attention, especially if they are tied to gameplay changes.

List of Causes[edit]

By characters[edit]

Character	Move(s)	Notes	Game(s)
Hero	Command Selection (Hocus Pocus)	One of several random effects of Hocus Pocus. Will turn Hero invisible for several seconds.

ByAssist Trophies[edit]

Character	Notes	Game(s)
Skull Kid	Can turn all fighters invisible as one of three potential actions.
Nightmare	Turns all fighters invisible as he covers the stage with darkness.

Byitems[edit]

Item	Notes	Game(s)
Cloaking Device	Will turn user invisible, as well as negate alldamage while active, but nothitstun orknockback.
Boo	Appears exclusively inSmash Tour, and allows the user to start a battle invisible.

By game modes[edit]

Mode	Notes	Game(s)
Invisible Melee	An option in Special Smash that turns all fighters invisible.
Clear Brawl
Clear Smash
Event match	Event 23: Slippy's Invention:Fox andFalco are invisible.
	Co-Op Event 6: Unwanted Suitors:Luigi andCaptain Falcon are invisible.
	Aura Mastery:Sheik andWii Fit Trainer are invisible.
Spirit Battle	Select battles have theconditions "Clear [enemy]", "You are invisible", and "All fighters are invisible."

Origin[edit]

The Cloaking Device inMelee

Invisibility is a common mechanic in video games, particular those with prominent stealth elements to get past enemies undetected. TheCloaking Device in particular hails from thePerfect Dark series. Its connection to a franchiseNintendo no longer had the rights to as of the release ofBrawl (the series being owned byRare Ltd., which was purchased byMicrosoft in 2002) is likely the reason for its removal.

Trivia[edit]

• At the start ofMelee'sEvent 23: Slippy's Invention, it is stated thatSlippy Toad invented the Cloaking Device used in that match.
• The distortion effects that indicate a clear fighter's location bend around Mr. Game & Watch's unflattened 3D model, making it the only way of seeing him in an unflattened state in every game the status appears in.

• Transformations