Some abilities are shared between multiple characters, while others are unique to one person. Abilities are things they can do that aren't one of their moves. Many characters have one or more abilities. Characters have out of shield moves that can be used directly as they drop their shield. If a shield is used for too long or takes too much damage, the shield will break, stunning the character and often leading to their defeat. Air dodges can only be used once before landing, and rolling constantly decreases the length and duration of the roll. Shielding in the air initiates an air dodge, an intangible fall, though it can move in any direction. Sliding the control stick down initiates a spot dodge. Shielding and completely sliding the control stick left or right will allow one to roll, invincibly moving. Shielding right when hit by an attack is a parry that takes no damage. Shielding and tilting the control stick will allow one to shift their shield, preventing the opponent from hitting them. Shields are an available option, as well as items.

Each character can double jump, and has a variety of non-special attacks, that include grabbing/throwing. In stock matches, you lose a stock, but in non-stock matches, you lose a point, and anyone who KO'd you gets a point. Players or CPU's choose characters to fight with in several different stages. UCS's gameplay is very similar to gameplay in the Super Smash Bros.

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