Retro Brawl Gadgets and Star Powers

Gadgets and Star Powers are one of the two ability systems that allow brawlers in Retro Brawl to deal extra damage, gain unique advantages, protect themselves, and assist allies. As a fan-made/private server project where each build might contain different content, some versions of Retro Brawl have additional content while others might only contain brawler-specific abilities.

The following guide contains general advice about choosing gadgets for brawlers in Retro Brawl, including an overview of the ability systems. The guide will also discuss the best ways to combine both abilities for each brawler, as well as give common advice for players who are just starting out with the game.

What are gadgets in Retro Brawl?

Gadgets are additional abilities that can allow brawlers to gain tactical advantages during combat. Instead of relying on attacks and supers alone, players can utilize gadgets to tip the scales in their favor.

Depending on the brawler and build, gadgets can provide a variety of benefits, such as:

• • Increased damage
• • Escape options
• • Crowd control options
• • Healing
• • Movement speed boosts
• • Team utility
• • Opportunities to land attacks

The best time to use a gadget is when it will provide the most benefit. As an active ability, a gadget used at a poor time can be wasted while the same gadget can turn the tides of battle at the right moment.

What are Star Powers?

Star Powers are passive abilities that provide permanent stat boosts to brawlers. Unlike gadgets, star powers typically require less direct input from the player. Depending on the brawler and build, star powers can increase a variety of stats, such as:

• • Damage
• • Healing
• • Movement
• • Defense
• • Attack
• • Super
• • Team utility

The best star power depends on the brawler, map, and mode.

Gadgets vs. Star Powers

Gadgets Star Powers

Active ability Passive ability

Typically activated by the player Typically activated automatically

Tactical advantages Permanent stat boosts

Importance depends on the situation Typically depends on the brawler’s playstyle

Useful in specific situations Useful in a variety of situations

Require careful decision-making Require less direct input from the player

How to choose the best gadget

There is no one-size-fits-all gadget that is always the best choice in any situation. Before choosing a gadget, a player should consider the following factors:

1. Game mode

Depending on the game mode, some gadgets are more useful than others.

For example, while an offensive gadget might be great in solo-solo modes, a gadget that allows the player to escape or defend themselves might be more useful in team-based modes.

2. Mape

Some gadgets are more useful in specific maps than others. For example, open maps provide more opportunities to reposition, making gadgets that increase range or allow the player to move more distance useful. Meanwhile, maps with lots of walls and narrow hallways might make control gadgets more useful.

3. Playstyle

Some gadgets are more useful to players who play offensively while others are more useful to players who play defensively.

4. Team composition

In team-based modes, a player should consider their teammates when choosing a gadget. For example, while an offensive gadget might be great for boosting personal damage, a gadget that provides utility to the whole team might be more beneficial.

How to choose the best Star Power

When choosing a star power, a player should consider how useful it is to their preferred playstyle and how well it complements their brawler. When choosing a star power, a player should ask themselves the following questions:

• Do I play aggressively or defensively?

• Do I need more survivability?

• Do I need to deal more damage?

• Does the map require more close-range or long-range combat?

• Do I need more team utility?

• Which star power gives me the most value?

While a star power’s description can provide some guidance, testing different combinations and seeing which ones perform the best in different game modes is the best way to choose a star power.

Choosing the best gadget and star power combinations

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Retro Brawl is experimenting with different combinations of abilities. A player should choose a combination of abilities that accomplishes a specific goal, such as:

Aggressive build: Choose abilities that allow the player to deal more damage.

Defensive build: Choose abilities that allow the player to survive longer in combat.

Control build: Choose abilities that allow the player to control enemies or gain more positioning advantages.

Team-based build: Choose abilities that allow the player to boost their teammates’ performance.

Gadgets and Star Powers for Beginners

For players who are just starting out with Retro Brawl, choosing a build might seem overwhelming, especially with so many different abilities to choose from. However, there is no need to get discouraged. A player should first learn their brawler’s basic attack, super, gadget, and star power before choosing a preferred build. Once a player knows what their brawler can do, it becomes much easier to choose a build that fits their preferred playstyle. In addition, a beginner should also learn what each gadget and star power does, when to use them, how they affect the brawler’s performance, and which ones are best in specific maps.

Why ability timing is important

Having a good gadget is not nearly as important as knowing when to use it. A well-timed gadget can allow a player to escape certain death, secure a kill, or turn the tides of battle. On the other hand, a poorly timed gadget can be wasted with little to no benefit.

For example, a player could use an escape gadget to avoid damage from an enemy, but it would be much more beneficial to save it for when the enemy commits to an attack and is vulnerable. Similar guidance applies to offensive gadgets, as using them at the right time can maximize their impact. A player should try to use offensive gadgets when they can secure an elimination, an objective, or an advantage for themselves or their team.

Overview of Retro Brawl’s expanded ability options

Some Retro Brawl builds promise to have expanded ability options that go beyond the capabilities of older versions. However, different builds may contain different sets of gadgets and star powers. As a result, a player should always check what abilities are available in their chosen version of Retro Brawl instead of relying on what other players or websites may say.

Gadgets and Star Powers in Different Game Modes

Some abilities are more useful in specific game modes than others. The following list contains some general guidelines for choosing abilities in different game modes.

Gem Grab

This mode revolves around surviving and eliminating enemies, so players should prioritize gadgets and star powers that improve survivability, allow them to reposition better, and provide utility to their team.

Brawl Ball

Brawl ball focuses on capturing the ball and scoring goals, so movement and defensive gadgets can be very useful.

Showdown

In this mode, players are placed in one-on-one duels and cannot rely on their teammates for much support, so survival gadgets and self-sufficiency are important.

Heist

This mode involves attacking the enemy’s safe room while defending one’s own, so offensive gadgets that can deal damage over time can be very beneficial.

Bounty

This mode revolves around earning the most eliminations, so long-range positioning and survivability gadgets can be very useful.

Team-Based Modes

In team-based modes, a player should prioritize abilities that complement their teammates rather than focusing on individual damage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making mistakes is part of the learning process, but some common mistakes can hinder a player’s progress if they are not aware of them. The following list contains some common mistakes that new players should avoid when choosing abilities:

Using gadgets too early

A player should avoid wasting their gadgets by using them unnecessarily. A player should only use a gadget when it is necessary or when it can provide a significant advantage.

Not considering the map

Some player abilities are much more useful in specific maps than others. A player should always consider the map before choosing their abilities.

Trying to copy other players

Just because a certain ability combination is popular or powerful does not mean that it is right for every player. Each player has their own preference, so a player should not feel pressured to use a certain ability combination just because other players do.

Not considering the team

In team-based modes, a player’s individual score is not as important as eliminating enemies and assisting their team. A player should consider their teammates’ needs when choosing their abilities instead of focusing on maximizing their own potential.

Not testing different combinations

A player should try different combinations of abilities to see which ones perform the best before settling on one. This is especially important for new players who might not know which abilities are the best.

Tips for using gadgets and star powers effectively

The following list contains some general advice for using gadgets and star powers effectively.

• Learn the purpose of each ability.
• Save active gadgets for critical moments.
• Modify your build depending on the map’s terrain.
• Consider the game mode before choosing your abilities.
• Watch more experienced players use their abilities.
• Test different combinations of abilities.
• Prioritize abilities that compliment your preferred playstyle.
• In team-based modes, consider the needs of your teammates.

Final Thoughts

Gadgets and star powers are one of the most interesting aspects of Retro Brawl. Gadgets provide active tactical advantages while star powers grant passive stat boosts that can improve a brawler’s performance in combat. The best combination of abilities for a brawler depends on a number of factors, such as the map, game mode, and team composition. As a fan-made/private server project, different builds of Retro Brawl might have different sets of gadgets and star powers, so a player should always be aware of what abilities are available in their preferred version of the game.