With the introduction of Upside Down Showdown in Brawl Stars' 2025 update, players are scrambling to find the most effective brawlers for this unique game mode. This twisted version of the classic Showdown has dramatically shifted the meta, creating new opportunities for brawlers that might not shine in traditional game modes. Let's dive into the best performers in the upside down and why they dominate this chaotic battlefield.

What Makes Upside Down Showdown Different?

Upside Down Showdown combines traditional survival gameplay with roguelite progression elements. Players battle through five increasingly difficult rounds, with only the top four advancing to the next stage. Between rounds, survivors can select Power Cards that enhance their brawler's abilities - creating dynamic gameplay that rewards strategic thinking and adaptability.

The Stranger Things collaboration has transformed familiar Starr Park locations into eerie, twisted versions of themselves. These darker atmospheres and strategic elements inspired by the Upside Down create a fresh and immersive experience that requires different tactics than regular Showdown.

Top Tier Brawlers for Upside Down Showdown

1. Mortis - The Ultimate Survivor

Mortis continues to reign supreme in the upside down. His mobility makes him exceptionally good at both escaping danger and closing in on vulnerable opponents. While Frank might seem like the obvious powerhouse after recent buffs, Mortis counters many popular choices in this mode.

His dash allows him to navigate the altered terrain of the upside down maps efficiently, and his super provides crucial healing in tight situations. When equipped with the right Power Cards, particularly those enhancing his movement speed or attack damage, Mortis becomes nearly unstoppable.

2. Spike - Damage Dealer Extraordinaire

Spike's incredible damage output makes him a formidable force in Upside Down Showdown. His ability to deal massive burst damage, even at a distance, allows him to pick off opponents quickly. His super slows enemies, giving him control over engagements - critical when navigating between rounds.

What makes Spike particularly effective in the upside down is his split attack pattern. Even when missing a direct hit, the spikes that spread can still damage opponents hiding behind the mode's unique cover elements.

3. Frank - The Tank Commander

Despite not claiming the top spot, Frank is undeniably powerful in this mode. His enormous health pool and stunning super make him exceptionally good at controlling space - a premium asset in the increasingly cramped later rounds of Upside Down Showdown.

Frank requires only three hits to charge his super, which can break walls and stun enemies for a full three seconds. This combination is devastating in the final circles, where his area control becomes nearly impossible to counter without specific counter picks.

4. Crow - The Poison Tracker

Crow excels in Upside Down Showdown thanks to his poison mechanic, which prevents healing and reveals enemy positions - crucial information as the play area shrinks. His mobility allows him to escape dangerous situations, while his super enables aggressive plays when necessary.

The poison effect is particularly valuable against the tankier brawlers that tend to dominate the mode, slowly whittling down their health advantage while keeping them visible even when they retreat behind cover.

5. Dynamike - Explosive Control

Despite being vulnerable to Mortis, Dynamike remains a top pick for Upside Down Showdown. His ability to attack over walls gives him a significant advantage on maps with irregular terrain, and his super can completely reshape the battlefield.

When paired with Power Cards that enhance his damage output or area control, Dynamike can create zones that opponents simply cannot enter, forcing them into unfavorable positions as the toxic clouds close in.

Best Brawlers for Upside Down Based on Maps

Different upside down maps favor different brawlers:

• Haunted Cavern: Barley and Dynamike shine here due to the abundance of walls

• Vecna's Laboratory: Long-range brawlers like Piper and Brock dominate the open spaces

• Mind Flayer Arena: Tanks like Bull and Shelly control the many bushes effectively

Power Card Synergies

The best brawlers for upside down showdown aren't just strong independently - they also synergize well with specific Power Cards:

1. Mortis + Vampiric Strike: Increases healing from his attacks, making him nearly unkillable

2. Spike + Piercing Thorns: Allows his attacks to hit multiple enemies, devastating in final circles

3. Frank + Stunning Chain: Extends stun duration for each consecutive hit on the same target

Conclusion

While the upside down meta continues to evolve, Mortis, Spike, Frank, Crow, and Dynamike currently stand as the best brawlers for this unique mode. Their combination of mobility, damage output, and control abilities make them exceptionally well-suited to the challenges of navigating through multiple rounds against increasingly difficult opposition.

Remember that the best brawler for upside down showdown ultimately depends on your playstyle and skill level. A well-played Shelly can still dominate against higher-tier brawlers if used correctly, especially when matched with complementary Power Cards.

As the Brawl Stars meta continues to shift in 2025, keep experimenting with different brawlers and power card combinations to find what works best for you in the upside down!

Have you found success with other brawlers in the upside down? The community is still discovering optimal strategies for this exciting new mode, and the best brawlers for upside down showdown might change as players develop new tactics and counters.