Characters

Nuclear Throne has 12 normally playable characters that each have their own unique active and passive abilities. Two of these are unlocked by default while the other ten must be unlocked through either area progression or visiting secret areas. Each character can unlock their own golden weapon, any crown and a unique alternative skin (B-Skin).

There are also 3 characters that are considered secret and are not played through normal means, and don't really have their own unlocks. These characters should be considered additional content and aren't actually balanced compared to normal characters.

A character's active is something that comes into effect when clicking the active button (right mouse button on KBM), while their passive is something that always comes into effect automatically. Some characters have negative passives along with positive ones. Each character also has a unique Thronebutt ability that enhances their active in some way.

This page will give a brief overview of each character's unique abilities and ultras, while every character page will go in-depth on all of their abilities and mechanics.
There are also strategy guides that gives advice on how to play as that character, this is subjective advice and does not have to be followed!