As long as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate keeps getting DLC characters, fans will be attempting to predict who will be added next. One of the biggest theories going around now is about Dante from Devil May Cry being the next candidate.
Considering that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's most recent character, Min Min, is from a first party Nintendo title, the next DLC fighter will likely be from a third party studio. With there being multiple Devil May Cry titles that have appeared on Nintendo consoles, some feel that Dante would make a good place among the rest of the fighters.
The largest amount of fuel for the Dante hype train has come from a recent interview with Hideki Kamiya. When asked about what characters he wanted to personally see in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, he gave Leo from Anarchy Reigns, Wonder Red from Wonder 101, Viewtiful Joe from Viewtiful Joe, and Amatarasu from Okami. Many found it strange that Kamiya didn't mention Dante, despite Dante winning a Twitter poll put out by Kamiya back in 2018 with a similar question. Fans have taken this as evidence that Dante might be coming to Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, but of course, that is up in the air.
Who is Dante?
For fans who aren't familiar with the Devil May Cry series, Dante is a demon hunter that exterminates demons among other dangerous supernatural entities that threaten the world. Despite the horrors that he faces, Dante keeps up a laid back and carefree attitude has he fights. This results in very stylish methods of killing demons that players can fully take advantage of via gameplay.
Dante wields twin handguns known as Ebony and Ivory. They were custom-built for Dante to increase their firing rate as well as their effectiveness when it comes to killing demons. Throughout the series, Dante has also wielded a variety of swords with many of them either being passed on to allies of Dante or evolving into new weapons.
As the series went on, Dante has gained multiple allies and enemies, with Dante usually fighting all of them at some point or another. Currently in the Devil May Cry timeline, Dante is trapped in the Demon World with his brother Vergil as they continue to fight demons endlessly side by side.
Some may wonder which appearance of Dante's would appear in Smash considering how his design changes with every game. While Devil May Cry 5 has Dante's most recent and current appearance, most gamers know Dante by his appearance in Devil May Cry 4, making it the more likely choice. However, his other designs might serve as alternate colors instead. However, there is also a very large chance that Dante would have an alternate color pallet that references his brother, Vergil, as well.
How Dante Would Work in Smash
There are plenty of sword users currently in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate as well as a couple of gun users. However, there aren't any fighters that use both currently in the roster. While there has been a lot of flak coming for DLC fighters that use swords, Dante's style of fighting would likely shield him from these complaints.
As mentioned earlier, Dante has a very stylish way of fighting. Other than his weapon usage, he is able to use telekinesis, which could reasonably be translated into his moveset in Smash. Part of his fighting style includes the usage of various taunts that helps increase the grades of each battle as well, which could translate well to Smash with how taunts already exist for all fighters already. This means that Dante's overall damage could be affected by the timing of his taunts.
Out of all of Dante's abilities, his Devil Trigger would likely serve as his Final Smash in-game. Dante's Devil Trigger allows him to release his half-demon side and gain a more demonic appearance. This form greatly increases Dante's abilities as well as gives him the ability to free fly. Considering the nature of Final Smash moves in Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, this would likely have Dante quickly charge upon an opponent before unleashing all of his strength on them.
Another aspect of Dante's fighting style from Devil May Cry is the ability to juggle enemies in the air. While this initially started as a glitch in the original Devil May Cry, this evolved into a series feature. With many of the best fighters in Super Smash Brothers being air-based combatants, Dante's ability to possibly juggle multiple opponents in a strong combo could make him a very strong newcomer to the series.
Why Dante Would Be So Great
There hasn't been any third party DLC fighters added to Smash that have disappointed so far. While some fans had mixed reactions about Terry being added to Smash, many fighting game fans were reasonably excited for his inclusion. With how many Devil May Cry fans there are out there, many would be excited for Dante to be added.
Additionally, Smash wouldn't be the first time Dante was a guest character in another franchise's game. Dante has also appeared in the Shin Megami Tensei series, Viewtiful Joe, Marvel vs. Capcom, and Teppen. With how much of a series traveler Dante has been, it only makes sense for Dante's next destination to be Super Smash Brothers.
Dante's inclusion would also likely introduce many of Dante's friends and foes as spirits. These would likely include Nero, Lady, Vergil, Trish, and Nico. These characters also would have the chance to appear as costumes for the Mii Fighters. As many players want better options for the Mii Swordfighter, characters such as Vergil and Nero could serve as these long awaited costumes.
It is currently unknown what fighter will be coming next with everything currently being speculation. It is additionally unknown when the next fighter for the pass will be announced at all. Until solid news is released, players will be left with nothing but this speculation for some time.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is out now for Nintendo Switch.