37. KING DEDEDE

Franchise / home series: Kirby

Notable non-Smash games: Kirby’s Dream Land (1992); Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000); Kirby: Triple Deluxe (2014)

King Dedede made his Smash debut in Brawl as Kirby’s rival and the self-proclaimed king of Dream Land. With his massive hammer and expressive personality, he brought a comedic yet imposing presence to the roster.

In Smash, Dedede is a heavyweight with long-reaching hammer attacks, strong survivability, and a unique projectile game. In Brawl, he could toss Waddle Dees (and occasionally Gordos), while later games focused primarily on Gordo Toss as a defining zoning tool. His inhaling ability, Super Dedede Jump, and powerful smash attacks emphasize his status as a slow but dangerous brawler.

Dedede’s animations and voice work highlight his goofy, over-the-top royal persona, making him a fan favorite for players who like big, expressive characters. Although his competitive strength varies between games, his distinct mix of weight, projectiles, and huge hitboxes gives him a recognizable niche in the Smash lineup.