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This article is about the species as a whole. For the playable character in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, and Kirby Star Allies, see Bandana Waddle Dee. |
| “ | So many Kirbys to talk to!” |
| — Waddle Dee • Kirby Battle Royale |
Waddle Dees are a species native to the Planet Popstar. As some of the most common inhabitants of Dream Land they appear as both enemies and friendly NPCs. Many, but not all, Waddle Dees loyally serve King Dedede, the self-proclaimed ruler of Dream Land, and he often involves them in his schemes. As an enemy, they are both the most basic and most common regular enemy, and a staple of the Kirby series, appearing in most games since the first ever Kirby title, Kirby's Dream Land. Waddle Dees are notable for their docile, carefree nature, even as foes, mostly walking around aimlessly and never going too far out of their way to attack. However, some pilot vehicles or wield weapons to increase their abilities somewhat.
By themselves, they do not give any Copy Abilities if inhaled unless an item carried by one bears an ability.
Many variations of Waddle Dees exist, but for the most part, they are simply Waddle Dees holding different accessories. One notable exception is a related enemy, the cycloptic Waddle Doo, which fires an electric beam from its single eye when threatened.
Physical Appearance
Waddle Dees have tan, pear-shaped faces, chestnut-colored eyes and no mouth. They have a round body, light-orange/tan feet, small stubby arms, and rosy cheeks just like members of Kirby's species. They do have a mouth in the manga illustrations, however.
Most Waddle Dees are either burgundy or some shade of red, but they have other colorations including green, orange, blue, golden, and light-purple.
Games
Kirby's Dream Land
Waddle Dee first appears in Kirby's Dream Land. As the weakest enemy, it mostly leaves Kirby alone and only runs and hops about the stage. Parasol Waddle Dee holds a Parasol and drifts down from the sky, acting like a regular Waddle Dee once it lands.
In the Extra Game, Waddle Dee still runs and jumps around, but now moves much faster and more unpredictable. The Parasol that Parasol Waddle Dee releases now pursues Kirby for some distance before exploding, in the same way a Mutant Scarfy does.
Waddle Doo, its relative, debuts in this game as well.
Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
Waddle Dee and Parasol Waddle Dee return, acting the same way they did back in Kirby's Dream Land. This time however, if Kirby inhales one holding onto a parasol, he gets the Parasol Copy Ability. Inhaling a Waddle Dee on its own still gives no ability.
Kirby's Avalanche
| This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon. | (Similar) |
Waddle Dee in Kirby's Avalanche
Waddle Dee is the first opponent Kirby faces in the Avalanche tournament. His stage is like a tutorial and the game gives the player hints throughout the match. In this game, Waddle Dee is stated to be Waddle Doo's cousin. He is very timid and scared, and plays Avalanche very poorly.
This is the conversation with Waddle Dee.
- Kirby: "Hi, Waddle Dee! Are you ready?"
- Waddle Dee: "Umm, can't we just walk together? The forest scares me..."
- Kirby: "Sorry, rules are rules!"
Kirby's Dream Land 2
In Kirby's Dream Land 2, Waddle Dee are still as peaceful as before. The only difference is that the parasol variant holds Drifters instead of regular parasols, and these will chase Kirby when dropped until they explode on their own. There is also a variant exclusive to this game that will pursue Kirby when his back is turned.
Kirby's Block Ball
Waddle Dees appear as enemies in Stages 1 and 4. They walk side to side or up and down. They drop food when defeated. Waddle Dee also appears in the "border line cleared!" animation. He walks directly behind Kirby, playing a trumpet.
Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra
Waddle Dee in Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra have health bars like the other enemies in the game and, unusually, have slightly more health than some of the stronger enemies in the game. A Waddle Dee with particularly high stamina is one of the opponents in The Arena, but it can be beaten simply by inhaling it, and is regarded as being one of the easiest bosses of the entire series.
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, a card of Waddle Dee (as well as many of its variants) appears in the sub-game Kirby Card Swipe. If Kirby wins in Revenge of the King, Waddle Dees walk behind King Dedede to cheer him up.
A Parasol Waddle Dee is the Helper for the Parasol ability, and can perform any techniques that Parasol Kirby can. This is one of three red Waddle Dees in the game, besides the one in Revenge of Meta Knight and the Bandana Waddle Dee. Red is not the only unusual coloration in this game, however, as there are pink Waddle Dees in Milky Way Wishes. It is also the representative for Parasol in the sub-game Helper to Hero.
Sailor Waddle Dee
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Main article: Sailor Waddle Dee |
In Revenge of Meta Knight, there is an unnamed Waddle Dee clad in a sailor hat nicknamed "Sailor Waddle Dee" or "Sailor Dee" that serves Meta Knight. He stays on board the Halberd, and watches Meta Knight fight Kirby as the other crew members leave. Although this Waddle Dee's fate after the fight is unknown, nor is it known if he survives the plunge into Secret Sea, it is often considered that he flew away with Meta Knight as the ship crashed.
Sailor Dee makes a small cameo in stage 5 of Strato Patrol EOS as he stands in the background cheering on Meta Knight.
Bandana Waddle Dee
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Main article: Bandana Waddle Dee |
Bandana Waddle Dee
In Revenge of the King, there is a Waddle Dee wearing a blue bandana (nicknamed "Bandana Waddle Dee" or "Bandana Dee" by fans) who serves King Dedede. This Waddle Dee previously appeared in the sub-game Megaton Punch in the original, and this sub-game expands on his role. After Kirby defeats King Dedede's best minions, he pits this Waddle Dee against Kirby, much to his horror. He also appears in The Arena, replacing Arena Waddle Dee.
Bandana Waddle Dee makes a small cameo in stage 5 of Strato Patrol EOS as he stands in the background cheering on Meta Knight.
Bandana Waddle Dee is a playable character in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby Star Allies as a Dream Friend. He appears as a supporting character in Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby: Planet Robobot.
Kirby's Star Stacker
Waddle Dee is controlled by the second player in VS. Mode.
Kirby's Dream Land 3
A Waddle Dee Riding a Nruff
In Kirby's Dream Land 3, in addition to the regular parasol-carrying ones, Waddle Dees can sometimes be seen riding on the backs of Nruffs (until the Nruff they're riding crashes into a wall, which either sends them flying off their backs or causes them to fall straight down) and paddle boats (until the paddle boats are either inhaled or destroyed). Kirby's Dream Land 3 introduces the Wapod, another variation (possibly the ghost) of Waddle Dee.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
Waddle Dee in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, as he is about to grab a Crystal Shard.
For the first time ever in the series, Waddle Dee appears as a supporting character instead of an enemy. Initially he becomes a Waddle Doo after Dark Matter possesses him, but after Kirby defeats him, he reverts to being friendly again. His affiliation with King Dedede is not known, but he joins Kirby and Ribbon on their search for the Crystal Shards. He appears in every world and often gives the hero a ride in a vehicle of sorts, including a boat, mine cart, and sled. Waddle Dee is the slowest of the helpers and most often activates simple machines such as a platform, or breaks through objects like the ceiling. At the end of every stage, he can be seen eating onigiri. He is a playable character in the sub-games and was originally intended to be playable in the main adventure.
The multiple color palettes of Waddle Dee in the sub-games.
Unlike most Waddle Dees he is not particularly weak. N-Zs appear to take over Waddle Dee's usual role as the weakest enemy in this game, as this Waddle Dee is the only one in the game.
Kirby Air Ride
Waddle Dee appear in groups as obstacles along the track. They start off standing in the middle of the track and rush to the corners of the track when racers approach to avoid being hit. If hit, they slow the player down. They can be inhaled by Kirby and spit out at other racers. All the Waddle Dees in this game are slightly larger than the combined size of Kirby and his Warp Star, possibly to make them harder to avoid.
Some Waddle Dee ride mine carts along the track looking like they are also participating in the race but are otherwise simple obstacles which can be avoided or attacked. This may be a reference to Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, when, at one point, the Waddle Dee escorted Kirby through a crystalline cave in Neo Star while in a mine cart.
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Waddle Dees appear in the mirror world with the same abilities like their Dream Land counterparts. A new sub-species of Waddle Dee called Big Waddle Dee appears, starting in Moonlight Mansion and appearing in all levels afterwards. They have the same abilities and health of a normal Waddle Dee but they have to be Super Inhaled because of their size. Regular attacks such as air pellets and slide attacks have no effect on Big Waddle Dees.
A Waddle Dee with more health than usual is one of the opponents in one of the mid-boss rounds of the Boss Endurance sub-game.
Kirby: Canvas Curse
Waddle Dees appear as a regular enemy with the same behavior as before. There are unsuspecting ones that stand in place and a few that run away when they see Kirby. Two new variants are introduced: the Spear and Fluff Waddle Dees. Spear Waddle Dees stand in one spot and throw their spears at Kirby if he comes too close. Fluff Waddle Dee behaves just like Parasol Waddle Dee but floats down holding dandelion fluffs which don't give Kirby any ability.
After finishing the game as Kirby, the Waddle Dee Ball is unlocked as a playable character. Waddle Dee has four health bars and is bouncier and faster than Kirby.
Waddle Dee is drawn in the Paint Panic sub-game.
Kirby: Squeak Squad
Waddle Dees and Big Waddle Dees return as enemies. Some Waddle Dees hide in wooden barrels and are released if the barrel is broken. King Dedede will summon Parasol Waddle Dees to his side during the boss battle of Prism Plains. Golden Waddle Dees are a rare variant that hold Treasure Chests, and are faster than regular Waddle Dees.
Kirby's Epic Yarn and Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn
Waddle Dee as shown in Kirby's Epic Yarn
In Kirby's Epic Yarn and it's remake, Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn, they are known as fake Waddle Dees. Waddle Dees appear as regular enemies. They can be seen walking around on their own, sleeping, and they also occasionally trip (the sound that they make when they trip is the sound of a squeaky toy). Kirby can easily defeat these enemies through his yarn whip. Kirby can also stand on Waddle Dees without being harmed, though this will humorously cause them to panic. They sometimes wield parasols, spears, balloons, and bow & arrows. Parasol Waddle Dees are immune to the yarn whip attack from the direction which their parasols are facing. The Waddle Dees' spear, bows and arrows give projectiles which can defeat several enemies in a row when thrown. In Snow Land, some Waddle Dees throw snowballs of varying sizes that Kirby and/or Prince Fluff can get trapped in, and destroy any enemy it comes into contact with. There is also a feature where a Waddle Dee may run away and cower from Saucer Kirby. Cowering Waddle Dees don't affect their defensive ability in any way, as they just cover their heads and look scared as Kirby approaches. Yin-Yarn specifically created the yarn versions of Waddle Dee in the image of real ones.
These Waddle Dees serve Yin-Yarn, the primary antagonist of Kirby's Epic Yarn and its remake. Their similar appearance to actual Waddle Dees is used to his advantage, capturing the real Waddle Dees as well as King Dedede, who, by the time realized what was going on it was too late.
Big Waddle Dees return and are seen in two stages. They are just as harmless as before, unless they land on the heroes.
Kirby Mass Attack
Waddle Dees return in Kirby Mass Attack (both in the main game and in some of the sub-games). This time, they are not seen in the main game until the third world. There are both normal and large-sized Waddle Dees. There's also the new Bomb Waddle Dee variant, which attacks by throwing bombs. There are also Waddle Dees in trees that throw food and explosive coconuts at Kirby, depending on the stage, as well as Waddle Dees hiding within paintings that throw two bombs simultaneously. Also, a large Waddle Dee hiding in a giant star block appears as a mid-boss. In the fight against King Dedede, the bomb variant of the Waddle Dees appear after he takes enough damage. Parasol Waddle Dees appear in the Strato Patrol EOS sub-game.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition
Waddle Dee appears as a regular enemy in Kirby's Return to Dream Land. Like the other enemies in the game, they appear in various sizes. Although Big Waddle Dees only appear in dimensional rifts, groups of three hide under constructs called Puppet Dees and Armored Waddle Dees that rival Big Waddle Dees' size. A different variant of Waddle Dee exists exclusively on Halcandra. Bandana Waddle Dee is a protagonist in the game, playable in multiplayer and in The Arena/The True Arena.
Waddle Dee also appears in the Sword, Whip, Bomb, Water, and Wing Challenges, and his Halcandran form appears in the Item Challenge. He appears in the New Challenge Stages in Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition as well. He appears in the Sword, Parasol, Spark, Whip, Wing, and Normal Challenges, the Smash Combat Chamber, and Magolor Race 3. His Halcandran form appears in the Normal Challenge, the Smash Combat Chamber EX, and Magolor Race EX.
In the Kirby's 20th Anniversary Celebration booklet, there is a whole page called "The Wide World of Waddle Dees" with the artwork of Waddle Dees from every Kirby game.
Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Waddle Dees behave as they usually do in this game. Some, however, can jump from the background to the foreground in an attempt to assault Kirby. Three specific Waddle Dees in Old Odyssey (and subsequently Royal Road) defend themselves with a huge, missile-shooting tower after Hypernova Kirby inhales their homes. Trains that bear Waddle Dee faces on their fronts frequently drive across the tracks in Old Odyssey. Waddle Dees resembling insects can be found in Royal Road.
Waddle Dees are also frequently seen absent-mindedly operating dangerous contraptions. Some even pilot Lollipop Tanks, which destroy terrain and fire candy ammunition from the background.
Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
In this game, the only Waddle Dees to appear are Bandana Dee and two similar Waddle Dees. The two other Waddle Dees act as player 3 and 4 in multiplayer. Like Bandana Dee, the multiplayer Waddle Dees are equipped with a bandana and a spear, but the second Waddle Dee is yellow, while the third is colored green. The multiplayer Waddle Dees are simply referred to as Waddle Dees in official materials.
The Waddle Dees’ usual role as the most basic enemy is instead filled by the Cotta enemy type, which has similar variants to Waddle Dees.
Kirby: Planet Robobot
Waddle Dees appear in this game, behaving largely the same way as they did in Kirby: Triple Deluxe, but many of them have taken on new robotic appearances or abilities, ranging from sporting a bionic eye, to controlling ground-based and flying mechs that shoot missiles. However, some of them merely wear what seem to be hard hats instead of having robotic implants or mechs.
Some Waddle Dees are shown drawing with crayons on the wall in Stage 3 of Rhythm Route, illustrating an image of King Dedede hitting Kirby with a hammer. Similarly, in Stage 8 of Access Ark, two Waddle Dees are shown playing Kirby's Adventure on a Famicom.
Kirby's Blowout Blast
Waddle Dee first appears in Stage 1 of Level 1 and is the most common enemy in the game. In EX stages, the enemy has purple fur. Sectra Dees, Spear Waddle Dees, and Spear Sectra Dees also appear. Waddle Dee acts like he does in Kirby: Planet Robobot’s Kirby 3D Rumble sub-game: He stands still, walks about, runs toward Kirby, or tosses a spear (if he has one).
Big Waddle Dee appears in EX stages and can be Inhaled for a Blaster Bullet.
Kirby Battle Royale
Most Waddle Dees appear as non-playable characters in the game's story mode, The Cake Royale. After Dedede announces that the prize of his tournament is a delicious cake, many Waddle Dees gather at his stadium to compete. Kirby does not battle any of them—they admit to being generally unskilled at the challenges, so this may be why.
Most Waddle Dees stand around the hub area and deliver a brief bit of dialogue if the player chooses to chat with them. They usually comment on the tournament or instruct Kirby on how parts of the game work, though they occasionally talk about other things. Characterization is given to them; they are generally upbeat or nervous in most situations, and they do their best to compete despite being unsuccessful. One Waddle Dee is said to have put hot sauce on Dedede's food and stresses about his punishment. Another is overworked by Dedede, who forces him to man all the Kirby Printer duties; these include constantly turning the crank and pushing the heavy machine around. The game plays his struggle as a running joke. Upon entering the Bronze League, a Waddle Dee appears next to the Waddle Doo at the League Battle check-in desk; talking to him will allow Kirby to play previous battles from previous leagues.
Other specific Waddle Dees appear as well. Soldier Waddle Dees guard the doors leading into the stadium and the Qualifier Match doors. They occasionally serve as competitors. Bandana Waddle Dee acts as Kirby's partner in team battles. The Channel PPP news crew occasionally appears to interview the characters in the stadium.
Waddle Dee is a playable character in this game. He uses a parasol as a weapon, and is unlocked for use in Battle Mode and Online Battle after advancing to the Silver League and unlocking him for 500 Battle Coins. His moveset is similar to that of Parasol Kirby, but with alternate move properties and a different charge attack.
Moveset
| Move | Controls | Description | Damage (Robo Bonkers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasol Swing | B | Waddle Dee swings his parasol in front of him, sending out water droplets. | 50 (parasol) 70x2 (water droplets) |
| Parasol Dive | B during jump | Waddle Dee dives diagonally downward with his parasol below him. | 60 |
| Aqua Shot | Hold/Release B | Waddle Dee sends out a large ball of water from his parasol. | 50 (parasol), 350 (water ball) |
| Parasol Spin | Y | Waddle Dee spins his parasol around him. | 70x2 |
Video
Kirby Star Allies
Waddle Dee appears as a regular enemy in Kirby Star Allies. Puppet Dees also make a return, behaving in much the same way as they did in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, though the paper maché is now more shabby. Also, all three of the Waddle Dees in the paper maché can be defeated instantly depending on what Friend Ability either Kirby or his friends have.
Playable Appearances
Waddle Dee is a playable character in the following games:
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards: In sub-games and some stages (riding various vehicles). He is the only Waddle Dee in the game.
- Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra: Parasol Waddle Dee is the helper for Parasol Kirby available in Helper to Hero and playable by Player 2, and a bandana-wearing Waddle Dee can be played as in the two player mode of the Megaton Punch sub-game. There is no multiplayer mode in the Kirby Super Star Ultra version of Megaton Punch, but Waddle Dee is an opponent in singleplayer mode of the sub-game in both versions.
- Kirby: Canvas Curse: Waddle Dee Ball is unlocked after beating the game once as Kirby.
- Kirby: Squeak Squad: Ghost Kirby can possess and control any Waddle Dee he encounters.
- Kirby's Avalanche: May be chosen randomly as the second player in two player mode.
- Kirby's Return to Dream Land: Bandana Waddle Dee is playable by players 2, 3, or 4. He wields a spear.
- Kirby and the Rainbow Curse: Up to three Waddle Dees, Bandana Dees and two color swaps of him can be controlled by players 2, 3 and 4 to assist Kirby. Contrary to Kirby himself, they run and jump in traditional platformer style while wielding spears, as well as having the ability to pick up and throw Kirby. They will also transform alongside him, except during Rocket stages.
- Kirby Battle Royale: Waddle Dee is a playable character in this game. He wields a parasol.
- Kirby Star Allies: Like Kirby Super Star and Kirby Super Star Ultra, Parasol Waddle Dee is the playable helper for Parasol Kirby. Like every other helper, they change color based on if they're player 2, 3, or 4. Bandana Waddle Dee also makes a playable appearance as a Dream Friend.
Variants
These are regular Waddle Dees that do things other than just walking around.
Parasol Waddle Dee
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Main article: Parasol Waddle Dee |
A Parasol Waddle Dee.
Parasol Waddle Dee is the second most common form of Waddle Dee - a relatively harmless variant holding a red and white parasol. It is the only Waddle Dee that bestows an ability (Parasol) to Kirby when inhaled. Inhaling the parasol after it is let go of gives the same effect, but inhaling the Waddle Dee who has already dropped the parasol gives no ability.
In terms of behavior, Parasol Waddle Dees often float down slowly from the sky. Once they reach the ground, they usually let go of their parasols and stay in place or walk around, but sometimes they hold onto the parasol upon reaching the ground. They do not attack Kirby, regardless.
In Kirby Super Star, its remake, and Kirby Star Allies, this particular type of Waddle Dee is the Helper of the Parasol ability. The Helper can use all the attacks that Parasol Kirby can use, whereas the plain enemy version is devoid of attacks aside from coming in contact with Kirby as it calmly floats down. The exception to this is the rare "Parasol Spear Waddle Dee", which is a relatively new variant exclusive to the Revenge of the King sub-game which can attack Kirby with a spear upon landing.
In Kirby's Epic Yarn, these Waddle Dees can permanently float in air and act as midair platforms for Kirby and Prince Fluff to stand on. Some walk on the ground holding the parasol sideways, and these can deflect yarn whip attacks against them.
Parasol Waddle Dee appears alongside regular Waddle Dee in all games except Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, Kirby: Canvas Curse and most spinoff games. In some rare cases, a Waddle Doo may hold a parasol as well and float down from the sky.
Fluff Waddle Dee
Like Parasol Waddle Dee, Fluff Waddle Dee slowly floats to the ground, holding a dandelion fluff instead of a parasol. Once they land, their dandelions break up and float away on the wind. They only appear in Kirby: Canvas Curse and give no Copy Ability.
It is possible that Fluff Waddle Dees exist to act nearly identical to Parasol Waddle Dees; if Parasol Waddle Dees had appeared in Kirby: Canvas Curse, the Parasol ability would've needed to appear as well—which would have been difficult to add with Kirby's unusual control style.
Spear Waddle Dee
| “ | When Kirby approaches, this Waddle Dee will toss spears at him.” |
| — Enemies • Kirby: Canvas Curse Instruction Booklet |
Spear Waddle Dee in the anime
Appearing so far only in the games Kirby: Canvas Curse, Kirby Super Star Ultra, Kirby's Epic Yarn, and Kirby: Planet Robobot, Spear Waddle Dees wield sharp spears to throw or jab at Kirby. Many of these Waddle Dees are on guard duty around Dedede's Castle in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
Spear Waddle Dees debuted in the game Kirby: Canvas Curse, where they jump up and throw their spears down in an arch-like position at Kirby, usually with very precise aim (much like Yarikos from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards). These Waddle Dees are stationary; they stay in one place to throw their spears and never move. In Kirby: Canvas Curse, six Spear Waddle Dees appear as a mid-boss in Reddy Land's second stage, Tiny Town.
Spear Waddle Dees in Kirby: Canvas Curse.
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, Spear Waddle Dees appear in Revenge of the King. The (now mobile) Spear Waddle Dees toss their spears at Kirby from afar in addition to quickly jabbing with them. They are also seen standing beside King Dedede in the Revenge of the King intro movie and also appear in card form of in the sub-game Card Swipe. The game also introduces the "Parasol Spear Waddle Dee," which is equipped with both a parasol and a spear at the same time. They only appear in a few stages of Revenge of The King and have the same behavior as a Parasol Waddle Dee combined with a Spear Waddle Dee; meaning they float down from the sky and then proceed to attack with their spears once they land. They give the Parasol ability when eaten.
In Kirby's Epic Yarn, Spear Waddle Dees no longer throw their spears, and Kirby can yank the spear off and make a projectile out of it if it is pointed towards Kirby or straight up. They are more impediment than enemy, as they walk about with their spears, but do not actively seek out Kirby. When they sleep, they plant their spear tip-first into the ground and become harmless.
Spear Waddle Dees in Kirby: Planet Robobot
In Kirby: Planet Robobot, they are only found in the sub-game Kirby 3D Rumble, throwing spears at Kirby from atop high ledges. They have a yellow coloration in this game.
In Kirby Battle Royale, the Soldier Waddle Dees wield spears as their weapons.
Parasol Spear Waddle Dee
Parasol Spear Waddle Dee is a very rare variant of Waddle Dee found exclusively in Revenge of the King of Kirby Super Star Ultra. Wielding a spear like Spear Waddle Dee and floating down with a parasol like Parasol Waddle Dee, it can attack Kirby with a spear upon landing. Like Parasol Waddle Dee, it gives the Parasol ability when inhaled.
Swinging Waddle Dee
A Swinging Waddle Dee in Kirby's Return to Dream Land
A Swinging Waddle Dee in Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Appearing in The Great Cave Offensive, Revenge of the King, Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe, and Kirby: Planet Robobot, a Swinging Waddle Dee swings from side to side or from front to back. They swing on a strand of blue beads or on a piece of rope, completely ignoring Kirby. Their swinging can make them a hazard, however.
Cart Waddle Dee
In Kirby Air Ride, some Waddle Dees ride around on the track in little mine carts as basic obstacles to slow the racers down. Unlike regular Waddle Dee in this game, Cart Waddle Dee does not get out of the way if a racer is right behind them, making them more difficult to avoid. Like all other Waddle Dees, they do not give Kirby an ability when eaten.
They are perhaps based on the Waddle Dee from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards, who at one point drove Kirby through a crystalline mine on Neo Star in a runaway mine cart. A card of them also appears in Kirby Super Star Ultra in the sub-game Card Swipe.
Balloon Waddle Dee
Balloon Waddle Dees debut in Kirby's Epic Yarn. These Waddle Dees hold handfuls of colorful balloons and do not attack. They come out of red patches and walk to a predetermined spot before inflating their balloons and float up into the sky. Kirby can jump onto them or their balloons and use them as platforms to ascend, but the balloons only last so long sustaining Kirby's weight before they burst, and burst anyway after the Waddle Dee goes up high enough.
Bow Waddle Dee
Bow Waddle Dees debut in Kirby's Epic Yarn. They hold a bow and shoot arrows when Kirby gets close enough. They do not aim at Kirby, however, and only shoot one spot on the ground. Kirby can steal their bow or the arrow they shot and throw it back at them.
Snowball Waddle Dee
Snowball Waddle Dees debut in Kirby's Epic Yarn. They are first seen in Snow Land. They gather up snow and toss snow balls of varying sizes, which can destroy other enemies by rolling over them, or trap Kirby and Prince Fluff in. Kirby and Prince Fluff can break free by pressing buttons repeatedly or when the snowball hits a wall. The snowballs can be approached from above when rolling and then walked on to reach certain areas.
Missile Waddle Dee
Missile Waddle Dees debut in Kirby's Epic Yarn. These Waddle Dees make missiles out of yarn and throw them at Kirby and Prince Fluff, but these can be captured using the Yarn Whip and thrown back. Bronto Burt, Cannon Mariner, and Blast Mariner use similar missiles.
Lumberjack Waddle Dee
Lumberjack Waddle Dees
Lumberjack Waddle Dees debut in Kirby: Triple Deluxe. They wear hats and stand in the background of certain stages, hacking away at giant spruce trees with their axes. When Kirby approaches, the trees fall down, attempting to crush the hero. After they are cut down, the Waddle Dees appear to be happy. It is impossible to approach or defeat Lumberjack Waddle Dees since there are never 3D Warpstars to take Kirby near them.
Painted Waddle Dee
In Kirby's Adventure and Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land, Paint Roller, the boss of Ice Cream Island, paints these creatures to life during the battle. After a Painted Waddle Dee steps off the canvas it immediately flees. If Kirby inhales it, however, it can be used as ammo against Paint Roller. The Painted Waddle Dee and the Kirby painting are the only paintings that don't give an ability if inhaled and swallowed. These Painted Waddle Dees also appear in Kirby's Dream Land 3, in Stage 6 of Cloudy Park.
Drawcia paints dark versions of Waddle Dees and Spear Waddle Dees in Kirby: Canvas Curse.
Walker Waddle Dee
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Main article: Walker Waddle Dee |
In Kirby: Planet Robobot, Waddle Dees can pilot a yellow mecha armor. Walker Waddle Dees pilot walkers that are equipped with missile launchers and the missiles they fire can be swallowed by Kirby (or scanned via the Robobot Armor) to obtain the Bomb ability. In addition to the ground based walkers, aerial Walker Waddle Dees appear in stages requiring the Jet Robobot Armor. Aerial Walker Waddle Dees fire missiles like their ground-based counterparts.
Waddle Dee Driver
Waddle Dee Drivers debut in Kirby: Planet Robobot. They appear only in Resolution Road, Rhythm Route, and EX-levels of Access Ark. They can drive three types of vehicles: a car, a truck, or a bus. They appear only when there's a road on the level. They appear from the background and drive to the foreground (or vice-versa), and whenever Kirby gets on their way, he gets slammed into the screen. Sometimes, there's a traffic light which indicates whenever Waddle Dee Drivers drive or stop. They stop at green light, allowing Kirby to go through, but they continue driving at red light, ignoring Kirby on the road and ramming him if he won't get out of their way. They can only be destroyed with Robobot Armor.
Other variants
These Waddle Dees have notably unique physical appearance and have properties that make them stand apart from the other variants.
Wapod
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Main article: Wapod |
Wapods are ghost-like Waddle Dees which have tails and live in jars. When Kirby approaches the jar, it comes out of it in the manner of a genie from a lamp and will wag its tail in place, but doesn't do anything else.
Arena Waddle Dee
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Main article: Arena Waddle Dee |
Battling the Arena Waddle Dee in The Arena.
This variant of Waddle Dee appears in The Arena in Kirby Super Star and Boss Endurance in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror. It is an opponent in one of the rounds and its behavior is no different from an ordinary Waddle Dee, but it has many more hit points. The easiest way to defeat it is to simply inhale it. Being a regular, unarmed Waddle Dee, it gives no Copy Ability.
In Kirby Super Star Ultra, the original Arena Waddle Dee is replaced by the bandana-wearing one nicknamed Bandana Waddle Dee, which Kirby previously faced in Megaton Punch and Revenge of the King.
Big Waddle Dee
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Main article: Big Waddle Dee |
A Big Waddle Dee needs to be super inhaled in order to be swallowed. In all other respects, these colossal creatures are just as weak as their regular counterparts.
Gold Waddle Dee
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Main article: Gold Waddle Dee |
Gold Waddle Dee
Gold Waddle Dees carry treasure. They sometimes need to be trapped to get the treasure they have. In some cases, there is no way to trap them so Kirby would have to outrun and destroy it before it gets away. They are faster than a normal Waddle Dee, and there is always some chance of it falling off a cliff. It does not regenerate if lost. These Waddle Dees are said to be capable of swimming (as seen in the sprite sheet), but they do not do so in the game.
One is also found in Stage 6 of Dedede Resort in Kirby Mass Attack. There is an achievement for defeating it.
Truck Monster
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Main article: Truck Monster |
Appearing in Kirby's Epic Yarn, it comes on the screen when Kirby is in his Off-Roader form. It rides in a green dinosaur-like dune buggy, and is properly known as a Truck Monster. The enemies that drive the Truck Monster are Waddle Dee, Dandan and Cyclod.
Key Dee
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Main article: Key Dee |
Key Dees are variants appearing in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby: Planet Robobot. They normally hold keys in their hands, and are always seen running while holding them. A white variant of Key Dees that runs faster than its slower counterpart is only found in the Dededetour sub-game of Kirby: Triple Deluxe, taking the place of regular Key Dees.
Halcandran Waddle Dee
Halcandran Waddle Dee
Halcandran Waddle Dees are variants appearing in Kirby's Return to Dream Land and Kirby's Dream Collection Special Edition. They dwell primarily on Halcandra, though some can be found in Challenge stages. Their behavior is no different from that of an ordinary Waddle Dee. Unlike their Dream Land counterpart, these versions are light grey with white hands, orange eyes, yellow feet and a wisp. They have a darker grey around their eyes and a lighter grey under their body.
Purple Waddle Dee
Purple Waddle Dees only appear in the EX stages of Kirby's Blowout Blast. Like regular Waddle Dees in the game, they either walk in a set pattern, throw spears from a distance, sleep, idle, or run toward Kirby.
Sectra Dee
Sectra Dee
Sectra Dees[1] are variants appearing in Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby's Blowout Blast. Like Halcandran Waddle Dees, Sectra Dees only differ from regular Waddle Dees cosmetically. These enemies are found exclusively in Royal Road and secret level before battling with King Dedede EX. Kracko DX also drops them occasionally.
Tough Waddle Dee
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Main article: Tough Waddle Dee |
Tough Waddle Dee is a Waddle Dee variant introduced in Kirby: Triple Deluxe and later appearing in Kirby: Planet Robobot. It is silver and beige in color. Its primary characteristic is its invulnerability. The only Tough Waddle Dee in the game is located in the Copy Ability testing room. It exists solely for Kirby to test his attacks on.
Hardhat Waddle Dee
Hardhat Waddle Dee
Hardhat Waddle Dees holding a spike column
Hardhat Waddle Dee is a variant introduced in Kirby: Planet Robobot. As their name implies, they wear construction hardhats. Loyal to the Haltmann Works Company, they aid in construction of the company's machinery and buildings. Behavior wise, they are no different to standard Waddle Dees. Parasol Hardhat Waddle Dees also appear as well and are identical to normal Parasol Waddle Dees. Hardhat Waddle Dees can sometimes be seen sleeping on the job.
Cyborg Waddle Dee
Cyborg Waddle Dees
Cyborg Waddle Dees are cybernetically modified Waddle Dees that appear in Kirby: Planet Robobot. A Parasol Cyborg Waddle Dee variant also appears in that game.
Colossal Waddle Dee
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Main article: Colossal Waddle Dee |
Colossal Waddle Dee is a boss in Team Kirby Clash Deluxe. It is significantly larger than most Waddle Dees, and also has more health than most. It is the first quest that Team Kirby takes on, and requires no Gem Apples to be unlocked. It later appears alongside Colossal Kabu in the Colossal Double-Team quest, and once again with Colossal Kabu and Colossal Hot Head in the Colossal Triple-Team quest.
In Kirby: Right Back at Ya!
| This section contains information that does not coincide with the main series canon. | (Similar) |
| “ | Some scholars believe that Waddle Dees roam freely, unless someone gives them food and a place to sleep. Waddle Dees feel that it is their duty to stay and repay their host.” |
| — Curio • Kirby: Right Back at Ya! (Pink-Collar Blues) |
In Kirby: Right Back at Ya!, King Dedede's castle is filled with Waddle Dees who are commanded by a single Waddle Doo. All of the Waddle Dees seen in the anime are always loyal to King Dedede and they will always obey his orders, no matter what. Although most of the Waddle Dees are soldiers, many others may work as the chefs of the castle, butlers or whatever King Dedede orders them to do.
The actual number of Waddle Dees in the castle is unknown. This issue was brought up in the episode Pink-Collar Blues, and not even Waddle Doo knows the exact number. Escargoon had counted 1,209 of them before he confused Kirby as a Waddle Dee and lost count, so there could be at least that many. Escargoon quickly concludes that it's impossible to count them all. In another episode however, Waddle Doo ordered "2,000 steak sandwiches for the Waddle Dees!"
Episode 42 is also the Waddle Dee's most prominent episode. They were kicked out of the castle when King Dedede ordered the Domestic Servant Robot from Nightmare Enterprises as their replacement. It was then revealed that the Robot was stealing valuables from the castle to pay off Dedede's debt to Nightmare Enterprises. When the robot attacked Dedede's Castle, the Waddle Dees were brought to arms, and managed to dismantle the robot with Stone Kirby's help. Despite Dedede's treatment, they protected his treasure anyway by taking it with them when they left the castle. Afterwards, they all did the Kirby Dance with Kirby.
The Waddle Dees in the anime are shown to talk, although their language is only understandable by Waddle Doo, who has to translate it for others.
They have no visible mouths, but they are able to eat, taking and eating a Senbei (a flavored cracker, cookie in the English dub) right from Escargoon's hands with it just disappearing into their faces, and leaving the scene munching on the senbei. They seem to have a comparable appetite to Kirby's, although they do get full eventually, unlike Kirby.
In the Super Smash Bros. series
A Waddle Dee trophy in Super Smash Bros. Melee.
In Super Smash Bros. Melee, Waddle Dee appears as a common trophy that players can collect. Its trophy description states that Waddle Dee "don't consider themselves to be followers of King Dedede." Waddle Dee appears as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. Brawl too.
King Dedede throws a Waddle Dee in Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl Waddle Dee is a projectile weapon thrown by King Dedede during his Side Special Move "Waddle Dee Toss". Dedede will also throw Waddle Doo and Gordo sometimes. After being thrown Waddle Dee will behave the same as they do in any Kirby game. Only two Waddle Dees can be on the stage at once, but Dedede can pick up and throw the same Waddle Dee more than once. They can also be attacked. This was changed in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, so that he only throws Gordos instead of Waddle Dees and Waddle Doos.
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Dedede calls an army of Waddle Dees as his Final Smash. These Waddle Dees are faster than the ones Dedede throws and can easily sweep an opponent off-stage.
Dedede's intro consists of four Waddle Dees carrying him on his throne and in one of his winning poses King Dedede is accompanied by a lone Waddle Dee. Dedede's intro and winning pose in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U are the only times Waddle Dees appear in that game.
Two stickers of Waddle Dee appear in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. One uses his design from Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards and increases Head Attack by 32, the other from his ball form in Kirby: Canvas Curse and increases Arm Attack by 5. Both stickers can be applied by anybody.
Waddle Dee appears as an enemy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS’s Smash Run mode. He passively walks around, hopping occasionally. Only this jump can deal damage. In addition, Parasol Waddle Dees also appear in Smash Run, as well as Waddle Doos.
Waddle Dee appears as a Spirit in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Subspace Emissary
In Super Smash Bros. Brawl’s story mode, two Waddle Dees help King Dedede capture Luigi by distracting him while King Dedede attacks. After using Luigi as bait to lure Wario out of his vehicle, an army of Waddle Dees crowds around Wario, giving King Dedede the chance to steal Wario's vehicle (and the Trophies he collected) from him. After distracting Wario, they all run after King Dedede who is now driving Wario's Cargo.
Quotes
| “ | I want to see every kind of battle. Each one has different rules!” |
| — Waddle Dee • Kirby Battle Royale |
| “ | What I wouldn't give to get through those doors!” |
| — Waddle Dee • Kirby Battle Royale |
| “ | There's a battle in a mine full of shiny rocks. I LOVE SHINY ROCKS!” |
| — Waddle Dee • Kirby Battle Royale |
Related Quotes
| “ | Waddle Dee and its first cousin, Waddle Doo, will try to gang up on Kirby. Their downfall is their intelligence. They're not too smart.” |
| — Description • Nintendo Power (Volume #39) |
| “ | A sniveling little whiner, you will find Waddle Dee to be the easiest of the bosses to defeat.” |
| — The Cast of Characters • Kirby's Avalanche Instruction Booklet |
| “ | Many delicate creatures like this one inhabit Dream Land. They generally live carefree lives and have never considered themselves to be followers of King Dedede. Waddle Dees are innocent and generally harmless to man and beast. While they have virtually no offensive or defensive power, they'll sometimes try to wield a parasol.” |
| — Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| “ | Touch to charge. Bounce!” |
| — In-game description • Kirby: Canvas Curse |
| “ | A carefree creature that wanders the hills and dales of Dream Land. Basically harmless to creatures great and small, Waddle Dees sometimes use parasols to float down through the skies. If Kirby swallows a parasol, he'll get one he can use to float or ward off enemy attacks. On the other hand, Kirby can't copy anything by swallowing Waddle Dees themselves.” |
| — Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Brawl |
| “ | King Dedede's Final Smash. He whistles, and an army of Gordos, Waddle Dees, and Waddle Doos rain down and rampage, pummeling all in their way. After a bit, they'll pack it in and hit the road. Any left can be forcibly removed. They are fast and numerous, which makes it difficult to get through their ranks without taking any damage.” |
| — Trophy description • Super Smash Bros. Brawl |
| “ | Yin-Yarn made these imposters! They look just like the real ones!” |
| — Cast Description • Kirby's Epic Yarn |
| “ | Waddle Dees keep the place locked down tight. Watch out for the bombs they lob from out of nowhere!” |
| — Daroach • Kirby Mass Attack |
| “ | Waddle Dee is now in the Collection Lists! You can use this in Battle Mode and Online Battles after it's unlocked.” |
| — New ability! • Kirby Battle Royale |
| “ | He runs around with a parasol and is basically a Dream Land celebrity.” |
| — Collectible description • Kirby Battle Royale |
| “ | Waddle Dees are the most common inhabitants of Dream Land. While mostly harmless, some Waddle Dees have been known to loyally serve King Dedede.” |
| — Official Kirby Website |
Trivia
- Waddle Dees attack King Dedede in Kirby's Return to Dream Land, Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Kirby Star Allies, so not all of them may be controlled by the king.
- Waddle Dees have no mouths, so the way Waddle Dees eat has been pondered by fans. However, in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards Waddle Dee was shown "absorbing" food through its face. This ability would later be displayed again by the Waddle Dee's (and Lololo & Lalala) in Kirby: Right Back at Ya!.
- Pre-release screenshots of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards indicate that Waddle Dee was playable at one point in development, along with Kirby's other allies. He was going to be able to carry enemies on top of his head, which is an ability that Kirby ended up having in the final game.
- In Kirby's Avalanche, his AI is used by Skeleton T in Puyo Puyo.
- In the anime, the Waddle Dees are some of the characters that are rarely animated with CGI. The episode in which they are most often animated with CGI is Pink-Collar Blues, where their marching animation is displayed.
- In Kirby Star Allies, what looks to be a Waddle Dee's face appears as one of the symbols on Void Termina's body.
Artwork
.png "Waddle Dee (Play Nintendo).png (65 KB)")
Concept artwork
Gallery
Sprites and Models
