History DeathBattle / TropesAToC

* AntiRegeneration: Several combatants have a powerful HealingFactor, but lose because it can get heavily taxed or negated in various ways.

* ButForMeItWasTuesday: One major deciding factor for multiple winners:
** Kirby defeating an EldritchAbomination, who loves to teleport no less, is nothing new for him.
** This was the biggest edge that won [[spoiler:Guts the victory against Nightmare. He has always fought impossible odds against terrible demon forces that Nightmare and the Soul Edge were nothing he wasn't accustomed to.]]
** This is why [[spoiler: Dante didn't have that much trouble with Gomorrah and Madama Butterfly. While they are very powerful, Dante hunts down demons every day. Same thing for being ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice, something Bayonetta isn't very used to.]]
** [[spoiler:Scrooge [=McDuck=] has fought knights and magicians before and come out on top. Shovel Knight, on the other hand, has never fought anyone quite like him.]]
** [[spoiler:Zero's job is fighting evil robots (especially [[Characters/MegaManXMaverickBosses evil animal robots]]) so facing off against Metal Sonic and even Metal Overlord]] was literally a normal day's work for him.
** [[spoiler:Throughout his 50-years journey, Jack has faced opponents that would fight dirty. This meant that Afro's CombatPragmatism couldn't do anything that he hasn't seen before.]]
** [[spoiler:Optimus Prime has faced off far bigger robots than him before such as Devastator, and as such a battle with the Gundam]] was just like another day.
** [[spoiler:It's pointed out in the post-battle analysis that Black Widow has had plenty of experience fighting expert long-range snipers like Widowmaker, so there was little in Amelie's bag of tricks that could truly catch her off-guard.]]
* ButtMonkey: Wiz and Boomstick sometimes look down on underwhelming combatants despite trying to paint a positive light for some combatants, and some fighters face the receiving them in some curb-stomp battles.

** So far, we've had six: [[spoiler:Starscream, Michelangelo, Shadow, Mega Man Volnutt, Deadpool (vs The Mask), and The Deep. The former suffered a CurbStompBattle to Rainbow Dash. During the character breakdown for Michaelangelo, only his negative attributes were shown, to demonstrate why he sucks compared to his brothers, and how they don't want him to win the fight. Come time for the battle, he dies within the first 30 seconds. For Shadow, he suffers the receiving end of ''two'' [[CurbStompBattle Curb-Stomp Battles]], (one of which ''to a spoon being the cause of death'') down to the same PreMortemOneLiner. Shadow is even ridiculed over [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his spin-off game]]. For Volnutt, Boomstick mocks him several times such as calling him Diet Mega Man or calling out his series' third game being cancelled, and during the fight he's shown to be ''horribly'' outclassed by every other Mega Man, being comically and completely ineffectual against the rest and is the first to die from a black hole. For Deadpool, the hosts repeatedly rag on him mercilessly. Then The Mask manages to out-troll and beat him while taking very little in return; even the soundtrack is just him surrounded with knives and all but outright saying he’s going to die. Deadpool gets the last laugh in the end though. For The Deep, he has the shortest rundown of any combatant in Death Battle history, ending with Boomstick concluding he sucks and his own teammate Black Noir nodding in agreement. When the battle rolls around, A-Train kills The Deep ''before it starts''.]] With that being said, [[spoiler:Shadow, at least, got a lot of respect in his third battle, and went from taking the curbstomps to being on the ''delivering'' end of one against Ryuko.]]

* ButtMonkey: So far, we've had six: [[spoiler:Starscream, Michelangelo, Shadow, Mega Man Volnutt, Deadpool (vs The Mask), and The Deep. The former suffered a CurbStompBattle to Rainbow Dash. During the character breakdown for Michaelangelo, only his negative attributes were shown, to demonstrate why he sucks compared to his brothers, and how they don't want him to win the fight. Come time for the battle, he dies within the first 30 seconds. For Shadow, he suffers the receiving end of ''two'' [[CurbStompBattle Curb-Stomp Battles]], (one of which ''to a spoon being the cause of death'') down to the same PreMortemOneLiner. Shadow is even ridiculed over [[VideoGame/ShadowTheHedgehog his spin-off game]]. For Volnutt, Boomstick mocks him several times such as calling him Diet Mega Man or calling out his series' third game being cancelled, and during the fight he's shown to be ''horribly'' outclassed by every other Mega Man, being comically and completely ineffectual against the rest and is the first to die from a black hole. For Deadpool, the hosts repeatedly rag on him mercilessly. Then The Mask manages to out-troll and beat him while taking very little in return; even the soundtrack is just him surrounded with knives and all but outright saying he’s going to die. Deadpool gets the last laugh in the end though. For The Deep, he has the shortest rundown of any combatant in Death Battle history, ending with Boomstick concluding he sucks and his own teammate Black Noir nodding in agreement. When the battle rolls around, A-Train kills The Deep ''before it starts''.]] With that being said, [[spoiler:Shadow, at least, got a lot of respect in his third battle, and went from taking the curbstomps to being on the ''delivering'' end of one against Ryuko.]]

* CaptainErsatz: Many duels are between a character that appears to be similar to another:
** Zitz vs. [[spoiler:Leonardo]]
** Vegeta vs. Shadow (the former even points out how Super Shadow looks similar to a Super Saiyan form)
** Master Chief vs. Doomguy
** Eggman vs. Wily
** Goku vs. Superman
** Lion-O vs. He-Man (Lion-O is also a double-whammy; his back-story ''and'' weakness to a glowing rock mirrors Superman's origins)
** Deadpool vs. Deathstroke
** Tony Stark vs Lex Luthor
** Beast vs. Goliath
** Mega Man vs. Astro Boy [[note]]''VideoGame/MegaMan1'' was originally a concept for an Astro Boy game until Capcom lost the licensing.[[/note]]
** Dante vs. Bayonetta [[note]]not surprising since both characters were created and directed by Hideki Kamiya[[/note]]
** The Flash vs Quicksilver
** Hulk vs Doomsday
** Natsu Dragneel vs. Portgas D. Ace
** Metal Sonic vs. Zero
** Thanos vs. Darkseid
** Aquaman vs. Namor
** Beerus vs. Galaxia
** Shadow vs. Ryūko (When Ryūko uses Senketsu Kisaragi in response to Super Shadow, Shadow utters "Faker.").
** Trunks vs. Silver [[note]]Creator/ShiroMaekawa, one of the writers of ''VideoGame/SonicTheHedgehog2006'', confirmed that Silver is an {{Expy}} of Future Trunks[[/note]]

* TheChewToy: If a character is playable in any of the Super Smash Bros. games, expect there to be footage of them giving Jigglypuff a beating.
* ChildrenForcedToKill: Some combatants in the series are organic pre-teens. Since these are battles to the death, they'll need to fight to the death to win.
** Tails is only 8 years old, and has to fight Luigi. [[spoiler:He succeeds at killing.]]
** Toph is only 12 when she has to fight Gaara. [[spoiler:She also succeeds at killing.]]
** Three combatants in the Mega Man Battle Royale (Volnutt, EXE, and Geo Stelar) are children. [[spoiler:Only EXE survives.]]
** The version of Ben Tennyson used in his fight against Hal Jordan is 10 years old. [[spoiler: Unlike the previous two minors, he loses his life at the hands of his foe.]] Word of God was they wanted him to be 16 years old, but didn't have a corresponding sprite available.
** Taken to the extreme with Miles Morales vs Static (at least their most popular incarnations), Danny Phantom vs Jake Long and Steven Universe vs Star Butterfly, as both are minors. So, one kid will have to kill the other one. [[spoiler: Static, Danny, and Star remain alive.]]

* CompositeCharacter: The show draws feats and abilities for a character across multiple media or even continuities as long as it doesn't heavily conflict with the main source material. This is stated in one of the rules of the show.

** One example is [[Link]] with his [[GameplayAndStoryIntegration retained combat skills and experience through the incarnations]]. Other examples include Fulgore with all the forms, James Bond despite the differing looks through the years, and Sauron as depicted from [[Literature/TheLordOfTheRings books]] to [[Film/TheHobbit movies]] and video games, and other characters.

* CompositeCharacter:
** In general, the show draws feats and abilities for a character across multiple media and/or continuities.
** [[LegacyCharacter Link]]. [[GameplayAndStoryIntegration One of his listed strengths is that each Link retains the combat skills and experience of all the other Links.]]
%%** Same goes for Zelda.
** Goku vs Superman invokes this as much as possible, using anything and everything that isn't flagrantly non-canon. For example, Goku is a combination of original manga, the questionably canon movies and ''GT'', and even filler episodes. Superman is made a composite of everything that's been published since ''Crisis on Infinite Earths'', including a very large number of alternate Earths/Supermans.
** Eggman is considered the same character in the games as the one in the cartoons, all chalked up to a unique personality disorder.
** The Terminator has the weaponry and equipment of all four terminators of the films and oddly the ''Terminator 3: The Redemption'' game. Likewise, [=RoboCop=] is based off of all three films, his live action series', and the cartoon series, but not the 2014 reboot.
** Fulgore is a combination of all his forms from his previous games.
** Godzilla and Gamera have completely different personalities throughout their own franchises but their abilities are relatively consistent throughout.
** Tails is a mix of the games, SATAM, and the pre-reboot comic. Although in the comic, Tails' parents are [[http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110118024843/archiesonic/images/5/57/Prowerreunion.jpg still alive.]]
** In his second match, Batman borrows a bit more from his [[VideoGame/BatmanArkhamOrigins Arkham]] version.
** Toph is mainly herself from the [[WesternAnimation/AvatarTheLastAirbender original series]], but borrows some abilities from her adult self in the [[WesternAnimation/TheLegendOfKorra sequel series]].
** Chuck Norris is a combination of the RealLife Chuck Norris, the various characters he played, and the godlike figure chronicled in the Website/ChuckNorrisFacts.
** The Solid Snake used in the battle has the model of VideoGame/SuperSmashBros Brawl's portrayal of Snake, which in turn was based off of his look in VideoGame/MetalGearSolid, but he also has the Solid Eye and Octocamo from [[VideoGame/MetalGearSolid4GunsOfThePatriots Guns of the Patriots]].
** Optimus Prime vs. Gundam downplays this, as it only uses the [[Franchise/TransformersGeneration1 Generation 1]] version of Optimus Prime instead of all versions of the autobot leader(Films, Animated, Unicron Trilogy, etc...). That said, they use nearly every version ''of G1 Optimus''(Sunbow cartoon, Marvel comics, IDW comics). It even shows scenes from [[VideoGame/TransformersWarForCybertron War For Cybertron]], which is explicitly part of [[Franchise/TransformersAlignedUniverse another continuity]], though heavily G1-influenced. Likewise, Amuro only uses his RX-78-2 Gundam, and not other suits such as the Nu Gundam or Zeta Gundam.
** Trunks vs Silver averts this, explicitly using only the ''VideoGame/DragonBallOnline''[=/=]''VideoGame/DragonBallXenoverse'' and ''[[ComicBook/SonicTheHedgehogArchieComics Archie Comics]]'' versions of them respectively.
** In Sauron VS The Lich King, Sauron is made-up of every possible itineration of him: the ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' and ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'' books, the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' and ''Film/TheHobbit'' film trilogies, the ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'' series, and the ''VideoGame/MiddleEarthShadowOfMordor'' and ''VideoGame/MiddleEarthShadowOfWar'' video-games.

** Wiz got a little mad about Boomstick calling Link a fairy repeatedly, plus he was equally upset when a viewer said [[spoiler:Boba Fett's cold-resistant armor should have given him immunity to Samus' [[AnIcePerson ice beam]]]].

** Godzilla and Gamera certainly fit this trope.

** There's also Way Big, one of Ben's alien forms.

* AudienceParticipation: Plenty of the battles are taken from really popular fan requests, and prior to Season 10, two of the upcoming fights, one 2D and one 3D, were decided in a Champion's Poll by paid Champion members: [[WesternAnimation/GravityFalls Bill Cipher]] vs. [[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Discord]], and [[VideoGame/{{Prototype}} Alex Mercer]] vs. [[VideoGame/InFamous Cole MacGrath]]

** Taken to an almost ludicrous degree the breakdown for Lara Croft who destroyed a helicopter by throwing a climbing axe at it. While its not explained directly how it happened the hosts suggest she threw her axe into the intake manifold which allowed sparks to travel through the fuel system and ignite the gasoline and cause the helicopter to explode.

* TheAlcoholic: Boomstick is implied to be one; it apparently led to his divorce...
-->'''Boomstick:''' (''when discussing Link's hookshot'') Man, that really would have helped to get that last beer all those times... probably still be married.\\

* BestialityIsDepraved: * BeastialityIsDepraved: When Boomstick "wonders" about CatGirl Felicia implying sexual attraction, Wiz is quick to shut that down.

* AllMenArePerverts: Boomstick. Just look at the quote for AnythingThatMoves.

* AnythingThatMoves: Boomstick has this kind of personality, to wit when discussing Felicia's... "attire".
-->'''Boomstick:''' What the hell? I thought we were talking about a deadly demon warrior and… is she naked?\\
'''Wiz:''' Yes.\\
'''Boomstick:''' But... she's a cat!\\
'''Wiz:''' Yes.\\
'''Boomstick:''' Hmmmmm... you'd think it'd be wrong to--\\
'''Wiz''': '''[[BigYes Yes!]]'''

* BestialityIsDepraved: Wiz does not approve of Boomstick mackin' on [[CatGirl Felicia.]] See AnythingThatMoves for the exchange.

* AdaptationalVillainy: A good number of characters tend to do actions far darker and evil than what they would normally do in canon. Partially enforced since all characters who are of a more pacifistic nature will have any personality restraints from killing removed. This trope is also sometimes used to instigate the battle in certain cases.

* BadassBaritone: Kamran Nikhad’s performance as Sephiroth is a smooth, sensual drawl that also does a great job at selling how dangerous Seph is.

* CrossoverShip: Tracer vs. Scout gives a ShipTease between the Tracer and the Scout, though since it's a Death Battle they decide to fight each other to the death anyway.

** Creator/DanielleMcRae [[Manga/ElfenLied once again voices]] [[VideoGame/SkullGirls an unhinged girl treated as a lab experiment that wants to murder everyone for being called a monster.]]

* In Sauron VS The Lich King, Sauron is made-up of every possible itineration of him: the ''Literature/TheLordOfTheRings'' and ''Literature/TheSilmarillion'' books, the ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' and ''Film/TheHobbit'' film trilogies, the ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'' series, and the ''VideoGame/MiddleEarthShadowOfMordor'' and ''VideoGame/MiddleEarthShadowOfWar'' video-games.

* AluminumChristmasTrees:
** Boomstick makes up the alloy "boomstickium" in response to Deathstroke's armor, which is made up of promethium, only to get told by Wiz that promethium is a real thing. It's still not anything like it's portrayed in the comics, though- it's a chemical used in atomic batteries.
** There is in fact such a thing as having a doctorate in poultry science.

%%** Gogeta vs. Vegito is this...[[spoiler:until the final blow. Ironically, the winner Vegito bleeds while the losing Gogeta turns to stone and disintegrates.]]

** Gogeta vs. Vegito is this...[[spoiler:until the final blow. Ironically, the winner Vegito bleeds while the losing Gogeta turns to stone and disintegrates.]]

* AudienceParticipation: Many of the battles are taken from fan requests.

* CoolPet:
** Played straight when Cringer transforms into Battlecat, who possesses as much strength as He-Man. Summed up in this exchange:
-->'''Wiz:''' Battlecat is so powerful, it's said if he doesn't turn back to Cringer, he could go on an unstoppable rampage. After all, he ''is'' half-tiger, half-dragon.\\
'''Boomstick:''' '''Gimme gimme gimme gimme gimme!'''
** Boomstick also thinks this of Charizard initially but is less enthused when he learns it doesn't often grow taller than an average human male.

* CoolSword: They crop up on occasion; examples include Link's Master Sword that works stronger against evil forces; Kratos' Blade of Olympus, [[spoiler:the only weapon in his arsenal that can kill Spawn]]; Tommy Oliver's Saba, which is an intelligent sword that can talk; Lion-O's Sword of Omens, which grants him power beyond power and has a whole lot of beams at its disposal; Deadpool's [[AntiRegeneration carbonadium sword]]; Ragna's Bloodscythe, a {{BFS}} that can turn into an energy scythe; Sol's Fireseal, a HotBlade that can melt concrete and is part of a LostSuperWeapon; Guts's Dragonslayer, which can exist on both the physical and astral plane of existence, allowing it to [[SoulCuttingBlade cut intangible opponents]]; Soul Edge, a regular sword that was soaked in blood so many times, it turned into a demonic, living weapon which can drive the wielder to insanity and an unstoppable bloodlust; the HF Muramasa, a {{Vibroweapon}} that can cut through almost any matter on the molecular level, the Z-Saber, Zero's iconic weapon that can turn into flames, ice, electricity, and even metal, Zangetsu, the Zanpakuto that is linked to Ichigo's soul, King Mickey's Keyblade, Ryūko's Scissor Blades, a pair of swords modeled after scissors that are made of, and subsequently can cut through life fibers; Cloud's Buster Sword and Fusion Sword; Tanjiro Kamado's Nichirin Sword; Bruford's Luck & Pluck (used by Jonathan Joestar); Trunks' Brave Sword; and the Lich King's Frostmourne.

* CoolSword: They crop up on occasion; examples include Link's Master Sword that works stronger against evil forces; Kratos' Blade of Olympus, [[spoiler:the only weapon in his arsenal that can kill Spawn]]; Tommy Oliver's Saba, which is an intelligent sword that can talk; Lion-O's Sword of Omens, which grants him power beyond power and has a whole lot of beams at its disposal; Deadpool's [[AntiRegeneration carbonadium sword]]; Ragna's Bloodscythe, a {{BFS}} that can turn into an energy scythe; Sol's Fireseal, a HotBlade that can melt concrete and is part of a LostSuperWeapon; Guts's Dragonslayer, which can exist on both the physical and astral plane of existence, allowing it to [[SoulCuttingBlade cut intangible opponents]]; Soul Edge, a regular sword that was soaked in blood so many times, it turned into a demonic, living weapon which can drive the wielder to insanity and an unstoppable bloodlust; the HF Muramasa, a {{Vibroweapon}} that can cut through almost any matter on the molecular level, the Z-Saber, Zero's iconic weapon that can turn into flames, ice, electricity, and even metal, Zangetsu, the Zanpakuto that is linked to Ichigo's soul, King Mickey's Keyblade, Ryūko's Scissor Blades, a pair of swords modeled after scissors that are made of, and subsequently can cut through life fibers; and Cloud's Buster Sword and Fusion Sword.