With Elena entering the ring and the Switch 2 port of Street Fighter 6 set to drop on June 5, the timing for a fresh batch of DLC characters couldn’t be better. The community is buzzing with speculation ahead of Summer Game Fest 2025, and VesperArcade has thrown his hat into the ring with a detailed wishlist for Season 3. It’s a mix of bold predictions, community favorites, and a few hot takes that are sure to split the fanbase.
The Heavy Hitters: Characters Most Likely to Make the Cut
Vesper’s top tier features characters that not only carry legacy appeal but also fit seamlessly into SF6’s evolving meta and visual identity. These aren’t just fan-favorite picks; they’re strategic choices that could keep the competitive scene fresh and the casual fanbase engaged.
- Sakura: She’s a no-brainer. The high-energy schoolgirl has been a staple in the franchise and brings a classic yet versatile moveset. With Ryu already present, adding Sakura could deepen the lore and attract longtime fans.
- Sagat: Another legacy character whose absence has been loudly noted. His Muay Thai style is iconic, and SF6 could give his zoning-heavy toolkit a fresh coat of paint.
- Menat: Her orb-based gameplay brought something unique to SFV, and in a game that prizes creative playstyles, she could flourish even more in SF6’s system.
- Falke: An unexpected but not unwelcome pick. Falke never got a fair shake in SFV, and this could be her redemption arc. With a bit of retooling, her staff mechanics could shine.
Wishlist Wild Cards: Vesper’s Personal Hopes
This is where things get spicy. These picks reflect more niche appeal and gameplay variety, and while they might not be frontrunners, they have cult followings and distinct styles that could diversify the roster.
- Alex: The Street Fighter III grappler didn’t quite hit in SFV, but his raw brawler energy could be revitalized with more mobility or combo potential.
- C. Viper: Her high-octane, gadget-filled moveset would stand out in SF6. If Capcom wants to shake up the pace, Viper is a perfect fit.
- Fei Long: The Bruce Lee homage still has massive fan demand. Fast, aggressive, and cinematic, he fits right into the spectacle of SF6.
- Rolento: One of the more out-there choices. His acrobatic, grenade-lobbing antics might be polarizing, but he would definitely bring chaos to the meta.
Thanks, But No Thanks: Characters Vesper Wants to Stay Benched
This tier is bound to be controversial. Vesper doesn’t pull punches when it comes to who he thinks should sit this one out.
- Ingrid: A character that constantly sparks debate. Vesper puts her firmly in the “never” category, citing a lack of cohesion with the rest of the cast.
- Nash: Once a major lore player in SFV, Nash’s utility and identity have since faded. Vesper sees no compelling reason to bring him back.
- Necalli: Hyped to be a major threat in SFV but fizzled quickly. Without a rework, he’s likely to be dead weight.
- Q: The mystery man has hardcore fans, but his niche appeal and ambiguous identity make him a risky pick.
- Evil Ryu: As long as we have Luke and standard Ryu, a dark clone feels redundant and uninspired.
Why This Matters for SF6
Season 3 is crucial for Street Fighter 6. The game has established strong foundations with its base roster, and the first two seasons have been mostly well-received. But to maintain momentum, Capcom needs a blend of familiar faces and mechanical innovation. The picks Vesper highlights as top-tier could drive engagement, while his wishlist entries could broaden gameplay variety.
The “never” tier, while sure to rile some fans, represents a call for freshness over nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. Street Fighter is at its best when it evolves while respecting its roots, and the next wave of characters will be a major test of that balance.
What to Expect at Summer Game Fest
With Summer Game Fest just around the corner, Capcom is perfectly positioned to drop a teaser for Season 3. Whether it’s a single character reveal or a full roadmap, fans will be dissecting every frame. Vesper’s video has only stoked those flames, giving the community a framework to argue, predict, and dream.
Capcom has been riding high with SF6, but staying on top means delivering content that satisfies both legacy fans and competitive players. The Season 3 lineup will play a key role in determining how the next year of the game unfolds.
Who’s on your Season 3 wishlist? Are you Team Sakura or rooting for a wild card like Rolento? Let the speculation (and salt) flow.
