- "I hate fruit."
- —Phase in Encounter
Phase, real name Danyell, is a former member of Zero’s syndicate, Viper, and first appeared in Red vs. Blue: Zero. She is the daughter of West. She is voiced by Hannah McCarthy.
Role in Plot
Origins
Known initially as the primary lieutenant of the mercenary syndicate Viper, Phase was introduced as a silent, lethal specter. Her backstory is defined by her unique "Phase" ability—a high-speed teleportation and molecular blurring technique—and her deep-seated resentment toward the institutions that she felt had failed her. Throughout the series, it is revealed that Phase is not merely a hired hand, but a fractured soul whose history is intrinsically tied to one of the protagonists of Shatter Squad: East.
The "origin" of Phase is rooted in a psychological and physical schism. During her history prior to the events of Zero, East was a promising soldier who suffered a traumatic event that led to the manifestation of a secondary persona. Phase emerged as the "cold" side of this duality—a manifestation of East’s anger, efficiency, and survival instincts. While East represented the vulnerable, human element, Phase was the warrior who embraced Zero’s nihilistic philosophy. This internal history made her a tragic figure; she wasn't just working for Viper, she was trying to overwrite her own perceived weaknesses by serving a leader who promised absolute strength.
Joining Viper
Throughout the conflict, Phase’s role was that of a high-value infiltrator. Her history is marked by several key tactical victories, including the brutal ambush of Washington and Carolina. Phase’s combat style was characterized by the use of dual energy-bladed kamas and her signature teleportation, which allowed her to outmaneuver even the most seasoned Freelancers. Her loyalty to Zero was driven by a belief that the "Ultimate Weapon" would provide a permanent solution to her fractured existence, potentially allowing her to transcend the limitations of her human past and the "weakness" of her East persona.
During the battle for the Ultimate Weapon, as the conflict reached its zenith, the mental barrier between East and Phase began to erode. Confronted by her teammates in Shatter Squad—specifically Raymond and One—Phase was forced to face the reality that Zero viewed her as a tool rather than an equal. The history of her servitude to Viper reached a breaking point when she realized that Zero’s pursuit of power would destroy everything, including the very identity she was trying to protect. This led to a dramatic internal struggle where the "East" persona fought to regain control over the "Phase" warrior.
Joining Shatter Squad
In the final confrontation against Zero, Phase chose to turn against her father West, providing the critical opening needed for Shatter Squad to secure victory. By accepting both parts of herself—the lethal skills of Phase and the empathy of East—she transitioned from a villainous enforcer to a heroic survivor. Though the syndicate Viper was disbanded, Phase’s story ended with her remaining with Shatter Squad, seeking to use her formidable abilities to repair the damage she had helped cause and to find a new purpose beyond the shadow of Zero’s influence.
Gallery
Trivia
- Phase's armor consists of a Copperhead helmet and Venator body armor.
- Phase's knife is taken from the "Sci Fi Weapons Dark" set of Unreal assets by Ying Pei Games.
- Phase's power was unintentionally inspired by the same power of Minato Namikaze from Naruto.[1]