Guilty Gear Strive is back in the spotlight, and fans could not be more thrilled! More than four years after its release, the game is still going strong, especially with the recent announcement during the EVO 2025 finals. The buzz? The introduction of the highly anticipated DLC character, Lucy from Cyberpunk, set to release on August 21, 2025. But hold on, because that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
In a surprise twist, a teaser trailer dropped during the finals, revealing an exciting new chapter dubbed Guilty Gear Strive 2.00. This isn’t just any update; it hints at the return of fan-favorites Robo-Ky and Jam Kuradoberi, both of whom are expected to join the ever-expanding roster of characters. I had the chance to chat with Ken Miyauchi, the producer of Guilty Gear Strive, to get the inside scoop on what’s coming next.
Unveiling Guilty Gear Strive 2.00
When I asked Miyauchi about the newly revealed version 2.00, his enthusiasm was palpable. He said, “We just announced a teaser trailer of something showing the version 2.00. We are not really particularly explaining what’s in 2.00, but there’s a reason behind why we show the number 2.00. We want to provide new, more exciting content toward Guilty Gear Strive and I’m expecting to show more details in the near future.”
Clearly, the development team is gearing up to deliver fresh and exhilarating content that fans will love. But what about the silhouettes we spotted in the trailer? Miyauchi confirmed, “We are showing that we are still working on developing more additional characters. Of course, Lucy is coming out in August 21st, but we are still continuing developing more character updates, and those are going to be the two characters that we are currently working on.”
Meet Lucy: The Newest Fighter
What can we expect from Lucy? If you’ve been following the trailers, you’ll notice her unique fighting style that’s heavily inspired by the Cyberpunk universe. According to Miyauchi, “One of the biggest core mechanics that a lot of players might be very excited to see is her Quickhack move, which is really directly inspired from the Cyberpunk 2077 game mechanic.”
He added that Lucy’s moves will be distinct, setting her apart from the rest of the Guilty Gear cast. “The way she fights is going to be very unique,” he said, leaving fans eager to experience her gameplay firsthand.
Ranked Mode Revamp
Another major addition to Guilty Gear Strive is the revamped ranked mode. Miyauchi explained that this will differ from the traditional tower format, providing a more competitive environment. He noted, “We have battle points that you climb up together whenever you win a match, and depending on your battle points, you will have higher ranks.”
This system will also include a rating match for the top players, encouraging a competitive spirit among the community. Plus, exciting features like a Wi-Fi indicator and a no contest vote for bad ping match-ups promise to enhance the overall experience. “I hope everyone who plays regularly will enjoy playing this mode,” Miyauchi expressed enthusiastically.
Balance Changes: Aiming for Fair Play
As with any game update, balance is key. Miyauchi revealed that they are working on a battle balance patch that will be released alongside the Lucy character update. “We are trying to see the game balance and trying to incorporate a lot of player’s feedback regarding how Guilty Gear Strive is currently playing,” he said.
He emphasized that adjustments will include toning down certain mechanics to ensure a fairer playing field for all characters, addressing feedback that favored those with better access to game mechanics. “We think there needs to be some tone downs on several… general game mechanics, the tools that everyone has access to.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Guilty Gear?
With the excitement surrounding the upcoming updates, I couldn’t help but ask Miyauchi about the future of Guilty Gear beyond fighting games. While he couldn’t share specific plans, he mentioned his interest in exploring different genres to broaden the IP’s appeal. “As a producer, I’m always interested to expand Guilty Gear as an IP to open to different genres,” he stated. “So yeah, if I have a chance, I would like to try on some different kind of genre.”
As we wrap up our chat, it’s clear that the Guilty Gear team is committed to keeping the game fresh and engaging for its dedicated fanbase. With the release of Lucy and the upcoming Strive 2.00 update on the horizon, players have a lot to be excited about. So, whether you’re a seasoned fighter or just getting into the game, there’s never been a better time to dive into the world of Guilty Gear!
As we look toward the future, one thing is for sure: Guilty Gear Strive is far from done, and its community is in for an exhilarating ride!
