Guilty Gear Strive showcases incoming balance and mechanical changes in new special clips

Guilty Gear Strive is about to get one of its biggest updates yet tomorrow, December 15th, which brings much more than just a new cross-play feature.

Arc System Works is releasing a set of short how-to videos showing some of the character balancing and mechanical changes made in patch version 1.24.

One of the more interesting mechanical tweaks the developers have made is to help the defenders out a bit by making the RISC level deplete faster, and once full, the attacker will stop gaining the tension gauge.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
“system/global”
The rate of RISC level depletion over time is now faster.
Also, the attacking person’s Tension Gain rate does not increase when an opponent with the maximum RISC level blocks their attacks. pic.twitter.com/MbOOjSPEGu

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

On paper, the Guard Crush effect Ky added from Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install looks like a nice little buff to keep zipped, but we’ll have to see if it makes a noticeable impact when the update is released.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
Ky◢
Adding the Guard Crush effect to Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install allows him to maintain his attack regardless of range. pic.twitter.com/tzbH27IyPg

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

Axl gets some nice improvements to his combo methods by allowing him to cancel certain buttons when recovering, and he can now use his Winter Mantis as part of a chain.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
axel
Made adjustments to the blowback when the Winter Mantis lands during the combo.
Now works as part of a group. pic.twitter.com/o5G6VYCL4A

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

ArcSys makes Chipp’s guessing game more dangerous by allowing his Senshuu kick to beat Rokusai over crouching opponents.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
◤ Chip
Senshuu’s reduced kickstart means he can combo off Rokusai when hitting the squat, making it even more rewarding depending on the situation. pic.twitter.com/b5ygOTZdsl

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

Potemkin can draw an opponent in with his heat joint when he’s being blocked to give them some better pressing options as well.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
Potemkin
Heat Knuckle now pulls the opponent in when you trigger Guard Crush. pic.twitter.com/l6lFYfwq9r

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

Faust has received a number of significant fans, but ArcSys is focusing on the smaller Scarecrow to show how his elements are now less likely to clash with him.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
Faust◢
Scarecrow’s mini mischief box makes chains using items more efficient. pic.twitter.com/dMnHOOmKXb

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

The Millia got better mixing with Turbo Fall now always able to get through, even in a corner.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
Melia
She now has access to a powerful shuffle in more situations, as she can cross an opponent with Turbo Fall even in a corner. pic.twitter.com/iLKTKOgPJo

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

Apparently the developers felt Zato-1 had too much trouble getting things done without Eddie, so they gave him the option of a new knockout himself.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
Zato
Reducing the recovery and rebound of → + K makes it easier for Zato to score knockdowns on his own. pic.twitter.com/8kHUG0HG8s

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

Although Ramlethal has received some tweaks to its damage output, they’ve polished it up by increasing its range for better firing combos at closer distances.

#GGST Peek at Battle Balance
ramlithal
The Crouching HS’s added range makes it easier to engage in high-damage combos, making it more threatening at close range. pic.twitter.com/OQv5E1kuKe

– ArcSystemWorks (ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022

This is still just scratching the surface on everything that’s being reworked in the new Guilty Gear update, so check out the full patch notes if you haven’t already.