Guilty Gear Strive is getting a major overhaul next month, with a version 2.0 update due out on April 9 alongside the first Season 5 DLC character, Jam Kuradoberi. Robo=Ky will join the roster in winter 2026 (NZ time), followed by two unannounced characters in summer 2026 and autumn 2027.
The 2.0 update will add two new game mechanics, Wild Assault and Blitz Counter, as well as new special moves for select characters and various balance adjustments. It also adds a new “Haunted” colour that makes characters look like ghosts, and various unlockable cosmetic items like battle UI skins, accessories, outfits, and digital figures, although these are tied to a new seasonal reward system (i.e. FOMO mechanics) called “Blazing Pass“. And yes, there is a paid Blazing Pass tier with exclusive rewards.
Jam Kuradoberi is a returning character who first appeared in Guilty Gear X and has been in every game since. A kung fu master (and chef), her playstyle typically revolves around a speedy offence, close-range pressure, and the use of “charging cards” to power up her special moves. It looks like her Strive appearance will stick close to that design, judging from her character trailer:
Robo=Ky is also a returning character, appearing as a secret character in Guilty Gear X and Guilty Gear XX (as an alternate version of Ky Kiske). He became a unique character in his own right in Guilty Gear XX #Reload, with a combat style revolving around managing his electricity and heat gauges. There are no details about his Strive appearance at this stage.
Guilty Gear Strive launched in 2021 with a roster of 15 fighters, with a further 17 added so far over the course of four DLC season passes. Jam’s arrival next month will bring the roster to 33 characters, and there’ll be 36 once Season 5 DLC is fully rolled out next year.
