Guilty Gear Strive is set to get one of its biggest updates yet tomorrow, December 15, which brings much more than new crossplay functionality.
Arc System Works has released a bunch of short guide videos showcasing some of the character balance and mechanics changes coming in Version 1.24 patch.
One of the coolest mechanical tweaks the devs have made is to help defenders a bit by speeding up RISC level depletion, and once full the attacker will stop gaining the strain gauge.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤System/Universal◢
RISC level depletion rate over time is now faster.
Additionally, the rate of tension gain does not increase for the attacking character when an opponent with maximum RISC level blocks their attacks. pic.twitter.com/MbOOjSPEGu—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
On paper, the Guard Crush effect added by Ky from Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install looks like a nice little buff to keep his pressure up, but we’ll have to see if it will have any noticeable impact when the update releases.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Ky◢
Adding the Guard Crush effect to Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install allows it to sustain its attack regardless of range. pic.twitter.com/tzbH27IyPg—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Axl makes some nice improvements to his combo/press routes by allowing him to cancel certain buttons on recovery, and he can now use Winter Mantis as part of a chain.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Axl◢
Made adjustments to backfire when landing Winter Mantis during a combo.
It now works as part of a combo. pic.twitter.com/o5G6VYCL4A—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
ArcSys makes Chipp’s guessing game a bit more dangerous by allowing his Senshuu kick to combine with Rokusai on crouching opponents.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Chips◢
Senshuu’s reduced start means he can combo Rokusai into a crouch move, making him more rewarding depending on the situation. pic.twitter.com/b5ygOTZdsl—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Potemkin can pull the opponent in with his Heat Knuckle when blocked to give them better pressure options as well.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Potemkin◢
Heat Knuckle now pulls the opponent in when triggering Guard Crush. pic.twitter.com/l6lFYfwq9r—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Faust received a number of significant buffs, but ArcSys focuses on Scarecrow’s smaller blessbx to show how his own items are less likely to hit him now.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Faust◢
Reduced safety box for Scarecrow makes ropes using items more powerful. pic.twitter.com/dMnHOOmKXb—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Millia has better blends with Turbo Fall now still able to cross, even in the corner.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Millia◢
She now has access to a powerful mix in more situations, as she can cross paths with the opponent using Turbo Fall even in the corner. pic.twitter.com/iLKTKOgPJo—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
It seems the devs felt that Zato-1 was having a little too much trouble getting things done without Eddie, so they gave him a new knockdown option on his own.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Zato◢
Reduced recovery and knockback for →+K makes it easier for Zato to score knockdowns on his own. pic.twitter.com/8kHUG0HG8s—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
While Ramlethal received some nerfs to his damage, they improved his crouching Heavy Slash by increasing his range for better throw combos at closer ranges.
#GGST Combat Balance Preview
◤Ramlethal◢
Crouching HS’s extra range makes high damage combos easier, making it more threatening at close range. pic.twitter.com/OQv5E1kuKe—ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
This only scratches the surface of everything being reworked in the new Guilty Gear update, so check it out. full patch notes if you haven’t already.