Arc System Works Co., Ltd. announced the implementation of a major update for the highly popular fighting game GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- (hereafter, GGST)!
New elements, including the new character Jam Kuradoberi, were revealed all at once.
GGST Ver. 2.00 Update and Season 5 Begin on April 9!
The major update Ver. 2.00 and Season 5 for GGST will be implemented on Thursday, April 9, 2026!
More than four years after its 2021 release, GGST continues to see undiminished excitement, with new elements being added.
Jam Kuradoberi Finally Joins GGST!
https://youtu.be/OzgPYd3nweg-w
The participation of Jam Kuradoberi has been announced as the first playable character to be added in Season Pass 5!
The catchphrase is "Burners on low, kicks on high. INDOMITABLE IRON FIST CHEF."
Jam is a popular character who has appeared since the series' early days.
Some of you may remember her high-pitched shouts echoing even inside arcades.
Although she was a character in GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV2, the predecessor to GGST, many people have likely been looking forward to her participation, as it has been over four years since GGST's launch.
YouTubeIn the trailer, she shows off poses that will make those who know her from past titles grin.
Look forward to Jam's new actions in GGST!
Robo-Ky Returns After 13 Years!
It was also announced that Robo-Ky will join as the second playable character added in Season Pass 5!
Like Jam, Robo-Ky is a returning character from past titles.
Although there was exposure in Story Mode in recent titles, this will be the first time in 13 years that the character returns in a form that players can directly control since GUILTY GEAR XX ACCENT CORE PLUS R.
At this stage, only the illustration has been released.
Let's look forward to further news!
Additionally, the Character Addition Roadmap for Season 5 was released.
In addition to Jam and Robo-Ky, two more characters are scheduled to appear.
Robo-Ky is scheduled for release in the Summer of 2026.
The remaining additional characters are scheduled to be added sequentially within 2026 and in the Spring of 2027.
[GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Ver. 2.00]
📢 ② NEW DAREDEVIL CONFIRMED!
Robo-Ky will join GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Season Pass 5 in Summer 2026.
Following Jam Kuradoberi, he will be the second character of Season Pass 5.
The Season Pass 5 character roadmap has also been revealed.
In… pic.twitter.com/YgsqgZLeaS— GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) March 22, 2026
Battle Update Also Implemented! Battle Balance Adjustments for All Characters!
Ver. 2.00 will also include a battle update, implementing battle balance adjustments for all characters.
New special moves will also be added to some characters!
YouTube
It seems you can enjoy matches with a fresh feeling even when using existing characters.
【Ver.2.00 ③バトルアップデート】
一部キャラクターに新たな必殺技を追加！
さらに、全キャラクターにバトルバランス調整を実施。[GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Ver. 2.00]
📢 ③ BATTLE UPDATE ANNOUNCED!New Special Moves will be added for select characters.
In addition, battle balance… pic.twitter.com/rKqdCH3ip0— GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) March 22, 2026
New System "Counter Blitz" Implemented!
The new system Counter Blitz will also be implemented in Ver. 2.00!
Counter Blitz is a system that allows you to activate a dedicated follow-up attack upon a counter hit.
It seems that counter hits, which are opportunities for massive damage, will be more worth aiming for than ever before.
Additionally, a review of some existing systems will be conducted. It was clearly stated during the ARC WORLD TOUR 2025-2026 FINALS that the major existing system Wild Assault will be removed.
It is inevitable that the playstyle for all characters will change drastically.
It looks to be the start of a reborn GGST, truly worthy of the name Ver. 2.00.
【Ver.2.00 ④新システムの追加】
新システム「カウンターブリッツ」実装！
あわせて、一部既存システムの見直しも実施。[GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Ver. 2.00]
📢 ④ NEW SYSTEM ADDED!“Counter Blitz” will be added as a new system.
Some existing systems will also be adjusted.#GGST pic.twitter.com/yDvypDrjjV— GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) March 22, 2026
New Feature "Blazing Pass" Implementation Decided!
The implementation of the new feature Blazing Pass, which allows you to earn rewards based on play, has also been decided!
The rewards include the following:
- New character colors
- Wanted poster decorations
- Digital figure items
- Battle UI changes
- Badges that can be equipped in-game
- Short stories
- Changes to character weapons and appearance
YouTube
Regarding the short stories in particular, there seem to be conversation scenes between characters who had little interaction until now!
The Blazing Pass is scheduled to be added in May 2026.
【Ver.2.00 ⑤新機能の追加】
プレイに応じて報酬を獲得できる新機能
「ブレイジングパス」実装決定！🔥
※本機能は2026年5月の追加を予定しております[GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Ver. 2.00]
📢 ⑤ NEW FEATURE ANNOUNCED!A new feature, “Blazing Pass,” will be added, allowing players to earn… pic.twitter.com/JZIyMi2rXl
— GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) March 22, 2026
Special Live Stream Just Before the Major Update Decided!
📺特別生放送📺
GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE-【 #ギルティギア生放送】Ver. 2.00到来！大型アップデート直前スペシャルが実施決定！Ver. 2.00や紗夢の最新情報をお届けします。お楽しみに！
▼日時
2026年4月7日(火)19:00～#GGST #ギルティギア pic.twitter.com/sV2HgdM2jH— GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) March 22, 2026
A special live stream titled "Guilty Gear Live Stream Ver. 2.00 Arrival! Major Update Pre-Release Special" will be held starting at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026!
For details, follow the GUILTY GEAR OFFICIAL X (@GUILTYGEAR_PR) and wait for further news.
Recently selected as a main title for EVO Japan 2026, GGST shows no signs of slowing down.
Let's look forward to the exciting future updates!
![[EVO Japan 2025] Interview with GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- winner PAR Daru_I-No!](https://i0.wp.com/uploads.saigacdn.com/2025/05/evojapan-2025-ggst-tournament-winner-00-150x150.jpg "[EVO Japan 2025] Interview with GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- winner PAR Daru_I-No!")