Arc System Works has outlined its plans for Guilty Gear -Strive- Version 2.0, describing the update as a major turning point for the fighting game that is intended to feel closer to a fresh experience than a routine balance patch. Rather than focusing solely on incremental changes, the development team says Version 2.0 is designed as a broader refresh that reassesses core systems, character performance, and long-term direction.
As part of the update, one new playable character will be added on day one of Version 2.0. While additional characters were briefly teased during the Guilty Gear showcase at Evo 2025, Arc System Works confirmed that new fighters will continue to arrive gradually, both as part of Version 2.0 updates and in content released beyond it. Specific details and release timing for future characters have not yet been announced.
A major focus of Version 2.0 will be battle balance. The developers acknowledged that over time, universal mechanics have steadily increased overall character performance, leading to a higher power level across the roster. With this update, the goal is to bring that performance back into a more stable and healthier range, creating an environment where risk and reward are clearer and decision-making is less restricted by overly dominant options. Particular attention is being given to Wild Assault, with the team reevaluating its role as a universal mechanic to ensure it remains understandable and satisfying, especially for newer players. For a small number of characters, changes may go beyond standard tuning and extend into more substantial reworks.
In addition to balance adjustments, several existing characters will receive new moves. Sol Badguy, Ky Kiske, Nagoriyuki, and Leo Whitefang are all set to gain additional techniques, which have already been implemented and are currently undergoing testing within the Version 2.0 battle environment. These additions are intended to expand options in combat while fitting into the revised balance framework.
Arc System Works is also planning to expand how players earn rewards. Beyond the existing FISHING feature, new reward systems are in development that will tie progression more directly to gameplay. Alongside this, quality of life improvements are planned, including the ability to obtain more items at once through FISHING and optimizations to early battle stages to reduce load times and improve overall performance in frequently accessed areas.
The update will also continue efforts to address disruptive online behavior. The operations team is reviewing measures against intentional disconnects and similar actions, with penalties such as network restrictions and ranking exclusions already in place. New systems are being developed to allow faster detection and more appropriate responses when these issues occur.
Not all of the features discussed are guaranteed to be ready for the initial release of Version 2.0. Arc System Works noted that some elements may be introduced in updates released afterward, depending on development priorities and timelines. The studio also stated that there are additional aspects of Version 2.0 that have not yet been revealed.
The developer also addressed the future of the Nintendo Switch edition of Guilty Gear -Strive-. While significant effort has gone into supporting the game on the platform despite hardware limitations, the team said that support beyond Version 2.0 remains under review. Any future updates for the Switch version will depend on technical feasibility, development capacity, and player feedback, leaving its long-term roadmap uncertain compared to other platforms.
Overall, Arc System Works positioned Version 2.0 as a milestone meant to encourage both active players and those who may have stepped away to return to Guilty Gear -Strive-. More details are expected to be shared as development progresses.
