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Guilty Gear Strive is about to get one of its biggest updates to date tomorrow, December 15th, which is bringing more than just the new crossplay feature.
Arc System Works has released a series of short how-to videos showcasing some of the character balance and mechanic changes coming with patch version 1.24.
One of the most interesting mechanical adjustments made by the developers is to help defenders a bit by depleting the RISC level faster and once it is full, the attacker will stop gaining Tension Gauge.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤System/Universal◢
RISC level depletion rate over time is now faster.
Also, the voltage increase rate does not increase for the attacking character when an opponent with max RISC level blocks his attacks. pic.twitter.com/MbOOjSPEGu— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
On paper, Ky’s added Guard Crush effect from Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install looks like a nice bit of buff to keep up its pressure, but we’ll have to see if it will have much impact when the update comes out.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤ky◢
Adding the Guard Crush effect to Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install allows it to maintain its offensive regardless of distance. pic.twitter.com/tzbH27IyPg— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Axl is getting some nice improvements to his combo/press paths by allowing him to undo certain buttons on cooldown, and can now use Winter Mantis as part of a string.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Axl◢
Made changes to the recoil when landing Winter Mantis during a combo.
Now works as part of a combo. pic.twitter.com/o5G6VYCL4A— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
ArcSys is making Chipp’s guessing game a little more dangerous by allowing his Senshuu kick to combo Rokusai on crouching opponents.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Chipp◢
Senshuu’s reduced startup means he can combine Rokusai on a crouching strike, making it more rewarding depending on the situation. pic.twitter.com/b5ygOTZdsl— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Potemkin can draw in the foe with its Heat Knuckle when blocked to give it some better pressure options as well.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Potemkin◢
Heat Knuckle now pulls the opponent when activating Guard Crush. pic.twitter.com/l6lFYfwq9r— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Faust has received a number of significant buffs, but ArcSys is focusing on Scarecrow’s smaller hurtbx to show how his own items are less likely to hit him now.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Faust◢
The reduced hurtbox for Scarecrow makes strings that use items more powerful. pic.twitter.com/dMnHOOmKXb— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
Millia has better mistakes with Turbo Fall now always able to cross, even when cornering.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Milia◢
He now has access to a powerful mix-up in more situations, as he can double-cross the opponent using Turbo Fall even in the corner. pic.twitter.com/iLKTKOgPJo— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
It seems the developers felt that Zato-1 was having a little too much trouble getting things done without Eddie, so they gave him a new solo takedown option.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤ Zato ◢
The reduced recovery and knockback by →+K make it easier for Zato to score knockdowns on his own. pic.twitter.com/8kHUG0HG8s— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
While Ramlethal has received some nerfs to his damage output, they have buffed his crouching Heavy Slash by increasing its range for better throw combos at closer ranges.
#GGST Battle Balance Peek
◤Lethal Ram◢
Crouching HS’s added reach makes it easier to get into highly damaging combos, making her more threatening at close range. pic.twitter.com/OQv5E1kuKe— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) December 14, 2022
This is just scratching the surface on everything being reworked in the new Guilty Gear update, so check out the full patch notes if you haven’t already.
