The Iron Fist Chef is the first character of Season 5. She proclaims the new era in Guilty Gear Strive!
Long-awaited details on Guilty Gear Strive 2.0 were revealed at the esports event Arc World Tour 2025 Finals. The next chapter in the game’s development finally received a clear shape — and it looks quite exciting.
Jam Kuradoberi is the Season 5 character in Guilty Gear Strive 2.0
Arguably, the biggest announcement for Version 2.0 is the reveal of the next playable character.
- Jam Kuradoberi originates from the Guilty Gear X games. She is one of the fan favorites.
- Unlike other Strive characters, Jam Kuradoberi doesn’t have a special weapon. Her moveset is strongly based on her upgradable kicks.
- In the game’s lore, Jam Kuradoberi earned a bounty for defeating Dizzy. She used the money to open her restaurants. Jam’s passion for cooking has been highlighted in her Guilty Gear Strive trailer.
Four characters in Guilty Gear Strive Season 5
As for the Season 5 roadmap, we already know release dates for other characters and the name of one more fighter.
- Jam Kuradoberi joins the game with the release of Guilty Gear Strive 2.0 on April 9.
- Robo-Ky is planned for Summer 2026. It’s a high-tech version of Ky Kiske. Historically, Robo-Ky is a very resource-heavy character, but his Strive details should be revealed later.
- Characters 3 and 4 come in Winter 2026 and Spring 2027.
Battle balance adjustments in Guilty Gear Strive 2.0
As it was expected by dedicated players, Version 2.0 brings battle balance adjustments to Guilty Gear Strive. The trailer names the following major changes.
- Counter Blitz replaces Wild Assault to make it not that easy to gain Positive Bonus. It also uses 50% of the Burst gauge, and players can effectively go from defense to offense.
- Selected characters get new Special Moves. The trailer shows Leo Whitefang, Nagoriyuki, Ky Kiske, and Sol Badguy.
During the AWT 2025 Finals, we witnessed the dominance of I-No, and Jack won the event with Happy Chaos. Version 2.0 may change the meta, especially with the new Specials.
Blazing Pass is coming to Guilty Gear Strive
Following the tradition of other fighting games, such as Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Guilty Gear Strive receives its own battle pass.
- Blazing Pass brings new rewards to motivate players to visit the game and compete more often.
The Blazing Pass rewards include all sorts of Guilty Gear Strive cosmetics: new character color, Haunted, Wanted posters, outfit accessories, and more.
One of the most interesting things here is the short stories. Guilty Gear delivers epic anime episodes in the game and as a separate series, so these stories are something to look forward to for many fans.
The first Blazing Pass starts in May 2026.
Guilty Gear Strive in the Arc World Tour 2026-2027 alongside MARVEL Tōkon
With the release of Guilty Gear Strive 2.0, Arc System Works initiates changes in their official esports circuit, Arc World Tour (AWT).
- For Season 2026-2027, AWT doesn’t feature Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes].
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising is also out. This game receives its separate GBVS World Tour from May to November.
- Guilty Gear Strive is part of the AWT 2026-2027 lineup.
- The upcoming game by Arc System Works, MARVEL Tōkon, joins AWT 2026-2027 as well.
We expect to receive more details on Guilty Gear Strive 2.0 Season 5, Blazing Pass, and the official esports circuit during Evo Japan 2026, from May 1 to May 3. This fighting games esports event kicks off competitive seasons for Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and GBVS Rising.