Guilty Gear Strive: Dual Rulers, the anticipated anime spin-off of the beloved fighting game series, finally has an official release date, much to the excitement of fans of the franchise.
If you can’t decide whether you’re more of a heaven or hell kind of person, there’s a good chance you’re a Guilty Gear enthusiast. For those who are, there’s great news: The anime adaptation is set to debut in April 2025. Recently, Arc System Works unveiled a new trailer that showcases the anime’s dynamic visuals, essentially translating Strive’s unique 3D style into an animated TV series. Fans will be happy to know that it will be available on Crunchyroll. While the trailer specifies an April release, the show’s official site notes April 5 as its air date. It’s unclear if it will be simulcast on Crunchyroll right away, but expect more information as the date approaches.
The trailer reintroduces a host of familiar faces—veteran characters like Sol Badguy and Ky Kiske make their return, alongside Bridget, Baiken, Dizzy, Jack-O’, Johnny, Leo, Elphelt, and Ramlethal. The introduction of an intriguing new character, Unika, has piqued interest, albeit shrouded in mystery. Interestingly, Unika is also expected to make her debut as a playable character in Strive sometime this year.
The official website offers insight into the anime’s storyline: In a world where science and technology have waned, magic powers the modern age. This era sees the creation of forbidden bioweapons known as Gears, which eventually rebel against humanity. Although humanity emerges victorious in the Crusades, the toll is immense, with emotional scars lingering on. The tale follows Sin Kiske, the offspring of a human and a Gear, on his way to the wedding of his father Ky and mother Dizzy—a ceremony that breaks the ultimate taboo of union between human and Gear.
“Despite the peace reigning over the world, it took many years for such a wedding to be possible, and despite the complex emotions it stirs, the ceremony is filled with blessings,” the synopsis reveals. “That is, until the unexpected arrival of a mysterious girl—a child of Gear blood and a girl with a profound hatred for Gears. Their encounter promises to shake the world to its core.”
Admittedly, it sounds like a lot to process, but if you’ve followed the Guilty Gear series, you know by now that complexity is part of its charm and identity.
